Talk is Cheap

When we hear the question, “do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” we recognize that the setting is a courtroom and the person taking the oath is giving testimony. Today’s passage has a similar setting which is often missed by the distance between our two cultures. It presupposes a Jewish law court where evidence must be provided by the witness of others rather than oneself.

Inside Out

In an age of information we are in great need of wisdom. The book of Proverbs provides us with something like sound bites” which can be a resource for righteous living. It is not a self-help manual. At its heart this book probes well beyond simple advice and instruction in calling us to “the fear of the Lord” and engagement in patterns of living honouring to Yahweh.

Practical wisdom is certainly about what we do, how we behave, our practices in relations to others.

Read More behaviour, character, integrity

Talk is Cheap

When we hear the question, “do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” we recognize that the setting is a courtroom and the person taking the oath is giving testimony. Today’s passage has a similar setting which is often missed by the distance between our two cultures. It presupposes a Jewish law court where evidence must be provided by the witness of others rather than oneself.

God to the Rescue

The response to Peter’s message about the death and resurrection of Jesus was dramatic. “What shall we do?” asked his hearers. “Turn back to God,” Peter replied. “Your sins will be forgiven.”

With this story, Luke tells his audience that the long-awaited day has arrived.

What’s The Difference?

Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847) is held in high esteem in Scotland, both for his commitment to truth and his concern for the poor. It is said of him that “he warmed Glasgow,” a commendation of the gospel as much as Chalmers. He exemplifies the gospel as God at work to “rescue us from everything that is evil and to make our hearts pure” (v 14).

Keep a Clear Conscience

A Christian view of the world encourages high standards of conduct. It demands a refined conscience and a keen sense of appropriate behaviour. The lists of do’s and don’ts do not spring from rigid rule-making, but, rather, from a desire for relational harmony. “All of you should agree and have concern and love for each other. You should also be kind and humble” (v 8).