Here are some insightful words from Tom Skinner. I hasten to add that there is a distinction between the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit. We need also to understand this as it pertains to the evangelist. Quite often we become enamoured with gifted people. And we often assume that because … Continue reading Gifts or Fruits of the Spirit?
Faith and life
Outside the box
We are being influenced every day by authoritative voices telling us how to think, and what to think — about education, about tolerance of minorities, about justice, about the environment, about religion, about science, about most everything we do or want to do. Some years ago we spoke of political correctness, often with derision. A … Continue reading Outside the box
The Midnight Call
This poem by minister Christian Buerge first appeared in print in 1904. It was later matched with an older melody by Jermiah Ingalls and appears as hymn number 242 in the Christian Hymnal. 'Tis midnight and the Saviour calls: "Come unto Me, both great and small; From ev'ry kindred, nation, tongue: Come one, come all, … Continue reading The Midnight Call
Why missions fail
"From what has already been said it is manifest that St. Paul did not go about as a missionary preacher merely to convert individuals: he went to establish churches from which the light might radiate throughout the whole country round. The secret of success in this work lies in beginning at the very beginning. It … Continue reading Why missions fail
The pride of man
When I was a teenager, scientists were predicting that a new ice age was somewhere just over the horizon. Around the same time (these were the cold war days) the media was publishing speculations that severe weather conditions were the result of secret Russian experiments at weather control. The U.S. military was spending a lot … Continue reading The pride of man
Their citizenship is in heaven
5:1 For Christians are not distinguished from the rest of mankind either in locality or in speech or in customs. 5:2 For they dwell not somewhere in cities of their own, neither do they use some different language, nor practise an extraordinary kind of life. 5:3 Nor again do they possess any invention discovered by … Continue reading Their citizenship is in heaven
The sabbath restored in Christ
When the Lord God had made all things he rested on the seventh day, and since man was made in the image of God and was adorned with the image of God, man was right and good, and without any sin. If man had remained in this state, he would have rested with God. But … Continue reading The sabbath restored in Christ
Is this vile world a friend to grace?
Alexander Fraser Tytler, (1747 – 1813) was a Scottish lawyer, judge, writer and historian. In writing about democracy in Athens, he first noted that a large number of the people were slaves, not citizens, then went on to say, “Nor were the superior classes in the actual enjoyment of a rational liberty and independence. They … Continue reading Is this vile world a friend to grace?
Rebels without a clue
I am struck at how clueless protest movements have become. The “Occupy” folks seem to think it is the fault of government and business that they don’t have a job. You worked hard and got your BA. You apply for a job that seems to offer the pay and perks that you feel you deserve. … Continue reading Rebels without a clue
Flavoured water
My wife picked up a bottle of water to drink on the way home. Once we got out on the highway, she picked up the bottle, unscrewed the cap and took a swig. I heard a disgusted noise from the seat beside me, followed by "What is this stuff?" She examined the label more closely … Continue reading Flavoured water
Flatlander Faith 