I have come to the conclusion that even some future ministers don’t have a firm grasp of the meaning of many words we use regularly in the church.

As I write this, I look east over the hills of Jerusalem.

From time to time some earnest soul will ask me, “Are you saved?” There is a biblically correct answer to that question.

Individuals have a natural life span. We are also becoming accustomed, with pain, to a parallel notion, that congregations have life spans. It may be time to ask whether denominations—in fact, our denomination—might have a life span also.

The first virtue on the list of the fruit of the Spirit is love. Some suggest that it is first because it contains all the other virtues.

As Christians we are called to make decisions based on God’s system of values. We reach beyond ourselves to define what is good, what is preferable, what is needed.

Where do you find patience?

I have been told by good Christian mentors that we should be moderate in all things. It must be written in the Bible somewhere, isn’t it? Well, actually it isn’t.

Have you known a gentle giant? We tend to think of those people who are large enough to be intimidating and yet when we get to know them, gentle enough to be approachable and caring. I suppose when you think of it, this is how we experience life.

Worldwide Communion Sunday this year found us in Amkhut, India, celebrating the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

I think of the early church out of Jerusalem with its clarity of message and transformative power. I think of our own church and congregations as we face the realities of a secular Canada.

“All truth” includes the truth that liberates, the truth that enlightens and the truth that comforts. “All truth” also includes the truth that hurts.

Some years I wait for the perfect climbing day: sunny and the wind at no more than five kilometres. This year I waited three days, but took the fourth day because it was “do-able.”

Our church stands in danger of being impoverished by our real estate.

I began this column in the Record last summer with an unapologetic affirmation of the centrality of Jesus Christ for our church’s faith and life, now and in the future. My last word is the same.

Death stirs up many emotions. Whenever I prepare to preach at a funeral, or attend a memorial service, I often find my thoughts moving in different directions, swirling really.