Category Archives: Uncategorized

Persecuted Muslims Henrietta Blyth says that Christians should campaign against the persecution of Muslims. Responding to reports from China, that in Xinjiang detention camps at least a million Uighur Muslims and other minorities are being held, she says: ‘We need to pray and advocate for everybody to be free to worship according to the faithContinue reading “Christian-Muslim musings”

‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’ Matthew 11:28-30 Story-summary, Sermon-outline Welcome –Continue reading “Story Telling – My Story”

Matthew 8 Jesus is with his disciples in a boat crossing the lake. A storm comes. His disciples panic; Jesus is asleep. The disciples wake Jesus up and he calms the storm. The disciples are amazed. Arriving at the other side of the lake Jesus meets two violent demon-possessed men. Jesus engages with the men;Continue reading “Story Telling – Disciples and Demons”

Beauty for brokenness,Hope for despair,Lord, in the suffering,This is our prayer.Bread for the children,Justice, joy, peace,Sunrise to sunsetYour kingdom increase. Graham Kendrick wrote this song following a visit to India: ‘Driving through Bombay in the midnight hour I saw an incredible sight: thousands and thousands of people sleeping out on the streets…There were lepers carryingContinue reading “Beauty for Brokenness”

The Sermon* Actor – The ‘hypocrite’ is the mask-wearing actor. Audience – He is concerned for what others think, not who he is. Applause – He plays for approval, popularity, and recognition. Authenticity – What is really important is not the part he plays, but who he is Moving on** Before ‘coming out’ the gayContinue reading “Coming out… Moving On”

Principle ‘Coming out’ is when I say ‘This Is Me’ in an honest and open way. Gay or lesbian friends ‘come out’ regarding their sexual orientation. Addicts ‘come out’, admitting their addiction to drink, drugs, pornography, gambling… Christians ‘come out’, converted from a non-Christian or anti-Christian place. The children of Christian parents ‘come out’ withContinue reading “Coming Out… Us”

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?”