Is it right to be angry in prayer? Is it right to be sad in prayer? Is it right to let our emotions run free when talking to God?
Author: derrickjohnphillips
Did Jesus found the church?
He certainly didn’t set up a multi-national organisation with plush headquarters and a complex hierarchy, nor even a national institution controlling numerous congregations and an imposed Statement of Faith. But the New Testament gives evidence that he went further in the church foundation direction than just selecting the twelve apostles.
The making of Shemayin
I have long wanted to write a fiction story, but I couldn’t find a credible plot. But now I had the first paragraph of what would become the book, “Shemayin”. I had the first idea, but it didn’t have that title, nor a story line, nor any characters – yet!
Burning Bush
Imagine the burning bush as a reflection of Moses. Imagine the burning bush as a reflection of you.
Acting Christians
Which role will we choose for ourselves in this epic play of life? Choose quickly, because someone else may already be selecting a part for us.
Without Doubt
Don't be afraid of doubt - it is an important means of protection and a route to strengthening faith.
Resurrection
The ultimate Christian hope is bodily resurrection in a renewed Earth, but ideas originating in Platonism and Gnosticism have led many believers into a watered-down hope – the prospect of an eternity as disembodied souls in a non- material “heaven”.
Reasonable Holiness
Holiness has become a rarely used word, even in Christian circles. It’s gone out of fashion. Does that matter? Is holiness reasonable and relevant for today? Do we want it? Is it achievable?
A boring documentary
Alone in a hotel room I didn't expect the TV to offer much to interest me, but I came across a documentary that bored into my hidden feelings - grief for my long-dead mother.
Jesus in the Wilderness
Jesus began his ministry following his encounter with John the Baptist. The four Gospels are unanimous about that, and it’s an easy story to understand. But the next story, whilst familiar, is much harder to comprehend. We are presented with a picture of God incarnate in a head-to-head debate with the Devil. What’s happening here?