In Luke 1:28, the angel Gabriel addresses Mary as a “favoured woman” in case she (and we) don’t get then point, he again tells her “you have found favour with God”[1] What does it mean for Mary to have found favour? Roman Catholic tradition seems to put the focus on her and her life. Mary… Continue reading Finding favour with God
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Our vulnerable Heroes
There has been a lot of talk about how we protect the most vulnerable in our society through a lockdown. On the one hand, some people have argued that the strict lockdown measures and shielding guidance is in the best interests of the most vulnerable. On the other hand, others have suggested that we simply… Continue reading Our vulnerable Heroes
The Promised Word (2) God
Here’s the next in our Advent look at John 1. Don’t forget you can also subscribe directly to the YouTube channel.
It’s great that the Government are asking questions about faith and religion -but are they asking the right ones?
The Government have appointed Colin Bloom as an independent faith advisor. As part of his work, a survey has been commissioned to gather perspectives on faith, belief and religion in the UK today. It asks a whole range of questions including some about whether we think religion has a positive impact on society or not… Continue reading It’s great that the Government are asking questions about faith and religion -but are they asking the right ones?
Choose Life (Deuteronomy 30)
There’s a young man, he has travelled far from home. He has had a great time but now he has spent up and is bankrupt. A famine hits. He gets a job but it still isn’t paying the bills and so he goes hungry. There’s a sheep out on the hillside. It had been wandering… Continue reading Choose Life (Deuteronomy 30)
Politician sacked … for being competent at her job!
So, another politicians has had to resign (i.e. they were told to) and apologise. This week, the shadow minister for faith, Janet Daly resigned and apologised. What was her misdemeanour? Had she been caught in an affair, had she been accused of bullying, had she broken COVID-19 rules even? Not, it was none of those… Continue reading Politician sacked … for being competent at her job!
Responding in faith
Luke 1 sets two angelical visions against each other. In the first vision, Gabriel appears to an old priest named Zechariah to tell him that he is going to have a son. Six months later, the same angel appears to a young girl called Mary who is betrothed to be married.[1] She too will have… Continue reading Responding in faith
ActBC Urban Church Planting Update
Here’s a version of the ActBC newsletter I sent out today. If you are interested in becoming a prayer partner/supporting any of these church planting/replanting initiatives please drop get in touch via the contact form Dear friends, It has been a little while since I sent round an update on our attempts to encourage urban… Continue reading ActBC Urban Church Planting Update
The Promise: Christmas 2020
Here’s an update on our plans for Christmas this year. The Government have now confirmed that churches can re-open buildings for public worship regardless of which tier you are in (we opened on Sunday). Although singing remains against guidance in doors, it is now permitted outdoors. This has opened up the possibility of outdoor carols… Continue reading The Promise: Christmas 2020
Blessing Bringer (Genesis 12:1-3)
This week, we looked at the second part of our series “The Promise”. The following short reading is massive for our understanding of Scripture and God’s purposes “The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into… Continue reading Blessing Bringer (Genesis 12:1-3)
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