It’s fascinating to see responses to godly instructions. There is a type of thinking that says that each situation should be judged on its own merits and so whenpeople hear what sounds like a universal principle, they look for the exception with those scenarios that start with the phrase, ‘what happens if …’. We look […]
Read More The Marks 15: Live at Peace with All“It’s alright. I know.” That statement is said, there’s a sage nodding of the head and there’s a distinct smug expression. What helps that expression with that statement is the backing to suggest that you do know. No one else knows better. You do. And let’s face it, you know and you’ve got good taste […]
Read More The Marks 13: Don’t Be Wise in Your Own EyesThere’s the classic playground set up for the game. The players line up. The captains select. There’s pride in being picked first – there’s shame in being lumbered with the team because you weren’t even selected. What I love about the family of God is that it does not work in that way at all. […]
Read More Dryden Shorts: You’re InFor you are a royal priesthood and a holy nation, they read. You are His workmanship created for good works in Christ, they read. They will know you are Christ’s disciples by the love you have for each other, they read. They read it and said a hearty amen. It’s just that there were some […]
Read More Dryden Shorts: Animal Farm or Church?Whenever Elisha was in the neighbourhood, she noticed. After a while from noticing, she’d invite him in to have something eat. Then eventually she persuaded her husband to make some renovations to ensure that whenever Elisha was around there was a place for him to rest and be refreshed. She really looked after him. When […]
Read More The Marks: 08 About HospitalityAnd all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. Acts 2:44-45 It is a remarkable feature of the early church as noted in the records noted by the doctor Luke. The community was known for giving, sharing […]
Read More The Marks: 07 Needs of the SaintsRejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer Romans 12:12 Wowsers. That’s quite the hattrick of qualities to consider in the life of the believer. It’s worth consdering how these three offer insight into how perspective and prayer are useful in problematic times. Following Jesus is not about being perpetually cheerful. There’s no requirement […]
Read More The Marks: 06 Perspective, Problems and PrayerMy wife and I are blessed with three outstandingly brilliant and beautiful daughters. The older two are in their teen years and the youngest is not far from that age either. So they’re capable and engaging girls. Indeed they are resourceful and resilient girls and it’s a delight to observe their development. It’s my thing, […]
Read More The Marks: 05 Enthusiastic Diligent ServiceThere is something good in taking the credit for a job well done. It is good to be recognised and acknolwedged. As well as that though, there’s something in the ego that feels really good about being the centre of attention just for a moment. Sure there are those self-effacing types who find it hard […]
Read More The Marks: 04 Take Delight in Giving HonourFellowship is a Christian-ese kind of word that is banded about and applied to all types of gatherings from quiz nights to youth meetings to formal worship services but all too often the true essence of fellowship is missed. The fellowship of believers gives us a picture of God. We are all unique, yet made […]
Read More Eden Weekly #05: The Joy of Fellowship
Life With CD 