You and I probably would have been Nazis

It’s not inevitable – as some people in Germany clearly weren’t – but most of us seem to think definitely not me when we can’t escape the fact that most people in Germany really were. This one looks at one of the key reasons why and draws some lessons from it for us today.

Fire and flour at 2:00am

This is an interesting story from a missionary worth a read.

More thoughts on multilingual church

After a throwaway comment that distinct services in different languages were “sub-optimal” (from me), this one looks at why that seemed the best option to this particular church in Sweden. I fully understand the case (and am not wholly unsympathetic) but don’t agree. I may get round to writing up my own thoughts more fully, but this one is worth reading to get an understanding of some of the issues at play for those of us in multilingual settings and some of the questions we are asking of our services.

That awkward moment when you confuse natural order with fallen reality

‘Sin is what singularly severs the link between sex and procreation. Sin is what singularly obscures the truth of God’s created differentiation of the sexes. And tragically, sin is what makes men and women into equally self-serving opportunists. How wonderful that the gospel brings redemption, forgiveness and hope to all sinners alike!’

What happens when the governing authorities are the wrongdoers?

This was an interesting one looking at what should and could happen when the civil authorities wrongfully convict somebody using laws and procedures that they know to be unjust.

The case for wine in communion

I am neither teetotal nor inherently against the use of wine in communion. There is so much in this that I agree with and so many logical moves I can get behind. But I don’t think the conclusion is one of them. I don’t find it ultimately compelling. I am not convinced this is the matter of mandate and import being argued here, even if I am sympathetic to lots of the case being advanced. I am looking forward to Andrew Wilson’s follow up questions and comments. See what you think.

From the archive: How do you tell people about Jesus when they don’t speak your language?

‘In predominantly indigenous white British contexts, it is rare to meet people with whom you can’t easily communicate on any level. Yes, there may be folks with low literacy, but usually you can still speak with them. And even the guys with low literacy can read a bit, just not necessarily brilliantly well. But in areas that are full of non-indigenous people – like our town – it is quite common to meet people who can’t easily communicate with you… So how are we supposed to reach these people with the gospel?’