I touched on God's Economy in part 2. I would not like to look at the Church community being well off more practically. Proper Accounting There are many stories of revivalists in the USA who became very rich as a result of their popularity. This is still the case today. It is not unusual for corruption to follow riches. This led to the preaching of the Gospel becoming discredited. Even today, … [Read more...]
Church Community: If Yours Was So Well Off No One Had Needs 2
Communal Living Often Has A Strong Social Justice Emphasis A Strong Social Justice emphasis was the case in most communities that I have experienced. It is also the basis of the message that started me writing this. The basic premise is that the Scriptures are full of references requiring us as Christians to look after the poor and the widows etc. It is a convincing argument. Taken up by many a … [Read more...]
Share the Good News: The Power of Storytelling
In the world of Christian evangelism, the age-old question persists: What's the best way to share the good news? The answer is not one-size-fits-all, as the method depends on various factors, including personal preference and cultural context. One aspect of Christian communication that stands the test of time is oral tradition. Jesus Himself, the central figure of Christianity, was a master of … [Read more...]
When Did You Last Offer Jesus a Drink Of Water?
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to lose sight of the values and principles that truly matter. The story of offering Jesus a drink of water is a reminder of the importance of compassion, kindness, and selflessness in our interactions with others. While it might seem like a simple act, the underlying message is profound. When did you last offer Jesus a drink of water? The … [Read more...]
Find all the Hidden Books of The Bible
Here is a bit of fun. This is a pretty strange story but I'm given to understand that all 66 books of the bible are in it. I have never been able to find all 66 but if you are into puzzles you may enjoy this one. HIDDEN BOOKS OF THE BIBLE Speaking soberly, the numbers were up in the Middle East. There was old Chief Mejud gesticulating wildly. The facts were plain - in truth, he had a narrow … [Read more...]
Evangelism: Just Be There & Care
I'm not a big proponent of Social Gospel, winning soles or any other program as forms of evangelism. I think that they all have their place but they all seriously miss the mark. True evangelism is to just be there and care Social Gospel Social Gospel is the idea that Christians' sole activity should be on promoting social justice. Don't get me wrong social justice is integral to the gospel. … [Read more...]
Story: The Doorway To Our Soles
I'm sure I don't know but there is no debating that everybody will listen to some of the most boring things in the world if they are put into story form. And they are just downright reverting if the subject matter is, in itself interesting. What is it that attracts us To A Good Story or Yarn? I wrote an article about story some time ago saying that they were the first form of mass entertainment. … [Read more...]
Is Fear Of God Not Loving Him?
It is not unusual for Christians to say they dislike the term "Fear of God". They think it is a very poor translation of the scriptures. That the "Fear of God" is an Old Testament understanding of God. Whereas the New Testament understanding is one of "Love of God". There is a sense that the concept of "Fear and Love" in the context of God are incompatible. Should We Scrap "Fear Of God" But are … [Read more...]
Ecclesiastes A Manic Depressive or Jobs Friend
I was surprised by Ecclesiastes 8:17. I've always considered the book of Ecclesiastes to be possibly the most depressing book in the whole of the bible. But I've just discovered from my regular bible reading that I've never really understood it. This Guy is Manic-Depressive The most difficult thing for me to read is the statement that recurs over and over "it is useless". English literature … [Read more...]
Best Way To Spread The Good News But Not To Your Neighbour
Just invite them to church "Don't you dare ever ask me to do that again!" This was the response of a member of a congregation I had been encouraging to invite his neighbour to a church service. Maybe he went about it all wrong. Maybe I should have warned him that there could be a negative response. Still, his reaction surprised me. It surprised me because I don't understand how you can spend as … [Read more...]