Blog (Page 45)
Misunderstanding the total depravity of humanity kills the gospel!
Understanding the doctrine of Total Depravity Much like the doctrine of election, the doctrine of depravity is yet another misunderstood, lampooned and oft criticised doctrine in our modern churches. Here is a working definition: The doctrine of total depravity asserts that people are by nature not…
Lust: It’s not a female problem is it?
Interesting little blog post here on this topic, rarely discussed from a female perspective.
What’s Next for church planting?
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/14365818]
Gospel Zeal
by Andy Constable Paul writes in Philippians 1:12 “Now I want you to know brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” There must have been questions flying round the church in Phillipi whilst Paul, their spiritual leader, was in prison. What’s going to happen to the gospel? What’s God doing here? Is Paul OK? But Paul reports that what…
Introducing Church Planting in Dubai!
One of the things I am very keen to do is to interview as many church planters as I possible can to see what we can learn from their experience and to share encouragements, ideas and resources. I am currently doing an Intensive course with Redeemer City to City, with a group of about 12 or so other planters from around the globe. One of then, Dave Furman has kindly agreed…
Growing Indigenous Leaders
We’re really blessed on the ministry team here at NCC to have 8 individuals with different gifts, abilities, and backgrounds. We wouldn’t be so effective as a team if we were all the same as Mez. God intends for His church to be a diverse body of believers (Rom 12:4-10, 1 Cor 12:14-31), and the ministry team benefits from a similar diversity. It would be…
Hand Up v Hand Out….Fight!!!
Please take the time today to read this (here) thought provoking article from Compassion on the plight of the poor around the world. We need to be careful in helping people out, that we are not creating problems rather than solving them. Many churches need a radical mind shift in how we ‘do’ justice and mercy.
What is God up to in our neighbourhoods? A book review
Missional – Joining God in the Neighbourhood by Alan Roxburgh (Baker Books, 2011) Right, where to start with this one? I have to say that I am still unsure what I think about this book. It is peppered with the usual painfully trendy phrases you associate with people who make a living out of,…
Does social action lead us away from the gospel?
Very often I am asked what my ‘position’ is on social justice and the gospel. Usually, I will feign a quizzical look before asking said person, ‘what do you mean by that?’ Generally, what they mean is how do I balance ‘loving people and providing for their needs over…
Taking the risk with your neighbours
I enjoyed this stimulating post on taking risks in reaching out to those around us. Read it here. Not sure of the ‘people of peace’ as a biblical concept but his fears and his approach to life as a Christian still resonate.