Bill was tall, fair, handsome, sensitive. He was also the Eighth Grade football hero ‒ the one who scored the goals and carried the home team to victory. Girls in the top two grades were openly–or secretly–nuts about him. Like Grace, the girl who lived down the street from him. She was a nobody, shy … Continue reading The Lonely Ache of Popularity
Christianity
What does the Bible say about — the Bible?
Before going too far, we should understand the Bible used in Jesus’ time. The Old Testament was not a book like we use today, but consisted of a number of scrolls, grouped as the Law, the Prophets and the Writings. The Law consisted of the first five books of the Bible, from Genesis to Deuteronomy, … Continue reading What does the Bible say about — the Bible?
Obeying the Great Commission in a time of persecution
This is my only joy and the desire of my heart, that I may extend the borders of the kingdom of God, make known the truth, reprove sin, teach righteousness, feed the hungry souls with the word of the Lord, lead the stray sheep to the right path, and win many souls for the Lord … Continue reading Obeying the Great Commission in a time of persecution
Hockey pool church
Every morning, in offices across Canada, folks check how their fantasy hockey team is faring in the office hockey pool. It starts in the fall with individuals picking an imaginary team from the list of active NHL players. The aggregate scoring statistics of those players then determines the winner of the hockey pool. I have … Continue reading Hockey pool church
Lazy thinking
The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason (Proverbs 26:16). My mother told the story of a poor farmer extolling the virtues of socialism to his neighbour who was even poorer. “If everyone who has more than they need would share with those who do not have … Continue reading Lazy thinking
Missed opportunities
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:5-6 Like many other Christians, I read these verses and feel that … Continue reading Missed opportunities
Twelve Foot Falls
We were driving through Wisconsin, on our way from Ontario to Saskatchewan and planning to stop at friends for supper and night. There was a little sign beside the road saying “Twelve Foot Falls” with an arrow indicating the direction. On a spur of the moment impulse I pulled off onto the side road. For … Continue reading Twelve Foot Falls
A transformed life
Thus reflecting upon these things my soul was so grieved that I could no longer endure it. I thought to myself: I, miserable man, what shall I do ? If I continue in this way, and live not agreeably to the word of the Lord, according to the knowledge of the truth which I have … Continue reading A transformed life
A second foundation?
Why are there so many churches? One part of the explanation can be found in what has been described as “the unpaid bills of the church.” One church may have had a rigid hierarchical structure, allowing little liberty for the free working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the members. A portion of … Continue reading A second foundation?
Great boldness in the faith which is in Jesus Christ
Where baptism is practised without the command and word of Christ, as those do who not only baptize without faith, but also without reason and consciousness; where the power and representation of baptism, namely, dying unto sin, the new life, the circumcision of the heart, &c., are not only not upheld, but also quite hated … Continue reading Great boldness in the faith which is in Jesus Christ
Flatlander Faith 