Our friendships are personal. No two are alike. Jesus offered his followers friendship, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends..” John 15.15 (NIV11) What about your relationship with Jesus? Is it personal? Is it unique? Or is it a cookie-cutter […]
Month: November 2017
This is part 2 of a four-part series looking at some of the Greek words used to describe teaching and preaching. We continue with Parakaleo. Here are the references to its use in the NT: Matt 2:18; 5:4; 8:5, 31, 34; 14:36; 18:29, 32; 26:53; Mark 1:40; 5:10, 12, 17–18, 23; 6:56; 7:32; 8:22; Luke 3:18; 7:4; 8:31–32, 41; […]
Locations: Watford and Bracknell Special Occasion: none I was involved in services in Watford and Bracknell this last Sunday. Our entry to the building in Watford was delayed due to a misunderstanding about parking, but we got in eventually. Everyone rushed around setting up before taking a deep breath for a pre-service devotional. We needed […]
Do you enjoy silence? Is it scary? Is it enticing? Do you run towards it, or away from it? What part does it play in a healthy prayer life? When alone I walk around the house with a podcast broadcasting from the phone in my pocket. Car journeys are opportunities to catch up with podcasts. […]
This is part 1 of a four-part series looking at some of the Greek words used to describe teaching and preaching. We begin with Kerusso. Here are the references to its use in the NT: Matt 3:1; 4:17, 23; 9:35; 10:7, 27; 11:1; 24:14; 26:13; Mark 1:4, 7, 14, 38–39, 45; 3:14; 5:20; 6:12; 7:36; 13:10; 14:9; 16:15, 20; Luke 3:3; 4:18–19, […]
Previously Find the trends Test the Trends Teach on the Trends The final step is to teach the congregation. Why should we speak to the congregation about which ‘trends’ we consider to be acceptable? Because otherwise members may be inclined to practice whatever worship trend suits them without considering the filters above. They may also […]
Locations: Watford and Lower Earley Special Occasion: none I was involved in services in Watford and Lower Earley this last Sunday. Both had their own special and unique characteristics. I preached in Watford – with a difference. In one of his letters Paul tells Timothy: “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, […]
Why do we have 150 Psalms? Why is there such a big poetry book in the Bible? Why did God think we needed this resource? How can the Psalms help our prayers? We will delve into this topic today. Massive Manuals Recently I bought a new camera. I like my Canon EOS M6 […]
Is the word ‘preaching’ the wrong word? We have some challenges with that word – or idea … I have three tips for us to overcome the stigma associated with ‘preaching’ and ‘sermons’: Style Substance Spirituality Notes: Rom. 14:10 “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them […]
“..everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” 1 Corinthians 14.40 (NIV11) Last time we talked about surfacing the worship music trends around us. Have you done your congregational survey yet? If not, why not make your own version of the survey I posted previously and see what you get back. It might be very […]