Tag: Grace

The shaming of a precious woman

In Matthew 9:20-22, Jesus who has just been asked to come with a synagogue ruler and heal his sick daughter is interrupted. A desperate woman reaches out to touch him and is healed. We are told that she has an issue, or haemorrhage of blood.  It is possible that this was something along the lines… Continue reading The shaming of a precious woman

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

Law and Spirit: A COVID Parable

Imagine this: it’s summer 2021.  After extensive trials and tests, the COVID-19 vaccine is available.  It has been internationally confirmed to be reliable, safe and effective. Here in the UK it is available to you for free. What would you say to someone who is choosing to refuse the vaccine and instead is insisting on… Continue reading Law and Spirit: A COVID Parable

Climbing the Career ladder

We’ve been talking about work and rest. One of the things that affects work is the drive to climb the greasy pole to the top of your profession. There is an inbuilt expectation that people must progress higher up into management. In fact, promotion is rewarded and those who are content where they are, are… Continue reading Climbing the Career ladder

When Saturday comes – is a two day weekend sinful?

I got asked this the other day in response to my articles on Sabbath observance. The person concerned had picked up on focus on the bit about “on the seventh day you shall rest” that we miss the bit about “six days shall you labour….”  “Have we forgotten the first part of the commandment?” he… Continue reading When Saturday comes – is a two day weekend sinful?

Exploring Forgiveness and Repentance

I’ve been writing a little recently about forgiveness. It arises out of our recent studies from the Sermon on the Mount. It also relates to some other things I have written recently about our pastoral responsibilities to victims of abuse and to those accused. So, I was interested to see the other day that my… Continue reading Exploring Forgiveness and Repentance

Grace Culture – the importance of swift repentance and forgiveness

I believe that a grace culture is one where we are quick to seek forgiveness, express sorrow and repentance, to offer forgiveness and to seek reconciliation.  This reflects the teaching in the Sermon on the Mount which is all about what it means to be saturated in God’s love and grace so that we enjoy… Continue reading Grace Culture – the importance of swift repentance and forgiveness