Why Do We Sin?
(Copyright 2022) by James McBride (United Kingdom) Some folk harbor the notion that if you are a ‘Christian’ you will never sin—a position countered by the apostle John: ‘…If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us’ (I John 1:8). The misconception may stem from the […]
Sabbath Rest
(Copyright 2022) by James McBride (United Kingdom) For Bible–believers a highlight of the week is sundown on Friday– in Bible terms the dawning of the weekly seventh-day Sabbath. A time to lay aside worldly pursuits, to focus on the spiritual essence of our being, to worship and learn from our great Creator and our Saviour. It […]
The Madness of Crowds
(Copyright 2022) by James McBride (United Kingdom) Street brawls and mass demonstrations are usually provoked by the actions of a small coterie of antagonists. Bill and Harry disagree, and fisticuffs follow—swiftly joined by onlookers. Or Tom has an issue with his energy company and soon gathers a huge Facebook following of disgruntled and angry customers—exacerbated […]
The Family of God
(Copyright 2022) by James McBride (United Kingdom) Over the past six millennia God has selected men and women to become part of His eternal spirit Family. Many, indeed, have been invited (there’s no coercion) but few have responded—or they have not finished the course. Some are well-known: Enoch, Noah, Abraham, David, Paul—a ‘great cloud of witnesses’ […]
Leadership in the Church of God
(Copyright) by James McBride (United Kingdom) What principles guide leadership in the Church of God? That question might disturb some brethren, for it implies that the church can be ‘led’. Should it? Is ‘leadership’ necessary? What are the Bible principles for the conduct of the local congregation? This article addresses the internal workings of the […]
Insight from Paul
(Copyright 2022) by James McBride (United Kingdom) The apostle Paul’s letters shed a bright light on our walk with God. Our world is fast becoming the mirror image of the world of the apostle. Like that world we attend to our daily lives as best we can despite the stranglehold of red tape, of petty authoritarian […]
‘Give Us This Day…’
(Copyright 2022) by James McBride (United Kingdom) Our world and all its institutions is fast sinking into a cesspit of anarchy. The restrictions imposed by governments worldwide under the pretext of climate change, protection from disease, diversity etc. are stirring widespread opposition from farmers, from transport workers—and not least from the increasingly restless populace as […]
The Money Balloon
(Copyright 2022) by James McBride (United Kingdom) As a child I could travel several miles into town by bus for half of an ‘old penny’, and ‘sixpence’ bought my weekly comic and sweets. The home in which I grew up cost £450 (new), and an aunt paid seven shillings and sixpence weekly rent. My Dad […]