Author Archive
Resolutions for a Lifetime
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), the famous preacher from New England, made a number of resolution at the tender age of 19. While the style suggests an unduly somber mood for our generational tastes, we do need to be sobered as we face another year by the grace of God.
There were originally 70 of these resolutions. Let [...]
Spurgeon on Christmas
“Now a happy Christmas to you all; and it will be a happy Christmas if you have God with you. I shall say nothing to day against festivities on this great birthday of Christ. We will to-morrow think of Christ’s birthday; we shall be obliged to do it, I am sure, however sturdily we may [...]
The Credit Crunch
We are all probably over the ‘global financial crisis’ by now. Even the most economically illiterate of us have now heard of terms like ’sub prime’ and ‘cash interest rate’. We may even understand what they mean.
I still remember watching a program on the crisis. An older lady in California was interviewed who was living [...]
The Message of the Mangoes
We have a huge mango tree in our backyard. Here is a picture to prove it.
While our mango tree provides lots of shade and is visually attractive, its God-given task is to produce mangoes.
Last year we had but one solitary edible mango from that massive tree. There were a couple of others that grew but [...]
An Intriguing Exchange
This exchange took place between two eminent men of God in the 18th Century, Charles Simeon, long time pastor at Cambridge University and the well-known John Wesley, founder of Methodism.
Simeon related this exchange with Wesley. Simeon began the conversation:
Sir, I understand that you are called an Arminian; and I have been sometimes called a Calvinist; [...]
Some Grace on Race
Some of you may be aware that BJU have now publicly apologised for their previous position on inter-racial dating, and the non-admission of African-American students until 1971. The inter-racial dating ban was in fact officially dropped a few years ago in March 2000.
The statement addresses the Scriptural basis for the apology.
Obviously there will be some [...]
Two Friends Not To Be Forsaken
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart. Proverbs 3:3
This verse tells us to hold on to certain truths, that should in turn radiate from us: mercy and truth.
We tend to crave ‘mercy’ for ourselves but ‘truth’ for others. We easily overlook [...]
After the Decision
Last week we looked at 25 questions that should be asked before you make a life changing decision.
Let’s talk about the kind of outlook you need after the decision is made.
Perhaps the best way to do this is to illustrate with a personal example. In early 2006, my wife and I moved from Sydney to [...]
Questioning through the Will of God
Ask (and answer) these questions before the next time you make a potentially life-changing decision……
1. As best as I know my heart, what are my motives?
2. Have I sought wise counsel from others?
3. What have been the suggestions, recommendations, or warnings of that counsel?
4. If I am still living under my parents roof, or am [...]
EM Bounds on Prayer
EM Bounds (1835-1913) was a noted pastor and writer who ministered during and after the American Civil War.
Bounds was better known after his death than during his life, for his writings and insights concerning the often neglected subject of prayer.
A couple of weeks ago, we had a week of prayer at Trinity Baptist Church. These [...]
God Didn’t Give Because We Didn’t Ask
…ye have not, because ye ask not. James 4:2
When our prayers are not answered we often attribute this to a number of possible explanations, like:-
-It wasn’t God’s will;
-It might be God’s will but He wants me to wait;
-There is sin in my life and so He won’t answer the way I desire, even though I [...]
