I'm happy to announce the official release of my first book (or workbook), Tithing & Your Average Christian.
You can get it for FREE. Click here for more details.
Monday 31 December 2012
Tuesday 25 December 2012
Friday 21 December 2012
Sunday 16 December 2012
Thursday 13 December 2012
Census figures: NI Protestant population continuing to decline
Original Article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20673534
Census figures: NI Protestant population continuing to decline
The census reveals 48% of the resident population are either Protestant or brought up Protestant, a drop of 5% from the 2001 census.
45% of the resident population are either Catholic or brought up Catholic, an increase of 1%.
7% say they either belong to another religion or none.
The highest proportions of people who neither belong to, nor have been brought up in a religion are in North Down (12%), Carrickfergus (10%) and Ards (9.4%).
One of the reasons for the decline in the Protestant population is that it is an older community with higher mortality.
Other factors include migration and the increase in the number of those who define themselves as not having any religion.
For the first time, statisticians have asked a question has been asked about national identity.
Two-fifths (40%) had a British only national identity, a quarter (25%) had Irish only and just over a fifth (21%) had a Northern Irish only national identity.
It is significant that while 45% of the population are Catholic, just 25% regard themselves as Irish only.
These figures illustrate the danger of trying to equate someone's religion with their political identity.
The population of Northern Ireland, on the day the census was carried out in March 2011, had increased by 125,600 to 1.811m, between 2001 and 2011. It represents a rise of 7.5%.
In 2011, 24% (338,544) of residents aged 16 years and over had achieved Level 4 or higher qualifications, while 29% (416,851) had no qualifications.
Almost three-fifths (59%) of people usually resident in Northern Ireland held a UK passport, just over a fifth (21%) held an Irish passport, while 19% held no passport.
The rate of population growth was greatest in Dungannon local government district (21%).
Language
The proportion of the usually resident population born outside Northern Ireland rose from 9% (151,000) in 2001 to 11% (202,000) in 2011.
The local government district with the highest proportion of people born in European Union accession countries was Dungannon (6.8%).
English was not the main language for 3.1% (54,500) of usual residents aged three years and over, almost one quarter of whom (24%) lived in Belfast local government district.
The most prevalent main language other than English was Polish at 1% (17,700 people).
Among usual residents aged three years and over, 11% had some ability in Irish in 2011 (compared to 10% in 2001), while 8.1% of people had some ability in Ulster-Scots.
Census figures: NI Protestant population continuing to decline
The latest census figures for Northern Ireland show there has been a continuing decline in the Protestant population.
The census reveals 48% of the resident population are either Protestant or brought up Protestant, a drop of 5% from the 2001 census.
45% of the resident population are either Catholic or brought up Catholic, an increase of 1%.
7% say they either belong to another religion or none.
The highest proportions of people who neither belong to, nor have been brought up in a religion are in North Down (12%), Carrickfergus (10%) and Ards (9.4%).
One of the reasons for the decline in the Protestant population is that it is an older community with higher mortality.
Other factors include migration and the increase in the number of those who define themselves as not having any religion.
For the first time, statisticians have asked a question has been asked about national identity.
Two-fifths (40%) had a British only national identity, a quarter (25%) had Irish only and just over a fifth (21%) had a Northern Irish only national identity.
It is significant that while 45% of the population are Catholic, just 25% regard themselves as Irish only.
These figures illustrate the danger of trying to equate someone's religion with their political identity.
The population of Northern Ireland, on the day the census was carried out in March 2011, had increased by 125,600 to 1.811m, between 2001 and 2011. It represents a rise of 7.5%.
In 2011, 24% (338,544) of residents aged 16 years and over had achieved Level 4 or higher qualifications, while 29% (416,851) had no qualifications.
Almost three-fifths (59%) of people usually resident in Northern Ireland held a UK passport, just over a fifth (21%) held an Irish passport, while 19% held no passport.
The rate of population growth was greatest in Dungannon local government district (21%).
Language
The proportion of the usually resident population born outside Northern Ireland rose from 9% (151,000) in 2001 to 11% (202,000) in 2011.
The local government district with the highest proportion of people born in European Union accession countries was Dungannon (6.8%).
English was not the main language for 3.1% (54,500) of usual residents aged three years and over, almost one quarter of whom (24%) lived in Belfast local government district.
The most prevalent main language other than English was Polish at 1% (17,700 people).
Among usual residents aged three years and over, 11% had some ability in Irish in 2011 (compared to 10% in 2001), while 8.1% of people had some ability in Ulster-Scots.
Wednesday 12 December 2012
CofE gay marriage 'to be illegal'
Original Article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/uk-politics-20680924
Gay marriage to be illegal in Church of England
The Church of England and Church in Wales will be banned in law from offering same-sex marriages, the government has announced.
Other religious organisations will be able to "opt in" to holding ceremonies, Culture Secretary Maria Miller said.
But she added that the Church of England and Church in Wales had "explicitly" stated strong opposition and would not be included.
Gay marriage to be illegal in Church of England
The Church of England and Church in Wales will be banned in law from offering same-sex marriages, the government has announced.
Other religious organisations will be able to "opt in" to holding ceremonies, Culture Secretary Maria Miller said.
But she added that the Church of England and Church in Wales had "explicitly" stated strong opposition and would not be included.
Tuesday 11 December 2012
Monday 10 December 2012
The Australian DJs & The Suicidal "Christian" Nurse
Have you been paying attention to the news lately? Recently, it was announced that Prince Williams' wife is with child, *yay*. Apparently, she had to be admitted to the hospital as she was having severe morning sickness.
While in the hospital, two Australian Radio DJs decided to have a little fun and make a prank call to the hospital. They pretended to be the Queen and Prince Charles and managed to fool a nurse into passing them through and revealing information on the Dutchess.
Once it was nationally revealed that this prank took place, the nurse that was fooled, committed suicide.
Since then, people have been practically baying for the blood of the two Australian Radio DJs for "causing" or being "partially responsible" for the death of the nurse.
Even christians have come against them saying that they should be fired, or legal action should be taken by the family against the DJs themselves or the radio station, as the radio station was fully aware of the prank before it to took place.
With all of this going on, it's being said that this nurse was a christian.
This whole situation brings two issues to my mind.
1. How should a christian respond toward the DJs?
2. Will a christian go to hell if they commit suicide?
------------
I'll talk about the second issue at a different date.
Regarding the first issue... let's have a look at what is going on.
These DJs were idle in what they did. However, that's their job. All around the world, Radio DJs are idle... including christian Radio DJs. There is an element of idleness in what they do. This is what keeps the shows interesting not always serious.
When these DJs found out that this nurse committed suicide, it seemed, that they were very remorseful. They cried and they apologised. The prank was never meant to be taken seriously.
Since this is their response... how should a christian respond.
One of scriptures that come to mind is found in Mark.
Now, we like to stop here, but that's not the end of the conversation. Jesus continues...
What is it that Jesus was teaching us here? We're supposed to forgive our brothers with the same forgiveness that we receive from God. Knowing this, how can we be hard towards these DJs, who are apologetic and remorseful over their actions, and yet still claim to have received the forgiveness of God?
Do we not see our sins as great before the Lord? Do we not believe that our sins are grievous to the Lord?
Could it be that we don’t love much because we don’t believe we have been forgiven much?
When we read this, a lot of people miss what is going on. The scribes and Pharisees sought to have the law carried out against this woman while at the same time not wanting the law to be carried out against their own sins.
When we apply these scriptures to this situation, we see that the DJs have apologised and are remorseful and yet we still want the law to come down on them.
But if the shoe was on the other foot, is that what we want for ourselves? Aren’t we acting just like the scribes and Pharisees? Seeking to hold the DJs to the law while not wanting the same for us.
It would be one thing if the DJs weren’t remorseful. It would be one thing if they were adamant that they had nothing to do with the suicide of the nurse. But that’s not what is going on.
They are remorseful and apologetic. When a christian sees this, we should be showing mercy. We should be extending grace.
For both the DJs and the Radio Station, the suicide of this nurse was definitely an unforeseen reaction to the prank call.
But once there is sorrow for their actions, even if it’s not godly sorrow, then we are instructed by examples throughout scripture and commanded by our Lord Himself, to show mercy and extend grace… by forgiving them of their trespasses as God has forgiven us of our trespasses.
Amen.
While in the hospital, two Australian Radio DJs decided to have a little fun and make a prank call to the hospital. They pretended to be the Queen and Prince Charles and managed to fool a nurse into passing them through and revealing information on the Dutchess.
Once it was nationally revealed that this prank took place, the nurse that was fooled, committed suicide.
Since then, people have been practically baying for the blood of the two Australian Radio DJs for "causing" or being "partially responsible" for the death of the nurse.
Even christians have come against them saying that they should be fired, or legal action should be taken by the family against the DJs themselves or the radio station, as the radio station was fully aware of the prank before it to took place.
With all of this going on, it's being said that this nurse was a christian.
This whole situation brings two issues to my mind.
1. How should a christian respond toward the DJs?
2. Will a christian go to hell if they commit suicide?
------------
I'll talk about the second issue at a different date.
Regarding the first issue... let's have a look at what is going on.
These DJs were idle in what they did. However, that's their job. All around the world, Radio DJs are idle... including christian Radio DJs. There is an element of idleness in what they do. This is what keeps the shows interesting not always serious.
When these DJs found out that this nurse committed suicide, it seemed, that they were very remorseful. They cried and they apologised. The prank was never meant to be taken seriously.
Since this is their response... how should a christian respond.
One of scriptures that come to mind is found in Mark.
Mark 18:21-22
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. (kjv)
Now, we like to stop here, but that's not the end of the conversation. Jesus continues...
Mark 18:23-35
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. (kjv)
What is it that Jesus was teaching us here? We're supposed to forgive our brothers with the same forgiveness that we receive from God. Knowing this, how can we be hard towards these DJs, who are apologetic and remorseful over their actions, and yet still claim to have received the forgiveness of God?
Do we not see our sins as great before the Lord? Do we not believe that our sins are grievous to the Lord?
Luke 7:41-43
There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. (kjv)
Luke 7:47
Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. (kjv)
Could it be that we don’t love much because we don’t believe we have been forgiven much?
John 8:3-11
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. (kjv)
When we read this, a lot of people miss what is going on. The scribes and Pharisees sought to have the law carried out against this woman while at the same time not wanting the law to be carried out against their own sins.
When we apply these scriptures to this situation, we see that the DJs have apologised and are remorseful and yet we still want the law to come down on them.
But if the shoe was on the other foot, is that what we want for ourselves? Aren’t we acting just like the scribes and Pharisees? Seeking to hold the DJs to the law while not wanting the same for us.
It would be one thing if the DJs weren’t remorseful. It would be one thing if they were adamant that they had nothing to do with the suicide of the nurse. But that’s not what is going on.
They are remorseful and apologetic. When a christian sees this, we should be showing mercy. We should be extending grace.
For both the DJs and the Radio Station, the suicide of this nurse was definitely an unforeseen reaction to the prank call.
But once there is sorrow for their actions, even if it’s not godly sorrow, then we are instructed by examples throughout scripture and commanded by our Lord Himself, to show mercy and extend grace… by forgiving them of their trespasses as God has forgiven us of our trespasses.
Amen.
Sunday 9 December 2012
Saturday 8 December 2012
Welcome…
Welcome welcome welcome. I know the blog isn't much right now but hopefully I can knock it into some kind of shape. Looking forward to good things. Let's see what God will do.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)