Are we known for grace or judgment?

Jesus told a very striking story. You probably know it. A man owed a large amount of money but couldn’t pay, so he asked his banker for extra time to make the repayment. And he was given time. But then he called in a small debt he was owed, and refused the poor man’s entreaties for extra time.

When the banker heard about what had happened, he was angry that the grace he had extended was not passed on.

Jesus drew the devastating conclusion: we who have received great grace from God will be judged by whether we pass that grace on to others.

But are we listening?

Westboro, love and hate

I read a news report today, in the wake of the horrifying cinema shootings in Denver, about statements made by members of the Westboro Baptist church.

I don’t live in the US, so I don’t know a lot about this church, but the statements were hateful and insensitive to those mourning the trauma and loss of this shocking event.

Weather: going to extremes

The hotter temperatures that the world is now experiencing (see The heat is on!) have a significant impact on weather generally.

The heat is on!

The most basic prediction of climate change science is global warming. But is it really happening?

1 billion hungry: the global food crisis

Almost one billion people, an eighth of the world’s population, are hungry as you read this. Why?

Pastors who once were christians

Not long ago I commented on the number of Atheists who once were christians I had come across on the web and in real life. Recently, I’m finding former pastors.

Many of these guys are still struggling with doubt, unwilling to give up their job and let down the people who depend on them, but also unwilling to keep up a pretence.

What’s going on? And what’s the answer?

Fear vs love

Hell is being discussed lately, as a result of Rob Bell’s book Love Wins. Some of the questions people are asking are “Should believers fear Hell – and God?” and “Without the threat of hell, would people be good?”

It is good these questions are being asked, but I think they miss the point for two reasons.

Christians and financial fraud

Jesus gave us a high standard for our words, thoughts and actions. None of us can live up to his standard all the time, but most of us try. One area where western christians seem to be tested is financial honesty.

And it seems that some of us, including some leaders, are failing the test.