Alister McGrath quoted in 'Future Grace' by John Piper, P 10.
If you are looking for a read that can help you ...'when enthusiasm fails'.... 'Future grace' is one to seek out, dwell in and take much encouragement from.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Support rather than enthusiasm
'Evangelicals have done a superb job of evangelizing people, bringing then to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, but they are failing to provide believers with approaches to living that keep them going and growing in spiritual relationship with him....Many start the life of faith with great enthusiasm, only to discover themselves in difficulty shortly afterward. Their high hopes and good intentions seem to fade away. The spirit is willing, but the flesh proves weak.....People need support to keep them going when enthusiasm fails'
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Bits and bobs
I love Matt Redmond's 'Random thoughts' and this one makes me want to go and buy the new Radiohead album.
Thinking Anglicans has a whole lot of stuff on the C of E getting managerial that includes a quote from Ric Thorpe who is splendid. Eugene Peterson is not a fan of the managerial in ministry.
Ever since I discovered my Myers Briggs profile on a course run by Deidre Tidy it has been of interest to me. Here is some stuff on what book to read depending on your MB profile. If you'd like more this is about best leadership type by profile. Eugene Peterson hates Myers Briggs.
This open letter to someone having an affair is powerful, Eugene Peterson hates divorce and the pain it causes as he described to me once in his talks on Ephesians.
15 verses to get into you (h/t Challies)
This review by Denny Burk has horrified and stuck with me long after I read it as its implications will with you I imagine. On that same topic, Mrs C and I watched 'Spotlight' which is a terrifying and compelling film not to be missed.
I happened upon this book list on prayer. On balance Eugene would I think approve.
A friend went to work with Jackie Pullinger for three weeks and while she was there read 'Different: living the holy life'. It impacted her greatly and she tells me it will you if you read it. Eugene is a fan of holiness.
Searching for a sermon I listened to recently, I found this post entitled 'The 7 Greatest sermons I've ever heard' . I plan to listen through a few of them for my holiday devotions, refreshment, inspiration and refilling. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, no Eugene. He's not everyone's cuppa.
I've revisited 'The Passionate church' and think it holds such good visual tools for discipleship.
In August I've seen and visited lots of people in our church and its been wonderful and so very encouraging. Looking out over all the people in our garden at our recent church BBQ I felt deeply moved (once again) by God's grace to us all.
Saturday, August 06, 2016
Tuesday, August 02, 2016
Tuesday bits and bobs
1. I caught this on Radio 4 'Brexit and the English Reformation' which was fascinating.
2. Someone spoke to me recently about this book which looks interesting.
3. A carer looking after my mum's friend gave her the book of the story of her life which is called 'Ordinary people finding Jesus'. My mum read it and then gave it to me. I have just started it.
4. This article is interesting entitled 'How to accomplish more by doing less'
5. An interesting piece on respected theologian Wayne Grudem endorsing Donald Trump.
6. The founder of Ted pick his 'Top 5 talks'
7. 'Nine ways to keep your prayer life fresh' and 'Nine ways to keep your Bible reading fresh'.
8. John Piper reflects on when it is right to leave a church.
9. Louie Giglio on burnout
10. What to do if you are in a spiritual dry spell.
2. Someone spoke to me recently about this book which looks interesting.
3. A carer looking after my mum's friend gave her the book of the story of her life which is called 'Ordinary people finding Jesus'. My mum read it and then gave it to me. I have just started it.
4. This article is interesting entitled 'How to accomplish more by doing less'
5. An interesting piece on respected theologian Wayne Grudem endorsing Donald Trump.
6. The founder of Ted pick his 'Top 5 talks'
7. 'Nine ways to keep your prayer life fresh' and 'Nine ways to keep your Bible reading fresh'.
8. John Piper reflects on when it is right to leave a church.
9. Louie Giglio on burnout
10. What to do if you are in a spiritual dry spell.
Focus 2016
They only have one of the talks up which was by Archie Coates but it will give you a taste of Focus.
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Saturday blog-sweep
Analyzing the speeches of Trump and Clinton
Keller on Q and A's after services
Heroes and Villains Lecrae's TED talk
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Bits and bobs
1. Interesting piece in the Guardian about the Conservatives doing God again.
2. A review of 'Why vote leave' which new Tory cabinet ministers will probably all have on their bedside tables.
3. May's mission
4. We had a great word at 'The Sanctuary' (our monthly prayer night) on 'Come to me all you who are burdened'. This post on 'The spirituality of vacation' is worth a read.
5. A week until a crowd of us head off to Focus
6. I am preaching on spiritual gifts in a series inspired by reading 'Jesus continued'. This quote is included in Sunday's message.
"Whatever you are good at, do it well for the glory of God- and do it somewhere strategic for the mission of God " (p. 129)
7. Ian Paul on Synod's shared conversations. This post 'Where the difference lies' also caught my eye quoting Ruth Gledhill suggesting that sexuality issues have at their root the role of Biblical authority.
8. I learnt yesterday about Pokemon go
9. This photo made me smile.
10. I chatted with a mum today about video games and a particular incident her child had faced relating to 'Grand theft auto'. Driscoll was asked recently 'Should a Christian play video games'. I have in the past found his three categories: Receive, Reject or Redeem quite helpful when thinking about cultural engagement.
2. A review of 'Why vote leave' which new Tory cabinet ministers will probably all have on their bedside tables.
3. May's mission
4. We had a great word at 'The Sanctuary' (our monthly prayer night) on 'Come to me all you who are burdened'. This post on 'The spirituality of vacation' is worth a read.
5. A week until a crowd of us head off to Focus
6. I am preaching on spiritual gifts in a series inspired by reading 'Jesus continued'. This quote is included in Sunday's message.
"Whatever you are good at, do it well for the glory of God- and do it somewhere strategic for the mission of God " (p. 129)
7. Ian Paul on Synod's shared conversations. This post 'Where the difference lies' also caught my eye quoting Ruth Gledhill suggesting that sexuality issues have at their root the role of Biblical authority.
8. I learnt yesterday about Pokemon go
9. This photo made me smile.
10. I chatted with a mum today about video games and a particular incident her child had faced relating to 'Grand theft auto'. Driscoll was asked recently 'Should a Christian play video games'. I have in the past found his three categories: Receive, Reject or Redeem quite helpful when thinking about cultural engagement.
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Disciples
I sometimes dose through sermons that I put on in the very early morning. This morning, I was dosing through 'The Glory of God as the ground of the minds certainty and the goal of the Soul's satisfaction' ( now that title positively trips of the tongue) and one statement shook me into being fully awake.
This was it:
'If you don't want God more than anything else- you're not a Christian'
This is a deep and long talk but is worth 1 hr 7 mins and I have been mulling on that one sentence all day since I heard it. Mulling and praying.
I have also been considering what it means to be 'a disciple' and have spent some time asking how we, as a church, are doing on our desire to be a people who 'make disciples'. I came across this talk by a chap called Ron Edmondson who gave these eight marks of a disciple he got from a book called 'Growing up':
1. Bible engagement
2. Obeying God and denying self
3. Serve God and others
4. Sharing Christ
5. Exercising faith
6. Seeking God
7. Building relationships
8. Unashamed transparency.
It was the last one 'unashamed transparency' that jumped out at me and I rather like it as a marker of discipleship.
We are planning to go from one to two services in the morning from September and have a great logo to communicate as much. I do know we may need more than a logo i.e plenty of prayer needed over the summer and we've also planned a preaching series entitled 'Invited'.
Indeed, you are, and bring friends.....
This was it:
'If you don't want God more than anything else- you're not a Christian'
This is a deep and long talk but is worth 1 hr 7 mins and I have been mulling on that one sentence all day since I heard it. Mulling and praying.
I have also been considering what it means to be 'a disciple' and have spent some time asking how we, as a church, are doing on our desire to be a people who 'make disciples'. I came across this talk by a chap called Ron Edmondson who gave these eight marks of a disciple he got from a book called 'Growing up':
1. Bible engagement
2. Obeying God and denying self
3. Serve God and others
4. Sharing Christ
5. Exercising faith
6. Seeking God
7. Building relationships
8. Unashamed transparency.
It was the last one 'unashamed transparency' that jumped out at me and I rather like it as a marker of discipleship.
We are planning to go from one to two services in the morning from September and have a great logo to communicate as much. I do know we may need more than a logo i.e plenty of prayer needed over the summer and we've also planned a preaching series entitled 'Invited'.
Indeed, you are, and bring friends.....
Disciples
I sometimes dose through sermons that I put on in the very early morning. This morning, I was dosing through 'The Glory of God as the ground of the minds certainty and the goal of the Soul's satisfaction' ( now that title positively trips of the tongue) and one statement shook me into being fully awake.
This was it:
'If you don't want God more than anything else- you're not a Christian'
This is a deep and long talk but is worth 1 hr 7 mins and I have been mulling on that one sentence all day since I heard it. Mulling and praying.
I have also been considering what it means to be 'a disciple' and have spent some time asking how we, as a church, are doing on our desire to be a people who 'make disciples'. I came across this talk by a chap called Ron Edmondson who gave these eight marks of a disciple he got from a book called 'Growing up':
1. Bible engagement
2. Obeying God and denying self
3. Serve God and others
4. Sharing Christ
5. Exercising faith
6. Seeking God
7. Building relationships
8. Unashamed transparency.
It was the last one 'unashamed transparency' that jumped out at me and I rather like it as a marker of discipleship.
We are planning to go from one to two services in the morning from September and have a great logo to communicate as much. Plenty of prayer needed over the summer and we've also planned a preaching series entitled 'Invited'.
Indeed you are and bring friends.....
This was it:
'If you don't want God more than anything else- you're not a Christian'
This is a deep and long talk but is worth 1 hr 7 mins and I have been mulling on that one sentence all day since I heard it. Mulling and praying.
I have also been considering what it means to be 'a disciple' and have spent some time asking how we, as a church, are doing on our desire to be a people who 'make disciples'. I came across this talk by a chap called Ron Edmondson who gave these eight marks of a disciple he got from a book called 'Growing up':
1. Bible engagement
2. Obeying God and denying self
3. Serve God and others
4. Sharing Christ
5. Exercising faith
6. Seeking God
7. Building relationships
8. Unashamed transparency.
It was the last one 'unashamed transparency' that jumped out at me and I rather like it as a marker of discipleship.
We are planning to go from one to two services in the morning from September and have a great logo to communicate as much. Plenty of prayer needed over the summer and we've also planned a preaching series entitled 'Invited'.
Indeed you are and bring friends.....
Monday, July 11, 2016
Monday musing
1. I haven't read the book but love the idea of 'Moving towards the mess'
2. Marriage takes constant work and I found this short post called 'The Silent Marriage Killer' a blessing. Last year Mrs C and I did 'The Marriage Course' which I would recommend to anyone wanting to put some good habits and foundations into a marriage.
3. In 'The Prayer Course' Pete Greig talks about '...praying the Bible'. I can commend 'A call to spiritual reformation' as a way to help you do that.
4. A while back I really enjoyed watching 'The History of Christianity'. MacCullough has a new book out called 'All things new'
5. Andrew Jones (TSK) sadly reports the death of his wife.
6. A mega-church pastor falls foul of the drink.
7. I was blessed by this little clip about praying in Jesus name and the power of his word.
2. Marriage takes constant work and I found this short post called 'The Silent Marriage Killer' a blessing. Last year Mrs C and I did 'The Marriage Course' which I would recommend to anyone wanting to put some good habits and foundations into a marriage.
3. In 'The Prayer Course' Pete Greig talks about '...praying the Bible'. I can commend 'A call to spiritual reformation' as a way to help you do that.
4. A while back I really enjoyed watching 'The History of Christianity'. MacCullough has a new book out called 'All things new'
5. Andrew Jones (TSK) sadly reports the death of his wife.
6. A mega-church pastor falls foul of the drink.
7. I was blessed by this little clip about praying in Jesus name and the power of his word.
Saturday, July 09, 2016
Thursday, July 07, 2016
An unseen revolution
Jonathan Martin, author of the book I am currently reading called 'How to survive a shipwreck' included this quote in his recent post 'Hey preacher'.
From Herbert McCabe’s Love, Law and Language: “The Christian minister is meant to be neither the pillar of an established quasi-feudal order, as conservative Christians are inclined to think, nor is he the democratic representative of a quasi-bourgeois society as the progressives seem to suggest; he is a revolutionary leader whose job is the subversion of the world through the preaching of the gospel. He exercises authority amongst his people not as maintaining an established structure; he is the leader of his people in a movement towards a new community. He is representative of his people not necessarily in the sense of being their elected spokesman; he may represent them in the way a revolutionary leader does, a way that is not obvious to them and only becomes clear when the revolution is achieved.”
From Herbert McCabe’s Love, Law and Language: “The Christian minister is meant to be neither the pillar of an established quasi-feudal order, as conservative Christians are inclined to think, nor is he the democratic representative of a quasi-bourgeois society as the progressives seem to suggest; he is a revolutionary leader whose job is the subversion of the world through the preaching of the gospel. He exercises authority amongst his people not as maintaining an established structure; he is the leader of his people in a movement towards a new community. He is representative of his people not necessarily in the sense of being their elected spokesman; he may represent them in the way a revolutionary leader does, a way that is not obvious to them and only becomes clear when the revolution is achieved.”
Tuesday, July 05, 2016
The little room
Rev Gary Jenkins in this post offered up a fascinating Churchill quote (source Robert Harris in the Sunday Times)
"Late one night in 1917, at the height of the First World War, Winston Churchill beckoned to a fellow Liberal MP to join him for a final look inside the deserted Commons chamber. Everyone else had gone home. “All was darkness,” wrote the MP in his diary. “We could dimly see the table, but walls and roof were invisible. ‘Look at it,’ he said. ‘This little place is what makes the difference between us and Germany. It is in virtue of this that we shall muddle through to success & for lack of this Germany’s brilliant efficiency leads her to final disaster. This little room is the shrine of the world’s liberties.’”
"Late one night in 1917, at the height of the First World War, Winston Churchill beckoned to a fellow Liberal MP to join him for a final look inside the deserted Commons chamber. Everyone else had gone home. “All was darkness,” wrote the MP in his diary. “We could dimly see the table, but walls and roof were invisible. ‘Look at it,’ he said. ‘This little place is what makes the difference between us and Germany. It is in virtue of this that we shall muddle through to success & for lack of this Germany’s brilliant efficiency leads her to final disaster. This little room is the shrine of the world’s liberties.’”
Monday, July 04, 2016
Monday musing
1. I was reminded yesterday by Will's sermon of grace He started a six-week series inspired by 'Jesus continued'.
2. The current UK leadership vacuum reminds us all of the need for some sort of plan. Michael Hyatt wrote a book called 'Living Forward' which we could have done with a bit of recently.
3. Eric Metaxas has a new book out. In this review, my interest peaked at the mention of a James K A Smith book called 'You are what you love: The spiritual power of habit' which has reviews packed with theological debate. I lingered a while reading them.
4. Interesting reflections on Ian Paul's blog about 'priestly ministry'.
5. I am still enjoying Jonathan Martin's 'How to survive a shipwreck' which I would recommend to anyone who wants to dig deep below your own surface waters.
6. I have rediscovered Piper talks in the early and sleep-interrupted hours and listened to this one called 'The bondage of the will'.
7. The BiOY has been such a blessing recently.
8. Andrea Leadsom was very composed until Marr caught her napping at the end with a blinding question about her tax returns.
9. Tim Challies mentions a few new and notable books.
10. Brexit and social divisions.
2. The current UK leadership vacuum reminds us all of the need for some sort of plan. Michael Hyatt wrote a book called 'Living Forward' which we could have done with a bit of recently.
3. Eric Metaxas has a new book out. In this review, my interest peaked at the mention of a James K A Smith book called 'You are what you love: The spiritual power of habit' which has reviews packed with theological debate. I lingered a while reading them.
4. Interesting reflections on Ian Paul's blog about 'priestly ministry'.
5. I am still enjoying Jonathan Martin's 'How to survive a shipwreck' which I would recommend to anyone who wants to dig deep below your own surface waters.
6. I have rediscovered Piper talks in the early and sleep-interrupted hours and listened to this one called 'The bondage of the will'.
7. The BiOY has been such a blessing recently.
8. Andrea Leadsom was very composed until Marr caught her napping at the end with a blinding question about her tax returns.
9. Tim Challies mentions a few new and notable books.
10. Brexit and social divisions.
Saturday, July 02, 2016
The King
'I have this picture in my head of being part of a village, once an enemy of the King. But the King conquered us and we knew he now controlled our fate. Fear overwhelmed us. But then a messenger brought news of the King. And the message was good news. He not only forgave us but promised us he would fight for us now and give us all we needed. We knew we deserved punishment but instead we receive grace and mercy. I keep that picture in my head all the time.'
These beautioful words of Matt Redmond spoke to my heart today @ Echoes and Stars
These beautioful words of Matt Redmond spoke to my heart today @ Echoes and Stars
Saturday blog-sweep
3 elements to your calling via Dash House
Brexit basics and an updated Basics 2
True leaders are teachable
The poor and Brexit
The Book of Jeremiah
Centenary of the Battle of the Somme
Why praying the prayer is not enough
Brexit, Hate Crime and Fear: What's the Christian response?
A history of the sinners prayer
The awkward love story of Trump and American evangelicals
The Conservative party at prayer
Brexit basics and an updated Basics 2
True leaders are teachable
The poor and Brexit
The Book of Jeremiah
Centenary of the Battle of the Somme
Why praying the prayer is not enough
Brexit, Hate Crime and Fear: What's the Christian response?
A history of the sinners prayer
The awkward love story of Trump and American evangelicals
The Conservative party at prayer
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Onwards and upwards
Apologies for the silence on the blog but I've been away on Men on Mountains. We climbed Hellvelllin and Red Pike which was fun and we missed all the pre-Brexit build-up.
I am happy to confirm - God is good, the gospel remains unchanged and the church is still very much the hope of the world.
Loved David Keen on 'And now the good news...'
Enjoyed this about slowing down over the summer
I never got around to watching this 'Brexit the Movie' which I probably should now we're out and the 'Yes minister' clip has been doing the rounds.
A good piece by Patrick Dixon on the post-Brexit outlook.
Johnson's article in yesterdays Telegraph and Owen Jones on 'Great changes ahead'. Also, an interesting piece by Yanis Varoufakis
Love the photo in this piece by Cranmer.
The BBC has a crack a predicting impact on everyone's money
The new book by Os Guinness caught my eye so did Zeal without burnout.
I enjoyed reading J D Greear's plumb lines and Trevin Wax's post entitled 'The counter-intuitive vision of Christian morality'
One of our Men on Mountains is now running All nations.
It's always my recommendation but worth saying again- a good response to just about everything is to pray....
'When once Thou visitest the heart,
Then truth begins to shine,
Then earthly vanities depart,
Then kindles love divine'
Prayer, Tim Keller P. 171
I am happy to confirm - God is good, the gospel remains unchanged and the church is still very much the hope of the world.
Loved David Keen on 'And now the good news...'
Enjoyed this about slowing down over the summer
I never got around to watching this 'Brexit the Movie' which I probably should now we're out and the 'Yes minister' clip has been doing the rounds.
A good piece by Patrick Dixon on the post-Brexit outlook.
Johnson's article in yesterdays Telegraph and Owen Jones on 'Great changes ahead'. Also, an interesting piece by Yanis Varoufakis
Love the photo in this piece by Cranmer.
The BBC has a crack a predicting impact on everyone's money
The new book by Os Guinness caught my eye so did Zeal without burnout.
I enjoyed reading J D Greear's plumb lines and Trevin Wax's post entitled 'The counter-intuitive vision of Christian morality'
One of our Men on Mountains is now running All nations.
It's always my recommendation but worth saying again- a good response to just about everything is to pray....
'When once Thou visitest the heart,
Then truth begins to shine,
Then earthly vanities depart,
Then kindles love divine'
Prayer, Tim Keller P. 171
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