Stephen is often called the first Christian martyr. Behold these final moments of his life. “they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city… While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them’ … Continue reading Dead ends into doorways
If you don’t know them personally
There are a lot of speeches in the book of Acts. Stephen’s is the longest. He begins at chapter 7, verse 2: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham…” He continues for 52 verses. After testifying to the un-thwartability of God’s plans through human history he gets … Continue reading If you don’t know them personally
Sundaes, waitresses, and Jesus
A young boy went into a diner. The waitress asked for his order. “How much for a sundae?”, he asked. “Four dollars.” The boy searched through his change and started putting coins on the counter, tallying up his total as he went along. The waitress was very busy. She rolled her eyes but didn’t say … Continue reading Sundaes, waitresses, and Jesus
With reverence and awe
Many of us are worshipping God at home these days while sitting on a couch or a chair. Some churches have resumed limited in-person gatherings, but not all. [For those of you in America, you’re a bit further along than we are north of the border.] Either way, our external posture shouldn’t dictate our internal … Continue reading With reverence and awe
Twinkies or broccoli
John Ortberg wrote a book titled Everybody’s Normal Until You Get To Know Them. Wow, what a great title! Anyway, it refers to a study on relationships that tracked the lives of seven thousand people over nine years: “People who had bad health habits (such as smoking, poor eating habits, obesity, or alcohol use) but … Continue reading Twinkies or broccoli
Being true to who?
In his book The Closing of the American Mind, Allan Bloom describes an outlook on the world which has become very popular. Montreal philosophy professor Charles Taylor summarizes: “relativism was itself an offshoot of a form of individualism, whose principle is something like this: everyone has a right to develop their own form of life, … Continue reading Being true to who?
Stand firm on your knees
There are times when you need to stand firm in your faith. No doubt about it. You can get pushed (or body checked) off-centre by a variety of forces or false teachings—unless you are standing firm. One of my favourite verses from 1 Corinthians 15 is verse 58. Paul had just taught them about the … Continue reading Stand firm on your knees
Writing benefits in sand, injuries in marble
If someone gave you a compliment, and then someone else gave you a criticism, which would you spend more time thinking about? What if you got an A in geography and a D in science? Thomas More said: “We write in the sand the benefits we receive, but injuries upon marble.”* It’s a poetic way … Continue reading Writing benefits in sand, injuries in marble
I’m lost—but I’m making record time
I recall a story about a pilot in World War Two. He was zooming over the Pacific Ocean when he said: “I’m lost! I have absolutely no idea where I’m going. But I’m making record time.” It sounds like a commentary on modern living. Many people seem to be lost. They’re not sure where they’re … Continue reading I’m lost—but I’m making record time
Is it selfish for God to ask for praise?
A high schooler once asked me: “Why is God always saying to glorify him? Isn’t that sort of selfish?” Good question. If any of us did that it would certainly be a selfish thing to do! Here’s the difference. God wants the best for us, and he himself is actually the best. So when … Continue reading Is it selfish for God to ask for praise?
