Hebrews 12:2

AN UNUSUAL PURCHASE

(March 27, 2024) Dr Robert McQuillan shares…

I’ve shared about this subject before, but felt led to reshare some aspects because of something that happened this very week.

Do note that while this article is somewhat sombre, it is a reality one of thanksgiving for the major thing that our empathising, suffering Saviour did for us! Hallelujah… He’s alive and returning King, Lord and friend!

Stunned
It was Easter time some years ago when I discovered it. I’d been casually browsing through a local store with Maureen when I suddenly noticed the most unusual object that stood out among other wall hangings.

It was a cross that so grabbed my attention that I sort of froze. I was immediately reminded of Jesus suffering for us on Calvary’s cross, the horror of those nails being driven into our Saviour. He would have been weak already from the mishandling He’d received from His tormentors… now He’s been bound and nailed to that crossbar joined to the upright forming a cross!

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WHEN THE CROSS BECOMES AN IDOL…

(April 03, 2023) Geri B challenges…

We have all heard the saying, ‘The only thing we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history!’   And unfortunately, this can oft be said that as Christians we ignore the lessons of the Old Testament, the warnings of the New Testament, and repeat the sins of Israel in our day and age.

Let me hone in on one example: that of the elevation of the symbol of the cross not only in traditional denominations, but also increasingly throughout independent and pentecostal churches; which at times overshadows the work of redemption done by Christ through the shedding of His blood  that washed away our sins forever.

I would even go so far as to say that the cross has become a focus for worship, rather than the Lord Jesus Christ! Not deliberately I suspect; but most certainly in a way that detracts from the focus on Christ that God the Father requires.

We are lifting up a cross, and an empty one at that; rather than exalting the one who was crucified on it, and who has the power to grant us life, eternal life!

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ARE YOU CRAZY? I’M NOT DOING THAT!

(August 22, 2022) Robert and Maureen McQuillan ask…

Ever had a challenge, even a simple one and your decision was along the lines above? Huh? Even though it had to do with your ministry, current or future?

Or simply a life choice.

Decisions… choices!
Life is full of them! Every new day we have to make them! Right from the moment we awake… deciding to get up, what to wear, which brekkie, then decisions whether at home or at business about this and that throughout the day!

Come to think about it, we had to decide to write this article!

Dictionaries tell us that ‘decision’ means ‘a choice that you make about something after thinking about several possibilities.’ So decisions and choices link together. Scripture too mentions this word ‘decision’… as you’ll find in various versions.

Decision-making isn’t always easy… but it has to be done for various reasons, some easy, some difficult. 

Even Jesus had to make hard decisions
There came a moment in His life, His ministry, when Jesus had to make a very hard decision – whether or not to move ahead, even at great personal cost.

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CANCELLING JESUS

(February 02, 2022)Dr Jim McClure, noted theologian, shares about a current concern …

In these past few years a new phrase has been incorporated into the English language – ‘Cancel culture.’

 ‘Cancelling’ is a tool highly favoured by those who embrace the philosophy of ‘political correctness’ which vigorously tries to reset social values by promoting social and moral values that contradict historic (largely Judeo-Christian) values of right and wrong.  Those who embrace this philosophy, which is gaining strength through the media, attempt to punish, shame, ostracise and eliminate all references to well-known people (especially those in the media and in professional circles) with whom they disagree.

Under the pretext of showing mutual respect for the values, views and opinions of others, those in the ‘cancel culture’ movement actually and actively try to silence those who express alternative values and morals. A recent example of this is the popular author J.K. Rowlings, the author of the Harry Potter books whose critics have called for a boycott of her books.  Personally I do not like the theme of those books, however the ‘cancel brigade’ have vigorously attacked her for voicing her opinion that gender is determined by biology.

Dangerous to be a Christian
I mention this because…

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RELAX IN TROUBLING TIMES!

(April 07, 2020) Maureen McQuillan encourages …

It seems that many times in life we go through a spiritually dry period where we’re fighting difficult circumstances, sicknesses, doubts, fears, other personal troubles – and perhaps our great enemy, Satan.

The reality is that often the real problem is that we’re fighting in our own strength!

Trusting God in storms
And so we become weary spiritually, physcially,emotionally and even mentally. Much energy is expended with few satisfying results. This is when we need to recall some of the many scriptures which assure us that the Lord will fight for us – if only we will let him!  Eg –

  • Exodus14:14 – ‘The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.’
  • Deuteronomy 1:30 – ‘The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you.’
  • 2 Corinthians 10:4 – ‘The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.’

Admittedly Paul talks of fighting… but this is in respect of the ‘good fight of faith’ (1 Timothy 6:12) – not one of a personal, draining struggle, but of really relaxing by trusting God in the midst of whatever storm that we’re facing. That is to say, trusting God to bring us through whatever the storm may be, even this current covid-19 pandemic.

 In other words, when faced with difficulties, seemingly insurmountable problems or whatever, we do as scripture urges – we hand the battle over to the Lord who is stronger and wiser than us. Then, and only then we can trust him for the victory… in his timing. (more…)

KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS

(April 21, 2018) Carol Round asks …

Do you find it difficult sometimes to keep your eyes on Jesus? I know I do.

When we find our lives spiralling out-of-control with unexpected illnesses, the death of a loved one, family dysfunction or worldwide uncertainty, it’s often easier to wring our hands in despair than to turn to the one who gave his life for us.

Jesus never promised us a life of luxury or one without pain and heartache. Look at his life, lived simply and ending in an agonising death. But he did promise to be with us during our trials.

Smiles from a servant’s heart
Recently, I was blessed to have lunch at an assisted living facility with a friend who will turn 90 later this year. As each of her table companions joined us to eat, Josie introduced me. I’m certain my friend is the oldest of the five women, but you wouldn’t have guessed it by her actions.

Before the others arrived and I could assist her, Josie had parked her walker and moved a chair from a nearby table and placed it next to hers – for me. When I realised her intent, I admonished her and said, ‘Josie, you should let me do that.

Then, when the last of our tablemates joined us, Josie rose to help manoeuvre her friend’s walker and pull back her dining room chair so she could be seated. When she returned to her seat, I said, ‘Josie, you have a servant’s heart.’ She just smiled. (more…)