Posts from 2023 (Page 7)

It is more usual than not for brethren to cringe when preachers begin pointing out the strange teachings that exist in our brotherhood. Mental scans are done of the auditorium in hopes that “the family from that other congregation isn’t here this morning hearing this.” The tragic irony being that we have more concern for people’s feelings than their spiritual wellbeing. I don’t know any preachers who go out of their way to “put people off” by deliberately upsetting them…

If you visit some countries, you might be surprised to find that “Yes” does not always mean “Yes.” Its not that the locals are lying, but that saying “No” to guests is considered the hight of rudeness. This is, of course, very puzzling for those who come from cultures where a straight answer is expected and appreciated. However, if you stay long enough, you will begin to understand that the people may not say the word “No,” but that they…

Before I was a parent, I was your consummate expert in the art of raising children. Now, three adult children later, amazingly I really don’t have much to say unless asked. Though I believe we did a lot of things right, looking back, there are clearly areas that could have done with more solution seeking. That, of course, goes way beyond just raising children. Advice is easier to give than to take. It is especially when in the throes of…

I, too, along with an army of other schoolboys, delivered newspapers off the back of my bicycle. It was serious business for some of the customers on my paper-route. Some stood at their gates, and others sat by their windows waiting for their paperboy to arrive. Being one of those who has only ever read newspapers out of duty, it wasn’t until recently that it dawned on me that I was bringing to these households a 1970s version of the…

Spiritual leadership ends when we stop expecting others to question what we are telling them. Despite the concerns of some, Jesus Christ is not going to disappear into thin air because someone questions what we teach about him. And neither is the Lord’s church going to disappear into thin air because someone questions what we teach about it. Christ is eternal and his church indestructible, so questions will harm neither! Christians should be famous for their willingness to have their…

Certain Christians are so good that you would be shocked if you found out that they had deceived someone. These are our “Good Guys’” who stand out as moral examples in the church. However, it is not uncommon for some of these same brethren to miss deception in others. I have stood amazed at their inability to see wolves in sheep’s clothing. They may acknowledge wrongdoing, but they do not attribute the bad motives that are often obvious to everyone…

For years I had a quality brand spirit Level in my toolbox. Why I kept it around is a mystery—it just didn’t work! Occasionally, I’d take another level and attempt to correct the “bubble,” but invariably it reverted to its “not-true” state. If I had such a one in my toolbox today, I’d throw it away and get one that worked. Some have suggested that the expression, “On the level,” comes from Freemasonry, where the builder’s level was a symbol…

I’m sure that all of us have certain people who come to mind when the name “Barnabas” is mentioned. Those are the unique amongst us. They seem to smile and uplift those around them no matter what the circumstances. It is those good Christians who bless us because God has blessed them with the “Encouragement Gene.” Of course, no one is perfect, even in the art of encouragement. Satan is expert at discouragement and works much harder to break the…

Let me assure you, if the Gospel is alive in you, you have no idea of its future impact upon heaven and earth. Generations from now the seeds that you have sown in today’s hearts will continue to bear fruit—that is the nature of the Good News of the Church. Never let it be said that you gave up because of the negative responses of the hard-hearted. For even though many will choose darkness, some will be overwhelmed by the…

How are we to approach those who settle on a “generic faith?” Those whose “god” is far enough away to never notice their shortcomings, but close enough to call upon when times get tough? When encountering believers of firmer persuasion, they are expert at either mirroring their zeal, or listening with feigned religious fervour. Of course, their faith doesn’t have to be centred in one world religion, but instead can incorporate as many beliefs as needed or preferred. So, what…