So which Charles do we believe? Both are adulterers and probably liars too.

King Charles, his majesty, and Charles Spencer,  Viscount Althorp, see details of the death of dear Diana very differently.  Both are now reaping the serious consequences of adultery and immorality. We reap what we sow, and when we sow seeds of carnal sins, such as adultery, then we shall reap corruption. Galatians 6: 7-8 teaches us that sin, heinous sins, have dire consequences.  They are both reaping a harvest of corruption and unhappiness, without blessing and peace. There is no peace for them in their present condition. Roots of bitterness are continuing to grow within their souls. Hebrews 12:15 applies.

The Madness of Sarah Mullally ?

There are calls for the current Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, to resign over her disastrous decision to give the Hubert Walter award to a prominent Muslim cleric from Pakistan who supports sharia law and vile blasphemy laws which are used to persecute Christians in Pakistan. He also supported Bin Laden. The treatment and persecutions of Christians in Pakistan are horrendous. They have been well documented by Open Doors and Barnabas Aid. The Pakistan legal system is woefully corrupt, and mobs have killed Christians.

The appearance of the wife of this Muslim leader dressed in a fully covered body by Burka is an insult to Lambeth Palace's Christian values and tradition.

This award to the Bin Laden supporter was at the time of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. He has not been known for acts of reconciliation and building bridges. He has never condemned jihadism, Islamic terrorism. On his watch Christians have been suffering painful persecution. His track record is dreadful.

 

What a failure of judgment. 

Does Hell exist?

 I have been thinking about death recently and what happens when we die. Memento mori. It is poignant in view of those dear friends and colleagues from my youth and student days who are no longer here, being dead and in eternity. Some have died recently.

There are those who claim to have had experiences of the afterlife, glimpses of paradise and heavenly encounters, angelic visitations.  I have reservations about these claims, but hope that folk have their reservations in a mansion prepared by the Lord, as mentioned in John 14:2-3. These abodes must be magnificent. Another relevant passage would be 1 Corinthians 2:9-10.  Deep mysteries above and beyond our pay grade?

So do those who are lost, those rejected by God, (who says Depart from Me, you cursed), send folk to hell?  It would appear so, according to Jesus' teaching on Gehenna in the Gospel. It is a place of torment, Luke 16:33, weeping and wailing, gnashing of teeth, (Matthew 13:32) deep regret and separation from God. Jesus spoke uncomfortable words about eternal fire, unquenchable fire, outer darkness (Matthew 25:30).  

How could there be outer darkness if there is eternal fire? Well if you are blind you would know that there could be darkness even when there could be fire all around you. The spiritually blind in hell would be aware of their torment in the eternal fire in that dreadful darkness.

Some years ago I wrote in a journal, Hell exists.  It is not a torture chamber constructed by a despot. It is a place of regret, of weeping and wailing, of sadness and despair. It is a place where sins and the consequences of sins are felt, experienced and painfully known. It is a place where the sinner understands and realizes their folly, stupidity and failure. The people of Hell gnash their teeth when they see their sins and selfishness destroying them. Hell is hopelessness, existing without God.

Now I may be wrong about Hell. I may see this important issue incorrectly. But I believe that it is in the Gospel message,  that we are all  hell deserving sinners that Christ has come to seek and to seek, to redeem us and keep us away from the dreadful end. By His grace He has brought salvation, eternal life to all who respond to Him in repentance and regeneration by the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:8-10. John 3:16.

For me, the crucial question is, where will you spend eternity?

What happens when Christians die?

 I recently saw the funeral service and thanksgiving for the life of Dr Max Turner on YouTube. I remember Max when he was strict librarian at London Bible College in the 1970s, when I was an undergraduate.

I read much later his theological writings on Luke/Acts, the Holy Spirit and charismatic issues. Spendid scholarship.

As a New Testament scholar Max was magnificent, so I was particularly interested to hear his views on the afterlife when they were shared at the service on 3 September. His daughter read from his message given at a funeral for a relative.

Max believed that when a Christian dies they go to paradise, "the Eden garden of peace...all awaiting our resurrection...before that explosive day of resurrection. "  Quoting from Martin Luther, Max believed that we shall rise in a moment and be with Him for ever...not knowing how we came into death in that glorious peace.

Deep serene sleep, that wondrous sleep, total rest would therefore be experienced.  Some would call this soul sleep until the Great Day of the Lord, Yom Yahweh.

Did the Charismatic Movement of the late 20th Century fail?

 I once discussed this question with an elderly Canon of the Cof E. His answer at that time was that the charismatic movement failed to be charismatic enough, in failing to allow the Holy Spirit to bring more charisma, more spiritual gifts and graces. It failed at times to be genuinely charismatic and truly manifest the power and the provision of God.

Sadly the charismatic movement produced some leaders who were self serving and self aggrandizing. It is also produced some Word of Faith hucksters who preached prosperity theology and also some tele-evangelists who made false claims about healings, miracles and how wealth should be acquired.  Some leaders associated with the charismatic movement abused their positions of authority and influence. There were sexual scandals, false prophecies and wicked manipulation of young people. The horror stories and evidence of these sad scandals and sexual sins are recorded on YouTube videos.  These vile acts were perpetrated by well established preachers and prophets.

Some people began to identify as post charismatic because they had been harmed by their experience of charismatic Christianity. They were clearly scarred emotionally and spiritually. The wounds were deep and devastating.  It spelt disaster for some of these high profile preachers and prophets.  There is still a lot of fall out and ongoing problems as a result of these malignant ministries.

Despite the damage and these disasters in the charismatic movement, there are thousands of Christians throughout the world who can testify to the value, benefits and blessings of charismatic renewal, genuine charismatic experience.  They would say that the Holy Spirit has led them in spiritual realms, into a deeper reality of Christian living. This may be manifested in spiritual gifts, in healing, in holiness and a closer walk with the Lord, and often a new boldness in sharing and declaring their faith, power to live the Christian life as God intended. 

Holy Communion is more than a remembrance

 Holy Communion, also known as the blessed sacrament, the Lord's supper, is more than remembering that Jesus Christ died for us. It is far more than reflecting on what he accomplished on the cross at Calvary. 

It is fellowship with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit in participating in a love feast, a time of celebration.

In the Holy Communion service, the Eucharist, the giving of thanks, there should be:

confession

contrition

connection.

But there may not be because the service of Holy Communion is rushed, rapidly conducted without due care and attention, without due diligence.

According to Corinthians, the Eucharist, the Lord's supper should never be taken lightly or without discernment.  It is for God's people to participate in a holy event, a sacrament, a divine encounter, a proclamation. 1 Corinthians 11: 23-34 explains the majesty of this mystery, this sacrament of grace.

Continued on 12 September 

To expand the three points, confession, contrition and connection, I would say that they come together in communion, in fellowship, in koinonia with the triune God. His children are welcome to the table of blessing. It is a time of worship and wonder, when we are able to participate in a holy event, a divine encounter.

God is holy and almighty, a consuming fire and faithful Lord. Therefore He should be approached with reverence and awe. Confession is appropriate. We should confess our sins and seek His forgiveness, knowing that He is faithful and just in cleansing us from all unrighteousness through Christ Jesus. 1 John 1:9 applies. Some find the words of the General Confession helpful, even necessary.

That brings us to contrition. This is more than being sorry for our sins. Criminals in prison are sorry for the mess that they have done and the pain that it has caused family, friends and fellow criminals, but there is no repentance or contrition. And this can be true of people at church, who may have no intention of changing their lives, habits, harmful devices and desires. Contrition means a commitment to change and putting away everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Hebrews 12:1.

So the third point is connection. Do we in Holy Communion connect with God? Are we in fellowship with Him? Do we find intimacy and enjoy the amazing grace, hesed, abundance and benefits of His love. 

I shall conclude with the words of Lord in Revelation, the Apocalypse, 3:19-20

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.

Look here! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come right in and I will dine with him, and he with Me.

Authority in the church: where does it come from?

 I have often pondered the question of where does authority come from in the church?

It raises the old chestnuts about male authority, leadership, eldership, bishoprics, overseers, management, hierarchy etc.

Some would argue that the main issue is biblical authority. Others would put tradition as normative. Many would say that God is the ultimate authority and we should therefore find out what His will is on all matters of authority.

So we get into the issues of interpretation, understanding texts, established rules and regulations, what is considered best practice, historical precedence or tradition.

Now I would argue that authority comes with wisdom, knowledge and ability, especially when there is evident talent, gifts (spiritual, natural and acquired through skills). Some people have charisma, a self assurance and confidence in their ability that gives them authority. Strong personalities often gravitate into leadership positions, and the loudest voices of the determined wish to control and command. This becomes a problem when status, money and influence/connections influence the church agenda. I would argue that this is unhealthy because leadership in the church should be related to spirituality and a godly life.

In some churches the control and the agenda are managed by an elite, an oligarchy.  Sometimes a diaconate or eldership can be controlled by a small group of like minded people, usually dominated by men, who ensure that only those who agree with their views have any say or influence in the church. In some case this leadership could be mainly under the control of a few family members and relatives. 

In some non-conformist leadership teams the positions of authority are in practice only open to folk in certain professions and positions in the community.  The diaconate would be the preserve of the senior managers, the solicitors, professional middle classes and above, officer class and people who have high status or standing in the community. Some church livings were in the gift of the local or even far away lord and lady of the manor, the dean of a college, a guild or some generous benefactor, as I understand it.  Worldly, carnal considerations therefore contaminate the church leadership.  

I wish to argue for leadership in the church according to spirituality, lives without reproach, and with the talents, skills, abilities to move hearts and minds in and into the Kingdom of God.  Authority would come from those who possess, those who have been recognized by God's people , to have these gifts.  

Those who exercise spiritual gifts and graces have an authority from God, because their gifts and graces have the touch, power, authority and energy of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes the counterfeit can occur, but the test of time and the fruits of ministry will show what is genuine, sincere, spiritual (the work of the Holy Spirit).  Jesus will be uplifted and glorified. The results may not be apparent in time but they will be revealed in eternity.  The questions is: does this ministry produce work, fruit of eternal quality?

If someone is gifted and highly talented in teaching the Word of God, with an established theological education, according to some traditions, that does not give them authority to preach or minister, especially if they are female.  I know of some churches where the men would walk out if a woman went into the pulpit. It is fine for her to give a testimony or share an experience of spiritual growth but under no circumstance should she preach or expound the Bible, even if she has written books and published papers of theological significance. So if a man as a preacher in the pulpit  read from this woman's work and passed it off as his sermon then that would be allowed, would it not?  Some would say this is unacceptable because it is in effect "sermon theft," something that CH Spurgeon was accused of when he used another man's sermon.  There have been many cases of preachers using, and abusing, the sermons of other preachers without acknowledging the fact.

So back to the questions of authority.  I contend strongly that authority in church leadership comes with spirituality, gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, manifested with wisdom, knowledge and evidence of divine blessing. Is there fruit, evidence of spirituality?

It often comes with respect and integrity.  Sometimes this takes years to acquire and develop. Authority is undermined if there is mendacity, dishonesty, greed, deviance and pride. Ministries have collapsed when certain evil deeds have come to light. The position that they once held dear has been removed and their authority with their established status is taken away. Certain high profile leaders in the USA have been exposed by investigative journalists and bloggers. The hypocrisy is sometimes incredible. Certainly amazing and troubling.

In some churches they are sacked and disgraced. In other churches they can be reassigned and hidden way in some low profile position, a college library or Craggy Island (Father Ted) type situation.  Cover ups can occur and damage limitation.  It may amaze God's people how far some organizations and church groups will go to preserve reputations and ministries in which a great deal of money, time and energy have been invested.

Does authority collapse or disappear when someone has committed a serious sin, such as adultery, fornication/lascivious sex, sexual deviance such as sex with minors,  rape, fraud, unprovoked physical violence, to name some of them? It seems that when reproach, reprobate behaviour and reprimands are forthcoming then there must be removal from ministry, often indefinitely with no chance of restitution to positions and places of access to the flock. Restitution is an important issue when there is repentance and true contrition.  Can the reproach and loss of respect and reputation be restored again?  Tough question and a soul searching exercise for the church.

John Bunyan is a great example of incarnated authority. He was not an educated man by colleges or academic intuitions, but wonderfully self educated and learned in the Word of God, in puritan theology.

He did not have a license to preach or to officiate in the established church. In fact, he fell foul of the ecclesiastical and secular authorities and was imprisoned for his non-conformity.  Religious leaders were instrumental in the crucifixion of Christ.  And religious leaders in the Anglican Church persecuted Bunyan. He suffered for his faith, his testimony to the truth of God's Word, in the face of religiosity. Yet he did not compromise and kowtow to those in authority. This authority was certainly not godly, gracious or good for our land.  

Bunyan was a Baptist preacher without formal theological training, yet he wrote magnificent literature, ministered to a small flock in the Bedford area and was recognized for his pastoral gifts, his ability to move hearts and minds.  When he preached folk were born again by the work of the Holy Spirit and brought closer to the Saviour. Bunyan advanced the Kingdom of God. He had true godly authority, an authority from God that is appreciated to this day.

Into the Hall of Shame?

 When it comes to red cards, serious vicious fouls, yellow cards, there is one football player who is the prime offender, certainly when it comes to La Liga and Champions League games.  He had been accused of employing the dark arts during tackles and physical contact on the pitch.  Dare we mention his name?  Some of his offences during games are legendary and offensive. He was a leader and won many battles, many trophies, and he was lucky, which is necessary in sport. But was he a good sport who played fair?

Public Protection is a huge concern

With violence on our streets in Middlesborough and callous criminal invaders, illegal immigrants and other dangerous dudes who should be incarcerated, the British public should be concerned about public protection. 

 The case of Ibrahim Albashir highlights the massive failures in allowing such an evil madman to commit crimes that should have never occured had the appropriate agencies been diligent, competent and careful in their duties. This dangerous individual violently and vilely carried out crimes that should have been prevented. 

 I hope that case conferences and rigorous enquiries find out exactly how these catastrophic chain of events, crime waves, in Middlesborough and in Leeds put people in danger. Lessons must be learned to avoid these dreadful incidents. Members of the British public have been badly let down.

My Word is My Bond, Dictum Meum Pactum

Dictum meum pactum is the motto of the LSE. No, not the London School of Economics but the London Stock Exchange. One stock broker, a leading partner is a firm trading on the LSE, promised his colleagues that their jobs would be safe after a takeover. Sadly he could not deliver this under the terms of the merger and management agreements. He felt that as he had broken his word, he could no longer live with himself, the shame, the ignomy of not holding to Dictum Meum Pactum. 

He took his revolver, a souvenir of WW2, and shot himself. He had helped a young office boy, who lost his father at the age of ten, who worked hard and showed great potential. When this young man was twenty one this senior partner paid for him to become a member of the London Stock Exchange, which was 1k sterling in 1961. The senior partner also mentored him as a dealer and was very generous when he got married later in the year. It was therefore a great shock when the young broker heard the news of the suicide, the death of a father figure, adviser, man of great integrity and honour. He wanted to repay, to give something back, to achieve, to do something for Bobby Shaw, of Kitchen, Baker and Shaw. 

 And he did by working hard, showing dedication, ambition and commitment above and beyond the average, the norm, the mediocrity and safety first mentality. He had a purpose. He became a highly successful stock broker. One could say it was one for the Gipper. He would keep his word, even if it cost him financially and a better deal could have been won. If he said it, then his word was enough, sure and certain. His word was his bond. This working practice, the high ethical standards, with the necessary talent and financial acumen won him valuable clients. Needless to say he became very successful, weathly and wise, trusted for his honesty, integrity and word of honour. When he died many attended his funeral. Some travelled great distances to pay their respects. He was remembered as a man of his word, who had been a success for Bobby Shaw.

Infantino, it’s time go.

Infantino has been weighed in the balances of public opinion, in the opinion of many footbal associations, leading players, football commentators, journalists, tv pundits and the Prime Minister, and found to be wanting. It was time to go, months ago. His dismissal is long over due.

Infantino fights on despite strong opposition

It is amazing how thick skinned and how relient Gianni Infantino has been in the face of strong criticism, growing opposition, discontent with his decisions and lack of confidence in his management. He is massively unpopular. Fifa would be a lot better without GI, who has brought the GI blues to Fifa, where money and profits rule and reign.

A question for Muslim and Islamic Scholars

It is claimed that Muhammad is the last and the greatest prophet, and the Quran is said by Muslims that it is the true inerrant word of God. My question is: why are so many Islamic countries, who live and have the benefits of Muhammad's teaching and the Quran, barbaric, backward in several aspects, brutal (particularly to women), badly bureaucratic (with so much corruption, economic mismanagement, nepotism, fraud) and bad governed. 

 So many Muslims seem to be proud of their religion but not proud of the way it is practised in Islamic states and majority Muslim lands. They are often eager to leave these lands for Western countries. One might argue it is mainly for economic reasons, but there are others because their own countries, under Islam, are a mess, mucked up. There is high unemployment and unstable working conditions (dreadful health and safety practices). Some would even admit the the criminal justice systems of Western civilization is far superior to what they have experienced in the Islamic world. Some are here as a result of Shia/Sunni tensions and troubles.

 Life is far preferable in England, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada because they have a much greater freedom from forms of persecution, and they can live a better life, a prosperous life, one with a much higher standard of living. The treatment of women is some Islamic countries is beyond the comprehension of Western women. FGM, oppressive dress codes, restrictions in movement and travel, driving and employment, status (being taught that women are inferior and of less value than men) and a whole host of difficulties results in women coming to the West and not wanting to return home to a miserable Islamic way of life. Now I know that not all Muslims agree with the restrictions and these regimes, but the track record of violence, jihadism etc. should be addressed. No mainstream Islamic school of the religion has to my knowledge ever condemned jihad, though Muslims may have condemned certain acts of terrorism. But the prevalance of Islamic terrorism or terrorism in the name of Islam needs to be addressed.

Making a difference

i was deeply moved by Matthew Syed's artcle in his Sunday Times column. in talking about his sister Rebecca, MS writes: whose talents were given wings by a guy from our church called Derek, who could see she was struggling in a complacent system, and who came around to give her free private lessons. He then saw her nail her GCSEs, A-levels, gain a medical degree from Oxford doing research and clinical work. Wow Derek you made a difference.

It’s a grim life under the Taliban

Life is brutish, bleak and miserable in Afghanistan today, especially if you are a woman with the terrible Taliban calling the shots. Seeing on hidden movie cameras the conditions of women and girls trying to be educated secretly in this backward, repressive country is pathetic but even worse are the neo natal hospital care experiences and midwifery provision in Afghanistan. Employment prospects, particularly for females, must be among the worst in the world. This is a prison state. In fact many prisons have better regimes. The future looks grim for many. The present reality is horrendously grim.

Law enforcement has let us down

We see today that the police and the criminal justice system have failed to protect the public from lawless Levy, serial rapist and murderer. His victims are already serving a life sentence of pain and grief. Levy's criminal record, his crimes and rate of offending will go down in history as an enormous failure, which cost lives. There must be a thorough forensic inquiry.

Jason Arday is now on his way

 Jason Arday has resigned from his Cambridge University post. He is now regarded as a woke joke, a figure of ridicule and contempt. Some see this academic farce as a nail in the coffin for diversity, equity and inclusion culture that has plagued HR, recruitment services and education. 

In a sense Jason Arday was a professor for he professed to have qualifications and experience that were evidently false. What a pseudo intellectual!

Infantino following the ways of Blatter?

 Questions are now being asked about Infantino’s management of FIFA.  Is he feathering his own nest? Is he now following in the footsteps of Sepp Blatter? Is Infantino  a money mad Swiss businessman and bureaucrat, a merchant banker? 

Sepp Blatter was accused of corruption and squirrelling away fast funds, doing dodgy deals.

Now the crucial question being posed is whether or not the current FIFA proposals will harm football ? Will FIFA under Infantino cause scorn and contempt bringing the beautiful game into disrepute? 

The game will live on. Many hope it will be without Infantino.

Freddie Sayer RIP

 It was good to see so many people at the graveside and then inside the Hornchurch Methodist church where Freddie worshipped, preached and shared his Christian faith. The church was so full that there was an overflow area in the hall. 

Freddie was respected for his vision for the Hornchurch Passion Play, his work in constructing the cross for the performances on the green by the Queen's Theatre. 

I remember him driving the van down the alleyway at the back of his house, near where I once lived, working into his seventies having lost his pension as the result of someone's wicked act of fraud and greed.

I remember Freddie's sincere commitment to biblical truth and his firm faith which he shared so willingly and winsomely.

I remember his fascinating accounts of working as a welder, even for Stanley Kubrick filming Full Metal Jacket on location in docklands before the Banks and financial services moved in.

Freddie was a lovely man , who with Jenty, moved hearts and minds in Hornchurch. 

FIFA, finance is first aim

 FIFA reveals its ugly head again in serving mammon and putting finance before football.  There is a stench of corruption, something rotten in the state of play when FIFA have their way.  People smell more than a rat but an infestation of money making mania.  FIFA has been bad for football and many are saying that it is ruining the beautiful game on the world stage.  There needs to be a thorough forensic investigation into FIFA. 

Crying for Argentina

Many Argentinians were crying when they lost in the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, USA.

Messi and his team were down and deeply disappointed.  They wanted to win a back to back trophy and make history.  They played with passion but sadly in a nasty, cynical, disgraceful and despicable way.  They fouled and spoiled their opponents open football. Spain were worthy winners. The Argentinian team showed how unsportsmanlike they were when Spain celebrated and received the winners' medals.  There were some clear and obvious examples of bad conduct, violent behaviour and vile manners. Shameful. 

The way the Argentine team failed to make shots on goal and had a win at all costs approach did not endear them to neutral nations.  Spain became the heros and the highly acclaimed team. Most nations were rooting for them and wanted another win, another star on the team shirt for Spain. 

Analyzing the game, it was clear that Argentina were very negative and committed some bad fouls, which are being used in evidence against their bad plays, nasty ways.

FIFA will be investigating the disgraceful post match conduct and behaviour of the Argentinians.  The world's press has already condemned such disgraceful and shameful delinquency.  The political aspects in showing a message about Las Malvinas will be bitterly remembered. These players were role models but now some of them are examples of bad sportsmanship and being sore losers.  

Concerning heresy

Christians, those who love, serve and live in Christ Jesus, are enjoined to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Saints, those who are sanctified by the Lord’s grace, are involved in a spiritual battle against dark forces, spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6: 10 onwards makes this point clearly.

In the various denominations today there are destructive doctrines that have crept in slowly and subtly. They have been expounded and promoted by clever and cunning folk who believe that there can be spirituality without repentance, discipleship without holiness and Christianity without the cross. So their god has no wrath, their kingdom has no judgement, their followers are not concerned about sin, their Christ is a social worker and their authority derives from their own experience, knowledge and world view. Well that’s heresy.

TENBY IN JUNE

I spent a wonderful week in west Wales, in Pembrokeshire, notably Tenby, that's Dinbych yr Pysgod in Welsh.  After the heat of southern England, it was so splendid to spend time enjoying the milder weather and the sweet sea breezes, the beautiful beaches, the charming alleys, the coastal paths and small shops in and around Tenby. 

I wish to share some photographs, which I hope capture to some extent the love and affection I have for this special place, which I have visited regularly since the early 1970s when my wife had family in the area.

Under construction.  Seeking more photographs.

Ann Widdecombe, Rest in Paradise

 I have admired Ann Widdecombe's clarity, conviction, commitment to causes and her Christian faith.  I remember her climbing seven flights of stairs in the Home Office building in Queen Anne's Gate to keep fit.  AW did have a weight problem at times, and a love for chocolate. Unlike other HMG ministers she was never aloof, arrogant or haughty. In fact AW was friendly, gracious, kind and compassionate.

Ann Widdecombe was active in the Oxford alumni network and hosted London events. During her student days she was involved in Christian witness attending OICCU meetings.  In later life she became a Roman Catholic, disliking the weak, wishy washy and woke theology of the Anglican leadership, which seemed to be about sanctified good manners and little substance, not the Gospel that she believed in.

While many may disagree with her politics and theological views, Ann Widdecombe was a woman of great integrity, grit and determination, who passionately believed in free speech. AW was courteous and vigorous in debate, never nasty or unpleasant, a gentle soul.

May Ann rest in paradise. Pax. RIP.

The Firm, the Royal Family, the Monarchy is going through troubled times

Hardly a day goes by when a new royal scandal arises.  Every Sunday paper seems to have some feature that exposes dark deeds in high places, in the Palace, its press office and among those associated with the Royal Family, the Firm. 

There is clearly less respect and deference these days, and those against the British Monarchy have grown stronger in their calls for an end to what is seen as outdated, old fashioned, parasitical and opaque.  The lack of accountability, the obvious mendacity and dishonesty all bring the institution in to disrepute. There are signs of moral declension, cover ups, fraud, failure to uphold justice and the rule of law.  

The Royal Family, the Firm, seems to be more concerned about its image and prestige than its duty to the citizens and subjects.  

AMW and Sarah Ferguson have opened up a can of worms, a toxic mess that is eating its way into the upper echelons of the State and the Firm. The damage done is probably incalculable, but perhaps the Firm will find a way to adapt, change and charm the people.

A Marvelous Magnificent May 2026

 I enjoyed the fabulous weather at the end of May. I went on a prayer walk in the Meon Valley. I went to Touraine, Val de Loire, staying at an excellent hotel in Tours and visited chateaux. Chenonceau is probably my favourite as architectural beauty and brilliance. But the charm, the history and what is on show at Clos Luce, the final working and resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, was outstanding, glorious, wonderful.  So much to see and take in.  I could have spent another full day there and some. 

It was lovely to walk and pray by the clear chalk stream that passes through Corhampton, Meonstoke and Exton.  The ancient churches are cool on a warm spring day, and we have had some really warm ones this year. It was, I believe, the hottest May on record. Phew, some people wilted in the heat. I love it, though the humidity can be unpleasant.

In the Loire Valley it was as hot as Hampshire but it was a pleasant dry heat, without humidity.  It is a beautiful part of France, la Belle France.  The chateaux are splendid and the gastronomy was superb. I loved the cheeses and was tempted by the gateaux, but the haute cuisine was something special.  I did not have a disappointing meal at all. There are so many excellent restaurants in Tours.  It is not cheap but it was a memorable experience, for the gourmet and the gourmande.

Putin is like a cornered rat, dangerous and desperate

 Putin is dangerous, desperate and defiant.  There is also devious activity carried out by his cyber warriors. 

We must be alert, vigilant and ready to stand firm against his special military and malevolent operations. We must resist his plans to disrupt, destroy and demolish our alliances.

Putin would dearly love to have control of Ukraine and the ancient city of Kiev, sorry Kyiv, older than Moscow and a glorious gem.

We should understand that extent of his criminal, unlawful political methods. 

The West cannot afford to let Putin have his own way. We must now work out ways to prevent him and for us to prevail.

It's perfectly clear, it's the end for Sir Keir

The people are furious and have spoken clearly.  They wish to see change in the land. They know that certain politicians are guilty of crimes and misdemeanors, of damaging our society. Certain politicians are toxic at the ballot box. 

Are brighter days ahead?  That is the question that is being asked in the face of decline, decadence and decay.

I pray for better days, better politicians and better policies.  May the Lord help us. We need a renaissance of hope and virtue. 

Happy Birthday Sir David. One hundred not out and what a century!

Sir Olly is innocent. Sir Keir must go.

 I do not reveal the person and party  I voted for at elections.  Now, however, I deeply regret that I voted for Sir Keir at the last one.

Today I realize that he should be, in the words of Lord Sugar, fired.  

Sir Olly is a man of integrity and considerable ability. He cared about his job at the Foreign Office and those who worked for him. He worked according the correct rules and regulations. He worked with the utmost professionalism in his high office.  He was a credit to the senior civil service, highly esteemed and respected.  

In no way did he deserve to be sacked by Sir Keir.  It is outrageous and unjust, especially in the light of his  honest and transparent testimony before the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs. 

I pray that Sir Olly will find a good and highly rewarding job in the near future.

As for Sir Keir, well he should resign gracefully, though his days may numbered  when the local election results come in. I doubt if he will be at Number 10 when the next election is called. He has been weighed in the balances and found wanting.

Bon avenir Sir Olly.

Further Charismatic Concerns

 There clearly needs to be accountability, transparency and responsibility in leadership, particularly when Charismatic Christian leaders have been exposed for greed, dishonesty, sexual misconduct, ministerial abuse and errant behavior.  Cover ups and being economical with Gospel truths should be faced fairly and squarely.  There is a crisis among New Apostolic Reformation churches.  Certain leaders have woefully failed the flock, the sheep under their care. Sometimes the flock have been financially fleeced.  Leaders have been paid and received inflated amounts of money.  They have received perks and benefits that were arguably unmerited and dishonestly obtained.  They have fed themselves while allowing those around to starve spiritually speaking, providing shallow, superficial and  poor quality teaching. They have  indulged vices and followed too much the sinful devices and desires of their own hearts.  They may have at times talked the talk, but they have failed to walk the walk, to live close to Christ in a worthy way.  

We keep hearing about adulterous and dangerous liaisons, inappropriate conduct and unacceptable actions, resulting in various disciplinary and necessary removal from pulpit and public ministry. Sometimes the perpetrators show no sign of thorough repentance, contrition and repairing the damage done to the church, and no signs of substantive help for victims.

Within the Charismatic Movement, sadly, there are prosperity preachers and false teachers who have led people astray.  They have used manipulative and cunning ways to deceive people. False prophecies, fake healings, counterfeit miracles have become evident and the falsehood and deception can be empirically verified.

We should be grateful to Mike Winger, Julie Roys, the Torn Curtain podcast, and the Wake Up and Win ministry for helping Charismatics to negotiate this crisis in Christendom.  We should appreciate their efforts to cleanse the fellowship of believers, the elect, the saved and sanctified.

Holiness is not an optional extra or choice.  Without holiness we shall not see God.  This time of judgment on the House of God is necessary and painful, but we should heed the warning of the Holy Spirit.

Let those who have an ear hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches, the charismatic churches and all who follow the LORD.

Prayer Walk in the Meon Valley

 On the third Saturday in May (D.V.) I will be prayer walking in the Meon Valley visiting parish churches at Corhampton, Exton and Meonstoke. I have informed local clergy, who have no objections to this spiritual practice.

Like the prayer walks that I used to lead in Essex and in Finland, it seems good to pray for certain topics at different churches or places. Bible readings from the Psalms would be chosen. The suggested topics are: the nation and those in authority, those in ministry, missions and Christian leadership, personal needs, the sick and the suffering, especially in war and in places of conflict/persecution.

There will be time for quiet reflection as well as open prayer. We may sing appropriate hymns or songs, like Majesty and Our God Reigns,  but only if we feel in good voice and able to make a joyful sound.

We should break bread together at a pub on route and I hope to book a table, perhaps al fresco.

Please let me know if you wish to come.

Blessings from Bishopstoke 

John

Johli Baptist 

Charismatic Concerns

 Those within the Charismatic movement in the USA are raising concerns about the fallout from various high profile exposures,  serious moral failures and falls from grace.  There have been resignations after reports of sexual misconduct and highly inappropriate behaviour by leaders and those in high profile ministries.  There is also concern about the mendacity of leaders involved in protecting and covering up abuse, deceit and corruption.

It seems that there has been too much emphasis on building up these high profile leaders, popular preachers and super star speakers at conferences.  They have been cleverly promoted and positioned at large gatherings and given lucrative preaching engagements.  Book deals, advertising, media reviews and endorsements have helped enormously. Some leaders had a very inflated view of their ministry and importance. Some have come crashing down and the results are painful.  The victims are revealing inconvenient truth and bad fruit is eventually apparent.

Another grave concern is in weakness of the Charismatic preaching which has failed to articulate the basic Gospel.  I have found the Wake Up and Win podcasts, and Mike Wingers' insights on YouTube very revealing. Some mega church ministries have obscured the truth in a haze of half truths, comfortable words, spiritually weak words, watered down messages, so that there is no conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment.  The Cross has little meaning according to this weak message.  Repentance and renouncing worldly ways, holiness and the pursuit of theological clarity are seriously absent.  The flock are kept in a state of theological and spiritual infancy.  There is little depth and width of knowledge, disciplined discipleship and godly experience.  Some years ago Willow Creek found that there was a lack of growth, shallow Bible knowledge and Christian maturity.  It is now reported to be the case within certain circles at Bethel Chapel, Redding, California, IHOP Kansas City and other large congregations. Superficiality and shallowness are allegedly rife.  Sound and profound Bible knowledge is apparently lacking.  Is there a famine of the Word of God???

A Shameful Sacking at Cliff College

It is shameful that Cliff College told Dr Aaron Edwards that his evangelical teaching on sexuality, a single tweet defending Christian sexual ethics, had brought the college into disrepute.  Dr Edwards was abused and sacked for breaching the college's social media policy, clearly a pseudo Christian media policy.  Disgraceful.  

Cliff College should be ashamed that this theological institution has failed to uphold established and orthodox Christian doctrine, and it has brought Cliff College into disrepute.  In the conservative evangelical constituency Cliff College will now be regarded as compromised by contemporary and worldy wisdom, the spirit of the age, arguably by woeful woke ethics of DEI, or DIE as some prefer to call it. 

Cliff College and certain members of the Methodist Church have embraced and are wedded to this progressive social media policy, a broad way that leads away from Gospel truth and New Testament teaching.  A sad day for Cliff College and those who support it.  I expect many evangelicals to give it a very wide berth.  Could Cliff College leading people over a cliff?

From the Gulf to the Caspian Sea, O Lord set the people free

 My earnest prayer for the Iranian people is that the Lord will set the people free from the tyrannical regime that is murdering innocent protesters. May the Lord remove those who have hatred in their hearts for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, freedom and truth.  

The future looks bleak but there is hope for the growing resistance and those in the Christian community. May God keep and bless them abundantly. 

Lord in your mercy, hear the cries of the suffering survivors of brutality and repression, those who call on your name in the face of injustice.

May righteous government be restored with lawful order and may human rights flourish.  Lord, come to the aid of those who wish to see justice return to the streets of Iran.

From the Gulf to the Caspian Sea may the Iranian people be set free.

Iranians are now fighting to free the people from tyranny

 The reign of terror by the iniquitous and murderous mullahs is doomed to destruction. Decline and decay in Iran we now see.  The people are demanding to be free, free from this toxic tyranny. The religious rule of lying clerics will end. The ruling leadership dispensing death and destruction cannot be maintained.  Truth and the quest for human rights in Iran will prevail. History will condemn this evil Islamic state, this regime of terror which exported terrorism and ruined an economy.

Islamists took the country backwards into poverty and religious slavery, a hell of chaos, pain and fear.

The blood of the martyrs will be the seed of liberated people in Iran, the Christian community and others who have been praying for the liberation of Iran.  The church in Iran, persecuted yet prayerful, has stood firm against the forces of darkness and doom.

Power to the protesters, the brave people in Iran

Right now the protesters have taken to the streets to demand freedom from oppression, tyranny and religious rule by menacing Mullahs.  They are calling for human rights, liberty and justice denied for far too long.  The people have had enough of the pseudo theocratic reign of terror.  Women have been treated so badly, like second class citizens.  Iran has been under the curse of the Islamic thought police and agents of state sanctioned brutality. Torture and imprisonment were used frequently against dissenters and opponents of the despotic regime.  

The level of protest shows that the regime has failed miserably to provide a stable economy, an open and just society that listens to its people.  For many it has been a prison state, a place of sadness, sorrow and strict measures which stifle enterprise and economic growth.  The regime is rotten to the core, and its cancerous hold needs to be removed.

God bless those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.  May their prayers for a better Iran be answered.