[This is another excerpt from the Epistle to Diognetus, written circa 129 AD, translated by J.B. Lightfoot, © 1936.] In a word, what the soul is in a body, this the Christians are in the world. The soul is spread through all the members of the body, and Christians through the divers cities of the … Continue reading Soul and body
God
The pride of man
When I was a teenager, scientists were predicting that a new ice age was somewhere just over the horizon. Around the same time (these were the cold war days) the media was publishing speculations that severe weather conditions were the result of secret Russian experiments at weather control. The U.S. military was spending a lot … Continue reading The pride of man
I have a perfect Father
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of … Continue reading I have a perfect Father
The Son of God
The title of this post is blasphemy to Muslims and foolishness to those who do not even believe in God. Yet the Bible insists that God, who said “Thou shalt have no other gods before me,” has a Son who is part of His singular Godhead, yet walked this earth in human form, God bearing … Continue reading The Son of God
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
Pentecost
This is Pentecost Sunday. What is it all about? The conception among non-Christians is that this day commemorates the day when the original disciples began making incoherent noises and blamed it on the Holy Spirit. Before we get into what really happened on that day, let’s look at the historic background. It begins with that … Continue reading Pentecost
Too big to be of use to God
A group of ministers met with a fellow minister who had been highly respected and useful in the service of our Lord. They had a disturbing message for him: he had lost the spiritual vitality and clarity that he once had. They advised him to cease preaching for a time and earnestly seek a renewal … Continue reading Too big to be of use to God
Beware of Greeks bearing gifts
Among the gifts bestowed upon us by the ancient Greeks there are many that are without a doubt of priceless value, such as democracy. But there are others that were better left outside the gates, as the Trojan horse should have been. Astrology is one. Yet the belief persists among many today that the sign … Continue reading Beware of Greeks bearing gifts
My soul is heavy
My soul is heavy with the chain That drags me down to earth; in vain I try to free me from its pain. And yet I ask not wealth or fame, I ask not power nor titled name, - Only my Saviour's love I claim. I fain would fix my wandering eye Upon my treasure … Continue reading My soul is heavy
Flatlander Faith 