Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Cor Deo Biblical Training Programme ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Pursuing God's Heart Yourself - 3 Bible Books](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/pursuing-gods-heart-yourself-3-bible-books/) - Recently we have been offering some really useful Bible study videos on our YouTube channel. In each series Peter uses seven key principles to help us dive into a Bible book and make sense of it for ourselves. In the process, you get a great jump start on studying the book too! If you aren't - [New Book Launched!](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/new-book-launched/) - We are excited to announce the release of Peter's new book, The Little Him Book: https://youtu.be/HdKKJmf5jXE Here are a couple of brief endorsements to go with the book launch video above... https://youtu.be/ntRNWMqAHI4 https://youtu.be/zfPEO_7B6Os To buy the book in the UK, go to is.gd/himbook and in the USA please go to 10ofthose.com/us/mead - [Study Titus With Cor Deo Online](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/study-titus-with-cor-deo-online/) - Here is a playlist of seven videos we recently released on Cor Deo Online. Each video presents a short text from Titus with a key principle for handling the Bible well . . . please do take a look and share with others if it is helpful! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo18cxTnpRv5MmFQPbeDupbMqZQhqcTSe - [The Pastor's Job - Jonathan Thomas](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-pastors-job-jonathan-thomas/) - Last week we interviewed Jonathan Thomas, pastor of Cornerstone Church, Abergavenny (Wales). I'm linking to a clip from this interview because I think you will really appreciate what he has to say. Jonathan talks about how easy it is to reduce ministry down to a litmus test for evangelical orthodoxy, but then tells his own - [Cor Deo Online Launches!](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/cor-deo-online-launches/) - Welcome to the launch of Cor Deo Online! Here is a brief video we have made to explain all that is going on with Cor Deo: https://youtu.be/j5-eZ5fJBo4 Please do sign up to receive our newsletters as that will keep you informed about every online event that you can attend or access via the archive. Here - [Lockdown Legacy](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/lockdown-legacy/) - We really enjoyed our Intensives earlier this year, but then lockdown happened. We don't know when it will be possible to meet together in a group again, so we have no plans in place at this time. Obviously, we will let you know when that changes. But we are excited about one legacy that will - [Update #71 Summer 2019](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-71/) - The Sunniest Day This is being written a little over halfway through 2019 - aka the summer (or winter, if you're reading this in the southern hemisphere!) The changing seasons remind us of God's goodness; that he is with us, and in control, in all of life. The summer is typically a season of warmth and light, of sunshine - [Poem](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/poem/) - A dramatic poem about the Christian life - [Update #70 John Feast](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-70-john-feast/) - A few weeks ago we held our first ever John Feast. For four days we saturated our souls in John's Gospel and it was absolutely wonderful. Over the years we have consistently received lots of positive feedback after our normal Intensives. These four or five-day courses combine Bible study, history, theology and applied spiritual formation and ministry related subjects. - [Update #69 November 2018](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-69-november-2018/) - Welcome to November! Now is officially the time for coats and heating... Peter and I want to thank you for praying for our preparation and hosting of the mini-Intensive a few weeks ago. We had a great time. As you can see in the photo, it was a much larger group than we'd normally have, - [Seeing Jesus](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/seeing-jesus/) - Gretchen has written another great post - we hope you enjoy it! ---------------------------- Have you ever had the experience of reading a verse in the Bible that you’ve read perhaps 50 times before, and all of the sudden it jumps off the page at you? I had that experience recently in reading through 1 John - [Update #68 Spring 2018](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-68-spring-2018/) - End of Winter We're enjoying the increased daylight here in Chippenham! We hope you are too, wherever you are in the world. It was a full but encouraging term between Christmas and Easter, with lots of great opportunities for both Mike and Peter to preach, travel, and connect with Christians around the UK and Europe. We're - [Update #67 December 2017](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-67-december-2017/) - End of the Year As we come to the end of 2017, we've been reflecting on the year with thankfulness. The collage above gives a visual summary of some of the places we've been to and who we've been with - we are so grateful to God for the ministry He's given us. The relationships - [Just an Annual Incarnation Celebration?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/just-an-annual-incarnation-celebration/) - Hearing about Christmas in the build up to Christmas is not exactly a surprise, but isn’t the Incarnation for life, not just for Christmas? - [Know the LORD](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/know-the-lord/) - There’s a chilling sentence tucked in at the end of Judges 2 - [Sharing a Fresh View of Christ](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/sharing-a-fresh-view-of-christ/) - Many wonder whether God loves them or could love them. How good to speak of the beauty of Christ and his overflowing love. - [Update #66 May 2017](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-66-may-2017/) - Happy Easter! Don't worry - I haven't got the calendar wrong! I know Easter weekend was last month. It's just that shouldn't the impact and thrill of Easter survive more than a few weeks? If you're anything like me though, Easter can become another day in the diary. A special day for sure, perhaps even - [Easter Does Not Fade](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/easter-does-not-fade/) - Easter has come and gone for another year. But Easter will never fade for God’s people. - [Update #65 March 2017](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-65-march-2017/) - Against the Flow A few weeks ago in Trinity Chippenham, we started a new series in the book of Daniel. It's been great and it's felt so timely for me. I was challenged last Sunday about faith and how it's defined in the 21st century West. This was one of Peter's summary phrases: "Faith is - [The Example of a "Hippy Best Man"](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-example-of-a-hippy-best-man/) - During our walk-through of the Gospel of John during this year’s Cor Deo Women’s Programme, we were quite moved by the heart of John the Baptist towards Jesus. - [Lost in Wonder on the Radio](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/lost-in-wonder-on-the-radio/) - Recently Peter was invited to talk about 'Lost in Wonder' on the radio - but not on just any old radio station! Moody Radio is based in Chicago and listened to by a million people throughout the USA each day. The wonderful Janet Parshall has chatted with Peter a few times on - [Rebuilding the Bridge to Life](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/rebuilding-the-bridge-to-life/) - Most of us have seen or used the bridge to life illustration at some point. It is good to think through what is being communicated. - [That They May Be One](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/that-they-may-be-one/) - Two recent experiences, along with some rich times of reading my Bible, have drawn my heart to consider what unity really looks like in the body of Christ. - [Update #64 January 2017](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-64-january-2017/) - Please Pray Since 2011, Cor Deo has been built on the goodness of God and the prayers of kind people like you. 2017 will be no different! We had much to be thankful to God for last year. The warmth of the Intensives in particular were a real highlight for me. Below there is information - [Update #63 December 2016](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-63-december-2016/) - In the midst of Carol-singing, present-wrapping and tree-decorating, December is typically a time to look back. We have lots to be grateful to God for over the past couple of months since the last Cor Deo email. I'd like to share three exciting encouragements with you so you can join us in thanking our good God... - [A Different Kind of Resolution](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-different-kind-of-resolution/) - The beginning of a new year brings with it a flurry of New Year’s resolutions. For those of us who are Christians, one of the things we feel guilty about is not reading our Bibles enough. - [Fully Known, Fully Loved](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/fully-known-fully-loved/) - If we are not careful we can paint our own self-at-the-centre approach in the colours of Christianity and assume all is well. - [Update #62 October 2016](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-62-october-2016/) - Hi everyone! I hope you are well and enjoying October! I'm writing this in a slight jet-lag fog (Peter and I returned from USA last Tuesday) but we had a great time. Here's why... USA It was one of my favourite weeks of the year. You may have seen some of our food photos on Facebook - [More than a Sunday School Story](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/more-than-a-sunday-school-story/) - If you grew up attending Sunday School, you will remember all of the great Bible stories. - [The Paradox of the Heart](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-paradox-of-the-heart/) - The biblical imagery of the heart is one of the most misunderstood. - [Update #61 July 2016](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-61-july-2016/) - We want to start by thanking you for praying for us in these last couple of months. We are very grateful to God for you as you join with us in Cor Deo. We have a four-day Intensive coming up in August with places still available. Perhaps you can join us, or encourage a friend to come? - ["Little Children, Keep Yourselves from Idols"](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/little-children-keep-yourselves-from-idols/) - This blog post has been written by our friend Gretchen George. We are really grateful to God for her! ------------------------ In reading through the book of Jeremiah recently, my thoughts kept returning to John’s final words to those to whom he was writing in 1 John, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” It’s doubtful that those - ["I want a God that isn't hurt by my sin"](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/i-want-a-god-that-isnt-hurt-by-my-sin/) - Why does trying to gain credit with God by keeping the law feel more attractive to us than simply walking with Him? - [Prove Yourself](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/prove-yourself/) - One of the hardest things in life is having to constantly prove yourself. You can’t ever relax when you have to earn acceptance or pay back loyalty. - [Update #60 April 2016](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-60/) - Exciting News! As promised, we are pleased to share with you some upcoming opportunities to join us in Chippenham. We're excited about the coming months and would love to see you! As always though, if you can't make it to Chippenham we'd love to be invited to wherever you are. So grab your diary... Cor Deo - [Signs](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/signs-2/) - Signs demand a response and we ignore them at our peril. - [Update #59 March 2016](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-59-march-2016/) - Last Month It seems a lot more than a couple of weeks ago that the Cor Deo Women's Program finished, but the month itself flew by! We all had such a great time together exploring relational faith in everyday life. We started each day in John's Gospel - we managed to go from beginning to - [Update #58 February 2016](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-58-february-2016/) - Time January has come and nearly gone. 2016 is marching at pace, but we have a God who walks with us. The incarnation that we celebrate at Christmas (and every day!) declares that there is a Saviour who is Christ the Lord. Most of life is uncertain - we make decisions every day with unknown - [Foundations for a New Year](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/foundations-for-a-new-year/) - The foundations of our worldview and belief system will influence everything we think, everything we do, and every way in which we engage everything around us. - [One with Distinctions](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/one-with-distinctions/) - We believe God is one. One as in “the Father-Son-and-Spirit.” This truism will stretch us but, as followers of Christ, we must receive it. - [Thankful for Weakness](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/thankful-for-weakness/) - It’s nearly impossible to escape humility this time of year. We sing and celebrate Emmanuel, the Creator uniting himself with his creation. I know there’s no need to elaborate how humble that Christmas event was. Let’s just say he arrived in poverty—socially and financially; not with the drama many of us would have planned. But - [Terror, Compassion and Proximity](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/compassion-and-proximity/) - Should we show solidarity with France, or is this merely another example of western double standards? Why proximity matters for us and for the ultimate solution. - [Living Truth](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/living-truth/) - The Bible is an epic story. In this story God—the Father, Son, and Spirit God—is the protagonist. - [Update #57 - October 2015](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-57-october-2015/) - [If you would like to receive our email updates, please fill in the form on the right: Join Our Mailing List] One of our biggest joys in Cor Deo is the international 'flavour' of the ministry. We're excited by the opportunities God is giving us to share the spreading goodness of God's love in many countries - [Life: It's Black & White](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/life-its-black-white/) - Life is black and white. You either love darkness & hate the light, or you love light & hate the darkness. Where’s the middle ground in all this? - [Shot Across the Bow](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/shot-across-the-bow/) - Sometimes what we see in the Bible is not what we experience in everyday life. Sometimes this is a good thing! - [The Gods are Angry!](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-gods-are-angry/) - In ancient days a violent storm or a volcano eruption were readily explained: “The gods must be angry!” So what about the true God’s anger - [Update #56 - September 2015](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-56-september-2015/) - Invitations We've said it before and we'll say it again, we really value you as a key part of Cor Deo ministry. Without your prayers and support Cor Deo would not exist. Thank you so much! If you want to know more ways that you can support Cor Deo and the Mentors, we'd love to talk with - [What is God Like?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/what-is-god-like/) - Every bit of the brokenness we see in the world stems from people with a broken view of God. - [Magnetic Faith](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/magnetic-faith/) - Why is it that so few seem to be delighted by Christ? Even among churchgoers? - [Friendship with Jesus](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/friendship-with-jesus/) - What a friend we have in Jesus! - [Repentance Uncompromised](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/repentance-uncompromised/) - Repentance is at the heart of Christianity. It has to be. And yet it is so often compromised in the way we present it or practice it. - [A Clear Connection](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-clear-connection/) - What about conversing with God? Do we speak with him in the same way we talk to a good friend or to a beloved spouse? Or do we speak to him reluctantly? - [Protecting "God" From Christ](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/protecting-god-from-christ/) - Have you ever heard someone answer a question about Jesus’s nature or his activities by starting with one of these two phrases: “Jesus in his divinity …” or “Jesus in his humanity…”? It may be easy to speak of Jesus this way, but it is unbiblical. None of the biblical authors speak of Jesus this - [A Secret Society?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-secret-society/) - Is there such a thing as a secret society: the “We like God” clan? - [Can We Stop Saying...?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/can-we-stop-saying/) - I learned quickly in seminary that there were two “Sunday School” answers that could be given to almost any question asked in class: “Jesus” or “Context.” - [Why Didn't God Reboot?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/why-didnt-god-reboot/) - God created humanity and soon saw them corrupted by sin. As soon as sin entered the story we see Adam and Eve hiding and protecting themselves. - [God Begs to Differ](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/god-begs-to-differ/) - God seems to be at a disadvantage in the world today. His self-appointed biographer happily leaves people unimpressed with him at best and disgusted at worst. - [Present Tense Spirituality](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/present-tense-spirituality/) - Losing a present tense spirituality is dangerous. In Psalm 73, public figure Asaph lost a present tense spirituality and felt dangerously compromised. - [Wolfish Sheep](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/wolfish-sheep/) - Paul’s farewell speech to the Ephesian elders had to have been a life-marking moment. Paul warned them that there were two species of wolves. - [Heart Warfare](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/heart-warfare/) - The Exodus account of Israel leaving Egypt is a battle of hearts. - [Update #55 - April 2015](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-55-april-2015/) - Easter Springs Last week was Week 11 of the Full Time Program. I think we're all pretty shocked at how fast it's felt, but we're also encouraged by our loving God who has blessed us in so many ways. Being a small group of five or six men has its challenges but we've appreciated the - [Update #54 - March 2015](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-54-march-2015/) - Update We had a fantastic time with the January intensive group! Studying John's gospel, history and ministry together was fun and it was exciting to see hearts warmed by Jesus. The 2015 Full Time program is already a third of the way through! We’ve been enjoying the discussions and sharing that being a smaller group - [Update #53 - November 2014](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-53-november-2014/) - Please Pray... November is upon us and we'd love you to pray for us this week. Today is the start of a new adventure for Cor Deo - the first day of "Cor Deo Plus!" One of our visions for Cor Deo is to help graduates from the full-time programme, plus some who are only able - [Holy and Blameless Before Him](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/holy-and-blameless-before-him/) - There are lots of debates about how sanctification works. Marriage is the big biblical framework for sanctification - [Conditioned God](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/conditioned-god/) - When I got married I received all kinds of "helpful hints" on how to have a healthy relationship. Clearly some were more helpful than others, but one in particular was more dangerous than anything else—marriage is about "give and take." We’ve all heard this. Maybe we have come across reasons why it doesn’t work. In - [Exclusive](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/exclusive/) - Jesus' words then, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me," make perfect sense. - [Quiet, Please!](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/quiet-please/) - When God speaks we will want to listen. When God speaks today, where, and how does he do it? - [Luke's Gospel of a Loving God](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/lukes-gospel-of-a-loving-god/) - Reflections on a preaching series through Luke's Gospel. - [Easter, For Me](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/easter-for-me/) - Once we come to Easter, we have four accounts that give great detail about that week leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection. - [Until the Sting is Gone](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/until-the-sting-is-gone/) - Forgiveness. It’s something we’re happy to be given, but at times find it challenging to offer. - [Conversing with God](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/conversing-with-god/) - Conversations are the threads that make up the fabric of life and our sense of belonging to community. - [How do you Pray for Fellow Believers?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/how-do-you-pray-for-fellow-believers/) - There is a strange phenomena in the church when it comes to praying for people. When people become followers of Jesus our prayers for them seem to change. - [Faithful](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/faithful/) - An unlikely Old Testament hero—the African eunuch, Ebed-melech—offers us a model of courage. - [Process & Product](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/process-product/) - God is devoted to a good outcome in whatever he does. But what constitutes a “good” product in God’s work? - [Space to Dream](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/space-to-dream/) - We live in a world that seems to go faster every year. The phone in my pocket is faster than any computer I’d ever met just a few years ago. Emails, facebook updates, tweets, and so on, just keep coming faster and faster. - [From the Brink of Death](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/from-the-brink-of-death/) - Do you ever find yourself reading narratives in the Bible and thinking, “I would never do what those people did!”? - [Soil Samples](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/soil-samples/) - Parable of the Sower - [Loving God at Christmas](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/loving-god-at-christmas/) - Christmas is just a day away. It's hard to believe that! Yet it's impossible to ignore the bright lights and familiar melodies of Christmas that are everywhere. For me this time of year generates mixed feelings. I love the days leading up to Christmas, the anticipation of fun & tasty family traditions and restful moments - [Longing for Home](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/longing-for-home/) - Have you ever felt homesick? - [God in Skin](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/god-in-skin/) - We spend our lives looking for real love. Found in Jesus - [Why would God Wipe Tears?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/why-would-god-wipe-tears/) - It is a famous biblical phrase, but have we stopped to consider what it is saying? “The Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces…” - [Consumer Sheep Consumer Shepherd](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/consumer-sheep-consumer-shepherd/) - Is consumerism in the church solely a 'sheep' problem? - [Faithful Husband, Unfaithful Bride](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/faithful-husband-unfaithful-bride/) - Just a few words of a telephone conversation, overheard quite by accident, changed my life forever. What I didn’t know that day was how much that experience would teach me about the heart of God. - [Reading Rightly](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/reading-rightly/) - Hermeneutics offers a reliable grasp of the meaning of a given text and a proper sense of how to apply it. But that’s not always the case. - [The Legacy of Everyday Moments](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-legacy-of-everyday-moments/) - There's one particular aspect of Jesus' character that is fascinating but doesn't draw much attention: his leadership. - [The Greatest Peril for Bible Churches?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-greatest-peril-for-bible-churches/) - Mark 4 is both comforting and discomforting. Hearing God well is key to responding to Him. Growing complacent is so dangerous. - [Conversion as Conversation](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/conversion-as-conversation/) - What are the key features of conversion? What needs to be addressed is the Spirit in our heart. - [Glen Scrivener Interviews Peter Mead](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/glen-scrivener-interviews-peter-mead/) - Glen Scrivener is a good friend of Cor Deo. Every year Glen joins us for a day during the full-time course and shares with the team about the Gospel and evangelism. Back in 2012 he spoke at our Delighted by God conference in London. Here is his latest episode of The Evangelists Podcast in which - [Update #52 - September 2014](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-52-september-2014/) - We recently held our first ever 'Level 2' Intensive (aka 'Intensifier'!) Our hope was to offer a week for people who have already attended a Cor Deo Intensive. It was a very enjoyable week together - we heard our loving and humble God speak to us from the Psalms and dug deeply into early church history. On the - [Never Lose This](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/never-lose-this/) - It is natural to assume that time will only grow a closer relationship. But we only have to observe some marriages to know that is not the case. The Bible offers us a warning in the form of a chilling case study: Ephesus. - [A Time When No Mirror Was Needed](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-time-when-no-mirror-was-needed/) - The real ambition for looking in a mirror is 'me.' Genesis 3 tells us why and how destructive looking at self is. - [Catching the Spirit of Romans](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/catching-the-spirit-of-romans/) - Through the centuries the Church’s perception of the Holy Spirit has often been overstated or understated. So what is the proper place of the Spirit in the Church for today? - [A Burdenless Holiness](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-burdenless-holiness/) - Surely we need to up the pressure on Christians to live up to God's expected levels of holiness? - [The Incarnation In September?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-incarnation-in-september/) - Surely the Incarnation is just a subject to mention in December, at Christmas carol services? Or is it the indispensable foundation of Christianity? - [You want what?!](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/you-want-what/) - God wants everything we have, and all of who we are. What does that look like? - [Everybody Hides](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/everybody-hides/) - Psalm 46 is a source of hope when the news becomes frightening. - [A History of Assumptions](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-history-of-assumptions/) - Many assume that if people agree on the five solae, on the nature of Jesus, and affirm the inerrancy of the Bible then they're fundamentally on the same page. I would like to propose that this isn't necessarily the case. - [Update #51 - July 2014](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-51-july-2014/) - Dear all, Please pray for the 2014 team as they adjust and pursue next steps - we know God will continue to bless others through each of them! Summer Intensives (UK) From the 11th-15th of August, we will be hosting an Intensive here in Chippenham. There are still a few spaces available if you are - [Justified](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/justified/) - Justification—our engaging God’s righteousness—is a biblical linchpin for Christians. Let's consider a narrower aspect of justification that doesn’t get much notice: what does our justification accomplish for God? - [Update #50 - June 2014](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-50-june-2014/) - "One week..." That was my first thought this morning when I woke up. This is week 19 of the 20 week Cor Deo full-time program and it feels too soon to be finishing! We'll send a fuller review and reflection of our time together soon but, for now, we'd like to ask you again to pray for us. Here are - [Sowing to the Spirit?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/sowing-to-the-spirit/) - What does it mean to sow to the Spirit? What pleases the Spirit? What is the Christian life Paul is describing in Galatians - [Don't you find Jesus boring?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/dont-you-find-jesus-boring/) - Are you bored with Jesus? If you find reading the Bible, talking to Him and about Him hard maybe you are - [Heartfelt Knowledge](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/heartfelt-knowledge/) - Knowledge can be interesting, useful, and random. What is the point of it? Should we seek as much knowledge as possible? Is knowing an end in itself, so that we should seek to know as much as possible? - [Ministry Wilderness Temptations](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/ministry-wilderness-temptations/) - Jesus was tempted in the wilderness at least twice. I know, there were three temptations, stones to bread, etc. But I am thinking about the other temptation time described in Mark 1:35-39. Mark launches his gospel with "a day in the life of Messianic ministry." During that Sabbath the first disciples got to see Jesus - [The "I" in My Holiness](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-i-in-my-holiness/) - Which way does your sanctification approach make you look? - [Evangelism](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/evangelism/) - Is evangelism just for people outside the church? Or are there 'Christians' who have never really met Jesus that need to? - [Satan Hates the Holy Spirit](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/satan-hates-the-holy-spirit/) - We know that Satan hates God and marriage and evangelism and even church planting. But have we ever heard anyone reference his hatred for the Holy Spirit? Even believers can have a 'blind spot.' - [Fear of Freedom](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/fear-of-freedom/) - One of the prevailing responses to the message of free-grace is fear of inactivity at best or licentiousness at worst. Instead we have been freed to love Christ. - [Righteous?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/righteous/) - Righteousness—and how to achieve it—is at the heart of Christian faith. But what, according to the Bible, makes us righteous? - [Amazing Grace](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/amazing-grace/) - After the amazing miracle of forgiveness, what comes next? The amazing grace of the sacrificially benevolent judge has a profound and life changing impact. But how deep does that impact actually go? - [Looking Forward to Death](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/looking-forward-to-death/) - The great blessings of modern medicine and living standards have created the strange reality that we are rarely reminded of our mortality. This has great consequences for those of us who call ourselves Christians. - ["And the Holy Spirit"](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/and-the-holy-spirit/) - Christians affirm the Spirit’s place in the Trinity as a necessary feature of faith. But, in reality, many of us are suspicious about Him. Let's not retreat from what the Bible tells us of the Spirit’s ministry. - [Update #49 - April 2014](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-49-april-2014/) - One of the things I love about Cor Deo is the constant talk of 'we' and 'us.' Cor Deo is not a singular, independent Force or Source of truth. We are an inviting and spreading community who want to walk step by step with Jesus. Fellowship is at the centre of who we are and - [Update #48 - March 2014](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-48-march-2014/) - Even though it's not technically spring here in the UK yet, at Cor Deo we're big fans! Besides the increased warmth and sunlight, spring is the season of new life and hope. As we see daffodils and blue skies we can't help but praise our good God for the life and light we have in His Son Jesus. - [With Me](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/with-me/) - Luke knew how to write a Gospel. Okay, all four of them did, but I’ve been looking at Luke this Easter. I’ve been struck by his personal attributes of tenacious attention to detail and his tender awareness of people. As a physician and man of science he was a diligent researcher who sought out the - [Generosity](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/generosity/) - The book of Acts is filled with generosity. There is no command to generosity here, but generosity most certainly does come - naturally, joyfully, spontaneously and willingly. - [Help](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/help/) - Especially in prayer what is meant by "help" is crucial. Is "help" merely a flotation device thrown from a distance, or is it a person who rescues us? - [Evangelising Me](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/evangelising-me/) - The Gospel is amazingly good. The world needs to hear it. And as we live out our Christian lives, our hearts need to hear it too. - [Lovers of Love](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/lovers-of-love/) - The power of love is rarely acknowledged in our everyday lives as the indomitable force behind all that we think and do. Many might be attracted to Christianity, not on account of Christ, but the love they received from those who love Christ. - [What do you think?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/what-do-you-think/) - A feisty debate stirred the New England churches in 1636. The question at stake was the nature of faith—what is it that makes a Christian? - [Three Versions of Divine Marriage](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/three-versions-of-divine-marriage/) - The Bible’s favourite analogy for the relationship between God and His people is marriage. It is a beautiful image but what comes to mind when you consider the Christianity we are presented with and experience? - [Empty Glory](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/empty-glory/) - Jesus in John 12 said, "the hour has come that the Son of Man to be glorified." But this glory isn't the glory we might be expecting. - [Where Should We Start?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/where-should-we-start/) - Everything starts with God. But who is he? What is God like? - [Repentance in Acts](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/repentance-in-acts/) - I was recently preaching from Paul's missionary journeys in Acts. As I was working with one of the passages I was struck by Paul's use of the term "repent/repentance." Since this is such a critical term biblically, I decided to study all the uses of the terms in Acts. In the Old Testament prophets, the - [Worldly Church](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/worldly-church/) - Let’s be sure our churches are communities with hearts set on Christ, who is our life. Let’s together seek to wear his character and not the garb of our worldly nature…either sort. - [History is Devotional](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/history-is-devotional/) - There are many motivations to read history. It's fun, educational, you discover where you've come from. Reading history can also be devotional. - [What Really Matters?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/what-really-matters/) - The ability to define our own priorities is treated as a truism of life. But it may be that our apparent freedom blocks our ability to see the bigger biblical reality. - [Life-Giving Love](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/life-giving-love/) - For John, the very heart of being a disciple of Jesus is to "love one another." But sometimes the love we settle for is less than genuine. - [Superhero?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/superhero/) - One of the warning signs that anyone is living in the lie of Satan (that God can't be trusted, and I'm my own god) is their internal conversation. If you find that your self-talk is a single voice, odds are its self-concerned and self-protective. But when we wholeheartedly trust that God is for us we'll begin to hear another voice in our internal conversation. - [Update #47 - January 2014](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-47-january-2014/) - The New Year has started with a bang for us at Cor Deo! After three years in our last venue (for which we want to express our heartfelt thanks to the church for their generosity to us), we have now moved into a new home for the ministry. We want to praise God for His - [Update #46 - December 2013](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-46-december-2013/) - We are coming to the end of a year of exciting growth and new beginnings. We hope you agree that 2013 has been a good year for Cor Deo – thank you for all your prayers! The Searights are looking forward to their first Chippenham Christmas and Mike is settling in well. In November there - [Update #45 - November 2013](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-45-november-2013/) - Thank you for praying for us at Cor Deo. In the last couple of weeks we had a very enjoyable Intensive in the Portland area which included a very encouraging mini-reunion of participants from last year's Intensive. It was so good to hear of the impact our week together has had on them and their - [The Magnet Parable](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-magnet-parable/) - God will be attractive to some people and not at all to others. - [Not Comforted by God's greatness?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/not-comforted-by-gods-greatness/) - God is strong enough to handle whatever challenge you or I might be facing. And yet His great strength sometimes is not the comfort we think it should be. - [Do Not Forget!](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/do-not-forget/) - The holidays can be a mixed bag. Christmas is a time to remember, but we can remember 'wrongly' or 'rightly.' We remember rightly when we focus on the sure foundation that God is God and he is good. - [If...then](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/if-then/) - Job’s friends all used an “if . . . then” approach to confront Job over his presumed sins. The point was simple: If you change your behaviors, Job, God will reward you. If not, then God will punish you. Very clear and very confrontative. And wrong. - [Jesus the Nazarene](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/jesus-the-nazarene/) - Why does Matthew end his great Christmas narrative with a whimper? Other sections of his gospel finish with strong summaries, so why not the first two chapters? - [Luther's Discoveries](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/luthers-discoveries/) - Luther didn't just discover the righteousness of God, he also discovered the real Satan . . . - [Experiencing God](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/experiencing-god/) - Luther held that a believer’s experience of Christ in saving union is crucial to faith. However, most Lutherans today treat the believer’s legal standing with Christ as primary and his indwelling as a follow-up benefit. - [The New Normal](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-new-normal-2/) - Are we sure that balanced is always right and always now? - [The Dictator Within](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-dictator-within/) - God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Typically we tell ourselves to act humbly until we are truly humble. But this seems to highlight the problem, namely, our pride. - [A Divine Stir](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-divine-stir/) - I’ve been reading Re-Thinking Dionysius the Areopagite (Coakley & Stang, eds.). The “re-thinking” in the title caught my attention. Most of us have never had a first thought about Dionysius so the idea of a re-think is odd. Never mind, though, whether we know him or not. It’s very likely that he has helped shape - [When I Am Afraid](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/when-i-am-afraid/) - The Psalms tend to become more precious as life's experience becomes more complete. To the younger person who feels invincible, the Psalms may feel awkwardly poetic. But to the one who suffers, Psalms sings precious and personal comfort. Take Psalm 56, for example. It is one of David's, and it is one of the small - [The Saving Spirit](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-saving-spirit/) - What role does the Holy Spirit play in our salvation? I ask because most formal conversations about salvation feature the Father and the Son while largely ignoring the Spirit. This Spirit-light tradition features the Father’s saving plan for the Son to die as was planned from eternity past. On the cross the Son redeems us - [Praise the LORD!](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/praise-the-lord/) - Praise the LORD! The translation of the familiar command "hallelujah" can often fall on dead ears, even for those that clearly love God and love to praise him. Aren't there times in our lives when worshiping God, not just in song but in all aspects of our lives, just doesn't seem all that appetizing? And - [The Problem with Jesus](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-problem-with-jesus/) - The Jesus who shows up in a bold, fast-paced, Bible reading is remarkably demanding and incredibly delightful. He overwhelms us both in what he offers and in what he asks for. The problem is that we’re not ready for it. So much so that there’s good reason to ask how many followers of Christ actually - [Our Jealous God](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/our-jealous-god/) - For a while any time I read that God is jealous, whose "name is Jealous" (Ex. 34:14), it didn't sit well with me and left me confused. How could God be jealous when jealousy is wrong? I always heard as a child it was wrong to be jealous of another's skills, friends, possessions, etc. and - [Other Cor Deo Content](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/other-cor-deo-content/) - Here are a few posts from Cor Deo mentors posted on other sites, just in case you missed them! The Why Behind the Instruction - Peter looks at the tricky issue of moralizing and handling the Bible. Knowing God - Simple subject, hear Ron's thoughts in this post as he delineates types of knowers. Paul - [Update #44 - September 2013](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-44-september-2013/) - We recently held a two-day Invitational, followed by a full five-day Intensive. Both were special times and we finished both tired and thankful. It is a privilege to study the Bible together with others who are eager to pursue God's heart in His Word. I am sure we could never grow tired of doing this, - [Anticipating 2 out of 3](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/anticipating-2-out-of-3/) - The Bible is so real about the devastating effects of sin. It is also full of promise to stir the heart. But how do the two fit together in the now? Do we simply have hope for the future, or is the gospel good news for today as well? I suspect that others may have - [What If We Loved God?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/what-if-2/) - What if Adam had told Eve, “No, my love, we won’t eat that fruit—it’s been forbidden to us. Our lovely God told me very directly, ‘Don’t eat from that tree’ and he’s to be trusted and obeyed no matter what the serpent said.” Or what if, as considered in 1 Samuel 13:13-14, Saul had proven - [Cor Deo Content Elsewhere](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/cor-deo-content-elsewhere-2/) - Just in case you missed them, let me highlight a few recent posts by Cor Deo mentors that are posted elsewhere . . . Two Answers - Ron looks at sin and grace from the perspective of our last Cor Deo Invitational (with some Genesis, Romans and Luther thrown in!) Preaching Myths and Non-Gospel Preaching - [Sin is Simple?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/sin-is-simple/) - Sin is simple, or is it? Everyone assumes they know what sin is. It is what bad people do, or what normal people do if they are being bad. Sin is about breaking laws and hurting others and stealing and being unethical. But is sin that simple? Consider the story of the Prodigal Son in - [Why is Prayer Weird?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/why-is-prayer-weird/) - Why is church prayer so otherworldly and alien? If we understand who God is, then prayer makes all the sense in the world! - [A Dinner Conversation](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-dinner-conversation/) - After dinner our conversation turned to the social and moral changes we’ve seen over the years. We were all baby boomers—children of WWII era parents—so the memories of life as Christians in the 1950’s and 60’s were easy to recall. It’s a scene often repeated among aging adults throughout human history. Even in Moses’ day - [Update #43 - August 2013](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-43-august-2013/) - The summer is quickly sliding by and we will soon be into September. We hope that this summer has been a time of refreshing for you. At the end of July we enjoyed a great two-day Youth Mini-Intensive. It was fun to wrestle with the biggest four questions together with a group who seemed to - [The Cross Indicator](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-cross-indicator/) - If a love-meter were attached to the crucifixion, how would it read? - [Questioning Thoughts](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/questioning-thoughts/) - Proverbs 18, question askers and opinion expressers! - [Judging](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/judging/) - Judging others is a controversial subject. Our culture dictates, judgmentally, that we are wrong to critique anything that is different from us. Individually, none of us like the feeling of being judged by other people in the church. And yet within the church, judging can feel like a defining characteristic at times. There are more - [Love Speaks](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/love-speaks/) - Why do we get so nervous when we speak of Jesus? Is it something wrong with us, with the gospel? - [Iron on Iron](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/iron-on-iron/) - “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” This lively analogy of iron and men in Proverbs 27:17 always catches my attention. I recall that some men—Art, Sam, Ed, John, among a few others—were iron-like figures to me. These strong men—ready to mark others for good—were God’s gifts to me. With that in mind let - [Fourth Dimension of the Gospel](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/fourth-dimension-of-the-gospel/) - Grace - how good is that? - [God's Initiative](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/gods-initiative/) - David and Saul - two men who prayed, but with opposite results. So how does God's role play into this? - [Non-Cafeteria Theology](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/non-cafeteria-theology/) - We cannot just pick and mix our theology. Our understanding of one area will influence our understanding of another . . . for example, what is sin? - [Update #42 - June 2013](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-42-june-2013/) - Last week we finished the Cor Deo full-time programme for 2013. It was a strong finish, but a sad time as we had to say goodbye to each other. Spending 20 weeks together might bond any group, but it is especially the case when together we have made it our ambition to chase hard after - [Update #41 - May 2013](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-41-may-2013/) - This month started with our sixth Cor Deo Intensive. This time we enjoyed the book of Ephesians together, falling in love with God's plan for the church, the bride of His Son. We are into the final quarter of this year's full-time programme and before we know it the season will be over. Please join - [Adventure](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/adventure/) - Here’s a question for Christians: do you enjoy the adventure of following Christ? Or is your faith placid? And, if placid, would you accept something livelier? The premise of the question—that faith involves adventure—may be a novel notion! Let’s think about it. Then let’s ask about how to find more in life. But first, what - [Unity](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/unity/) - Is Christian unity really about agreeing on the fundamentals and pursuing tolerance in matters of personal preference? Or is there a better way? - [Collecting, Cooking, or Communing?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/collecting-cooking-or-communing/) - Sibbes and the Bible - [Sanctified Sin](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/sanctified-sin/) - Is a lot of Christian teaching actually less than Christian teaching? What if we are just feeding the fleshly independence of human nature in our ministry? - [A New Perspective](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-new-perspective/) - A benefit of moving from time to time comes in seeing things in a new light. Life in Spokane, Washington, for instance, was dramatically different for me as a teenager than life in Glasgow, Montana. Glasgow, less than one-twentieth the size of Spokane, was great for deer hunting and wheat farming; Spokane offered lakes, libraries, - [One Bible, Three Roles](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/one-bible-three-roles/) - We must be thinking along the same lines. I just sat down to write my blog for this week and read Ron's blog, The Lonely Spirit, over on spreadinggoodness.org - obviously we are thinking similar thoughts! What role does the Bible play in the ministry of the church? Typically I suspect we contrast two kinds - [Our Conceit](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/our-conceit/) - What is it with pride? And how can we deal with it? - [That Low?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/that-low/) - How far would God go to draw back incurved hearts without force? The unfathomable wonder of the incarnation and atonement. More than tongue can tell, or forked tongue predict! - [Ordinary People](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/ordinary-people/) - Why do ordinary people respond to God better than the elite of society? And why must there be so few elite? Is God unfair? - [Shortcut](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/shortcut/) - It is tempting to take a shortcut to the other end of the street, but it is a one-way street, and where you get to is not what you thought it would be. - [Update #40 - April 2013](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-40-april-2013/) - Thank you for praying for the reunion which we mentioned last time. We had a very special weekend with participants from team 2011 and team 2012 joining this year's team. We were even joined by George Verwer for a session on the Saturday where he shared his heart with us. We have just returned from - [Maslow's Mistake](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/maslows-mistake/) - What drives us? Maslow described reality. The Bible offers us another. - [Follow](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/follow/) - Are we called to copy, or to follow? What's the difference? - [On a Mission](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/on-a-mission/) - What is the biblical motivation for missions, and does it matter? - [Crucifixion Billboard](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/crucifixion-billboard/) - Why did Paul use his preaching to paint such a vivid depiction of Christ crucified? Why might we be tempted to look away? Why does Easter matter so much? - [What If?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/what-if/) - What if love were the defining reality of Christianity? Would it, or would it not, change a lot of things? - [Popcorn?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/popcorn/) - This may not be true in your Christian circles, but I tend to hear about popcorn. Perhaps it reveals a suppressed hankering from those who miss going to the cinema because they have overloaded the schedule with church activities. But what does popcorn have to do with Christianity? Is this a critique of junk food - [Two Types of Leaders](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/two-types-of-leaders/) - A leader with Christ’s heart differs from leaders in the world as light differs from darkness. Jesus taught as much and lived as such. Think, for instance, of how he loved all those he led. Worldly leaders, by contrast, love goals and achievements. Think too of the final measure of Christ’s loving leadership: he moved - [Update #39 - February 2013](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-39-february-2013/) - It has been a great start to the new year at Cor Deo. We had a full group of great folks for the January Intensive, then the full-time team came together the next week, and the Searights arrived to work with us a few days later. Now we are already a quarter of the way - [His Benefits](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/his-benefits/) - Last week in Cor Deo we were looking at John 6. It is one of Jesus' great moments. In a rare glimpse of ministry up north (rare for John), Jesus has impressed the crowds with a mighty Moses-like miracle. Unlike the tension he faces down south in Judea, Jesus is a bit of star in - [Synthetic Repentance](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/synthetic-repentance/) - This week’s post is from Huw Williams. The issue of repentance is of vital importance in all aspects of gospel ministry, and in this post he probes the problematic issue of faking repentance. Huw was part of Cor Deo in 2011, is now pastoring the International Church of Torino, Italy, and will be co-leading the - [God's Agenda in Job](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/gods-agenda-in-job/) - What was God doing in Job? What is he doing in us? - [Les Miserables and Life Giving Grace](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/les-miserables-and-life-giving-grace/) - This weekend my wife and I finally got to the cinema to see Les Miserables. Absolutely fantastic! Victor Hugo's epic story of Jean Valjean and his pursuer, officer Javert, is an impressive movie adaptation of the stage musical (which we also want to see again). Jailed for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his - [A Wise Folly](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-wise-folly/) - Is God good at expressing himself? The question matters, especially if we profess to have the ultimate God of the Bible as our own deity. Faith produces avid listeners and we can reasonably assume that our Creator will speak at least as effectively as we do. Why, then, do many people who claim to know - [Growing Each Together](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/growing-each-together/) - 2 Thessalonians 1:3, Paul pulls out his usual three elements, starting with faith and love . . . but he seems to pull out the stops in his description of them! - [A Question About Questions](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-question-about-questions/) - Questions and questioning God - [Who Goes There?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/who-goes-there/) - What should we be looking for when we read the Old Testament? Instructions? Promises? Or something more . . . ? - [A New Way](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-new-way/) - Iranaeus of Lyon had a clear view of Christ, a view worth pondering as we head into a new year! - [Why So Humble?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/why-so-humble/) - Why did Jesus' first coming need to be so humble? Surely the majestic and powerful entrance would have achieved his goals more effectively . . . or would they? - [Update #38](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-38/) - Just a short note to wish you a special Christmas and New Year from all of us at Cor Deo! As we look back over 2012 we have been very encouraged on so many levels: the full-time team, the three “Intensives,” the first ever reunion and the first ever “Invitational.” It has been a good - [Lose Jesus, Lose What?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/lose-jesus-lose-what/) - What do we lose if we lose Jesus from Christianity? - [Enjoying Christ's Presence](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/enjoying-christs-presence/) - The need for repentance and awareness in our relational union with Christ. - [Birth Non-Announcement](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/birth-non-announcement/) - When Zec left the temple, he couldn't utter a word. But inside he would have been bursting with 3 great truths -perhaps in his silence we have missed the third! - [Dark Night of the Soul](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/dark-night-of-the-soul/) - Have you ever felt abandoned by God? If you have you know it hurts more than any other loss. Why? Because we see God as a secure refuge: as one who loves us even if all others fail. And then even he walks away from us. Nothing and no one is left to be trusted—so - [Grace Corrupted](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/grace-corrupted/) - Why is it that both sides of the grace squabbles will tend to fall into the same trap? And what does Genesis 3 have to do with it once we're saved? - [Thank You!](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/thank-you/) - The function of gratitude in the Christian life. It does more than you might think! - [What Teaches Us?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/what-teaches-us/) - What is the mechanism for training Christians for godly living? Paul seems to trust in God's provision in Christ more than we do! Hear Paul to Titus on creating godliness... - [Divine Weather](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/divine-weather/) - What is the Christian response to Hurricane Sandy? Is this divine wrath? Is this God's judgment? How can we know? - [Update #37](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-37/) - Since our last update we had our first ever Cor Deo Invitational. This was a two-day “top-up” for almost twenty folks who had previously been through the full-time or one-week course with us. I was also over in Chicago earlier this month and was able to offer a one-day Cor Deo seminar there to a - [Please Don't Balance](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/please-dont-balance/) - Intimacy vs Respect. No need to balance. - [Enjoying Idols?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/enjoying-idols/) - A man asked me the question out of the blue. “Do we still have idols today?” A couple of options jumped to mind before I answered. First I thought of the host of idol factories I saw in Kathmandu, Nepal, where I spoke at a pastors’ conference a couple of years ago. Our host pastor - [Deep Problem, Profound Solution](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/deep-problem-profound-solution/) - The Bible offers us a profound understanding of the human problem, and a profound solution to the human problem. Yet we are so prone to be superficial on the problem. And simplistic on the solution. How often we think that the issue is something that we can fix, and so we strive to put things - [Confused by Jesus](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/confused-by-jesus/) - Peter and Jesus rebuked each other. Maybe we are in line for the same rebuke? How can we so easily have in mind the things of Satan? - [New Covenant Solutions](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/new-covenant-solutions/) - When we don't get the New Covenant, we really fall back into an Old Covenant pattern of religious life. - [Delighted or Driven?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/delighted-or-driven/) - A rich benefit in reading through the Bible regularly and at a bold pace is that themes start to jump off the pages. One of these—I’ll note it in a moment—especially comes to mind on weekends when believers gather to sing hymns and choruses that profess an unbounded delight in God. At the same time - [Update #36 ](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/mini-update-36-september-2012/) - I originally wrote this update on a flight from Portland to Vancouver. Now, after more than a week back in England, I am finally getting it sent. As a family we enjoyed being in the Pacific Northwest over the summer. It was great to take Cor Deo international with our first overseas Intensive. During the - [Present Care](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/present-care/) - Nourishing and cherishing - husband toward the wife, mother toward the child, and amazingly, Christ toward us. - [Broken](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/broken/) - Brokenness is more than my sin, and sin is more than covenant law breaking. What is sin? Richard Sibbes and a global minister break in on this discussion. - [Reality](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/reality/) - What is real? What is unreal? And how can we know the difference? It isn’t always clear. Today, for instance, we have feature length movies with computer-generated scenes so we might not know at a given moment whether the actor is doing something humanly possible, though exotic, or if he’s being portrayed by some digitized - [The Self Shift](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-self-shift/) - It is ever so subtle. It can be a hair breadth of a shift, but suddenly we have turned Christianity into a religion. In an instant the breath of life is replaced by the tolling bell of overwhelming burden. We make the shift in evangelism, and we make it in discipleship. We offer it to - [Table Fellowship](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/table-fellowship/) - Food and fellowship in Luke's Gospel. - [Leaders or Lids?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/leaders-or-lids/) - Too many leaders act as lids to stop spirituality spilling onto others. Do you? - [Update #35 - July 2012`](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-35-july-2012/) - Last week we enjoyed another Cor Deo Intensive. This time we weren't in Chippenham, but in Portland, Oregon. We were joined by 14 participants and enjoyed a great week together. Yet again our sense is that Intensives are so worth investing time in! We enjoyed studying highlights from John's gospel, a look at the Reformation - [Does Jesus Tell Us To Love Ourselves?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/does-jesus-tell-us-to-love-ourselves/) - Love God, love others, and love self? Is that last part from Jesus an instruction, or a recognition of what is already there in this broken world? - [Complaining to God](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/complaining-to-god/) - Is it ever okay to complain to God? Is it appropriate to tell him that we think he’s done a terrible job and needs to start getting things right? Should the topic, “Proper forms of complaining in prayer,” be included in workshops? Some may cringe at even asking the question: “No, of course not! God - [Why By This?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/why-by-this/) - Why did Jesus tell his disciples that love would be their distinguishing characteristic? - [Spirituality](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/spirituality/) - What does it mean to be spiritual, and what might the world do if the church truly were? - [Cor Deo Content Elsewhere](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/cor-deo-content-elsewhere/) - Here are a few more links you might appreciate: A lot of Cor Deo time is spent in the Bible, and here are two posts from Peter on the biblical geography and history, as well as one on the Psalms, and one on the Prophets. Ron writes of relationships and, of course, brings us to - [Links You Might Like](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/links-you-might-like-2/) - We haven't done one of these for a while - Cor Deo type content from other sites: Ron keeps producing good stuff on SpreadingGoodness - here's one on healing, for a starter. Is it possible to go beyond just preaching guilt at people? Peter (and parts two, three, and four) . Eavesdropping a conversation about - [Update #34 - June 2012](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-34-june-2012/) - The final weeks of Cor Deo seem to just slip away. After a great week in Hungary at the European Leadership Forum, the team has really enjoyed the final weeks together. During these last weeks we enjoyed studies in Ephesians, Jonathan Edwards, pastoral counselling, and so much more. This week was our last together. We - [Free!](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/free/) - Galatians and two versions of Christianity.... - [Growing](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/growing/) - What is spiritual growth? Is it finished already at maturity, or does it go on forever? How can we grow? - [Getting to Know God](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/getting-to-know-god/) - This week we bring our second full season of Cor Deo to a close. The past few months have been a great experience for us all. The opportunity to pursue God together in His Word is an absolute privilege. The delight of sharing life together with a group of others passionate to know Him is - [Demas](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/demas/) - What happened to Demas? Demas is mentioned by Paul in both Colossians and Philemon. Along with Demas we find Aristarchus, Luke, and John Mark cited as a support team with Paul during the apostle’s house arrest in Rome. We can guess that Demas, like the other men, was a young convert whose response to the - [We Are Not Jesus' Plus One](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/we-are-not-jesus-plus-one/) - Is God divided between angry Father and loving Jesus? What if we don't have to hold two sides of a coin in tension? What if God is our Abba? - [A Scottish Gift](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-scottish-gift/) - Bible read throughs, churches, missionaries and the spreading goodness of God's Word changing lives! - [Update #33 - May 2012](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-33-may-2012/) - News and prayer requests from Cor Deo - [I Don't Feel Like Reading My Bible](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/i-dont-feel-like-reading-my-bible/) - One of the most common questions I get asked goes something like this, “are you saying that I should only read my Bible when I feel like it? What about the times when I don’t feel like reading it?” The common thinking on this issue is that you should be self-controlled and disciplined, do the - [Predestined?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/predestined/) - Is there a more biblical way to speak of being predestined? Too often the doctrine is divisive or denied, but it can be heart-warming and rich! - [The Bible's Biggest Ideas](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-bibles-biggest-ideas/) - On my preaching blog I am mid-series on the ten biggest big ideas in the Bible. Somehow every passage seems to touch on at least a few of these. Today I am at number six and I am offering it as this week's Cor Deo post. In case you're interested, here are the links to - [Discipline and the Disciplines](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/discipline-and-the-disciplines/) - Spiritual disciplines are a big hot topic in Christian spirituality and formation, they have been for a long time. But are they the way to go? - [He Has Done This Before](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/he-has-done-this-before/) - God is a communicator, but is He any good at it? - [Update #32 - April 2012](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-32-april-2012/) - Yesterday I was in Cambridge for a training day with UCCF staff. Today Ron and Jonathan are travelling to Brussels for a weekend of ministry with an international church. After our two week Easter break we have hit the ground running as we head into a busy season of ministry. We would value your prayers: - [Update #31 - March 2012](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-31-march-2012/) - This week was week 10 of the 20 for this year's team. We are halfway and now on our Easter break. I think it is fair to say that everybody has really appreciated the first half of the Cor Deo experience, and now everybody is ready for a couple of weeks off! Ron flew back - [Out of the World](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/out-of-the-world/) - In John 17 Jesus speaks of the world, and the word...where are you headed? - [Coming Soon...Delighted by God, London - 28th April](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/coming-soon-delighted-by-god-london-28th-april/) - Two weeks from today we will be in London for the Delighted by God conference. Ron and Peter will be there. Even better, Glen Scrivener will be speaking. The subject? The Glorious Gospel. The question? Can you join us? (Please help spread the word on facebook - here's the event page.) - [Posts From Months Past](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/posts-from-months-past/) - Here are some other posts that you might appreciate from other sites: Answering Inadequacy, by Ron, on, well, inadequacy. Airport Lounge, by Huw Williams (Cor Deo 2011) with reflections on our world, our destination and a mention for the Cor Deo reunion. Let Man Not Separate, where Peter pleads for the Holy Spirit and Accountability - [Is Your God Too Small?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/is-your-god-too-small/) - What does it mean to fear God? Should we live scared? How is fear of God the beginning of wisdom? How did the fear of God motivate Nehemiah? - [Definitely Dead?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/definitely-dead/) - I've been crucified with Christ . . . really? All of me? - [Links You Might Like](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/links-you-might-like/) - Here are some articles from Peter and Ron's other sites that could well have been posted here on the Cor Deo site: What Motivates God? - by Ron. Representing! - Peter ponders what or who the preacher is really representing (and another, this time on being God's Rep, and another on representing the Gospel.) Deification - - [Jeremiah's Complaint](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/jeremiahs-complaint/) - Being faithful to proclamation of great truth is not easy, but it is worth it. - [From the Sister Sites](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/from-the-sister-sites/) - Ron and Peter both blog elsewhere and a lot of that content could well be posted on here. Just in case you missed it, here are a few links for you: Ron just wrote about the Holy Spirit, who remains for many Christians, the difficult person of the Trinity to understand. Another post from Ron - [Ministry Actually Is God's Work](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/ministry-actually-is-gods-work/) - Saved by faith, grow by faith. And in ministry? Evangelism by faith, discipleship by faith. Simple. - [Triune Intimacy](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/triune-intimacy/) - What does it mean to be able to call God, "Abba"? Surely that can't mean what it sounds like, can it? The Trinity makes such a difference! - [Old Is Not Always Better](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/old-is-not-always-better/) - When the New Covenant is so good, why do we keep sliding back toward the Old Covenant? Could this be a fleshly impulse? - [Update #30 - February 2012](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-30-february-2012/) - Time is flying and we are through February already! Cor Deo is going really well. We have a great group of men this year and are so thankful for the privilege of responding to God together in our studies. Ron was able to visit Huw from team 2011 earlier this month, taking along Jon and - [In Case You Missed It](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/in-case-you-missed-it/) - Both Ron and Peter write content for their own respective blogs, much of which could equally be offered on this site. So here are another trio of posts you might have missed: Bible & Spirituality - Peter asks for the Bible to not be separated from matters of spirituality. CS Lewis on the KJV - - [Cor Deo Content From Elsewhere](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/cor-deo-content-from-elsewhere/) - Just in case you missed them, here are another five posts from Peter and Ron's other sites. These posts could easily have been offered on this site, so we wouldn't want you to miss out on them... 1. Devotion and Idols - Peter looks at idolatry in a non-idol culture and issues of heart devotion to God. - [You may appreciate . . . ](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/you-may-appreciate/) - Both Ron and Peter blog elsewhere and link to articles on this site. What we don't tend to do is link to our other sites from here. Just in case you are unaware of our other sites, here are ten recent posts that would be very much in keeping with the Cor Deo ethos: 1. Overqualified! - [Defining Deity](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/defining-deity/) - Which God don't you believe in? - [What Kind of Bible Would You Give?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/what-kind-of-bible-would-you-give/) - Is God Trinity, or is there an ultimate being who is primarily a power-figure? What would the Bible be like from the alternative God options? What is it really like? - [Union and Communion](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/union-and-communion/) - Isaiah 42 and the work of Christ to unite the diverse, all nations, one body. - [No Theory Test](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/no-theory-test/) - Twenty years ago when I learned to drive I had to face the dreaded UK driving test. Nowadays there are two tests: the practical test that I took, and the theory test. Ron is in the midst of all this as he needs to get his UK driving licence to be able to continue to - [Love and Discipline](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/love-and-discipline/) - What is discipline for the Christian - a stoic pursuit of ability, or the loving corrective of a Father keeping us close? - [Thinking Spiritually](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/thinking-spiritually/) - What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer? - [Are We Guilty of Negative Suggestion?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/are-we-guilty-of-negative-suggestion/) - Are we guilty of negative suggestion in our approach to discipling new believers? Is the language of duty and discipline as helpful as some people make out? - [Book Review: The Good God, by Mike Reeves](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/book-review-the-good-god-by-mike-reeves/) - Mike Reeves, one of Cor Deo's trustees, is about to release his new book, The Good God. It is a fantastic little book that we want to promote as much as possible. To see Peter's review of it, click here. - [Update #29 - January 2012](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-29-january-2012/) - Next Tuesday the full-time programme begins for 2012. This means that Ron is flying over on Sun/Mon and settling into his UK accommodation. Then the team come together on Tuesday for the first week of Cor Deo 2012. Meanwhile, Peter will have to be slightly less involved at some point for a few days as - [Deeper than Duty](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/deeper-than-duty/) - What is the primary emphasis in our presentation of Christianity - is it really relationship, or is it duty? Why might we be making numb disciples? - [Making New Year Plans](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/making-new-year-plans/) - How do we plan for the future when we know God is sovereign over all? It depends on if we know that He loves us! - [The Wonder of Wonders](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-wonder-of-wonders/) - Christmas is a season of traditions, and I think we’ve started a new one in our family. My daughters and I have discovered the joy of driving at night with Christmas music turned up ridiculously loud and singing together at the top of our lungs. One of their favourites is Mary Did You Know. There - [Update #28 - December 2011](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-28-december-2011/) - This is our last update of 2011 and we want to wish you a delightful Christmas and New Year! We are so thankful for your prayers and interest in the ministry of Cor Deo. Our longing is for more people to be captivated by the love of a God so great that He was willing - [Christopher Hitchens Was Right](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/christopher-hitchens-was-right/) - Not in everything, but the straw man gospel he rejected is certainly not one we should be offering the world. - ["...And heart with strings of steel, be soft as sinews of the newborn babe..."](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/and-heart-with-strings-of-steel-be-soft-as-sinews-of-the-newborn-babe/) - This week we are delighted to share a guest post from Cor Deo 2011 team member Huw Williams. Huw is now pastoring the International Church of Torino, in Italy (his blog is here). Over to Huw: ____________________________________________ I wonder if you saw this. There was a powerful moment in a government press conference here this - [A Matter of Numbers](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-matter-of-numbers/) - Most of us find security in numbers. We like to be with others—to go with a crowd. And a strong majority vote is the ultimate measure of a good democracy. So, too, as those involved in economics or politics say before they make a key decision, “Let’s look at the numbers.” Numbers, after all, don’t - [Update #27 - November 2011](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-27-november-201/) - Tomorrow, Saturday, is our final Cor Deo event of 2011. If you are within reach of Bristol, we would love to see you. Here's the info: It has been quite a first year for Cor Deo and we are really thankful to those who have prayed with us and for us. Maybe next month we'll - [Holy, Holy, Holy - A Unique Description?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/holy-holy-holy-a-unique-description/) - The Bible never says that God is love, love, love, or does it? - [On Being Religious](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/on-being-religious/) - Many religions, but what is it that stimulates that in humans? How do we engage? Is it enough to know the truth? - [It's All About Me/Us, Jesus](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/its-all-about-meus-jesus/) - Is the church filled with sanctified self-obsession? - [Truly Saved](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/truly-saved/) - My generation of Christians love rationalistic debates. And one favorite debating point is the question of salvation: among professing believers who is truly saved? Whenever that question is raised claims and counterclaims fly: “You don’t have any right to judge us!” Or, “You’re bending the Bible to build your view!” And again, “Our faith offers - [Bring Back Ba'al?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/bring-back-baal/) - Have we lost the distinction between God and other gods that is so important if our God is a specific, personal, real God and not just a set of attributes? - [Spiritual Complacency](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/spiritual-complacency/) - The residents of Jerusalem during King Josiah’s reign (640-609 BC) experienced a revival that came with a rediscovery of God’s previously ignored and misplaced Word. Zephaniah, a prophet, warned that enjoying the memory of a revival is not the same as living in response to God. The problem? The people of his day were ready - [Update #26 - Mini Update (October 2011)](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update26/) - At the end of September we held the first Cor Deo Intensive week here in Chippenham. It was great to have Ron back in town, and we were joined by 18 eager participants from all over the UK (and one flying in from Italy!) Together we delighted in the relational nature of our faith, enjoying - [Update #25 - Mini Update (September 2011)](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-25-september-2011/) - Please pray for the upcoming Cor Deo Intensive (26-30th September). We have a great group of people joining us for the week. Please pray for it to be a transformative time for all involved. And again, thank you for spreading the word about Discover Cor Deo on the 1st of October. Thank you for standing - [Is Godliness Goodliness?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/is-godliness-goodliness/) - Is it right to measure godliness merely in terms of holiness, or is it about reflecting the full character of God in a messy world? - [Stability in Chaos](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/stability-in-chaos/) - Jeremiah’s book is God’s spiritual and moral bristle brush: it always gives my soul a good scrub when I read it. God, as the prophet tells us, will confront sin. Chaos is coming. Why? Because national religious and political leaders all support evil: the evil of ignoring God’s words and ways. Jeremiah promises his readers - [Eyes to See](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/eyes-to-see/) - Do our motives influence our Bible reading so that we only see some of what is there, and then skew that part too? John 5 says motives influence Bible reading. - [Heroes of the Faith](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/heroes-of-the-faith/) - Today in our Cor Deo meeting we spoke of Athanasius as one of the heroes of the faith. As bishop of Alexandria, Egypt, (328-373) he was sent into exile by various Roman emperors five times, so that of his 45 years in office he was away more than he was at home. Still he wrote - [Primary Concerns Divine and Human](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/primary-concerns-divine-and-human/) - Do you live first and foremost for possessions, power, position . . . or relationship? And what about God? Which is He passionate in His pursuit of? - [Faith and Experience](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/faith-and-experience/) - Christians, if quizzed, will favor firm objective truth rather than loose subjectivity. If, for instance, believers are asked, “Do you know that God loves you?” most will respond with, “Yes, of course”. We can treat God’s love as an objective certainty affirmed in the Bible. But if the subjective question is asked, “Do you often - [A Vision Check](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-vision-check/) - Let me raise a vision issue I’ve considered before in my Spreading Goodness site. It invites a revisit. Post-modern thought begins with a simple and seemingly obvious insight: we all view life from a unique vantage point. This claim, when applied, is called perspectivalism. We all look at everything with unique points of view. Having - [Update #24 – Mini-Update (August 2011)](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-24-–-mini-update-august-2011/) - As the summer weeks pass by we have been reflecting on Cor Deo in 2011 and looking forward to 2012. Here is a testimony from Chris, who was a blessing to us all during the first Cor Deo: Delight & Devotion, Rather than Duty These past 6 months have been a time of fellowship, growth, - [Getting Married](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/getting-married/) - Thoughts on marriage and how it reflects the greatest relationship of them all. - [Mid-life Crises and the Drain of Duty](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/mid-life-crises-and-the-drain-of-duty/) - Why do good evangelicals seem to lose it in mid-life crises? - [Humility as a hearing aid](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/humility-as-a-hearing-aid/) - Psalm 34 is attributed to David as his response to God after he played the madman before the king of Gath. One distich in the Psalm caught my attention in a new way: “My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.” I take it that David was aligning - [Antidote to Anarchy](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/antidote-to-anarchy/) - There are short-cuts to peace, and there is real inside-out transformation. Most people in positions of authority will settle for the short-cuts. God doesn’t. This past week we have seen some shocking scenes in the UK. Wanton violence, looting, muggings, rioting. It all began with a police shooting incident, but most of those involved seem - [Current Options in Spirituality](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/current-options-in-spirituality/) - I recently reflected on some of the main spiritual pathways found among evangelicals today. Let me identify three broad sectors and offer a brief commentary on each. It’s still a preliminary work of reflection and readers are invited to look over my shoulder to offer comments. We need a starting point so let me suggest - [Second-Person Theology](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/second-person-theology/) - Helmut Thielicke's insightful comments on theological adolescence offer profound insights into avoiding theological pride. Keep it second-person. - [Update #23 - Mini-Update (July 2011)](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-23-mini-update-july-2011/) - This was week 20, the final week, of the first season of Cor Deo. It is hard to believe that it is finished already! These last few weeks have been precious times of fellowship and growth together as a team. On Wednesday evening we enjoyed our celebration meal together with wives, fiancee and girlfriends. It - [Praying For Fellowship](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/praying-for-fellowship/) - Last week the first season of Cor Deo's full-time programme drew to a close. We have been so encouraged by these twenty weeks together as ten men standing shoulder to shoulder and responding to God. Highlights have included significant levels of soaking in God's Word together, plunging into parts of church history to see the - [Textbooks about God](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/textbooks-about-god/) - I heard recently that one of my former seminary students married a non-Christian. Despite my grimace-of-heart it’s no great surprise: such mismatches (in biblical terms) seem to be on the rise among evangelicals. And, in a separate moral commentary, premarital sexual activity by engaged believers is more and more common—and all but assumed in some - [When the Thermometer Seems to Indicate Cold](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/when-the-thermometer-seems-to-indicate-cold/) - What do we do with folks in church who seem to be spiritually cold, yet see themselves as upstanding members of the church? - [Jealousy, beauty and God](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/jealousy-beauty-and-god/) - Beauty and jealousy are oil and water words—they aren’t a good match—but in God they come together. God’s beauty is seen in his relational devotion—in his love. Even in our humanity we see beauty in the people who love us well. The wrinkles of a caring grandmother are winsome etchings of love to the eyes - [Update #22 - Mini-Update (June 2011)](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-22-mini-update-june-2011/) - We have had a very busy few weeks as a team and are coming into the home stretch for this season of Cor Deo. Several team members have been having interviews as they look for what comes next. Please pray for all eight of the team to be able to go on to employment and/or - [Three Signals You May Be Praying to the Wrong God](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/three-signals-you-may-be-praying-to-the-wrong-god/) - Last week Ron offered a helpful post on prayer. I appreciated this as I was preaching on prayer this weekend. I thought I'd follow up with a provocative little title and post on the same issue. Here's the synopsis of my message from Saturday: Who you are talking to influences how you talk to them. - [Praying affectively and effectively](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/praying-affectively-and-effectively/) - Terry raised a question about prayer and, separately, Peter has been asked to speak on the same topic next weekend. So here is my own question: should I pray about writing a post on prayer, or should I just do it in response to Terry and as part of my ongoing conversation with Peter? Let - [If You Have Seen Me](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/if-you-have-seen-me/) - Last week we shared Glen’s post about which God we worship – is it really the OmniBeing, or is He significantly different to that? On Saturday at Delighted By God, Mike Reeves offered us the God of Arius and the God of Athanasius as our two options (you won’t want to miss that talk, coming - [Marriage and Ministry](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/marriage-and-ministry/) - As a lifelong single I see the marriages of my friends and family as a gift for learning more about life in Christ. Here is why. Marriage is not an end in itself but offers a picture of the ultimate marriage. Throughout the Bible God uses marriage to explain what it means to be united - [Update #21 - Mini-Update (May 2010)](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-21-mini-update-may-2010/) - On Friday evening several Cor Deo team members were joined by a group from Ladyfield Church to spend several hours on the streets of Chippenham. The agenda was basically to look to God to lead us into opportunities to share His love with people. By 2am we all returned home thankful for the opportunities God - [Guest Post: The Image of the Invisible OmniBeing?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/guest-post-the-image-of-the-invisible-omnibeing/) - Two weeks ago we had our first guest instructor at Cor Deo. Glen Scrivener hails from Eastbourne and is a full-time evangelist with Revival, as well as an Anglican minister. Glen's compelling presentation to the Cor Deo team has left an impression, including his talk of the "OmniBeing." So we decided to share this part - [Myopic Christianity](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/myopic-christianity/) - There is myopia in much contemporary Christianity. Its so easy to see the present, the pain, the circumstances and lose sight of eternity, joy and Christ himself. - [More than a Manual](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/more-than-a-manual/) - Sitting in a coffee bar in Central Asia on Friday we were conversing with a group of preachers about the Bible. “Some people study the text and it is all human level for them,” somebody observed. “But others prepare a sermon and they preach about God.” Why the difference? While there may be many reasons - [Measuring God's Love](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/measuring-gods-love/) - Most of us, I suspect, assume that God’s love is best measured by the way he treats us. We look to our circumstances as evidence of God’s delight and approval. Enriched, gifted, or attractive folks are on God’s good side; those whose circumstances or abilities are marginal to poor must be on his bad side. - [Update #20 - Mini-Update (May 2011)](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-20-mini-update-may-2011/) - This week the team regathered from South America, North America, Central Asia, South East Asia, Europe and the UK. All reports of the Easter break seem to be positive and it is great to be back together again. Now we are officially half-way through the Cor Deo season! The team are refocusing their energies on - [Update #19 - Mini-Update (April 2011)](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-19-mini-update-april-2011/) - The first evening class series in Habakkuk came to its conclusion this week. We had good numbers (30-40) for the four evenings together and many were very challenged by the personal relevance of this great little book. Will we be puffed up in ourselves or humbly trusting God when we face significant challenges? Some have - [A Healthy Skepticism](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-healthy-skepticism/) - This weekend all Christ’s followers remembered his death and resurrection once again. Yet the world at large retains its smothering skepticism about our claims that he is risen. We can hardly be surprised. Even his forewarned disciples doubted the first reports of an empty tomb as when Jesus scolded two of his disciples on the - [Easter Is Not Normal](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/easter-is-not-normal/) - It is only at the cross that we can make sense of who Christ is, what God is like, and what life means. - [Eye Opening Thoughts](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/eye-opening-thoughts/) - I was reminded by Peter’s sermon tonight that blind people often have better sight than do the sighted. In Mark 10 the blind man, Bartimaeus, knew enough to call out to Jesus for healing and Jesus responded. The story of the man born blind in John 9 is another example. Jesus loves to give sight - [Guest Post: Love Really Does Win](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/guest-post-love-really-does-win/) - Love Wins, so says Rob Bell, but in this post Dave Bish offers a far more biblical and compelling case for how love wins in the end. - [Update #18 - Mini Update (Mar 2011)](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-18-mini-update-mar-2011/) - The trips to Poland and the Netherlands went well as far as ministry was concerned. We were very thankful that Chris made it safely back from Amsterdam, albeit ahead of schedule! He felt uncomfortable throughout the Friday and ended up going in to the hospital at 1am on Saturday. He was able to fly home - [Learning to Listen to The Word](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/learning-to-listen-to-the-word/) - Why is it that some people are seemingly so alive, and others seem stone cold, when both have the same Bible? Maybe the difference is in their hearts... - [A Changed Heart](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-changed-heart/) - Usually when someone says “I’ve changed my mind” we can take the shift as a passing matter. It depends on context, of course, but changes of mind are common. I might say, for instance, “I know I said I can meet for coffee at ten but I’ve changed my mind because of a deadline I’m - [Update #17 – Mini-Update (Mar 2011)](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-17-–-mini-update-mar-2011/) - I (Ron) traveled to Leeds a week ago on Sunday, with three members of the Cor Deo team (Alan, Jonathan & Mike) to the City Evangelical Church for a Mission Sunday. I spoke from John 3 on God's spreading love as a biblical basis for missions. The round trip by car (450 miles in a - [Human Nature](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/human-nature/) - Simplistic understanding of human nature leads to massive policy failures. So says New York Times article. So says God's Word? Are we merely rational? And emotions? - [Lost Love](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/lost-love/) - Jesus said that a sign of his nearing return would include an increase in lawlessness with the result that “the love of many will grow cold” [Matt. 24:12]. It’s not that a loss of love for God is only found in the end times. The problem was also cited in Ephesus where, although true doctrine - [A Key Bit of Jargon](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-key-bit-of-jargon/) - Anthropopathism...does God have emotions? - [Update #16 – Mini-Update (Mar 2011)](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-16-–-mini-update-mar-2011/) - We are into week three of Cor Deo. The team seem to be very comfortable with one another and we are very encouraged. Last week Chris and Mike established a great connection with Bath Uni CU during their missions week and will continue to be involved there whenever possible. Last weekend I (Peter) was joined - [Book of Books](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/book-of-books/) - Why the diversity of genres in the Bible? Wouldn't it be better to have a clearly structured single volume of one form? Of course not, this post dwells on why! - [Update #15 - Mini-Update (Feb 2011)](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-15-mini-update-feb-2011/) - The first week of Cor Deo has flown by. We are so encouraged! God has brought together a fantastic team for this first season of Cor Deo. Ron arrived on Monday, then three full days of studying together, a welcome pizza feast at the Mead's house, and before we knew it, the week was finished. - [Fluffy Love?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/fluffy-love/) - Valentine sentimentality is roundly mocked in conversations, and sadly the same tone seems to permeate church discussions on the subject of love. Fluff or the will or is there something more to love? - [Update #14 - February 2011](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-14-february-2011/) - (This update in its email form is available if you click here - please subscribe, like, share, etc. It all helps to get the word out!) We are just days away from starting the first season of Cor Deo! To those just joining the update list, welcome. To those who have been praying during the past - [Privatio](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/privatio/) - Let me return to one of my drumbeat issues: sin. Augustine’s fifth century debate with Pelagius had much to do with defining sin as moral privation (Latin “privatio”): an absence of righteousness in human conduct. Let me offer a snapshot of what Augustine was saying and then invite comments from readers. The problem of evil - [Whole Bible in a Message](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/whole-bible-in-a-message/) - If you had to give an overview of the whole Bible in about 20 minutes, what theme would you choose? What verses would be your anchor point? I went to Leviticus - [Lessons in Listening](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/lessons-in-listening/) - The troubled man scarcely bothered to take a breath as he poured out his unhappiness over his host of issues. He was a true victim and wanted me and others to share in his pain. And, yes, it was painful! What I knew from many earlier conversations was that the present 30 minute survey of - [What Are We Supposed To Be Doing?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/what-are-we-supposed-to-be-doing/) - Taking dominion or making disciples? In this post I question the dominion language being used by some and wonder if perhaps the terms Jesus used might be better. - [Book Winners](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/book-winners-2/) - Pete, Jon and Derek - congratulations on winning the December book giveaway. Watch this space for more book suggestions in the coming months! - [God’s Posse](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/gods-posse/) - I call them God’s theological sheriffs—believers who are alert to any hint of heresy in others. They seem to be self-appointed, but maybe it’s their special gifting. What I’m not sure about is where their gift comes from—whether it’s from God or elsewhere. I ask that honestly because even when they’re prosecuting others on the - [And the Opposite of Hope Is…?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/and-the-opposite-of-hope-is/) - So what is the opposite of hope? Paul Miller's A Praying Life suggests cynicism as a contemporary substitute that saps life and passion from its victims. - [A Proper Diet](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-proper-diet/) - Reflections on John 6, appetites and desires, and what Jesus came to offer . . . - [How Deep the Problem](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/how-deep-the-problem-2/) - The reality of sin goes deeper than just lawlessness to the heart issue of rebellion and self-centredness. This shines light on "church" sins that we easily justify! - [Update #11](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-11/) - November 2010 update with news as Cor Deo preparations move into a very practical phase. What are we needing at this point? How can you pray with us? - [Abba! Father!](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/abba-father/) - One of my special moments in life came in Israel when I watched a young boy run after a man, calling out “Abba, Abba!” For the first time I had a tangible sense of what God offers us in Christ: an invitation to call him “Daddy!” The confidence and energy of that Israeli youngster spoke - [Book Giveaway: A Praying Life](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/book-giveaway-a-praying-life/) - A big part of Cor Deo training includes reading and interacting with good books. One of the books that has encouraged me recently is A Praying Life by Paul Miller. We want to encourage you to read good books with us, so at the end of December we will be giving away three copies. I'll - [Red or Blue?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/red-or-blue/) - How do you see the pages of Scripture? Do you see thru a stoic lens that saps all life and leaves only a collection of cold truths, or do you see what is there - the vivid, living, beating hearts of God's people and God himself? - [Book Winners!](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/book-winners/) - I almost forgot to mention it, but well done to Dave, Shannon and Stan who all won a copy of Experiencing the Trinity in our November giveaway. Hope you enjoy the book! Remember that this month we are giving away three copies of A Praying Life. Here is the post to find out how to - [Networks](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/networks/) - In a world filled with more and more social networking on the internet we taste God’s creation design in a new way. We are made to be relational—that’s our starting point. It comes from God, who as the Triune One, exists in his eternal life of communion, with the Father and Son always exchanging a - [Heading Home for Christmas](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/heading-home-for-christmas/) - Was Jesus born in a stable? If not, does it spoil the message of Christmas or make it even better? A Christmas message from Cor Deo . . . - [Update #12](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-12/) - Almost two years ago Cor Deo didn't have a name yet, it was just a concept. Less than two months from now we should be in full swing with the first cohort of participants. We praise God for the answers to prayer over these months. In this update I’d like to look back and forward - [Gaining Perspective](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/gaining-perspective/) - As a new year arrives we often look back to events of the passing year, searching for a bit of perspective. It’s as if we’re seeking to weigh our recent life events in the context of passing time. But what is perspective, really? One sense of the term speaks of what an artist does to - [Update #13 - January 2011](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-13-january-2011/) - (This update in its email form is available if you click here - please subscribe, like, share, etc. It all helps to get the word out!) Happy New Year from all involved in Cor Deo! I know this update is probably a week or two earlier than normal, but we wanted to let you know - [Guarding Against Heart Attacks](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/guarding-against-heart-attacks/) - In reading 1 Kings I’m appalled by Solomon’s fall. In chapter 8 we find Solomon’s epic recital of God’s greatness at the dedication of the new temple. Again, in chapter 9, God appeared to him a second time and promised: “I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. - [Podcast 2 - Relational Bible Reading](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/podcast-2/) - 400 years since the 1611 Bible was published. Time to talk about Bible reading, especially relational Bible reading. Peter and Ron chat through a key guiding value for Cor Deo in this podcast. - [Cor Deo Podcast](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/cor-deo-podcast/) - Reflections on Discover Cor Deo, explanation of some of our values, and a brief input from Mike Reeves. - [Be Like God?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/be-like-god/) - Serpent's temptation of Eve included the notion of being like God. Christians fall into this trap, while sanctifying and justifying. 3 ultimately ironic examples. - [Book Intro: Experiencing the Trinity](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/book-intro-experiencing-the-trinity/) - We are giving away three copies of Experiencing the Trinity by Darrell Johnson. Read this post to find out how to be in the draw! - [Update #10](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-10/) - Time is moving quickly and we will soon be ready to launch the first season of Cor Deo . . . Pieces already in place – So we have a great group of students for the first season of Cor Deo (and room for a couple more if you’re interested!) We have been really encouraged - [Listen to Love](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/listen-to-love/) - Luke 10:38-42 provides an enlightening, albeit brief narrative, in which we learn what it means to love Christ, and what happens when we try to do so by loving others first. - [Glorifying Glory](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/glorifying-glory/) - In many Christian circles we hear lots about the theme of glory as God’s ultimate goal for the creation. But by giving such prominence to glory, glory may be getting more glory than God. Here’s what I mean. If God’s glory is seen to be a sort of spiritual commodity he wants or needs for - [Discover Cor Deo - 4th of December](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/discover-cor-deo-4th-of-december/) - Please spread the word about the next Discover Cor Deo event, coming up on Saturday morning, the 4th of December. It will be held in Chippenham, the home of Cor Deo. If you would like to find out more, please check out the details and let us know you are interested in attending! Please click - [Salvation Thermometer?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/salvation-thermometer/) - Can we know if someone is saved or not? We can't know, but we must discern whether to evangelise or assure of salvation. Do they love the Lord? Key question! - [Enjoying the Spirit](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/enjoying-the-spirit/) - A brief survey of the history of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. What has fed into the charismatic stream, or the conservative stream of Christianity? - [Update #9](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-9/) - Again, thank you for praying for Cor Deo as we move closer to launch! Just a brief update this time: Cor Deo Orientation – We just had our first orientation. This was a time when members of the 2011 group came together for fellowship, prayer and to discover the reading that will help us to - [Covenants Familiar and Forsaken](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/covenants-familiar-and-forsaken/) - Are we still thrilled by the intense relational realities of the New Covenant? Or are we forsaking it to pursue a covenant marked at every turn by death? - [Love as Syrup or as Steel?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/love-as-syrup-or-as-steel/) - How easily people dismiss talk of love in the church as syrup or emotional impulse. What is love, how important is it, can it be so readily dismissed? - [What is This Preacher Doing?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/what-is-this-preacher-doing/) - What does preaching involve? Is it merely lecturing blibcal information? Or is it something more? More what? More targeted? More spiritual? More personal? - [Getting Repentance Right](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/getting-repentance-right/) - We’ve all seen occasional comics of a robed and bearded street preacher with a placard sign that reads, “Repent, the end is near!” Usually there’s a punchline of some sort that makes the prophet of doom seem silly. Yet, as with most caricatures, there’s a kernel of truth in the mix. And, I suspect, there’s - [Jesus is a Person](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/jesus-is-a-person/) - What does Christian spirituality consist in? Is it merely legal status and affirmations of truth? Or is it truly relationship, and that with a personal God? - [Update #8](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-8/) - In this update we will share the latest progress, hear from Ron about his wider ministry and finish with an encouraging new endorsement of Cor Deo! Cor Deo Latest – All systems go, actively recruiting . . . the board had a meeting earlier this month. During this meeting we officially welcomed Jeremy Roberts onto - [A Passionate God](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/a-passionate-god/) - Too many Christians, I’m afraid, have the disaffected God of the Greek philosophers in mind when they pray or plan their day. The Greek versions of God are mainly about power—about having control over everything—rather than about his forming and sustaining relationships with a treasured creation. But let’s be clear from the outset that I don’t know many Christians who - [Pattern for Personal Prayer](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/pattern-for-personal-prayer/) - Does the ACTS acronym help in personal prayer? Is it worth using a pattern, or is relational prayer totally separate from a pattern? Jesus offered a pattern... - [Called to Christ's Likeness](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/called-to-christs-likeness/) - I read a troubling newspaper article on the internet today. It was one of the “most read” items and it spoke of a Christian writer who recently announced her departure from the church. The report included a summary of what disturbed her and what, for many of us, is tragically obvious: "But judging by the - [Speaking of the Trinity](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/speaking-of-the-trinity/) - Lewis Ayres in Nicaea and its Legacy offers a helpful summary of the “pro-Nicene” theology of fourth century church leaders. The Council of Nicaea (in 325) set out an acceptable manner for speaking of God’s oneness while still affirming his eternal distinctions as Father, Son, and Spirit. Yet the debate over how best to speak - [This Thing, Called Love](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/this-thing-called-love/) - Is true godly biblical love an act of the will? What if we were to start our attempt to define love by looking at the love of God, within the Godhead? - [Update #7](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-7/) - As the weeks tick by we are encouraged by many answers to prayer. Sometimes these are tiny indications of God’s care for the project, and sometimes big blessings as we move toward launch. People, funding, connections, encouragements. It really is a delight to be a part of this developing story – thank you for being - [Is It Possible To Love “The Lost”?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/is-it-possible-to-love-“the-lost”/) - Is it possible to love "the lost"? Or is that an inadequat motivation for global missions? Motivation for ministry is a matter worth some thought. - [Finding Community](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/finding-community/) - If our identity is defined by the community within which we align ourselves, which community will that be? The impact of fashions, fads, trends, etc.Or trinity! - [Spirituality – Which Room?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/spirituality-–-which-room/) - Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care book review by Brian Owen that critiques a gymnasium based approach to spiritual growth. Intimacy with Christ, how? - [New Cor Deo Blog - What Is It?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/new-cor-deo-blog-what-is-it/) - This site has just had a slight facelift and is gearing up for the new Cor Deo blog. Today we have stocked the shelves with a few posts from Peter and Ron's blogs (just so we don't have an empty blog on here!) Starting very soon we will have "conversation starter" posts on here. These - [Mentoring: The Heart of Biblical Ministry](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/mentoring-the-heart-of-biblical-ministry/) - (Just one more post for now as I "stock the shelves" of the blog . . . ) If you study through the Scriptures, it is clear that ministry is not just about the crowds. There is certainly that large-scale aspect to ministry, but we must always be alert to the smaller-scale ministry of mentoring. - [Chalmers' Sermon](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/chalmers-sermon/) - (The Cor Deo blog is going live, and we want to make sure there is some content ready to interact with already on the site . . . here is a post from earlier this year on SpreadingGoodness.org . . .) What is the role of the heart in directing our conduct? This question invites ongoing reflection. - [The Importance of Mentoring](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/the-importance-of-mentoring/) - As we continue to place some content on the Cor Deo blog in anticipation of going live, here's a brief post on a subject close to our hearts . . . I’ve written before on the critical subject of mentoring - such as here and here. It’s easy in ministry to be too busy to invest - [Don't De-Affect the Text](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/dont-de-affect-the-text/) - Last year I wrote a post on biblicalpreaching.net entitled "Preaching is a matter of life and death." In the good discussion that followed I made this comment – "God has communicated in His Word (and calls us to preach that Word), in such a way as to move the heart/affections, as well as informing the mind, - [Going Deeper Than Instruction](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/going-deeper-than-instruction/) - (This week we will be posting several articles as the Cor Deo blog goes live . . . next week we will start our regular pattern of a weekly conversation . . . ) In a lot of preaching situations it is easier to simply present the text and press home the imperatives. Whether or - [Mini-Update: Cor Deo Support Form](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/mini-update-cor-deo-support-form/) - Cor Deo has been granted an account with Stewardship. This means support can now be sent via Stewardship, who will process the Gift Aid claim and increase each gift with funds from the Inland Revenue. Download the Cor Deo Support Form - [Update #1](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-1/) - Welcome to the first official Cor Deo update! We thank you for your interest in Cor Deo and hope these updates will help you feel part of the ministry as we move toward launch and beyond. We will keep future updates as short as possible, but this first one is slightly longer we need to - [Update #2](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-2/) - At the end of January, Ron and I spent a couple of days together making further plans. I suppose that could be called a faculty meeting, or a committee meeting, but it felt like neither. It was friendship and fellowship shared in the context of prayer and biblical discussion, resulting in a fruitful time of - [Update #3](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-3/) - I can’t believe it’s already four weeks since the last update! In this one we’ll hear from Ron, and then I’ll list the things we are currently praying about. Thanks for sharing this adventure! From Ron As the title for this endeavour, Cor Deo, underscores, our ambition is to know and follow “God’s heart” with - [Update #4](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-4/) - These last weeks have been busy times of ministry . . . church weekends, training days with UCCF folks, CU meetings, conferences and overseas training seminars, etc. It is a privilege to be involved in all this and we are looking forward to sharing the blessing of such diverse ministry involvement with others through Cor - [Discover Cor Deo – 3rd of July](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/discover-cor-deo-3rd-of-july/) - We are thrilled to invite you to “Discover Cor Deo.” This is a great opportunity to find out more about Cor Deo, the vision, the programme, the mentors, the details! Get a taste of what makes Cor Deo distinct and discover if Cor Deo is for you. When? Saturday the 3rd of July, 10:30-3:30 (lunch - [Update #5](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-5/) - Thank you for reading this latest update from Cor Deo and praying for us – it means so much! International Training Consultation I am writing this update from Emmaus Bible College in Iowa. I am here with people leading various training programmes and institutions around the world. It is encouraging and helpful to share different - [Update #6](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/update-6/) - Cor Deo’s progress toward launch involves lots of little steps. Yet these are exciting steps because each one is an answer to prayer. Thank you for praying with us! Step by Step Join the conversation... the Cor Deo Blog is coming soon! The team will be engaging in some online conversation via the new Cor - [Who is God?](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/who-is-god/) - Is our God monadic or trinitarian? - [New Cor Deo Site](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/new-cor-deo-site/) - The Cor Deo site has had a slight face-lift and is now more interactive. You can leave comments on our News and Blog posts and also interact with us on Facebook & Twitter! ## Pages - [Welcome](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/) - Cor Deo exists to multiply believers “after God’s own heart.” Join us as we respond to God together and share His heart with others! What does Cor Deo offer? Cor Deo offers a variety of events and programmes. We invite all to join us for: Intensives - Join the Mentors for a two, three, or four-day intensive - [Events](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/events/) - All are welcome to Cor Deo events! Mini-Intensive When: 3 days! TBC Where: Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire Times: 09.30 - 16.30 Suggested Donation: £90 Experience a Soul Nourishing Deep Dive at the Cor Deo Mini-Intensive At a Cor Deo Intensive, we’ll guide you on a transformative journey to uncover the foundational truths that shape your - [Support](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/support/) - How you and your Church can partner with Cor Deo... Partner in prayer support - Cor Deo is essentially a ministry team, which means we lean fully on God as we serve Him. Having prayer partners standing with us is absolutely vital. Our email updates go out monthly. To receive updates, please contact us and - [Endorsements](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/endorsements/) - Endorsements of Cor Deo mentored training programme from leading evangelicals. - [Contact](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/contact/) - [Cookies & Privacy](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/privacy/) - Cor Deo Privacy Notice How Cor Deo (“we”) use your information Your privacy is important to us. We are committed to safeguarding the privacy of your information. It is important that you read this privacy notice together with any other privacy notice we may provide on specific occasions when we are collecting or processing personal - [Thank you](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/support/thank-you/) - Thank you for donating to the ministry of Cor Deo. We really appreciate you standing with us in this way. - [Mentors](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/mentors/) - Cor Deo Mentors Peter Mead grew up in Bristol, before studying at Multnomah Biblical Seminary and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He now serves on the leadership of Trinity Chippenham, as well as mentoring with Cor Deo. Peter is married to Melanie and they have six children. Peter earned his Doctor of Ministry degree at Gordon-Conwell, where he - [Resources](https://www.cordeo.org.uk/resources/) - Cor Deo Online The best place to find fresh resources from Cor Deo is the Cor Deo YouTube channel. 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