Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Here in 2 Timothy 2:19 the Apostle Paul gives the ground rules for discerning whether or not I am a Christian. The first rule is … Continue reading Really Simple Theology
judgement
Inexcusable
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things (Romans 2:1). What kind of judging is the apostle talking about? Does he mean that we should make no judgment of right and wrong, in ourselves or others? … Continue reading Inexcusable
The cause of divisions
At one point in Jesus’ earthly ministry, those who doubted suggested that He performed miracles through the power of Beelzebub, or Satan. “But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how … Continue reading The cause of divisions
Are we down or up?
Twenty-some years ago, Paul Carnegie, a realtor from Stratford, Ontario, was telling us about houses that he had thought would be difficult to sell. In one case, he drove out to a small village in response to a call from the owner and located the house. He walked up to the living room window and … Continue reading Are we down or up?
If any man defile the temple of God
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). This simple little statement of the Apostle is often misunderstood. … Continue reading If any man defile the temple of God
Lazy thinking
The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason (Proverbs 26:16). My mother told the story of a poor farmer extolling the virtues of socialism to his neighbour who was even poorer. “If everyone who has more than they need would share with those who do not have … Continue reading Lazy thinking
The Midnight Call
This poem by minister Christian Buerge first appeared in print in 1904. It was later matched with an older melody by Jermiah Ingalls and appears as hymn number 242 in the Christian Hymnal. 'Tis midnight and the Saviour calls: "Come unto Me, both great and small; From ev'ry kindred, nation, tongue: Come one, come all, … Continue reading The Midnight Call
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?
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 morning’s 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
Be Perfect
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect . . . (1 Corinthians 2:6). Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you (2 Corinthians 13:11). That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished … Continue reading Be Perfect