One of the visiting lectures we had when I was in bible college was J. Edwin Orr. He lectured on revival. A theme that I have long been interested in. He gave example after example of revivals breaking out after prayer meetings and hence made it clear just how important prayer is if we want to see people turning to the Lord. However, I have come to realise over the years that there is more to it. … [Read more...]
Daniel Questions – Against the Flow
Below is a list of questions taken directly from the book "Against the Flow" (Affiliate link) a study of the Old Testament Bible Book of Daniel. The book is subtitled, "The Inspiration of Daniel in an Age of Relativism". It is written by John C Lennox. There is also a study guide (Affiliate link) that you can purchase separately. I found the book to be very useful. Not so much from his … [Read more...]
Church Community: If Yours Was So Well Off No One Had Needs
What if your church community was so well off that everybody in the congregation had no needs? What if: If everybody looked out for each other and anybody who was in need had their needs met? From within the congregation? The financial situation within a church congregation was so stable that there was plenty to give to missions. As well as philanthropic endeavours. All done with a … [Read more...]
Picnic With Skee: Dragon’s Dinner Dilemma
A Short Story Just For Fun “I wish you wouldn’t look at me like that,” I grumble, laying out the blanket. “It’s not my fault you’re the size of a house, I got the biggest Picnic blanket I could. She snorted scornfully, planting her rump on the farthest corner of the blanket in sullen protest of my words. I sighed, laying down my pack and opening it. “Don’t be like that,” I scolded, pulling out … [Read more...]
Living Sacrifice & Evangelical Mission
Nor“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship”1. What does it mean to be a living sacrifice? Evangelical Missionaries Working Themselves To Death? Does being an Evangelical Missionary or for that matter a Christian, mean that I have to work myself to death? Being … [Read more...]
Good News Catching Flies With Vinegar – Mt 16:21-28
O" Then said Jesus to his disciples, If any man will follow me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." 1 The strangeness of a message of Good News that is Catching Flies with Vinegar. A Pastor Gathered All The Children A Pastor gathered all the children around him to give a brief lesson before dismissing them for the children's church. He started by saying, "I'm going to … [Read more...]
Communion – Forbearance – Matt. 5: 23-24
"Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and you remember that your brother has something against you; Leave your gift before the altar, and go and first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift 1. So goes one of the most commonly quoted passages used for Holy Communion (Eucharist) and forbearance. Through all the teachings, parables and prayers of Jesus, the … [Read more...]
Community: Unity Among Diversity – Acts 2:40-47
Some say that we should break down the denominational barriers to show our unity. I say that I am happy to have as many denominations as people want. Including those who are of the denomination of no denomination. That is, those who are theologically opposed to being members of a church. That is what true community is. I have one proviso though. I am opposed to those who do not build the … [Read more...]
Forgiving When You Are Angry
How do you go about forgiving when you are angry at those who hurt you? What do you do to make the anger subside? How do you curb the resentment? What do you do to make the pain go away? I've had many conversations about this. Both with God and others. One of the issues that I had to deal with was my Charismatic church experience. As many of you may know, in Charismatic circles, it is … [Read more...]
Delving into The Past
I have a problem, theologically, with delving into the past of my life and seeking forgiveness. When I was a younger Christian, in fact when I was younger period, I had a lot to do with Para church organizations. It was a big thing back then, to set aside time to deliberately search through one's memories to see what things you had done wrong. Then, set about sending letters or making contact … [Read more...]