As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God

I stumbled across the article with the above title while doing some web surfing recently.  It was written for the British newpaper TimesOnline just a few months ago.  Written by columnist Matthew Parris, it appears to be an honest look at Christian influence in Africa.  One paragraph to entice you to read the article:

Now a confirmed atheist, I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.

This is not just true for Africa but for every nation and every person.  The sad part is to be able to see Christ making a difference for others but not be convinced He can do the same for you.

Granted, Matthew Parris seems to be a colorful and controversial journalist, (check here for more on his life and career) but that does not make these thoughts any less true.

Grace and peace,

Dave 

Foxe's Book of Martyrs--FREE!!!!

I remember reading Foxe's Book of Martyrs several years ago and being deeply moved by the courage of many believers in Christ throughout the earlier years of Christianity.  Now you can get an audio version of this classic book for free.  That means you don't even have to read it! Someone will read it to you.  

I mentioned Christian Audio in an earlier post.  They offer a free audio download every month.  For the month of May it is Foxe's Book of Martyrs.  Here's what the Christian Audio website says about this book.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, many families owned two books: the Bible and Foxe's Book of Martyrs. This classic book arose during the Protestant Reformation and profoundly influenced many in the English Church. Beginning with Stephen and the earliest church martyrs and continuing through the French Revolution, Foxes details the sufferings of those who would courageously stand for Christ.

 Beginning with the story of Stephen from the book of Acts, considered the first Christian martyr, the drama builds to the passion of the early Church's persecution under the Roman Empire. The hardy and radical faith of those first believers spawned medieval missionary movements that spread the gospel across Europe and into England, Scotland, and Ireland.

You will have to set up an account with Christian Audio but there is no charge for that either.  So all you need is the link and you're on your way.  

Here you go:  Christian Audio free book for May

Grace and peace,

Dave

A Biblical Perspective on Death

I've been receiving a weekly email from Christian History.  The newest issue has an article that caught my attention, being on the same topic that I posted earlier this week--life after death.  This particular article features part of a Puritan funeral sermon from 1651 titled, A Believer's Last Day, His Best Day.  It's a great article.  I'll share a paragraph in hopes it will inspire you to read the rest.

"Death is another Moses: it delivers believers out of bondage, and from making bricks in Egypt. It is a day or year of jubilee to a gracious spirit—the year wherein he goes out free from all those cruel taskmasters which it had long groaned under..."

Here's the link to the rest of the article.

ChristianHistory.net is a publication of Christianity Today.  If you enjoy history this is a great site.  You can browse through different eras of Christian history.  There's even a section called This Week in Christian History.  

Grace and peace,

Dave

Habits

I've stopped putting lettuce on my sub.  I've stopped putting green relish on my hotdogs and hamburgers.  After forty some years of doing so I suddenly realized I don't really care  that much for those toppings and have  been doing it for years merely out of habit; a tradition I copied because everyone else I know did it that way.  Leaving the lettuce off won't make much difference to anyone except maybe my health, but I want to make a spiritual point.

How many other things do we do without really thinking about it simply because it has become habit?  Many "thoughtless" habits are good: brushing your teeth, putting on underwear, using your turn signal while driving.  But other things, especially spiritual things should never become merely habit.  One that comes to mind is giving thanks for meals.  I've spent my whole life doing it, but am I truly thankful or is it just habit?  Do I use the same words over and over again without really thinking about what I'm saying?  Bible reading and prayer can be the same way.  Getting into that habit is great.  Many people have trouble being consistent.  But it can also be not so good when we are just reading words or just saying words without thinking and actually listening and talking to God.

So what are you doing out of mere habit?  I challenge you to think through your life, especially your spiritual life, and make sure your relationship with Jesus is more than thoughtless habit.

Grace and peace,

Dave

 

Life After Death

Our church has said goodbye to two long-term members since Easter.  With that very much in mind, I preached a sermon this Sunday called "Death: The End or the Beginning?"  I asked the question: What difference does Jesus' resurrection make for us, right now today, as we mourn the loss of loved ones, and as each one of us march steadily toward death's door? 

I have no intention of reproducing the sermon here, but I would like to share the points of application.  Since we can all expect to die we should do what we can to prepare.  While still in college, Jim Elliot (martyred missionary) wrote in his journal, "When it comes time to die, make sure that all you have to do is die."  Here are four things we can each do--some for ourselves, some for those we'll leave behind, all for the glory of God.

*Make sure you are on the right road to Heaven through faith in Jesus Christ.  If you're not sure I'd be happy to be of assistance.

*Make sure you don't leave anything unsaid or undone in your relationships to let your loved ones know they are loved.  Forgive and ask forgiveness where necessary.

*Do some thinking and planning in regards to your funeral service.  The older and more settled we get, the more we can do, but I think it is important for everyone to put some thought into what songs and Scriptures you would like.  It is not only helpful to your pastor and your family, but can be your final earthly testimony.  Why let someone else choose your last words?

*Live everyday in light of Good Friday and Easter.  Daily think about and thank God for His provision of salvation and hope for eternity. 

Grace and peace,

Dave

He's Alive!

This is a powerful song of grace, forgiveness and resurrection.  
Wishing all of you a blessed Easter of hope and resurrection power no matter what you are facing.  Jesus is alive and more than able to meet any need!

Grace and peace,

Dave

A Sure Sign of Spring

We received a few more inches of snow this first week of April and we still have three foot snowbanks in our yard, but Spring is on the way.  I know it's officially here, but it sure has not felt like it.  But today I fired up the barbecue for the first time this year.  That is a sure sign of Spring from my perspective.  I know that some bbq all winter, but I'm not one of them.  So here I am in my winter coat with the temperature hovering around zero celsius, standing as close to the grill as possible to keep warm cooking hamburgers.  They were so good and my wife made her great potato salad to go along with them.  Forget the return of the birds.  We are a long way off from Spring flowers.  Firing up the bbq is the surest sign of Spring in our house.

Grace and peace,

Dave