If you go back 100 years to the early 20th Century, the question of how you engaged with the culture had a simple answer “you don’t.” Christians were expected to separate out from the world and so worldly things like cinemas and dance halls were out of bounds. We have come a long way since… Continue reading Plugged In
Posts
Going Home (1)
Here is the first in a series of little video clips looking at John 14. How do we encourage one another as we face the grief of losing loved ones to COVID-19? How do we face the fear of death and dying ourselves? John 14:1-7 says 14 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;… Continue reading Going Home (1)
Isolation and Communion (conclusion)
Applying to today – can we share communion during the pandemic? So, this is the bit that you’ve been waiting for. What do I think about sharing communion during the Coronavirus Pandemic? Is it okay to do it? Whilst the conclusion is specific to this situation, there may be further implications particularly as we care… Continue reading Isolation and Communion (conclusion)
Isolation and Communion (Part 4)
The Truth and Lies issues (Systematic Theology) We have seen that making wise, godly decisions depends on knowing the truth about God, Creation, Humanity and New Creation. This means rejecting lies about all four areas of doctrine. In this post we will look at some of the doctrinal (Systematic Theology) issues at stake in our… Continue reading Isolation and Communion (Part 4)
“Only the young”
For Starters What are the good things about being young? What (if anything) are the negatives of being young? A Look at the Text What does the Text say? Youth is to be enjoyed (11:7-10) 11:7-8; The author uses the imagery of light and sight to show that there is joy and delight in life.… Continue reading “Only the young”
Isolation and Communion (Part 3)
The Big Picture – Biblical Theology If we are to make wise, Biblical decisions about communion, then we need the big picture. There are two perspectives on this. Biblical Theology which we will look at in this post is all about seeing how the Biblical story of redemption unfolds and different themes develop within it.… Continue reading Isolation and Communion (Part 3)
A different kind of leader
Isaiah 42:1-4 What makes a good leader? Perhaps we think in terms of charisma, competence, strength, a compelling vision. Think about these people: Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn, Nicol Sturgeon, Robert Mugabe, Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin. What makes people look to them as leaders. What about leaders more locally, church, home, school, work. What authority do… Continue reading A different kind of leader
Bullying, abuse and the problem of co-dependency
I’ve been writing a few articles in response to #MeToo #ChurchToo and recent high profile cases of abusive church leadership. Here I want to write a little more about abusive relationships and how they form. First of all, two quotes from Hannah, or communities and families worker from our twitter account. “Abusers are difficult to… Continue reading Bullying, abuse and the problem of co-dependency
Isolation and Communion (Part 2)
A Look at the Bible It is important to get back to Scripture and see what is going on when the supper of bread and wine is first shared and what instructions are given. I think this is a useful opportunity, not just to help us make pragmatic decisions about getting through Coronavirus but to… Continue reading Isolation and Communion (Part 2)
Abuse and bullying in the church
Before Coronavirus struck, I wrote a few articles around the subject of abuse. I don’t want those articles to be lost to distant pre-virus memory. The pain and wait for justice for abuse victims is still there. So, I am going to start adding some of them here. An ugly story close to home If… Continue reading Abuse and bullying in the church
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