Saul of Tarsus grew up in a box; a box labelled PHARISEE. His father was a Pharisee and no doubt taught Saul the rules of the box from infancy. In his youth, he studied under Gamaliel in Jerusalem. Saul was intimately acquainted with every corner of the Pharisee box and believed that God only loved … Continue reading All things to all men
God
If the Lord will
I had planned to begin my first post of the New Year with this thought even before the event that I will mention later. I don’t find it useful to make New Year’s Resolutions – like most people I can’t keep them anyway. I could declare that I resolve to lose 40 pounds in 2014. That … Continue reading If the Lord will
Walking in the light
There is a line that is crossed when we come to the Lord. That line is the border between darkness and light, unbelief and faith, death and life. Glimmers of light and faith from the realm of life have helped us find the way to this line, but the new birth takes us across the … Continue reading Walking in the light
Getting the most out of church
Whenever I read that part of the Shepherd of Hermas quoted in yesterday’s post, it helps to re-calibrate the way that I view the church. Am I seeing her as a feeble old woman? Then I must conclude that there is some unresolved problem in my heart that is clouding my vision. The church is … Continue reading Getting the most out of church
Getting along with difficult people
Go into any bookstore, secular or Christian, mortar and bricks or online, and you will find at least a couple book titles that offer to teach you how to get along with difficult people. There is a management training organization which holds seminars across the country, year after year, to teach managers how to deal … Continue reading Getting along with difficult people
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
I’m wearing a scary face today
Yesterday evening my wife was feeling a bit tired after a busy day cooking at the seniors' residence operated by our congregation. Therefore I went to church by myself. Returning home a couple hours later, I drove into the garage and walked the few steps to our back door. Let me set the scene here: … Continue reading I’m wearing a scary face today
To see as God sees
By virtue of my birth into this world, I am of the earth, earthy. This means that I have a natural affinity for all that is earthy. I gauge success the way the world gauges success; I gauge failure the way the world gauges failure. I expect governments to care for the elderly, the mentally … Continue reading To see as God sees
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
Defenceless Christians
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed 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 … Continue reading Defenceless Christians
Flatlander Faith 