Category: Discipleship

Giving advice

Here are some thoughts on giving advice and opinions, especially in a church context. The first thing to say is that it is best not to offer unsolicited advice, it is very rarely welcome. Indeed, often when people tell you something, they are not particularly looking for advice. They are looking for three things The… Continue reading Giving advice

Climbing the Career ladder

We’ve been talking about work and rest. One of the things that affects work is the drive to climb the greasy pole to the top of your profession. There is an inbuilt expectation that people must progress higher up into management. In fact, promotion is rewarded and those who are content where they are, are… Continue reading Climbing the Career ladder

Am I a Biblical Man?

Hot on the heels from Aimee Byrd’s book “Recovering From Biblical Manhood and Womanhood”, there seems to have been a sudden explosion of social media conversation about the concepts of Biblical manhood and womanhood. The latest provocation was this tweet from Owen Strachan, So, how do you do? Do you meet the qualifications? Are you… Continue reading Am I a Biblical Man?

The role of Scripture in treating mental health issues

I have read reports recently from people experiencing “Christian counselling” for mental health issues where this amounted to giving them a few bible verses to read and memorise.  So, I thought I would outline a few reflections around this. The first thing to say is that this is sometimes described as Biblical Counselling.  However, this… Continue reading The role of Scripture in treating mental health issues

Does forgiveness need to be expressed to the other person?

RT Kendall’s book used to be considered the classic textbook for Christians on forgiveness.  One of his main arguments was that forgiveness was primarily about the heart attitude of the offended.  One of his key bits of advice was that if someone had offended you and you had truly forgiven them then you would not… Continue reading Does forgiveness need to be expressed to the other person?

Forgiveness and reconciliation may not always mean a return to normal

A boyfriend completely forgets his girlfriend’s birthday and goes out with his mates for a drink instead. It’s not the first time he has let her down.  She decides to break off with him.  At the time he expresses sorrow, buys her flowers, chocolates and concert tickets but she sees through the remorse, this isn’t… Continue reading Forgiveness and reconciliation may not always mean a return to normal

Exploring Forgiveness and Repentance

I’ve been writing a little recently about forgiveness. It arises out of our recent studies from the Sermon on the Mount. It also relates to some other things I have written recently about our pastoral responsibilities to victims of abuse and to those accused. So, I was interested to see the other day that my… Continue reading Exploring Forgiveness and Repentance

Grace Culture – the importance of swift repentance and forgiveness

I believe that a grace culture is one where we are quick to seek forgiveness, express sorrow and repentance, to offer forgiveness and to seek reconciliation.  This reflects the teaching in the Sermon on the Mount which is all about what it means to be saturated in God’s love and grace so that we enjoy… Continue reading Grace Culture – the importance of swift repentance and forgiveness