Category: Christian Living

Australia, Britain, Christian Living, Culture, Politics, Scotland, The Free Church, The Record, USA

The Rise of Civic Christianity and the Collapse of the Church – The October Record Editorial

This is the editorial from the October Record – just out now.  The Rise of Civic Christianity and the Collapse of the Church It’s a somewhat strange paradox. As the church seems to be in decline, the number of religious items in the news increases and the clergy are everywhere. Tom Nairn’s quip that Scotland wouldn’t be free until the last Church of Scotland minister … Continue reading The Rise of Civic Christianity and the Collapse of the Church – The October Record Editorial

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Bible, Christian Living, Prayer, Preaching, St Peters, Theology, Worship

The Greatest Doctrine (Romans 8:28); Proverbs 1 and “It is Well With My Soul”

Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that Romans 8:32 contains the highest doctrine that there is.  After preaching on it last Sunday I am inclined to agree.  It is a profound and beautiful teaching – that is absolutely life changing once you get it and believe it.  Many of us were deeply moved and assured by it. You can here the whole service here or just the sermon … Continue reading The Greatest Doctrine (Romans 8:28); Proverbs 1 and “It is Well With My Soul”

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Apologetics, Christian Living, Ethics, Newspaper/Magazine Articles, Press Articles, Sex and sexuality, The Church in Scotland, The Free Church

How should the Church React to Inverness and Stornoway Gay Pride marches?

This is a version of a piece I wrote earlier today re the proposed Inverness and Stornoway Pride marches. unfortunately both were hacked – this is a rewritten, restored version which I hope is as near to the original as I can remember. I normally have a back up but for some reason didn’t with this one!  Apologies to those who posted comments on the … Continue reading How should the Church React to Inverness and Stornoway Gay Pride marches?

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Books, Christian Living, Jesus Christ, Sex and sexuality, the Church

Gay Girl, Good God

‘Oh no’ I thought[‘ here we go again’. Yet another memoir on being a gay Christian. But I had heard this girl was good…..so I ordered Gay Girl, Good God in the hope that it might not be bad. I was wrong….it is superb!   This is the book that Vicky Beeching should have written! There is so much that is good about it. It is … Continue reading Gay Girl, Good God

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Books, Christian Living, Culture, History, Jesus Christ

The World Turned Upside Down – Premier Thought for the Day 8

This weeks thought for the day from Premier. In a week when I have been reminded of the weakness of insipid Christianity – it’s always good to be able to turn to the real radical thing!This talk was based upon chapter 7 of Magnificent Obsession.  From which the following quotes are taken: “These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also” Acts … Continue reading The World Turned Upside Down – Premier Thought for the Day 8

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Christian Living, Culture, Evangelism, Jesus Christ, Radio

Is it ever ok to speak ill of the dead? and some reflections on funerals – BBC Radio Scotland

“Could you come on the show and talk about celebrity funerals – especially Barry Elliott of the Chuckle brothers”  was one of the strangest requests I’ve ever had from the BBC.  This is the resultant discussion. The story is that the MSP Trish Marwick had tweeted a derogatory comment about the Chuckle brothers after the death of one of them (Barry) in which she stated … Continue reading Is it ever ok to speak ill of the dead? and some reflections on funerals – BBC Radio Scotland

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Bible, Christian Living, Preaching, St Peters, USA

Led by the Spirit, Wisdom from Proverbs – sermons and worship from St Petes…

As I prepare for preaching in Memphis Sunday morning here is the sermon from last Sunday morning – again there was a tangible sense of the Lord’s presence with people in tears and just a joy at His goodness. And the service from the evening…again another stunning sermon from Sinclair on wisdom….enjoy… “It is however the design of Paul, as it will presently appear more … Continue reading Led by the Spirit, Wisdom from Proverbs – sermons and worship from St Petes…

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Christian Living, Culture, Evangelism, USA

Memphis Blues and Lessons from Aunt Jemima

I am currently in Memphis speaking at a conference on evangelism.  As Arnie would say ‘its good to be back’! But The South is changing.   And the Church is in trouble.  Of course that is not immediately obvious.  There are still the same large buildings, big congregations, incredible resources (they know how to look after their pastors)  and of course the glorious Southern hospitality. IPC … Continue reading Memphis Blues and Lessons from Aunt Jemima

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Christian Living, Evangelism, Newspaper/Magazine Articles, The Church in Scotland, Theology

Re-branding the Church of Scotland

The Courier and other newspapers have recently run main articles on the continuing decline of the Church of Scotland.   For example this one about the possible closure of Brechin cathedral – where the attendances are dreadful. Today’s Courier has another report in the same vein.  With some suggested solutions from Life and Work. The media are reporting the situation correctly – the Church of Scotland … Continue reading Re-branding the Church of Scotland

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Christian Living, Christianity, Culture, Equality, Newspaper/Magazine Articles, Politics, Scotland

Hide Your Crosses and Bibles – How Equality leads to the removal of public Christianity.

Cycling home last night I received a phone call from a journalist who wanted to ask my views on a story he was covering.  When he told me the story I had to stop before I fell off my bike.  Could you repeat that?   He did. This is the story. HIDE YOUR CROSSES AND BIBLES Watchdog’s warning that Christian symbols on display at funerals could … Continue reading Hide Your Crosses and Bibles – How Equality leads to the removal of public Christianity.

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