Sometimes, timing is everything.
And so it was that last week, in the same week, two things happened. First, Sam Allberry wrote a blog:
Jesus is more than worth it, even with all it entails for gay people... Homosexuality is an issue I have battled with my entire Christian life. It took a long time to admit to myself, longer to admit to others, and even longer to see something of God’s good purposes through it all. There have been all sorts of ups and downs. But this battle is not devoid of blessings, as Paul discovered with his own unyielding thorn in the flesh. Struggling with sexuality has been an opportunity to experience more of God’s grace, rather than less.... continue reading
Cosmetic companies are an encouraging bunch with each advert repeating the same life-affirming message: Apparently, we’re worth it. Worth spoiling. Worth pampering. Worth indulging. Worth – and here’s the crux of the matter – spending our money on.
And, even if we don’t purchase their products, as Christians, we often buy into their message. In the West, we live in societies where ease, pleasure, popularity and security are sought above all else. And we can often get very grumpy and resentful when God asks us to give up even the smallest of these things.... continue reading
Spent New Year's Eve in pleasant company over good food. Around the table was a Professor of Quantum Mechanics who was eagerly questioned on the subject of the Large Hadron Super Collider, and the Higgs Boson - a.k.a. "The God Particle".
Last year the scientists who crank the handle on this massive underground machine in Geneva announced that they think it "more probable" that the elusive particle exists, and their work continues under the gaze of the world's press who seem hungry for any news about developments. "But what use is it if we actually find it?" we asked our guest. None that we know of at the moment, came the answer.... continue reading
I know these ways are effective because I have fallen, and still fall, into all of them, and need prayer that I will battle against them every day of 2013.
1. Regularly go away for the weekend and go to a different church
You’re still in church each Sunday. It just happens that no one church family gets to know you well enough to be able to challenge you where and when it’s needed. Being away once a month should do the trick; twice will make sure of it.... continue reading
There's something about the run-up to new year that makes us think about our lives: ponder the possibility of change; plan for the future; resolve the tensions of the past. For those of us in churches, it's a time when we often think about what ministry we're involved in and whether it might be time for a move. But whether we're a youth worker wondering about handing in our notice; or a member of the music-group, planning to ditch the flute in favour of a role in the children's work, how do we make such ministry-decisions well? Here are 6 principles to hold on to as we make decisions at the end of 2012:... continue reading
Did you have a lovely Christmas day? Were you reminded afresh of the mind-blowing story of God made man? Did you experience once more the excitement of the gospel of salvation as you sat alongside your brothers and sisters in Christ and listened to the nativity retold? Did you eat a beautiful meal? Enjoy the company of some family or friends? Rip open some presents that brought a smile to your face? Sit, safely, in your home - warm and comfortable?
If so, you - like me - are astonishingly privileged. To be a child of God is an incredible grace. To be able to live and worship in safety, indulge in a spot of luxury as well - such things are not to be taken for granted in our fallen world. So, as you sit and digest that extra mince pie (or, my particular weakness, that 7th piece of turkish delight) it's worth pondering how best to respond to the many gifts that have been showered on us.... continue reading
We asked. You voted. And here, on Christmas Eve, are the results of our "what's your favourite carol?" poll:
In first place: O Holy Night
In second place: Hark The Herald Angels Sing
And in a controversial third place (Is it a carol - is it an advent hymn? The debate goes on ... ): O Come O Come Emmanuel
We hope you've enjoyed singing them this season ...
"It's the most wonderful time of the year". Or so the 1960's crooner, Andy Williams would have us believe. And his tune - along with many others sharing the same sentiment - are being piped at us endlessly as we shop, commute and potter round the house. Wherever we turn, we are confronted with cheery melodies, tinsel and trimmings, party invitations and the expectation of some presents to remember.
Of course, there's some truth in the sentiment that it's a wonderful time of year. Remembering the moment when God took on human flesh to save us from our sins is undoubtedly awesome, profoundly life-changing. But that doesn't necessarily make Christmas fun. And, personally, I don't find it hard to think of people who are, quite frankly, dreading it:... continue reading
Had to write this post today, because, if the Mayans are to be believed, I will not have the chance tomorrow, because the world will have ended.
The latest flurry of activity from global doomsayers centres on a particular reading of ancient Mayan calendar systems, which finishes its 5,125 year cycle on Friday December 21st, although modern descendants of the Mayans on the Yukatan Peninsula in Central America are simply saying that when this cycle ends, another one will begin - so what's the fuss about.... continue reading
They’re everywhere at the moment. There are the small children – usually girls – swathed in white sheets and gold tinsel all poised to enter stage left and address the tea-towel clad shepherds and associated stuffed sheep with “tidings of great joy”. There are the cards we’re sending and receiving. There may even be one on the top of your tree. But what exactly are angels? And what do they do when they’re not announcing the birth of our Saviour? Here, this Christmas time, is a quick Q&A about our angelic neighbours:
How many are there?
Lots! They are described as being “innumerable” (Hebrews 12:22) and numbering “thousands and thousands” (Revelation 5:11). Heaven is thronging with angelic beings.... continue reading
