At this time of Advent, God's people are encouraged to focus and reflect on the hope that the Eternal offers and reveals in Jesus. I invite you to post your hopes for the future on this blog.
To kick this off, one of my hopes for the Presidency of Barack Obama is that he might be able to bring some sanity and humanity to the troubled areas within Africa.
Shalom to you and your loved ones this Christmas time.
Stephen
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
What is the best way for the Church to influence individuals and society?
To begin to answer the above I immediately thought of Matthew 28:19-20a; "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."
I also remembered someone saying in one of the local Churches that all we need to do to convert more people to the Christian faith is "preach the Gospel".
I have to ask two questions regarding the above. First what was it that Jesus wanted the nations to observe? Second what exactly is the Gospel?
Further are the concepts of "teaching" and "preaching" the correct way for the Church to attempt to exert influence? Or should the Church act as a doorway to the transforming power of God?
I invite you to share your thoughts!
Shalom
Stephen
I also remembered someone saying in one of the local Churches that all we need to do to convert more people to the Christian faith is "preach the Gospel".
I have to ask two questions regarding the above. First what was it that Jesus wanted the nations to observe? Second what exactly is the Gospel?
Further are the concepts of "teaching" and "preaching" the correct way for the Church to attempt to exert influence? Or should the Church act as a doorway to the transforming power of God?
I invite you to share your thoughts!
Shalom
Stephen
Friday, July 25, 2008
What are we doing when we pray?
It would seem to me that the answer to the above question will be based on our own view of what we perceive prayer to be. Below is an offering from James Montgomery. The contribution is to be found in the Methodist Hymn Book (Hymns and Psalms) number 557.
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, uttered or unexpressed, the motion of a hidden fire that trembles in the breast.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh, the falling of a tear, the upward glancing of an eye when none but God is near.
Prayer is the simplest form of speech that infant lips can try; Prayer the sublimest strains that reach the majesty on high.
Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice returning from his ways, while angels in their songs rejoice, and cry "behold, he prays!"
Prayer is the Christian's vital breath, the Christians native air, our watchword at the gates of death; we enter heaven with prayer.
O thou by whom we come to God, The Life, the Truth, the Way! The path of prayer thyself hast trod: Lord teach us how to pray.
I invite you to consider the above contribution and to share your thoughts about what prayer is for you and what you believe you are doing when you pray.
Shalom friends as always
Stephen
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, uttered or unexpressed, the motion of a hidden fire that trembles in the breast.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh, the falling of a tear, the upward glancing of an eye when none but God is near.
Prayer is the simplest form of speech that infant lips can try; Prayer the sublimest strains that reach the majesty on high.
Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice returning from his ways, while angels in their songs rejoice, and cry "behold, he prays!"
Prayer is the Christian's vital breath, the Christians native air, our watchword at the gates of death; we enter heaven with prayer.
O thou by whom we come to God, The Life, the Truth, the Way! The path of prayer thyself hast trod: Lord teach us how to pray.
I invite you to consider the above contribution and to share your thoughts about what prayer is for you and what you believe you are doing when you pray.
Shalom friends as always
Stephen
Monday, June 16, 2008
What are the Beatitudes?
Julyan has a series on the beatitudes this week on Radio Cornwall at 6.50am. I thought it might be worthwhile to host a blog to go alongside Julyan's broadcast.
A reminder of the collection of sayings that are referred to as the Beatitudes.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed ae the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5 : 3-10 Revised Standard Version)
The question I want to explore is, what are the beatitudes? are they about those who call themselves disciples or about Jesus? Are they aspirations for the followers of Jesus or are the 8 charachteristics attributes Jesus possessed? Are they the keys to the Kingdom? Are they an invitation to increasing grace and abundant life?
What do you think, I invite you to share your thoughts.
Shalom
Stephen
A reminder of the collection of sayings that are referred to as the Beatitudes.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed ae the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5 : 3-10 Revised Standard Version)
The question I want to explore is, what are the beatitudes? are they about those who call themselves disciples or about Jesus? Are they aspirations for the followers of Jesus or are the 8 charachteristics attributes Jesus possessed? Are they the keys to the Kingdom? Are they an invitation to increasing grace and abundant life?
What do you think, I invite you to share your thoughts.
Shalom
Stephen
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