One of the blessings of being a native English speaker is that I have the Bible, God’s Word, in my own language and in so many different translations. This is a privilege that many people can take for granted. I worry that many Christians today have become numb to the joy and honour that itContinue reading “Context keeps you right… or at least it should!”
Category Archives: Blog
Dear Pastor, Theologian & Author, simple is generally better!
I read tons of books of all kinds; some academic, some study books, some theological books for the ‘average Joe’ and some general Christian life books. I listen to lots of sermons; some conference addresses, some seminary graduation addresses, but the majority probably in the church service context. So often I hear pastors, theologians andContinue reading “Dear Pastor, Theologian & Author, simple is generally better!”
Holiness, a list of ‘do-nots’ or a divinely enabled life?
Holiness, that’s probably a word you hear about a fair wee bit in church. Many of our songs speak about God’s holiness. Preachers describe God as holy, and rightly so. But how often do we talk about, sing about or preach about our own holiness? Maybe you’re part of a generation that saw holiness inContinue reading “Holiness, a list of ‘do-nots’ or a divinely enabled life?”
Reactionary theology isn’t helpful
Situations change, life circumstances can be thrown outside of what we would consider ‘normal’ at any given point. The question is, how do we react in those times? If it’s something relatively small we just fix the problem, change a behaviour, address any fall out and we’re good to go right? But what do weContinue reading “Reactionary theology isn’t helpful”
Pastors, get training!
I currently live and pastor in Scotland, a country that has a strong spiritual history, but sadly that is not the case anymore. The percentage of the population that would consider themselves Christian is unbelievably low and an increasing amount of churches are compromising on the gospel. Some people are taking the view that thisContinue reading “Pastors, get training!”
Does your view of Israel diminish the work of the Cross?
In the UK we have just recently celebrated Easter, the wonderful celebration and time of the year that Christians remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. Easter is not the only time of the year that we should remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus, this should be celebrated as a local bodyContinue reading “Does your view of Israel diminish the work of the Cross?”
Don’t waste your isolation!
How many times in prayer meetings, or discussions with brothers and sisters in Christ, have we said “I just wish I had more time!”? We’re surrounded by constant distractions and things that pull on our time. Prayer time is shortened, Bible reading is all but gone except for a wee quick verse in the morningContinue reading “Don’t waste your isolation!”
Water in the Wilderness
A short devotional on John 7:37… “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” John 7:37 Last year my wife and I spent nearly 2 months in the Middle East. Our days were filled with sand filledContinue reading “Water in the Wilderness”
Sex; a taboo or a hobby horse?
If you take a look into many Christian bookshops today you’ll probably find multiple books (if not shelves) on the topic of sex and sexuality. Books about sex for people of all ages to read and learn; teenagers, students, parents, pastors, married couples, youth groups, books about how to teach your kids about sex andContinue reading “Sex; a taboo or a hobby horse?”
Apologetics ≠ Evangelism
In the social media post of my last book review I commented on the distinction between apologetics and evangelism. Why do I think that this is an important distinction? Because
Chalmers' Blog 