Restless Wonderer

6.      The Christian mind learns in fellowship with other Christians “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6) The ultimate purpose of Paul’s teaching about unity among Christians despite differences of opinion over non-essential matters (see part 5 of this series) is that believers should glorify God with unity of mind and heart.   This principle teaches us three additional important truths about the Christian mind.     Firstly, unity in the core of the gospel is more important than our individual right to stand for our own principles.   We must prioritise the fundamental truths that unite all believers (the gospel) over all secondary issues.   The evangelical movement has historically done just this, allowing partnership in the g...

I spoke at Lisburn Causeway (Prospects Ministry) Group tonight.  I realised how much I miss the group when I don't see them - I hadn't been since Christmas - my wife's piano playing is more in demand than my sketchboard messages so she goes most weeks. I can honestly say that I love speaking in this context more than all my lecturing (sorry students), preaching (sorry churches), podcasting (sorry listeners) or seminar speaking (sorry one and all).  My friends with varying degrees of intellectual disability are the most sincere audience I ever speak to.  I feel no need for pretension and fear no misjudgement and the release is sweet.  I love the sincerity of their responsiveness, including S who interrupted me twice (only twice this time) to say "And there's something else ... God loves us". A better sermon in three words than most I have preached with many more. The truth is that every time I speak to this group I learn more than anyone else in the room.  I am...