» 2006 » April

Sister Mary Sinnott is 96 years old. She has just celebrated 75 years as a nun serving in education. Her story appeared in our community newspaper.

Two things occurred to me as I read it. Firstly, I hope I look that good if I every reach 96! Secondly, the Catholic church is in serious trouble in [...]

One of the things we look for in effective church planters is the ability to manage competing demands.

I’ve heard great things on David Allen’s approach to getting things done. I have a copy of his book but haven’t had time to read it yet!

Check out this interview with him from the Vineyard church planting magazine [...]

I’m trying to eliminate paper from my life. But when this letter arrived four years ago I carefully preserved it.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the sort of people who make great founders of movements. I think this letter from Rick reveals some of what it takes to be a great founder. He’s planted [...]

If Jesus is not raised, I know nothing about the resurrection at the end of the world. The hope of the resurrection, the idea of a world to come, remains theological speculation, with no firm foundation in human experience. History has no meaning, no goal, no purpose. As a human race, we are going nowhere.

However [...]

The entire New Testament was written from the perspective of the resurrection. Indeed the resurrection may be called the major premise of the early Christian faith.

The early Christians believed that Jesus foresaw both his death and his resurrection. The Gospels were written not to record the words and deeds of a great teacher. They were [...]

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32

Come, ye workers, be encouraged. You fear that you cannot draw a congregation. Try the preaching of a crucified, risen, and ascended Saviour; for this is the greatest “draw” that was ever yet manifested among men.

What drew you [...]

If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. [...]

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His [...]

Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong and perfect plea –
A great High Priest whose name is love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart,
I know that while in heaven He stands,
No tongue can bid me thence depart,
No tongue can bid me [...]

Christ is the mediator who places himself between two conflicting powers. On the one hand he is on God’s side. Therefore he exposes himself to the world’s whole hatred of God, and the satanic powers of the world seek to limit his influence, to rob him of his godhead and dishonour him. On the [...]