Many of us are capable people, used to being able to sort out most of our own problems. In the developed world, most are educated, employment is generally high, and there is great pride in being self-sufficient. When problems come up, we can usually solve them or at least manage them. Of course, there is …
There are lots of different translations of the Bible. It’s the same book, but the translations read quite differently at times. On top of this, some Christians think their translation is the only one you should read. This can get very confusing! Let me try to cut through the technical arguments and simply explain what …
In Matthew 14, Jesus did some incredible things. He fed over 5000 people with a small amount of food. He walked on water. He calmed a storm. He healed all who came to him. The disciples worshipped him, and the people of Gennesaret flocked to him. And then the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the …
You can know true things about something and yet not know everything about it. I know a fair bit about gardening, for example. I love seeing things grow. I have been enjoying picking mangoes and figs from my garden lately, and I have a fair idea how to grow most vegetables. I know the basics …
We are all sinners who do terrible things. Most Christians would agree with that, but we cannot keep it abstract. I am a sinner who does specific things that hurt other people and hurt God, and sometimes I know what I have done and sometimes I do not. I cannot see my sin as clearly …
There were times in the past when you would get some kind of respect for being a Christian. Perhaps people would think that you must be ethical and reliable. People identifying as Christian might have once been preferred for public office in some countries. Those days are behind us. Christians now live in a culture …
If you’ve grown up in the West, honour and shame are probably not things that impact you very much. Westerners are not known for feeling shame deeply. If you do something embarrassing, that’s unfortunate but not that bad. If it’s funny, it may well end up on YouTube! Those who have grown up in the …
I want you to picture a scene. A couple have been married for over twenty years. They have been through good times and bad and have remained together. Theirs is a long and happy relationship. One day, the husband says to his wife over breakfast, “Dear, we know each other really well. I love you …
I have only recently returned to work after having the longest holiday I have had for years: a little over three weeks of rest. It has made me reflect on why we need rest and what it can teach us about ourselves and God. Rest is hard for many of us. If you’re usually a …
When we think of prayer, sometimes what think about are the carefully crafted prayers we hear in church and see in prayer books. You know the type of thing I mean. These are prayers with carefully thought-out structures, references and echoes from all kinds of different Bible passages, with confession and thanksgiving and prayer all …