Monthly Archives: November 2011

From the vicarage Dec 2011

Posted on November 30, 2011 by

Can you remember what it’s like as a child when you open the first window of your advent calendar?  You feel the thrill of the start of the countdown to Christmas as you discover what’s behind the first window.  It … Continue reading →

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Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands – chapter 7 insights

Posted on November 29, 2011 by

Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands – chapter 7 I liked the opening story of the seminary student seeing problem people as “projects” to be sorted to enable the real work of ministry to continue unobstructed.  In my least loving and … Continue reading →

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Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands – chapter 6 insights

Posted on November 28, 2011 by

Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands – chapter 6 This chapter is a hinge in the book between the opening foundational theology of fallen but redeemed people in God’s world and he work of ambassadors of Christ applied to counselling.  It … Continue reading →

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Why you don’t need to clean yourself up before God. Matt Chandler.

Posted on November 24, 2011 by

You know that feeling when you’ve offended someone and even after saying sorry there’s a bit of an atmosphere?  Jesus justifies sinners before God so that there’s no more atmosphere, no awkwardness, between God and us.  When Jesus justifies sinners … Continue reading →

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Need encouragement to pray? I do. Matt Chandler helps.

Posted on November 17, 2011 by

Do you struggle to pray? This is probably the most encouraging 4 minutes and 2 seconds I’ve heard on why Christians should wrestle in focused intercession: Matt Chandler on prayer.

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McConnell & Forbes: why you don’t need to be like them

Posted on November 16, 2011 by

I have really benefitted from hearing Duncan Forbes (The council estate Christian) teach at Reaching the Unreached and from listening to Mez McConnell’s testimony online.  These two guys from the estate who are now reaching the estate are great examples … Continue reading →

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The work Mez McConnell is doing as a model for Holy Trinity

Posted on November 15, 2011 by

If you have an hour to spare, perhaps whilst you’d otherwise be listening to the radio, then why not listen to this inteview with Mez McConnell on the IX Marks website? His story of a life in care, serious criminality, … Continue reading →

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The lasting power of Reformed Experiential Preaching: Joel R. Beeke

Posted on November 14, 2011 by

Favourite books need to be re-read and re-read.  One of my top re-reads is Puritan Reformed Spirituality by Joel R. Beeke.  In this collection of essays, something which makes this an easy re-read, Beeke creates a wonderful blend of biography, … Continue reading →

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Jesus: Saviour and role model? Francis Chan

Posted on November 9, 2011 by

You really, really, really, really, really, really like Jesus but you don’t really want to become like him.  Why not?  Here’s Francis Chan on Christ’s humility and suffering and our being humble and sacrificial.

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Lessons for the life of Thomas Boston #6 – don’t let first impressions last

Posted on November 8, 2011 by

This is an extra post in a series of five posts on lessons for ministry from the life and times of Thomas Boston. Lesson #6 – don’t let first impressions last. In 1711 Thomas Boston moved 30 miles east from … Continue reading →

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