Many words are used in the New Testament to describe spiritual leaders in the church. Bishop, or overseer (episkipos); elder (presbuteros); pastor; minister (diakonos); evangelist; prophet; teacher; apostle (one sent out). All of these, except perhaps the last, are used interchangeably and appear to be but different functions or gifts of the same office. An … Continue reading Qualifications of a minister of the gospel
Don’t get hooked
I just received a text message informing me that online access to my Scotiiabank account has been locked. The message includes a link that I should use to regain access. Sounds phishy to me. I haven't had a Scotiabank account for over 40 years, from back before the days of online banking and text messages. … Continue reading Don’t get hooked
A matter of the heart, not the head
As I walked the dusty streets of Plimoth, Massachusetts, Samuel Fuller fell into step beside me. “The church hierarchy in England says that we are not a legitimate church, because we have no ministers. A church is made up of Christian people; they don’t even have a church. Who made them ministers and bishops?” On … Continue reading A matter of the heart, not the head
Francophone Anabaptists
We may think of the Anabaptist faith as having originated among people who spoke German and Dutch. But before them most Anabaptists spoke French. Does that have any significance for us today? Most of the original explorers and settlers of New France were Protestants. The Roman Catholic Church in France soon moved to prevent further … Continue reading Francophone Anabaptists
The hoary head and wisdom
Today I am 78 years old – it’s surprising how normal that feels. I knew old people when I was a little boy, they seemed like regular people, but I couldn’t imagine myself ever getting that old. Now here I am. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It is the fear … Continue reading The hoary head and wisdom
Characteristics of a rassembleur
I have chosen to use a French word in this post. The closest equivalent in English is uniter, but I see the French word being used in a larger sense. It means someone who can unite people to work together for a common cause, a common goal. The principles listed here can be applied in … Continue reading Characteristics of a rassembleur
What is a Biblical ethic of work and wealth?
There are Christians who revere voluntary poverty, seeing it as a means of escaping from the materialism of the world and of not abusing the resources of the earth. Other Christians revere work and consider the benefits that flow from it to be good stewardship and evidence of the blessing of God. Those in each … Continue reading What is a Biblical ethic of work and wealth?
One of the roots of poverty
There’s a nifty new all terrain electric quadricycle from France called the Swincar. Each wheel is independently powered, each wheel and the driver’s nacelle have independent suspension. I want one. But I don’t expect to ever have one. It costs $15,000 and there are more pressing needs for any extra money that comes in. Things … Continue reading One of the roots of poverty
Should we aspire to be poor?
When there are so many warnings and examples in the Bible of the dangers of being rich, why does it seem that many Christians think it is desirable to be rich? Luke 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the … Continue reading Should we aspire to be poor?
Consequences of a false gospel
Several weeks ago I wrote about the effect on education of René Descartes’ belief in the ability of the human mind to discover all truth through the exercise of reason. That belief has worked its way into every aspect of Western civilization. It is found in our media, our social institutions, our ideas about business, … Continue reading Consequences of a false gospel
