Two books have impressed me recently. Firstly, 'My God is True,' by Paul Wolfe (Banner of Truth). This is the story of a young seminarian who had cancer and of the lessons he learned during his illness. So often we hear of people with this disease; I have met it in my own family and too frequently in pastoral life. The title of this book is taken from a hymn: 'Whate'er my God ordains is right'. here is the last verse:
Whate'er my God ordains is right:
Here shall my stand be taken;
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
Yet am I not forsaken.
My Father's care is round me there;
He holds me that I shall not fall:
And so to him I leave it all.

The second book is 'It's not about the Music', by Dan Lucarini (Evangelical Press). This is about worship. Apart from being impressed by the whole book, an unexpected chapter had this title, 'Hymn-singer in a rock and roll church'. I thought his advice about speaking to a pastor applicable beyond this one subject. 'Treat him with the honour and respect due his position, but don't be afraid to tell him what is on your conscience and always speak the truth in love.' 'Above all pray for a winsome spirit. Few pastors can resist the power of an honest and sincere heart expressing a legitimate concern.' 'Do your best to resolve this peacefully with the pastor. Do not become a gossip or the leader of a faction.'

London from Above

Yesterday evening I watched Andrew Marr's new programme 'Britain from Above' . I didn't know it would start with London; first showing the city at the end of the second World War and then what it is like now. Although not all of it was 'from above' a good deal was photographed from the air. As I lived in London for 3 years - 1943-1945 - I found the changes very interesting; though it would have been more interesting for me if it had shown East Acton, where we lived. However, I put a different emphasis on the words 'from above'. London is not only our capital city, bursting with millions of people from many different backgrounds, it also still has important links with many other countries, with people constantly coming and going. So what does God see as he looks on London, and what influence can London have on the world? If we could see London as the Lord does I think we would be appalled. Once any view of the London skyline showed the spires and towers of a multitude of churches. Not any more. And though the view itself isn't all that important, the fact is that London is overwhelmingly secular and its influence for the gospel only minimal. What a call to prayer!

New blog

Just recently I was asked to consider the question whether Jesus Christ was peccable or impeccable; that is, was it possible for him to sin or not? My answer was longer than the posts I usually put on this blog, so i have put it on a second blog, Writings and Ramblings.