The H word
Hell. It’s probably the topic that Christians, myself included, least want to talk about. But is there a more needful topic in our day? Jesus spoke of hell more than any other person in the Bible.
Where is our compassion?
Compassion is the emotion most ascribed to Jesus in the Gospels. Sometimes it seems like the emotion most missing from Christian hearts these days is compassion. When did we stop caring?
Reading Psalm 119 one verse a day
I followed an old Puritan challenge of reading one verse from Psalm 119 each day. The psalm is all about the psalmist’s love of God’s word so it lends itself quite naturally to this practice. Here’s what I learnt along the way…
Let’s get rid of excessive evangelism and reform the church
Over the last few decades, I believe that many of us have lost sight of what church is about and are instead gripped and obsessed with modern evangelism techniques in all their shapes and sizes. From seeker sensitivity to the construction of endless cafes, churches up and down the land have neglected the lives of the congregation. This is not healthy.
The Christian bubble
2 Timothy 4:3 ESV For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions Matthew 6:33 ESV But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Corinthians 11:18-19 […]
Forgetfulness – part 2: missing the bus
Mention ‘The End Times’ to Christians and you will get one of two reactions: a low groan — ‘here we go again’ or a heated all-night debate. I believe this is a large part of our ‘forgetfulness’ problem with regard to the Return of Christ. To cults like the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the end-times are everything; […]
Forgetfulness – part 1: the return of the King
‘Hiya Josh! Haven’t seen you in a while. How’re you doing?’ said a friendly voice, near at hand. ‘Hello!’ I returned enthusiastically, before turning to give the speaker my full attention to see who it was addressing me. Oh dear… It rang no bells; no names. Yikes, not again! I had not even a faintest […]
Seven things CUs need to learn
As the next academic year starts, Christian Unions up and down the country re-start. CUs are great; a place for students to come together in fellowship, to pray and evangelise in their campus. I was fortunate in having such a welcoming CU when I went to University, and it probably played a role in leading […]
How should Christians respond to terrorism?
In the wake of recent horrific terrorist attacks (which are now almost a daily occurrence) in Barcelona, Finland, Russia, London and many other places, there are many different reactions. Some people are inclined to panic; others put on a show of resilience, resolve and unity; and some angrily attack back, verbally or otherwise. But how should […]
God’s Grace at work during the Second World War
Grace is such a wonderful and amazing conundrum (and I don’t use these terms loosely!). Throughout history, since the beginning of time itself, God has guided and protected us, through trials and tribulations, as well as bestowing upon the world His greatest gift. Every breath we take is another gift from God. How often do […]
Serving Christ on a Beach Mission
As Christians, we may often talk of ‘believing and doing’. But when was the last time we shared the gospel with a person or a group of people? We are called to take the gospel into all the world and make disciples of all men. This is part of our faith; we should be active […]