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

The need for fellowship

I recently read something written by a young lady whose parents are very conservative Christians. She spoke of how difficult it had been to find a church where she could feel at home because she didn’t want to get into anything that felt like the way she had grown up. I feel compassion for her, … Continue reading The need for fellowship

Hospitality as stewardship

Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability … Continue reading Hospitality as stewardship

Who is our master?

And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou … Continue reading Who is our master?