Asking the hard question
(The below is a ‘article’ drafted for something else, but which I may or may not include, as it is quite direct. Be warned that it asks some hard questions that most avoid, or maybe...
04 August, 2012
Ministry Tag
Christianity’s greatest problem: The short-comings of Christians
“By this will all men know you are my disciples – your love for one another.” (Jesus, John 13:35) Christians are supposed to be different to those around them. They are supposed to be even more...
19 June, 2012
A 21st Century approach to evangelism
I am reading a 20 year old book (“Vision New Zealand”, 1993). It reflects on what is needed in evangelism in New Zealand, and is very thought provoking - as much as anything because the...
20 May, 2012
Twenty years on – how can we make change ‘sticky’?
This morning I started reading ‘New Vision New Zealand’, published in 1993. It was compiled by various national Christian leaders at that time, with Rev Dr Bruce Patrick being one of the key initiators. The...
13 May, 2012
Why ‘go to them’ proclamation ministry is needed
This week we have finally announced the ‘Hope Campaign’, which we (Shining Lights) plan to do in 2014 (God willing). I’ve created temporary webpages for this at www.shininglights.co/hope The weakening of proclamation ministry Many ‘proclamation’ ministries have become...
04 May, 2012
Is the Gospel of John in conflict with the other three gospels?
Here is a useful little bit of information. It is rare that we would need such knowledge - but more people would have doubts relating to such things than we would think. It’s just that...
30 April, 2012
It is possible – so can we afford not to? (personal reflection)
This is a ‘Shining Lights’ Vision update (not a regular blog thought) It is with excitement that I come into the office this morning. The plan in starting toward this ministries vision was that the first...
10 April, 2012
How early can Christian belief in the resurrection be evidenced?
Currently (in spare moments) I’m re-writing a booklets which is a part of a series on reasons for faith. The below is one of the points I’m having to summarise - and is good stuff...
22 March, 2012
Quality and Creativity (a Core Value)
Resource development update The last few weeks I’ve been giving some time to edits on the graphics of a series of tracts I’ve written. The design work is coming together, and I feel excited at seeing...
28 February, 2012
Good old earth
So, how old is the earth really? This is an issue of contention among Christian believers these days. This morning I read an article by an older NZ believer, and thought it a good, humble (including...
16 February, 2012
Evidence of postmodernism INSIDE the Christian Church
Recently I have been talking with pastors about postmodernism, and - in particular - its influence INSIDE our Churches. Rather than merely affecting the culture around, many inside our Churches are now questioning many of...
30 January, 2012
New Year: A word to motivate you to your Mission
A word to motivate you to your Mission as a Christian This is a reflection specifically for Christians. I note also that it's intended to motivate - not cause guilt. We often talk about the abundance of...
31 December, 2011
Report of a ‘missionary’ to NZ
Next Friday (9th December) will be a year since we arrived back in NZ. I title this the report of a ‘missionary’ because our primary support is currently from Singapore - so I thought the irony...
28 November, 2011
Prophecy fulfilled – so why the scepticism?
Biblical prophecy is an outstanding area of study, with no comparison. Norman Geisler and William Nix write, “Other books claim divine inspiration, such as the Koran, the Book of Mormon, and parts of the [Hindu] Veda. But none...
09 November, 2011
The archaeological journey to today
Christianity — a necessarily historically rooted faith The Apostle Paul’s said in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1Corinthians 15:14 - NIV). Christian...
10 October, 2011
The Idealisation of Eastern Religion in the West
(The below is a summary of a summary by Chuck Colson from the book How Now Shall We Live? in which he assessed the benefits and weaknesses of religious beliefs on human behaviour, and against...
16 September, 2011
A secure salvation and modern Church preaching – Part II
In Part I we discussed the necessity of good works to accompany salvation. While we are saved by God’s grace, through faith, we are saved for good works, and if the latter does not follow...
13 June, 2011
A secure salvation and modern Church preaching
Is our salvation as secure as the modern Church believes it to be? I wrote this reflection to myself some time ago, after visiting a Church and feeling uncomfortable with the 'soft' message I heard from...
30 May, 2011
The crisis of faith attrition in the young
This past week I drafted a booklet on faith attrition among our young. The week before I was very pleased to complete a first ‘Great Commission Series’, which is intended as a preaching resources for...
19 May, 2011
Go! (1 Corinthians 5:11 to 6:12)
General William Booth said these words. “What is your duty here? Oh that you realized your true business in this region of death! Having eyes, oh that you could see! Having ears, oh that you could...
20 April, 2011