Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

This morning I read the story of Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3). The Sermon My ‘sermon outline’ would look something like this: Man: Jesus comes as a man. We know about his parents. Here he encounters his cousin. Messiah: The Spirit descends, the Father speaks. Jesus is different. He is more than just a man. HeContinue reading “Coming Out… Jesus”

Now if you feel that you can’t go onBecause all of your hope is gone,And your life is filled with much confusionUntil happiness is just an illusion, The Four Tops song… Claire’s grieving. Her husband, mother, and two other close relatives have died: I didn’t realise I was required to be over it… When wasContinue reading “Reach out”

Many claiming to be Christians ‘fighting the good fight’ have got it badly wrong. Crusades, empire building, Northern Ireland… have all claimed to be God’s wars. ‘God’ has fought for racial supremacy, slavery, seizing personal power and wealth… Wrong Leaders God’s wars aren’t led by a nation. Both England and the US have fought warsContinue reading “Onward Christian Soldiers?”

The Reality The story of world is told through wars and battles. In national, international and religious history they form turning points and land marks. Many only experience war through stories, films or games. Pain and suffering is softened in an impersonal context of excitement and adventure. The reality is of blood, horror, injury andContinue reading “Fight the Good Fight?”

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide… Two disciples are walking to Emmaus, despairing, disappointed and confused. Jesus joins them. It’s getting dark. ‘Abide with me’. Their eyes are opened. Jesus is there and they hadn’t realised it. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day… Several friends know of life’s fragility – aContinue reading “Abide with me (2)”

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.When other helpers fail and comforts flee,Help of the helpless, O abide with me. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;Change and decay in all around I see;O Thou who changest not, abide withContinue reading “Abide with me (1)”

Justice is getting what you deserve. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve. Problem? I only want what I earn and deserve. The British work ethic – a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s time, effort and hard work. Grace is free, undeserved, unearned. I want toContinue reading “My Problem with Grace”

Donald Miller says: ‘How come we think the story of Noah’s ark is appropriate for children? Can you imagine a children’s book about Noah’s ark complete with paintings of people gasping in gallons of water, mothers grasping their children while their bodies go flying down white-rapid rivers…?’ Has the Bible been reduced to a setContinue reading “Noah for Children?”

‘Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer      Thought it scarcely worth his whileTo waste much time on the old violin,      But held it up with a smile. We value people by what they look like, how they present themselves, how they behave. The violin was nothing to look at. People mayContinue reading “The Touch of the Master’s Hand (2)”

‘Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer      Thought it scarcely worth his whileTo waste much time on the old violin,      But held it up with a smile.“What am I bidden, good folks,” he cried,    “Who’ll start the bidding for me?”“A dollar, a dollar. Then two! Only two?      TwoContinue reading “The Touch of the Master’s Hand”