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We live in a society in which admitting one’s own sins is seen as a sign of weakness.
Jesus taught a spiritual lesson that we often forget: what there is inside us is what really matters.
The disturbances that took place in different countries during the football matches of the 1994 World Cup were incredible.
In Mexico, three people died and more than 200 were injured during one of the "celebrations" for the qualification of the national team.
The same problems happened in Holland when they reached the quarter-finals, and in Italy when they reached the final (including some people who suffered heart attacks).
It is sad, but on too many occasions sport is just an excuse to "sow" storms and hatred.
We often go through life as if everything belonged to us. We go around doing what we want, not letting anyone object or raise their voice to us. We often do things that do harm, or hurt other people and we do not see much of a problem in it.
"He will soon forget," we say. We hurt people and try to get away with our sin. God teaches us a spiritual law in the Bible that is always fulfilled: what we sow, is what we are going to reap - sooner or later.
If we sow hatred, envy, jealousy, bad words, slander, etc. we are going to collect the same in our lives - probably to a larger extent.
If we hate others, we too will receive hatred. If we envy others, we will only obtain bitterness in return. If we speak ill of others, others will gossip about us. It is not possible to sow evil and collect good.
We cannot expect others to treat us well, if we have humiliated them. We cannot demand justice from others, if we have laughed at them.
Everything we sow will become what we reap. Jesus taught a spiritual lesson that we often forget: what there is inside us is what really matters.
What do we have within us? If we have hatred, we will receive hatred; if we have love, we will receive love. It does not mean that things are always going to go well, but that, at least, we know that we have done our part correctly.
If we give love, then we can be sure that God will have his say in the results. We cannot expect anything else.
We cannot sow winds and reap peace; if we sow winds, we will reap tempests, and they will always be harder and stronger than we thought.
As a relict species it has only managed to survive on a handful of isolated mountain-tops.
There are certain things which seem to open suddenly a new dimension to us: a brief moment of eternity.
Nothing can change the certainty that God is at our side. Always, without exception.
Ruth Valerio: A lifestyle that cares about creation
Are Christians called to make a difference in environmental care? What has creation care to do with "loving our neighbours"? An interview with the Global Advocacy and Influencing Director of Tearfund.
Kathy Bryan: Online sex trafficking in the USA
“Prostitution is nobody’s dream, it’s a very traumatic lifestyle”, says Kathy Bryan, director of the Elevate Academy. She mentors former victims.
Christians in politics?
What is the role of Christians serving in politics? An interview with Auke Minnema, the new General Director of the European Christian Political Movement (ECPM).
Michael Ramsden: Communicating the Gospel in today’s societies
RZIM International Director Michael Ramsden responds to questions about the secularisation of Europe, the role of Christians in public leadership and the new ‘culture of victimism’.
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.
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.
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".
Analysing current issues in the light of the Bible
At the 2018 Apologetics Forum in Comarruga (Spain), Michael Ramsden, Pablo Martinez, Ruth Valerio and José de Segovia analysed how society and the Bible approach the issues of personal identity, integrity, sexuality, pop culture, and environmental care.
European “Bridges to Inclusion” gathering 2018, in Riga
The network of Christian ministries working for the inclusion of people with disabilities, celebrated its tenth continental meeting in Latvia with the participation of 12 countries.
Coexistence in the church - a model for society
“Gospel, identity and coexistence” were the themes of the General Assembly of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance. Two days in Palma de Mallorca to reflect about the role of evangelical churches in society.
'Ungi kulimi changana'
Educator and journalist Jordi Torrents shares images of the Sekeleka social centre in Mozambique. About 50 children live there, many with some kind of disability. All photos were taken with permission.
The President in an evangelical church on Christmas Eve
For the first time, the President of Portugal attended a worship service in an evangelical church. It was in Sintra, on Christmas Eve.
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.
Trailer: “The Peace Between”
A film about the experience of refugees in Europe. Churches, small groups and individuals are encouraged to use it during Refugee Week: 17-24 June.
How can churches better support singles?
Tina Tschage, on some areas in which other Christians can encourage singles.
The Church of Scotland debates historic doctrines
The Kirk has begun official procedures to investigate the status and the role of the Westminster Confession of Faith within its denomination.
Be safe on social media
A video about the way traffickers target teenage girls online, produced by anti-slavery gorup Abolishion.
In Mission
A 360º lyric video about how all followers of Jesus Christ are called to serve God. Duo in Spanish (Alex Sampedro) and Portuguese (Marcos Martins).
Heart
A short animation film by Swiss cartoonist Alain Auderset tells the message of the Bible in four minutes.
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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