Posts

The sins of the fathers – case studies in how (and how not) to do church history

I’ve seen two examples recently of people attempting to make connections between the thoughts and actions of predecessors and culture today.  Both are concerned with the influence of the reformation and its aftermath on western, especially American, Christian culture. Here’s the first example: And here’s the second: I want to suggest that one example, unsurprisingly… Continue reading The sins of the fathers – case studies in how (and how not) to do church history

Obedient hope

There used to be a saying that someone was too heavenly minded to be of any earthly use. I’m increasingly sure that the assessment is the wrong way round. It is as we become more aware of the hope of heaven that we become more useful here. It’s because we are looking forward to that… Continue reading Obedient hope

In a world where no-one is allowed to say no, this is an uncomfortable parable

You know the parable about the wedding feast don’t you? That’s right, it’s the one where the people are invited come up with lots of excuses for why they cannot attend on the day. Do you know how it ends?  You might assume that it ends with all the people brought in from the highways… Continue reading In a world where no-one is allowed to say no, this is an uncomfortable parable

Food from around the worldwide web

What are theologians for? The case of Karl Barth’s adultery. An illuminating and challenging read. Though it raises questions about what we do with the sins of other big names in church history. What do we do for example with those who kept slaves? 5 signs a pastor is over committed: learn to accept your… Continue reading Food from around the worldwide web

Are all age services any use?

The All Age Family service is sometimes treated with a bit of suspicion, tolerated at best.  I’ve heard two objections to them. The first is that All Age worship excludes single people and those without children.  The second is that they prevent you engaging deeply with God’s Word.  Now, both of those things can be… Continue reading Are all age services any use?

Embracing Complementarianism (book Review)

One of the most enduring controversies through my lifetime has been concerning the role of men and women in both church and family.  The disagreement within evangelicalism has fallen between those who describe themselves as “complementarian” and those who describe themselves “egalitarian.”   I’ve written about the subject with reference to both home and church here,… Continue reading Embracing Complementarianism (book Review)

How do we hear God? General Revelation

Have a listen in to this week’s podcast If you want to go a bit deeper into the topics being covered at the moment then you may also want to download the e-book that this is based on There is also a study guide with discussion questions. Why not watch the videos/listen to the audio… Continue reading How do we hear God? General Revelation

Funeral and Thanksgiving service for Margot Williams (Mum)

Here’s the links for my mum’s funeral. I’ve included a YouTube and a facebook option, then a direct link for those unable to access either. https://www.facebook.com/beaconcommunitychurchbradford/videos/654316606491950 One of the challenges with recording live from Zoom is getting the sound quality for songs and hymns. Below are some links to versions of the hymns we sung.… Continue reading Funeral and Thanksgiving service for Margot Williams (Mum)

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints

Today we lay to rest my mother’s body. It’s part of the process of saying goodbye.  We as a family had the opportunity to say our goodbyes to mum in those last few days and hours.  Mum is already present with Jesus, which means in the words of Scripture that she is “absent from the… Continue reading Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints