Articles, thoughts, essays, and content from Brian as well as students – our budding theologians.
Managing Monday with St John of the Cross
Spanish born St John of the Cross (1542-1591) was a major figure in the Counter Reformation (or Catholic Reformation). A priest, poet, artist and mystic, he worked closely with St Teresa of Avila in reforming the Carmelite Order, for which he was imprisoned in 1577. During this time he suffered great privation (including being beaten three times each week), but gained profound spiritual insights, many of which are recorded in his best know work, the “Dark Night of the Soul.” We will look at some of his quotes over the next few...
read moreManaging Monday with Martin Luther – take 3
With the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation drawing near, we have been looking at some of the thoughts of one of the key figures in the Reformation, Martin Luther (1483-1546). The law is for the proud and the Gospel for the brokenhearted – Martin Luther God doesn’t love us because of our worth. We are of worth because God loves us – Martin Luther One learns more of Christ in being married and rearing children than in several lifetimes spent in study in a monastery – Martin Luther I have held many things in...
read moreManaging Monday with Martin Luther – take 2
As the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation draws near, it is only appropriate that we spend a few weeks looking at the insights of one the leading figure of the Reformation, Martin Luther (1483-1546). I must listen to the Gospel. It tells me not what I must do, but what Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has done for me – Martin Luther It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbor – Martin Luther The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes,...
read moreSixty, not out…
I turn 60 today – well the day this post went up (13 July 2017), lest you read it later. Here are some semi tongue in cheek comments I made about this in my regular column in the Advocate. It was also entitled, Sixty, not out… I turn 60 in July. I know you’d never have guessed it, and find it hard to believe as well. But there it is, the big six zero looming up ahead. So when does old age begin? According to an often cited study, the British consider themselves old at 59, the French at 63 and the Greeks (bless them) at 68. I...
read moreManaging Monday with Martin Luther
As 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, it is only appropriate that we spend a few weeks looking at the insights of one the leading figure of the Reformation, Martin Luther (1483-1546). I know not the way God leads me, but well do I know my guide – Martin Luther So when the devil throws your sin in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: “I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus...
read moreManaging Monday with Philip Yancey – take 3
Philip Yancey’s (1949 – present) books have sold over 14 million copies, making him one of the most widely read contemporary Christian authors. I always enjoy his work, but What’s so Amazing about Grace and The Jesus I Never Knew, are particular favourites. This is our third and final look at some of his gems… Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part – Philip Yancey One bold message in the book of Job is that you can say anything to God. Throw at him your grief, your anger, your doubt, your bitterness, your...
read moreManaging Monday with Philip Yancey – take 2
Philip Yancey’s (1949 – present) books have sold over 14 million copies, making him one of the most widely read contemporary Christian authors. I always enjoy his work, but What’s so Amazing about Grace and The Jesus I Never Knew, are particular favourites. Managing Monday will spend a few weeks highlighting some of his gems… As I read the birth stories of Jesus I cannot help but conclude that though the world may be tilted toward the rich and powerful, God is tilted toward the underdog – Philip Yancey Endurance...
read moreThinking about preaching: What to learn from Jeff Manion
I’ve recently finished teaching a unit in preaching at Vose Seminary, and one of the assignments was to assess the preaching of a well known pastor whom the student could select, evaluating both the strengths and weaknesses of the approach, and asking what we could learn about preaching from this person. Several excellent essays resulted, but I was especially impressed by this one from Yvette Cherry, a Vose student who also serves on the staff at Riverton Baptist Church. In addition to being an excellent student, she is a gifted...
read moreManaging Monday with Philip Yancey
Philip Yancey’s (1949) books have sold over 14 million copies, making him one of the most widely read contemporary Christian authors. I always enjoy his work, but What’s so Amazing about Grace and The Jesus I Never Knew, are particular favourites. Managing Monday will spend a few weeks highlighting some of his gems… Christians get very angry towards Christians who sin differently than they do – Philip Yancey The solution to sin is not to impose an ever stricter code of behaviour. It is to know God – Philip Yancey...
read moreIs God unfair?
I was speaking at the Slavic Baptist Church this Sunday, and with the help of an excellent Russian interpreter tackled the ever perplexing question of why good people often suffer, and the question which arises from this, “Is God unfair?” I was interacting with some of the views explored by Philip Yancey in his excellent book Disappointment with God, and the response to the message made me think that what was said would be worth sharing with a wider readership. So with a few minor edits, here is what I said… I have been a...
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