Christian Living

Tom and I had never met before, but a rainstorm was holding us hostage in an old garage. All I knew was that Tom was only visiting in the community (same as I was) and that he had come from non-Mennonite background. He was now a member in one of the Mennonite churches. Thinking we may as well fill in the time with spiritual discussion I plunged in.
“Tom, why don’t you tell me how you became a Christian?” I asked.
“Well, I was raised in a Christian home, and we always were Christians,” was his response. I waited, but it became obvious he had nothing else to share.

The subject of gifts is on many people’s minds today. Much money is spent on gifts this month. Many people hardly know what gift will be appreciated and needed by the people for whom they are buying gifts. Some will receive a gift they will cherish and hold most dear to them throughout the coming years.
In this season of gift-giving, many people overlook the most precious gifts that ever were and are still given to man. Many do not cherish these gifts but rather count them as useless.

In the weeks surrounding Christmas, we enjoy singing a wealth of hymns and carols that we usually reserve for the month of December. Even though we can sing many by heart, or perhaps because we can sing many by heart, words, and phrases rich in meaning can roll off of our tongues without touching our hearts. The lyrics to the carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” specifically the words of the first verse, invite a little more thought than we usually give them.

The last few months have been disruptive to tens of thousands of Americans. Hurricanes in the Southern States and Puerto Rico plus destructive wildfires in Oregon and California have caused massive losses. Homes, businesses, and infrastructure were damaged or destroyed. Even more significant is the tragic loss of life. The most recent tragedy is California’s rapidly moving wildfires that only gave minutes for people to flee- some didn’t make it out in time.

In Acts 15, the church leaders were having an assembly to discuss and dispose of a matter which was causing stress in the brotherhood. First Peter, then Paul had taken the Gospel to the Gentiles. In general, there was much rejoicing and acceptance that God was receiving both Jew and Gentile in the new kingdom.

I see that you have something called Decrees for to Keep. Are you adding something to the Bible, the final Word of God? We believe the Word of God is His final written revelation to mankind.
In working out the scriptural practice of the Word of God in everyday life, we as humans have much to benefit from spiritually by receiving group direction. As individuals with a fallen human nature, we can form many selfish ways to “live out the Bible.”

Many people are asking what the purpose of life is. Many cannot seem to find answers to it and commit suicide, etc. This happens among the old and young alike. A number of years ago, I became acquainted with an older man. He seemed to be a decent sort of gentleman, and he became one of my casual friends. He lived alone – his children had moved on to other parts of the country. And then one day I heard he had committed suicide! The family came and took care of his things as if they’d come home for a family reunion. “He was old enough to know his own mind,” they said.

Our discussion began when my seat mate commented that he had observed my wife across the aisle. In observing her modest attire, he had questions about our identity. This opened the door for me to feel free to ask him questions about his faith. He seemed happy to inform me that he was a devout Catholic.

After months of planning and anticipation, the day had finally arrived. We were planning to take a nine-day trip to Alberta, Canada, to visit family. The excitement was running high. Preparations had been made. Food and clothing were packed. As we gathered the last few items, I remembered a very important item: the envelope of passports and birth certificates. After retrieving them from the safe, I carefully counted to make sure they were all there. One short. I counted again, but mine was missing. I rummaged through the safe, assuming it had slipped out of place, but with no success.

It is shortly after midnight on Feb. 26, 1852, off the coast of Africa. The troopship HMS Birkenhead has struck a rock and has begun to settle into the ocean. On its decks, 124 women and children are rushed into lifeboats while 454 English soldiers stand at attention on the deck. There is not enough room for them on the lifeboats. Major Seton gives the word of command, “Stand still, and die like Englishmen.” We all admire the discipline of a good soldier.