Category: Uncategorized

Should pastors expect to preach 3 times a week?

As a follow up to John Brand’s open letter to those training people in church contexts, a further letter to the editor appeared in the next month’s issue from David Randall.  You can read it here but it may be behind a pay-wall.  So, in summary, he contrasts what Brand had referred to as “real-world… Continue reading Should pastors expect to preach 3 times a week?

Calvin without Hobbes

1517 Johann Tetzel ““As soon as a coin in the coffer rings / the soul from purgatory springs” Indulgences – a financial payment protecting you and/or your family from Purgatory Semi Pelagianism –a recipe for corruption and Abuse Martin Luther Born 10th November 1483 2nd July 1505 –studying law –nearly struck by lightening “Help Saint… Continue reading Calvin without Hobbes

The future of the centre-left

People are now beginning to develop their reflections and analysis from the recent General Election.  In terms of trying to piece together what went wrong and what they might need to change for the future, the big focus is on the Conservatives following their heavy landslaide defeat. So, it might seem strange to be asking… Continue reading The future of the centre-left

Citizens of nowhere?

I was surprised when we got our first bit of election material.  You see, when we moved into our house, we found out that we were going to be in the Perry Barr constituency.  Two years later and we found that we were now in the Erdington Constituency.  There had been a boundary change to… Continue reading Citizens of nowhere?

Is John Stott’s successor my friend?

Evangelicals Now reports that the rector at All Souls, Langham Place, Charlie Skrine has said in a speech in Sydney that “Justin Welby” is not his friend.  Looking on as an outsider to the Anglican scene, this strikes me as yet another example of why the internal Anglican debate and even more so the debate… Continue reading Is John Stott’s successor my friend?

Pentecost

Today is Pentecost Sunday. This is the day when we remember the Holy Spirit being given to the Church. We don’t want this to be a mere historical memorial. Christians today, who have received Christ have received the Holy Spirit. My prayer is that our local churches and each one of you will know his… Continue reading Pentecost

Before you cite Philippians 1:18 it might be a good idea to read it!

From time to time you see it or hear it.  Someone makes a proposal and others come back with questions and challenges.  Some disagree and think that the idea shouldn’t go ahead.  Then the response comes “Even if this is not for you, perhaps you could take a Philippians 1:18 approach.” What does that mean. … Continue reading Before you cite Philippians 1:18 it might be a good idea to read it!