Cost of living crisis: A Biblical Theology of economics and poverty

I’ve been writing a few articles to get us thinking about the cost of living crisis and how we respond as Christians.  Today I want to step back and look at the big picture of how the Bible approaches questions concerning economics and poverty.  Our starting point is this diagram from Christopher Wright which picks… Continue reading Cost of living crisis: A Biblical Theology of economics and poverty

Is three a magic number?

You’ve probably heard people quote these words from Matthew 18:19-20 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” And you’ve probably heard them used to suggest… Continue reading Is three a magic number?

Having to walk to church would not be persecution!

I can’t believe that I’ve found myself writing that headline – but you’d be surprised at the number of times that the obvious needs spelling out.  For context, the IEA have been setting out some recommendations about how to tackle the current energy crisis which is expected to get worse as a result of the… Continue reading Having to walk to church would not be persecution!

Surviving or thriving? A Biblical Theology of grace and law

This week’s podcast is based on a sermon I preached recently for our church. Here’s my outline notes. Introduction What does it mean to live in God’s presence – to please him? Grace came first last week – a good thing. Law – we are going to trace a theme through the whole Bible story… Continue reading Surviving or thriving? A Biblical Theology of grace and law

New Horizons – update March 2022

Sarah and I really appreciated the support and encouragement we’ve had from so many since we shared back at the end of 2020 that we were moving on from Bearwood Chapel. I thought it might be helpful to give you a little update on where we are at.  I’m hoping to follow up with some… Continue reading New Horizons – update March 2022

Why I’m still a complementarian

A little while back, Aimee Byrd wrote “Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.”  The book was significant because Aimee was writing from a conservative evangelical perspective, she would have at least up until that point been identified as complementarian but in the book she went head to head with the dominant complementarian voices in the… Continue reading Why I’m still a complementarian

Jesus and Gender (book review)

Probably the single most divisive issue for churches during my life time has been the question of how men and women relate to one another in terms of marriage and in terms of church leadership.  I remember the controversy when Princess Diana used the wedding vows that omit a commitment to “obey.” Over just shy… Continue reading Jesus and Gender (book review)

Relentless Spiritual Warfare (4) I am tempted to disregard the body of Christ

Whilst Joab has been settling scores with Amasa, Sheba flees to a city called Abel. Joab pursues him there and lays siege to the city. A wise woman challenges him.  She reminds him that the city is part of Israel, part of the Lord’s inheritance. Will Joab seek to destroy the city. He assures her… Continue reading Relentless Spiritual Warfare (4) I am tempted to disregard the body of Christ