The latest proposal for combatting coronavirus is a “circuit break.” The idea is that by taking short breaks from normal life by imposing mini lockdowns, we can help flatten the next wave of COVID-19. Is this likely to be effective. Well, if the question is “will such measures effectively combat the pandemic” then I don’t… Continue reading Will a circuit break work?
Posts
Facing your fears
In Sunday’s sermon I said that having peace with God means that we can face our fears. In this article, I want to talk through the practicalities of doing that. The first step of course is to recognise exactly what it is that we are afraid of. This also helps us to properly assess the… Continue reading Facing your fears
Deacons? -Another clue
In Acts 6, the early church faces one of its first internal crises. The Greek speaking Christians are complaining that they are being neglected, particularly in relation to food. The response of the apostles is to encourage a little bit of devolution and delegation. “The Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would… Continue reading Deacons? -Another clue
Authoritarian?
Over the past few weeks, I’ve increasingly seen Christians complaining about Government measures relating to coronavirus as “authoritarian”. Now, I want to be clear at this stage that I’m not a big fan of the Boris Johnson administration, I didn’t vote for them and I, like many have serious reservations about the characters, policies and… Continue reading Authoritarian?
Peace (Matthew 8:23-33)
“I just wish things could get back to normal.” Have you heard other people saying that? Have you found yourself saying it too? If I were to take you back to February and March, how did you feel then? Perhaps you were anxious but there was also the adrenalin of being in this together too… Continue reading Peace (Matthew 8:23-33)
Law and Spirit: A COVID Parable
Imagine this: it’s summer 2021. After extensive trials and tests, the COVID-19 vaccine is available. It has been internationally confirmed to be reliable, safe and effective. Here in the UK it is available to you for free. What would you say to someone who is choosing to refuse the vaccine and instead is insisting on… Continue reading Law and Spirit: A COVID Parable
Who are deacons?
The first turn to Bible passage on deacons tends to be 2 Timothy 3. This is where Paul sets out the qualifications for both elders and deacons. In the first part of the chapter, Paul says that the role of elder/overseer/Bishop is a noble desire. He then sets out the qualifications for the role. Overseers… Continue reading Who are deacons?
Fear and Faith in Matthew 8
The big theme in Matthew 8 is “Faith”. There is a leper who comes to Jesus pleading to be clean and to be healed. A centurion comes and begs for his servant, many come to Jesus looking for healing. Finally, two demon possessed men are set free. However, in and among these stories of faith… Continue reading Fear and Faith in Matthew 8
Please – let’s not repeat the same mistakes
I’m COVID-centric. This means I’m not one of those people who believes lockdown was a waste of time, that the disease is a bit of a conspiracy and that warnings of mass deaths were alarmist. Nor, do I think that we have experienced an absolute disaster or that we need to go back into lockdown… Continue reading Please – let’s not repeat the same mistakes
What are deacons (not)
I’ve just took part in an interesting conversation with other pastors which started out with a question about how we train deacons in the church. This led to further questions about what exactly is a deacon? Fascinatingly there didn’t seem to be a uniform opinion on this. So, I thought it might be worth thinking… Continue reading What are deacons (not)
