denisvernon24

Sin and freedom. Part 1

Sin and freedom Part 1 Sin is inescapably tied up with freedom, for until we find a way to deal with sin we are not free, but if we can, then we will be truly free. Modern society exalts freedom as perhaps its highest aim, yet I don’t think it truly understands how freedom works,Continue reading “Sin and freedom. Part 1”

Forgiveness through Christ’s self-giving

Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world: have mercy upon us. We strive and strain, and sin. With supreme effort we repent. Inspired, we promise. All in vain. Distressed, we feel guilt and despair. All in vain. Hold us still Lord,Continue reading “Forgiveness through Christ’s self-giving”

It’s time to talk about sin. Part 2

It’s time to talk about sin Part 2 “Sin” has a root meaning of “falling short” or “missing the target” as when an arrow misses the bullseye. So, a focus on sin also means that we have a goal of achieving a life that is true to our principles, and it’s these goals that areContinue reading “It’s time to talk about sin. Part 2”

The only way is forward

Dear Lord, we have made mistakes, which we cannot undo. We have made poor choices, and, in failing to resist pressure, we have not stood by our convictions. We have slipped into temptation, or gladly chosen wrong-doing, only to regret it afterwards. Dear Lord, if we could go back and change those decisions, we wouldContinue reading “The only way is forward”

It’s time to talk about sin. Part 1

(This week’s article is about Sin and Freedom – coming in 4 parts) It’s time to talk about sin Part 1 Secular critics bemoan the way Christians are “obsessed” with sin. “It’s so negative, so pessimistic, so based on guilt”, they say, “time to leave it all behind”. However, my only interest in sin isContinue reading “It’s time to talk about sin. Part 1”

Tip towards hopefulness

Dear Lord, We pray that our measure of strength will outweigh our burdens so that the balance of our spirit tips towards hopefulness, That our determination to do good will be greater than the frustrations which threaten to wear us down, That we will not be indifferent to the needs of others, but will continueContinue reading “Tip towards hopefulness”

Encountering God Part 5

Encountering God Part 5 We have to wait. This can be so painful. Some people may be able to say, “Bloody hell! I’ve been waiting all my life and the bastard’s still not turned up”. Let’s say it how it is and be honest with our feelings. God can take it. Can we? What onContinue reading “Encountering God Part 5”

A prayer for personal growth

God, our Father, Enfold us in the womb of your creative Spirit. In darkness and stillness, In the warmth of your compassion, In the activity of your love, In the mystery of your grace, Let the bud become a flower, And the flower bear fruit, And your love be honoured in our lives.

Encountering God Part 4

Encountering God Part 4 So, some people are lucky. They say that God, in his grace, always makes the first move, and they have encountered God: he is a reality in their lives, and they love him. What about those others who want to know God and God just isn’t playing his part? If youContinue reading “Encountering God Part 4”

Renewal

Teach us to trust the sureness of your forgiveness. Your grace opens up to us the way of salvation. And even while we still strive for fullness of life You fill us with peace, We neither deserve, nor can we understand. So, we praise you for the new life you give us. Tender to ourContinue reading “Renewal”