Malam Ibrahim was a teacher of the Qu’ran in northern Nigeria. That’s the holy book for Muslims. Through his reading and study he became convinced that a unique function and role is given to the person of Isa Mahis—Jesus the Messiah—as the mediator “through whom the prayers of the faithful are offered up to” God. … Continue reading What if fitting in wasn’t the goal
different
Impossible to duplicate
I read about some mouth-watering sourdough bread made at a bakery in San Francisco. It hadn’t been replicated anywhere else. As it turns out, there was a secret to the taste that had nothing to do with the recipe. As Larry Osborne explains, “It’s a bacterium that thrives in the area. When the yeast ferments, … Continue reading Impossible to duplicate
Wild goose or tame geese?
Speaking to his fellow disciples, Peter wrote: “you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). They are chosen, royal, holy and special. Why? So that they can “declare … Continue reading Wild goose or tame geese?
Standing out and standing firm
I’d like to suggest something as we approach Advent and Christmas. It’s to make your faith visible. I don’t just mean with words and deeds—although that is very important too. What I mean is including visible faith-based objects in your celebrations. What about a nativity scene? Or an Advent wreath? What about putting up a … Continue reading Standing out and standing firm
Expect to be different
In Mark 4:16-17 Jesus says that some people will fall away from their faith because of the trouble and persecution they will experience because of it. Since they have “no root” he says, “they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.” In the New … Continue reading Expect to be different
Cheap Diversity vs Rich Diversity
“Diversity” is a big deal these days. It’s the idea that we should be accepting of people from different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs. For me, it brings to mind Psalm 133:1 where it says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” But there are two kinds of diversity. There’s cheap … Continue reading Cheap Diversity vs Rich Diversity
“Judgy”
I'm never in favour of being judgmental. But what if someone says you're "judgy"... when you're NOT? Read on...
When you disagree
It’s easy to have a good time when everyone agrees about everything. You laugh at the same jokes and see eye to eye about what’s right (or wrong) with the world. In fact, when we grow up, it’s often the people who agree with us most who become our friends. But times goes on. And … Continue reading When you disagree
Make yourself UNcomfortable
I’m sitting here in a comfortable chair. I’m drinking a flavoured coffee in comfortable clothes. I’m… comfortable! Then I open my Bible and read about the apostles being persecuted for their faith. In Acts 5 they get brought before a tribunal called the Sanhedrin and are ordered to stop teaching in Jesus’ name. The apostles … Continue reading Make yourself UNcomfortable
What if you’re SUPPOSED to feel different?
1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation..." (ESV) Today's Thought Barna researchers asked people what kinds of religious behavior they considered “extreme.” 93% said that using religion to justify violence was extreme. I’d agree with that one! But 60% also said that evangelism was extreme. Evangelism is … Continue reading What if you’re SUPPOSED to feel different?
