Random Articles
Our Planned Future
(Copyright) by James McBride (United Kingdom) Armed conflict disrupts the lives of millions of earth’s populace—though ‘the West’ has been blessed with more than half a century of relative tranquility, with a welcome rise in living standards. But inequalities persist, and world leaders are behind the scenes planning radical change, change that will affect all of mankind. Our track record down the centuries, however, raises a red warning flag. After six millennia of civilization, governments have utterly failed to implement utopia; ‘…the way of peace they have not known’. For every ‘solution’ is undermined by human nature and scorn for foundation […]
The Feast of the Nativity
(Copyright) by James McBride (United Kingdom) An intensely spiritual observance? A secular holiday? A pagan festival? Here’s some light on the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christmastime has etched itself into our calendar. For some it’s an intensely religious experience. To others a welcome mid-winter break. And an opportunity, for some, for a good knees-up! Overall, it has become an almost universal festival observed even by non-Christians. Most 21st century Western Christians, however, realize that the trappings of Christmas are transferred from ancient pre-Christian worship. It’s common knowledge in our skeptical age. Whether it’s the tree, or “the holly and the ivy” or […]
Insight from Paul
by James McBride (United Kingdom) The apostle Paul’s letters shed a bright light on our walk with God The apostle cautions the brethren about getting above themselves: don’t rate yourself too highly, he writes to the Romans (e.g., Romans 12:.30). As the center of the Empire, Rome and its citizens exalted themselves over the ‘barbarians’ they had conquered. It’s a lesson for all of us and applies whether or not we serve in a church office, and it echoes the guidance of Jesus: ‘…you know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and […]
Why on Earth are you here?
by James McBride (United Kingdom) That thought crosses the mind of most of us sooner or later. The basic reply is ‘from mum and dad’. But where did that life force originate? Almost universally it is believed that each of us has an ‘immortal soul’. It’s in us throughout life and persists in some form when we die. Few give thought as to where the ‘soul’ originated. In the Mormon faith all humans lived in a premortal state before coming to earth. The Hindu belief is that the soul continually recycles. For Catholics each human soul is ‘individual and immortal, immediately […]
The New Education
by James McBride (United Kingdom) Many parents have received the brush-off when they ask, What did you do today at school? So, do you know what your child is being taught? Or do you just trust the school to do the ‘right’ thing? Can you be sure that they are taught values akin to your own? Is there a reason for an increasing number of parents choosing to homeschool their children? It used to be English, Math, Art, Gym, Geography, Religion. Now—in Primary! – it’s globalism, transgender, LGBTQ+, with a nod towards traditional subjects but each heavily loaded towards ‘climate change’, […]
Delight in the Sabbath
by James McBride (United Kingdom) The weekly Sabbath is for Christians a day in which to delight in God’s presence “Sabbath rest” is a concept far removed from the hurly-burly of modern life. The day is, for most, consumed with a round of strenuous (or couch-potato) leisure activity or shopping or visiting – leaving no time for recovery from the weekly grind. Besides, the notion of a day set apart for religious purpose is simply old hat. But what if you consider Sabbath observance important to your Christian walk? Is it a day to hibernate in gloomy solitude? A day […]