Anybody who has read my blog will know that I'm not a big proponent of Social Gospel. That 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. James makes it perfectly clear that you cannot be a true believer if your belief is not back by deeds to those in need (James 2:14ff). The problem comes when people … [Read more...]
Story: The Doorway To Our Soles
Story: What is it that attracts us?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 down right reverting if the subject matter is, in it's self interesting. I wrote and article about story some time ago saying that stories were the first form of mass entertainment. The art … [Read more...]
Is Fear Of God Not Loving Him?
Should We Scrap "Fear Of God"It is not unusual for Christians to say that they think that the term "Fear of God" is a very poor translation of the scriptures or that the "Fear of God" is an Old Testament understanding of God and the New Testament understanding is one of "Love of God" There is a sense on the part of those who make these kind of statements that the concept of "Fear and Love" in the … [Read more...]
Ecclesiastes A Manic Depressive or Jobs Friend
I was surprised by Eccl 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.The most difficult thing for me to read is the statement the recurs over and over "it is useless".English literature was one of the challenging and interests in … [Read more...]
The 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!" Was the response of a member of a congregation I had been encouraging to invite his neighbour to church. Maybe he went about it all wrong and 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 many years in … [Read more...]
You Can’t Plead With God?
Telling the Story Of Jesus In Every LanguageDownload Your Language Now!Invite A SpeakerOR Click Here To Donate NowMany would like to dictate how you prayI don't like it when people preach at me when they pray. You know exactly what I'm talking about even if you don't want to admit it. I don't like it when people repeat "Lord" or any of its' other derivative (God, Father, Abba), over and over … [Read more...]
Do We Need To Be Taught How To Reconcile
Being reconciled to your brother and sisters is hardIt's all very well for the Lord to say in Matthew 5:22-24 that we should be reconciled to each other but I'm reasonably certain that his expectation was that we would therefore learn how to go about doing that. But lets face it, Christians don't, at least not now days. I don't mean to suggest that Christian don't try to be reconciled to each … [Read more...]
What Can I Pray About
FIVE AREAS OF PRAISE1…PRAISE GOD FOR HOW AWESOME HE ISSpend time meditating on praise themes in scripture relating to the greatness of God. Reflect on Psalm 103. Praise God for all that is wonderful about Him. Singing is a great way to bless the Lord. 2…PRAISE GOD FOR HIS DAILY BLESSINGSSpend time thinking on God’s blessings. Praise Him for as many everyday things that you can think of:the smell … [Read more...]
What If Your Church Was So Well Off No One Had Needs? – Part 2
Community, Social Justice, Giving and EvangelismLast time in part 1, I introduced the question "What if your church were so well off that everybody in the congregation had no needs?". I talked about a Christian community that I had contact with. In that context, I'm going to talk about another community.A Faith Community I remember many years ago I came in contact with a Christian community that … [Read more...]
What If Your Church Was So Well Off No One Had Needs? – Part 1
Community, Social Justice, Giving and Evangelism What if your church were so well off that everybody in the congregation had no needs?What if everybody looked out for each other and anybody who was in need had their needs met from within the congregation? What if the financial situation within a church congregation was so stable that there was plenty to give to missions and philanthropic … [Read more...]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- Next Page »