How does love conquer fear?
Tag Archives: faith
Ableism, society and the church
In recent years, there have been strong and persistent campaigns against “Ableism”. Like sexism, ageism and racism, ableism is about prejudice against people seen as of less value than others. As the word suggests, it is about prejudicing able bodied people against those with physical and mental disabilities. As with other prejudices, ableism can includeContinue reading “Ableism, society and the church”
Jesus and the shamed woman
Yesterday, I wrote about how the woman with an issue of blood experiences shaming from powerful men. Today, I want to highlight how Jesus deals with her differently. All the Gospel writers present her as creeping up quietly, nervously and sneaking a quick touch of her garment. Her aim seems to be to make someContinue reading “Jesus and the shamed woman”
Why does Jesus heal, forgive and call? (What’s the common theme in Matthew 9)
What is Matthew 9 all about? There’s a lot going on in the chapter. We have a number of healings including: a paralysed man, a daughter raised from the dead, a woman with an issue of blood, two blind men and a demon possessed man who is unable to speak. Is the passage primarily aboutContinue reading “Why does Jesus heal, forgive and call? (What’s the common theme in Matthew 9)”
Demons
Last Sunday, I preached on Jesus casting out demons. I highlighted three points in reference to this. Demon possession is possible today though I suspect rarer than in Jesus’ day Christians cannot be demon possessed because we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit The demon exorcisms in the Gospel help us to understand the widerContinue reading “Demons”
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 theContinue reading “Facing your fears”
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 tooContinue reading “Peace (Matthew 8:23-33)”
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 faithContinue reading “Fear and Faith in Matthew 8”
Fear, Faith and Coronavirus
As we continue to move out of lockdown, it is important that we have an honest conversation about fear and faith as we move into this next phase of the global pandemic. COVID-19 is likely to be with us for some time to come. We need to be ready for the long game and asContinue reading “Fear, Faith and Coronavirus”
What kind of gift?
When we were younger, my sister wanted a Wendy house for her birthday. My dad kept insisting that she was getting a tin of baked beans, much to her annoyance and his amusement. Well, the day of her birthday came and she went downstairs. To her joy, there was the Wendy House ready assembled …Continue reading “What kind of gift?”
