Marching Forth!

Years ago when I worked at a church in the States as I unlocked the front door of the building I was accosted by a man who demanded money:  "Hey, give me five bucks."  When I declined, his demeanour became more aggressive and said something like, "This is a church, man!  And you say you love and care about people?"  Apparently I wasn't the soft target he was expecting, and I was not about to cave to a guilt trip because I didn't respond how he wanted.  In fact, it was because I cared about him I was not going to give him money to enable his addictions or embolden him to panhandle at our premises.  Love doesn't always look like we think it should. Recently I read about when Jesus received word his beloved friend Lazarus was sick.  His  condition was dire enough to prompt his sisters to urgently send word to Jesus so He might come and heal him.   John 11:4-6 says, " When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but...

" The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD , saying: 2 "Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words." 3  Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel ." Jeremiah 18:1-3 God isn't into what I would call "efficiency," but He is big on obedience in faith.  Does it seem strange to you God didn't just tell what in the first place what He intended to say?  But this perspective might be borne out of our impatient and slothful mindset where convenience is king.  It was not a question of God knowing what to say, but obedience from Jeremiah the prophet was required to hear more. I imagine we would be excited to tell others in light of Divine revelation, "God spoke to me!  He told me where to go!"  We would feel pretty special to hear from God, but for many people it ends right there.  God speaking is a key component of our relationship wit...

It is expected and predictable for sceptics to distort the truth of God's Word through unbelief, but there is no excuse when professing Christians explain away the miraculous in favour of naturalistic interpretations.  Some seem compelled to avoid any subjects or doctrines which might offend modern (often secular) sensitivities.  There are few things as stomach churning for me as the almost grovelling and apologetic, hand-wringing, or soft-selling approach to the proclamation of God's Word.  There is always a place for grace and tact, but no place should be given to tamper with the true message of the Gospel to avoid potential offence of unbelievers, and in our politically correct day even Christians. It is important we translate the meaning of unfamiliar words or terms with people, but as God's messengers we abuse our role should we attempt to dull the sharp edge of scripture intended to cut.  C.S. Lewis wrote in an address titled "Christian Apologetics," ...

When a huge crowd gathered to see Jesus He asked Philip, "Where shall we buy bread to feed all these people?"   John 6:6 says, " But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do ."  Philip, on the other hand, had no idea what to do.  Before he could bring himself to think about what bakery would have enough food on hand for 5,000 men plus their families, he knew they did not have enough money to buy it!  He responded that wages earned over eight months (200 denari) would not be enough to adequately feed those assembled.  Hard labour wouldn't put a dent in the needy sprawled around them.  Jesus did not ask out of ignorance, but to test Philip because He already knew what He was going to do. Perhaps overhearing the conversation, Andrew piped up in  John 6:9 , " There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many ?"  In light of the crowd, five loaves and two small fish ...

When I went fishing as a kid, we were taught to keep and eat what we caught - that is, if the fish was edible and a keeper.  At Lake Cuyamaca there was a no-release policy regardless of size, but in the ocean bass and halibut had to be an appropriate length. We were also told if we caught a garibaldi to release it because it was the California state fish and protected.  Many times we caught fish that were just an inch short, but we kept the law by throwing them back. There's plenty of fish in the sea, it is said, and this cliche is often used in reference to people.  In the right time of life it is important to choose the right person to be a lifelong spouse.  A woman may have many potential suitors, but it is her choice which man is a "keeper."  Unlike fish, height or weight probably has little to do with it.  As a follower of Jesus Christ she needs to determine if he also is a man of faith:  will he be faithful, a provider, and rear children who k...

It's ironic how knowledge is capable of hindering learning.  A great challenge is presented for those who have gained understanding to keep their minds open to new ideas which could also be true.  We were born needing and wanting to learn, and it's possible along the way we have latched onto deceptions we are convinced are true.  In a world filled with deceit, conspiracies real and imagined, and boldfaced lies, when we find the truth we ought to hold fast to it.  Followers of Jesus Christ have the Bible which is a source of genuine truth with does not change, and how privileged we are to have a fixed point of reference as the wind direction and sand continues to shift. A question for believers is how to best deal with those who hold to faulty interpretations of scripture and their minds are closed on the matter.  The first perhaps is to realise you too may be that person; you have been that person.  I have been rigid in belief where God is flexible, and ...

" Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, your God !" Psalm 50:7 If people are unwilling to listen, it is pointless to speak to them.  Because God loved His people He spoke to them, revealed Himself to them, and gave them His laws.  When the Hebrews heard God speak from Mount Sinai in power they begged for Moses to speak with God, to interceded on their behalf "lest they die."  Nothing was lost in communication between God and Moses, but subsequent generations were raised who did not know God. Pious Jews were faithful to keep the Law given to Moses and offered sacrifices.  Their lives were filled with religious activities, worship, and prayer, yet the hearts of the people were not always right before God.  God allowed the nation of Israel to be attacked and plundered, the rain did not fall, and the crops did not grow.  Both in seasons of abundance and famine God sent prophets and raised up priests...