As time went by, Josiah Henson married, began a family and was made overseer of the plantation. He was able in small ways to make life better for his fellow slaves and produced much better crops than the former white overseer. The owner, however, wasted all the profits of the plantation and decided to send … Continue reading Human cargo for sale
Christianity
The Universalist and the Quaker
A Universalist preacher, who believed that no one would be excluded from heaven, held a series of meetings in a rural town. He was a gifted speaker and many people came to hear him. At the close of the meetings he announced, " Now if you would desire, I would like to come each Sabbath … Continue reading The Universalist and the Quaker
In defence of doubt
As Christians, we tend to have this utopian belief that a true believer will never have any doubts about matters of faith. Thus, when a brother or sister has the courage to admit to doubt, we react with something akin to panic. Why do we react like this? Isn't it because deep down we ourselves … Continue reading In defence of doubt
Context for apologetics
Happy are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted … Continue reading Context for apologetics
Manufacturing the illusion of diversity
In the city that is an hour away from our home there are 2 synagogues, 2 mosques, 1 Buddhist temple, a few other religious groups and 150 churches, and probably an equal number of Christian charities, para-church organizations, schools, etc. It is true that the majority of the population never attend a worship service of … Continue reading Manufacturing the illusion of diversity
The mark of a Christian
All Scriptures teach and enjoin. . . that we should love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength, and our neighbours as ourselves. On these two commandments, says Christ, hang all the law and the prophets. Love is the total content of the Scripture. … Continue reading The mark of a Christian
Discipleship
A disciple is a learner. When we are born again we are babes in Christ, there is so much for us to learn. And just like a small child, most of what we learn comes from watching what others do and trying to do the same thing. Thus, just like a small child, we are … Continue reading Discipleship
Why learn French?
The World Almanac says that there are only 70 million French-speaking people in the world. That's not very significant, why should I bother learning it? Not so fast! If you look closely, the World Almanac is giving the estimated number of people for whom French is their mother tongue (even at that it is questionable, … Continue reading Why learn French?
The acid test
I was sitting in a small town restaurant eating my dinner when a business lady from that community walked in. I am acquainted with this lady and know that she is a Christian and that her business is still in the growing stage, thus unexpected expenses are not very welcome. She seemed deflated as she … Continue reading The acid test
The church is a faith community
Forty years ago the pastor of the church my wife and I were attending went to California for several weeks to take a course in church growth. He was really pumped when he got back and expounded to us how the key to growing our congregation was to target people in our community who had … Continue reading The church is a faith community
Flatlander Faith 