Here are some insightful words from Tom Skinner. I hasten to add that there is a distinction between the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit. We need also to understand this as it pertains to the evangelist. Quite often we become enamoured with gifted people. And we often assume that because … Continue reading Gifts or Fruits of the Spirit?
Holy Spirit
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
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 pursuit of Happiness
How would Thomas Jefferson have described the Happiness that he had in mind when he penned the Declaration of Independence? I suspect it was quite a bit different from the happiness that many people are desperately seeking today. In fact, I suspect that he was thinking of the kind of happiness that is described in … Continue reading The pursuit of Happiness
Spiritual gangrene
I had known Roddy for years; he had given true direction and support in the early years of my Christian life. Over the years, when problems arose in the church, he seemed to have clear discernment to clear the fog of confusion and bring peace in the storm. Now I was beginning to notice things … Continue reading Spiritual gangrene
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
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 