what does it cost to "Stand up and be counted"?
by Mick 
I think something a little sinister is happening around our ears.
Talking to a muslim man on Saturday about what Christians believe about Jesus Christ, he suddenly changed the subject and said "what should me and you do about the media and governments intimidation against people who believe in God "? I was a bit taken aback. Firstly because he didn't see a bias in the media and government solely against muslim people, but against anyone who holds any faith view of life. Secondly, because of the use of the word intimidation. If you are a Christian do you feel "intimidated"?
There are certain accusations most people want to avoid at all costs. To be labelled racist, homophobic, or bigot, ( a prejudiced and intolerant person), is not good. But such is our present moral climate that if anyone has a different viewpoint to you in certain areas then any discussion is halted by the labelling of your opponent.
It may be helpful for Christians to appreciate that this tactic is not new but enemies of Jesus and the gospel have used this for centuries. In John chapter 7 the temple guards had been sent to arrest Jesus but had come back without him. The Pharisees gave them a hard time. They accused them of having been deceived by Jesus. They made the point (wrongly) that no one of any importance had believed in him, and then resorted to pure insult by saying that the only people believing in Jesus were "the mob" who were "cursed" anyway. I think the similarity of attacks on the gospel and those who believe the gospel today are striking. What do you think?
04/29/10 03:11:31 pm, 
Easter and children
by Mick
On preparing an Easter assembly for a local school this morning, I realised how easy it is to simply tell of the events without making clear the meaning. To relate what the bible says happened 2,000 years ago can be of great value in and of itself, but how much better to explain what the bible says about why Jesus died. If we are careful to do this, it seems to me that God is often pleased to give young children a clearer understanding of the meaning of Easter than many adults. This should not suprise us. It was in Easter week that the children shouted out "Hosanna to the Son of David" The teachers of the law were indignant. Jesus replied "have you never read, "from the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise" We are never to think as Christians it is more important to speak to adults than children.
Don't undervalue yourself
by admin
Is it true that so many people think of themselves simply as complex computers made of meat? I ask is it true, because I hardly ever hear any one in the media acknowledging God, but hear constantly references to Darwinian evolution, not as a theory, but as if it is now without question the only valid explanation of how we got here.The impression is given that we were not created. But if that is true it is hard to argue that there is any value or purpose to our lives at all.
I am not usually a great fan of conspiracy theories. I know many people have had it in turns to accuse the B.B.C. of plots against the labour party, or the conservatives. "They are far too right wing" or "too left wing" is the criticism depending on where you are standing. But the people I have known who have worked within the B.B.C. assure me that the likelihood of someone even knowing what is going on in the room next door is so unlikely, that plots from the top are pretty much unthinkable. So I don't see an anti-christian conspiracy movement afoot.
My explanation is that many people who work in the media, are simply out of touch with what the majority of people are thinking. The average view I hear(for instance ) on radio 4 is far removed from listening to people in West Yorkshire.
Media people often give the impression that anyone who still believes God made us are basically so few and far between that they are not to be taken seriously except when their views threaten the holy cow of liberal democracy.
That I think is so sad. Not only because I, along with still I think the majority of the population, am convinced that God did make us. But because of the implications we have to take on board if we reject the idea of being made by God. The most amazing creation, full of purpose, beauty, and meaning, the human being, is downgraded to a chance happening with no purpose. Let's not under rate ourselves, we are , as human beings awesome. So awesome that when things went badly wrong, God thought we were worth mending. He still does. Anyone want to talk about that?