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
Faith and life
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
The star, the king and the foreigners
While the children of Israel were trekking through the desert after leaving Egypt, the king of Moab called on Balaam to curse them. Balaam found himself unable to curse them, rather pronouncing many blessings for them. The most notable was the prophecy recorded in Numbers 24:15-19, where Balaam says “there shall come a Star out … Continue reading The star, the king and the foreigners
Brotherhood aid
The Church of God in Christ, Mennonite began mission work in the Philippines about thirty years ago (I couldn't find an exact date). A number of small congregations have been established and ministers and deacons have been ordained. While the numerical growth has not been rapid, there has been real spiritual growth in the members … Continue reading Brotherhood aid
Revival and communion
Holy Communion in the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite is not a matter of routinely gathering at fixed intervals to partake of the bread and the fruit of the vine in remembrance of our Lord. We believe that the peace and unity symbolized by this service must be fully authentic. To this end, we … Continue reading Revival and communion
And the darkness comprehended it not
“And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:5). Here is a verse where the English language seems to lack a word to fully express what is meant. Darkness, and English synonyms such as obscurity, shadows, blackness, all indicate the absence of light. The word used in French in this … Continue reading And the darkness comprehended it not
Christianity at its best
In today’s issue of the National Post, Charles Lewis does an interview with John Allen, author of The Global War on Christians. Towards the end of the article, the discussion gets around to the fact that the most rapid growth in Christianity is happening in those parts of the world where it is the most … Continue reading Christianity at its best
Getting along with difficult people
Go into any bookstore, secular or Christian, mortar and bricks or online, and you will find at least a couple book titles that offer to teach you how to get along with difficult people. There is a management training organization which holds seminars across the country, year after year, to teach managers how to deal … Continue reading Getting along with difficult people
Time is NOT on my side
Minister Isaac Akinyombo of Nigeria, while preaching in a Canadian congregation, told the story of a lady in his country that got converted and wanted to be part of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. There was a little problem, however: she intended to dance at her mother's funeral and she was told that … Continue reading Time is NOT on my side
