By Jeff Lucas2024-03-04T16:25:00
There have been times when I’ve viewed God like a cosmic policeman, admits Jeff Lucas. But he isn’t the God of the gotcha. He’s good.
Driving to our church office in Colorado last week, I was momentarily distracted by the worship album I’d downloaded. The music was great, but the rather aggressive leader seemed to think that freedom in worship meant the congregation had to respond, Pavlovian dog-like, to his every order: “Everyone raise your hands in praise…right now!” he barked.
I didn’t respond, not least because I was driving. He then followed that command with a well-worn exchange: “God is good!!” he bellowed. “All the time!” responded the obedient crowd, but apparently with insufficient gusto. “I said…God is good!!!” the leader thundered again.
Mildly irritated by this cheerleading, I suddenly realised that the traffic light ahead of me had turned amber. Should I stop or speed up just a little to get through before it turned red? I choose the latter, but then spotted the police car behind me. Rats. Had I misjudged the traffic light, leading to a little roadside chat with a friendly chap carrying pepper spray and a gun? My heartbeat climbed. My hands grew clammy. I waited for the blaring of a siren and the flashing of lights.
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Helen Parker’s Family Matters thoughtfully explores the real-life pressures Gen Z face - from grief to friendship and faith, says our reviewer
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After their child came out as transgender and cut off all contact, the grief for Christian parents Gary and Leah was profound. But it is possible to keep loving in the silence — with grace, humility and hope — even when reconciliation feels out of reach, says Sarah Sedgwick
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While many churches prioritise order, structure, and predictability, Rev Jamie Sewell says true revival isn’t born of control, but of holy disruption
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Amid the noise of instant notifications, Jeff Lucas urges us to pause, pay attention, and rediscover God’s presence in the everyday
2025-06-25T12:13:00Z By Lucy Peppiatt
Church leaders have been given great power by God. They must use it responsibly and for the good of the whole body, says Lucy Peppiatt
2025-06-25T10:25:00Z By Joshua Luke Smith
When his son was born in the bathroom, Joshua Luke Smith encountered the awe-filled reality of birth — and discovered the spiritual power of holy helplessness
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