The Left, the Right… or the Heights?
There’s been a lot of discussion of politics recently, and the different positions that people hold to. These differences are taken by some with grace and good humour, but between others with passion verging on violence. In some contexts we can be hesitant even to admit to our political views – whether we are toward […]
Bigger Than Politics
In a well known passage in Romans chapter 13, Paul says that we are to submit to the governing authorities, since they are “appointed by God”, and are His “servants” (Ro 13:1-7). This is the case because, being raised from the dead to eternal life, Jesus Christ (God’s ‘right-hand man’) has overcome all powers, and […]
Reformation Day (31st October)
In the Protestant Reformation of 1517, the Christian church, under the leadership of Martin Luther, rediscovered the truth that grace is the pulsing heart of Christian life. It had been discovered and rediscovered many times before that, as it has been rediscovered many times since. However, the 16th century had seen a loss of it […]
Ravish God
We are to “love God, with all of our heart and mind and soul and strength” (Mt 22:37). This means that we will give the best and most of our time, energies and affections to God our Father, Jesus Christ His Son and to the Holy Spirit. This is the greatest commandment of God. Unless […]
I Hate Change
Yes I do… My personal preference as a minister is to wear clerical clothing. Up until recent years I always wore a clerical collar for worship and preaching. When I commenced ministry I always wore a clerical alb and stole. My preference in worship is for the older and ancient hymn traditions of the church. […]
To Whom Can We Turn?
From time to time, everyone needs to find or give an ear. We have issues, concerns, problems, challenges to meet or decisions to make. Often, we just need a sounding board – someone who can give advice or suggestions – or simply someone to hear us in a non-judgemental way. Just talking about things can […]
Forgettery
Struggling to remember the date of an important event, Eric apologised, saying, “My memory is not too good these days,… but I do have an excellent forgettery!” Many of us, I’m sure, could closely identify with Eric! Ps 78 says that the Ephraimites (the northern tribes of Israel – kind of like a denomination of […]
The Hope of Forgiveness
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of God.” [Mt 5:43-45] C.S. Lewis, one of the most influential Christian authors in the last century, recounted […]
Forgive… As The Flood
In the days of large sailing ships it was said that vessels travelling 100 miles off the coast of Brazil, as they passed the point of the mouth of the Amazon River, could lower a bucket overboard and draw up fresh water. Imagine the enormous volume and force of the water flowing down that river! […]
After Winter Comes Spring
September is here. In a familiar seasonal change, winter will slowly and gently pass in order to herald spring. God created the four seasons and, in many ways, we see the signature of the same artist in our lives. Our lives will change, and we will enter and exit many seasons, but the Son remains […]