I have been invited to speak at St. Andrews College Chapel this Thursday. The theme for the term is “Faith”. So I’ve chosen to talk about the relationship between science and faith. It’s a relationship that is frequently fraught both inside the church and out. Based on the first creation narrative in Genesis 1, I’ve offered some thoughts. Let me… Read more →
Spirit level: Can we have more or less Holy Spirit?
I was asked the other day whether we can have more or less Holy Spirit, or do we have the whole holy Spirit the whole holy time? Instead of answering the person directly, I thought I’d place it in the public realm to see what others think. So let’s start up our new show, kind of like Dr. Phil or… Read more →
Devotion: Mission of God
The Trinity mini-series (part two) “Why the Trinity Matters” Small group devotion The purpose of this discussion is to talk more deeply about what Mission is, and what our role is in Mission. Mission is a pretty broad idea. Brainstorm the many different ways that the term “Mission” is used both in the church and in secular society. Which images/ideas… Read more →
Devotion: The Trinity
The Trinity mini-series (part one) “Why the Trinity Matters” Small group devotion The purpose of this discussion is to discuss why it matters for our daily lives that we worship a Trinitarian God. Here are some frequently used analogies of the Trinity: Water, ice, steam Light-bulb, the light, and the heat A three-leafed clover An egg with shell, white, and… Read more →
We go to church to understand God less
I’m reading a beautiful book at the moment entitled “Mister God, This Is Anna.” There are many gems, but this is one: “When you’re little you ‘understand’ Mister God. He sits up there on his throne, a golden one of course; he has got whiskers and a crown and everyone is singing hymns like mad to him. God is useful… Read more →
Some Juicy Gossip
Well, if you clicked on this link because of the title “some juicy gossip” then firstly, shame on you! — for perpetuating the cycle of gossip! And secondly, you have successfully been duped because you’ll find no gossip here…mwa ha ha haa. Don’t leave. Please don’t leave… … But seriously, let’s talk about gossip… Our Mondayitis! series has come to… Read more →
Devotion: A Working Faith
Mondayitis! series (part six) “A Working Faith” Small group devotion The purpose of this discussion is to get your group thinking about what work is, and what its relationship is to faith. On Sunday, we were grateful to have Alistair Mackenzie (theology-of-work guru) sharing with us on what it means to have “a working faith”. He has been part of… Read more →
Devotion: The World is Not an Oyster!
Mondayitis! series (part four) “The World is Not an Oyster” Small group devotion The purpose of this discussion is to discuss what God’s wisdom looks like compared to our wisdom, which is rooted in selfish ambition. Jordan began with this comical news article about a popular vote that went awry. What are some other instances in your life where public/popular… Read more →
Earth Day: A shameless plug
Happy Earth Day everyone! In honour of this special occasion, let me give yet another shameless plug as to why we should care for our planet. Of the very limited readership to frequent the Living Room blogsite, there are probably three reactions right now: Huzzah! Yes! I’ve been holding out for yet another shameless creation care blog! This is so… Read more →
Intercession: Ecuador
Hi Roommates, Just a quick post to encourage you to pray for the people of Ecuador this week. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the coastal South-American nation on Saturday night. You can read about it here. If you don’t know what to pray, here is a short pray you might like to use. I have based it on James 3:13-18,… Read more →