‘Sacrifice’ isn’t a popular word today. We live in a “me” culture of iPods and iPhones that tells us “we’re worth it too.” It’s easy to fall for when everyone around you is looking out for Number One, but giving up that prerogative is one more way we, as Christians, stand out.
Charlie T. Studd is chiefly remembered as England’s cricketing champion. For four years running he won his Cambridge blue; captained the team; and even defeated the Australians with his great century in 1882. His time on the pitch, however, was relatively short. After just three years of fame, Studd exchanged the cricket field for the global mission field and joined Hudson Taylor in China, (later serving in India and Africa). Friends, family and nation alike were shocked by his decision. What could possibly have induced him to give up his prestigious position for a life of poverty and hardship in a foreign land?... continue reading
After becoming a Christian in my second term at uni, the first question I asked myself was “What am I doing here then?” I’d given my life to Christ. Should I then leave university and go on the mission field?
Lady Huntingdon was a highborn woman with significant means at her disposal. At the time of her life and death, in the early eighteenth-century, religion was utterly despised by the privileged upper classes. It was a thing for the small-minded ‘little people,’ as it’s often thought of still today. Lady Huntington was an exception. She became a Christian upon hearing George Whitefield speak in 1739 and threw herself wholeheartedly into supporting his preaching campaigns.... continue reading
Here’s a verse to burst an idol-bubble…
It’s only months after Jesus’ resurrection, and weeks after his ascension. Peter and John are hauled up before the court that sentenced their Lord to death, and defend their public claims about the resurrection.
“When they [the religious elite] saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4 v 13).
I don’t want to be known as unschooled, uneducated. I don’t want to be noticed for my unacademic ordinariness. Not many of us do. Education matters… doesn’t it?... continue reading
It's Ascension Day. And whether you're in a church that celebrates such dates or not, it's worth stopping and pondering once in a while just how exciting the ascension really is.
Luke recorded it. Paul celebrated it. And the writer of the Hebrews applied it to Christians under pressure. Because, far more than just Jesus' farewell to the world - the necessary step before the sending of his Spirit - the ascension has profound implications for our lives. The ascension points to great truths that spur us on in the here and now and help us look forward to the life to come.... continue reading
Original sin is not a popular doctrine. It’s probably why we don’t mention it very much. It’s certainly why I was surprised to hear it being mentioned on Radio Four’s Thought for the Day on Tuesday.
The speaker (or should it be, thinker?) was Rev Giles Fraser, a man not known for his sympathy towards biblical doctrines. Here’s how he defined original sin.
“I find in Christianity, especially in the Augustinian tradition, a remarkably similar observation to that proposed by Freud [ie: that we all feel helpless, because of our lack of control over the sources of our satisfaction].”... continue reading
Spotted this car on my way into work this morning, and momentarily wondered if it were Daniel Craig or Matt Damon at the wheel. But it did get me thinking.
Why do people buy personalised number plates? For some it's an opportunity to make others smile. Others just spell out random funny words: LA54GNE, W4LLY or B1NGO. Others have a marketing message - G0 0GLE. There has even been one spotted with altogether darker intent: J1 HAD. But for most, it is surely all about an ego boost. They are known as "Vanity plates" for a reason.
But those who have experienced the grace of God in Christ should never boast about themselves:
But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 6 v 14
So it got me thinking - what number plate would I put on my car that either admitted my own weakness (WAL 1Y might work), or else said something meaningful about God and the Gospel?
Your suggestions below please...
I have a fridge magnet. On it is a cupcake. And, underneath, those words we all know so well: "I can resist everything except temptation".
So often that magnet can feel true. So often we mess up and fall into the same traps time and time again. Temptation leads to sin leads to guilt. It certainly feels true for me today as I fail - yet again - to stick to the new low-fat diet recommended by the doctor. And, more importantly, fail to keep control of my thoughts and my speech.
In part, the magnet is true because we are sinful human beings who are not yet free from the snare of our wayward hearts and our fallen environment. Temptation and sin are inevitable this side of Jesus' return. But partly it feels true because we see battling temptation as a predominantly negative thing. We think of it purely in terms of giving things up, denying ourselves, being austere, missing out.... continue reading
It may seem a strange part of the Bible to go to in times of difficulty, but the most-forgotten section of Acts 1-4 provides wonderful comfort when things go “wrong”, both personally and globally.
So here’s what Acts 1 v 12-26 has to say about the Boston Bombings, the Texas explosion, civil unrest in Bahrain and the difficulties and distresses of our own lives. Acts 1 v 12-26—the bit between the ascension and coming of the Spirit, where the first Christians gather in a room, Peter makes a speech, and they pray and choose a twelfth apostle to replace the Christ-betraying Judas. Acts 1 v 12-26, which is often skipped over because of the awe-inspiring events either side of it, and yet which reminds us that, whatever happens:
God’s good plan has this covered.
He has everything covered.... continue reading
They work tirelessly, week by week. They are a major influence on the children and young people in the church. Their words and lives help our under 18s understand who Jesus is. They are confidantes to our teenagers. On the front line of evangelism. And many of them do all this amid busy work schedules and family responsibilities. But how often do we pray for the leaders of the youth and children's work in our local congregation? If you're anything like me, that answer is, "not enough".
So, why not take a moment now to pray for those who lead the young people of your church? And why not use Philippians 1 as a basis for your prayers?
It was an innocent question from a friend who had been asked to do their first talk. They honestly had no idea how to go about the process and were looking for some hints. But it was a question that got me thinking ... "Where do you write your evangelistic talks?"
Up until that day, the answer would have been an unswerving "in my study". That's where I write all my talks and Bible studies. It makes sense. That's where my books are. It's quiet there. That's where the filing cabinet which contains all my previous talks lives. Why wouldn't I write in there?... continue reading
