It’s been a while since I last posted a blog, but following on our Judges series, I thought it would be good to explore a bit further how do we read the Bible responsibly? In some ways I don’t like that question… “Responsibly” is quite a limiting, restrictive, narrowing, and serious word. I believe as we encounter the living God… Read more →
Fruit series part five MEEKNESS Small group devotion Each week we’ll be digesting a different aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. This week: MEEKNESS. We’ll explore times when we feel out of control, and what we do about it. Opening question: Share a time you’ve felt out on control. How did you feel? How did you get through it?… Read more →
One of my favourite theological discoveries this year has been John Zizioulas. He is best read with a glass of French red, a furrowed brow, and an air of pretension. Among many other gems, he talks about remembering the future. No, it’s not a new sci-fi time-travelling thriller. No, he’s not a new-age soothsayer. No, it’s not heresy. I think.… Read more →
Fruit Series part four PATIENCE and SELF-CONTROL Small group devotion Each week we’ll be digesting a different aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. This week: PATIENCE and SELF-CONTROL. This is a chance for your group to share about the some of the trip-ups in their life. It could be a vulnerable time so it may be worth reminding the… Read more →
Fruit series part three PEACE Small group devotion Each week we’ll be digesting a different aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. This week: PEACE. How can we build peace in our personal lives and as a faith community? Opening activity: Jordan finished by talking about the origami crane as a symbol for peace. If you want, begin by constructing… Read more →
Does anyone remember this ad promoting driving safety a few years back? Bobby McFerrin’s tender tones sharply juxtapose the footage of traffic accidents that progressively worsen as the ad goes on. The message “don’t worry, be happy” sounds good, but pushing a little deeper it is fairly problematic and quite frankly unhelpful advice at the best of times! The crumpled… Read more →
Fruit series part two JOY Small group devotion Each week we’ll be digesting one of the fruits of the Spirit. This week: JOY. What is joy? Is it different from happiness and if so, how? Opening activity: Get each member of the group to share a dream of something that would make them happy. OR ask them to share times… Read more →
We hear the parable of the Good Samaritan so much that it’s hard to be impacted by it. And if we are impacted by it, it’s often to become more like the Samaritan — an admirable goal and one I’d in no way want to discourage! But is this all Jesus was wanting to say? The story ends with the… Read more →
Fruit series part one LOVE Small group devotion Each week we’ll be digesting one of the fruits of the Spirit. This week: LOVE. What is love? How should we love? Opening activity: Begin by making a bit of a collage of things that represent love (maybe draw them, or do a google search to see what comes up — just… Read more →
This Sunday at the Living Room we have an exciting panel discussion on Christian unity and diversity, particularly in the Christchurch context. We have a top notch panel: Rev. Spanky Moore, whom you may know as the Salt&Light guy, the university chaplain, a radio DJ or all of the above. Chris Hannen, who is the Director at the Laidlaw Christchurch… Read more →