Bye, Bin Laden
A few thoughts on the death of Osama bin Laden. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Yet God also laughs at man’s rebellious attempts, Islamic or otherwise, to overthrow the supremacy of the Lord Jesus. I don’t want to get carried away with glee over the death of an evil man, but as a redeemed sinner I can smile today in the knowledge that God’s justice is sure. Bin Laden’s death day was divinely appointed, after a long life of violence and hatred, and despite a superpower’s best efforts to kill him for almost ten years. God does permit such evil men to live on. Still: “Truly You set them in slippery places;You make them fall to ruin.How they are destroyed in a moment,swept away utterly by terrors!” (Psalm 73) Thinking back to that September 11, would anyone have predicted tha... Read more
In The Presence Of My Enemies
Martin and Gracia Burnham were American missionaries in the Philippines for seventeen years, when militant Muslims kidnapped and imprisoned them in their island stronghold. For over a year, Martin and Gracia suffered in captivity and isolation. A ransom was paid but the kidnappers refused to release the Burnhams. On June 7, 2002, Filipino troops attempted a rescue and during the fight, Martin was fatally shot in the chest. Gracia was airlifted to safety. The Burnhams' story became international news and in her grief, Gracia was still able to publicly claim God's sovereignty and goodness in their ordeal. In her book, In The Presence Of My Enemies, Gracia looks back on her captivity and in conclusion, speaks candidly about her personal struggle and her commitment to keep trusting in God i... Read more
Easter Is For Runners
"What is your most popular Easter egg?" I asked the lady at Darrell Lea. She pointed to a large-sized egg. "Oh, definitely the nougat egg -- the whole thing is filled with nougat!" Sounds way too sweet, I thought. No offence, nougat fans. For most people, Easter is a nougat egg. It's filled with sweetness (treats and a day off work) but the actual nourishment value may be questionable. Christians should see Easter as an opportunity to participate in evangelism -- to speak nourishing words of life. The best time you could spend this holiday is to contemplate on the Gospel and communicate it to others around you. The story of Christ's atonement and resurrection speaks powerfully to listeners, regardless of their age group or attitude. Consider: Each Gospel places its greatest emphasis... Read more
Jim Berg On Godliness
I'm taking a break this week. Here's five thoughts from Jim Berg on godliness: "Godliness is a vibrant, personal relationship with God that manifests itself in actions consistent with Who God is and with what He is doing in the earth." "Nothing erodes progress toward godliness more than today's entertainment mindset and the modern church's casual Christianity." "Energy, enthusiasm, and emotional experiences are no substitute for the daily, personal pursuit of Christ in the Word." "There is much going on between the godly man and his God, and his personal quiet time with God is measured, not by minutes a week but eventually by hours a week." "Godliness is not accidental; it is intentional." From Essential Virtues, a study on II Peter chapter 1. Well worth reading. You can buy it o... Read more
Australian, Baptist, Independent … And Calvinist?
I don't think of myself as a Calvinist, although I greatly benefit from Reformed theology. This was not always my experience. As a child, I once heard this horrified whisper in church concerning a newcomer: "I know about him. He's a Calvinist!" -- as if the man were an alien or baddie. In another church, I saw a man actually cover his ears during a sermon on predestination, so adamant was he against it. Clearly, what you believe concerning salvation has a profound effect, e.g. on your view of God and yourself, your assurance of salvation, and your approach to evangelism. Christians often define their theological understanding of salvation in terms of Calvinism or Arminianism. Coming from an independent Baptist background, I am curious whether most IBs in Australia hold a negative view... Read more
