- We lost a paradise by sin,
and have gained a heaven by the cross.
Stephen Charnock (1628-80)
Until sin be bitter,
Christ will not be sweet.
Thomas Watson (1668)
The cross once seen
is death to every vice.
William Cowper (1835)
The tear of repentance is shed by the eye of faith, and faith, as it weeps, stands beneath the cross.
Horatius Bonar? (1880s)
Let them that will, repent, that Christ may do for them.
I believe what Christ hath done for me, that I may repent.
Thomas Boston (1720s)
A discovery of Christ
in the light of the Spirit,
wastes, weakens and withers
the body of sin.
Ebenezer Erskine (1730s)
If you will remember Christ's love, you will be lifted up from your crookedness, and made straight.
C.H. Spurgeon (1890)
Live in Christ, die in Christ, and then flesh need not fear death.
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Category Archives: From the vicarage
Broken (an advent lament) updated
Our A&E groans like a gangrenous laugh, satisfaction now far from both patients and staff. An NHS ward makes up the next bed, as suffering souls become targets instead. Consultants are drawn by satisfaction and pay, and the mind stretching … Continue reading
My immediate response to the Manchester terrorist attack.
I am writing on the morning after the bomb in Manchester which killed 22 people, injured another 59 and we are waiting for news of those who are still missing, including an eight year old girl. The nation and the … Continue reading
Fake news and the influence of the powerful has been around since the first Easter morning.
This is the text for my letter from the vicarage for May 2017. I am writing this on the day when Theresa May announced a snap general election. Already I am feeling, “No! Not another election!!” We’ve had the Scottish … Continue reading
How should I respond to sub-Christian mottos like “Good Disagreement” and “Radical Inclusion”
What follows is taken from my letter to Holy Trinity Church in our April magazine in response to the mottos “Good disagreement” and “radical inclusion” which are being banded about in Church of England circles at present. Dear brothers and … Continue reading
Posted in From the vicarage
Tagged good disagreement, group think, groupthink, Justin Welby, radical inclusion
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From the vicarage March 2017 – post synod reaction
“You never listen to me.” “He never listens.” Have you ever used one of these phrases? Has someone ever spoken to you that way? These words slip out when I am angry or frustrated, but do I really mean what … Continue reading
Posted in From the vicarage
Tagged From the vicarage, General Synod, Same sex attraction, Same sex marriage
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Holy Communion in a Venn Diagram
My sabbatical studies this summer focused on the theology and liturgy of the Communion Service in the Book of Common Prayer. One of the books which I found most helpful was Michael Horton’s A Better Way – rediscovering the drama of God-centred … Continue reading
Sabbatical Day 82: Reflection time and a sabbatical in numbers
In a scene of one of my favourite films, Gregory’s Girl, Clare Grogan (Susan) asks John Gordon Sinclair (Gregory) why boys are obsessed with numbers. He denies the charge until she shows him what he’s like and then he replies … Continue reading
Sabbatical Day 81: Project complete
I have finished (woop-woop) the three parts of my study guide, “Why should I go to church?” My aim is is to give people an understanding of God’s part and our part in the service of holy communion. The guide sets out the way … Continue reading
Posted in Extended Study Leave
Tagged ACNA, ACNA Catechism 2014, Calvin, Holy Communion
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Sabbatical Day 80: Jet lag in Darkest England
The Robbies got back a week ago from Singapore. My jet lag has just ended so I have the energy to blog. It was far more exhausting coming this way round the world, back to darkest England. Since returning, we’ve … Continue reading
Sabbatical Day 72: Christ Church Singapore and leaving SE Asia
There are times in the Christian life when various things fall in place and the Lord’s love and will is revealed in unexpected ways. The past week has been one of those times. Through two books, a whole Sunday at … Continue reading