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. Mary… Continue reading Finding favour with God
Tag: faith
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 not… Continue 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 be… Continue 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 and… Continue 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 for… Continue 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?
Love Conquers Fear (13) Eternal Life
1 John 5:6-12 – what is it that we truly fear?
Love Conquers Fear (12) Victory
How does love conquer fear?
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 include… Continue 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 some… Continue reading Jesus and the shamed woman
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