Why do we confess our sins anyway? Particularly if, like those nuns, your sins are on the level of “I ate the extra sprout at dinner and didn’t tell Sister Delores, even though I know she really wanted it.” Does it really matter? … More Romans 5:1-11
John Wesley – great man, yes? I certainly can’t fault his enthusiasm, and his bro wrote some cracking hymns but (at this point I turn my back to the camera to protect my identity) … whispering … I’m not sure I’d have liked him that much. Is that a dreadful admission? … More Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
It’s that unpopular little word with I in the middle – sin.
Today is the first Sunday of Lent, so this is a good time to be thinking about sin. The Bible has some helpful illustrations. It is missing the target, overstepping the boundary, falling short. But there are plenty of misconceptions about sin as well. Our passage today contains a very important text, verse 12, which has shaped the way that many of us think about ourselves and sin … More Romans 5:12-21
This simple illustration shows how power is not held by those with the most human strength. You will need a rope something very heavy and strong, preferably a fixture such as a font. Secretly, if possible, tie one end of the rope to the immovable object. Ask for teams for a tug-of-war and have all … More Activity – If God be for us …
Great doctrines spanning centuries have been built upon two tiny words in this verse – ἐφ’ ᾧ – and churches have split over their interpretation. … More Essay on Romans 5:12
Israel jumped onto every passing bandwagon, adopted every passing religious fad, committed themselves to whatever latest celebrity idol was fashionable. At least the surrounding nations were faithful to their lumps of stone and wood and metal. … More Jeremiah 2:4-13
In the film ‘Johnny English’, the Archbishop of Canterbury has (somewhat inexplicably) the words ‘Jesus is coming, look busy’ tattooed upon his nether regions. This activity helps us to be aware of how we are living – ready for Jesus or not so much? You will need paper, pencil and a clock. Jesus said that we … More Activity – Time and Date
This activity helps us to explore our worth in God’s sight, and how that differs from how we often see ourselves. You will need a tall piece of paper such as ½ a sheet of A4 or a shopping list, and a pen. At the top of the sheet write ‘People like me because …’, then … More Activity -God likes me because …
This activity is a well-known illustration of priorities, and has many applications. There is a set of pictures you can use as well. You will need a tray and a glass jar. To fill it find something large, like ping-pong or golf balls; something medium-sized, like dried beans or gravel or nuts; and something small, like … More Activity – First Things First
This activity makes for some interesting mathematical fun as well as a a great take-home reminder of the mystery of the Trinity. The fact that I can’t quite get my head round it does not mean that it is not so. Works with maths. Works with God too. We’re going to make some joined-but-not-joined loops. They’re … More Activity – Trinity Rings
The Reflectionary 