James says that the reason we can smile in the face of trials is that our trials are measured out in order to produce a mature, steadfast faith. God wants us to grow up, and trials are the real-time, real-life circumstances that God employs to bring it about. Count it all joy, … [Read more...] about Various Trials
Faith
The Mighty Sparrow
A sparrow, said Jesus, has a street value of about five cents. And yet, despite its fragility and despite its relatively low value, apart from the Father's will, you just can't knock one down. The point being that, if God eyeballs the sparrow with such care and attention, how … [Read more...] about The Mighty Sparrow
Because His Love is True
God loves the material world, for He made it. He loves us material beings, for He made us, and placed on us the highest honour by making us as those who bear His image. There is a tendency to reject the material world in favour of some idea of a super-spiritual Christianity. … [Read more...] about Because His Love is True
Heroes
The modern concept of heroism, much like the pagan view through the ages, is that of a man or woman who fights to defend their honour. By contrast, the biblical view of heroism belongs to those who seek to defend God's honour. In a pagan world, a man's honour is tied to his … [Read more...] about Heroes
Low-fat Christianity
We live in an age of doubters. People who are constantly worried about what a firm belief in the truth might do to their reputation. They are happy to taste the menu but refuse to let the truth go all the way down. Their convictions are more like wine tasting than wine … [Read more...] about Low-fat Christianity