Tim Suffield writes here on the importance of training elders. I don’t really have much to add to what he has to say. I agree with him that we should train and equip all elders at a church, whether they are on staff or not. I agree with him that this is not first and… Continue reading Training Elders
Posts
When people know nothing at all about Jesus
On a Friday afternoon, a group of us from our church get together at a local pub for one of our small groups. The approach is “Ask anything?” Sometimes one of the group will raise a question that’s been bothering them but if not, the group leader will put forward a question to get us… Continue reading When people know nothing at all about Jesus
May 11th
If you have any connection with Bradford, then you will get the significance of today. 39 years ago today 56 football fans, 54 Bantams supporters and 2 from Lincoln didn’t make it home from watching a football game. Within a few minutes, a horrendous fire took hold of the main stand. Those who did escape… Continue reading May 11th
Is marriage the State’s business?
My friend Steve Kneale has written here about marriage arguing that churches should not be conducting marriage ceremonies, but if they do, they should only do so for church members. Well, personally I sit loosely on whether or not you should have a church wedding and whether or not churches should perform them. I don’t… Continue reading Is marriage the State’s business?
Arrivals
On the Faithroots Podcast we are continuing our journey through Luke’s Gospel
Can we appreciate Alpha?
Following Russell Brand’s baptism, there has been a lot of interest generated in the media about celebrities and evangelicalism including this rather sneering article in The Times. John Stevens, National Director of the FIEC (Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches) shared the link on Facebook and commented to the effect that whilst there is a tendency… Continue reading Can we appreciate Alpha?
What should we make of Russell Brand’s baptism?
Controversial comedian and celebrity opinion former, Russell Brand has recently announced that he has been baptised in the River Thames. The news has polarised responses with some being quick to jump on the news and share it as another exciting example of God moving to bring about a form of Christian revival. Other examples include… Continue reading What should we make of Russell Brand’s baptism?
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 preacher
Jesus’ baptism and temptation mark the beginning of his public ministry. Jesus returns from the Jordan river and begins preaching, visiting synagogues on the Sabbath and addressing the crowds which begin to be drawn to him as he starts to do miraculous signs and heal the sick.[1] Note that Matthew specifically links this with John’s… Continue reading The preacher
New Exodus
After his baptism, Jesus goes into the wilderness or desert region around the Jordan river. He spends forty days there, fasting and experiencing temptation from Satan. Mark sums this up in a few lines: 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted[g] by Satan. He was with… Continue reading New Exodus
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