{"items":[{"title":"A Personal View of the Limitations of Science","id":"a-personal-view-of-the-limitations-of-science","type":"article","categories":["science-environment"],"description":"September 2020\n\nIn a dialogue on ‘Origins’, held at Oxford University in 2012 between philosopher Anthony Kenny, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and scientist Richard Dawkins, Kenny began proceedings by saying this, “We all believe in science. That it is one of the greatest of human achievements and we all owe the scientists of many generat","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/a-personal-view.CyLVm7fz_1hYlBN.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Biblical Perspectives on War","id":"biblical-perspectives-on-war","type":"article","categories":["social-political"],"description":"April 2022\n\nBecause of the complex ethical and theological aspects of war, as well as its sheer brutality, war does, and should, create difficulties for both Bible-believing Christians and non-Christian seekers alike. The confusion has not been helped by the Church’s voice often being absent or ambiguous on this topic, and perhaps even more so beca","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/the-problem-of-war.Dhd52mPO_1nTm1o.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Body, Soul, Spirit","id":"body-soul-spirit","type":"article","categories":["pastoral"],"description":"January 2023\n\nNow abide these three: Body, Soul, Spirit, but which do we consider to be the most important? We spend an inordinate amount of time caring for our physical bodies and being aware of the changes they undergo as we go through the life cycle. The development of our bodies in the womb, the growth from 0-12 years, the hormonal changes of a","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/body-soul-spirit.Gl1B-CMv_Z1pGGSw.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Christ and COP26","id":"christ-and-cop26","type":"article","categories":["science-environment"],"description":"November 2021\n\nCOP 26 (Conference of the Parties) is the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference and will be held in the Global Green City of Glasgow between 31st October and 12th November 2021. It is the largest (about 25,000 attendees) and probably the most important conference on climate change ever to be held.\n\nThis summit will be attende","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/christ-and-cop26.BPhznytS_Ziggvu.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Christ and the Media","id":"christ-and-the-media","type":"article","categories":["lifestyle"],"description":"March 2021\n\nIt was in November 1976 that John Stott invited journalist and broadcaster Malcolm Muggeridge - whom he hailed as a prophet - to give 3 lectures at All Souls Church, Langham Place, London, on the topic “Christ and the Media”.\n\nThe time has surely come for a contemporary update of the nature and impact of the ever-growing influence and t","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/christ-and-the-media.efYaEVmr_Z1gYbnx.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Coping with Corona","id":"coping-with-the-corona","type":"article","categories":["pastoral"],"description":"March 2020\n\nSince the onset of this pandemic, it seems to me that there has been a seismic shift in how we view our lives, our communities and the world at large. The outbreak of coronavirus has indeed come as a great shock to those who assumed that our technologically and medically sophisticated, 21st century civilisation would keep us safe and se","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/coping-with-the-corona.rPJwbfez_Z8Gt39.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Depressed and Homesick","id":"depressed-and-homesick","type":"article","categories":["pastoral"],"description":"September 2021\n\nIn times of pressure, trouble or distress, it is often to the psalms that we turn for comfort and consolation. So I would like to begin by doing an introduction to the Biblical book of psalms (5 books actually), before looking more closely at psalms 42 & 43 (1 psalm actually) which I have given the title “Depressed and Homesick.”","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/depressed-and-homesick.CapdmwiO_1keQlS.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Doubt, Faith & Assurance","id":"doubt-faith-assurance","type":"article","categories":["pastoral"],"description":"March 2020\n\nHave you ever known someone whose Christian faith seemed really strong, who seemed to have all the right answers, attended all the right meetings and spoke with such clarity and conviction about what they believed ~ until the day came when there was a near total collapse and loss of their faith?\n\nThere are many reasons why this can happ","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/doubt-faith-assurance.J8tvIRo8_ZUVDmK.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Finding and Serving God in the Political Arena","id":"finding-and-serving-god-in-the-political-arena","type":"article","categories":["social-political"],"description":"December 2019\n\nI believe that all of us, as Christians, are called to be involved in politics in the broadest sense of the word. If we look up definitions of the word 'political' in the dictionary, it means 'pertaining to civil government and its administration'; 'the art or science of civil government'. So although not all of us will necessarily b","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/finding-and-serving-god.b91EToZA_Zli2uA.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Finding the Part God Wants us to Play in His Drama","id":"finding-the-part-god-wants-us-to-play-in-his-drama","type":"article","categories":["pastoral"],"description":"August 2023\n\nOne of the differences between Jesus and you and me, is that Jesus chose to be born whereas you and I did not; we had no say in the matter whatsoever. We just discovered ourselves to be alive and kicking in this world; our arrival was nothing to do with us! So, is there a reason and a purpose why we are here?\n\nIn Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/finding-the-part.DrtC-98T_1rN5Ns.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"God, Me, and Ageing","id":"god-me-and-ageing","type":"article","categories":["pastoral"],"description":"July 2024\n\nNone of us can escape the fact that we are growing older! But how do we view this reality ~ with a sense of fulfilment or one of foreboding? Although many of us are living longer (quantity of life), are we living better (quality of life)?\n\nThis article looks at the benefits and drawbacks of being older and asks: What do older people need","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/god-me-and-ageing.CRmasYRY_10EDUO.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"God's Plan for Jewish People and the Land of Israel","id":"gods-plan-for-jewish-people-and-the-land-of-israel","type":"article","categories":["theology"],"description":"November 2017\n\nIt seems to me that in trying to understand God's plan for the Jewish people and the land of Israel, there is a veil that hangs over the minds of many Gentile believers. God is clear, throughout Scripture, that He has eternal plans for the people he originally chose to be His 'treasured possession' ('segullah' = the special, particul","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/gods-plan-for-the-jewish-people.CPpzdprH_11NucD.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Going Deeper with Jonah","id":"going-deeper-with-jonah","type":"article","categories":["bible-studies"],"description":"September 2024\n\nWhat do you make of the book of Jonah? It makes me laugh! Surely it qualifies as one of the best-known stories in the Bible, but is it just a ‘fishy tale’ or should we take it more seriously?\n\nThere is no doubt it is full of humour, satire, irony, hyperbole, and miracles, which all bring the story to life. It is also an emotional ro","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/going-deeper-with-jonah.CujTDWAu_1eHGyi.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Habakkuk - God’s Word for Today","id":"habakkuk-gods-word-for-today","type":"article","categories":["bible-studies"],"description":"May 2024\n\nIf you can find the book of Habakkuk it is well worth reading! It is short but packs a powerful punch, speaking, as it does, into the international and political situations the world faced then (and now), as well as having important lessons for us to apply personally and pastorally.\n\nHabakkuk is upset with God and questions him about what","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/habakkuk-gods-word-for-today.CI8xIAZC_Z14BKA5.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"How Antisocial is Social Media?","id":"how-anti-social-is-social-media","type":"article","categories":["lifestyle"],"description":"November 2024\n\nSmartphones and social media apps are here to stay and their use is increasing around the world. Although there are many positive benefits to this technology, it is also becoming clear that there are considerable downsides and dangers in how it is currently being promoted and used.\n\nThis article, which is something of a wake-up call,","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/how-anti-social-is-social-media.BZFNACCD_ocrBH.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"How does Forgiveness Work in a Victim-based, Blame culture?","id":"how-does-forgiveness-work-in-a-victim-based-blame-culture","type":"article","categories":["social-political"],"description":"October 2020\n\nThere is little doubt in my mind that, here in Britain, we now live in a predominantly victim-based, blame culture; but what does that mean? It means that we allow the things we have suffered and the wrongs we have experienced to become a key part of our identity. Psychologists now talk of the ‘chosen trauma’ that defines us.\n\nIt mean","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/how-does-forgiveness-work.DrQ29rt2_Z1crbvH.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"How is the Pandemic death toll affecting our faith?","id":"how-is-the-pandemic-death-toll-affecting-our-faith","type":"article","categories":["pastoral"],"description":"April 2020\n\nWhen Jesus finally got back to Bethany, death was in the air. Lazarus was dead and buried. Today, as I write this, there has been over 3000 deaths in Care Homes, just over 26,000 deaths in the UK as a whole and over 200,000 deaths worldwide linked to the coronavirus pandemic. Every day on the news there are heart-wrenching stories of lo","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/jesus-mary-and-lazarus.BRu_iZKl_Z1DVeuL.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Is Monarchy God's idea?","id":"is-monarchy-gods-idea","type":"article","categories":["social-political"],"description":"June 2023\n\nThe answer to this question will depend on how we approach the subject and how we qualify the question. We might ask, what kind of monarchy is it? , who is the monarch? , how did the King/Queen get power?\n\nFurthermore, how do they exercise power, keep power, or indeed have any power?\n\nTo whom are they accountable and do we believe that a","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/is-monarchy-gods-idea.BO8qCc2E_ZTQBSU.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"It’s Only Words…","id":"its-only-words","type":"article","categories":["pastoral"],"description":"October 2022\n\nThe Bee Gees pop group used to sing a song which had a line in it that said, ‘It’s only words, and words are all I have, to take your heart away.’ Does God say the same thing, I wonder?\n\nI suppose all of us would agree that words are important and are capable of bringing life and blessing or death and cursing. They can build up or bre","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/its-only-words.DLHclZVd_ZW9MKM.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Jesus and His Relationships","id":"jesus-and-his-relationships","type":"article","categories":["pastoral"],"description":"January 2025\n\nAlthough Jesus was a metaphorical theologian in that he created meaning through parable, dramatic action, storytelling, etc., and although he was a conceptual theologian in that he used ideas, reason, apologetics etc., I believe he was primarily a relational theologian. He taught theology by means of his relationships, which were, in ","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/jesus-and-his-relationships.BYL6wgLE_Z1xXDd9.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Look Out - There’s a Consumer Psychologist About!","id":"look-out-theres-a-consumer-psychologist-about","type":"article","categories":["lifestyle"],"description":"October 2023\n\nIn order to be effective, the Bible must speak into the culture of people today. Preaching, teaching, and witnessing, through any of today’s media channels whether it be publishing, broadcasting, speaking publicly, or the internet, must bridge the gap between the cultures of people living in Bible times and the different cultures of p","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/consumer-psychologist.O8UYkC29_Z2rqCJk.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"On Dying, Death and Resurrection","id":"on-dying-death-and-resurrection","type":"article","categories":["pastoral"],"description":"April 2025\n\nEaster, it seems to me, is a good time to reflect on dying, death and resurrection. It introduces us to the uniqueness of Jesus Christ and the Christian faith.\n\nHowever, if this subject is spoken about at all, it is often in rather hushed and muted tones; unless you are a poet, in which case you may feel drawn to allegorise and personif","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/on-dying-death-and-resurrection.aTtCwZii_1gXQEM.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Overcoming the ‘Giants’ in our Lives: David & Goliath","id":"overcoming-the-giants-in-our-lives-david-goliath","type":"article","categories":["pastoral"],"description":"April 2021\n\nOn a boiling hot day in the Summer of 2019, we had a family trip to Hatfield House, the home of the Marquess of Salisbury. As we wandered through the stately home, we eventually entered the cool of the Chapel to be faced with the wonderful stained glass East window. This window, dating from 1610, depicts 12 scenes from the Old Testament","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/overcoming-the%20giants-in-our-lives.CHBLd7O8_Z2sVAWn.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Perspectives on the Cross of Jesus Christ","id":"perspectives-on-the-cross-of-jesus-christ","type":"article","categories":["theology"],"description":"August 2020\n\nDown through the centuries, Christians have worshipped a crucified God. The cross is at the heart of Christian revelation, Christian knowledge, Christian experience, Christian prayer and Christian preaching. Paul says, confidently and boldly, “We preach Christ crucified.” (1 Cor.1:23)\n\nBut I wonder today if we have somewhat ‘sanitised’","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/perspectives-on-the-cross.BVhuzBrM_Z1V436Q.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Praise and Lament","id":"praise-and-lament","type":"article","categories":["pastoral"],"description":"April 2023\n\nI would like to begin by asking you, as I ask myself, this question: ‘What kind of a Christian are you? Do you tend towards being a praise Christian ~ forever praising? Or towards being a lament Christian ~ forever lamenting?’ Well, the pattern that God shows us throughout the Bible is that we are called to combine both praise and lamen","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/praise-and-lament.CQbKdn7l_Z12jyj4.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Racism, the Oppression of Black People, and a Biblical View of Slavery and Equality","id":"racism-the-oppression-of-black-people-and-a-biblical-view-of-slavery-and-equality","type":"article","categories":["social-political"],"description":"July 2020\n\nIn this article, I have tried to cover some of the main aspects of this multi-faceted issue in a way which will promote further discussion and exploration.\n\nWith a topic as complex as this, it is not possible to tie up all of the loose ends in this ongoing debate, but I hope and pray that what I’ve written will act as a catalyst in chall","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/racism-the-oppression-of-black-people.CC2lUKiR_Z1TCOKo.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Rebuilding after Destruction; Restoration after Desolation","id":"rebuilding-after-destruction-restoration-after-desolation","type":"article","categories":["social-political"],"description":"April 2026\n\nOne of the key themes in the Bible is rebuilding after destruction and restoration after desolation. We need to hold these opposites together to understand how God is at work in our global, international, national, local and personal circumstances.\n\nThis dynamic is also, I believe, hardwired into our psyche as human beings. We are bless","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/fft.rebuilding-after-destruction-restoration-after-desolation.2026-04-01.en.DQZO2zJB_ebu5P.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Supporting Your Football Team as a Quasi-Religious Experience","id":"supporting-your-football-team-as-a-quasi-religious-experience","type":"article","categories":["lifestyle"],"description":"November 2019\n\nI’ve often wondered why it is that tens of thousands of people will attend a top-class football match to support their team whereas, here in Britain at least, maybe only a hundred people or so will attend a Church Service.\n\nWhat are the psychological and spiritual needs the football match is meeting for its ‘disciples’ which is provi","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/supporting-your-football-team.CS4_MF_i_Z1FiKTT.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Temptation","id":"temptation","type":"article","categories":["pastoral"],"description":"March 2021\n\nTemptation is a common experience for everyone, whether they are Christians or not, but for Christians it is especially real, inevitable, and persistent. So it’s never a question of if we are tempted, only of when, where and how.\n\nThis is such an important area to be aware of in the Christian life, but one that I find is sadly neglected","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/temptation.DBxSL_Gd_18Jumv.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Tensions between Russia and Ukraine","id":"tensions-between-russia-and-ukraine","type":"article","categories":["social-political"],"description":"February 2022\n\nHere in the West, we tend to view our Christian faith mainly in the context of our own subjective experience, or in the context of our local Church and Community and maybe, occasionally, in our national context. This is good and necessary, but that vision is still limited; we also need to have an international perspective as we consi","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/genesis-10-11-tensions-between-russia-and-ukraine.C2Nm7rvJ_1Pr3DT.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Thank God for Carbon ~ in this life and the life to come","id":"thank-god-for-carbon-in-this-life-and-the-life-to-come","type":"article","categories":["science-environment"],"description":"January 2022\n\nPrepare for what I hope will be an exhilarating ride! In this article we will meander around the importance and uniqueness of carbon, look at some of the drawbacks and benefits of carbon dioxide, and consider the role of carbon in our present bodies.\n\nIt is good to be reminded of our geochemical origins, so we will visit the early cha","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/thank-god-for-carbon.CjE4sNYy_OCOC9.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life","id":"the-book-of-proverbs","type":"article","categories":["bible-studies"],"description":"January 2026\n\nThis article considers nine things we need to remember when reading and studying the Bible generally before turning to the Book of Proverbs specifically. We ask: “What is the Book of Proverbs?” “What is the nature of the wisdom it contains?” and “What are the areas of life in which wisdom is to operate?” We note also that Biblical wis","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/fft.the-book-of-proverbs.2026-01-01.en.BhxWkRGE_jzSJg.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"The Conception & Incarnation of Christ","id":"the-conception-incarnation-of-christ","type":"article","categories":["theology"],"description":"June 2021\n\nPart of the Nicene Creed states that: ‘[Jesus] came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man.’ But how could Jesus be conceived in such a way that he was both fully Divine and fully human?\n\nOne possibility is that God created a fully fertilised egg from nothing and implanted it in Mary’s","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/the-conception-and-incarnation.BXKMeCT2_jDjsP.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"The Doctrine of the Trinity","id":"the-doctrine-of-the-trinity","type":"article","categories":["theology"],"description":"June 2017\n\nThe doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation on which all other Christian doctrines are laid. Without the Trinity, God would be largely invisible, unknowable, unreachable and indescribable. But the Biblical revelation is that God has indeed made Himself known as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each having an entirely separate existence and","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/the-doctrine-of-the-trinity.Bvp_rCFJ_1f2lRB.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"The Dynamics of Discipleship (Part 1) ~ Come, Take, Learn","id":"the-dynamics-of-discipleship-part-1-come-take-learn","type":"article","categories":["mission-evangelism"],"description":"February 2024\n\nIn this first part of ‘The Dynamics of Discipleship’ we will concentrate on these words from Jesus: “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.","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/the-dynamics-of-discipleship-part-1.TO2_VWay_Z1Hwt94.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"The Dynamics of Discipleship (Part 2) ~ Go, Make, Teach","id":"the-dynamics-of-discipleship-part-2","type":"article","categories":["mission-evangelism"],"description":"March 2024\n\nIn the previous article “The Dynamics of Discipleship - Part 1”, we saw how important it is to begin by coming to Jesus together, receiving his gift of rest together, taking his yoke upon us together, and learning from him together (Mt. 11:28-30). Discipleship, therefore, is primarily a corporate activity; something we do together rathe","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/the-dynamics-of-discipleship-part-2.BWJphMyP_Z1I294z.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"The Great Divide - Luke 16:19-31","id":"the-great-divide-luke-1619-31","type":"article","categories":["bible-studies"],"description":"September 2022\n\nOne of the overarching themes of Luke’s gospel is the inclusive invitation to all people to become part of God’s family. It is entirely correct that every church should be an inclusive community that welcomes people of all kinds to encounter Christ and live for him. So much depends on this if we are to fulfil the purposes of God.\n\nB","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/the-great-divide.DJyKXl0f_ZnnYPr.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"The Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of the world","id":"the-kingdom-of-god-and-the-kingdoms-of-the-world","type":"article","categories":["social-political"],"description":"May 2021\n\nThe questions I would like to address in this article are: How does the Kingdom of God relate to the kingdoms of the world? How does the Kingdom of God relate to the Church? How are we to enter and live fully in the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, rather than succumb to the seductive fantasy of false kingdoms and empires which ","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/which-kingdom-do-we-belong-to.Cre6FwSP_1JX2XH.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"The Marriage Debate","id":"the-marriage-debate","type":"article","categories":["pastoral"],"description":"February 2023\n\nThis article is about my understanding of the nature of marriage from a Biblical, Christian point of view. It covers created sexuality (based on Genesis chapter 1 & 2), fallen sexuality, and redeemed sexuality, before moving on to consider what the arguments and beliefs are of those who agree with same sex civil partnerships and same","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/the-marriage-debate.otfvJXrd_Z7UiLE.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"The Parable About How To Have Friends Beyond The Grave","id":"the-parable-about-how-to-have-friends-beyond-the-grave","type":"article","categories":["bible-studies"],"description":"July 2022\n\nThis is probably one of Jesus’ most challenging parables and he told it with his disciples firmly in mind - verse 1. It is challenging because it is entirely to do with our attitude towards money, and the way we use it in this life. And how we use it in this life, Jesus says, has eternal consequences.\n\nI have never been one for having lo","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/the-parable-to-help-us-know.BOjKqy4g_21Pm9B.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"The Parable of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Two Lost Sons. (Luke 15:1-32)","id":"the-parable-of-the-lost-sheep-the-lost-coin-and-the-two-lost-sons-luke-151-32","type":"article","categories":["bible-studies"],"description":"June 2022\n\nI realise that this title is a bit of a mouthful, but it probably more accurately describes the single parable Jesus told in this passage from Luke’s gospel. Any other title (or pictorial representation) is likely to be a distortion which could lead to a misunderstanding of what Jesus is saying here.\n\nUnfortunately, most of our Bibles ch","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/the-parable-of-the-lost-sheep.-K34j5fT_Z2oDm4y.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"The Problem of Men’s Violence Towards Women & Some Ways Of Addressing It","id":"the-problem-of-mens-violence-towards-women-some-ways-of-addressing-it","type":"article","categories":["social-political"],"description":"March 2021\n\nSometimes a single violent event in the life of a nation seems to grab the attention of the entire nation in a particularly powerful way. This may be due not only to the brutality of the attack itself, but also because it highlights and draws attention to a much deeper and wider malaise in society generally.\n\nSuch an event was surely th","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/violence-against-women.B0qpuiWi_saoPR.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"The Seeing Blind man & the Blind Seeing Man","id":"the-seeing-blind-man","type":"article","categories":["bible-studies"],"description":"October 2025\n\nThis passage from Luke's gospel (18:35-19:10) is contrasting two very different types of seeing and two very different types of men.\n\nFirstly, we have the unnamed, unemployed, poor, blind beggar man, who could see spiritually but not physically (until Jesus healed his physical sight). And secondly, we have Zacchaeus, the named, small ","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/fft.the-seeing-blind-man.2025-10-1.en.rn2izRNH_Z1LBGif.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"The Twin Dangers Of Taking God’s Love Out Of Context and Describing His Love As ‘Unconditional’","id":"the-twin-dangers-of-taking-gods-love-out-of-context-and-describing-his-love-as-unconditional","type":"article","categories":["theology"],"description":"May 2020\n\nWhat’s The Problem?\n\nI am writing this piece in an attempt to counterbalance two trends I have noticed in the Christian community which I think have become unbalanced.\n\nFirstly, I believe there is an over-emphasis on God’s love at the expense of all His other attributes, and secondly, we hear a lot of people talking today about God’s ‘unc","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/the-twin-dangers.BBs3Utv6_ZoYbEQ.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"The Upside-down Christ and His Upside-down Kingdom","id":"the-upside-down-christ-and-his-upside-down-kingdom","type":"article","categories":["social-political"],"description":"December 2022\n\nA few months ago, my wife and I went to the Science Museum in London with three of our grandsons. In the interactive ‘Wonder Lab’, we looked into a mirror and appeared to be standing on our heads; we were inverted, turned upside down! It was quite an unsettling experience. However this, it seems to me, is exactly what Christ does whe","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/the-upside-down-christ.JXHUUoO__2ruNlA.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"To Be, or Not to Be, - that is the Question ~ Euthanasia and Voluntary Assisted Dying","id":"to-be-or-not-to-be-that-is-the-question-euthanasia-and-voluntary-assisted-dying","type":"article","categories":["social-political"],"description":"November 2023\n\nAs Hamlet wrestled with this question of ‘to be or not to be’ (Act 3 scene 1), he was debating, in his own mind, whether to commit suicide or not. What were the pros and cons of killing himself, remembering that in Shakespeare’s day attempting to commit suicide (called ‘self-murder’ in those days) was declared illegal by the State an","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/to-be-or-not-to-be.DiQJhto6_Z1G4QVv.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"What is the Church and Does it Have a Future?","id":"what-is-the-church","type":"article","categories":["theology"],"description":"July 2025\n\nIn some parts of the world, the Church is floundering whilst in other places it is flourishing! Why the difference?\n\nI believe it is only when we see the Church functioning as God describes it i.e. as the family of God, the flock of Christ, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, the building of God, the bride of Christ and the body of Christ","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/what-is-the-church.BoQPM2k7_Zl5mLk.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"What time is it? - The significance of past, present & future in God’s revelation of Himself & His salvation plan","id":"what-time-is-it-the-significance-of-past-present-future-in-gods-revelation-of-himself-his-salvation-plan-this","type":"article","categories":["theology"],"description":"November 2018\n\nThis may be a controversial piece but I hope it will bring a more Biblical understanding of the significance of time in God’s dealings with us. It could be controversial because we live in an ‘instant’ age where we must have everything now, whereas God says ‘wait’; it is probably controversial because we often have an unbiblical view","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/what-time-is-it.Dsk3qgJ6_1brBHQ.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"What To Do When Anxieties Threaten To Overwhelm Us","id":"what-to-do-when-anxieties-threaten-to-overwhelm-us","type":"article","categories":["pastoral"],"description":"April 2020\n\nWe are living in uncertain times, and uncertainty, in and of itself, can contribute to feelings of anxiety. We like to know what is happening and to be in control of our lives and some of this has been taken away from us by the coronavirus pandemic. What does the future hold?\n\nOver the years, in counselling other people with their anxie","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/what-to-do-when-anxieties.DZNXUSsu_KFaE.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"What Was/Is God Saying to Us in 2020 and Through Into 2021?","id":"what-wasis-god-saying-to-us-in-2020-and-through-into-2021","type":"article","categories":["prophetic"],"description":"January 2021\n\nAlthough we were all in the same pandemic storm in 2020, we were all in different boats in the storm and were impacted very differently. Although my wife and I have been restricted in some of our activities and have had, like everyone else, to get used to much less direct face-to-face contact time with family and friends, in other way","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/what-was-is-god-saying.CdGuTCRa_ZaPqrU.webp","width":256,"height":364}},{"title":"Where have all the Prophets gone?","id":"where-have-all-the-prophets-gone","type":"article","categories":["prophetic"],"description":"November 2020\n\nToday, it seems to me, we are awash with people who tell us exactly what they think, perhaps having imbibed Descartes’ maxim, ‘I think, therefore I am.’ And I am certainly aware, as I write this, that I could be falling into the same trap!\n\nBut where are the people today, among God’s flock, who share with us, not what they think or w","language":"en","image":{"src":"/_astro/where-have-all-the.OK_X0hyb_Z1tkYcB.webp","width":256,"height":364}}]}