Posts by John Staiger (Page 52)

In the late 1980s, I had the honour of driving an “old” missionary (I doubt that he was 60 at the time) to a lectureship. The four-hour drive seemed like nothing as he answered my many questions about his years on the mission field. That was the day I learned the qualities of a true missionary. He did not see himself as having left home—he saw himself as going home. His love for God, the church, and the lost was…

Years ago, a brother in the Lord spoke of an encounter that shocked him. He was speaking with another believer who began to confess a sin that was besetting them. The brother recoiled and said that he didn’t think it was right that one should discuss such things with others. I immediately thought about Paul’s words to the Galatians: “If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual, restore him gently” (Gal.6:1). We are living in a sin-soaked…

It is nice to know that New Zealand enjoys the status of being “The Least Corrupt Country in the World.” It says good things about our small country. It is amazing that some countries actually admire leaders who, in the mind of many, are corrupt. However, this admiration does tend to vanish suddenly when corruption is exposed. This is because much of the admiration is based on the corrupt person’s ability to maintain his position of power, even though being…

Guilt is a powerful motivator and is inextricably connected to repentance. Without it, we demonstrate a lack of understanding as to why we need a Saviour. It is through the Gospel that the Holy Spirit exposes guilt while offering redemption. Thus, in our baptism, we were born again by the water and the Spirit (Jn.3:5). Therein we rejoiced, and still rejoice, that there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Rom.8:1). I am thankful for our Psalms, Hymns…

Jerusalem was surrounded by the Assyrian army, and according to the logic of man, it was doomed. In desperation, King Hezekiah took the surrender papers sent by Sennacherib, laid them out before the Lord, and there he prayed (Isaiah 37). Hezekiah first looked to the glory of God’s presence, and that the God of heaven be seen for who He is: God of all the kingdoms of the world. Then Hezekiah asked God to look upon and listen to the…

In death, the rich man found himself in Torment. Immediately, he appealed to those in Paradise for relief. Abraham replied that no form of relief could either be sent or collected. So, the tortured rich man turned his attention to his living loved ones. But Abraham told him that they could avoid Torment if they but believe the Scriptures. Now desperate, the rich man insists that a resurrected man would convince his five brothers to fear God. Finally, Abraham informed…

I heard the story of a Scottish preacher who was concerned about the lack of attendance at worship services. He noticed that the local theatre had long queues of people waiting to see a famous Shakespearean actor perform. He decided to meet the actor and to ask him how he attracts such large audiences night after night. When meeting him and asking his question, the actor said, “Maybe the reason is that I make artificial things look real, but you…

A young husband was talking with his crusty old workmate during their work break. The subject of smoke alarms was brought up and questions of best exit strategies were put forth. The old man said, “If that alarm goes off, you’ll wake with a start, reach over to shake your wife, but she’ll be gone.” Somewhat puzzled, the young man asked, “Where will she be?” The old man laughed and said, “She’ll already be on the sidewalk with the kids…