Tag Archives: faith

“God has been so good to us”

We sat by the bed-side and leaned in close to listen. The lady was struggling to speak and it was hard to hear but the words came out oh so clearly “God has been so good to us.”  It was hard to hold back the tears. We were visiting for a membership interview.  The olderContinue reading ““God has been so good to us””

Finding favour with God

In Luke 1:28, the angel Gabriel addresses Mary as a “favoured woman” in case she (and we) don’t get then point, he again tells her “you have found favour with God”[1] What does it mean for Mary to have found favour? Roman Catholic tradition seems to put the focus on her and her life. MaryContinue reading “Finding favour with God”

It’s great that the Government are asking questions about faith and religion -but are they asking the right ones?

The Government have appointed Colin Bloom as an independent faith advisor.  As part of his work, a survey has been commissioned to gather perspectives on faith, belief and religion in the UK today.  It asks a whole range of questions including some about whether we think religion has a positive impact on society or notContinue reading “It’s great that the Government are asking questions about faith and religion -but are they asking the right ones?”

A promise has been kept

The response of God’s people to deliverance is praise. After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, Miriam led the people in dance and song, at the heart of Scripture are the Psalms –  a whole book of songs, some lamenting, some interceding but many telling the story of God’s saving acts. So it should beContinue reading “A promise has been kept”

Rumours, fear and scepticism

Imagine living in Judea or Galilee around about 4BC.  The gossip trail will have been working overtime, rumours of angels showing up and appearing with words from God after 400 years, reports of an elderly priest struck dumb in the temple, claims about an elderly woman giving birth having been infertile all her life andContinue reading “Rumours, fear and scepticism”

Unbelief and silence

Here’s another little perspective on the account of Zechariah and the angel.  Sometimes we see the key people in the Gospels in effect acting out or recapitulating Israel’s history.  So, here we have the story of a man who serves God in the Temple, who is a representative of the people and a spokesman forContinue reading “Unbelief and silence”

Reformation Reflections (1) I’m not ashamed

Most people celebrate Halloween on the 31st October but this day is also significant because it marks the anniversary of over 500 years since the Reformation started. What were the exciting fresh discoveries that motivated men like Luther, Calvin and Zwingli to challenge the corruption, abuse and superstition of their day?