The Shepherd of Hermas is an ancient Christian writing, probably from the 2nd century AD. These excerpts are taken from the translation of J. B. Lightfoot, first published in 1891. While I was advising and discussing these matters in my heart, I see, before me a great white chair of snow-white wool; and there came … Continue reading Hermas’ vision of the church
faith
Christianity at its best
In today’s issue of the National Post, Charles Lewis does an interview with John Allen, author of The Global War on Christians. Towards the end of the article, the discussion gets around to the fact that the most rapid growth in Christianity is happening in those parts of the world where it is the most … Continue reading Christianity at its best
JOY
Joy is the second quality listed as part of the fruit of the Spirit. If I am a Christian, yet find that joy is lacking in my life, it cannot be the fault of the giver. God’s gifts to His children are given liberally. Therefore, if there is a lack of joy in my life, … Continue reading JOY
Conversion
In recent years we have been hearing a teaching that goes something like this: the new birth can happen in an instant, but conversion is the work of a lifetime. This bizarre statement has left me puzzled about how one can reconcile it with the Scriptures. In Acts 15:3, we are told that as Paul … Continue reading Conversion
The bishops condemned by God
It is the tendency of British historians to consider religious movements in England to be largely independent in origin. Lollardy is a case in point. Despite its similarities to the Waldensian movement on the continent, it is generally seen as the result of the teaching of John Wycliffe. I have no desire to diminish in … Continue reading The bishops condemned by God
A tale of two missions
Missionaries were sent forth into a poor country where few people knew of the salvation made possible through the blood of Jesus shed at Calvary. They went with much zeal and enthusiasm and had no trouble finding people who wanted to hear the gospel. Before long they had gathered many converts. In fact, it seemed … Continue reading A tale of two missions
The impossibility of the missionary’s task
We have this delightful mythology of the middle class white Christian who goes to some “dark heathen land” to preach the gospel and finds people who respond to the message with enthusiasm. He reports large numbers of conversions and baptisms, he establishes churches and all is wonderful. This mythology is fed by missionary hymns and … Continue reading The impossibility of the missionary’s task
Beware of empty religion
A universalist preacher, a gifted speaker, was holding meetings in a certain town and many came to hear him. At the close of the last meeting he asked if they wished him to come back every week to hold services. No one responded. Finally he asked if anyone objected to him coming back. Again there … Continue reading Beware of empty religion
Home
We had a wonderful weekend, except for the last 80 km. Saturday was sunny and mild. We arrived at the home of my cousin in time for supper and spent the night there. Kara and her husband have four children, aged 9 to 18. Their oldest son is an enthusiastic lad of 16, almost six … Continue reading Home
Ghosts and goblins
Today is Hallowe'en, when little children will be decked out in scary costumes and sent to collect candy from kindly folks in the neighbourhood. Many people consider this innocent fun and the children truly are innocent of any real understanding of the symbolism. However, there are elements in our society who revel in celebrating the … Continue reading Ghosts and goblins
Flatlander Faith 