Church Blog (Page 36)

I had a missionary friend who contracted Malaria in the 1980s. By the mid-1990s his robust six-foot-three frame had been reduced to but a shell of its former glory. But he was still leaving home (health allowing) to go wherever he could be of use for Jesus on the mission field. I once asked him, “Do you have any regrets that you went to the country where you contracted malaria?” Being a man of very few words, he dismissed my…

When is a church considered to be “Alive?” Many atheists view Christianity as they view God—as dead! They believe that churches have nothing more to offer the world than basic social services. Others see churches as drop-in centres for the spiritually inclined; a smorgasbord of faith, tradition, and hobbies from which to pick and choose according to time and taste. However, most churches probably view themselves as being alive with faith, friendship, and fun; a place to live their spiritual…

Do you remember the old fridge magnet that read, “Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them?” Yes, the way you come across when you’re cross matters! Having to “eat your words” is bad enough, but if the offended party shows delight when you are proved wrong, the Humble Pie is made even harder to swallow. I am reminded of the words of Jesus: “For in the way you judge, you will be…

On one of my foreign trips, I visited the home of a lady with a medical professional. The home needed refurbishment and was situated in an old and poor part of the town. The lady herself showed all the signs of someone who had always been of very modest means. The visit was brief and pleasant, and he had obviously known her for a long time. A few days later I found out that the lady was actually the mother…

We all know people who struggle to maintain lasting friendships. It’s not that they necessarily lack family or brethren around them, it’s that they lack the ability to develop meaning and depth in any relationships. Given the nature of the church, such individuals will always enjoy the attention of those who make sure that everyone’s social needs are being met. But since friendship is a reciprocal arrangement, such interactions can remain superficial for years. Sadder still, are those who assume…

If you have watched debates dealing with the Existence of God, you might have noticed that, with rare exceptions, they tend to be fully scripted. Both sides present their arguments with confidence and determination, and with, of course, no room for doubt that they are correct on every point. These debates have their place but listen to enough of them and you will realise their limitations in turning hearts to Christ. If a person cannot see God in His creation…

Church scandals get a lot of press quickly. It is almost predictable that the headlines will announce details of illicit relationships, fraudulent activities, or abuse of staff—or all three for that matter. However, long gone are the days when I scoffed at the demise of these churches. Though the guilty may deserve their public humiliation, the innocent do not! It is heart-breaking that some of those caught up in the hurt will never set foot in “any” church again. It…

Nothing is more affirming to a parent than to see their children reach maturity. New parents have no idea of the brevity of time between a baby’s arrival in the home and their departure from it. The stages of life, from complete dependence to claimed independence, are replete with emotions. There is no relaxation as they move from the self-centred but joyful child to the anxious but potential-filled youth. It is when a sense of responsibility and accountability has imbedded…

In my youth, I moved to a rural town to work for a few months. The first man that my boss and I were to meet was a local dignitary. His distractedness during our brief meeting felt less than welcoming. Apparently, his mind was on an accusation made about him by one of the other locals. The next man we met was the site foreman. He was so surly that he could hardly bring himself to thank us for pushing…

I once visited Singapore during a Chinese New Year’s Celebration. I had never been among so many people before. I moved in time with the sea of local people as they expertly weaved their way around each other walking up and down the streets. Of all the things that stuck out to me in that beautiful city, were not the huge crowds, shops, lights, music, and colours, but instead the other people who looked like me. There was no way…