A COLLISION OF CHRISTIANITIES: I no longer want to be called a “Christian”
The controversy around Bishop Mariann Budde’s prophetic message to Trump last week at the National Cathedral’s inaugural prayer service made me question whether I still want to be called a Christian. Not because of her message, but because of the way that “Christians” responded. I do not want to be identified as a “Christian” anymore based on my confession. People must see it, suspect it and savour it. Little-Christ or no-Christ. Nothing more, nothing less. Friend of sinners! How about that?
THE PRIEST, THE PRESIDENT AND THE PREDICAMENT: A Rubicon moment
When the Bishop of Washington, Bishop Mariann Budde, pleaded with President Donald Trump to show mercy to the marginalised, many Christians across the globe failed to discern between the message and the messenger. And if this was indeed a Biblical message, one that should at least have been considered, it could be a Rubicon moment for the leader of one of the greatest democracies on earth – even more providential than the moment he survived the attempt on his life.
THE BACONIAN FALLACY OF GAZA: and the death of human compassion
Satan loves to destroy a heart of compassion by “inoculating” us with just enough of the truth that we become immune to the Father of ALL compassion (2 Corinthians 1:3). We get so caught up in the KNOWN KNOWNS, the facts and figures that we research so diligently and hold on to so tightly, that we lose sight of the way that the KNOWN KNOWN Redeemer has shown us.
FIRST HOSTAGES RELEASED – humanity has finally triumphed… or has it?
Christians gave a prayer of relief as three innocent Israeli hostages, who became collateral damage to political leaders and their quest for power, were given their freedom. To finally see the relief and joy, not only of the families but the whole community, stirred the hearts of every onlooker. Humanity has finally triumphed… or has it?
SYRIA: A voice in the storm
Syria, after more than a decade of war, finds itself undergoing profound political, cultural, and social transformations. These changes will have significant implications for the lives of ordinary Syrians, especially religious minorities such as Christians. This shift is affecting not only daily life but also the broader societal dynamics in the country.
SYRIAN CLERICS VISIT AL-GOLANI: three lessons for 2025
On Tuesday, 31 January 2024, Ahmed al-Sharaa (alias Abu Mohammed al-Golani), advanced his commitment to minority rights by meeting with senior Syrian Christian leaders in Damascus. For the Church in Syria, this moment represents a watershed event; a pivotal turning point that will not only shape the future of faith in Syria but could also serve as a beacon for the entire Middle East. This significant juncture required three key components, which can also serve as valuable reminders to the Western Church as we approach 2025—a year that promises both opportunities and challenges.
GAZA, LEBANON and SYRIA: the darkness of the tomb or the darkness of the womb?
What if the darkness in Syria is the darkness of the womb and not the darkness of the tomb? What if the darkness in Gaza is the birth pains of something so beautiful that only God can comprehend it. What if God, in His sovereign goodness and His desire to seek and save the lost, can use this darkness to birth a nation, to raise a people, and to establish His presence through the beauty of His church. What if this is the darkness of the womb and not the darkness of a tomb?
10 LESSONS FROM SYRIA: when faith is under fire
Observing the church in Syria during one of our recent visits brought a new conviction of how a Church should influence a nation. Not by fighting evil with evil nor by cursing darkness, but simply by living Christ and being light. We encountered many heroes of faith and divine meetings and hereby include TEN LESSONS we learned from the Church in Syria.
THE ROSE OF SYRIA: A time to strengthen the local Church
“If Syria is a garden of flowers, then the church is the rose. The fragrance of which is reaching even those in government.” If you have prayed for Syria before – “one more prayer, please”. If you have given before – “one more time, please.” This is the heart cry of Syrian believers
NO, SYRIA HAS NOT BEEN LIBERATED: a time for courage
No, Syria has not been liberated. Terrorists do not liberate, they enslave. The Syrians need courage, more than ever before. Courage to endure, to persevere and to survive. But the passive bystanders from the outside world also needs courage, but a different kind of courage.