Search Results for: blog holy huddles or reaching outwards

Holy Huddles or Reaching Outwards

Are we in danger of creating holy huddles? It appears we are. In Australia it was revealed in our latest monthly church newsletter that 60% of those who do not attend church have, ‘no close friends involved in a church.’ That is a staggering statistic and one that needs to be changed. In an effort to change this situation and try and connect with these people currently outside the church, the Anglican Synod has started an evangelistic plan called Connect 09. It’s great there is a plan set up to get the Word of God out to more people, and … Continue reading →

How Others See Us

It’s interesting how those who are outside the church, see those who go to church and claim to be Christians. Some of their attitudes are strange, contradictory and challenging.They should make us look at our behavior and see if there are things we need to change. A recent survey in America of those who don’t go to church found many of these people actually believe God or some higher being exists. The survey found 72 percent believed this. However, and this is the sobering fact, the same number also believed the church is full of hypocrites. It’s a sad comment … Continue reading →

Miracle Worker

Sometimes we can be blind to the things God is doing in our world. You often hear people say, ‘If God is so powerful, why doesn’t He do something? Why doesn’t He act in the world and change things?’ You might have even made such comments yourself at times. We might wonder why God doesn’t work miracles as he did in Bible times. Let me assure you He does. Often we just don’t hear about it. But this morning some information came from the Bible Society and it clearly shows God is still at work in the world and still … Continue reading →

Beware of Sending the Wrong Signals at Church

Recently I saw how easily people can send the wrong signals to others at church. After church we meet together in the hall, verandah s set up with tables and chairs and in the grounds of the church under the shady trees, to share a cup of tea or coffee and talk. This is a valuable time for getting to know people. Sadly, some people don’t take advantage if it. As soon as church is over they are out the door and into their car, giving people no chance to befriend them or get to know them. Another situation I … Continue reading →

Are You Looking for the Perfect Church?

Are you looking for the perfect church? You won’t find it. At least not this side of heaven. Why? Because the church is made up of people- each of us with our idiosyncrasies, personality traits and foibles. In any church there will be people who will grate on you. Similarly you might annoy them. There will be people you will have difficulty getting alongside and working with you because of personality clashes and differences. At this point you can one of several options. You can leave the church and look for another one. But of course it won’t be perfect … Continue reading →

Why Pray For Your Community?

In a recent blog I suggested praying for the community where we live. Why should we pray for our communities? Because it is the place where God has put us and we are to be a witness or ambassador there just as Paul was in Corinth, 2 Corinthians 5:20. In Acts 22:15 , though these words were spoken by Ananias to Paul, I believe they ought also apply to us. We need to witness to what we have seen, heard, experienced and know of Jesus. Have you ever thought that you may be in the community where you are because … Continue reading →

What Can I Do? – Part 1

So you and I may have never felt God’s call to go overseas. That doesn’t mean we can sit back and do nothing. Over the next couple of days I’m going to suggest ways you can help the spread of the gospel in other lands. First and most important, pray for those who are involved in this strategic work. Nothing of lasting value will be accomplished in the world without prayer. Which means firstly we need to know of the specific needs of mission organizations. So you might want to sign up for a newsletter from one for the organizations … Continue reading →

Unlikely Friends

The most unlikely of friends – those words could describe Edward Cole and Carter Chambers in the movie ‘The Bucket List.’ The friendship did not get off to an auspicious start. They appeared to have nothing in common, except sharing a hospital room. Then they each received the news they only had a few months or possibly a year to live. So begins the unlikeliest friendship, as they start off on a journey together to cross off a number of activities written on ‘the bucket list,’ so called because it is things they would like to do before they ‘kick … Continue reading →

How to Make Friends- part 2

In my last blog I said,’friends listen to my joys and problems and I listen to theirs and support them in prayer. It’s reciprocal.’ Reciprocal On that subject, sometimes it’s happened where I have met someone, we have a common interest and I think in time we could be good friends, but it never happened. We stay at an acquaintance level that never grows into friendship. Why? It could be that person is not looking to make more friends. Perhaps they have enough friends in their lives. Or perhaps there is something in my personality that grates on them? Or … Continue reading →

Unlocking a Bible Passage – Part 2

Yesterday we looked at unlocking a passage of scripture and seeing how to apply it to your life. I hope you had fun going through Acts 3 and dividing it up. I’d love to see what some of you came up with. I’m sure there would be some similarities and some differences with what God revealed to me. Anyway here is mine from Acts 3 Divisions Acts 3: 1-11 Peter, in Jesus’ name and power, heals a lame man. Acts 3: 12-18 Peter seizes the opportunity to teach people about Jesus. Acts 3: 19-26 Peter urges his listeners to repent … Continue reading →