[A guest post by Rev Canon J.John - www.philotrust.com] The bizarre preoccupation with Halloween shows no sign of abating. Indeed, the enthusiasm with which some shops are marketing this celebration of evil, death and the occult suggests that their owners are banking on huge sales of pumpkins, masks and witches’ hats.. Many concerns have been raised concerning Halloween over the years and the two most … Continue reading The Tragedy of Halloween
Cologne Cathedral – Working for Something that will Outlive You
The Cologne Cathedral is Germany’s most visited landmark, with an estimated 20,000 visitors each day of the year. It is a World Heritage Site and is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. What is most fascinating about this church building is the fact that it took 100s of years to build. The first part was constructed … Continue reading Cologne Cathedral – Working for Something that will Outlive You
Michelangelo’s Unknown Team Members
Michelangelo was one of the greatest artists of all time. He preferred to work in sculpture but became reknown for his paintings. It took a lot to persuade him to paint the ceiling of Sistine Chapel but it eventually became his most famous masterpiece. The walls were already painted with a multitude of stories of Moses … Continue reading Michelangelo’s Unknown Team Members
Turning Worry into Trust
Jesus once said to his disciples, "Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me (John 14:1)." In the Message Bible, Eugene Peterson translates Jesus' statement this way: "Don't let this throw you. You trust God, don't you? Trust me." Jesus tells his disciples to not allow their hearts to become … Continue reading Turning Worry into Trust
Teenagers: Act Now!
I saw this poster the other day ... you gotta laugh 🙂
4 Wrong Answers to the Question “Why Me?” by Tim Keller
Here is an excellent BLOG post by Tim Keller from Redeemer Church in New York City (August 6th, 2012) ... When I was diagnosed with cancer, the question "Why me?" was a natural one. Later, when I survived but others with the same kind of cancer died, I also had to ask, "Why me?" Suffering … Continue reading 4 Wrong Answers to the Question “Why Me?” by Tim Keller
Parables of the Growing Kingdom (Pt.3)
Our Response So what do we take away from the message of these parables about kingdom growth? What’s the application? What does this all mean for us today? A few thoughts ... 1. Be Patient - It's Guaranteed! Like The Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds, these parables teach us that God does have a plan for this … Continue reading Parables of the Growing Kingdom (Pt.3)
Parables of the Growing Kingdom (Pt.2)
The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Luke 13:18-19) The mustard seed was the smallest known seed in Palestine at the time (about a millimetre in diameter). It had become proverbial in that culture for ‘smallness’ (see Matthew 17:20). Over time it would normally grow to a bush or tree of about 2 metres in height … Continue reading Parables of the Growing Kingdom (Pt.2)
Parables of the Growing Kingdom (Pt.1)
On the day Socrates died (469-399 BC), it was clear that he would go down in history as one of the great philosophers in the Western world, someone who thoughts would be discussed in classrooms and hallways for centuries after he was gone. His contribution to the field of ethics and logic is renown, as … Continue reading Parables of the Growing Kingdom (Pt.1)
Communion on the Moon
A few months ago I was privileged to meet Charlie Duke, the tenth person to have walked on the moon. At the event I attended, he shared some amazing stories about his experiences in space. What was most moving for me, was hearing him speak about his conversion story and his current relationship with Jesus … Continue reading Communion on the Moon
Foster Parenting
In response to Jesus' Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, you can't help but be prompted to take action by doing something for someone in need, such as sponsoring a child or volunteering some time to community organisations who are doing good work in the community. Another excellent ministry to consider is becoming a … Continue reading Foster Parenting
“Who is this Man?” by John Ortberg
With over 1,500 new books about Jesus being published every year, why read another book about Jesus? John Ortberg's latest book Who is this Man? The Unpredictable Impact of this Inescapable Man is well worth reading as it gives us a fresh and inspiring look at Jesus and his impact on history. New Testament scholar and … Continue reading “Who is this Man?” by John Ortberg
Leadership Quotes (Pt.4)
And finally ... 31. "Probably my best quality as a coach is that I ask a lot of challenging questions and I let the person come up with the answer." Phil Dixon 32. "The quality of the leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves." Ray Kroc 33. "No one will make a … Continue reading Leadership Quotes (Pt.4)
Leadership Quotes (Pt.3)
Some more leadership quotes: 21. "Nearly all men can stand adversity but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." Abraham Lincoln 22. "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Ralph Waldo Emerson 23. "The quality of a person's life … Continue reading Leadership Quotes (Pt.3)