This morning the leaders of North and South Korea stood at the border of their countries, shook hands and Kim Jong Un entered South Korea for talks. At the moment, the details of the talks are less significant in light of this momentous breakthrough between two countries that have been at war (technically) since 1953. They represent the beginning of what may be a lengthy dialogue, but still a beginning. What happened today would have been unimaginable six months ago…..
Tomorrow is ANZAC Day. Australia and New Zealand remember with thankfulness the sacrifices of those who fought (and are still fighting) for their countries and, especially, those who gave their lives for the sake of FREEDOM. ANZAC Day is our most important opportunity as a country to think about freedom. From 25 April 1915 through the 20th century and up to the present day, men and women valued freedom so much that it was worth giving up their lives to…..
Most people have heard of Dietrich Bonhöffer, the German pastor and theologian, who was executed very close to the end of World War II at the personal order of Adolf Hitler. Far fewer have read the book compiled after his death by his good friend, Eberhard Bethge, entitled “Letters and Papers from Prison.” This book gives great insight into his constant faith in Jesus Christ. He was arrested by the Gestapo in April 1943 and held in Tegel Prison, Berlin……
There is a huge “Christian music” industry in the United States that has infiltrated the church (the body of Christ throughout the world), especially in western countries. The issues in this blog have been in my mind for some time but I have been loath to comment on them until I heard a song on a Christian radio station this afternoon. The song is called “I Need U” by TobyMac. Unsurprisingly, my conservative background has prevented me from knowing that…..
The struggle for power over the authority of Scripture, relationships in marriage and the administration of the Church ought to be considered in the light of the selflessness of Christ. He never sought position, status, power or authority over others but gave his life for those who sought such things because of their natural sinful desires. Prior to his discussion of male/female relationships and the analogy of human marriage to the body of Christ, Paul reminded the Ephesians: Ephesians…..
The ongoing ignorance of the general public about the meaning of Easter continues, given the lack of clarity provided by church “leaders.” They appear on the TV news at this time of the year and talk about almost anything except the need for people to be saved from their inevitable doom. The gospels record Jesus’ first words as, “Repent! The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” One would imagine that this first declaration of his mission would be of the…..