Music
Christmas stocking
Richard Simpkin
Date posted: 1 Dec 2004
Christmas stocking
This article is going to be a bit like a Christmas stocking - a few things chucked in, some of them boring but useful; some interesting but useless; or a combination of the above.
Last revival
Ray Porter
Date posted: 1 Oct 2004
Book Review
SOUNDS FROM HEAVEN
The revival on the Isle of Lewis 1949-1952
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Serve one another
William Philip
Date posted: 1 Sep 2004
The world we inhabit today is both larger and smaller than ever before. In our global village, events in one hemisphere hit the airwaves instantly to affect millions on the other side of the world.
Yet most people in the West live a more privatised, isolated and self-preoccupied existence than at any time in history. Vast horizons coexist alongside incredible insularity.
The Grace of Giving
John Stott
Date posted: 1 Nov 2004
A new booklet is published this month on giving. John Stott takes ten principles set out by the Apostle Paul, and applies them to us now. Here we look at four of those principles...
When we become Christians, our giving has a new impetus. We are called to give generously, and with joy, as a fruit of the Spirit's life within us.
A bridge over troubled people
Deann Alford
Date posted: 1 Sep 2004
Lugging backpacks and hefty bags on Sunday at sunrise, they trickle in to the expanse of dirt and gravel under Interstate 35.
Littering this city block between 4th and 5th streets in Waco, Texas, are taillight shards and pigeon feathers. The men sit mostly in solitude at the base of support columns, waiting for something to happen.
New name, new opportunities!
Colin Tamplin
Date posted: 1 Sep 2004
In 1988 a group of Christians in the south of Birmingham were amazed at the turnout to a small Sunday gathering at which just a few families had been expected.
The meeting had been arranged in a local home to provide ministry for some who had been travelling long distances for systematic Bible teaching. The fact that over 30 people appeared highlighted a real desire for this kind of ministry in the area, and out of that South Birmingham Evangelical Church was soon formed.
Watching the web
Stephen Doggett
Date posted: 1 Oct 2004
Web Review
'God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm', sung William Cowper. Check out Puritan and other Reformed poetry on Fire and Ice at http://www.puritansermons.com/poetry.htm
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Back to the future for elderly care
Louise Morse
Date posted: 1 Oct 2004
When the Ruth Cowell care home for elderly Christians closed down, it was not a story that would interest the national press.
There were no protests from residents or staff, only an acceptance of the need to close and an assurance that God would take care of them.
The Third Degree
UCCF
Date posted: 1 Oct 2004
Eleven new CU Staff Workers joined UCCF this summer. They play a vital role in co-ordinating the support of Christian Unions, as well as encouraging, advising, teaching and training students. Please pray for them as they begin this new stage of ministry.
Naomi Pilgrem (London) comes from France, and chose to study at King's College, London, because she had heard of CUs, and wanted to be part of one. After a year on Relay she moves to the east end of London to support smaller CUs in postmodern and multicultural universities.
Not less than everything
Valerie Griffiths
Date posted: 1 Aug 2004
China - a new world for women
Imagine what it must have been like for the women of China. Crippled, oppressed, unable to leave the house.
A mere 200 years ago women in China spent most of their lives confined to their homes - the result of the thousand-year custom of foot binding. It crippled millions of women, making walking painful, if not impossible.
Shrek 2
John Benton
Date posted: 1 Sep 2004
None Review
It's cool to be ugly? SHREK 2 Cert. U Dreamworks When the original Shrek animation came out three years ago it broke new ground. Not only was the animation terrific, the story turned the normal fairytale on its head. Here the ogre Shrek (who was not too bad a guy) got the girl Princess Fiona (who turned out to be somewhat ogre-ish herself).
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The Third Degree
Ben Carswell
Date posted: 1 Sep 2004
As I sat in an Edinburgh pub, waiting to meet my friend Ruth, I pondered on our friendship. We'd met in my first week at university, when we were placed in a project group together and our friendship had continued throughout university.
We had endured some of the typical highs and lows of a university friendship - the highs usually occurring at the end of the final exam before the summer, and the lows when we received the resulting grades! On numerous occasions as we'd talked, our conversations had been about spiritual issues, and when the Christian Union held their mission week, Ruth attended several events. However, all this had occurred without her ever seemingly showing any genuine interest for herself. Since leaving university, my friendship with Ruth had continued, albeit at a distance, and generally by email and the occasional phone call. I was visiting Edinburgh and had suggested we meet up, as we'd not seen each other properly for almost two years.
Left Behind
David Field
Date posted: 1 Sep 2004
David Field reflects on the astonishingly popular series of novels by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.
The energetic and expectant people of God are filled with hope.
Legally speaking
Mark Jones
Date posted: 1 Sep 2004
Lawyers, it must be said, do not have the best reputation as a profession. To some the concept of a Christian lawyer may appear an oxymoron. There are a large number of Christians who practise law (and I would like to plug here the sterling work of the Lawyers Christian Fellowship), but fewer who undertake Christian legal work.
I have now been a solicitor in private practice for eight years. During that time I have represented many global corporations and households - and thoroughly enjoyed doing so. I would have described myself at the time as a lawyer who happened to be a Christian. I certainly worked hard, as if working to please God rather than men, but my actual service was directed towards the firm that employed me and the clients who wished to use my services.
Ten tips for reaching Hindus
H L Richard
Date posted: 1 Sep 2004
Friendship evangelism is usually easy to initiate with Hindus. Most Hindus esteem religion in general and are free and open to speak about it. A sincere, non-judgmental interest in all aspects of Indian life will provide a good basis for friendship. Personal interaction with Hindus will lead to a more certain grasp of the essence of Hinduism than reading many books.
A consistently Christ-like life is the most important factor in sharing the gospel with Hindus. The suggestions that follow should help to break down misunderstandings and help to build a positive witness for Christ. But learning and applying these points can never be a substitute for a transparent life of peace and joy in discipleship to Jesus Christ.
The Third Degree
UCCF
Date posted: 1 Jul 2004
While you might be kicking your heels waiting for your fortnight in the sun, most students are already two months into their summer break. The encouraging news is that many Christian students are giving weeks or months this summer to be part of what God is doing worldwide.
Watching the web
Stephen Doggett
Date posted: 1 Aug 2004
Web Review
This month I have been trawling around in cyberspace and here are four websites I found interesting.
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Why so many people reject Christ (and one idea for winning them back)
Alan Sharp
Date posted: 1 Aug 2004
What will make your next-door neighbours consider the claims of Christ?
Traditionally, one style of evangelism has been popular. This is a style used by Paul: reason (dialogue), telling the story of Jesus and his bringing salvation for us. For a number of reasons, particularly related to the impressions that the bad lifestyles of some Christians are making on non-Christians, I believe it's important that we now investigate using another style of evangelism as well.