John Maddocks – GROW magazine

28 Jul

Being Salt And Light In The World

EVANGELISM ARTICLE | John Maddocks | Toronto, Ontario

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16) Read More →

06 Apr

Following in the Steps of Jesus

APPLICATION ARTICLE | John Maddocks | Toronto, Ontario

“For to this you have been called because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:21-24)

Life, even when things are going well, is a challenge. Read More →

02 Apr

Standing Strong In A World Gone Wrong

APPLICATION ARTICLE | John Maddocks | Toronto, Ontario, Canada

All alone. Most of us can remember a time or season when we experienced that unpleasant sensation. I live in Toronto, a city with millions of people, yet despite that huge population, it is a common experience for many to feel alone, even when surrounded by so many people. I know that it is true because I’ve experienced it myself.

Elijah stood alone. King Ahab had sent for the children of Israel and they assembled at Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal. Elijah called out to the people, “‘How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ But the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:21). Read More →

03 Oct

Distractions

BEYOND THE BASICS
John Maddocks | Toronto, Ontario

I was born in 1962. I grew up in a time when there were no cell phones, personal computers, gaming systems, nor DVD players. Yes, we had TV, but those were the days before cable TV and Netflix, so viewing options were very limited. My family did not have a colour TV until I was 9 or 10 years old. Now, you can watch whatever show or movie you want, any time you want, and you can even do that on your smartphone. If you have a research paper due, just turn on your computer and Google whatever subject it is that you are studying and you will find a world of information at your finger tips. If you want to play a game, there are any number of gaming systems available, and if you don’t have one, then you can play on your PC or your smartphone. The technological world has advanced in amazing ways in the 55 years since I was born. Read More →