What difference does the resurrection of Jesus make? In our sceptical world Christians can spend too much time defending instead of living in this reality. The Apostle Paul writes in two places: “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead … Read More
Public schools and the Christian story
I am running this week an Easter Seminar in a local public primary school. We have also had in our local area a small team of people running Christian Seminars over many years. Sadly, this year there are no volunteers for this team. Over the 30 years I have been bringing Christian witness into public schools, I note three things are happening. Firstly, there is increasing resistance to run Christian seminars. There is provision in the Education Act for ‘a maximum of one-half day in … Read More
WE WANT TO SEE JESUS
Lent Reading: John 12:20-33 If someone wanted to know more about faith in Jesus, would they know to ask you? In the week prior to Jesus’ death, some Greeks wanted to see Jesus. It seems these Greeks respected they were outsiders from the people of Israel, and therefore did not have unfettered access to Jesus. John records they asked Philip, … Read More
GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD
Lent Reading John 3:14-21 John 3:14-21 describes God’s rescue mission for a world in real trouble. In love God gives his Son, Jesus, to save people from perishing and bring them into eternal life. The illustration John gives is of the time Israel, because of their rebellion, were under God’s judgement with poisonous snakes killing many of them. In his … Read More
WHAT IS WORTH GETTING ANGRY ABOUT?
Reading: John 2:13-22 I get angry, mostly regarding petty or selfish matters. On social media there is a regular beat of moral outrage regarding public matters, from people with strong opinions and low investment. These expressions of anger can carry the sharp smell of self-righteousness. What might we learn from Jesus regarding righteous anger? As the time approached Passover, Jesus … Read More
WHERE CAN FORSAKENNESS LEAD?
“My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” You may know these aching words from Jesus’ cry on the cross. The original audience heard this as the opening line of Psalm 22. By quoting this Psalm, we are given insight into Jesus’ physical and spiritual battle.
DOES MOTIVATION MATTER?
Reading: Matthew 6:1-6 “When you do good deeds, don’t try to show off. If you do, you won’t get a reward from your Father in heaven.” (CEV) Does motivation matter? Rabbi Shmuley Boteach in “Judaism for Everyone” wrote, “Action is far more significant than dogma or belief. The right thing should be done even if for the wrong reasons.” I … Read More
Are you like a duck paddling upstream?
Are you like a duck paddling upstream? Little legs furiously thrashing underwater, the picture of composure and control above water? There are seasons of life when this happens, but no one wants to make this a habit. It is exhausting. If you feel like a duck paddling upstream, what might you do? The Serenity prayer, attributed to theologian Reinhold Neihbur, … Read More
A Life Worthy of our Calling…
As our year really begins to get going, I encourage you all (adults and kids) again to consider taking up the challenge to memorise a passage of scripture each month. God’s Word is true and powerful and the more it becomes part of us, the more it will change and shape us, as well as equip us for whatever comes … Read More
How to grow people in faith?
How do we help people grow in faith? The simplest answer would be to help them know Jesus and follow him. It is not rocket science. But is it easy? No. The parable of the soils tells us there are plenty of things that will snatch away or choke good seed. A few questions to consider. If you are a Christian, what helps you grow? Knowing the bible, … Read More