U-turns Permitted

Today we look at the virtue of Chastity. This also carries a very spiritual association, especially for the early church. Knowing God's love is the foundation to treating others with love and respect, especially when it comes to sexuality. 

The next Virtue in our series on the 7 Virtues is "Diligence". You may think you know what is coming, but you may only be partly right.

We are in a new series on the 7 Virtues - the virtues recognized by the church through the ages as the classic "fruit" of being united with Christ. The first in the series, "Charity" could not be recorded. This is the second in the series, on the Virtue of Temperance.

The week before Pentecost 2020 has arguably been one of the worst weeks in America in living memory. A global pandemic, displayed racism, protests, riots and lootings, more than 40 million Americans unemployed. The Holy Spirit, active in and since Creation, comforts, renews and challenges us as individuals, churches and a society.

Today we close the Lord's Prayer with the doxology - the last phrase, in which we confirm that the kingdom, power and glory belong to God - and Jesus - and Him alone. IN this time of COVID-19, when the empire is crumbling around us, these words should be our foundation.

During lockdown we all need to receive and extend forgiveness. Well, anytime, actually, but perhaps especially now. This petition is very powerful and very practical. "Forgive us our debts/sins, as we forgive those who sin against us." But is it really so conditional? What if forgiveness was not conditional, but a dance?

Today we look at this petition of the Lord's Prayer. Upon hearing this petition, every Israelite in the time of Jesus would have thought of the Exodus and the provision of manna in the desert. That link brings us into the realm of Empire and God's Kingdom. We read Exodus 16:1-18. 

Today we look at this second petition of the Lord's Prayer. It is a powerful prayer (message) for this time of crisis. It is a "risky, crazy prayer of submission and commission, or, if you like, the prayer of subversion and conversion". (NT Wright)

Today we start a short series on The Lord's Prayer, in this time of coronavirus, lockdown and uncertainty on all sides. Perhaps this time is driving more of us to more prayer, and this prayer of Jesus can help direct and guide our prayers. Today we start with the first petition: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name."

On this most strange of Easters for all of us, we look at what the men and women who experienced that first Easter felt as they began to realize what had happened. Then we move to what Jesus said to them as he met them in different contexts in the following weeks. We can identify with the first celebrants of Easter in these days; let's hear the words of Jesus spoken to them and to us on this coronavirus Easter.