The reason why many people give the wrong answers to questions about the cross, and even ask the wrong questions, is that they have carefully considered neither the seriousness of sin, nor the majesty of God. John Stott, The Cross of Christ
Category: Ponderings
The Cross and our shame
It is impossible for us to face Christ’s cross with integrity and not to feel ashamed of ourselves. Apathy, selfishness and complacency blossom everywhere in the world except at the cross. There these noxious weeds shrivel and die. They are seen for the tatty, poisonous things they are. For if there was no way by…… Continue reading The Cross and our shame
The cross and us
Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us (leading us to faith and worship), we have to see is as something son by us (leading us to repentance). Indeed, ‘only the man who is prepared to own his share in the guild of the cross may claim his share in…… Continue reading The cross and us
Like the Jewish leaders , we too want to get rid of Christ
[Jesus] is still, as C.S. Lewis called him, ‘a transcendental interferer.’ We resent his intrusions into our privacy, his demand for our homage, his expectation for our obedience. Why can’t he mind his own business, we ask petulantly, and leave us alone? To which he instantly replies that we are his business and that he will never leave us alone. So…… Continue reading Like the Jewish leaders , we too want to get rid of Christ
Can we condemn Pilate (… in all honesty)?
It is easy to condemn Pilate and overlook our own equally devious behaviour. Anxious to avoid the pain of a whole-hearted commitment to Christ, we too search for convenient subterfuges. We either leave the decision to somebody else, or opt out for a half-hearted compromise, or seek to honour Jesus for the wrong reason (e.g.…… Continue reading Can we condemn Pilate (… in all honesty)?
Is it enough if the preacher is only earnest?
In 1879 J.C. Ryle made some remarks in the preface to his book “Holiness”, which almost seems like it was written last week: “There is an Athenian love of novelty abroad, and a morbid distaste for anything old and regular, and in the beaten path of our forefathers. Thousands will crowd to hear a new…… Continue reading Is it enough if the preacher is only earnest?
The lonely barber
It was time for a haircut. I’ve been to this barber before and was impressed by his old-style professionalism. His wealth of local knowledge was another drawcard. The narrow alley to his shop was almost void of any pedestrian traffic, and as I walked into his shop I found the old man sitting on an…… Continue reading The lonely barber
Climbing peas
Unlike other years, the seeds got into the ground on time this season. As expected, in about a week’s time they pushed up and started to show their little heads. Same packet of seeds, same soil, same time, same water. All got fertiliser at the same time. Yet, some grow faster than others. Along the…… Continue reading Climbing peas
We just want to pray
Is it just in Australia where people just pray? Or does it happen in other countries and in other languages too? I am referring to the the use of the word just. It is not uncommon to hear this little word used just repeated ad nausea in a prayers. “We just come to You …” “We just…… Continue reading We just want to pray
The beauty and the beast
“In the ninth century, when the Latin Mass began to be enforced, I’m confident the same discussions took place. Some, I would expect, argued that the Latin Mass carried with it a gravity that communicated the glory of God, a certain sense of mystery and timelessness. Others, I’m quite sure, pointed out that the people…… Continue reading The beauty and the beast
Ultimate Standards 