Church Blog (Page 65)
Wise as Serpents#1. “Wasted Anger.”
If you do not become angry when listening to leaders support abortion, there is something wrong with your religion. If they sit calmly as schools impose their lack of morals upon your children, then it is time for you to reconsider your spiritual values. These are but two things that a Christian should lose sleep over, but these are often far down the list of things that upset the average believer. Instead, Christians expend a lot of time and energy…
Heaven can wait#4. “Not covered by Christ’s death.”
It is well said that anyone who is afraid that they have blasphemed against the Holy Spirit probably hasn’t. Though, if one is indeed guilty, their reason for fear would be well founded. For it carries with it the “guilt of an eternal sin” (Mk.3:29). But it is highly unlikely that someone guilty of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit would feel guilt or fear. Instead, they would feel that they are acting in accordance with the will of God. The…
Heaven can wait#3. “Choked out.”
Years ago, a young man pulled up into my driveway in a stunning yellow luxury sports car. And as quickly as he appeared, having collected his wife and son, he drove off into the sunset. It was truly a sight to behold in my humble neighbourhood. However, it was all make-believe. Not only had he borrowed this ‘flash car’ to impress us, he also went home to a house without electricity; it had been cut off after months of non-payment.…
Heaven can wait#2. “Too shallow.”
We can sometimes search needlessly for answers to the question: “Why do churches collapse under Satanic attack? When a congregation hides from affliction or persecution it should surprise no one that it is filled with shallow-faithed Christians. When persecution does come, and it inevitably does, its scorching heat causes it to shrivel up and die. The Seed landing on the Rocky Soil forms the second warning in Jesus’ Parable of the Sower (Mt.13). Jesus is likening a Christian’s heart to…
Heaven can wait#1. “No thanks!”
There was a young man who set his sights on a pretty young Christian lady. He was not a Christian and expressed no interest in becoming one. He quickly worked out that everyone would prefer that the young lady marry a Christian, so he told the church that he wanted to be baptised. He attended church with his new bride initially but found reasons to let her go on without him. Soon he took her and their new baby out…
Teachers#5. “Should you teach?
As you read this, give honour to all the great Bible teachers you have known. Those who have either sat down with you one-on-one, or those who have stood before you in Bible classes. Ever breaking forth the Bread of Life; ever feeding your soul. Some were born to teach, while others mastered the basic mechanics of the teaching process one lesson at a time. All were doing it for one purpose—to bring you closer to Jesus. Being asked to…
Teachers#4. “Let not many of you be teachers” (Jm.3:1).
In this day when many congregations struggle to find enough willing preachers and Bible class teachers, James’ caution to, “Let not many of you be teachers,” might seem a little redundant. However, it is in such an environment that this caution is most needed, but sadly, least heeded. It is when congregations find themselves encouraging teachers to ‘please get involved’ that some who are stepping-up who should instead be staying-back. James is not talking about Bible class teachers with strange…
Teachers#3. “Teaching with Authority.”
When Jesus spoke, people listened. The exorcisms and healings drew many to him, however, it was his voice of authority that kept them hanging off every word. But that which gripped the crowds infuriated the Scribes and Pharisees. Their powerless platitudes were being exposed by this uneducated preacher from Galilee—he had to be cut down to size. Teaching with authority is the goal of every Christian teacher. It is never to be substituted with greater talent or superior learning. For…
Teachers#2. “The Worst of Teachers.”
False teachers ride up in bright flowing robes on beautiful black stallions. With a slash of their sword, they clean away all things old, and with a wave of their hand, they usher in all things new. Well, that’s the way they come across to those who hang off their every word, anyway. False teachers are, and always will be, the scourge of the church. Sadly, they do not come with a “Beware, I’m a false teacher” sign hanging around…
Teachers#1. “The Best of Teachers.”
Good teachers are vital to the cause of the Gospel. I am not speaking here of the ‘reading, writing and arithmetic’ kind (as vital as they are), I am speaking of those who teach the Word of God. In my youth Peter Craig spent every Thursday night for three months teaching me the Gospel in his home. On the Sundays in-between I visited the Otumoetai Church of Christ and listened to Ian Mostert teach the adult Bible class and preach…