In the news this weekend, an as yet unnamed Conservative MP has been arrested on suspicion of rape. There have been calls for him to have the Conservative whip suspended, for example, Jess Phillips, the shadow Domestic violence minister has expressed shock that this has not happened yet.[1]Her argument is that naming him is necessary… Continue reading An MP, a rape accusation and #churchtoo
Posts
Our Father in Heaven
One of the fascinating things that strikes me as I read Matthew 6 is these words: “Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!”[1] It is often suggested that if God already knows everything and even predestines everything then there is no point in praying at all. God already knows and… Continue reading Our Father in Heaven
Masks and actors, Fathers and Sons (Matthew 6:1-24)
When I was younger, there was one person’s seal of approval that mattered. I suspect I am not alone in this and to some extent I suspect it remains true today. Whether it was the school reports, my first and only successful attempt at woodwork, my exam grades, my choice of girlfriend (and eventually wife),… Continue reading Masks and actors, Fathers and Sons (Matthew 6:1-24)
Coronavirus – did we set the wrong priorities?
I am continuing to think about how we have done so far during the coronavirus pandemic. As I said in an earlier post, one measure of this is how we are doing against the objectives the Government set out. However, we should also step back and ask whether those were the right objectives. One issue… Continue reading Coronavirus – did we set the wrong priorities?
Reward?
If we are saved by grace, is it appropriate to talk about reward? Doesn’t that create different classes of believers? Are Christians selfless or are we actually expecting to get something back from our good deeds? Don’t forget to subscribe to our Faithroots YouTube channel
Asking the unreasonable questions – Coronavirus
A little while back, I pointed out that we don’t ask the seemingly unreasonable questions and so we don’t get to do the real deep analysis that helps us solve problems. In that specific context, I was talking about the investigation into PHE’s reporting of COVID-19 related deaths outside of hospital. I suggested that we… Continue reading Asking the unreasonable questions – Coronavirus
Skin Deep? Love your enemies
A man comes to Jesus and asks him “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus asks him what the law says. He responds with the two greatest commandments “Love God” and “Love your neighbour.” Jesus confirms that he has answered correctly. The man however isn’t satisfied. “Who is my neighbour?” He asks. Then… Continue reading Skin Deep? Love your enemies
Communion at home and in private
Steve Kneale has written again about taking communion at home. This is one of the few issues where Steve and I disagree. In terms of our views on essential doctrines and mission priorities we have a lot in common. This is a reminder that it is okay for friends to disagree on big issues in… Continue reading Communion at home and in private
Like a thief in the night – local lockdowns and something of far greater importance
If you live in Greater Manchester or West Yorkshire, new localised lockdown measures were introduced at midnight yesterday. This news was released at 930pm. There have been a lot of complaints since about the lack of notice. This has been presented as bad communication. My personal view is that the objections have been overplayed and… Continue reading Like a thief in the night – local lockdowns and something of far greater importance
local lockdowns and the local church
When Leicester went back into “lockdown” the Government explained that their strategy would be what they referred to as “whack-a-mole” acting quickly with local lockdowns to supress new spikes. Last night, we saw the most significant example of this yet as parts of West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester had new restrictions imposed. This is something… Continue reading local lockdowns and the local church