For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven... a time to be quiet and a time to speak. The writer of Ecclesiastes notes the times, but how should we know what the time is? Here are ten indicators for each to help discern when it is a time for quiet and listening, or a time for speaking and influencing.
In a perfect world, where legal systems hold political power to account and protect minorities against human rights abuses we might expect an end to persecution. But we do not live in a perfect world. People with power continue to act with impunity against those who think and live differently to them. Christians have a way to cope with this reality and a real and living hope for a future free of persecution.
Air India flight AI-171 from from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick dominated the headlines mid-June. Like many large scale tragedies it captures our attention briefly, but for those closer to the story the impact can be longer lasting. This reflection observes that tragic news can become a wake up call to "seek first the kingdom" with renewed vigor without delay.
Led by Jesus' commission to make disciples of all nations, Evangelicals have a vested interest in knowing where Christianity exists, is growing, or needs more help to grow. Understanding statistics concerning the spread of religions around the world is a complex challenge. This is not helped by different methodologies that generate different outcomes. A world-class demographer explains the difference between the latest Pew report and more robust existing analysis by Christian demographers.
Boredom is a psychological signal that can be defined by two key ingredients: a lack of attention and a lack of meaning. Rather than reaching for a quick dopamine fix when boredom strikes, consider ways to intentionally work on your long-term well-being in ways that align with your faith and your values.
Every forcibly displaced person's story is unique and harrowing. To commemorate World Refugee Day, here is a first-hand account of a boy's refugee journey with his family. He is now a mature follower of Jesus dedicated to helping refugees and believes the Church has a crucial role in refugee care—a role that is a powerful witness to the love of Christ.
The outside world views Christian sanctification rituals with increasing suspicion as manipulative and (in the extreme) abusive. Here, commentator Eddie Arthur reflects on a recent exposé of practices common to many missionary organizations that are perceived to be unhealthy. Organization leaders need to be prepared for unwelcome criticism from without and within.
The Unbreakable Boy is a heartwarming movie about the struggles of living with an additional needs child. As a representation of a family learning to thrive in the midst of challenges, the movie provides much food for thought, especially if you or someone you know has an additional needs family member. In this opinion piece, Mark Arnold poses some helpful reflections to consider after watching the film.
New political winds are blowing with increasing force as the push-back against globalization grows with increasing nationalisms. The demand to pledge allegiance to something other than God in Christ will put renewed pressure on the Church and we need to be prepared to hold true to our faith. Here is a stern warning that Christians must take to heart.
This Father’s Day, if you’re a father, grandfather, godfather or father-figure, you are carrying a great and sacred calling. Heaven takes notice. You are modelling the heart of God every time you show grace, speak truth, forgive freely.
Student fellowships equip during Chinese students to step into full-time service in response to God’s call. Many women are among them but there are few women recognized as leaders given the opportunity to model good leadership to others on public platforms. Emerging leaders need to be influenced by a wide range of experienced leaders to stop the drift away from the faith.
Nearly half of all men in United States' state prisons are fathers. Many struggle to know how to fill that role. This lack of knowledge can perpetuate harmful cycles and lead to generational damage. This Father's Day, June 15 in numerous nations, it is an opportune time for fathers in churches to model healthy fatherhood to the world for the benefit of the next generation.
