Posts by John Staiger (Page 107)

“Missionaries…again.” I think Barbara Kingsolver does not like me. She wrote a novel called “The Poisonwood Bible.” The story is excellently written. (She, in my opinion, is only second to George Orwell as a twentieth century writer – not that I will ever read another word from her). It is the story of a preacher turned missionary who takes his wife and four daughters to the Belgian Congo in 1959. The missionary is presented as an out-of-touch conservative half-wit, who is…

“Teachers.” Jesus said that the teachers of the Law ‘sat in Moses seat.’ That the people were to listen to what they taught them, but that was all. To do as they did was to participate in their hypocritical ways. Jesus pronounced “Woes” upon these “scribes and Pharisees” for their pridefulness and deliberate misdirection—they did it all in the name of God’s holy law (Matthew 23). Jesus’ brother, James, would later warn Christians: “Let not many of you be teachers”…

“Truth’s destination!” Contrary to popular opinion, self-belief is built in. The average person believes that they are right on just about everything. Thus, controlling our urges to impose our opinions and beliefs upon others is a skill best learned young. Truth stands eternal. However, some truths do have Use-By dates stamped on them. Defy gravity now, and you will do so at your peril, but come Judgment Day, it will cease to matter (2 Peter 3:10). It is the Pre-Judgement…

“Unity—A Package Deal.” Regularly, boxes of clothing, shoes, kitchenware and books are dropped off at the church building. Over the years I have rummaged through countless boxes of books being ‘sent to a new home’ as Baby-boomers downsize (“My Friends and Other Animals” was my best surprise find). Like you, I have long since concluded that you can tell a man by the books he reads. He collects authors to take his mind to where he would like to be.…

“Testing.” Have we tested God to the point where he has sent this C-19 virus upon us? I cannot answer that question conclusively. Maybe he has, maybe He hasn’t. What I do know is that the world spares no energy and expense in piling up sins against our Holy God. Since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden (Genesis 3) we have all suffered the consequences of the cause-and-effect process to one degree or another. A long list of other…

“Be as wise as serpents…” “Conflict and Confrontation” are Siamese twins coming your way. Either you will find them, or they will find you. Be careful, these guys fight dirty. When Satan looks for someone to devour, these are the demonic forces he sends in to prepare the kill. Churches welcoming them to their bosom, have been, at best, left bruised and bloodied. At worst, cut asunder. Jesus included their type in his limited commission warnings, “I am sending you…

“Here’s more to share…” I have seen poverty. There is nothing virtuous about it. Just my fellow human beings having to make do or do without. I have seen wealth. There is nothing virtuous in that, either. Just my fellow human beings surrounded by more than they will ever need. God promised that Israel would be a wealthy nation if they were faithful to Him. As a result—There would be no poor among them (Deut.15:4-5). God anticipated Israel’s incessant faithlessness,…

“Get on with it.” Plague, war, famine, and all disasters have this in common: People ask, “Does this mean that Jesus is about to return? This C-19 Lockdown has added yet another layer of speculation to that question. In fact, a multibillion-dollar religious industry has developed that trades on people’s fear over the sudden return of the Christ. Not all questioning is financially motivated, but genuine of otherwise, a dollar is being made somewhere. Jesus’ disciples had a question about…

“In Defence of Apologetics.” “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).In years past I was reluctant to teach Apologetics—after all, we are all without excuse—God’s existence is clear to everyone through His creation (Romans 1:20). When looking at satellite technology, one day, Psalm 19:1 naturally came to mind—“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” Then, that child-like thought came to me: “Man is…

“The heavens are telling…” On one of my visits to the USA I asked a young lady if she knew where to find New Zealand on a map. She said, “Yes, it is those islands off the east coast of Australia.” That is not the way that the average Kiwi would put it, but impressive all the same. It is no secret that New Zealand is a stunningly beautiful country. The South Island is famous for a reason. If you…