The Ascension of Jesus doesn't provide a neat resolution but calls us into the work of love, justice, healing, and reconciliation. As Jesus departs, He hands over this mission to His followers, inviting us to participate in the world’s transformation. The period of waiting before Pentecost is not about passively waiting for everything to be fixed, but about preparing, trusting that the Holy Spirit will empower us to act. From the nurse in a war zone to the teacher fighting for every child’s future, we are all called to move forward, even without all the answers, and trust that we are part of a larger movement for change. We wait, we hope, and soon—we will go. Read more on how the Ascension calls us into action despite the waiting.
Jesus
Hidden Seed of Hope
Hope Scrolling: Good Friday Hidden Seed of Hope By abrokenpastor #40DaysofHope #TheBrokenChurch #HopeScrolling
Persistent Power of Hope
Hope Scrolling 40 of 40 Persistent Power of Hope By abrokenpastor #40DaysofHope #TheBrokenChurch #HopeScrolling
Love. Hate. Run?
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..."Matthew 5:43-44 I'll be honest, I don't really have an enemy. There is no one that I know who I really, genuinely hate. The closest are probably those on the … Continue reading Love. Hate. Run?
Changing Seasons
Less than two weeks ago the final post in our advent series of guest blogs launched into the blogosphere and subsequently we welcomed in the first day of Christmas, yet it seems much longer. I awoke recently to the radio and heard a discussion about whether the 5th or 6th January marks the 12th Day … Continue reading Changing Seasons
What are the implications of transposing the Gospel narrative from a first century Middle Eastern context to that of twenty-first century Britain?
A dissertation submitted to The University of Manchester for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Theology in the Faculty of Humanities (Spurgeon's College: 2017) Abstract There is a common call from Christian preachers to imagine Jesus Christ conducting his earthly ministry (as described in the Gospel accounts) in the present day, and within the … Continue reading What are the implications of transposing the Gospel narrative from a first century Middle Eastern context to that of twenty-first century Britain?
The Church is Dead, Long Live the Church
The church is dead, long live the church! It is possible you have heard the phrase “The king is dead, long live the king.” It is a pronouncement made upon the death of a monarch where the succession of the new monarch is automatic. I suppose at some point we will hear the words “The … Continue reading The Church is Dead, Long Live the Church
I Believe
“I’m not sure what I believe.” There was a pause and I assured her that this was okay. She went on, “I mean, we have been taught about God in church but we have been taught all this other stuff in school that makes sense too. Evolution makes sense. So, I don’t know if I believe in God or not.” I could tell she was nervous saying this and other faces suggested they were interested to see and hear my response. Again, I assured her that this was alright. I appreciated her honesty and I think it’s better that we are honest about what we believe than to pretend. One after another the group all backtracked on their previous answers. It was liberating.
Come and have Breakfast
After Jesus’ resurrection there are surprisingly few stories in scripture telling us what he did, who he met and the witness that he was to the world. Matthew gives a couple paragraphs (Matthew 28), there is some debate about where the Gospel of Mark ends, but even the longest version only provides two or three … Continue reading Come and have Breakfast
God So Loved
Scripture does not say: “For God so love the world that he gave sickness and disease” “For God so love the world that he gave natural disasters” “For God so love the world that he gave pious prophets, apostles and preachers” “For God so love the world that he gave impossible tests and suffering” No, the Bible says: “For God so love the world that he gave his one and only son” (John 3:16)
The Broken Church 