“And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.” NRSV
The notion, even the mere mention, of good works causes a nervous theological tic in many Protestants. They are instantly suspicious works are being imported into a grace only theology of salvation.
Read MoreContrary to the proverb, crime does pay - otherwise it wouldn’t be so lucrative or prevalent. Some people make enormous sums of money from crime; they are often hidden behind walls of impunity, rarely prosecuted. They may not sleep well but they do tend to live well. Their consciences may be troubled but not, it seems, enough. Their children rarely know what it is dad does, and what they don’t know isn’t hurting them. For their wives/partners ignorance is bliss as well a life of ease and luxury.
Read MoreWho is the greatest asked the disciples, with themselves in view no doubt!? I say this because the young are driven by the toxic combo of comparison and competition. Their metrics are fame, numbers, and finances. The disciples are indicative of any group of young men, particularly if they are in some position of privilege/advantage. For instance, in the case of sports, music, fresh out of university, corporate ladders – anywhere younger people jostle for prominence; the need to be noticed and do better than the competition. It’s very human, and in some circles, it is encouraged. All very Darwinian, except that we are not animals, despite our behaviour.
Read MoreMatthew paints a picture for us in Matt 21 that points to the inevitable confrontation Jesus had with the chief priests and elders. If he had been hesitant, or felt the time to have been previously unpropitious, that time was over; he now speaks and acts unequivocally.
Read MoreThe theme of this book had been percolating with me for some time: it is the growing disquiet in regards to the models of leadership the Western church sees as normative, even preferred, that appears to run contrary to what makes a good leader from a biblical perspective.
Read MoreI urge you to view the movie, Jesus Revolution; you will not be disappointed. It certainly gives pause for, do it again Lord. Jesus Revolution captures the essence of the 60’s – both in what happened and to whom and through whom it happened - with no glitz nor glamour.
Read MoreIt is not uncommon to hear people talk about how the universe speaks to them and brings things together for their betterment. For instance: “Dreams are the messages that the Universe sends us.” “The Universe Speaks, Are You Listening? 111 High-Vibrational Oracle Messages on Love, Healing, and Existence to Unlock Your Inner Light.” And so forth.
Read MoreThis blog will not satisfy everyone as it is selective when it comes to describing the fear of God. My focus is through the lens of its impact upon people who saw the Lord, in one form or another. I am not trying to describe the hidden glory of God in Christ, revealed in his life of descension and humility from equality shared with God. And, what of Solomon’s statement, “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 1.7) That also is for another day.
Read MoreAnxiety is an increasing worry. It is being reported at record levels, which suggests it is being talked about more freely, as well as increasing in incidence. Doctors are treating it more than ever, prescribing medication to dull its edge - what else are they going to do, when people demand an answer? Public personalities are talking about it, which helps legitimise it, or at least give voice to the many that suffer from it – things are less mysterious when in the light. None of this goes near explaining it.
Read MoreFear, I’m afraid, is not something you can live free of. It comes in all shapes and sizes, not all being detrimental to your well-being. Some fears are lifesaving – such as the fear you sense when close to a precipitous ledge or the fear you feel when danger looms. These fears can be lifesaving - they warn, and therefore protect us.
Read MoreIt is hard to find words to adequately describe Daniel. He was at once: in exile, an aristocrat, handsome, a smart student and wise administrator, an interpreter of dreams, an apocalyptic prophet, and might we add, a survivor.
Read MorePaul’s prayers, you’d think, are of significance. Maybe none more so than the prayers he prayed for the nascent community in Christ in Colossae (southwest Turkey today). 1.3-14
To begin with, he was thankful for their faith in Christ and their love for all the saints. This, he said, was due to the hope laid up for them beyond the fragile borders of this world – in heaven. Their hope was not in better conditions but in a better world. They were long-sighted, therefore patient. 1.3-8
Read MoreRecently my wife and I heard some excellent teaching by a couple on marriage. They were charming and disarmingly honest, their weaknesses were not hidden, nor were their tough relational seasons shied away from. Scripture was their inspiration and foundation. The likelihood of them doing the journey, long term, is high. I’d be surprised, even though nothing surprises me, if their marriage failed.
Read MoreGeorge Orwell’s prescience about language, therefore expression, becoming state-controlled is proving eerily uncanny….
Read MoreI am dismayed at the folly of believers airing their grievances (petty or otherwise) to the media, the world, about God’s church. What are we thinking? Or more to the point, we aren’t thinking!…
Read More‘The Revelation to John’ (NRSV) is a remarkable, troubling, and profound piece of apocalyptic literature. There is only one other book in the biblical canon like it: the Old Testament book of Daniel. And remember Daniel was as overcome and terrified by what he saw as John was. (Dan 4.19; 7.15, 28. Rev 1.17; 22.8-9) In other words, tread carefully, ye who would interpret.
Read MoreLike a good fast this won’t take long, but unlike a good meal it may not go down well. It is fasting season for many churches right now. The beginning of a New Year is often a reset time for churches: refreshed vision, goals for prayer, lives reconsecrated – all good….
Read MoreThe apostle John is the only New Testament author to identify the woman Jezebel, or her spirit. Not that this stops some preachers calling out people for having the spirit of Jezebel. If I was given a dollar for every time ... Clearly, she was a none-too pleasant person – her awful death summing up her equally awful reign over the people of God, to whom she was a stumbling block and pariah.
Read MoreRecently we considered approaching the apostle Paul, yes, the Mediterranean maverick, to speak at a Leaders Conference…
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