It’s Good Friday, a day that even those of us who don’t tend to follow the Church calendar tend to observe. We tend to gather together for breakfast followed by a simple sharing of communion. We sing, pray, read the Gospel account and break bread together without comment. I find it one of the most… Continue reading The public shame of The Cross
Category: The Gospel
“I have seen the Lord” What difference does Easter make? (John 20)
On Friday the tomb was closed and sealed. We left the disciples deserted, despairing, denying, and doubting. Then came the dawn of that Sunday morning . Some women arrive at the tomb and see angels before heading off to tell the other disciples back at Bethany. On the way, they meet Jesus. Mary Magdalene seems… Continue reading “I have seen the Lord” What difference does Easter make? (John 20)
Faith
Jesus’ preaching and miracle working is drawing crowds but we also get to see Jesus’ interactions with individuals who are called to follow him. How will people respond? The hostility of Scribes and Pharisees is contrasted with the faith of others who believe in Jesus, receive healing and follow him. 9.1 Read Luke 5:1-11 Jesus… Continue reading Faith
The Truth about Cats and Dogs
This was the opening illustration and title of a series of talks I did for a church on the weekend away several years back. I asked the question “What is the difference between cats and dogs”. There are two answers. The first is : When you welcome a dog into your home, feed it, provide… Continue reading The Truth about Cats and Dogs
In sure and certain hope of the resurrection
I’ve led or taken part in quite a few funerals. Recently we said goodbye to my mum and laid to rest her mortal remains. At the graveside, as the coffin is lowered, it is normal to read out these words or similar. “In that the Lord has chosen to take [name] to himself, we now… Continue reading In sure and certain hope of the resurrection
What did the Unions ever do for us?
This is a question I’ve seen asked a few times over the past few weeks as rail, mail and NHS strikes have started to bite. The response from those supporting/defending union action has been to argue that Unions and Strike action have played a significant role in labour reforms in the UK including better pay/conditions,… Continue reading What did the Unions ever do for us?
The Kingdom of God in Mark
Jesus begins his ministry by announcing the “good news” that the Kingdom of God is near.[1] Therefore, if we are to benefit from this good news, we need to understand what Jesus means by the phrase “The Kingdom of God.” Firstly, The Kingdom of God is the fulfilment of God’s promises to Israel. We see… Continue reading The Kingdom of God in Mark
Because Jesus has come we have joy
What gives you joy and delight? I’m a Yorkshireman from Bradford in West Yorkshire. So, it gives me great joy every Christmas to get people singing a carol (Christians Awake) sung to the hymn tune “Yorkshire.” Thank you for making my joy complete every year! More seriously, and more joyfully. For some of us, we… Continue reading Because Jesus has come we have joy
The Good news of Christmas
What’s the problem? It’s not you …it’s me” is one of those classic break up lines. If we are honest, the phrase is code for the exact opposite. You really mean “It’s not me….it really is you.” What’s wrong with our world? It’s not in a great shape is it. The daily news feed is… Continue reading The Good news of Christmas
What our Afghan friends need right now
Yesterday I wrote about where the battle for Afghanistan was lost. I argued that the fate of the Afghan people was sealed at Doha when the US signed a deal with the Taliban. Consider the impact of that. The people knew well what a return of the Taliban would mean: torture, rape, slavery, death. Yet… Continue reading What our Afghan friends need right now
Faithroots 