Luke 13 begins famously with Jesus being asked about a tragic atrocity. Pilate had not only slaughtered some Galileans but had also had their blood mixed in with their sacrifices, thus contaminating the altar and making the sacrifices ineffective. The implied question that Jesus answers is as to whether the victims had been particularly guilty… Continue reading How does Jesus answer the problem of suffering?
Posts
The man who got trampled to death
One of my favourite Bible events is in 2 Kings 7 where some lepers discover that the siege of Samaria has been lifted and go to tell the King that there is food outside the city. The king’s officer whom he relied on for advice was sceptical, cynical even. So the prophet tells him that… Continue reading The man who got trampled to death
Is there a relationship between a possible (“Quiet) Revival and a far right revival?
This is in sum the question that someone asked me recently. As it happens, I’ve seen quite a few people arguing that there is a link, although they balk at the term far right. I’ve seen a number of articles and read a number of blog posts suggesting that some Christians do see a link… Continue reading Is there a relationship between a possible (“Quiet) Revival and a far right revival?
The sermon I would have preached at the Unite the Kingdom Rally
There’s been some discussion about the wisdom of attending the recent Tommy Robinson rally even if to speak and share the Gospel. I didn’t have an invite to speak and still would not have considered it wise but if given the opportunity and if I had taken it, this is probably what I would have… Continue reading The sermon I would have preached at the Unite the Kingdom Rally
witnessing at work
Would Tommy Robinson be welcome in your church?
This is the question that Aaron Edwards asks in his latest Substack post. My answer is easy. “Yes Tommy Robinson would be welcome in our church.” So too would all those who have gone in his marches, those who have spoken up in support and those who participated. I include those who are clearly fully… Continue reading Would Tommy Robinson be welcome in your church?
The burden of proof – and why we seem to struggle to challenge the far right
It’s funny isn’t it? People were fairly relaxed about me writing articles reflecting on issues around flags, marches and nationalist ideology. However, as soon as I suggested that this should lead to action, specifically that church networks should not partner with, or include in their number, those who endorse and align with the far right… Continue reading The burden of proof – and why we seem to struggle to challenge the far right
Sharing Jesus by sharing life together
On casual dressing mayors
Did you see the story about the mayor who turned up at a public event, a formal ceremony for royal marines wearing shorts, trainers and a floral shirt? My friend, Steve Kneale, has shared his reflections here and I agree with much he says, though I’m perhaps less bothered about whether mayoral roles should exist.… Continue reading On casual dressing mayors
The questions we need to sit with following Charlie Kirk’s death
Following the murder of Charlie Kirk, I thought it might be helpful to try and gather together the questions that his death has prompted. I’ve discussed some of these here. I’m not claiming to have answers to everything. I think though it’s a good idea to work through them. I’m sure you will have questions… Continue reading The questions we need to sit with following Charlie Kirk’s death
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