Aptiva

In American culture, Outlaw motorcycle groups call themselves "1%", referring to the fact the other 99% obey the law. Sometimes being in the minority is a badge of honour. While not agreeing with their premise, I can understand the position of holding fast to something even though you are in the minority. In the same manner; Survey: Less Than 1 Percent of Young Adults Hold Biblical Worldview Christianpost.com :  "A biblical worldview, as defined by the Barna study, is believing that absolute moral truth exists; the Bible is completely accurate in all of the principles it teaches; Satan is considered to be a real being or force, not merely symbolic; a person cannot earn their way into Heaven by trying to be good or do good works; Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth; and God is the all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the world who still rules the universe today." I must admit that by the above definition, I am in the 1% minority. I am happy with th

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A recent news article argues that domestic abuse is handled poorly by "The Church." Dear Reader, it is beyond the scope of this blog to answer all aspects of this statement, but feel free to read the article first hand. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-18/domestic-violence-church-submit-to-husbands/8652028 There does need to be one key point made and that is of safety. Often those who are in domestic abuse situations believe they need to resolve these situations while physically located with the accused perpetrator. To "stay with" their spouse. Resolution of conflict is vital, but this resolution can be handled equally well while the parties involved are parted and those abused are in a place of safety. With this grounding in place, those abused can find equilibrium and decide the best course to move forward. Those who look on, not involved directly in this particular situation should offer support for both parties. How this support plays out can diffe

How much is enough? It's a constant question. The book that the Carpenter of Nazareth wrote contains much of wealth, the use of it, the acquiring of it, and it's effect on our lives and those around us. It is clear that Jesus teachings are "wealth doesn't bring happiness", but more clearly, it never brings contentment. The only way to find peace is to accept who we are within the plans of the creator. The conundrum, of course, is that we do have needs. The need to have security, housing, food, rest. If we live "on edge" all the time our lives can quickly spiral out of control. Jesus promises to meet these needs if we are wise enough to seek him first. “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you ev

Dear Reader, we find the carpenter in a trap set by his adversaries.This is recorded in John chapter 8. It is known as the account of the woman caught in adultery. Her accusers are breaking their own law, bringing only one guilty party for justice instead of both people involved in this affair. Jesus is not fooled, nor is he caught by their attempts. He goes on to speak to the woman, once he has dealt with her accusers. "When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”- John 8:9-11 While we can see Jesus final statement as a warning to avoid the issues that brought her to his feet, I think there is more at stake. If we understand the gospel, we come to realise we were created p

Dear Reader, It is easy to become distracted in this world. Things which were firmly focussed in our thoughts. Planted deeply in our actions start to become forgotten.Usually, something new and supposedly more exciting comes along. This change can be beneficial, but in truth, our vices tend to stick our virtues wane. The Carpenter tells us to seek first the Kingdom of God. Specifically, it comes with a promise "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."- Matt 6:33 It should move us to consider, what does living righteously do for us regarding our needs? The answer may be contained in understanding that most things we want, are not needs. That within the context of Jesus guidance, within his kingdom, our needs are very few, and most likely not things we would apparently think to ask for! We may want more money, but we might need love for others, we may want a better job, but we may need a better attitude at

No one is post-modern in a pharmacy! Think about it. In this new world of ours, we have moved from “modernity" (set answers to the questions of life), to "post-modern" (my truth is as valid as yours), to "post truth" (I’ll pick what I will believe based on emotion, not facts). The issue is when you visit a doctor, and they give you a script, you expect the Pharmacist to dispense what's written in the script, not their interpretation! No one wants a pharmacist to pick and choose which part of the doctor's information is true or not. This world does believe that truth can be communicated, it just needs personal health to be at stake to make the point. The same is correct for God’s word. If God is all powerful, then by default He is capable of getting His word across in an accurate, timely and inspired manner. The Bible, a revelation of God’s character, claims this to be true. 2 Tim 3:16- "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach

Dear Reader, We find in Genesis 20:32, the culmination of a negotiation between Abraham and God regarding the fate of the city of Sodom, it concludes with  "Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.”  It's fascinating to see that Abraham negotiates with God to save Sodom. We realise, with hindsight that God is showing Abraham how just God is. God agrees to not destroy the city if fifty righteous people are found. Abraham brings this number eventually down to ten. If ten people in a city can be found who are righteous the rest will be spared. Abraham rests at this point, he has done his part. Can ten people be found, the answer historically is no.Sodom is destroyed. The text takes on a deeper meaning when we realise that in later times ten is the number of Jewish males needed to form a synagogue in a city! God is

Ecc 3:9-12 records "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." Dear Reader, we often underestimate the blessing of relationships. In the "Modern Day West," these are even more undervalued. In "Ancient Near East," without the benefit of mobile phones, quick transport systems, or comfy hotels people had to rely on each other.  Fail to be where you meant to be, only if someone who cared noticed was anything done about it. Need to keep warm and safe as you travel, find extra people to share warmth and protection. Two are better than one, and three are bett