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

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

Abuse and church – We didn’t mean to be here

In Deuteronomy 19, God provides cities of refuge for Israelites to flee to when they have killed someone. There is a vital qualification, the killing has to have been unintentional. It cannot be for a wilful, malicious attack. The Law made a distinction between two types of sin, the first type were high handed sins,… Continue reading Abuse and church – We didn’t mean to be here

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

We are now entering another week of lockdown. We are under strict instruction not to leave our homes unless we are key workers except for daily exercise, essential shopping and medical needs.  Hitting the Easter holidays will make that sense of what we are missing out on all the more painful for many of us.… Continue reading Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Abuse and the church – leaders and members

What should a healthy relationship between church leaders and church members look like? Hebrews 13:17 says: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of… Continue reading Abuse and the church – leaders and members

Worthy

If you are looking for something to read at the moment, can I recommend “Worthy: Celebrating the value of women.” By Elyse Fitzpatrick and EM Schumacher.  The book traces a Biblical theology of what it means for women to be made in God’s image and part of his amazing salvation story. It the applies this… Continue reading Worthy