Numbers 14:11-12 — And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them? I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier … Continue reading Thine be the glory
Faith and life
Cultural perspectives on youth and old age
Closely related to the North American orientation toward the future is the strong emphasis on youth. This can be seen in commercial advertising and entertainment — the old are rarely represented. At work the young are often thought to be more active and productive, and to hold more promise than do the elderly, despite their … Continue reading Cultural perspectives on youth and old age
Riding a tricycle to church
This is a story about someone we met 25 years ago. I wish the details were a little clearer in my mind, but I will tell what I remember. It looked like a beautiful day outside. Cindy got herself dressed, ate a bowl of cereal and ran outside to ride her tricycle. Her Dad and … Continue reading Riding a tricycle to church
In defence of doubt
As Christians, we tend to have this utopian belief that a true believer will never have any doubts about matters of faith. Thus, when a brother or sister has the courage to admit to doubt, we react with something akin to panic. Why do we react like this? Isn't it because deep down we ourselves … Continue reading In defence of doubt
The importance of being doers
The men who had been with Jesus were of a dismal mood that first Easter morning. They had believed everything He had told them, except for the really strange parts. Now this. Wasn't Messiah supposed to cast out their uncircumcised overlords and restore the kingdom? They came together to discuss what to do next, or … Continue reading The importance of being doers
Are we passive Christians or active Christians?
If you asked twenty good men today what they thought the highest of the virtues, nineteen of them would reply, Unselfishness. But if you had asked almost any of the great Christians of old, he would have replied, Love. You see what has happened? A negative term has been substituted for a positive, and this … Continue reading Are we passive Christians or active Christians?
The life is in the blood
There is a fountain filled with blood Drawn from Emanuel's veins; And sinners washing in that flood Lose all their guilty stains. -William Cowper Christianity is a messy, bloody religion. Some people find this repulsive and would prefer a neater, bloodless form of Christianity. But that is a lifeless Christianity — the life is in … Continue reading The life is in the blood
How long was Jesus in the tomb?
Matthew12:40 — For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Those are the words of Jesus, stating clearly that He would be in the tomb for three days and three nights. His crucifixion … Continue reading How long was Jesus in the tomb?
Context for apologetics
Happy are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted … Continue reading Context for apologetics
Manufacturing the illusion of diversity
In the city that is an hour away from our home there are 2 synagogues, 2 mosques, 1 Buddhist temple, a few other religious groups and 150 churches, and probably an equal number of Christian charities, para-church organizations, schools, etc. It is true that the majority of the population never attend a worship service of … Continue reading Manufacturing the illusion of diversity
