It was back in the mid-1970s and we were visiting with a distant relative of mine and he was expounding on the premillennial teaching. He said, with considerable assurance, “I believe the Lord will return by 1990.” I pondered that for a moment then asked, “And are you ready?“ “No,” he answered. I read in … Continue reading Are you ready for the return of the Lord?
Faith and life
We must use words
There is a saying that we hear from time to time that goes “preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words”. This is attributed to Francis of Assisi from long ago. I’m not sure why we should consider him to be a wise counsellor for Christians today when it comes to sharing … Continue reading We must use words
Treasure in heaven
Treasure in heaven, what is it? How does one obtain it? It is recounted in the Gospels that Jesus told the rich young man to go and tell sell what he had and give to the poor and he would have treasure in heaven. This passage appears to be a key to understanding the question … Continue reading Treasure in heaven
Light up the darkness
Image by Pexels from Pixabay There is a mystical teaching among Hasidic Jews that the world is sustained by 36 righteous men. These men are unknown to each other, indeed most of them do not know their own role. Their number has been maintained for many generations, but if ever one of them would die and not be … Continue reading Light up the darkness
The living gospel
Image by AgnieszkaMonk from Pixabay The gospel must be told; it must also be lived. Those who tell it must live it; or else the hearers will judge them to be hypocrites. Those who live it must tell it; or else those who look on will judge them to be self-righteous and closed.
The Great Omission
Yeah, I know; I’m cloning a clever title that others have used. But please bear with me as I attempt to explain what I fear is so often missed when Christians claim to be putting the Great Commission into practice. Here are the last three verses of Matthew’s gospel, which are customarily referred to as … Continue reading The Great Omission
Choices
Bitterness is from below, devilish;Forgiveness is from above, heavenly. Bitterness stirs up a storm;Forgiveness calms the storm. Bitterness is the problem;Forgiveness the solution. Both are choices,It takes more courage to choose forgiveness.
Living waters or bitter waters?
Back in 1948, when I was a lad of six, one of the most popular songs on radio was Cool Water written by Bob Nolan and sung by The Sons of the Pioneers. It was the story of a man and his mule named Dan who were trekking across the desert in search of water. … Continue reading Living waters or bitter waters?
What lies ahead?
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year,“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”And he replied “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God.That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known Way.”So I went … Continue reading What lies ahead?
Responsibilities of a Christian
While the New Testament does not indicate that we have a right to expect others to treat us rightly, it has much to say about what others have a right to expect of us as Christians. That makes sense, doesn’t it? We have no choice in the attitudes and actions of others, but we do … Continue reading Responsibilities of a Christian
