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As theological debates on sexuality and marriage become more and more central, many Christian denominations are being asked to clarify their views.
When we want everything to finish quickly, it's because we are afraid of losing our victory in the last moments.
The 1990 Football World Cup in Italy was one of the most boring sporting events in recent memory - anyone who watched it will remember it well.
A great part of the problem was the tactics used by some teams whose only goal was to "kill time", in other words to defend, contain, let the minutes pass, destroy the game... and to make sure they got to the end of each game without the opposing team scoring.
Then, at least there would be a chance of qualifying on penalties. Many teams follow a similar tactic. Especially towards the end of their games, where the winning team finds a thousand and one reasons to waste time.
Players injure themselves in the last minutes. It is a time to put the ball out of play. They all decide that the goalkeeper has not played much and they give him the ball in the last minutes...
It seems everything is allowed as long as you waste time. We forget that when we waste time it is only because of fear. When we go on the defensive, we make ourselves scared and become cowards.
When we want everything to finish quickly, it's because we are afraid of losing our victory in the last moments. It's the same in life! We haven't learned to make the most of our time for fear of what everybody may say, fear of being pointed out as different, fear that others will laugh at what we are doing...
God tells us in his word that we must make the most of time: above all when we are young and have all our strength. How many are sorry for the time they have wasted once they can no longer do anything!
How many say: "if only I could turn the clock back!" Unfortunately, being sorry about it doesn't help at all. The only thing that helps is to make the most of the time we have now! If we carry on feeling sorry for the past, or dreaming of the future... our present will also escape from us!
When we wait for time to pass, when we get bored and don't know what to do, when we are wasting time, we become scared and cowardly.
God says that we should make the most of the days we have; that we must dedicate our lives to serving him.
There is no better objective in life than to hope to hear God say, "I remember the devotion of your youth.”
I’ve found that biographies are a great way to take our minds to other periods, “live” someone’s life, learn some of their lessons, and reassess our own lives.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be good enough to "compete" in heaven!
Michael Schluter: Relationships are the key to build Europe
The economist summarises the manifesto “Confederal Europe: Strong Nations, Strong Union” and explains why personal relationships should be at the centre of our economy, education and democracy.
Gary Wilkerson: The Bible, the Holy Spirit and the Reformation
Pastor Gary Wilkerson talks about what all evangelical Christians can learn from the Protestant Reformation and underlines the need for more churches with both a sound doctrine and obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Israel, the UN resolution and the long conflict
Shira Sorko-Ram, pastor and journalist in Israel, shares her views and a historical and biblical context on the latest events.
Lindsay Brown: Islam and the Gospel in Europe
Is the arrival of thousands of Muslims to Europe a threat to Christianity? What is the growth of evangelical churches in Eastern and Southern Europe? An interview with theologian and Lausanne Movement representative Lindsay Brown.
Giovanni Traettino: “Pope Francis is my brother in Christ”
Evangelical Focus asked the well-known Pentecostal pastor about his “open” approach to Roman Catholicism. Traettino defended his position about ecumenism during the Italian Evangelical Alliance 2016 assembly (8-9 April, Rome).
Efraim Tendero: Relationship with Roman Catholicism and other current issues
The World Evangelical Alliance Secretary General participated in the Italian Evangelical Alliance assembly (Rome, 8-9 April). In this interview with Evangelical Focus, Bp Tendero talks about the need to listen to local churches and to face challenges like the refugee crisis and climate change.
Thomas Bucher: Vision of the EEA
Influence in society, evangelical identity and projects in Europe. An interview with Thomas Bucher, secretary general of the European Evangelical Alliance.
Evi Rodemann: Youth and mission
“We want to see the youth not just being equipped, but also being multipliers”, Evi Rodemann director of Mission-Net. The European Congress took place in Germany from December 28 to January 2.
Greg Pritchard: European Leadership Forum
Pritchard explains the vision of ELF, comments on the 2015 event in Poland and reflects on what it means to have an "evangelical identity".
Pablo Martinez comments on Evangelical Focus’ launch
Author and international speaker Dr Pablo Martínez discusses the main challenges in Europe nowadays and hopes Evangelical Focus will be a useful tool to help build bridges between churches and society.
I am not on sale
Young Christians gathered at Madrid’s central square Sol to denounce human trafficking. A flashmob highlighted the work of three evangelical NGOs which support women who escape sexual slavery in Spain.
The abilities of Mefi-Boset
Christian ministry Mefi-Boset has been working with people with intellectual disabilities in their leisure time, and supporting their families in Terrassa and Barcelona (Spain) for 20 years.
Re-evangelise Europe and renew the biblical church
The 2017 European Leadership Forum gathered hundreds in Poland to celebrate the Reformation and connect to better share the gospel in diverse national contexts. See picture gallery.
Stamps to commemorate the Reformation
Poland, Lithuania, Namibia and Brazil are some of the countries that have issued special stamps on the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 theses.
‘Reconciliation’ in the Basque Country
Bilbao hosted the Spanish Evangelical Alliance's annual meeting (assembly). Politicians, professors and evangelical representatives shared views on social reconciliation. The theme was also analysed from a theological perspective and in workshops.
WPF17: A look at the world’s current issues
A selection of pictures of World Press Photo 2017.
The Progress of Europe, deeply connected to Bible
Indian author Vishal Mangalwadi spoke about how the biblical worldview shaped the West. 300 professionals attended annual GBG meeting on faith and work in Cullera (Spain). Photos: J.P. Serrano, S. Vera.
Impressions of Lausanne's #ylg2016
Around 1,000 young Christian leaders from 150 countries are participating in the 2016 Lausanne Younger Leaders Gathering, to reflect on global mission.
“Spain, we pray for you”
Hundreds of evangelical Christians from many denominations marched in Madrid (Spain) to pray for their city, the authorities and asking God to bring hope to its society. Many gathered in other cities on June, 11.
Walk
A two-minute video on the meaning of Jude 24.
How can local churches evangelise their communities?
Evangelist Michael Green speaks on how to mobilise the local church for effective evangelism.
What is scientism?
“Scientism is the view that Science provides knowledge, and that is the only source on knowledge”, says Rik Peels, Researcher at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam.
Living without your favourite things
A video by Open Doors UK & Ireland explains to children what it means to be a refugee.
Playmobil animation on Luther’s life
British video platform GoChatter uses 4,000 individual photos to create stop motion video on Martin Luther's life.
Individualism: from the Protestant Reformation to 21st century capitalism
Indian author Vishal Mangalwadi on how the Protestant Reformation underlined individualism as a means to please God, and how secular Europe corrupted it.
Students in Europe: “We are present”
A summary video of the IFES Europe conference which brought together 1,700 students from many countries in Aschaffenburg (Germany) to reflect on God's mission in society.
You-To live-How?
The Roldan Camacho are a Spanish couple with deafness. They tell us how the whole family experiences everyday life through sign language. A video report by Gabriela Pérez.
Philip Yancey interview
An 8-minute interview with Philip Yancey on the role of Christians in a secularised society. Recorded in Madrid, September 2016.
An interview with Prof. John Lennox
New atheism, the definition of "faith", Christianity in Europe, the role of the Bible in mission, and the need to listen more. An exclusive interview recorded at "Forum Apologética" (Tarragona, Spain) in May 2016.
Opinions expressed are those of their respective contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of Evangelical Focus.
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