We are one in the Spirit We are one in the Lord . . . We will work with each other We will work side by side . . . And they’ll know we are Christians by our love. -Peter Scholtes, © 1966 F.E.L. Publications Ltd. For the young folk out there who might not … Continue reading They’ll know we are Christians by our love
Faith and life
What Do We Live For?
What do we live for? Is labour so lowly, Toil so ignoble, we shrink from its stain? Think it not – labour Is God-like and holy; He that is idle is living in vain. What do we live for? Creation is groaning, Her desolate places are yet to be built; The voice of the years … Continue reading What Do We Live For?
What if?
Many North American Christians appear to believe that separation of church and state only applies one way. They feel it is part of their calling to try to fix what is wrong in government. Yet cries of outrage are heard when government shows an inclination to try and fix what is wrong in the churches. … Continue reading What if?
All things to all men
Saul of Tarsus grew up in a box; a box labelled PHARISEE. His father was a Pharisee and no doubt taught Saul the rules of the box from infancy. In his youth, he studied under Gamaliel in Jerusalem. Saul was intimately acquainted with every corner of the Pharisee box and believed that God only loved … Continue reading All things to all men
The inconvenient Jesus
Jesus was the enemy of formalism and legalism, the one who castigated the religious leaders of His day for their hypocrisy. He was the friend of the poor, the oppressed, the outcasts and the sinners. We like to believe that no matter what others may think of us, Jesus is our unconditional friend. That isn’t … Continue reading The inconvenient Jesus
If the Lord will
I had planned to begin my first post of the New Year with this thought even before the event that I will mention later. I don’t find it useful to make New Year’s Resolutions – like most people I can’t keep them anyway. I could declare that I resolve to lose 40 pounds in 2014. That … Continue reading If the Lord will
Walking in the light
There is a line that is crossed when we come to the Lord. That line is the border between darkness and light, unbelief and faith, death and life. Glimmers of light and faith from the realm of life have helped us find the way to this line, but the new birth takes us across the … Continue reading Walking in the light
How silently, how silently
How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is giv'n! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heav'n. No ear can hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in. (O Little Town of Bethlehem, 3rd verse, written by Phillips Brooks) … Continue reading How silently, how silently
Getting the most out of church
Whenever I read that part of the Shepherd of Hermas quoted in yesterday’s post, it helps to re-calibrate the way that I view the church. Am I seeing her as a feeble old woman? Then I must conclude that there is some unresolved problem in my heart that is clouding my vision. The church is … Continue reading Getting the most out of church
Hermas’ vision of the church
The Shepherd of Hermas is an ancient Christian writing, probably from the 2nd century AD. These excerpts are taken from the translation of J. B. Lightfoot, first published in 1891. While I was advising and discussing these matters in my heart, I see, before me a great white chair of snow-white wool; and there came … Continue reading Hermas’ vision of the church
Flatlander Faith 