Before any of us expected, we are back into the swing of a General Election campaign. Last night as I listened to the news of manifesto claims and counter claims, I was drawn back to what must be the greatest manifesto of all time. In Luke Chapter 4, the Gospel...
A couple of times in recent weeks, I have shared with others about George Muller (1805-1898). Muller was a German, who was so moved by the poverty that he encountered in Bristol, that he gave his life to care for over 1000 orphans and establishing a network of schools that...
We are encouraging people to stay behind on Sunday morning for a Bring n Share meal. Now I appreciate that some will be unable to do so. However, I am writing as a simple encouragement to highlight the priority of eating together. Because, all too often we make distinctions between...
Starting this week, Christians from different traditions will begin their observance of Lent. Although the Apostle Paul instructs the Colossians “not to let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbath.” (Col 2:16-17), I am aware...
I arrived home yesterday evening from the annual Life in the Spirit conference. As ever, I found myself both challenged and encouraged. There is however one phrase which seems to have lodged itself in my mind. My close friend Sam Ward, Director of the Eden Network said that ‘the opposite...
Whenever I read the books of Moses, I am again surprised by the frequent mentions of blood, guts and thunder. How then should we deal with such horror in an age where some simply focus on the love, mercy and kindness of our Heavenly Father? Should we be embarrassed and...
Earlier this week, I was again reading the life of Joseph from the book of Genesis. Despite having read the passage on dozens of occasions, the story again gripped me. Having been born with a proverbial silver spoon in his mouth, Joseph was sold into slavery, prospered as head of...
Last Friday I had the responsibility of leading and speaking at my father’s funeral. Although, as you can imagine, it was a difficult time, it was also an incredible privilege, to both honour my father and the God he served. Immediately before the committal, we read Psalm 103. In the...
I am thrilled that this Sunday morning we will be celebrating the expansion of our CAP Debt Centre in order to serve Didcot and its surrounding areas. Only two years ago, we gathered with St. Mary’s, Cholsey and Wallingford Baptist at the Regal Centre in order to launch this ministry....
I am sure that for millennia, those with faith and those with none start each New Year with a renewed sense of hope. They hope that their struggles can be consigned to history and that the New Year will bring with it new opportunities. Yet as we all know, things...
