Christian comment

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

2006-01-07T18:51:00.000Z

In Psalm 122 David instructs us to:

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels."

Christians over the years have held differing views on the nation of Israel. Some believe that the returning of the Jews back to the Middle East and the nation of Israel reforming is part of God's plans for the end times. Others say that the Church has replaced Israel in fulfilling God's purposes.

Whichever of the two views one may hold it is important to pray for the people who live in this troubled land. But how do we pray? What is God's will for the Middle East?

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul says:

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority...."

So the first thing we can do is to pray for the leaders of Israel and its neighbouring countries. We may or may not like the various leaders in that part of the world, but God has allowed them to rise to these positions. In the Old Testament God used kings who did not know him to fulfill his purposes. Therefore, it is important to pray for them that they will govern wisely and make Godly and just decisions.

The second way that we can pray is to follow David's plea and "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." Humanly speaking getting peace in Jerusalem is impossible. However, we are instructed to pray for this. One of the advantages of praying this pray is that we can put aside some of our political and religious bias and pray for the inhabitants of that great city. I have found it helpful to pray for the different religious and nationality groupings in Jerusalem: Israelites, Arabs, Palestinians, Armenians, Christians, Jews and Muslims. And we need to keep in mind that God loves all those in Jerusalem and his Son died for all of them. That includes the ones whose views and policies we do not support!

Heartbreak and Triumph

2006-01-05T20:35:00.000Z

One of the books I received for Christmas was "Heartbreak & Triumph - The Shawn Michaels Story." For those who do not know who Shawn Michael is he's a American wrestler who works for the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment).

For two or three years in the mid to late 1990's Shawn was regarded as the most entertaining wrestler in the business. However, although he was at the top of his profession Shawn's personal life was not in a good way. He battled against drugs and severe back problems which he got from wrestling. In addition to this he was not always the the best employee. Eventually in the late 1990's he had to retire due to his back problems.

In retirement he still struggled with his personal demons. However, change was on the horizon. His wife Rebecca recommitted her life to Christ and then Shawn also met with Him too. God gave him the power to kick his habit and healed his back so that Shawn was able to return to wrestling. The Shawn that returned to wrestling was a different one to the one who retired injured. God was and is changing him.

Although this book is mainly written for wrestling fans it's great to see the way that God has intervened and dramatically changed Shawn Michaels life. Read it and see what you think!

Prayer for the New Year

2006-01-01T12:17:00.000Z

Happy New Year!

Psalm 119:37 "Turn my eyes away from worthless things; renew my life according to your word."

As we start this new year it's important for us to fix our eyes on "things above" and get our priorities right for 2006. It can be so easy to get distracted by worthless things. This can lead us to not making the best use of our time and wasting it. The Psalmist recognised this and asked that God would help him to turn from this. He asked that God would renew his life through his word. All of us need to experience God's renewal in our life and to have a freshness in our relationship with God. It's so easy to drift along as a Christian and to miss out on the joy of a close vibrant relationship with him. Like the Psalmist this can be a prayer that we can make use of as we seek to grow in God.

Getting ready for 2006

2005-12-30T14:11:00.000Z

Now that we have celebrated Christmas 2005 we are in that period between one year finishing and the new one starting. The new year is the time when many people make resolutions on how they are going to: lose weight / do more exercise / move house / get a new job etc, etc. It represents a new start, when the failures of the previous year can be forgotten and the excitement of a new year anticipated.

However, for Christians we don't have to wait until a new year to make a new start. This can be done any and every day of the year. In Lamentations 3:22-23 the NIV says:

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

So why wait until Sunday 1 January to make a new start with God...... do it now!!

The only God

2005-12-23T15:20:00.000Z

I read the following verses in Isaiah 45 today:

verse 5 "I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God."

verse 6 ".... men may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other."

verse 14 "Surely God is with you, and there is no other; there is no other god."

verse 18 ".... I am the Lord and there is no other."

verse 21 ".... And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Saviour; there is none but me."

verse 22 "Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other."

Some people may think that Christians are arrogant as they proclaim that their faith is the only true one. However, as I read the above verses I am encouraged to know that there is only one God. And as we prepare to celebrate the birth of his Son Jesus on Sunday let us remember this and rejoice in Him and not be ashamed!

Fear not!

2005-12-22T13:19:00.000Z

I understand from Bible teachers that we are told 365 times in the Bible that we should not fear. That's once for every single day of the year. So why is this? Maybe because fear is a problem for all of us. We can struggle with different fears, for example: fear of man, fear of the future, fear of the past, fear of failure, fear of death, fear of something we done being discovered. The list is endless.

Over 2000 years ago the angel Gabriel appeared to a young teenage girl, who was told that she had found favour with God and was going to give birth to a son. This son would be the Son of the Most High and he would reign over the house of Jacob for ever. How did the young girl respond to this. Was she scared? Did she show fear? Her response was simple:

"I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said."

What a response! Let us also respond to God in the same manner and not give in to fear which can hinder us from following and obeying God.

Good advice from 1 Peter 3

2005-12-21T19:11:00.000Z

In the first part of this section of the chapter, Peter gives some good advice to both wives and husbands. In particular looking at this from the male perspective verse 7 is a challenge to all husbands. Peter instructs his male readers to "be considerate as you live with your wives" and to "treat them with respect." He then goes onto say "so that nothing will hinder your prayers." Could it be that one of the reasons that our prayers are not as effective as we wish is that we do not obey this instruction from Peter?

Whenever I read this chapter, I'm always aware how Peter instructs his readers to always be prepared and ready to tell others about their hope in Christ and to do this with gentleness and respect. Something that is not always easy to do. Sharing your faith is not always easy, but to do it with gentleness and respect takes some doing.

Perhaps the key and biggest challenge in the whole chapter is found in verse 15 where Peter instructs his readers to set apart Christ as Lord in their hearts. When we do this it will effect all aspects of our life.

The Reason For the Season

2005-12-20T08:53:00.000Z

Title: The Reason For the Season

Author: Ruth Andrews Garnes

Article:
No one gives away something for nothing these days. There always
seems to be a catch. This is our current thought process today,
even in this season of giving. Sometimes the deed of the
deceiver overshadows those of noble intention. Even when we
cannot see a clearly defined scheme, we believe in our hearts
that it is there. Is this because as a society we have become
people that look out for our sole interest? Have we become so
depraved we cannot decipher honesty, truth and love? We acquired
this way of thinking based on society's current trends. Only a
fool or a very naïve person would allow someone to rob them
twice. How many of us would take home a gangster and love him as
equally as much as our own children after he put a knife at our
throat? If by some miracle your life was spared, would you not
do whatever you could to get such a menace taken off the street?

On a regular day we do not even for a moment think about people
who make it their life long career to rob and steal. Yet I could
say we have become a cautious people. Consider the ratio of such
people in comparison to those that are honest? Which group out
number which? Do we care? Or are we allowing the minority to
influence the way we look at things as a whole? I would like to
hold fast to the belief that we are not going to allow our
thought process to be formed by the actions of a few. As the
most advanced civilization we should ask questions and seek to
find truth. This holds true even for the holidays we celebrate.
Why should we take on the mob mentality? I'd say question the
reason behind the things we celebrate as a world. Not because
the masses choose to go along with it, you should too.

The majority of the world will be celebrating the birth of a
child that was born to give us life, but what percentage of
those celebrating his birth knows this? How many of us seek to
know the real reason behind the celebration of Christmas? We are
taught that the giving of gifts symbolizes the gifts given Jesus
by the wise men, but are we aware that it goes beyond that? The
baby whose birth we will be celebrating was a sacrificial gift
given to man by God. Unlike a gangster, God will never hold us
captive or force us to accept his gift of life. He wants us to
freely choose to have life, the choice is ours. All we have to
do is believe and accept this gift, or choose to die in our
ignorance. Choose to open your gift this Christmas season. It is
too good to be true, but it is truth. It is yours for the
taking; seek to know the reason behind the season.

About the author:
Ruth Andrews Garnes was born in Belize the second of six
children. She moved to New York City at age eighteen. After
studying nursing she worked in the emergency room in Bellevue
Hospital. She currently resides with her husband and seven
children in the Houston Texas area. Having always had a heart
for hurting children she adopted four sisters. Through her
writings she hopes to be able to make a difference to hurting
children everywhere by giving

Numbers 26 - Men of faith

2005-12-19T17:32:00.000Z

In this passage God instructs Moses and Eleazar to take a census of the whole Israelite community by familes and count those over the age of twenty who can fight in the army. If we are being honest it's one of those parts of the Bible that we may not find that exciting. However, the last three verses are interesting in that it is revealed that not one of those people who were counted in the previous census by Moses and Aaron had survived. God had allowed that generation to die in the desert, but with the exception of Caleb and Joshua. These were the two men of faith who believed that God would lead them into the promise land and were not scared of the giants in there as detailed in Numbers chapters 13 & 14.

Caleb was certainly an exceptional man and in Numbers 14:24 God had said, ".......my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly." How we need those sort of believers today!

Christians urged to stir up a storm in a tea cup

2005-12-15T13:13:00.000Z

Churches, development groups and advocacy organisations are today urged to brew up a head of steam over the way Britain’s favourite drink, a beverage popular throughout the world, is made and sold – and who benefits.

Campaigners say the price of tea has been falling steadily in all producing countries and it is the global brands and supermarkets that benefit from the lower prices, while poor tea farmers producers suffer and their markets are eroded.

Full story

Vicars to get performance appraisals

2005-12-14T12:11:00.000Z

Church of England ministers are to be subject to business-style performance appraisals for the first time in the church's 500-year history, reports Personnel Today.

The new "ministerial reviews" are part of a raft of Human Resource measures designed to improve employment practice in the church.

Full story

Christian Aid warns of trade talks walk-out after leak

2005-12-13T13:06:00.000Z

International development agency Christian Aid is today urging poor countries to prepare for a walk out of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks in Hong Kong this week unless the European Union (EU) executes a dramatic change in its aggressive liberalising trade policies.

According to leaked documents obtained by Christian Aid, the EU is continuing to push developing nations to privatise sensitive services such as water, healthcare and banking. This runs counter to EU rhetoric that these talks are primarily about pro-poor trade policies.

Full story

Why do the wicked prosper?

2005-12-12T22:03:00.000Z

In Psalm 73, Asaph is wrestling with the issue of the riches of the arrogant and wicked. He comments that they seem to have less problems than the righteous and that they get away with their sin. After struggling with these issues over a number of verses he then enters God's sanctuary. It is at this point he is able to say, "then I understood their final destiny" in verse 17.

The glory and riches of the arrogant and wicked will only be for a short period of time. He then compares the joy of knowing God for all time with the temporary joy of riches.

This passage is still very relevant today. It can be easy for Christians to look at others who seem to have a comfortable lifestyle and envy them. However, once we take a step backwards and look at the bigger picture, we can say repeat verses 25 and 26 with the Psalmist:

"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Santa tells Tony Blair to Make Poverty History

2005-12-10T10:15:00.000Z

Though the chimney was blocked for security reasons, sackloads of cards were hand-delivered to Number 10 Downing Street yesterday by Santa and his trusty elf helpers to make the case for seasonal goodwill towards millions of people whose lives are threatened by poverty and global inequality.

The early delivery of goodies to Prime Minister Tony Blair from the Make Poverty History coalition totalled 750,000 postcards. They arrived from campaigners all over Britain calling on the UK Government to deliver trade justice in the upcoming Hong Kong world trade talks.

Full story

Aid agency says disaster prevention 'better than cure'

2005-12-08T21:57:00.000Z

Disaster prevention must become part of emergency work if the world is not to see a repetition of the death and destruction caused in 2005 by a litany of disasters: a tsunami, floods, hurricanes, mudslides, earthquakes and severe food shortages, Christian Aid has said.

In a report released today (Thursday), ‘Don’t be scared, be prepared’, the aid agency calls for disaster risk reduction to be part of all future emergency and development programmes.

Full story

Fellowship with God

2005-12-08T13:27:00.000Z

In the first chapter of his first letter John reminds his readers that if they claim to have fellowship with God, yet walk in darkness they are lying and not living by the truth. These are tough words that should challenge all Christians.

If we are being honest, we all know that there are times or have been times in our live when we have not lived the truth. We may be able to deceive others but not God. It is not possible to walk in darkness and have fellowship with God. This might not be comfortable for us to hear, but it is true.

However, there is hope. John shows us the answer at the end of his first chapter. We must confess our sins to God and receive his forgiveness and purifying touch. And then, walk in the light and have fellowship with our fellow believers and know the reality of the blood of Jesus purifying us from all sin. This is indeed good news!

Advice for Christian Husbands

2005-12-07T23:28:00.000Z

Peter gives some good advice to both Christian wives and husbands in the third chapter of his first letter. In particular looking at this from the male perspective verse 7 is a challenge to all husbands. Peter instructs his male readers to "be considerate as you live with your wives" and to "treat them with respect." He then goes onto say "so that nothing will hinder your prayers." Could it be that one of the reasons that our prayers are not as effective as we wish is that we do not obey this instruction from Peter?

Knowing the Peace of God

2005-12-07T13:09:00.000Z

In the Amplified translation verse 3 of Isaiah 26 reads:

"You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You."

This is a very encouraging verse as it reminds Christians of the importance of keeping their mind focused on God. We can be assured that we will all face various problems and difficulties in this life. If we try to sort these out under our own strength we will not get very far. However, if we focus on God and place our hope and trust in him we can know his help. This does not mean things will be easy! But it does mean that we can know God's peace which transcends all understanding that Paul mentions in Philippians 4:7.

This is a tremendous privilege for us to know his peace. In spending time focusing on God, whether that be bible study, prayer or praise and worship we can know his peace in our life.

As the classic hymn written by Joseph M. Scriven says:

What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

Reflections on 1 Peter 5

2005-12-07T13:04:00.000Z

Peter draws his first letter to a close with specific instructions directed firstly to the elders, then to the young men and finally to all Christian believers.

To the elders he encourages them to serve as overseers of the people. This should not be done as a sense of duty, but because they are willing, which is what God wants. As is so often the case in Scripture, God sees the heart and it is important that we have the right Godly attitude motivating us.

Peter exalts them not to do this for money but because they are eager to serve. How different this approach and attitude is to what we encounter in the world. It is the same attitude that Jesus adopted, one who came to serve and not to be served.

The next group that Peter addresses are the young men. He instructs the young men to be submissive to those who are older than them. Sometimes young men think that they know everything and do not need to listen to advice. But again, as with the elders, Peter gives them instructions which are different to the way the world operates.

Closely linked with being submissive is humility which Peter moves onto next. The apostle says they should clothe themselves with humility.In fact this should be an attitude that all the believers should have for one another. And the reason he gives for this is taken from Proverbs 11 v 31:

"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

All of us need God's grace in our life and therefore humility should be an attitude we desire for ourselves. I wonder how many church splits could have been avoided if we had more of this quality in our churches?

Peter reminds his readers that if they are prepared to humble themselves, then in God's timing they will experience the blessing of being lifted up. If we sow humility we will reap the benefits.

One of the benefits is that we can cast all our anxieties, worries and cares on God because we can be assured that he loves us. And once we have done that the weight of them shifts from us to God. What a tremendous promise! Sadly it is so easy to give them over to God and take them all back the next day! I expect that we have all done this on many occasions. We need to learn the liberating joy of leaving them with God once and for all, and then moving on.

As Peter closes this letter he reminds his readers of the spiritual attack that they can expect to receive from the devil. They are encouraged to be ready and alert and to also be self controlled. Although we cannot avoid the risk of attack from the devil, Peter encourages us to resist him and to stand firm in our faith. He reminds the readers that throughout the world all their fellow brothers and sisters are undergoing this battle. For many of them this would have meant imprisonment and death. Most of us will probably not have to face this, but many of the early church did. In fact in some countries today believers are going through this and we need and should support them in prayer.

Peter then reminds his readers that God will give them the grace to be strong. We may stumble, slip or fall over but God's grace will see us through to the end.

Britons opt for ethical Christmas gifts

2005-12-06T23:16:00.000Z

Natural disasters such as the Boxing Day tsunami and tragedies like the London terror bombs have made people more compassionate and willing to give ethical and charity gifts this Christmas, reports the Independent newspaper.

One in four Britons has already signed up with a charity or is more likely to volunteer to help in the sector over this Christmas compared to other years.

Full story

Interpreting the Bible

2005-12-06T13:12:00.000Z

How should we interpret the Bible? Some Christians believe we should interpret literally, whilst others would disagree with that. It's not unusually for Christians to have two or three differing viewpoints on a particular passage of the Bible. The following article may be helpful in us understanding how we should interpre the Scriptures.

Title: Pass It On - A Rule For Good Bible Interpretation

Author: Rev Michael Bresciani

Article:
With dozens of bible translations available today and a myriad
of voices preaching and teaching from theses bibles how do we
know which is trustworthy? It is simpler than you think.

During the dark ages the scriptures were chained to pedestals in
the major cathedrals of the world. The common people could not
read the bible and even the clergy were limited to reading it
only where it stood. Those days have been eliminated by the
courageous efforts of clergy and reformers like Luther, Calvin,
Tyndale and a host of others who in some cases gave their lives
in the effort. We now enjoy the fruit of their labors throughout
most of the free world. Not only are all the versions of the
bible available here in America but one publisher has begun
offering the bible bound and covered in your choice of designer
colors!

Yet for all of this profusion of bibles one of the flimsiest
excuses for not reading or trusting the bible is still being
used everywhere throughout the land. Who has not heard someone
say, "The bible is open to interpretation and that's why it
can't be trusted"? If honestly examined, this excuse will be
found to be just another one of those "common wisdom of the day"
utterances that has no more truth in it than water in the
desert. It is grown out of ignorance, watered by indifference
and harvested in laziness. It is used glibly but has dire
consequences; in fact it could cost a person their entire future.

The first rule of interpretation says that no one has the right
to interpret the scripture in a merely personal or private way.
...Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of
any private interpretation. I Peter 1:20 If the bible is not
open to private interpretation then it must only be open to
public interpretation. That is the key. The universal bible
believing church the world over has an interpretation that
qualifies this fact, the minor doctrinal differences and the
trend toward liberalism notwithstanding. Whether Pentecostal,
Evangelical, Baptist, Methodist or any other major historical
denomination the bible is interpreted the same. Jesus death and
resurrection is the key to salvation and his teachings are the
key to our best behavior. When people stray very far from this
kind of interpretation of the bible they are bordering on
heresy, cultism or something worse.

Another great rule of sound biblical interpretation is to let
the bible interpret itself. Let the whole bible reflect on any
part of it in particular. You will rarely ever go wrong by
applying this rule. This of course implies that you would have
to study the whole bible. That alone would just about eliminate
any problem with bible interpretation you will ever encounter.

An old preacher from Vermont once told me of a basic rule of
interpretation he had learned while attending Bible College. I
have never forgotten it and I've never failed to use it. He
said, "If the scripture makes plain sense, seek no other sense".
Being complicated is not a prerequisite to being a bible student
so don't bury your self in hidden meanings and obscurities, just
get on with what is known and apparent.

Finally take a lesson from the smallest child. Ask them what
Jesus meant when he said we should love each other, or that we
should forgive others. They know what these things mean even
when those who hide behind the idea that the bible is riddled
with too many interpretations don't. Some passages are simple
but that does not mean they aren't profound. Other passages are
more complex but can be clearly understood by the simplest
approach, much like that of a child. The child like approach to
scriptural interpretation is the shortest route to
understanding; in fact it is also the shortest route to
salvation itself. Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, Whosoever
shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, he shall
not enter therein. Mark 10:15

We must cease to view the bible as some deep manual of religion
only to be known by the initiated or specially trained. Someone
once said that the bible and more so, the New Testament is a
letter from God the Father to his children. Who would think a
letter from your father was meant to create confusion. It would
speak of his love, his intentions, his ongoing plans and his
final return home. It would give instructions and details on
what to do until he returns. No one would throw a letter from
their father in a corner and say I don't understand any of that
so I'll just do what I want to until he returns home and take it
up with him then.

The words of the bible never create confusion. In fact it is the
dismissing of these words that creates confusion. If we hide
behind the worn out cliché about "it is all open to
interpretation" we will find ourselves with no where to hide in
the final day. Jesus said the very opposite about his words, He
said they would illuminate our lives and bring peace to us, not
confusion. In fact they would produce life itself within
us...the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they
are life. John 6:33

About the author:
Rev Bresciani is the author of two books and of many articles
both online and in print. Please visit his website at
www.americanprophet.org

Present Aid

2005-12-02T22:32:00.000Z

Present Aid is an interesting idea from Christian Aid. Basically you buy a "virtual" gift for someone and that gift then goes to the poor. This is a novel idea and is a good counter for the commercialisation of Christmas.

Full details of Present Aid

True Forgiveness

2005-12-01T21:39:00.000Z

On 29 July 2005 Anthony Walker was tragically murdered. The following day his sister and mother said that they forgave the people who killed him. Why did they do this? They did because they are Christians and they knew that this is what Jesus commanded them to do. Despite all the horror of what this family have been through they have been radiant lights reflecting the mercy and forgiveness of God.

It's difficult for any of us to really understand what they have experienced. We all easily say the words of the Lord's prayer, "forgive us our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us." Yet so often we hold grudges against people for years for very petty things they may or may not in fact have done against us. Sadly us Christians are often as bad if not worse at this than people who have no faith.

Forgiveness can be difficult to show to someone if we feel we have been wronged. For the Walker family it must have been difficult as they battled with all the grief and emotional turmoil of this tragic event.

Even today when the murderers were sentenced Mrs Walker was asked by the press if she forgave them. Her reply was "Do I forgive them? At the point of death Jesus said, ‘I forgive them because they do not know what they do’. I have got to forgive them. I still forgive them."

What a tremendous Christian witness in the midst of a tragic situation. We need to remember this family in our prayers.

US churches challenge anti-poor law

2005-11-30T13:13:00.000Z

The National Council of Churches USA, an official ecumenical body, and 29 other American faith-based organizations, are urging the US Congress to end a law they say hurts poor families who need legal advice.

“Our faith calls us to advocate for the ‘least of these’ within our society, and to seek the common good,” says the Rev Dr Eileen Lindner, the NCC’s Deputy General Secretary for Research and Planning. “The protection of the access to legal counsel for rich and poor alike stands at the heart of the commonweal and is consistent with our moral precepts.”

Full story

Pakistan government apologises for attacks on churches

2005-11-29T12:56:00.000Z

Christians in Pakistan have been offered a government apology over an attack by Muslim militants, in a gesture described as “a hopeful sign” by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.

Dr Williams has been on a tour of Pakistan and has asked the country's president, Pervez Musharraf, to review the country’s controversial blasphemy laws

Full story

Priest Idol - Episode 3

2005-11-28T21:23:00.000Z

Tonight was the third and final episode of the excellent series Priest Idol.

The program starts with the "Church Lite - It's better for you" adverts being put up on the advertising boarding. And then a car drives around the village, towing a big advertisement boarding. Some people notice it but it does not seem to be having a big effect. Apathy is still the problem.

The interior designer completes the work on the reflection zone and the PCC come to see it. Despite their initial misgivings, three of them are ok with it, the other member is not!

Next, a sales training team are bought in to help train the church members to be better at inviting their fellow villagers along to the church. They have a practice session at a party in the church grounds and it does not go too well.

Various new noticeboards are put up with the Church Lite message on them to publicise the campaign.

The church members then distribute light bulbs to all the village, inside the package is an invitation to attend the Church Lite launch event. The priest goes into the social club and hands some out, but it seems that the members are not interested in attending.

In keeping with the Church Lite theme the priest gets a new robe for himself and the lad who carries the cross into the church each week.

The local comedian comes in and sees the priest and gives him some tips about making the people feel welcome and special. He says to the priest that this could be the biggest event in Lundwood since the miners strike.

The big day comes - Church Lite launch event. On the Saturday the church has a barbeque with a juggler and fireworks and 300 people attend. The priest thanks them and reminds them that the new Church Lite Sunday service is on the next day and invites them to attend.

Sunday arrives. Everyone is impressed with how nice the church looks, much hard work has gone into it for this day. A New Testament Gospel Choir are bought in for the service. Comedian Jimmy Cricket is the guest speaker. However will the people come to the new kind of church? The good news is yes! Over 200 hundred people pack into the church. It's good to see the kids there, some young people and a number of families also. Everyone enjoyed the service and was clapping and joining in with the Gospel choir. What was also encouraging was that the traditionalists who were uneasy with the Church Lite concept all joined in and enjoyed it.

Three months later after the Church Launch event, a Family Service is launched and the theme of the first one is football. 52 people attend. The PCC despite their initial misgivings are happy. It was good to see the way that the PCC were prepared to adapt and change.

The final word should go to the Archdeacon whose ideas this all was, "The job of the Church is to take risks."

Advent

2005-11-28T13:24:00.000Z

Yesterday was the first Sunday in Advent. In fact Advent is actually the start of the new church year. In Advent we prepare for the celebration of the birth of Christ - the true meaning of Christmas. We also look forward to the return of Christ.

Advent involves waiting. When Jesus was born about 2,000 years many people were waiting for God to send his Messiah to deliver Israel out of the hands of the Roman Empire and establish God's kingdom on earth. However, although they were waiting, they missed the Messiah as he came in a way they were not expecting. Not everybody missed him though. When Jesus was born both Simeon and the devout woman recognised him as the Christ.

When Jesus returns again, we will all recognise him as he will be returning as a king this time. Let us all be ready for this.

For more information on Advent please visit the website in the link below:

http://www.cresourcei.org/cyadvent.html

Archbishop of Canterbury calls for Pakistan blasphemy review

2005-11-26T14:36:00.000Z

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has called on President Musharraf of Pakistan to review the country’s controversial blasphemy law. The Archbishop is in Pakistan to visit quake-stricken zones in the north, to meet with church leaders, and to promote inter-faith understanding.

The appeal from the spiritual head of the world’s 77 million Anglicans comes a few days after the violence perpetrated against the Christian community of Sangla Hill.

Full story

Christian Aid laments receding trade talk hopes

2005-11-25T13:18:00.000Z

“These negotiations are teetering on the brink ... rich countries do not have the will to make the concessions required to allow progress.” So said Claire Melamed of the UK-based international development agency Christian Aid today, responding to receding prospects for the forthcoming world trade talks.

Full story

Turkey under pressure on minority religious rights

2005-11-24T09:02:00.000Z

The European Commission has criticised Turkey for infringing Christian and minority religious rights, a month after the country began talks with the aim of joining the 25-nation European Union, writes Jonathan Luxmore for Ecumenical News International.

Full story

Aid agency warns of southern Africa food shortages

2005-11-23T22:41:00.000Z

Christian aid agency Tearfund is this week launching an emergency appeal for funds as more than 11 million people across southern Africa face acute food shortages.

Tearfund's partners in the region say the humanitarian crisis will deepen in the coming months if rapid international action is not taken.

Full story

Revival still at the heart of Life Action Ministries

2005-11-22T22:01:00.000Z

Life Action Ministries is dedicated to one thing; to see God glorified through a revival among His people. This purpose has carried Life Action for over three decades of work alongside the churches and clergy in the United States. Today, Life Action Ministries is the largest revival ministry in North America, with a staff of over 170 workers.

One aspect of their work is with four full-time revival teams that travel around the country. They take over a church for three weeks of revival preaching, dynamic worship with the Life Action Singers, prayer ministries, youth and family seminars, tailoring a program to maximize spiritual growth.

Full story

Hunger kills '6m children a year'

2005-11-22T20:35:00.000Z

No developing region is on track to meet the international goal of reducing the number of hungry people by half, a UN agency has warned.

Nearly six million children die from hunger or malnutrition every year, the Food and Agriculture Organisation says.

Full story

It is a disgrace that the rich nations are not doing more to rectify this problem, especially as many of the deaths result from treatable diseases.

'There's no such thing as the perfect sermon. Thank God'

2005-11-21T22:51:00.000Z

The Rev Mervyn Roberts was halfway through his sermon when he began to feel an unsettling pressure on his bladder. Ever the professional, he pressed on regardless. But then, just as he was expounding on the textual intricacies of Psalm 42, disaster struck.

Full story

Bush preaches religious freedom

2005-11-21T22:49:00.000Z

The President uses a pulpit in Beijing to speak up for the persecuted Christian minority in China

For his father, Gangwashi church in Beijing was “a home away from home” where he used to head on his bicycle for the Sunday service. For his sister Dorothy, it was the church where she was baptised as a teenager. For President Bush, Gangwashi church offered a pulpit yesterday where he could break with diplomatic nicety to urge China’s Communist leaders to allow freedom of religion.

Full story

Chinese Christians step out of shadows for Bush

2005-11-21T22:46:00.000Z

China's Christians are more used to police surveillance and harassment and worshipping in secret than basking in the limelight. But a visit by US President George Bush to the Gangwashi Church near Tiananmen Square for a morning's service, offered a rare chance for them to step out of the shadows.

Full story

Priest Idol - Episode 2

2005-11-21T22:12:00.000Z

The second episode of Priest Idol was on Channel 4 tonight following Father James McCaskill and his ministry at St Magdalene's in the village of Lundwood.

Father James is faced with the problem that most of the village only consider attending Church on three occasions: Christenings, Weddings and Funerals. How can he persuade them to attend on other occasions? Although he tries hard to think of different ideas, the weekly congregation struggles to reach double figures.

The marketing team, who the Archdeacon has employed, attend a Sunday morning service. They didn't really understand the service and found it boring. One of them said that it was dull and needed some theatre.

In additon to this, the church building itself is discovered to have dry rot. Also there are problems with the roof. So as well as the spiritual challenges they face, there are also practical issues which need addressing.

An interior designer visits the church and has some suggestions and how it can be improved. However, the Priest is advised that he will need a Faculty for these changes.

The market research team speak to some of the village residents, who comment that the Church is "too stuffy". The team then visit a Church in Wakefield, who host a "Cafe Church." They enjoyed the Church service and it helped give them some ideas of how they can bring more people into the Lundwood Church.

Father James, the Archdeacon and one of the Church Wardens goes to a meeting with the Marketing team. They are told that the Church needs to be relaunched and come up with a slogan, "Church Lite - It's better for you." In addition to that they also had the following slogans: "Easier to digest"; "Conversation not conversion"; "Church with a difference"; "More songs of Dido than Songs of Praise"; "10 minutes peace rather than 10 commandments." Although the Church Warden is uneasy with the slogan "Church Lite" they decide to proceed with the idea - although it will need to be approved by the PCC.

Before the PCC meeting, is Holy Week and that goes well. The church go on a prayer walk around the village and stop and pray at various points. They take a real live donkey with them. The walk goes well and eventually 50 people follow the Priest and donkey into the Church to complete the service. James is encouraged as that is the biggest congregation he has had since starting in Lundwood. One 10 year old boy starts attending church and comes to faith.

The PCC meet to discuss the "Church Lite - It's better for you" rebranding campaign. The marketing team attend and explain their thinking. After much discussion, the PCC reluctantly decide to agree to the relaunch. However, the traditionalists are unhappy. Sadly, some senior members of the congregation start giving Father James "the cold shoulder".

There are also some changes to the interior which also upset the traditionalists. One of these being a "Chill out" area, which is being designed at the back of the Church and the font is moved to create space for a glass coffee table. The church elders are not happy!

However, "Church Lite" is being launched and part of that will mean dealing with tradition. The final episode is next Monday

Foreign missionaries under pressure in Russia

2005-11-21T17:21:00.000Z

Reports indicate Russia may begin to tighten control over foreign missionaries in the weeks ahead. According to reports the Justice Ministry plans to tighten the rules for granting visas to foreign missionaries. That's causing a major stir in religious sectors.

Full story

Chancellor warns Christians that global justice will take a lifetime

2005-11-21T13:20:00.000Z

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown MP has told Christians that their campaigning efforts for debt relief and increased aid levels had brought results that no-one could have foreseen - but warned that their work will take a 'lifetime' to complete.

Full story

Lutherans back low-income homes in US and Caribbean

2005-11-21T13:19:00.000Z

As concerns continue about the gap between the rich and the poor, Lutheran Services in America (LSA) has launched an initiative to further support low-income families and, it hopes, change the face of affordable housing in the Caribbean and the United States.

Full story

Church aid agency pitches flying toilets at radio

2005-11-21T13:16:00.000Z

Christian Aid has launched its 2005 seasonal gifts catalogue with a spoof Christmas single ‘Feeling flush this Christmas?’ to help tackle sanitation problems such as ‘flying toilets’ which affect many people in third world slums.

Full story

Indonesian Christians in fear after attacks and beheadings

2005-11-20T22:13:00.000Z

Christians and foreigners living in many parts of Indonesia, the word’s most populous Muslim nation, are increasingly fearful for their safety following the Bali bombings and a series of brutal religious attacks over the past few weeks.

On Saturday police in Sulawesi announced that two young women had been attacked on Friday by assailants on motorbikes armed with machetes. A 20-year-old woman died and her friend was injured.

Full story

Neglect of poor in US budget bill immoral, says leading evangelical

2005-11-19T12:43:00.000Z

Social justice campaigner and Christian leader Jim Wallis has launched a swingeing attack on the “immorality” of some US politicians after their failure to support vulnerable communities in a budget bill.

In spite of enormous pressure from churches and welfare groups, the US House of Representatives yesterday narrowly passed a budget proposal (217-215) that, if enacted, would make severe cuts to our nation's most vital anti-poverty programmes – such as food stamps, Medicaid, and child care.

Full story

Good news bears slim hopes in Niger's food crisis.

2005-11-16T13:06:00.000Z

Niger(MNN)--Niger's recent harvest may cut short a feared famine.

It's a slim hope in a country still trying to come back from multiple disasters that affected food security for over three and a half million people and killed thousands.

Full story

Evangelical scholars to tackle issues raised by ‘da Vinci Code’

2005-11-16T13:03:00.000Z

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (BP)--How did Christianity begin?

For centuries, the answer to that question was taken for granted, but the popularity of revisionist history like Dan Brown’s novel, “The da Vinci Code,” is causing the world’s largest society of evangelical scholars to once again defend Scripture against attacks on its truthfulness.

Full story

Docu-Drama Focuses on Martyred Missionaries

2005-11-16T12:59:00.000Z

In 1956 two worlds collided, beginning a journey beyond fear, beyond violence, beyond forgiveness. Now, Twentieth Century Fox goes beyond the big screen to bring a story of faith and forgiveness to the hearts of millions with its recent home video release of Beyond the Gates of Splendor.

Based on a true story inspired by Elisabeth Elliot's best-seller, Through Gates of Splendor, this award-winning documentary-drama highlights the lives of five North American missionaries -- Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Peter Fleming, Ed McCully and Roger Youderian -- who were brutally slain by the savage Waodani tribe in Ecuador. Vintage 16-mm films and still photographs combined with re-enactments and personal interviews of the surviving family members and Waodani tribesmen provide audiences with an authentic portrayal of a tragedy turned to triumph.

Full story

Queen addresses post-Christendom

2005-11-16T12:56:00.000Z

The Queen opened the Church of England's General Synod yesterday by addressing the post-Christendom context in which both church and state find themselves, suggesting the situation presented new opportunities for the church.

Full story

Pakistan minority leaders condemn arson attacks on churches

2005-11-16T12:52:00.000Z

Church leaders and representatives of other Pakistani minority communities have united to denounce a series of arson attacks on churches and Christian settlements in the rural town of Sangla Hill in the Punjab province.

Full story

Soul Obession by Nicky Cruz

2005-11-15T20:30:00.000Z

Read a review of Nicky Cruz's new book

Priest Idol

2005-11-14T21:16:00.000Z

The first episode of a three part series called Priest Idol was shown on Channel 4 tonight. For the last year the television cameras have been following Father James McCaskill around as he took up the job of vicar at St Magdalene, the only remaining church left in Lundwood.

Lundwood is a village on the outskirts of Barnsley. It was once a mining town, but since the last pit was closed in 1991 the area has been in decline. There is high unemployment in the village, drug problems and teenage pregnancies. Village life seems to focus around the community centre. St Magdalene's, is struggling to make an impact in Lundwood. The church building is not in the best condition, the congregation just about reaches double figure and most of them are over 50 years old.

The Archdeacon of Pontefract, whose responsibilities include Lundwood, has advertised for a new vicar. Only one person applied an American priest from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After being given a tour of the local area and surviving an interview with the church wardens he is offered the job and accepts it. There is one small catch, in the bottom of his contract is a clause saying that television cameras would be following him as they are making a documentary in the parish!

The new priest goes to the local community centre and introduces himself and invites the people to come to church. One or two said they would, but most people were apathetic towards the church. The Archdeacon conducts the new priests induction service and there are three new people in the congregation. However, two of them are James' parents!

The priest is determined to see numbers grow in the church and whenever possible invites people to come along to the 10am Sunday morning service. Unfortuantely, church numbers continue to remain low. However, James is not easily discouraged and continues to build up relationships with the local people. He is particularly keen to see young people come to church. The priest goes along to the local comedy club and strikes up a friendship with the local comedian Toby Foster, who gives him some coaching in sermon delivery.

The Archdeacon of Pontefract in a bold move calls in a marketing team, called Propaganda based in Leeds to "sell God." The marketing team visit Lundwood and begin to realise that this will not be an easy job, especially when the priest tells them that he wants to see teenagers in the church. Some of the marketing team interviewed some local teenagers to get their views on God and the church.

James continues to build up relationships and again ponders how to get young people to church. He visits the local boxing club and asks the trainer for advice. In addition he visits a local school and is quizzed by many of the young people. He starts to realise that he needs to offer them something different to the normal Sunday morning 10am service. The priest has a pizza evening after school at church which is popular and enables him to continue to build up relationships.

As Christmas approaches some of the village school choir agree to sing in the Christmas carol service. At last a group of teenagers come along to the church for a service. The priest asks them to remember where they are and to behave in church and remove their baseball hats. The teenagers sat down during some singing which upset a congregation member, who then told them to stop wearing their baseball hats inside the church. Sadly they walked out of the service and the priest looked disappointed.

The program finished with the priest on a ladder painting over some derogatory graffiti concerning God on a roof in the church grounds. He seemed quite discouraged, but not willing to give up the struggle.

Personally speaking I admire the courage of James McCaskill in taking on this role. Lundwood is a tough area and many priests would not envy him. I guess that's why he was the only one who applied for the position!

BBC poll shows changes in faith and secularism across UK

2005-11-14T13:15:00.000Z

I'm not sure who exactly they interview for these "faith polls" but I have never been asked! Still you may find the following interesting if you like polls.

A new opinion poll conducted by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) suggests a persistence of religious belief in the UK, a growth in outright secularism, and widespread ignorance of other people’s convictions among different faith communities

Full story

Remembrance Sunday

2005-11-13T18:18:00.000Z

Today is remembrance Sunday. This is the day where we remember those who died in wars whilst serving their country. For many it will bring back painful memories of loved ones and friends who did not return from combat. Along with many others we had two minute silence in Church at 11am today. There were some members of our congregation who were wearing their medals today. Some of these were from the second world war, whilst others were from more recent conflicts.

It was mentioned in our Church service today how soldiers were prepared to lay down their life for their country. This is a message that Christians can relate to, as it reminds us how God sent his only son Jesus who laid down his own life for us so that we might live. By dying for us Jesus defeated sin and death on the cross and made it possible for us to receive God's forgiveness and assurance of eternal life. All we need do is cry out to him today.

Mission Bell - Delirious?

2005-11-12T21:21:00.000Z

TodayI bought "Mission Bell" which is the new Delirious CD. I'm currently listening to it for the second time as I write. My initial impression of it is that both the music and lyrics are very strong. If you are a Delirious fan then obviously it's essential listening and I think that any Christian who has an interest in music should check it out.

The following two items are from the unofficial Delirious website run by Dave Wood and make good reading:

Mission Bell CD review

Mission Bell CD lyrics

Christian aid groups launch virtual gifts for Christmas

2005-11-12T11:09:00.000Z

Christian aid groups are making their mark in the run up to Christmas by launching a range of innovative and creative virtual gifts which will provide some great inspiration for shoppers, but also aid some of the world's poorest people.

Full story

Prayer Patrol in Bristol

2005-11-11T22:31:00.000Z

On the ITV news tonight there was a feature on a road in Bristol which has won the dubious reputation of being the worst street for crime in the country. ITV sent one of their news team to live there for 4 days so that they could get an idea of what life was like in that area.

By 11am in the morning the prostitutes are out looking for clients so that they might fund their drug habits. One of them was interviewed by ITV and she said that she was 33 years old and had been hooked on heroin for 18 years. She admitted that her life was in a sad state but was powerless to do anything about it. It was sad listening to her speaking and to see her life being destroyed by drugs.

One of the local residents took the ITV man to a local park and the place was full of heroin needles. Parents refuse to let their children play in this park.

However, in this area with so many problems and much apparent misery a brave group of people are taking to the streets. They are the Prayer Patrol. The Prayer Patrol are a group of brave Christians who are walking the streets and using the power of prayer to bring change to the area. Here are some pictures of them at work.

Don't forget to pray for these brave Christians who are out there on the front line trying to influence the area for Christ. Here is an interview with the leader Rev Dawnecia Palmer

The Cross Is Not Fashionable

2005-11-11T17:18:00.000Z

Read this excellent article by Robert Michaels on the "The Cross is Not Fashionable"

Spiritual Warfare

2005-11-10T08:51:00.000Z

Last night at housegroups we continued our studies on "Angels" by looking at the subject of spiritual warfare. The passage we used as the basis of our study was Ephesians 6:10-20.

This particular section of scripture is very descriptive as Paul uses the example of a Roman soldier and his attire to illustrate his point. Everyone in Ephesus and the world of the early Church would have been very familar with the sight of a Roman soldier. In fact every time they saw a Roman soldier it would have been a reminder to them of this portion of scripture.

Every Christian whether they like it or not is involved in a spiritual battle. We cannot choose to avoid it. However, it can be easy to become unbalanced on spiritual warfare. Some Christians do not believe in a personal devil, whilst others see the devil hiding under every stone. Both positions are incorrect.

If you wish to grow as a Christian and to be used by God at some stage you will encounter spiritual opposition. This can come in varying forms. Much of Jesus' oppposition came from religious people. In fact religious people can still be a problem!

In Ephesians 6:11 and Ephesians 6:13 Paul states the importance of putting on the full armour of God. One of the dangers of not putting on the full armour and only putting some of it on is that we can leave ourself open to attack. The devil is a crafty enemy and he knows our weak points so it is very important that we wear the full armour and not give the devil a foothold.

Prayer is a very important weapon in our struggle. Both personal prayer and communal prayer. In Ephesians 6:19-20 Paul is not hesitant in asking his fellow Christian brothers and sisters to pray for him. He actually gives them specific prayer requests. It is very helpful to have someone with whom you can share your prayer requests. This might be a prayer partner or members of your housegroup. In the exact opposite way to which the world works in admitting your weakness you can find strength to continue through the prayers of the saints.

Whilst it is important not to underestimate the power of our enemy, don't forget that Jesus defeated on on the cross as Colossians 2:15 reminds us.

House Church Leader Jailed For Three Years As Chinese President Visits UK

2005-11-09T13:26:00.000Z

On the day Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in the United Kingdom, Pastor Cai Zhuohua, a prominent Beijing house church leader, was sentenced to three years. He will appeal to Beijing Intermediate Court.

Full story

Brother Andrew Interview

2005-11-09T13:22:00.000Z

Listen to the Brother Andrew Interview

Reformation in Foreign Missions

2005-11-08T20:38:00.000Z

"Reformation in Foreign Missions" is a book written by Bob Finley. I have not personally read it, to be honest I only learnt about it 5 minutes ago! This is though a very interesting review I read on the book from the Christian Aid website.

I've also found another review of the book on David Mays website too which goes into slightly more depth.

I think this book will certainly get many missionary organisations thinking!

Are the Hurricanes God's judgement on USA?

2005-11-08T12:52:00.000Z

I read an article on a website last week in which the writer was saying that he believed that the recent hurricanes in New Orleans, Florida and the Mexican coast were God's judgement on those various cities and towns. In the article he mentioned reasons why these particular places were judged. It was an interesting article that made you think.

Personally speaking I would not be as confident as the person who wrote the article in making this claim. If anyone asks me this question directly I think I will have to say I do not know the answer to it! That might sound like an easy answer, but I do not find those questions easy to address.

On the UCB website today there is an interesting article by R T Kendall on this question. Have a read and see what you think?

French Riots

2005-11-08T12:50:00.000Z

More than a week of violence in France has missionaries on alert. While the violence has only claimed one life so far, nearly 1,500 vehicles have been burned as minority-Muslim youth ravage the streets.

Full story

As the streets riots that began primarily among young migrants in Paris 12 days ago spread across the country, at least two churches and a number of mosques have been impacted by the continuing wave of unrest.

Full story

Narnia to be inspiration for Christmas services

2005-11-07T21:41:00.000Z

The new Chronicles of Narnia film is to set the scene for church services across the country this Christmas. The connection between the author CS Lewis’ Narnia stories and the Christian Gospel is well known and the tales are said beautifully illustrate the Christian story.

Full story

American know-how helps vicar breathe new life into parish

2005-11-07T20:08:00.000Z

An American vicar hired to resuscitate a dying parish has more than quadrupled his congregation with an innovative marketing campaign.
In an experiment that will be watched across the Church of England, the Rev James McCaskill was given the seemingly impossible task of reversing the fortunes of the parish of St Mary Magdalene in Lundwood, a former mining community near Barnsley.

Full story

Prisoners find 'oldest church'

2005-11-07T20:06:00.000Z

Archaeologists have discovered what they believe to be the oldest Christian church in the Holy Land, dating back to the 3rd or 4th century.
The find was at the most incongruous of sites — inside a high-security Israeli prison holding Hamas and Islamic Jihad prisoners near the biblical site of Armageddon, now Megiddo.

Full story

Pray for the Church in Belarus

2005-11-07T13:19:00.000Z

The Church in Belarus is in need of our prayer support as they face some difficult times.

Belarusian Christians fined again for worship

A missions team confirms trouble reports in Belarus

Billy Graham

2005-11-07T13:18:00.000Z

As Dr. Billy Graham gets ready to celebrate his 87th birthday next week, official word has come from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association that his final large venue crusade at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York, held between June 24-26, 2005, was in fact his last.

Full story

The Parable of the Ten Maidens or Virgins

2005-11-06T18:46:00.000Z

First Sunday of the month is the family service at my Church. This is taken by lay members of the congregation as opposed to the clergy. The sermon was taken from Matthew 25:1-13 which is the parable of the ten maidens or virgins depending on which translation one uses. However, whatever version you use the challenge is still the same - are you ready for the return of Christ?

The preacher was encouraging us to be ready for His return and to make sure we are fully prepared. From a personal viewpoint I know it can be very easy to drift along as a Christian and forget about the return of Christ. We need to remain alert and to keep our focus on God each day. One of the best ways to do this is to ensure that we read our Bibles and pray daily. Spending time with God each day should be high on our priority list.

The service finished with "Shine Jesus, Shine" - and only lasted 35 minutes too!

Strange Times

2005-11-05T10:29:00.000Z

Last night we put our heating on for the winter. Although that might not sound like the most fascinating piece of information you've ever heard, it's actually a month later then I would normally do that. October in Farnborough has been very mild! I'm not sure whether it's what the experts call "global warming" but the weather in England seems to be different from when I was a child. In those days we had four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. We just don't seem to get that any more. Where have the frosts gone? Even today as I look out of the window there is bright sunshine. These are strange times weather wise!

Open Doors Resource Pack For International Day of Prayer

2005-11-04T21:54:00.000Z

Egi Latapapua, an Indonesian mother and widow whose husband was shot dead by Islamic extremists three years ago and Hamid Pourmand, imprisoned in Iran since last year for his Christian faith, are just two of the of the faithful Christians featured in the Open Doors International Day of Prayer (IDOP) pack for November 6, 2005.

Full story

Christians Team up to Help Pakistani Quake Victims

2005-11-04T21:52:00.000Z

Pakistan (MNN) -- As the death toll continues to climb in the aftermath of the Pakistan earthquake, Christians are trying to prevent more death. Many are now suffering from the residual affects of the disaster.
HCJB World Radio's seven member medical team is in Pakistan, assisting SIM International reach out with God's love. HCJB's Brad Quist is on the ground there. "SIM was very concerned about the health care needs of earthquake victims in Pakistan and they put out a call to various agencies asking for help. And, so HCJB offered to send a medical team."

Full story

Respect Award Dedicated in Memory of Murdered Liverpool Teenager

2005-11-04T21:49:00.000Z

Anthony Walker, the Liverpool school boy murdered in July, will be remembered at a national awards ceremony next week. The Champions of Respect awards honour young people making a positive contribution to their communities. The event on 10 November is organised by the Evangelical Alliance who have dedicated the top prize in memory of the teenager, who attended an Alliance member church.

Full story

God's unfailing love

2005-11-04T13:02:00.000Z

I read Psalm 33 this morning which contained the following verses:

"But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the LORD;he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice,for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us,O LORD,even as we put our hope in you."

It's good to know that despite the surprises and uncertainties that life throws at us we can place our hope in God's unfailing love. That is one thing that is constant and trustworthy. God's love is always there as Paul said to the church in Roman "Nothing can separate us from the love of God." That does not mean that everything will go our way or that we will not be confused at times and wonder why God has allowed things to happen. However, it does mean we can put our faith in his eternal love.

Lamentations 3 says:

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;great is your faithfulness."

The challenge for us all is to continue to put our trust in his love even through difficult and challenging times.

Change

2005-11-03T19:49:00.000Z

I went on a course today at work called "Managing Change." My employer has recently merged with another company and therefore there is change on the horizon. Some people's working patterns will change and others will be doing different jobs with new responsibilities. Staff will react to this in differing ways, some will embrace change and some will resist it. There will be some who will look back on what they perceive as the good old days and will remember those days with fondness and not want to move forward and change.

As Christians we can too face this problem. We all know that there are changes that need to be made in our individual and Church lifes but we can be very resistant to change. After God rescued the Israelites from Pharaoh it didn't take them long to start complaining and saying that they wanted to go back to Egypt. They seemed to have had rather selective memory about the past they left behind in Egypt. It suddenly seemed very appealing and they quickly forgot about the hardships they had endured under Pharaoh.

How do we react when we feel God wants changes in our lifes? Do we rejoice that He is refining us and changing us to be conformed to His image or do we resist and moan? Lets ensure that with God's grace that we embrace change and grew in our relationship with Christ.

A Brave Lady

2005-11-03T12:58:00.000Z

Yesterday was the funeral of Rosa Parks whose refusal to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in Montgomery prompted a mass black boycott of buses, organised by Rev Martin Luther King Jr. The movement culminated in the 1964 Civil Rights Act and an end to segregation, but not without cost to Mrs Parks, who was forced to leave Alabama for Detroit as a result of a hate campaign.

Full story

Housegroups

2005-11-02T13:13:00.000Z

It's housegroups again tonight and our group will be continuing our study on Angels. This week we are looking at Mark 5:1-20 where Jesus casts the demon out of the possessed man and sends it into the pigs who then drown in the lake. What a transformation in the man after he had met with Jesus! It can be best sumed up in Jesus' words to him at the end of this passage:

'As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.'

I bet they were amazed! What a change in his life. We need to see more of those sort of changes in people's life for God's glory.

Read the Gospels in 24 days!

2005-11-01T13:28:00.000Z

Do you have 20 minutes to spare each day? If so thats all you need to read all four Gospels in 24 days. Please see the link below:

Read the Gospels in 24 days!

I am helped

2005-11-01T08:54:00.000Z

In Psalm 28 David says,

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."

The Psalms that David wrote are very real, he expresses his fears, worries, joys and longings in them. What has struck me in particular about this one is the phrase, "my heart trusts in him, and I am helped." All of us whoever we are face problems in life. It does not matter whether we are rich or poor, black or white, Christian or not a Christian, we all face problems. Some of these may be big, some may be small. David showed us a good strategy for dealing with these problems. His heart trusted in God and he was helped. If we can focus on God and his goodness and trust in him with our hearts we will be helped. That does not mean we will not face problems or difficulties. In fact Jesus said in John 16 we would face trials in the world.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Lets endeavour with God's grace to focus our hearts on him and be helped.

Whom shall I fear?

2005-10-31T21:39:00.000Z

In Psalm 27:1, David says

"The LORD is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?"

Throughout his life David found himself in many dangerous and potentially fearful situations. Yet in this Psalm he puts his fear into perspective. David concentrates his thoughts on God and the fact that the Lord is the light, salvation and stronghold of his life. Once he does this he is able to boldly proclaim the question "whom shall I fear?" and "of whom shall I be afraid." The answer is no-one! David is seeing things from God's prospective and is therefore able to face all things confident in God's strength.

The key thing is to concentrate on God and not the fear! This puts the fear into its right place - beneath the feet of God.

The 100-Minute Bible

2005-10-31T18:41:00.000Z

This book, which retails at little more than the cost of a sandwich is, I think, a real gem! In summary it gives an overview of the main events and characters in the Bible. It is divided into 50 brief chapters, 17 from the Old Testament and the remainder taken from the New Testament. Most chapters include direct quotes from the Bible with well known passages, such as the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23, being reprinted in full. As a committed Christian who has read the Bible in its entirety on more than one occasion, I had my doubts about this mini version but I have to say I am impressed. Obviously constraints of time and space mean much is left out but what the publisher has chosen to include provides an excellent overview of the Bible and, quite rightly concentrates on Jesus’ life and his impact on ordinary people then, now and for all time to come.
I would certainly recommend this book to Christians and non-Christians alike. Indeed if any of your non-Christian family or friends have ever expressed an interest in reading the Bible but “haven’t got the time”, suggest they read this instead. In no way could it ever take the place of the Bible – the inspired word of God – and all that represents but it is an excellent place for them to start … hopefully they will be encouraged to go on and study a good version of the Bible for themselves.

UK churches and communities mark One World Week

2005-10-31T13:15:00.000Z

Hundreds of churches across the UK marked the climax of the annual global education initiative One World week on Sunday, encouraging their members to make concrete promises, large and small, to build a better world in 2006.

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National conference to look at fairer finance

2005-10-31T13:13:00.000Z

Debt on our Doorstep, a campaign which includes dozens of Christian groups and churches, has announced it is to hold a national conference on fair finance next month.

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Latest killings in Uganda alarm church agencies

2005-10-30T19:49:00.000Z

The Catholic Fund for Overseas Development (CAFOD) in the UK has expressed shock and saddness at the news this weekend of the killing last week of Okot Stalin, a Caritas worker, in an attack near Kitgum, Uganda. He was shot dead by suspected rebels of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) as he drove his motorcycle along the Kitgum-Mucwini road on his way to monitoring a programme. This was one of three separate attacks on aid workers in the region in which two people died and four were critically injured.

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Pure Heart

2005-10-30T19:41:00.000Z

I read the following words in Psalm 24 today:

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD ? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.

Something that I'm becoming very conscious of this year is that God looks into our heart. He can see what is going on inside us. Now that can be a bit scary. We can either run away from God or we can cry out to God to cleanse us of our sin and give us a pure heart. In Psalm 51 David prayed "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Let us too like David cry out to God for a pure heart.

Southern Baptists reach out to Hurricane Wilma victims in Mexico

2005-10-29T11:09:00.000+01:00

Mexico (MNN) -- Mexicans are still picking up the pieces after Hurricane Wilma hit the Yucatan Peninsula October 22nd. The Category 3 storm with 125 mile per hour winds claimed eight lives and caused wide-spread damage.The Southern Baptist International Mission Board is reaching out to help. IMB missionary Doug Millar says, "Our main concern at this point is just the health and safety of people, to get food and water -- primarily just keeping folks alive."

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God's not a spoilsport!

2005-10-29T10:58:00.000+01:00

Just been reading Leviticus 18 this morning which in the NIV translation is headed " Unlawful Sexual Relations." In this passage God gives Moses a list of unlawful sexual relations. Many of the verses start with the phrase "Do not". This is not because God is a spoilsport or killjoy. It's because He did and still does not want His people to defile themselves. If we defile ourselves it is us who suffer and have to bear the consequences. Let's remember that God knows best and His ways are best.

Christianity is becoming popular with China's urban elite, report says

2005-10-28T21:19:00.000+01:00

China (MNN/OMF) -- Christianity appears to be spreading among the usually skeptical urban elite, an OMF report says.It's almost impossible to quantify the total number of Christians in China. Authorities try to prevent surveys by foreign or Chinese researchers that might challenge the official view that Christianity is still a marginal phenomenon. However, authorities may actually be backing away from that claim.

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A mission agency gets at the heart of what it means to 'reach Africa for Christ.'

2005-10-28T21:17:00.000+01:00

South Africa (MNN)--One of OMS International's main projects in Africa is "Into Africa." The program establishes and encourages Christ-centered churches throughout the continent. OMS's Ray Airosa (a-rohz-a) oversees the church planting ministries of the project. It's not the evangelism that presents the test of their work, it's what comes after the decision to follow Christ. "Somebody said that your Christianity can be six miles wide, but only an inch deep. Our greatest challenge," explains Airosa, "is for true discipleship, for us to be challenging people with the truth, so that their lives become deeply rooted in Jesus Christ, and so that it's not superficial Christianity."

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Winter is on the horizon and earthquake victims in Pakistan are at risk.

2005-10-28T21:14:00.000+01:00

Pakistan (MNN) -- It's being called a race against time. The relief effort in Pakistan is immense as more than 50,000 people were killed, 74,000 injured and an estimated three million homeless. Tens of thousands of people remain stranded, unable to get food, water or shelter.

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Trusting in God

2005-10-28T08:53:00.000+01:00

I read Psalm 20 and Psalm 21 this morning and verses 7 of both chapters have a similar theme:

Psalm 20:7 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."

Psalm 21:7 "For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken."

We all face many problems and difficulties we face in life and the only thing that can provide us hope is trusting in God. Something to ponder today!

Bible Reading Plans

2005-10-27T22:47:00.000+01:00

Sometimes it can be difficult to know which part of the Bible to read. There are many well known devotional reading aids like "Every Day with Jesus" written by Selwyn Hughes which are very helpful.

What happens if you decide that you wish to read the whole Bible in a year? Again there are many very good aids available to assist you. I'm currently using one designed by Rev R.M. M'Cheyne and would recommend it. It's available from http://hippocampusextensions.com/mcheyneplan.html and if you follow it in the course of a year you will read the Old Testament once,and the New Testament and Psalms twice. The readings only take 20 minutes a day so it's not too difficult to fit them in. I personally read half of the days readings in the morning and the other half in the evening. So basically two 10 minute sessions per day. A worthwhile investment of your time!

UN warns of worsening situation in Darfur

2005-10-27T22:42:00.000+01:00

Backing frequent recent warnings from church and human rights groups in the US and beyond, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres, has said that the situation in the Darfur region of Sudan is once again deteriorating sharply.

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Psalm 19

2005-10-27T13:25:00.000+01:00

What better way to start the day by praying the following words from Psalm 19:14

" May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

Isaiah 14

2005-10-26T13:22:00.000+01:00

Housegroup tonight and we continue our study on Angels looking at Isaiah 14. Any Bible scholars out there will know that Isaiah 14:12-15 is a passage that many people believe refers to the devil being kicked out of heaven. I most confess until last night I too thought this. However, after looking at some on-line commentaries on Isaiah 14 it appears I may be wrong! It would appear that if you study the context of the passage and the translation of certain Hebrew words Isaiah 14:12-15 may actually be refering to the king of Babylon and not the devil.

One of our local clergy has sent me an essay he did on this passage in which he concludes too that Isaiah is refering to the king of Babylon. I shall have to study this matter for myself!

This hopefully will teach me to study carefully what the Scriptures say and not just to assume things without checking them out first.

Christians need to remember Sudan, crisis continues

2005-10-25T20:38:00.000+01:00

Sudan faces multiple problems even though a peace deal is still in force. The issues include an emergency food crisis, lack of housing, long rainy season, and the expansion of Islam. Persecution Project Foundation says the time is now for Christians to be involved.

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I have resolved that my mouth will not sin

2005-10-25T13:11:00.000+01:00

This morning in my Bible readings I came across the following verse, which is taken from Psalm 17:3

"Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin."

The second half of the verse is the part that interested me. I have been reading the book of Proverbs recently which contains plenty of verses about the power of the tongue and the trouble it can get us into if it's not controlled properly. I expect most of us have experienced this in our life at some time or other! We've probably wished that we have kept our mouth closed on many occassions as the words leave our lips and we think "Oh no, I wished I had not said that."

It's very easy to blame other people or circumstances for us saying things that we regretted later. Most of us I guess find it difficult to take personal responsibility for our words. In this verse David is making a personal commitment that his mouth would not sin. He is not blaming others. David is taking full responsibility for his words and is determined to do something about them. This is a resolution that I need to make every morning and certainly before I open my mouth to criticise someone. Can you imagine the incredible witness it would be if all Christians made this commitment every day? Why not try it?

The Promise of Narnia: Will They Get it Right?

2005-10-24T21:24:00.000+01:00

(AgapePress) - In a recent interview on Faith Radio, Bob Crittenden was asked what has come to be the defining question on the upcoming film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: Can Christians trust Disney to faithfully deliver Lewis' book to the silver screen?

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European Evangelicals Committed to Transform Europe with Biblical Truth

2005-10-24T13:28:00.000+01:00

Evangelicals in Europe have committed to the holistic mission of transforming Europe on all levels with a larger network during the largest European Evangelical Alliance assembly in Portugal this week.

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Monday Morning

2005-10-24T13:03:00.000+01:00

It's Monday morning. You get out of bed, it's dark and is pouring with rain. The drive to work is difficult and you would rather be at home. This is know as the Monday morning feeling!

It can be difficult to motivate yourself and this is where you need to pray and ask for God's help and remember Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

Campaigners give qualified welcome to Nigeria debt deal

2005-10-23T20:17:00.000+01:00

Both Christian Aid in Britain and the Jubilee USA network of church and secular action groups have welcomed the move from rich country creditors to write off a substantial portion of Nigeria's debt.

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