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Step by Step to New Life: 9 - Reconciliation Part 2. In Step 8 we made a list of all those whom we had offended in any way. Step 9 encourages us to make amends. So nations have had to apologise for atrocities committed - in Europe, in Africa, in the USA, in Australia. And we as individuals have to look for reconciliation with those we have harmed.

Step by Step to New Life: 8 - Reconciliation Part 1. The first 7 steps in the 12-Step Programme are, of necessity, fairly SELF-centred. When we get to Step 8, we start to look out - recognising that my personal problems have consequences which have led to the hurt of others. Step 8 suggests we should 'make a list', identifying those we have hurt, abused or injured.

Step by Step to New Life: 6 and 7 - Surrender. It's a mistake to think that by changing just one aspect of your life (my hairstyle, my job, my physical appearance, my partner) that this will make you a new person. Some people even came to Jesus and said - "I'll follow you, but ...". What is really required is that we hand our whole lives over to God. This is what brings renewal. Steps 6 and 7 are about 'surrender'.

Step by Step to New Life: 4. Knowing Yourself - This step in 'the 12-Step Programme' is about 'making a personal inventory', it's about being honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and laying them all before the God who loves you. The challenge about our human condition is that strengths and weaknesses often turn out to be opposite sides of the same coin. Do you know who you really are?

Step by Step to New Life: 3. Making a Decision - "It's just a habit!" Fine, but when does a habit become an addiction? Here, we talk about the habit every human seems to acquire - living for SELF, living as if there was no God. And one aspect of breaking an addiction is 'making a decision' - choosing no longer to put 'self' at the centre, but rather to put at the centre of your life the God who loves you and wants the very best for you.

Step by Step to New Life: 2. Faith - Some people say to me - "I find it hard to have faith." But we actually put faith in many things - the prescription the doctor gives us, the plane we fly in and of course the pilot. What then about the Lord of all Creation? What about Jesus who came to heal and to save? What about the God who loves you, and wants the very best for you? Will you consider putting your faith in that God?

Step by Step to New Life: 1. Honesty - This whole programme for personal renewal starts with acknowledging - "I have a problem!" For every single person you have to recognise that the deepest inner problem in our lives is the need to control. Healing starts when you take this first step - 'There are times when my life is out of control. And because of that, I need God's help!'

"Big Issues": Same-Sex Marriage - Part 2. The Bible seems to have no concept of homosexual identity or 'orientation' (did not emerge until the 19th century). Whilst agreeing that the Bible is right, in its cultural context, to condemn 'bad sex'; nevertheless is there a way the church could bless faithful, loving relationships? ... whether heterosexual or same-sex? We look to Jesus who says he has not come to 'abolish the law', but then allows love to take precedence over the law in Matt. 12:1-14.

New Series - Step by Step to New Life. The foundations for "the 12-Step Programme" are found in the book of Romans. The programme is successfully used today by Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, etc.. But these are also principles for the health and development of Christians and for the Church. Are you ready to follow Jesus and allow God to change your life ... one step at a time?

Series on "Big Issues": Same-Sex Marriage - Part 1. It's a topic which all Christian denominations are wrestling with at this time; a topic which has to be approached with pastoral sensitivity. But we cannot simply ignore it. We have to face that tension when the Bible says one thing and modern culture says another. In Part 1 we look at the Biblical background, open some avenues worth exploring and look for God's guidance, wisdom and grace.