1. The Christian Church began in England: a. About 200 years after the apostles died; b. During the Norman Conquest of William the Conqueror; c. In the reign of Henry VIII; d. With American missionaries after World War II. 2. The Archbishop of Canterbury preaches in: a. Canterbury Church of England; b. Cathedral Anglican Church; c. Canterbury British Cathedral; d. Cathedral Church of Christ, Canterbury. 3. John Wycliffe of Oxford was: a. a reformer 200 years before Martin Luther; b. a great fan of Martin Luther; c. a notable opponent of Martin Luther; d. a Fulbright scholar … [Read more...]
FOLLOW ME (2)
There is a time to analyze, to study, to reflect. There is also a time to respond, to move, to act. Mark's Gospel is intended for the second occasion. It is 65-67 A.D. Nero is Emperor in Rome. He has just beheaded Paul and crucified Peter upside down. Now he is unleashing a wave of lethal persecution against Jesus' followers in the imperial capital. Some he ties to stakes, drenches in oil and burns as human torches. Others he dresses in animal skins and exposes to killer beasts. Others he crucifies. Jesus' followers remember the master's challenge: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him … [Read more...]
GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING
That's what you give loved ones when you give books by Edward Fudge. Choose from the following (see pictures and descriptions at www.EdwardFudge.com/written ). GracEmail: Daily Answers to Life's Big Questions (HillCrest Publications) The Great Rescue: The Story of God's Amazing Grace (New Leaf Books) The Sound of His Voice: Discovering the Secrets of God's Guidance (New Leaf) Two Views of Hell, co-authored with Robert Peterson (InterVarsity Press) The Fire That Consumes (Paternoster Press edition). To order using major credit card for shipment anywhere, call toll-free (in U.S.) … [Read more...]
THE ESSENCE – 5
Uniquely honored among all God's creatures, we humans are made in the Creator's own image. Sin, which at its core is a denial of creaturely dependence, and therefore of our created identity, obscures God's presence and removes the source of ultimate human fulfillment and joy. By dealing with sin, Jesus brought us back close into God's presence now, and he promises to make us immortal in a new universe where there will be no more sin or death. This, then, is the essence of life, the highest goal, the greatest good, the path to our fulfillment and to God's joy -- that we live each moment … [Read more...]
THE ESSENCE – 4
When we look back over life at its end, what will we say has really mattered? As we face each new day now, what deserves our greatest attention and commitments of time and energy? We might respond to both questions by saying, "our Christian faith," but what does that really mean? What does God most want from you as a human being redeemed by Jesus? What does the earthly life look like which best brings joy to God and satisfaction to us? As we have seen already, it is not merely a benevolent or charitable life. Church meetings and religious activity cannot give ultimate meaning. Diligent Bible … [Read more...]
THE ESSENCE – 3
Looking back over life at its end, what really will have mattered? What deserves our greatest attention today in the face of countless clamoring demands for time and energy? If we answer, "our Christian faith," what does that really mean in practical terms? What does God most want from you as a human being redeemed by Jesus? What does the earthly life look like which best brings joy to God and satisfaction to us? Is the answer to these questions a life committed to detailed study of the Bible itself, perhaps particularly the New Testament Scriptures? Indeed, far too many professing … [Read more...]
THE ESSENCE – 2
When we come to life's end and look back over a lifetime, what will have really mattered? What is most worthy of our attention now? What is the core of our faith? What is the essence of Christianity in terms of every-day life? Can we possibly get some handle on human existence at its best? What does the earthly life look like that brings ultimate joy to God and lasting satisfaction to us? Is it a religious life centered on church activities and meetings, holy rituals and sacred ceremonies? Indeed, many Christians under-value the discipline of set meetings for worship, fellowship and study. … [Read more...]
THE ESSENCE – 1
On your last day of life on earth, what will have really mattered? In the face of a myriad daily demands for time and energy, what is most worthy of our attention? "My faith," you say. "Spiritual matters. Things that last for eternity." But what is the core of our faith? What is the essence of Christianity? Not in a theoretical sense but in terms of every-day life. What does God want most from us? Can we possibly get a handle on human existence at its best -- an earthly life that brings joy to God and satisfaction to us? What about a life devoted to others, a charitable life of good deeds? … [Read more...]
SELF-EXAMINATION
The purpose of the church, the Christian life, believers meeting together, grace-gifts, recognized leadership, and all the spiritual disciplines, is to make us more and more like Jesus. With that in mind, we are to examine and purify ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5; 7:1). While an Oxford student in 1729-1730, John Wesley wrote a list of questions for his own self-examination, and later refined the questions for use in his small groups. This regular exercise in self-examination was one of Wesley's "methods" that gave rise to the nickname "methodist." Today, nearly three centuries later, Wesley's 21 … [Read more...]
PILGRIM HEART
Christianity is far more than a set of beliefs or a compelling intellectual vision; it is also a comprehensive way of life." This premise both motivates and informs author Darryl Tippens, who in his delightful new book Pilgrim Heart presents "an invitation to consider afresh what it means to live like Jesus." Even the Gospel of John, he notes, which so clearly emphasizes believing, practically begins and ends with Jesus' personal call: "Follow me." This call is reflected in the subtitle to Pilgrim Heart -- "The Way of Jesus in Everyday Life." Biblical faith is embodied in a journey, Tippens … [Read more...]