Church Blog (Page 9)

I know Christians and non-Christians alike who have called “Holy Men” into their homes to cast out evil spirits. Personally, I do not believe that evil spirits abide in buildings or things, but I assure you, my beliefs are of little consequence to those who believe that they do. You soon learn that to suggest that they are being superstitious is being very insulting to them. The idea of a people or things being cursed by evil spirits runs through…

Do you remember the story about the man who saw the advertisement that read: “Rolls-Royce $1.00.” Though sceptical—believing it to be a joke or a newspaper misprint—he phoned anyway. The man who answered the phone told him that the offer was genuine and that he must come and collect his $1.00 Rolls-Royce; he had been the only caller. According to the story, the seller’s wife had left him for another man, and that in the divorce settlement he would rather…

A preacher delivered a beautiful sermon describing the plight of the poor and how it was the duty of the well-to-do to share their wealth with the less fortunate. Later in the day a friend asked how the sermon was received. “Well, it was partly successful…” said the preacher, “I convinced the poor.” For most of us, our lifetimes have been filled with plenty when compared to past generations. Therefore, it is best to remember that great need can return…

A young store manager went to work and told my friend that his ‘partner’ had left him. While he was at work the previous day, she had hired a removal truck and taken everything! “Even those little ornaments scattered around the house were gone,” he said. My friend commiserated with the manager, but the manager said, “It’s no big deal, I’ll get into another relationship.” At which point my friend said, “Well, what have you got to lose?” The managers…

There is an old joke (which is told in many forms), about a preacher who went fishing on a lake with one of the brothers. He said, “Brother, I am concerned that there is a rumour going around the church that you use dynamite to catch fish.” At which point the brother took out a stick of dynamite, lit it, and gave it to the preacher and said, “Are you going to fish or talk?” We all have gotten ourselves…

Every action and reaction come with emotions included. Just because we are Christians, we cannot assume that our inner-feelings are instant and true guides in all situations. Feelings can be manipulated. We tend to think better of those who bless us and think less of those who curse us—we all know that! Instead, with hearts tuned to wanting the best for everyone, we control our emotions until we have all the facts. As bearers of the Image and Light of…

I have seen a few books called, “I wish I’d said that!” In fact, I read one years ago. It was a series of autobiographical stories told by a preacher whose ministry went back into the early part of the 1900s. His was a light-hearted look at his life as a preacher who took the gospel wherever it was needed. Reading between the lines, it most certainly was a time of great sacrifice for him and his fellow preachers. I…

I believe it is a sacred honour to be asked to help brethren to reconcile their differences. When things go well, the Lord is praised, and everyone rejoices. But when things do not go well, the Lord seems to be instantly shut out, and no one goes home any happier. On one occasion things went badly and I was made to feel very unwelcome by one of the parties concerned. Though I was invited by all, it became obvious that…

Do you remember the days when church bulletins were mailed out to other congregations? You could find them pinned to noticeboards and considered mines of information from far away places. In the earliest days of my preaching, I was looking at a church newsletter when an old sister stood beside me and said, “Anyone who bothers to read the articles in those things obviously has nothing better to do.” Her message probably was nothing personal, and if it was meant…

It is no fun when someone dismisses your heartfelt beliefs with, “That is your opinion!” There is no doubt that all our beliefs need to be challenged. Without testing they either sit hidden within us or protected within the confines of a closed group. Many Christians have found themselves disillusioned when unable to cope with the pressure of external scrutiny. Facts do matter. Especially the facts that underpin faith. New Christians especially must be prepared for the new demonic attention…