Building the City
I was busy yesterday conducting another funeral. It was for a bricklayer called John Mason. He was well named Mason, because his working life centred around the building trade.. Preparing for John's funeral got me thinking about the biblical references that invite us to think more clearly about how we build our lives. What kind of foundation are we building upon. In 1 Corinthians 3. 10 Paul the Apostle writes about the importance of a foundation that is eternal. Only...
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I've often told you I have the best job in the world. Today I was sad yet in the midst of the sadness I was inspired, as I conducted the funeral of a dear friend of mine. She was 101 years old and I have known her for 30 of those years. As I was conducting the service, I began to think how amazing the church family really is. Here was a woman who had spent 101 years being an active interested member of this congregation. For even when she appeared inactive due to...
I'm somewhat disappointed at the lack of foresight by those who closed St Paul's Cathedral, sighting 'health and safety' as the main reason. Due to the protesters on the streets surrounding the Cathedral, there appears to be the possibility of congestion and potential for harassment of worshippers.I assume they fear trouble might start up again as when the riots took hold of London in the Summer. However, I notice that Starbucks are open as is every other business in...
When David slew Goliath with a sling we are told that all Israel rejoiced at his death. When I read such words I can't quite understand, I can't get excited about any human beings death. I think it is hard for those of us who have lived in stable democracies all our lives to imagine how it must feel when the person whom you have lived in fear of is within your grasp to remove from power. I heard an interesting story about two Libyan civil servants who were alone with...
Someone asked a question of me recently. It was this, how is it possible for Christians to have a relationship with the historical figure of Jesus Christ? I think it was an excellent question. The questioner was seeking to understand the kind of relationship that Christians claim to have with this amazing person.
Yet are Christians any different from Elvis fans who believe that the spirit of Elvis lives on. What is the difference between Elvis impersonators and...