Why youth stay in the church when they grow up
‘There is no one easy solution for bringing all of those “lost” kids back into the church, other than continuing to pray for them and speaking the gospel into their lives. However, we can all look at the 20-somethings in our churches who are engaged and involved in ministry. What is it that sets apart the kids who stay in the church?’
None of us should enjoy the right to have our beliefs shielded from abuse
This article in the Guardian comes after the ECHR ruling to uphold Islamic blasphemy laws and permit national governments to fine and imprison their people for defaming Mohammad. You can read my earlier comment on this story here. Also worth reading this comment by the Archbishop Cranmer blog on the Twitter threat of legal action against Kenan Malik (the article author).
Jerks for Jesus
‘Isn’t it possible — just possible, even if not in your mind probable — that because of the deception in our own hearts, that we may be more harsh than we ought to be? That in fact, what we think is Christlike behavior doesn’t strike many as genuinely favoring the aroma of Christ? Is it possible you aren’t contending for the faith but are just being a jerk?’
HateGate – The police respond
David Robertson updates us on the latest police response to his reporting of the police for breaking their own ‘hate incident’ guidelines. If you haven’t followed it, I’d encourage you to click the links at the bottom of the article to read previous posts on this subject.
Asia Bibi is free!
This story hit the mainstream media and has been ongoing for some time. It shows the pernicious effect of blasphemy laws and their openness to abuse. Whilst Asia Bibi is free from her 8-year solitary confinement and faces no threat of judicial execution, she is by no means safe (nor are her family, her solicitor or the judges who ruled in her favour).
The history of the English Standard Version Bible (video)
I liked this. It tells the story of how the ESV came to be and hears from the academics who helped put it together.
From the archive: Communion must be about more than your personal relationship with Christ
‘Communion is not principally about my standing with the Lord Jesus but about my standing with the Lord’s people that necessarily centres on my relationship with Christ. When we take communion we are not simply saying I am in right standing in Christ, we are also saying we are in right standing with his people. And, for anybody who knows their New Testament, these two things are not mutually exclusive; one necessitates the other.’