Monthly Archives: January 2011

Fellowship of Word and Spirit conference

Posted on January 31, 2011 by

I’m at the Fellowship of Word and Spirit conference in Swanwick, Derbyshire for the next couples of days and will blog any notes I take from the sessions by Paul Gardner and Liam Goligher.  

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How can I be spotless and filthy at once?

Posted on January 27, 2011 by

In his sermon on Song of Songs 1:7-8, C.H Spurgeon writes the clearest explanation of the gospel; that I can feel filthy and know I am spotless at the same time: Song of Solomon 1:7-8 Tell me, O thou whom … Continue reading →

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Burns nicht poem: Holy Willie’s Prayer

Posted on January 25, 2011 by

My kids came home from school, in West Bromwich, and asked if we could celebrate Burns night. “You’re Scottish, dad, we should celebrate.” “Aye, but I’m an east coaster and we didnae really celebrate Burns nicht oan the east coast.” … Continue reading →

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Why you don’t have to be “good” to get to heaven

Posted on January 24, 2011 by

There are four types of people Jesus addresses in his gospel.  They have a mixture of pride or humility, ungodliness or godliness. Lots of people confuse these categories. They assume that “good” people are humble and godly and “bad” people … Continue reading →

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When you know all trust has gone from society

Posted on January 21, 2011 by

It’s my day off. The vicar’s wife and I popped over to Walsall for a look around, where else? We hadn’t been before. After a browse at the Walsall museum, we strolled into town and I passed a branch of … Continue reading →

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Will Gay only B&Bs be forced to close under equality ruling?

Posted on January 19, 2011 by

Yesterday’s ruling in court that hotel owners cannot discriminate on grounds of sexuality puts many Gay only hotels on the wrong side of the law. Although the ruling is a small victory for the two men claiming to be upset … Continue reading →

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Tracing routes to liberalism

Posted on January 18, 2011 by

In his letter to Titus, the apostle Paul writes “An elder must hold firmly to the trustworthy message he’s been taught so he can encourage others with sound doctrine.” By sound doctrine Paul means the biblical sort. There are various … Continue reading →

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Working for Christ in his absence?

Posted on January 17, 2011 by

I’ve been thinking about crucifixion, mortification and prayer and the route to ministry burnout. This extract from Spurgeon’s sermon on Song of Solomon 1:7-8 “The good shepherdess” is a great encouragement never to lose sweet fellowship with Christ: I know … Continue reading →

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Oh to speak with conviction

Posted on January 13, 2011 by

My earlier post on mortification, crucifixion and prayer not only addresses ministry burnout but also conviction.  When I am tired and prayerless I am more alive to sin than dead to it and that includes a lack of conviction of … Continue reading →

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Preacher, what do you depend on?

Posted on January 12, 2011 by

I often feel inadequate as a preacher.    I don’t know if this is because of being dyslexic in a word ministry. It is very easy to convince myself that non-dyslexic preachers must have it much easier than me. In some … Continue reading →

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