Category: Church life

The Holy Spirit and two gods to worship

There is a brilliant little booklet called “Two Ways to live” that helpfully presents the Gospel in picture form. But there are not only two ways to live but also two gods to worship. There is the true and living God who made us, loves us and in Christ has redeemed us. Then there is… Continue reading The Holy Spirit and two gods to worship

Forgiveness

During the Coronavirus lock down, Sarah and I have been running a facebook Live event called Afternoon Tea each day. We’ve covered all sorts of big topics including bullying, suffering and forgiveness. In this article I want to jot down some of the thoughts we shared this afternoon. This isn’t a structured article – more… Continue reading Forgiveness

Festival of the Local Church

Usually at this time of year, there would be a number of Christian festivals and holiday conventions happening. All have had to be cancelled. It looks like this will apply to summer conventions too. Personally I’m a little disappointed, we were looking forward to joining the Keswick Convention having had a few years away. We… Continue reading Festival of the Local Church

Bullies – a personal story

a bruised reed he will not break,    and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;    he will faithfully bring forth justice (Isaiah 42:3) I arrived at primary school aged 4, one of the youngest and therefore smallest in my class, to add to that I came with ginger hair and asthma, by aged 10 I had… Continue reading Bullies – a personal story

Law and Legalism, Grace and Wisdom

On Sunday mornings recently we were tackling the middle section of Deuteronomy. It’s a challenging section with at first sight a lot of rules and regulations where it is not always easy to see how they relate to each other and where at times the culture they represent seems alien and even offensive to our… Continue reading Law and Legalism, Grace and Wisdom

A good time to bury bad news?

A New Labour advisor infamously described 911 as “a good day to bury bad news.” It highlighted the impression that Tony Blair’s government were more interested in PR and image than the truth. I thought again about that incident the other day when I read this tweet from Duncan Forbes “Would love to see the… Continue reading A good time to bury bad news?

Church in the new normal

I wanted to share a few reflections on our experience so far during the Coronavirus lockdown. It has been tough and challenging but in other ways, refreshing and encouraging. These are not structured thoughts – just some jotted reflections and interaction with concerns of others. Body ministry kicks in … if it is already in… Continue reading Church in the new normal

Abuse and The Church: Changing the Culture

Always Reforming I’ve shared a few articles recently reflecting on the less pleasant side of church life.  It should sadden us that the church (locally, nationally and internationally) often seems to fall short of what it should be as a haven of hope and safety. However, at the same time it should not surprise us. … Continue reading Abuse and The Church: Changing the Culture

Following the Example of Jesus

In our mini-series on John 13 “A last Conversation with Jesus” today we look at John 13:12-17. Jesus tells his disciples that he has provided an example for them. We follow that example by Showing true humility Loving each other and caring practically for one another Sharing the Gospel Encouraging believers to grow in holiness.… Continue reading Following the Example of Jesus