“The Welsh are all actors…”

“…it’s only the bad ones who become professional.“

I think my favourite theologian at the moment might be Richard Burton. But then I’ve always been one for dubious heroes. However, if a serious Christian writer can go into print and say that Bob Dylan is his favourite theologian, then I’m having Richard Burton (and if you’re already lining up your rebukes, I’ll just start by quoting a little pre-emptive repost from the old boy right now – “You may be as vicious about me as you please. You will only do me justice.“)

But hear me out here. This is the man who said:-

“The more I study religions the more I am convinced that man never worshipped anything but himself.”

the right order

Sitting on a train last week, I got reading a book that made more than an occasional reference to Psalm 51: 12 onwards; ‘Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you’. I saw something new, and it it was challenging.

David, has two desires, right?

It’s a hard life…part 2

Last weekend I spoke in a youth conference in Italy organized by the guys at 9:37. Although I was very nervous about getting cultural applications wrong and the struggle to preach through an interpreter – I was pleasantly surprised. It was a great weekend, and the young people were really friendly, encouraging and genuine.

The cross cultural experience created a few thoughts in my mind:

It’s a hard life…

I am sitting in the sun, using free wi-fi, thinking about the Great Commission and getting ready to speak in a conference this weekend. Where? Lovely Italy.

It really is a hard life!

Get the Paddles Ready…

So that you know, my line of thinking started by asking this simple question, “What should be the Churches focus? Reaching the lost or Spiritually Maturing?” Now don’t just say both I said! That’s the cop out. The reality is when I say ‘both’ I actually end up focusing on the latter.

Married but Feeling Neglected?

Whilst flicking through my Scrabulous games on facebook, I noticed an advert that had the strap-line: “Married but Looking? Browse Profiles Anonymously, Flirt Online & Maybe More. Sign Up Free!” So out of some curiosity but more out of shock, I clicked the link. (Yes I know it’s a dangerous thing to do but I thought I could trust Facebook not to lead me to porn or virus infested sites.)

How much should we teach?

Interested? I am. Recently I’ve been thinking about the volume of teaching we receive as a Church. Then I listened to a CD on that very topic. Then I had a ‘meeting of minds’ with our very own JT on the subject (and I think I may have convinced him?)