Articles Number Five
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Paul’s words from 1 Corinthians echo throughout this edition of ARTICLES - as Christians our worldview is shaped by the cross. We may feel that the opposition we face by holding on to this message is something new, but the Apostle Paul was preparing the first Christians for the same kind of hostility. In this edition we look at youth violence, medical ethics, sexuality, money and workplace witness. Each issue is explosive, and we are thankful to the writers for their prayerful approach to each topic. None of these articles are the final word, but they hold up the issue to the cross and look to the wisdom of God, no matter how far it is from the wisdom of the world. So please read, pray and talk about these ARTICLES - and as you do, remember our brothers and sisters in Corinth, and our brothers and sisters across the world today. As we contend for the Gospel, and contend for the truth, remember that it was God himself who chose the things the world thinks are foolish to shame the wise. And God himself chose the things that are weak to shame the strong. God chose the things that people hate, the things they think are nothing, at all - and He used them to bring to nothing things that seem so much.
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Paul’s words from 1 Corinthians echo throughout this edition of ARTICLES - as Christians our worldview is shaped by the cross. We may feel that the opposition we face by holding on to this message is something new, but the Apostle Paul was preparing the first Christians for the same kind of hostility.
In this edition we look at youth violence, medical ethics, sexuality, money and workplace witness. Each issue is explosive, and we are thankful to the writers for their prayerful approach to each topic. None of these articles are the final word, but they hold up the issue to the cross and look to the wisdom of God, no matter how far it is from the wisdom of the world.
So please read, pray and talk about these ARTICLES - and as you do, remember our brothers and sisters in Corinth, and our brothers and sisters across the world today. As we contend for the Gospel, and contend for the truth, remember that it was God himself who chose the things the world thinks are foolish to shame the wise. And God himself chose the things that are weak to shame the strong. God chose the things that people hate, the things they think are nothing, at all - and He used them to bring to nothing things that seem so much.
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
and straight, can be his and can be forgiven to<br />
love and enjoy God forever. We must also show<br />
them how to discuss and disagree graciously<br />
and not seek to win or put-down.<br />
Finally, we must ourselves build friendships<br />
with parents from all kinds of family set-ups. We<br />
must open up our homes to welcome in those<br />
who think very differently to us in all areas of<br />
life, including sexual ethics, the people outside<br />
our normal circle of friends. We should regularly<br />
have people like this at our dinner tables. Our<br />
children must see us welcome them in, listen<br />
to them and love them well. This hospitality will<br />
open doors to discipleship in a culture that is<br />
hostile, intolerant and suspicious of Christians.<br />
It reflects the truth that God is hospitable and<br />
as image-bearers, we too are to seek out and<br />
welcome in all people.<br />
The gospel is still the power of God unto<br />
salvation and people are still dying in their<br />
sins and in desperate need of truth. No<br />
matter the cultural pressures we feel, or<br />
the labels of intolerance or bigotry that<br />
get applied to us, we must not flinch at<br />
proclaiming the absolutes of Scripture in a<br />
way that is kind and apologetically winsome<br />
but also faithful and confident; and we must<br />
disciple our children to do likewise through<br />
compassionate engagement, not fearful<br />
withdrawal.<br />
JULIETTE ALLCOCK<br />
is part of Christ Church Mayfair<br />
Schools are changing and it is easy to<br />
become anxious for our children. However,<br />
the greatest things have not changed. God<br />
is still sovereign. Christ is still a reigning, allsufficient,<br />
and global Saviour. The Holy Spirit<br />
is still active, omnipotent, and faith-creating.<br />
The Bible is still wholly true and ever relevant.<br />
ARTICLES 17
Change language