Remittance men began to appear in the Canadian West around 1880, in the early years of settlement. Well-to-do fathers in England groomed their oldest son to follow in their footsteps. The eldest son generally developed a mature sense of responsibility and found a ready opportunity to show his abilities. The second son often did not … Continue reading Remittance men
Christianity
Outside the box
We are being influenced every day by authoritative voices telling us how to think, and what to think — about education, about tolerance of minorities, about justice, about the environment, about religion, about science, about most everything we do or want to do. Some years ago we spoke of political correctness, often with derision. A … Continue reading Outside the box
Why missions fail
"From what has already been said it is manifest that St. Paul did not go about as a missionary preacher merely to convert individuals: he went to establish churches from which the light might radiate throughout the whole country round. The secret of success in this work lies in beginning at the very beginning. It … Continue reading Why missions fail
Their citizenship is in heaven
5:1 For Christians are not distinguished from the rest of mankind either in locality or in speech or in customs. 5:2 For they dwell not somewhere in cities of their own, neither do they use some different language, nor practise an extraordinary kind of life. 5:3 Nor again do they possess any invention discovered by … Continue reading Their citizenship is in heaven
Rebels without a clue
I am struck at how clueless protest movements have become. The “Occupy” folks seem to think it is the fault of government and business that they don’t have a job. You worked hard and got your BA. You apply for a job that seems to offer the pay and perks that you feel you deserve. … Continue reading Rebels without a clue
Two or three gathered together doth not a church make
Why do people stop going to church? Could it be because so may churches are not really churches? Matthew 18:20 does not speak about Christians gathering for worship. It is a continuation of the passage beginning at verse 15 and speaks of the testimony of two or three witnesses in discipling a wayward brother. A … Continue reading Two or three gathered together doth not a church make
The last best hope of mankind
Twenty-five years ago, as I walked the dirt streets of Plimoth, Massachusetts, Samuel Fuller fell into step beside me and began to visit. “The churchmen in England say that we have no church here because we have no ministers. A church is made up of Christian people; they don’t have a church over there. Who … Continue reading The last best hope of mankind
Please don’t try to pressure us about Mexican doctors or miracle herbs
I haven’t been writing much lately, what with frequent trips to the city for medical appointments and dealing with the troubling news that has come from those appointments. Now that things are beginning to settle down, I want to give a brief status report before I get back to writing about other things. My wife … Continue reading Please don’t try to pressure us about Mexican doctors or miracle herbs
It is impossible for God to speak to a human!
Those were the words of an Iranian prosecutor when Marzieh said she had converted to Christianity from Islam after being convicted by the Holy Spirit. Marzieh and Maryam were eventually acquitted of the charge of “anti-state activities” and released from prison, thanks in part to the efforts of members of One Free World International. This … Continue reading It is impossible for God to speak to a human!
Further thoughts on Pentecost
I used to think that the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in visible form as tongues of fire while they were gathered in the upper room. This impression may have come from a Bible story book, a Sunday School lesson or some other illustration. It seems a common impression. I now have serious doubts … Continue reading Further thoughts on Pentecost
Flatlander Faith 