One step forward, two steps back: Keir Starmer’s proposals on immigration

Keir Starmer has made a significant contribution to the debate on immigration and introduced the government’s proposals for reducing net migration.  He has insisted that implementing a cap on migration is unhelpful, I agree with him on that. He is quoted as warning that we risk “becoming a nation of strangers” without tighter rules and… Continue reading One step forward, two steps back: Keir Starmer’s proposals on immigration

A little proposal, what if we got rid of the distinction between elders conpletely?

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My friend Steve Kneale recently wrote in praise of unpaid elders.  He began by talking. about the problems with different descriptions for paid and unpaid elders.  I agree 100 percent with him. In fact the one thing I’d want to do is make explicitly clear that there is no Biblical foundation for the presbyterian distinction… Continue reading A little proposal, what if we got rid of the distinction between elders conpletely?

Finding your place in the best story (Luke 6:12-49)

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My talk outline from last Sunday Did you spot that Luke has not just been telling us the story of Jesus? Two other stories …. “Blessed” -happy/favoured by God … I’m tempted to say “rested” Contrasted with woe Echoes of the blessings and woes/curses in Deuteronomy as the people are entering the land. It’s not… Continue reading Finding your place in the best story (Luke 6:12-49)

May 11th 1985  Valley Parade.  Death does not get to have the last word

It’s 40 years since the Bradford City Fire Disaster.  On May 11th, 1985 crowds packed into Valley Parade football stadium preparing to celebrate Bradford City winning the third division title and promotion to Division 2 (equivalent to today’s Championship).   However, joy quickly turned to tears, triumph to tragedy as a fire ripped through the main… Continue reading May 11th 1985  Valley Parade.  Death does not get to have the last word

A new pope and implications for us

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The dominant image for me last week was claret and amber flare smoke over Valley Parade telling the world that Bradford City were promoted.  The dominate image this week for many was the image of white smoke over the Vatican announcing a new pope. I’ve been intrigued by the response of people both within Evangelicalism… Continue reading A new pope and implications for us

Talk of a Quiet Revival – how is it affecting Bible reading?

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Most of the focus on the Quiet Revival report has been on the figures concerning Church attendance.  However, the report also asked people about perceptions of the Bible and their own Bible reading habits. According to the report,  44% of adults own a Bible at home, however, 79%  either hardly ever or never read it. … Continue reading Talk of a Quiet Revival – how is it affecting Bible reading?

None Greater

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I must admit I wasn’t looking forward to reading “None Greater” by Matthew Barrett.  Simply Trinity had not just left me frustrated and disappointed but angry as well.  You can find out why here and here.  None Greater is a much better offering but the bar was set quite low. Barrett’s book is about what… Continue reading None Greater

Who is responsible? Education, Family, Church and state

This is part two of my look at the question of Christian education and home schooling.  There are some people who chose to home school for practical reasons.  That might be because of practical reasons such as they can’t find a suitable local school, their children don’t find school education works for their needs or… Continue reading Who is responsible? Education, Family, Church and state