One day in the early 1970’s I answered a newspaper ad and began to receive a periodical that promised to explain the teachings of the Bible for people seeking to understand the Christian faith. The articles were well written, used extensive Scripture quotations and their logic seemed intellectually satisfying. The foundational thesis of their teachings … Continue reading Is it piety or sophistry?
Month: May 2013
Bowl of Life Seriously Shattered
I guess I still feel a little numb from hearing my wife's diagnosis. I was thinking today that the poem read by King George VI in his 1939 New Year's message fit our situation. Europe was facing war, there were dark and unknown times ahead. The poem says: I said to the man who stood … Continue reading Bowl of Life Seriously Shattered
The pursuit of Happiness
How would Thomas Jefferson have described the Happiness that he had in mind when he penned the Declaration of Independence? I suspect it was quite a bit different from the happiness that many people are desperately seeking today. In fact, I suspect that he was thinking of the kind of happiness that is described in … Continue reading The pursuit of Happiness
It is impossible for God to speak to a human!
Those were the words of an Iranian prosecutor when Marzieh said she had converted to Christianity from Islam after being convicted by the Holy Spirit. Marzieh and Maryam were eventually acquitted of the charge of “anti-state activities” and released from prison, thanks in part to the efforts of members of One Free World International. This … Continue reading It is impossible for God to speak to a human!
Spiritual gangrene
I had known Roddy for years; he had given true direction and support in the early years of my Christian life. Over the years, when problems arose in the church, he seemed to have clear discernment to clear the fog of confusion and bring peace in the storm. Now I was beginning to notice things … Continue reading Spiritual gangrene
Maybe snow isn’t so bad, after all
Where I live we suffered through a long winter and a spring that progressed at a barely discernible pace. The weather always gives us something to talk about here in Saskatchewan, mostly in a worried or complaining tone, but summer did eventually show up, just as it always has. Now we are in those glorious … Continue reading Maybe snow isn’t so bad, after all
Further thoughts on Pentecost
I used to think that the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in visible form as tongues of fire while they were gathered in the upper room. This impression may have come from a Bible story book, a Sunday School lesson or some other illustration. It seems a common impression. I now have serious doubts … Continue reading Further thoughts on Pentecost
Pentecost
This is Pentecost Sunday. What is it all about? The conception among non-Christians is that this day commemorates the day when the original disciples began making incoherent noises and blamed it on the Holy Spirit. Before we get into what really happened on that day, let’s look at the historic background. It begins with that … Continue reading Pentecost
Post script to “Things that go bump in the night”
We didn't just go to the city to escape the skunk smell; my wife had a doctor's appointment. It just so happened that my cousin Ted's wife had an appointment in the same office at the same time. She was accompanied by a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter. Chris shared our tale of woe. Cousin Ted … Continue reading Post script to “Things that go bump in the night”
Things that go bump in the night
We were late getting to bed Wednesday night. I was just brushing my teeth at midnight when I heard bumping and thumping coming from underneath our mobile home, accompanied by the terrified squeals of a small animal. The commotion lasted a minute or two, then all was quiet. In the quiet there came first a … Continue reading Things that go bump in the night
Flatlander Faith 