Church Blog (Page 34)

Life can get very tough. Family, work or health problems can descend upon any of us at any time; sometimes all at once. Often the struggles pass, and we resume our lives on a somewhat predictable trajectory. But sometimes they don’t pass, and it is at these times that our faith is tested beyond usual limits. We do best at these times to reach out to those who trust God. Those we can trust draw us closer to God despite…

If you are a Christian who is not sure if you are going to heaven, I have good news for you—you are! It is not for nothing that Paul says, “There is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). The apostle John confirms this promise when he adds, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).…

Christians thrive in the knowledge that they are destined for a home with God. They are God’s workmanship, who while they wait, are instruments in His hands. Along with all creation believers live and breathe and have their being as God ordains. It is because life and creation are not of themselves that they give glory and thanks to God. However, countless millions of people, though seeing what believers see, refuse to acknowledge that it is of God, and convince…

Boredom is a vacuous space that will not remain empty. In its quest for fulfilment, it will draw unto itself anything that might satisfy it. First-century Athens was a magnet for the curious. Luke says, “Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new” (Acts 17:21). Paul was on his own in Athens (Acts 17). The sight of all the pagan idols vexed his soul and…

I am not sure which decade gave us the expression, “Freaked Out,” but it perfectly describes Belshazzar’s reaction to the “Handwriting on the wall” (Daniel 5). The impact was terrifying. The blood rushed from his face, fear gripped him, his hip joints went slack, his knees literally knocked together, and he started screaming out for his religious advisers (Daniel 5:6-7). God was executing judgement upon Babylon. He had used them to punish Israel’s idolatry, and now it was Babylon’s turn.…

I wonder if the Holy Spirit had spoken through the prophet Jahaziel before the day he delivered his message to King Jehoshaphat. Though he is not listed among anyone’s Top-100 Bible Quiz names, Jahaziel’s lineage was surprisingly detailed for someone so obscure (2 Chronicles 20:14). We can only guess that a Chronicler who lists a prophet’s father, grandfather, great grandfather, his specific tribe (Levi), and their famous Singer/Psalm writer forbearer, Asaph, wanted to emphasize the godly background of Jahaziel. Jahaziel…

In Peter’s mind, sinking into the waves of a stormy sea was cause enough to cry out in fear, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30). Though Jesus graciously hoisted the dreading drenched disciple from the sea, he did not stop to console him. Instead, he sharply rebuked Peter for his faithlessness. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31). The Twenty-first Century mind would tend to take the sting out of Jesus’ words. Rather, a kinder tone…

Sometimes it is just too obvious when prayer has become a casualty in an unspiritual war. In witnessing this James scolds his readers accursedly: “You want something, but you don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God” (James 4:2). James couldn’t have been stronger in his rebuke of these Christians who, though harbouring hate in their hearts, accused God of…