The cursing of the fig tree seems like one of the most peculiar events in the Gospels. What was going on there? Did Jesus just lose it with an inanimate object in the same way that I get frustrated when the internet plays up or the TV refuses to respond to the instructions I send… Continue reading Cursed
Tag: fruitfulness
“Even what he has will be taken away”
Amongst the “hard sayings of Jesus” this is perhaps one that we struggle with the most. The words are found in Mark 4:25 25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” But they also reflect the ending of… Continue reading “Even what he has will be taken away”
Bitter-sweet
We assume that there must be a pattern to things. If I am going through a tough time now, whether that’s in terms of family, community, work or church, then I hope there will be brighter days and better news on the horizon. Similarly we tend to assume that when things are going well then… Continue reading Bitter-sweet
Did we grow to love the fringe too much?
I resisted for a while, especially when I hoped lockdown would be short but eventually I succumbed. I realised that my hair was beginning to look like I was channelling Boris Johnson. So, I bought some clippers and in a dramatic, bold move set them to number one before unleashing them on my head. I’ve… Continue reading Did we grow to love the fringe too much?
Every Blessing you pour out (Deuteronomy 28: 1-14)
I want to do two things before we delve into the detail of Deuteronomy 28 that will hopefully be helpful. First of all, I want to outline a bit more about what a Biblical Covenant is and where we fit into the picture. A covenant is an agreement between two parties. It usually includes long… Continue reading Every Blessing you pour out (Deuteronomy 28: 1-14)
Why we should embrace failure
In a previous article I started to look at the question of failure. Here I want to offer x good reasons for why we as believers and particularly church leaders should embrace failure. What happens if we refuse to encounter failure? First, if I don’t embrace the reality of failure then I am unlikely to… Continue reading Why we should embrace failure
Failure
A few years back, I was asked to lead a seminar for the Midlands Ministry Training Course on “failure.” I wasn’t sure how to take the invitation! It was there at the end of the year and I suspect not many people would be thrilled at getting that particular gig and I am not sure… Continue reading Failure
Inputs and outcomes – on the slavery of pastoral performance
There are three challenges that church workers often have to face when trying to work out how they are doing and whether or not they are being fruitful in their jobs.[1] You tend to be responsible for managing your own time, so how do you know whether or not you are spending it in a… Continue reading Inputs and outcomes – on the slavery of pastoral performance
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