Today, in the church’s liturgical calendar, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the universal church. Pentecost is a unique historic gospel event, arguably as central to the mission of the church as is the resurrection of Jesus. British Anglican pastor-theologian John Stott observes that Without the Holy Spirit, Christian discipleship …
A tale of two leaders
Many years ago, in my early 20s, one of the most significant books I read was a book on the Puritan theologians of the seventeenth century, written by J. I. Packer. Its American title is A Quest for Godliness, but my copy had the earlier British title, Among God’s Giants: Aspects of Puritan Christianity. Here’s how Packer begins …
Life beyond the tribal reflex
A topical sermon on the Letter of 2 John. Some books of the Bible arrive like thunderclaps. Others come almost unnoticed, like a trusted friend speaking after the noise has faded. The Epistle to the Romans belongs to the first category; the Second Letter of John belongs to the second. Thirteen verses. No dramatic narrative, miracles, …
The power of friendship with God
In recent months, English actor and comedian Russell Brand has made headlines over multiple allegations of sexual assault and rape, all of which he has disputed. This is on the top of earlier allegations of drug abuse, battery and criminal damage. Judging by media reports, he’s not the kind of guy you’d want your daughter or …
Why justice without mercy fails
Each year, as College Chaplain at Worcester College at the University of Oxford, New Testament scholar N. T. Wright would meet first year undergraduates, welcoming them to the college and breaking the ice. Most were happy to meet him; but others said, “You won’t be seeing much of me; I don’t believe in god.” I …
