Posts

Russia-Ukraine and the elephant in the room

The Ukraine-Russia war rumbles on.  In the early days, it looked like Ukraine might be quickly overrun. Then a gallant fightback and western support along with significant failings and weaknesses on the Russian side led to the balance shifting in Ukraine’s favour. However the counter offensive was largely ineffective and now, once again the balance… Continue reading Russia-Ukraine and the elephant in the room

Who are you appealing to?

What do Keir Starmer’s statement that he is “a socialist” and Conservative policy announcements including additional pension protection and reintroduction of National Service have in common? The answer is that in both cases, the intention seems more to reassure or shore up core support and motivate an activist base rather than appeal more broadly.  For… Continue reading Who are you appealing to?

Keir Stamina?

One of the most ridiculous non-stories of the UK General Election campaign so far has been the attempt to focus on individual politicians’ (specifically Keir Starmer) physical stamina.  The Tories have been trying to argue that the Labour Leader isn’t up to the hard slog of a six week campaign because of his age.  Some… Continue reading Keir Stamina?

Slaves and Masters

Ephesians 5-6 applies the way God’s love poured out to us is reflected in our love for each other in four relational examples Encouraging one another in the church Marriage Parents and children Slaves and Masters Here is some background reading relating to the 4th example with a look at church history and the movement… Continue reading Slaves and Masters

What about those curses?

I wanted to write say a little bit more about the fear of curses.  Previously I argued that Spiritual Warfare is not about a kind of superstitious approach relying on symbols and actions to ward off evil.  What I mean by this is twofold.  First, I don’t need to worry too much if there is… Continue reading What about those curses?

Rishi Corbyn?

The beginning of the Conservative campaign has been confusing to say the least.  I’ve mentioned before the bizarreness of the decision to opt for an evening announcement in a deluge.  It’s not just that the Prime Minister could have opted for an indoor press conference or had someone bring him an umbrella.  It’s that he… Continue reading Rishi Corbyn?

Spiritual Warfare in Ephesians

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Spiritual Warfare”?  You perhaps think first of all about demon possession and exorcism, perhaps too about witchcraft and sorcery.  Perhaps you will have in mind some famous secular films like the Exorcist or popular level Christian literature. Well you would not be wrong to think about… Continue reading Spiritual Warfare in Ephesians

Marriage when it’s not reciprocal

I’ve argued in previous articles that Paul’s teaching about marriage in Ephesians 5:22-32 is an amplification or application of what it means to “submit to one another” ((5:21).  This means that you can describe it as “mutual submission” albeit: However, whether or not we buy into the concept of mutual submission, I think that generally… Continue reading Marriage when it’s not reciprocal

Marriage health-check (applying Ephesians 5)

In my previous article, I suggested that we should be cautious about attempting to be over prescriptive about what it means to practically apply Ephesians 5:21-32.  I’m convinced that rather than looking at each aspect individually to see if wives are submitting, husbands are being good heads etc that we do best to look at… Continue reading Marriage health-check (applying Ephesians 5)