Stephen McDonald

God Forsaken? (Matthew 27:45-54)

The cross is the enduring symbol of Christianity. But why would you choose an instrument of execution as the identifying marker of your religion? The Roman historian Tactitus and modern skeptical historians agree that Jesus was executed. That’s despite the repeated ‘not guilty’ verdicts from the Roman governor, Pilate (v18-19). That’s despite the man whoContinue reading “God Forsaken? (Matthew 27:45-54)”

The Church in Controversy (Acts 15:1-21)

We love a story of transformation. There are any number of great stories of people who have risen to be something than what they were. At the moment, one of the bigger films of this year is a remake of A Star is Born, starring Stefani Germanotta, who I’m sure you all know as LadyContinue reading “The Church in Controversy (Acts 15:1-21)”

Easter: The Centre of Christianity

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, The Easter season reminds us of the central events of the Christian faith. None of us will know the breadth and depth of the good news about Jesus in this life, but anyone can know the key points. Paul underlines them for us in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: “For I deliveredContinue reading “Easter: The Centre of Christianity”

Who Are Missionaries & What Do They Do? (Acts 14:19-28)

When James Cook returned to England from his voyage through the South Seas, his journals were published. As well as inspiring significant scientific advances, they also stirred up the Christian missionary movement. A shoemaker in Northamptonshire, William Carey devoured the Endeavour journals. They fanned into flame his passion for the good news about Jesus toContinue reading “Who Are Missionaries & What Do They Do? (Acts 14:19-28)”

Baptised Into His Death (Romans 6:1-14)

When you are confronted with someone who is hard to deal with, how do you respond? When you run into someone, and you find that they treat you badly, and they may be a Christian person, and perhaps you ask some people who know them, and they say, “Well, you know, that’s just Gertrude! That’sContinue reading “Baptised Into His Death (Romans 6:1-14)”