“The way I see it, it doesn't matter what you believe, just so you're sincere.” -Charles M. Schulz. I'm not so sure about that. I once knew a man who sincerely believed that every other resident in his apartment building had been placed there for the sole purpose of spying on him. People who invested … Continue reading Is sincerity enough?
Faith and life
How can killing make the world a better place?
It's not that long since I posted the following item. It seems fitting to repeat it after the killings in New Zealand. The target this time was not Jews but the Muslim community. The shooter made no profession of Christianity, but events like this should cause us examine ourselves as Christians. How can we make … Continue reading How can killing make the world a better place?
What does an angel look like?
This question was prompted by my search for an image to illustrate the words of John Milton which I posted a few days ago. I found all kinds of images, but not one that I would fell comfortable using. The question may seem frivolous, as the Bible does not give a clear description of an … Continue reading What does an angel look like?
Unseen
Millions of spiritual creatures walk the earth Unseen, both when we wake and when we sleep. -John Milton
Intriguing book titles
These are two of my recent reads, with titles that seem to need a little explanation. Randy Newman's book, Questioning Evangelism, is not about questioning the value of evangelism, which might be your first impression. Rather, he is advocating asking questions as a means of evangelism. Forty-five years ago, Tom Skinner published a book entitled … Continue reading Intriguing book titles
Freedom of the will
Freedom of choice means that I am at liberty to do as I please. Nevertheless, I learn every day in small ways that the choices I make have consequences; and the choices that other people make often have consequences that affect me. Why then should I not expect that consequences might not only be immediate, … Continue reading Freedom of the will
Antichrist
The word antichrist appears in only four verses of the Bible, three in 1 John and one in 2 John. In the Authorized Version it is never preceded by the definite article. There are mentions of "the spirit of antichrist", "an antichrist" and "many antichrists". Rather than being an individual who appears at the end … Continue reading Antichrist
Simplicity of the church
It was a fine summer day in 1627 and I was strolling through Plimoth Plantation when deacon Samuel Fuller fell in step beside me. "The church officials back in England are saying that we have no business calling ourselves a church here in Massachusetts, because we have no minister," he said. "But a church is … Continue reading Simplicity of the church
Now available from Amazon
Many years ago, Andrew Ratcliffe had a dream that helped him find his bearings in living as a Christian. He wanted to share this dream with others; the manuscript travelled from hand to hand and wound up on this side of the water in the hands of my wife. Chris has spent months editing and … Continue reading Now available from Amazon
Ever With Thee
No more in darkness, trials, and temptations, No more a waif on trouble’s billowy sea, How sweet will be the day of my abiding Ever with Thee! Bright after darkness shines the summer morning, Bright is the sunrise when the tempests flee; But brighter far the home where dwell thy chosen Ever with Thee. Dear … Continue reading Ever With Thee
Flatlander Faith 