tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16999627319794014552012-02-16T12:30:54.512ZDyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.comBlogger2351100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-6159751700617911862010-01-25T09:54:00.003Z2010-01-25T09:57:34.067Z

This blog has moved to another site.Please go to http://dyfedwynroberts.org.uk/ where the blogging will continue along with other stuff.If you have been linking this blog onto your own (and if so, a big thank you!), would you consider linking the new site instead?A big thank you to you all who read my posts. Hope you enjoy the new site.

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-14700209055918886082010-01-22T08:23:00.002Z2010-01-22T08:30:58.668Z

Supporting familiesThis week saw the Labour and Conservative parties attack each other on policies relating to family life. The Tories promise to do more to strengthen families and in particular to restore the tax allowance for married couples. Labour paints this idea as an attack on all the other varied families in the country – single parents, cohabiting couples, and same sex couples. To favour

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-63843272365518774762010-01-21T09:09:00.000Z2010-01-21T09:10:10.647Z

The Sanhedrin had come to the conclusion that death was to be Jesus’ deserved justice but since they did not have the right to carry out such a sentence – being under Roman occupation – the next step was to appear before the governor, Pilate (Mark 15:1-15). There are a couple of points I want to draw out of this story over two posts. On Monday I’ll look at how Pilate had introduced something

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-15853083513335566612010-01-20T09:27:00.000Z2010-01-20T09:30:43.873Z

My name is Dyfed, and I’m a chocoholic. There, I’ve said it! I feel better now. But there is a real danger of falling off the wagon again as I read about Cadbury’s decision to accept Kraft’s offer for the company. It’s not that I believe the Americans can’t make chocolate – I’m sure they can. It’s more to do with the nature of our capitalist economy. Putting it simply, the global nature of the

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-6698359612043169402010-01-19T09:39:00.000Z2010-01-19T09:41:50.655Z

Is there any point to Christian unity? Ok. I hear you. You’re quoting verses at me about Aaron’s beard and such like. You probably have Jesus’ prayer in John 17 also in mind when he suggested that the world could come to believe in him should it see unity between his followers. All valid stuff. Thanks for teaching granny how to suck eggs.Now back to the question: is there any point to Christian

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-81607599861556311742010-01-18T09:34:00.002Z2010-01-18T09:50:48.457Z

A key characteristic in all Kingdom people is repentance. It is an essential ingredient in our makeup and the story of Peter's denial of Jesus gives us the best reason why (Mark 14:66-72). For like Peter, we all fail, get it wrong, mess up, let him down. Plenty have denied him, or kept hidden, kept quiet, and blended in.It was only a slip of a servant girl who first challenged him about his

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-38328966371930264422010-01-15T13:58:00.002Z2010-01-15T14:19:22.288Z

When religion gets frustrated when it cannot control a situation anger and nastiness often spill out. This is the picture we get when Jesus is faced with the first part of his trial before the Sanhedrin (Mark 14:53-65). Assembled to try him were the leading religious people of the day - scribes, elders, chief priests, even the high priest himself; they were all there to accuse him. It was

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-46035680634753976372010-01-15T08:55:00.002Z2010-01-15T08:55:53.387Z

Today's post will appear a little later than usual. I'm off to a meeting in Llangefni for the morning.

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-14792690697031929482010-01-14T09:07:00.002Z2010-01-14T09:47:52.198Z

One never gets used to seeing the terrible destruction caused by an earthquake and once again we look on horrified as the scenes of horror are relayed to our homes from Haiti. We have made much of our predicament in the snow this last week in the UK, and there have stories filled with tragedy here too, but it is nothing compared to what is happening in the Caribbean at the moment.One thing that

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-4312327922303942912010-01-13T08:59:00.002Z2010-01-13T09:05:58.638Z

How free should we be to practice our faith in this country? And should people of other faiths enjoy the same freedoms? In a recent report the UK was declared to be among some of the freer societies in the world where respecting religious practices is concerned. One third of the world’s countries, however, take a very different view, seeing them place either high or very high restrictions. That

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-52931775547536040452010-01-12T09:48:00.001Z2010-01-12T09:50:53.703Z

Does religious education have any place in today’s state run universities? I ask the question because it was reported on Golwg 360 last week (the Welsh web based news provider) that Bangor University in north-west Wales wants to close its School of Theology and Religious Studies. When I read the details I was shocked – partly, I think, because this is where I received my own theological training.

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-18367393826537371402010-01-11T09:39:00.003Z2010-01-11T10:03:20.746Z

To be betrayed with a kiss must be a bitter experience, though if he felt it that way I'm sure Jesus would not have held on to the feeling for long. But even so, it must have been a gutter for him to go through such an event. But here's something that I had skipped over in that story (Mark 14:43-52) in the past - Judas kissed Jesus so that those who came to arrest him could know which one he

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-88631679197994776532010-01-08T09:03:00.003Z2010-01-08T09:37:17.254Z

General Election2010 will be a General Election year in the UK and voting will almost certainly be on May 6. So on May 7 we will have a new government. It is possible that the Labour party will form the administration, but unlikely. The Conservatives, though currently well ahead in the polls, have such an electoral hill to climb that it is not a done deal that they will have an overall majority

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-51853764053509771812010-01-07T09:09:00.001Z2010-01-07T09:13:33.451Z

When the going gets tough … the disciples run away. Not content with being real about the betrayal, Jesus went on to tell the disciples that they would all let him down once he was arrested (Mark 14:27-51). They protest about this, of course, and claim they would be willing to die for him – which many of them would do eventually, but that night things were different. When the soldiers came, they

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-14867893416488217052010-01-06T09:48:00.003Z2010-01-06T09:55:51.552Z

Can a former Welsh Baptist who was deeply suspicious of the Catholic faith worship in a Catholic led service? The answer is yes. Yesterday I recalled how we had enjoyed a simple Catholic carol service in a nearby ancient church. Along with the local Deacon, leading the evening were two American priests – now working in Rome but on holiday in the UK during Christmas. Over a glass of wine in the

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-82450682476811815412010-01-05T09:52:00.001Z2010-01-05T09:55:58.206Z

One of the spiritual highlights of the Christmas period for us was attending a Catholic carol service in an ancient local church. Yes, you did read that correctly, it was a Roman Catholic service. Can a spiritual high be had in such a place? Well there would have been a time when I would have doubted it, but more of that tomorrow.Today let me say something about the service itself. St Idan’s

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-66904440352860496542010-01-04T09:35:00.003Z2010-01-04T09:59:30.726Z

The last passover meal became the first Lord's supper (Mark 14:1226). It was, in the very best use of the word, a very religious occasion. But it was also a moment tinged with much reality for the disciples, for it was at some point during their meal together that Jesus declared that one of them would betray him to the authorities: 'one who is eating with me'. The meal was, of course, a time of

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-26103500907091432282009-12-24T09:53:00.004Z2009-12-24T09:57:28.401Z

This blog will be silent over the holiday period. I wish you a very happy Christmas. Thanks for reading and for your comments. I'll return in the new year.In the meantime I hope you enjoy my Christmas message on video. Please forgive the corny jokes!Nadolig Llawen ichi i gyd.

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-52629321470079682802009-12-23T09:17:00.001Z2009-12-23T09:20:23.894Z

The NatCen annual survey of the British people’s attitudes is soon to be published, but some juicy titbits about religious attitudes have already been released. I commented yesterday on some of these stats and how they related to actual church attendance. Today I want to look at some of the attitudes shown by the so-called religious people who completed the survey – that’s the people who

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-27328164110402784732009-12-22T09:17:00.001Z2009-12-22T09:21:09.045Z

The percentage of the number of British people who identify themselves as Christian has dropped in 25 years from 66% to 50% according to the latest survey to be conducted. Care must be taken with statistics, since in 2006 Tearfund found that 66% had no connection with a religion or church, and the 2001 Census had 71% of the UK population self-declaring as Christian. The actual figure needs to be

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-3611364305820606672009-12-21T09:24:00.003Z2009-12-21T09:38:31.895Z

The Passover meal was not to be missed for two reasons. First it was the celebration of that great escape from Egypt - an historic event truly worth remembering and giving thanks for. Who would want to miss such an occasion! But second, it was not to be missed because it was a religious duty. It was a requirement that they gathered together as family to remember what happened all those

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-41863723913207197772009-12-18T10:26:00.005Z2009-12-18T10:48:15.035Z

Over the past few weeks we have been enjoying a series on BBC2 called 'The Restaurant'. This must have been the third series and to be honest this year has not been as good as previous years. But I'm not posting a review of the programme here, so let me just get to the point of what I want to say!In case you haven't seen it, it goes a little like this. There are eight couples at the start who

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-72699558226439142462009-12-17T09:32:00.001Z2009-12-17T09:34:33.039Z

What makes someone betray a close friend? It happens all the time, does it not? And then the betrayer gets to be called ‘Judas’! I doubt Judas was the first person to commit such an act, but his name stands out for he is the one who betrayed Jesus. But back to my original question, why? The most common answer offered by the commentators is that he was disappointed in Jesus when he realised that

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-19636853650957279662009-12-16T08:56:00.002Z2009-12-16T09:18:57.352Z

Is Chris Rea's 'Driving Home for Christmas' a Christmas Carol? That was the question - answered in the affirmative by a carol-knowledgeable vicar - discussed on the Today programme this morning. Chris Rea himself was part of the debate - a treat for an 80s music fan like myself on a damp Wednesday morning. (For those of you either not interested in popular music or who don't recognise the 1980s

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-72589714367090804042009-12-15T08:51:00.000Z2009-12-15T08:52:49.530Z

Two major cultural events were on British television on Saturday night: the final of the XFactor on ITV and the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year. Pop music – and it doesn’t get more popular than the XFactor – and sport dominate popular culture today. Between them they bring a lot of fun and joy into people’s lives. Personally I missed only one episode of the XFactor and thoroughly enjoyed

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-63673637022435316492009-12-14T09:40:00.002Z2009-12-14T10:08:55.175Z

Breaking a vial of perfume worth 300 day's wages over some one's head because you love them is a pretty extravagant thing to do. That's just short of your earnings for a whole year. Some love, eh! But that's what Mark tells us that an unnamed woman did to Jesus just a few days before he was killed (14:3-9). Extravagance in the extreme.The story is often told, as Jesus said it would, of this woman

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-41935079724609819412009-12-11T09:55:00.003Z2009-12-11T10:08:41.314Z

Was Passover possibly the Jews favourite festival? As we know, it celebrates the momentous occasion in Israel's past where God saved them from Egypt; the night when the angel passed over every Jewish household as it brought severe judgement upon the firstborn of each Egyptian family. It is a festival for freedom, a celebration of God's wonderful salvation plan for his people as he sets them free

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-13201525034177943772009-12-10T09:24:00.000Z2009-12-10T09:25:15.220Z

In yesterday’s post I sketched some of the details of the Manhattan Declaration, a document only recently released by Christian leaders from a variety of traditions and streams. The three issues it covers are protecting human life and dignity, marriage, and religious freedom and conscience. In this post I want to explain why I will not be adding my signature.Let me begin by being positive. There

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-55429344307914483172009-12-09T09:46:00.002Z2009-12-09T09:51:52.105Z

The Manhattan Declaration was released on 20 November this year. Its’ full title is ‘Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience’ and its’ purpose is to ‘proclaim the Gospel of costly grace, to protect the intrinsic dignity of the human person and to stand for the common good’. So far it has gathered over 250,000 signatures. I first came across it on Andrew Jones’ blog where he gives

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-28671450694474165332009-12-08T09:35:00.001Z2009-12-08T09:38:20.136Z

On Saturday morning we had another of our leaders’ prayer breakfasts on the island. We started this initiative some twelve months ago and outside of this meeting many of us would not have much of an opportunity to meet up. So slowly we’re building unity between us. There are differences – in theology and style – but there is more than enough in common for us to be able to meet and pray with one

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-85419695415312983752009-12-07T09:41:00.004Z2009-12-07T09:57:31.188Z

As stated previously, it is easy to get stuck in the detail of apocalyptic writings and this is as true for Jesus' words in Mark 13:3-37 as any other passage. But it is important that we draw some conclusions and principles from it:We are not told when exactly Jesus will return, but we are to wait for it expectantly and we are to discern the signs of how close it is. This watching should not,

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-13085076307262641542009-12-04T09:14:00.002Z2009-12-04T09:43:11.436Z

Scottish IndependenceOn Monday this week Alex Salmond, the First Minister of Scotland's nationalist government, published a bill on holding a referendum on the issue of Scottish independence. Reactions to it have been mixed with the other main parties saying they will vote the bill down ensuring that no referendum takes place. But is that a wise move on their part?The truth is that it is very

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-17943148385581854622009-12-03T08:14:00.000Z2009-12-03T08:16:45.768Z

On the slopes of the Mount of Olives with the Temple in view, four of the disciples gather around Jesus eager to know when the end will come (Mark 13:3-6). He had warned them that the great structure that was the house of God was to fall and now as they overlooked it they were burning with the question, ‘When?’ I don’t suppose we can blame them. They had never heard anyone prophesy such a thing

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-24199325766658815102009-12-02T11:34:00.000Z2009-12-02T11:35:26.475Z

God must think we need some encouragement because he’s sent some pretty special people our way recently. First there was the O’Hare family from Llanelli and specifically from Antioch church. We love Antioch and its people and so appreciate their input whenever we receive it. Then on Thursday of last week we met up with Robin and Fi Luff of Bontnewydd, Caernarfon. Another great couple pressing in

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-2746121723799688232009-12-01T09:46:00.001Z2009-12-01T09:50:49.270Z

According to the BBC website there are currently only four Muslim minarets in the whole of Switzerland and following last week’s referendum no more will be built. The people were asked what they wanted and 57% voted against any further minarets in the country. It was, apparently, a right wing party (the SVP) that called for the vote, even though the government was against it, fearing unrest in

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-26598095933981296712009-11-30T09:41:00.001Z2009-11-30T09:41:24.887Z

Apocalyptic literature in the Bible must be the hardest to understand! And when I read such passages I do so with considerable fear and trembling, not so much over what is said, but over how the passages have been interpreted over the years. In Mark 13:3-37 we have one such passage and like the many other examples it has had theologians pouring over it and squeezing every ounce of meaning out of

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-13872026552238235892009-11-27T09:13:00.003Z2009-11-27T09:17:50.401Z

Intrigue in Cardiff BayTuesday proved to be a day of great drama at the Welsh Assembly with the junior partner in the coalition ruling Wales threatening to walk out thus causing the collapse of the government. It was because senior Labour politicians – including the Secretary of State, Peter Hain, and First Minister, Rhodri Morgan – had declared in a statement that the party should not consider

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-30465420849804804572009-11-26T08:18:00.001Z2009-11-26T08:20:49.208Z

As he walked out of the Temple with the disciples one of them noticed what a great building it was (Mark 13:1-2). And indeed the Temple was a wonderful, awe-inspiring structure. Built by Herod, it was magnificent to behold. And it was in the precincts somewhere that Jesus had clashed with the religious leaders. The parable about the vineyard, the debates about resurrection and which command was

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-37292015190457352102009-11-25T08:40:00.001Z2009-11-25T08:42:14.957Z

My friend, Rhys Llwyd, in his English language blog has a pop at reformed evangelicals in Wales and the way they do mission. His viewpoint is that too many evangelicals do one aspect of mission only – evangelism – and that that work is based primarily on two things: planning events and then present the people who come along with doctrine. He calls for a more balanced view of mission and the need

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-53148119238298975512009-11-24T09:31:00.001Z2009-11-24T09:34:56.867Z

Over the weekend we had friends of ours staying. Tim and Ann O’Hare and their daughter Keziah live in Llanelli and were with us as the principal act in a couple of events we put on as church on the island. But I don’t want to post on the two evenings we held, great though they were. Neither do I want to post on the musical gifts they have as a family – Ann’s voice and Tim’s guitar skills. Neither

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-69030804073694950402009-11-23T09:35:00.002Z2009-11-23T10:01:48.160Z

We have usually interpreted the story about the widow's mite (Mark 12:41-44) as Jesus commending the widow for giving all that she had to the Temple treasury. And it may well be a valid explanation. As he saw many rich people giving significant amounts of money Jesus noticed a widow who gave two coins. It was a tiny amount but because it was all she had it was worth more than all the other big

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-55359532584841611452009-11-20T09:25:00.000Z2009-11-20T09:26:37.466Z

There were two significant political developments this week, two events which will have a big impact upon our nation. I wonder if you can spot the difference between the two and in seeing the difference notice how and where the spirit of empire is still at work.The biggest event of the week in Wales was surely the publication of the All Wales Convention’s report on the Welsh Assembly’s powers.

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-5963705593227752842009-11-19T09:11:00.001Z2009-11-19T09:11:38.502Z

The offensive against the religious leaders and their squashing of freedom went on apace as Jesus taught the crowds. In a devastating sentence (Mark 12:38-39) he remarked on their deep desire to be seen as the religious elite. These are the people who walk around wearing their long, dark robes, sitting in the best seats, and receiving honour from others.This is the one good thing about religion –

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-57498951609999631812009-11-18T09:27:00.001Z2009-11-18T09:30:16.099Z

Yesterday I posted my positive response to the inter faith week initiative. Today, I share my concern about it. This initiative has government driving it forward and I am very suspicious of this aspect. I’m not making a party political point, for I believe all parties will want to develop similar policies in the future. Rather my concern is based on the whole empire issue. Ever since Constantine’

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-559295862713619852009-11-17T09:38:00.001Z2009-11-17T09:40:32.343Z

Is it wrong for Christians to seek understanding with people of other religions? Do we weaken the faith by compromising truth in such circumstances? I ask these questions in what is ‘inter faith week’ – an initiative promoted by something called the ‘Inter Faith Network for the UK’ and the Department for Communities and Local Government (an UK government department). The purpose of the week,

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-81719085377606757662009-11-16T08:52:00.002Z2009-11-16T09:14:35.603Z

In Mark 12:28-37 we see how difficult it is for a person who has been mired in religion to break free. A scribe had been listening to the conversation between the religious leaders and Jesus and was impressed with the answers Jesus gave. It seems that this man had recognised something of the truth in Jesus and his words. But in seeking greater understanding he displays how caught he too is in the

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-60073740646362728172009-11-13T10:21:00.002Z2009-11-13T10:47:43.034Z

Brown's Setting SunThe Sun (a tabloid newspaper in the UK) made a decision some weeks ago to turn its back on Gordon Brown's Labour Party and support the Conservatives instead. But this week saw how much the paper has turned on Brown when it reported on a mother's anger and grief following the death of her son in Afghanistan. Brown had written a letter of sympathy to Mrs Janes but had apparently

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-85788102041155019372009-11-12T09:28:00.002Z2009-11-12T09:41:47.143Z

The verbal assault kept coming against Jesus as the religious people tried to trick him. The Sadducees took a different angle and focused on the whole issue of resurrection, something they did not believe in (Mark 12:18-27). Their rambling question involved seven brothers who all married the same woman (not at the same time obviously, but following the death of each one the next in line took her

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-32596067184557673862009-11-11T09:27:00.002Z2009-11-11T09:32:36.924Z

Yesterday I outlined the views reported in Building Character, a paper prepared by the think tank, Demos. The paper’s purpose is to encourage public policy in supporting parents, especially those who struggle.In a short discussion on the Today programme on Monday one person argued that in a small minority of cases some parents need radical help so that their children can get the best start in

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-22209465578382582612009-11-10T09:46:00.002Z2009-11-10T09:51:48.280Z

How do we heal a broken society? The answer partly lies in ensuring each individual gets the opportunities needed to build a fulfilling life so that they can contribute to the community.Building Character is a paper published yesterday by the think tank, Demos, that reflects on the need for a good, strong character in a person if he or she is to become a successful individual in today’s society.

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-8223974077113090922009-11-09T09:30:00.003Z2009-11-09T09:50:13.857Z

While Jesus spent time in Jerusalem the religious authorities took every opportunity to try and trick him. Their hope was to intimidate him to giving up his ministry and to stop him from using his authority. Most of the attacks had an element of legalism in them and all were soured with hypocrisy, none more so than the question about paying taxes to the Empire (Mark 12:13-17).Here was hypocrisy

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-83378743899195839052009-11-06T09:21:00.005Z2009-11-06T17:08:31.618Z

This morning at Pwllheli Magistrates Court a young man will be imprisoned for 28 days. Osian Jones will receive this sentence because of his refusal to pay fines imposed on him following his non-violent direct action against a number of high street chain stores.Osian is a leading campaigner with Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (The Welsh Language Society) and took part in their campaign to ensure

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-51871504285822391462009-11-05T09:46:00.004Z2009-11-05T10:16:22.891Z

A play now showing in a Glasgow theatre is causing some controversy among Christians because of its depiction of Jesus as a transsexual. 'Jesus, Queen of Heaven' is staged as part of Glasgay!, an arts festival celebrating Scotland's gay, bi-sexual and transsexual culture. The BBC reports that some 300 Christians have been protesting outside the theater singing hymns and waving placards. One

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-51796893408072099762009-11-04T09:25:00.004Z2009-11-04T09:55:55.782Z

Better late than never, as my cousin used to say. It was Reformation day on 31 October, so I hope you had a good one. It was on that day in 1517 that Martin Luther supposedly nailed his theses about indulgences on Wittenburg's church door - an act which sparked a reform movement that was to sweep through the European church. The truth may be a little different but why let facts get in the way of

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-88490309304511451862009-11-03T10:23:00.003Z2009-11-03T10:48:49.600Z

Over the past few days a row has been brewing over the issue of government scientific advisers on illegal drugs. The chief advisor has been dismissed from his role by the Home Secretary and other members of the board have quit in protest. At the heart of the issue is whether an advisor has the right to publicly question the policy decision made by politicians especially following his advice being

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-57933145513726111802009-11-02T09:27:00.003Z2009-11-02T09:52:38.967Z

Parables are always a bit tricky to interpret but the one told by Jesus on his third day in Jerusalem (Mark 12:1-12) seems, on the face of it, quite simple. It is the story of a man who plants a vineyard, rents it out, and then hopes for some return on his investment. After seeing many of his rent collectors beaten or killed while doing their duty he then sends his own son - thus raising the

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-4356856662174586532009-10-30T09:01:00.001Z2009-10-30T09:02:38.357Z

I am on holiday - but as I browsed some blogs I enjoy I found this video. Enjoy!

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-79029163072444005332009-10-30T08:46:00.001Z2009-10-30T08:47:50.558Z

No post today - but I'm not on strike, just enjoying a day off! I'll be back on Monday.Enjoy the weekend.

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-64526188273459914222009-10-29T09:04:00.001Z2009-10-29T09:07:26.097Z

Twenty years have gone by since I was first introduced to New Testament Greek in the School of Theology, Bangor, as part of my first year degree studies. I was never any good at it, though it was better than my Hebrew, which was abysmal. But it is good enough for me to keep referring to the original translation – albeit by using many different language tools – as I prepare teaching for the church

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-49792792747018076802009-10-28T09:40:00.000Z2009-10-28T09:40:00.514Z

Having stated how important using our faith and authority is in praying and declaring in the Kingdom, Jesus comes face to face with a challenge to that very authority. Some high powered religious leaders come to see him as he walks in the Temple courtyards (Mark 11:27-33) and ask him by what authority does he do the things he does.In this question I see the whole thrust of the religious spirit's

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-28191389126485459912009-10-27T09:55:00.002Z2009-10-27T10:02:06.396Z

I’ve avoided posting anything about the BNP’s Nick Griffin and his appearance on Question Time last week because I felt plenty had been already said. Good strong arguments have been made for and against the BBC’s decision. The best piece I have read on the issue however comes from the Christian think tank Ekklesia and I’d like to share some of those thoughts with you today.In his article Jonathan

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-52430888057819748282009-10-26T09:28:00.003Z2009-10-26T09:49:29.251Z

Yesterday we went to Pensby on the Wirral. I was invited to preach at a Pioneer church which meets in a former sports hall on the edge of some playing fields. Now I know you can't know everything about a church following one visit but from what we saw and gathered my verdict would be, 'What a great church!' The warmth of the welcome was so good to receive and I felt very free to share what I had

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-84900069216093955362009-10-23T09:26:00.003+01:002009-10-23T09:43:29.597+01:00

Back to fig tree today (Mark 11:20-26). It was the third day of their week in and around Jerusalem and as they walked towards the city in the morning Peter noticed that the tree cursed by Jesus had withered. In his response Jesus emphasises how important faith is in our Kingdom work.It was a simple statement - 'Have faith in God' - but one of his most challenging. Looking at the nearby mountain

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-87208099350587667952009-10-22T09:38:00.004+01:002009-10-22T09:59:24.504+01:00

Last night I conducted the harvest thanksgiving service at the chapel I was brought up in, Carmel Baptist Church, Penysarn. The usual congregation on a Sunday evening is about 8 people but on this one occasion there is an attempt by local churches to unite and so there were some 40 present.I knew most of them. Many were family - including my parents - and almost all were faces that I knew from my

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-37393877267584157682009-10-21T09:45:00.004+01:002009-10-21T10:34:34.740+01:00

It is rare for me to use this blog to launch an attack against other Christians. There is enough disunity in the church today without me adding to it. And yet there are times when comment is needed upon perspectives espoused by some in the church. A case in point is Stephen Green and his organisation, Christian Voice. You will find his website here and I urge you to visit it and explore its

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-35843416789415572082009-10-20T09:49:00.001+01:002009-10-20T09:53:47.201+01:00

As someone who got 25% in his third year physics exam at secondary school I’m on dodgy ground when I start writing about the subject on this blog. But I can’t resist referring to the current news about the Large Hadron Collider. You’ll find the full story in yesterday’s Times and since I’m not going to use technical language in this post those of you who want the detail should read the

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-24178726472329251362009-10-19T09:42:00.002+01:002009-10-19T09:57:07.347+01:00

On the same day as cursing the fig tree Jesus visited Jerusalem for the second time. The story about seeking fruit on the tree is Mark's way of introducing the events that took place in Jerusalem. Jesus came looking for fruit. After all the people of Israel were in an envious position of having been chosen by God to carry his presence in the world so that the gentiles would receive his

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-4026668839228364182009-10-15T09:17:00.003+01:002009-10-15T09:29:20.964+01:00

Over the past few weeks the County Council leaders have been conducting consultation meetings around the island. I attended last night's meeting at Newborough. Few members of the public were present to hear the Leader of the authority, Clive McGregor, give a short presentation about the current financial situation.Cllr McGregor used to be a police superintendent before retiring. It is obvious

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-79263418343536722632009-10-14T09:46:00.003+01:002009-10-14T10:02:03.412+01:00

Last night we joined our friends at Antioch in Colwyn Bay to hear Brad Jersak. Brad is a Canadian and has been travelling to Wales for the past three or four years. He is the author Can you hear me?, a book about hearing God's voice.Following a time of worship sensitively led by the Antioch team, Brad spoke on two issues. First, he touched on an issue which can be controversial within some

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-76558752786812655162009-10-13T09:56:00.003+01:002009-10-13T10:12:26.475+01:00

On the way to his second visit to Jerusalem that week Jesus was feeling peckish (Mark 11:12-14). In the distance he sees a fig tree in full leaf. It looked really pretty - the lush green leaves glistening in the early summer sun. What better way to snack without spoiling your lunch: fresh figs - first century Palestine's equivalent to 'a finger of fudge'.So you can imagine his disappointment when

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-91132528205138096122009-10-12T09:45:00.003+01:002009-10-12T10:15:27.295+01:00

Twenty five years ago today the Grand Hotel in Brighton was blown apart by a powerful bomb. Five people were killed and 34 seriously injured. The damage done to individual lives was substantial. The damage done to the psyche of the country also considerable, for the main guests at the hotel that week were government ministers and their families, including the Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.The

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-59221317520075814172009-10-09T08:36:00.003+01:002009-10-09T08:56:35.884+01:00

So if the post below were to be an account of a dream, how should we interpret it? Obviously the interpretation should be spiritual not natural as I'm not into sterilising squirrels, limpets, Romans or the English! If God were speaking through these stories then he would be saying something about the spiritual life of our island and using pictures in the natural as a symbolic way of speaking to

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-21397860709480571572009-10-08T09:27:00.003+01:002009-10-08T09:54:21.581+01:00

... what would it mean? So asked some Christian sage whose name I forget and possibly never knew. The question is posed whenever you see or hear of a quirky, strange, or unusual occurrence. If you had dreamt of that occurrence, how would you conclude God was speaking to you? The premise, of course, is that God speaks to us through dreams and visions just as we see happening to biblical

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-16981401622878746492009-10-07T09:51:00.000+01:002009-10-07T09:53:01.529+01:00

The Welsh Assembly was set up 10 years ago. It had very limited powers to begin with - no powers to change tax rates, no powers over the police and criminal justice etc. It did not even have the power to make primary legislation in those areas in which it did have responsibility. Rather, WAG (Welsh Assembly Government) ministers had to go cap in hand to London and ask the people with real power

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-37607717602396954132009-10-06T09:33:00.000+01:002009-10-06T09:34:44.195+01:00

Chapter 11 of Mark’s Gospel marks a significant turning point in the story with the account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Or does it? The usual dividing up of the Gospel by commentators takes this account as a brand new and separate section of the book. It marks the beginning of what we now term ‘holy week’. And of course it is not wrong to read Mark in this way.But I don’t believe we

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-15218805566492320992009-10-05T10:16:00.002+01:002009-10-05T10:33:48.998+01:00

Ok, big confession coming up! I'm a fan of the X Factor. A big fan, in fact. I even watch the Xtra Factor on ITV2 (isn't Holly lovely!). And I was so pleased that the two Welsh contestants - Lloyd and Lucie - got through to the live finals last night. Of the two Lucie is probably the better singer, but they're both quite young - too young to hack the stress and the pace maybe?Now whilst I'll

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-10626821033679087632009-10-02T09:49:00.002+01:002009-10-02T10:19:10.565+01:00

Having established that in this new kingdom serving others would be the hallmark of leadership rather than the empire's way of controlling with power and military might, Jesus goes on demonstrate this by healing a blind man in Jericho (Mark 10:46-52).And it is the fact that the location is Jericho that is important here. It is no mere coincidence, I believe, that the demonstration of servant

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-88945489890546150402009-09-29T19:55:00.002+01:002009-09-29T19:58:00.541+01:00

Travelling back home tomorrow, so only a short post ready for Wednesday.Read this first in the Times.Now ... you know of the expression 'elephant in the room'? So how many churches have elephants running amok in them and what are they?Over to you, dear reader!

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-56722401498211721892009-09-29T08:02:00.004+01:002009-09-29T08:17:48.558+01:00

When anger comes to the surface we always need to ask ourselves where it comes from. There is a righteous anger that Paul talks about (Ephesians 4) but even this type should not be allowed to stay in our heart for too long. There is also an anger that is connected with bitterness and unforgiveness and there should be no room for this type at all.When ten of the disciples heard of the request two

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-73154077288048122112009-09-28T08:24:00.004+01:002009-09-28T08:40:29.961+01:00

It's Sunday evening and I'm in my car on the quayside at Southampton waiting for the ferry. The ferry will take me to the Isle of Wight - a place of deep healing for me over the past two years, for it is there I go to be ministered to by a couple who have become close friends.The result of the visits has always been good - though the process has always been painful. For this is inner healing,

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-36679225229155542502009-09-25T18:36:00.004+01:002009-09-25T18:49:27.135+01:00

We've just returned from Anglesey airport (yes, we do have one!) after taking Michael Schiffmann to meet his plane back to Cardiff. This was his first visit to north Wales, though he has visited the south many times in the past 18 months or so.His time with us was inspiring. Having him to stay in our home was great - though tiring - since we had so many questions to ask. A highlight was him

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-26670444994307796602009-09-24T08:22:00.003+01:002009-09-24T08:42:16.070+01:00

I want to finish these posts on the walk by sharing some personal reflections. Who we are and where we are up to in our personal journey will always bear upon what we do, and what we do will have a bearing on our journey.So who am I? Well in the context of the walk I am a Welsh speaking Welshman of the island, a nationalist, and I have experiences in my childhood that makes it possible for me to

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-62424651523686743082009-09-23T08:34:00.004+01:002009-09-23T08:53:09.327+01:00

In the first post (yesterday) on the walk I reported on how the walk proceeded. Today I want to give some of the history. The past always has an inlfluence on the present unless it is dealt with. Our actions also affect the land and territory upon which those actions are carried out.In pre-conquest Wales Llan-faes was the most important town in Gwynedd. It was an economic powerhouse with 70% of

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-47187433962800658562009-09-22T09:40:00.000+01:002009-09-22T09:43:39.114+01:00

Over the weekend we completed the Llan-faes-Newborough walk. Over the next three days I want to post on the walk, its background, and some personal reflections. Today I’ll give a report on the walk itself.For both days we were a core team of some 12 people, including three youngsters (two of whom were of primary school age). Others joined with us on either the Saturday or Sunday. Apart from those

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-3221355703587704992009-09-21T09:40:00.003+01:002009-09-21T10:15:22.176+01:00

The journey towards Jerusalem continues but the closer they get the more fearful they feel (Mark 10:32-34). The prospects aren't good. They have already been told by Jesus that he will be killed there, though he also tells them that he be resurrected within three days. But knowing that they are on the right path does not bring them any peace. On the contrary there is a sense that, if they could,

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-26301117860806891482009-09-18T09:37:00.002+01:002009-09-18T09:49:24.268+01:00

Since I'm in an iconoclastic mood I thought I'd draw your attention to this in the Daily Post today. It's well worth a read, so go on take some time out and do it.So, now that you've finished laughing, what are your thoughts? Yes, I agree, it's all a bit silly. Though Tescos must love all the free publicity.But then we do have some people in the Christian Church who are very keen to demand their

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-69797501600126717962009-09-17T09:02:00.004+01:002009-09-17T17:03:16.273+01:00

St Therese of Lisieux is currently touring Wales and England. Or to be more accurate, some of the bones of St Therese are on tour here. Other bone fragments tour France, but most of her remains are permanently in Lisieux. These relics are put on display so that the 'devout' can come and pray to her so that she will pray to God for them. By so doing the sick will be healed.When I taught on the

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-50448977510850341942009-09-16T09:28:00.002+01:002009-09-16T09:45:34.342+01:00

I don't think it was a coincidence for Mark to place the story about the rich young ruler coming to Jesus (10:17-31) next to the story about coming to the Kingdom like little children. Maybe it's my imagination, but I can see a little bit of the childlike qualities in this man. He comes and falls to his knees by Jesus asking him what he needs to do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus lists some

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-87487423640012493332009-09-15T09:46:00.002+01:002009-09-15T10:02:19.994+01:00

I sat through the Council's education committee yesterday as they heard a presentation from one of their officers about the need to 'rationalise' the primary schools on the island. For 'rationalise' read cut, I think. For at the heart of what was said was the falling number of children over the past 15 years and the cost of maintaining empty places in many schools.There a number of options

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-54523315126656716902009-09-14T09:39:00.003+01:002009-09-14T10:00:31.911+01:00

On Thursday and Friday of last week I attended a theological conference organised by the London Mennonite Centre. Some 30 people gathered to hear six theologians present papers on themes relating to current thinking in Mennonite circles. Underpinning the presentations was the desire to 'do theology with integrity' - that is, to think and speak about God in a way that recognises developments in

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-87847511416012267632009-09-09T09:14:00.003+01:002009-09-09T09:17:36.684+01:00

Another video for you today - something I put together for church some months ago to inspire people to pray for the island. The song is sung by Chloe Leavers of Colwyn Bay.There will be no blog till Monday now, since I'm off to a Mennonite Conference in London.

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-84924737744136251432009-09-08T09:28:00.002+01:002009-09-08T09:38:58.813+01:00

'We will only sell arms to countries that use them responsibly,' said a prominent UK politician on the radio this morning. I nearly choked on my corn flakes. The quote comes from a short piece on the Today programme about the arms fair to be held in London today.The trade in weapons is a major UK industry - as it is in many rich western countries. We sell poorer countries lots of guns and bombs

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-16025521699789718442009-09-07T09:19:00.003+01:002009-09-07T09:36:24.089+01:00

A couple of weeks ago we were visited in our new home by a couple who live nearby along with their three year old son. He loved being with us because there's so much space to go and explore. While his mother and father sat respectfully with us in our lounge, the little boy must have been in every room in the house. He explored every nook and cranny.He was especially keen to go in to my mother in

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-68594158903511068882009-09-04T08:42:00.003+01:002009-09-04T09:17:47.713+01:00

In Mark 10:1-12 Jesus responds to another challenge by the Pharisees, this time on the question of divorce. It is important to understand the context in which the question was asked.In those times there was unanimity on the issue of divorce among Jewish people: they believed it was possible and legal. But the grounds for divorce were a cause of much contention, with two opposing views. The first

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-6875345616386239822009-09-03T09:11:00.003+01:002009-09-03T09:19:56.602+01:00

In previous posts I have detailed how I've been praying for the local county council. Of course I continue to pray for justice in the authority, but I've also been taking practical steps to lobby for change. Praying for change is vital if we are to see the council come through this difficult period but prayer should be accompanied by action when necessary.One recent decision made was to close all

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-83670825205130821412009-09-02T09:37:00.002+01:002009-09-02T09:51:10.002+01:00

I hadn't realised until I saw the news last night that our wedding anniversary coincided with the commemorations of the start of WWII. Both original events happened on the same day - but seventy years apart. I'll let you think up your own humour on that one!In a ceremony held in Poland yesterday both Germany and Russia's leaders made speeches to mark their countries involvement in the war's

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-84446932216573249032009-09-01T08:42:00.002+01:002009-09-01T08:45:13.393+01:00

It's our wedding anniversary today - we have been married two years! To celebrate and to thank all our friends for their support on the day and since then we have prepared this short film. Hope you enjoy!

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-11694339772863986752009-08-31T08:28:00.001+01:002009-08-31T08:31:09.308+01:00

The discussion about who was the greatest led to a discussion about who was with Jesus and who wasn’t. The disciples had reported that they had attempted to warn off someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name (Mark 9:38-41). An interesting response by them: were they trying to protect their own power base here? Was this them being concerned about their own status as the supposed guardians of

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-31472472961035203932009-08-28T09:11:00.003+01:002009-08-28T09:34:40.528+01:00

August is traditionally a quiet time for churches in Wales. In Welsh chapels, for example, the minister would take the the whole of the month off as his annual holiday. It was also my pattern while I was with the Welsh Baptist denomination, and though I don't follow that route any longer, the summer has had a more relaxed feel about it. But this weekend sees the final summer bank holiday and next

Dyfedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08145135590123943890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1699962731979401455.post-78289735160466837912009-08-27T08:46:00.000+01:002009-08-27T08:47:30.174+01:00

Today, in my last post on the subject, I want to comment on the spiritual side of the empire vs nation aspect of the Lockerbie bomber’s release.Scotland is an emerging nation-state. It has long been recognised as a nation – with its many distinctive characteristics. It has, for example, always maintained a legal system that was and is different to England and Wales. But since devolution and the

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