Passover part 2 Who is Jesus? part 62 - John 6:1-14 part 2 There is a statue outside the Accu Stadium in Huddersfield, which has had several names, including John Smith's Stadium, Galpharm Stadium, and Alfred McAlpine Stadium. The statue honors Herbert Chapman, the manager who led Huddersfield Town to win the FA Cup and …
Exploring God’s Righteousness in Romans 11:33-36
Doxology - Romans 11:33-36 Songs in the New Testament, part 4 I sat alone on a rock in a dark place. The odd flicker of torchlight lit for a moment and was gone. It was pitch black; nothing could be seen, and yet on the horizon the sky started to lighten; dawn was coming. The …
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The Significance of Grass in the Feeding of the 5000
What is so important about grass? Who is Jesus? part 61 - John 6:1-14 part 1 When I fly abroad or take the train, I'm always impressed by how green my country is. The UK is very green, and even urban areas that cover a small part of our land used to be green. We …
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Understanding John’s Gospel: A Journey Through Chapters 6-12
A Recap and Looking Forward Who is Jesus? part 60 - John Chapters 6 -12 So far in my look through John's Gospel I've only looked at the first 5 chapters, starting before Advent 2024, and now it's after Easter 2026. Think of it a slow walk through a park, taking time to rest or …
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Four types of Autism?
Prenatal Opioids Might Not Drive Autism or ADHD Risk This month both stories are taken from Psychiatrist magazine. I've got to be careful on this first one, being dyslexic I can't see the difference between Prenatal and Parental, and auto correct isn't going to bale me out. If I get it wrong please indulge me. …
A Poem for Easter
He was Raised Up Mary Magdalene He was raised upShe found the stone rolled back at dawnHis voice called her by name, drawing nearA breath that split the night, made clearLight of new morn He was raised up Cleopas He was raised upThey walked and spoke along the dusty roadA stranger turned their grief to …
A poem for Good Friday
They Took Him Down They took him downFrom cross to cold and hewn bare stoneIron's music sealed the open woundA hush fell heavy, swallowing all soundMercy pooled where grief met that same stone They took him down They took him downThey laid his hands, the pierced and quiet sideA strip of linen held the breath …
The Pitfalls of Healing Narratives in Church
Disabled Jesus, part 4b Re-reading the Healing Narratives Part 2: A Critique of Healing Culture This is the last in my Lenten season of reflective posts. I'm leaving Holy Week free, except for a Good Friday. Does your church have room for wheelchairs? Assuming they can get up the front steps, then what? Fixed pews …
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Jesus and Social Restoration: Understanding Healing
Disabled Jesus, part 4a Re-reading the Healing Narratives Part 1Social Restoration over Physical Fix Chronic pain is difficult, even when it isn't intense. One of my disabilities is osteoarthritis in my ankle, which requires me to use crutches. I can walk with one crutch or a walking stick, and I often do, but that causes …
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The Church, Disability, and Prophetic Witness
Disabled Jesus, part 3b Prophetic Presence: Subverting Power Dynamics Part 2 I have been watching the Winter Paralympics. Right now, vision-impaired skiing is on TV. The UK won a silver medal! Going downhill on skis with a brightly dressed guide when you only have 5% vision is frightening, even to watch. Well done, Neil Simpson. …
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