The gospel is good news for all mankind. How is it then that so many of us make it sound like bad news? Of course the gospel is unmitigated bad news for those who reject it. Jesus did not try to soft peddle that part of the message; in fact, He spoke of hell a … Continue reading Joy to the world
Brad Wall’s Christmas message
Seven hundred years before the First Christmas, one of many promises by Old Testament prophets was made about the coming of the Christ. "For unto us a child is born," wrote Isaiah, "unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The … Continue reading Brad Wall’s Christmas message
The Politically Incorrect Messiah
The sceptre had truly departed from Judah. There was once more a king in Jerusalem who ruled over Judah, but he was not of the lineage of David, nor of Judah, not even of Jacob. Herod was an Edomite, a descendant of Esau. Surely the time was ripe for the coming of Messiah. When Messiah … Continue reading The Politically Incorrect Messiah
Papa Martin, conclusion
The hours went by, the passers-by also. The little stove continued to rumble and Martin, in his chair, still watched the street. The Master did not appear. He had seen a young priest pass by with blond hair and blue eyes, just like Christ is depicted in the portraits in the church. However, while passing … Continue reading Papa Martin, conclusion
Papa Martin and the young woman
[Part 3 of Ruben Saillens' le Père Martin, translated from French.] A few homeward bound revellers passed by, but the old shoemaker barely glanced at them. The marketplace vendors came with their small carts. He knew them too well to pay much attention to them. After an hour or two, his attention was drawn to … Continue reading Papa Martin and the young woman
Papa Martin and the street sweeper
[Installment two of a Christmas tale by Ruben Saillens. Original title: le Père Martin. Translated from French.] Long before daylight the little lamp of the shoemaker was lit. He put more coal into his stove, where the fire had not yet gone out and busied himself preparing his coffee. Then he hurried to make his … Continue reading Papa Martin and the street sweeper
Papa Martin
[First instalment of a Christmas story by Ruben Saillens, original title Le Père Martin, translated from French.] You don’t know Papa Martin? He is only a shoemaker whose workshop, living room, bedroom and kitchen are all together in a little wooden building at the corner of Place de Lenche and rue des Martégales in the … Continue reading Papa Martin
Ruben Saillens vs Leon Tolstoy
Ruben Saillens (1855-1942) was a well-known French Baptist pastor, writer and musician. My next few posts will consist of my translation of a story written by him that was first published in France about 130 years ago. Unknown to the writer, someone translated it into English. The English version, with no name attached, then found … Continue reading Ruben Saillens vs Leon Tolstoy
The only hope
A few days ago Montreal daily La Presse published a cartoon by Serge Chapleau, with two frames, entitled Teenage Crisis 2000 and Teenage Crisis 2014. Both frames picture a young man with a surly, vacant expression, wearing cargo pants that appear in imminent danger of descending to his ankles. In the first frame he is … Continue reading The only hope
Knowing our own wretchedness
I am quite well aware that I am an imperfect person. Such awareness means that I am a truly humble Christian, doesn’t it? Or am I mistaking complacency for humility? Perhaps I should come right out and call it lukewarmness. That is what God called it when He told me what He thought of me … Continue reading Knowing our own wretchedness
Flatlander Faith 