‘The greatest commandment is amongst other things a commandment to full engagement in the act of worship’ Thought-provoking, NOT boring from the @simplepastor.bsky.social thesimplepastor.co.uk/entertaining...

this is mesmerizing

Goodbye Budapest

Nigeria has the world’s fifth-largest Muslim population and its sixth-largest Christian population. It is the only country that ranks among both the 10 largest Muslim populations and the 10 largest Christian populations.

Generosity towards others was, and is, as essential mark of the New Testament way of life.

Libraries are amazing & we shouldn't ever let them disappear. What a society where you could read thousands of books over a lifetime for FREE! kottke.org/25/08/004732...

Almost none of the songs I sing in church are drawn from the life of Jesus. There are very few based on what I read in the Gospels BEFORE the cross. Or at least I can't think of many Give me your best hymns & songs that draw on the life/teachings of Jesus as we read in the Gospels BEFORE the cross

Better late than never. Probably. thesimplepastor.co.uk/the-curiosit...

‘The greatest commandment is amongst other things a commandment to full engagement in the act of worship’ Thought-provoking, NOT boring from ‘the Simple Pastor! thesimplepastor.co.uk/entertaining...

Not shocked to see where Sweden comes on this list

Two of the most brutal sentences in the Bible: "Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord." (1 Sam 2:12). God save us from religious leaders like that.

While the summer was probably nice in Poland or Denmark this is yet another reminder that Europe must adapt to higher temperatures quickly.

I take time to read this blog whenever I remember. A shame it’s not on Substack as X is not somewhere I like to spend much time thesimplepastor.co.uk/god-is-pro-j... Thanks @simplepastor.bsky.social

We've just passed the 1st anniversary of my father's death. This was, it turns out, his last annual Christmas newsletter reflection. Poignant to say the least. thesimplepastor.co.uk/when-the-tim...

"O may this bounteous God Through all our life be near us, With ever joyful hearts And blessed peace to cheer us; And keep us in his grace, And guide us when perplexed, And free us from all ills In this world and the next." #dailyhymn

I was recently interviewed for the New Ground Leadership podcast. Fascinating to reflect that we're having this topic whereas five to ten years ago we wouldn't! thesimplepastor.co.uk/ai-in-minist...

UPDATED: Our interactive table shows the religious makeup of 201 countries and territories. pewrsr.ch/43usV6q?ut...

You can explore our new estimates of the religious composition of every country, by count and share here: www.pewresearch.org/religion/fea... For example, here's a clip showing countries with the highest unaffiliated shares in 2020:

"Finish then thy new creation, Pure and sinless let us be; Let us see thy great salvation, Perfectly restored in thee: Changed from glory into glory, Till in heav'n we take our place, Till we cast our crowns before thee, Lost in wonder, love, and praise!" #dailyhymn

A graphic showing hyper-extremes of how “church” is experienced - working on next book which addresses how wrong understandings of church drastically can impact our spiritual growth. - Any feedback appreciated.

Looking for fresh blogs & sources of interesting writing. Could be about almost anything if well written. - Slight bias towards being from a Christian perspective. - Slight bias against substacks as I can't afford/am unwilling to pay for any more subscriptions Hit me with your best reads.

The wider the gap, the harder to find a partner. This should in turn further drive down birth rates. On top of this, the UK now has a reverse gender pay gap for young workers. Considering that women still prefer an equally or higher earning partner, birth rates should take yet another hit.

"Lord of all power, I give thee my will, In joyful obedience thy tasks to fulfil. Thy bondage is freedom; thy service is song; And, held in thy keeping, my weakness is strong." #dailyhymn

Proper timeline cleanser this: Owls in Towels owlsintowels.org

"Normalize not looking at porn." newsletter.oalannoble.com/p/pornograph...

"Lord, for that word, the word of life which fires us, speaks to our hearts and sets our souls ablaze, teaches and trains, rebukes and inspires us, Lord of the word, receive your people's praise." #dailyhymn

"Life-imparting heavenly Manna, Stricken Rock with streaming side, Heaven and earth with loud hosanna Worship thee, the Lamb who died, Alleluia! Risen, ascended, glorified!" #dailyhymn

I've done it again. "Hey AI give me the brutal no holds barred feedback on this message. Don't sweet talk me." "It’s like three different talks had a car crash and you read the wreckage aloud." It might need a little work then.

I asked for the brutal no holds barred evaluation of my sermon from AI and I was told, "There are moments where fire is needed and you bring a wet match." Well, I did ask.

"King is he, yet born a servant, Lord of all in human guise, Truly man, yet God revealing, God as love, to mortal eyes; God with man, he leads and feeds us, He the power and he the prize." #dailyhymn

Even in countries where few people view religion as very important, many hold beliefs in spirits and/or life after death. For example, few Swedes (7%) say religion is very important to them but nearly two-thirds believe in spirits in animals, parts of nature or objects.

"Spirit of our God, descending, Fill our hearts with heavenly joy, Love with every passion blending, Pleasure that can never cloy; Thus provided, pardoned, guided, Nothing can our peace destroy." #dailyhymn

"Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom, Lead thou me on; The night is dark, and I am far from home, Lead thou me on. Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene; one step enough for me." #dailyhymn

"Just as I am, without one plea But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come." #dailyhymn

From Kirkus, a list of the Best Books of the 21st Century (So Far). I’ve read some of these but want to add the rest to my pile. [kirkusreviews.com]

"Where he displays his healing power Death and the curse are known no more; In him the tribes of Adam boast More blessings than their father lost." #dailyhymn

Another brilliant thing about living in Stockholm - Culture Night! Once evening a year everything culture related in the city is free & open to all. Just brilliant. kulturnattstockholm.se

"Jesus lives! my heart knows well Nought from me His Loves shall sever; Life, nor death, nor powers of hell, Part me now from Christ for ever: God will be a sure defence; This shall be my confidence." #dailyhymn

"Jesus calls us from the worship Of the vain world's golden store, From each idol that would keep us, Saying, 'Christian, love me more.'" #dailyhymn