I’ve been picking up recently on the responsibility of elders to shepherd the flock by leading them to shelter and pasture, by providing spiritual food and protecting from wolves. In a recent sermon, I mentioned that Mike Ovey, the late principal of Oak Hill once expressed his desire that theological training would help us to… Continue reading Sheep, wolves and proximity
Posts
A message for elders, wannabe elders and those who are led by them (Acts 20:28-32)
Peter closes his first letter with an exhortation to elders to take their responsibility to provide godly leadership seriously (1 Peter 5:1-4) and for the church family to submit to the elders (1 Peter 5:5). Elsewhere, the Bible tells us to make it a joy and not a burden for our elders to lead and… Continue reading A message for elders, wannabe elders and those who are led by them (Acts 20:28-32)
PostScript on latest Christian Nationalism conversation
I was going to share a PostScript to Friday’s article with some further red herrings in Michael Reade’s article in Evangelicals Now. However, it struck me that Michael wasn’t really served well by his article in EN. I hope the editorial team can learn some lessons from this. Reade ended up, in my opinion, attempting… Continue reading PostScript on latest Christian Nationalism conversation
On banning Palestinian Action
The High Court has ruled that it was unlawful for the Government to proscribe Palestinian Action as a terrorist organisation last year. I agree with the ruling. I say that as someone who is not a fan of Palestinian Action. I’m broadly pro Israel. They may have taken some wrong actions over the past couple… Continue reading On banning Palestinian Action
Jerusalem (YouTube)
Here’s the next part of the Faithroots YouTube series on Jesus and the Gospels. A look at Luke 19:28ff
Red Herrings alert – Responding to Michael Reade on Christian Nationalism
Evangelicals Now have published a response to my article on Christian Nationalism here. I thought it might be helpful just to engage with Michael Reade, especially at the points where he seeks to critique me. Reade states early on that: “As someone who is sympathetic to several of the political aims of Christian nationalism, I… Continue reading Red Herrings alert – Responding to Michael Reade on Christian Nationalism
What I do want to learn from Bethel?
I’ve recently been putting together an analysis of Bethel’s theology and culture. I’m not so keen on engaging with a specific church, however Bethel is representative of particular themes and influential in sharing them that are not unique to Bethel. In fact much of my own pastoral experience involves caring for and discipling people who… Continue reading What I do want to learn from Bethel?
Let my people go
Moses and Aaron now go to address Pharoah, as instructed, they tell him that YHWH-God commands him to let the Israelites go a three-day journey into the wilderness to celebrate a feast. The king’s response is that he has not heard of this YHWH and he has no intention of letting his slaves off their… Continue reading Let my people go
Romans 1:17-23 (notes)
The Gospel has power to save because it reveals righteousness. This righteousness is “from faith to faith” or we might say “is all about faith”. In other words, you can’t add anything such as works to faith in order to gain righteousness. Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 to back this up, “The righteous will live by… Continue reading Romans 1:17-23 (notes)
The neglected leadership gift of hospitality
I’ve been thinking quite a bit recently about what we are looking for in elders. You may have picked up on some things I’ve written as well as some videos I’ve shared .This arises out of a theme that if we lead, then it is not primarily to get a church to where we want… Continue reading The neglected leadership gift of hospitality
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