On the 25th October the general assembly of the Synod of Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church in Rome concluded what was popularly known as the Synod on the Family. The two big issues were, crudely, “Can divorced couples be allowed to receive Holy Communion?”, and “How should the Catholic Church deal with homosexual couples?” The second issue was not really addressed.
Evangelicals are sometimes accused of worshipping God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Bible. Over the years, I’ve heard this criticism in many forms.
Sandy Grant's links on terrorism, evangelism, society's thoughts on Christians, ideas for students on holidays, doctrine, and reflections from a long-serving pastor.
Your group has just finished a study on Acts 8:26-38, the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. In a single conversation, the latter goes from a stranger to being baptized as a believer. It’s an exciting part of the book of Acts—until the study leader asks the awkward (if obvious) question that comes from the passage.
How do we talk to each other about our sin? I think the answer to that question comes from how we think about our sin and about each other, and about what it is that Jesus has done for us.
The Christmas holiday season is a wonderful time in church life, celebrating the birth of our Lord. For those planning music it can also be a challenging time, as we seek to resource teams while many church members are away.
Here’s an opportunity to read something solid and sensible on prayer. But first… Many have seen the fuss over the refusal to screen the Church of England’s cinema advertisement that featured the Lord’s Prayer and encouraged people to #justpray.
Three great resources to try: Gospel Speech, A Very Different Christmas, The Book of Books.
Sandy Grant's links on Islamic extremism, advertising prayer, and improving holiday conversations.
A couple of weekends ago, I attended the buck’s day celebration of a good Christian friend. In many ways it was a fairly ordinary day. Scenes of embarrassing public dress, a few games of bowling, inflatable boxing and fast food meals; in short, a day of good fun and frivolity. One part celebrated the boyish fun that will (in part!) be left behind, another rejoiced in our brother’s upcoming commitment to become a married man.