Each time the Apostle Paul stopped in a new location during his missionary journeys, he first went into the synagogue to teach. This always ended with the Jews rising up in opposition, sometimes with great violence. Roland Allen, in Missionary Methods, St. Paul’s or Ours, expresses the view that it was Paul’s intention to make … Continue reading Some thoughts on evangelism
apostle Paul
Writing as a slave of Jesus Christ
When the apostle Paul wanted to write to Christians at Rome, he could have introduced himself by listing his credentials and experience, then said: “You see how important a man I am and I have something important to say. So listen up!” But that’s not what he said; he introduced himself as a slave, putting … Continue reading Writing as a slave of Jesus Christ
She never gives up
Saturday afternoon Bianca Andreescu won the U.S. Open women’s tennis tournament. She is 19 and the first Canadian ever to win a grand slam tennis tournament. A comment made by one of her opponents has stuck in my mind: “She never gives up.” In several matches she seemed to be faltering, on the verge of … Continue reading She never gives up
Seek the heavenly prize
Last Sunday Tiger Woods won the Masters golf tournament. An amazing triumph for a man who a few years ago thought his days of playing golf were over. Four surgeries and long months of rigorous training later, he is outplaying the best in the world. He has had to endure pain, ridicule and scorn, and … Continue reading Seek the heavenly prize
The Christian art of soft persuasion
Jesus said: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). We want to share the gospel; let’s not get distracted into wolf hunting. That’s not what Jesus has called us to do; He has called us to demonstrate an … Continue reading The Christian art of soft persuasion
The scandal of divided Christianity
For years I have been reading statements that go something like this: "The greatest stumbling block to Christian missions is the confused message coming from the divisions among those who call themselves Christians." I would like to propose a radical solution. Jesus said "I will build my church." Why don't we just let Him do … Continue reading The scandal of divided Christianity
Christ in you, the hope of glory
Jesus spoke the following words while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. The words were shocking, no doubt deliberately so. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, … Continue reading Christ in you, the hope of glory
Primitive Christianity and the Celts
As far as archeologists can determine, the Celtic peoples originated near the Danube River and spread east, south and west from there. Today, the only identifiable Celtic populations are found in France (Brittany) and the British Isles (Ireland, Scotland and Wales). Two thousand years ago they were all over southern Europe. They lived along the … Continue reading Primitive Christianity and the Celts
But refuse profane and old wives’ fables
Old wives' fables really are the words that the Apostle wrote. I thought perhaps this was some colourful turn of phrase courtesy of the translators. But no, this is an accurate translation of the Greek. Why do we associate old women and questionable stories? I have a theory. Older women tend to think of themselves … Continue reading But refuse profane and old wives’ fables
A Christian’s greatest enemy is inside of him
The apostle Paul knew it: "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not." John Newton knew it: "In defiance of my best judgment and best wishes, I find something within … Continue reading A Christian’s greatest enemy is inside of him
Flatlander Faith 