Posts

Adultery is not just about having a messy personal life

Newspapers broke a rumour on Friday that the Health Secretary Matt Hancock was having an affair with his aide.  One journalist has attempted to play this down with the headline “So Matt Hancock has a messy personal life: who doesn’t?” The headline is part of a narrative that we should not be obsessing about politician’s… Continue reading Adultery is not just about having a messy personal life

Our responsibility when there are accusations of abuse and bullying

Today I’m attending an online conference organised by Church As Refuge.  The organisers want to encourage pastors and church leaders to think about how we make churches safe and welcoming refuges for victims of abuse. However, the context is also that sadly we have seen too many cases of abuse within the church. We’ve seen… Continue reading Our responsibility when there are accusations of abuse and bullying

Blessing from nowhere

I was talking with my friend Dan James about sermon he was preparing for his church on Haggai 2 the other day and was struck by something fascinating. Have a look at Haggai 2:10-19.  What stood out to me was verse 19: 19 Is the seed yet in the barn? Indeed, the vine, the fig tree,… Continue reading Blessing from nowhere

Under new management (Romans 7:1-6)

Near where we live is a restaurant. Whilst we’ve been living here, it has changed names a number of times.  There’s a reason for that. The original restaurant had a bad name for poor quality food and dodgy hygiene. However, I think that on a few occasions, the name change was merely cosmetic.  If you… Continue reading Under new management (Romans 7:1-6)

Are we on track for the 19th July reopening?

Church leaders are following carefully what is happening regarding the delayed Stage 4 of COVID re-opening in England (Scotland and Wales come under different measures but there tends to be a high level of convergence between the countries). So, how are things looking? Will we be good to go on the 19th July or might… Continue reading Are we on track for the 19th July reopening?

Do we really believe that God is sovereign?

You know that verse about mission in the hymn “I cannot tell”, do we really believe it?  The words go: I cannot tell how He will win the nations,  How He will claim His earthly heritage,How satisfy the needs and aspirations  Of east and west, of sinner and of sage. We sing it with gusto – or… Continue reading Do we really believe that God is sovereign?