You may be familiar with Dai Hankey’s lovely trilogy of books: Eric Says Thanks, Eric Says Sorry and Eric Says Please. In each one, a little lad called Eric discovers something epic about God. These stories are great for children who have little or no church background, as well as those from Christian families, as each story starts in the everyday life of Eric and the questions he asks or the trouble he faces.... continue reading
When I hear that from the lips of Jesus, I feel just as weak and overwhelmed as the first eleven disciples standing on the mountain. I’m daunted as I look at the sheer numbers of people who have never heard about Jesus in our world. In fact, come to that, I’m daunted by the number of people who live on my street. The task feels too big.... continue reading
A hard-working pastor, who labours in preaching and teaching, who cares for his people and prays for them, who leads the team that directs the affairs of the church, ought to be in no doubt that he is greatly valued. He ought to be free from crippling financial uncertainty and worries, so that he can give himself uninterruptedly to the noble task entrusted to his care.... continue reading
As a Christian, is it ok for me to watch [insert generic TV show with sex and/or violence]?... continue reading
I want to erase the two words that shut most of our prayers down. Here they are: “Be with…”... continue reading
Finally my professor summoned some courage and said, “Professor Tillich, that wasn’t really the student’s question. Could you answer the question the student actually asked?” The response was quick and withering: “No, because they aren’t asking the right questions.”... continue reading
A pastor’s visits one week included these two. The first was to a home where all was well. Ryan and Steph were prosperous; the home was pleasant; a good car sat on the driveway; the children were being educated in expensive schools; their manners were good; talent abounded.... continue reading
If we are just our brains—if our decisions are simply the product of synapses firing—are we really free in any meaningful sense? A number of scientists and philosophers strongly believe not. It may seem to us that our choices are freely made, but free will is actually an illusion, they argue. We simply do what our brains tell us.... continue reading
Telling Bible stories to children, at home or in church, is often a challenge. A younger sibling may be trying to eat the book, or poke someone in the eye. In toddler groups, someone is inevitably standing right in front of the book or making off with a visual aid. It’s not always easy to hold attention or make the story meaningful.... continue reading
When I read Paul’s prayers, I am always struck by the fact that many of the matters that are the focus of my prayers are absent in his.... continue reading
