Imagine turning up at a wedding, heading towards the groom and telling him he was a great mate, a general all round good guy and your favourite friend. Then after a short pause you tell him “but your bride is a hideous troll isn’t she. Can’t stand her mate.” A few minutes later you find… Continue reading The church is still the bride of Christ
Posts
The bruised reed and the chosen servant
#TheDailyDose Isaiah 42:1-9
The detached head
“That Hideous Strength” is the last in CS Lewis’s science fiction trilogy. It’s aa grim and shocking read if you are used to the Narnia stories or even the first two of the science fiction books. Central to the plot is the severed head of a man which some involved in the project is still… Continue reading The detached head
It’s not just whether we get out of the pandemic but how that matters
The British approach to vaccine roll out has on one level been impressive. There were two important decisions made. The first was to go in early and negotiate contracts to ensure a good supply of the vaccine. The second was the calculated risk to extend the period between first and second dose in order to… Continue reading It’s not just whether we get out of the pandemic but how that matters
Speak Comfort
#TheDailyDose from Isaiah 40:1-5
New Horizons – Spring Update
Dear friends, Here’s an update for those of you who like to stay in touch with our plans and pray for us. Admittedly, when we first shared with you late last year that we were moving on from Bearwood Chapel, we hoped that by Easter, things would be much clearer about where we might end… Continue reading New Horizons – Spring Update
From the shadows
The Roys Report is a podcast run by Julie Roys with a particular focus on bringing abusive behaviour in the church into the light. Julie is doing an important job but even still she has a responsibility to get things right. I was among a few people who questioned her reporting of the Jonathan Fletcher… Continue reading From the shadows
Abolition of Slavery – late adopters?
I’ve written about how a careful reading of Scripture demanded the abolition of slavery. The existence of the slave trade and the continued ownership of African slaves went against God’s word, specifically Paul’s teaching in his letters (including in Ephesians 6). Those who were subjected to the brutality of slavery will have got it. Eventually… Continue reading Abolition of Slavery – late adopters?
The Love Factor
Back last week when picking up on the Jonathan Fletcher report, I noted that one of the central issues raised was a sense of fear among those who had been most affected by the abuse which affected their ability to come forward. I concluded my article on “fear” with these words If perfect love drives… Continue reading The Love Factor
A COVID-19 opportunity – more Scripture in corporate worship
There has been a little progress this week in regards to corporate worship. From Sunday it will be possible to include a small choir as part of public worship and for a congregation to sing outside of the building. These are small baby steps but hopefully they will help us move towards normality again. However,… Continue reading A COVID-19 opportunity – more Scripture in corporate worship