Couldn't Help Noticing

It’s just not the same

I remember some time ago hearing about a holiday postcard sent from one Christian to another (yes, I do remember who it was, but I'll protect their reputation) with just the following handwritten message:

Dear X
2 John 12
Regards, Y

In case you don't remember, the verse says:

Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

And in that verse lies an important message for those of us in the digital era, when it is so easy to be impersonal in our communication with each other. There is no substitute for face to face fellowship if we want the real joy that can come from relationship. It runs deep in our ‘image’ as humans.

Software for the people

For the more technologically-inclined amongst us, here is a good article. It talks about the development of open source software: software that is completely free. Moreover, it describes some of the software packages being developed for and by churches, and other ministry organisations. In summary, this will only interest churches that want to spend less money.

Try saying nothing

Those who love talking can turn their words into a great source of encouragement. But another strategy, less often considered, has the backing of God: ”When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” (Prov 10:19)

Another payoff for such a plan of action is this: “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.” (Prov. 17:28).

I don't think I'll say any more for the moment.

The Da Vinci Antidote

In the September issue of The Briefing (available here), we look at the publishing phenomenon that is Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code.

As Alan Lukabyo comments: “...this is guaranteed to be the only book most of its readers will ever open which makes claims about the formation of the Bible and the reliability of its claims about Jesus.”

Alan poses the question of how we, as Christians, ought to respond, and argues that the book's success presents us with great opportunities. He suggests that we should:

Challenge people about their reliance on the book. They wouldn't undertake medical treatment or invest their life savings based on something they read in an airport novel. How can they decide critical issues like the truth of the resurrection and its implications on that basis? Challenge them to go to the source and read an actual Gospel and discuss it with you.

Always looking for an angle to promote a Matthias Media resource, could we humbly suggest that the Simply Christianity course or book, which both begin by demonstrating the historical reliability of the NT documents and continue on to take the reader through Luke's Gospel, might be ideal resources for just such an opportunity?

The end of the Passion

The TV advertisement promoting the DVD of Mel Gibson's movie The Passion of the Christ promises me that I can “own it on DVD forever”. Except that when Christ returns, everything will be destroyed. And why, when “forever” actually begins, would I want to watch a movie about Jesus' death when I am actually there in heaven with him?