Joy Ridderhof, the founder of GRN, on the subject of rejoicing, wrote, "I have a deep conviction that wherever, no matter how restricted by circumstance, a song of praise goes up and up, from loving hearts, consistently, in continual thanksgiving for all He sends through trial or pain, it shall reach even unto the end of the earth! No walls can hinder it, no vault can retain it, no distance … [Read more...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

It'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 reconcile. Being reconciled with your brother and sisters is hard But let's face it, Christians don't, at least not nowadays. I don't mean to suggest that Christians don't try to be reconciled to each other, … [Read more...]

I used to think that Atheists were one of the worst threats to the church there could be. After all, an atheist has no moral absolutes. They can do what they want. The risk to society and the church is enormous. But over the years I have come to realize that human nature regardless of what doctrine you subscribe to is one of the hardest things to overcome. It's hard enough to get Christians, … [Read more...]

The psychology of forgiveness Let's face it, forgiveness is harder than we as Christians like to admit. The more pious you are the less you are likely to admit to that but unwillingness to admit to it doesn't make it any less true. It turns out that there is a good reason for it physiologically The study was done by UCLA and posed the question, "Why do we furiously resent the minor insults … [Read more...]

I've never been one to be able to get into rejoicing in the Lord. That's not to say that I don't, I'm just not a get excited about it type of guy. I always remember the story: A man stands alone, pouring his heart out to God. Looking to God for relief. In the midst of his prayer, he hears a still small voice of comfort. "Cheer Up! It said, Things could be worse". So the man … [Read more...]

This is a sermon I preached some time ago about Complaining. It was inspired by something I read somewhere at some time that I don't remember. But I have found myself rereading a few times and I am challenged every time. Psalm 78 1 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: 3 Which we … [Read more...]