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
Jesus Christ
The second advent
In the hush of the silent midnight Shall the cry of His coming be? When the day of the Lord's appearing Shall flash over earth and sea? Shall it be at the mornings awaking, And the beams of the golden sun Grow pale and be quenched forever When his journey is just begun? We know … Continue reading The second advent
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
The Anabaptist Faith – What is it?
Perhaps it is time to define in simple terms what is meant by the Anabaptist faith. So here is my definition, in point form. I will share further thoughts on these points in future posts. 1. Unadulterated Biblical faith, taking the Bible as a unified book of which all parts point to Jesus Christ. 2. … Continue reading The Anabaptist Faith – What is it?
Do the saved go to heaven when they die?
I used to think that when a Christian died he or she was ushered straight through the pearly gates into heaven. I guess I got that from the popular cultural perception of how Christians believed. Ten years ago, the picture that I had was challenged on Scriptural grounds, and my thinking has changed. Today I … Continue reading Do the saved go to heaven when they die?
Leadership in the church
The church needs leaders to guide and teach the members and to be examples to them. Yet the ministers are servants of the church. Minister, bishop, elder, pastor and evangelist are not different offices in the church but describe the various responsibilities of a minister. The responsibility of deacons lies more in the area of … Continue reading Leadership in the church
Christian fellowship in the church
The New Testament depicts the church as a body where believers of many backgrounds are united in true brotherhood. The disarray in many churches should not cause us to abandon hope that this is still possible in our day. It is yet God's plan for His children. Are we humble enough to trust the Holy … Continue reading Christian fellowship in the church
How long is three days?
To begin this discussion, let me ask: How long is it from now until the same day next week at this time? Sounds like a dumb question doesn’t it? If you are English-speaking, the answer is seven days. To say anything else would be ludicrous. But. If you are French-speaking, the answer is equally obvious, … Continue reading How long is three days?
The rent veil
Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent (Matthew 27:50-51). The veil between the holy place of the temple and the holy of … Continue reading The rent veil
In praise of pilgrims and strangers
It is right and good to honour outstanding Christian leaders and missionaries of the past, and to follow their example. However, they are a very small part of the story of Christianity. Throughout the centuries since the time of the apostles, a vast number of unknown believers, led by the Holy Spirit, have kept the … Continue reading In praise of pilgrims and strangers
Flatlander Faith 