Romans 1:8-15 (notes)

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It is normal for Paul to follow his initial greeting with a prayer of thanksgiving for the recipient church.  Here he gives thanks, not just for the Romans’ faith but because it is widely known. When Paul talks about the world, he means the known world of the day or Roman Empire  (v8).  Paul himself… Continue reading Romans 1:8-15 (notes)

My brother’s keeper Lord Mandelson, sackings and resignations

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There is a scene in the West Wing where Toby, one of the team has leaked classified military information.  Whatever the justification, he broke the law. He comes into the Oval Office, with his resignation letter only for President Bartlett to say: “I’m sorry but I cannot accept your resignation.  I have to sack you.”… Continue reading My brother’s keeper Lord Mandelson, sackings and resignations

More Faith: Luke 18-19, widows, tax collectors and blindmen

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After a little hiatus, I’ve got back to recording the video teaching series which accompanies the e-book “Introducing Jesus”. Here’s the latest installment. And here’s a link to the e-book You can catch up on the video series from the beginning here.

The wee-flea on Islamophobia

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David Robertson, aka The Wee Flea has shared his latest Christian Today article on his blog.  In it he responds to the recently shared proposal for a definition of “Islamophobia” from the UK Government.   Robertson expresses concerns that this amounts to a return to the blasphemy laws of the past but specifically designed to protect… Continue reading The wee-flea on Islamophobia

Is Nationalism a virtue? Responding to an old book review from Christian Concern

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This is the argument made in a book review, or rather a book summary from Tim Dieppe of  Christian Concern.  The book is The Virtue of Nationalism by Yoram Hazony, an Israeli academic and the argument is that you have a binary choice between Nationalism and Imperialism.  Nazism was in fact a form of imperialism… Continue reading Is Nationalism a virtue? Responding to an old book review from Christian Concern

Stepping out in faith

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Our church are starting a series on Exodus. This is how I approached preaching an introduction to the book. Do you remember your first flight? For me, it’s spring, 1996.  I sit waiting in the lounge.  The wait goes on for a long time until eventually we are invited to board.  I’m now required to… Continue reading Stepping out in faith

Stepping out in faith …. But with Christ with me

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Today I’m preaching at church and my task is to give an overview introduction to the book of Exodus. My big fear with such introductions is that they can risk becoming lectury … A little academic. However they can also give us the opportunity to preach the message or some of the messages from the… Continue reading Stepping out in faith …. But with Christ with me

The Big themes of Exodus 1-2

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How do the first two chapters of Exodus play their part in moving the story of God’s redemption plan along?  We have already seen connections in the detail from an observation of something good, through to another ark  and of course the  part that wells make in Biblical hook ups.  Finally, ?I hope you spotted… Continue reading The Big themes of Exodus 1-2