PARENTING

'Our children must know the genuineness of our own spiritual lives, not because we parade our sanctity before them, but because they see the reality of grace. Some say that parents should never be seen to disagree in front of children...which is an excellent thing if the parents never disagree. But if marriage is like most marriages are, it is not the absence of conflict but the resolution of conflict which demonstrates grace. It is not hiding away our sin, as though a cross word or selfish act never occurs within the relationship, but it is the working out of grace in the lives of two sinners. Our children know that we are sinners, and need to know that we  know that we are sinners, and that we know that they know we are sinners...and that nevertheless the grace of God has broken into our lives to save us.'  

Mark Ashton, 'God's gift of parenting' in The Briefing No.406 (July-August 2013),  p.33.

DEATH

'That is why it is so important to be realistic and to be biblical about death. In dying, I want to say to those I have loved and to those who have loved me: "Don't magnify me - remember the reality: I was someone who sometimes got you cross, and irritated you, and let you down, and disappointed you and hurt you. So please don't remember an imaginary relationship with me. It was good but it could have been better. I loved you, but I could have loved you better - just as you loved me, but you could have loved me better. So don't let's trust in our love for one another. Let's trust in God's love for us so that the change in our relationship, which my death will bring, can strengthen each of our relationships with Jesus."'

Mark Ashton, On my way to heaven, p.23.

HEALING

'Here is one area where Christians have a wonderful opportunity to stand out as different from our contemporary culture. Our contemporaries are obsessed with healing and the extension of physical life at all costs. What a pity that we Christians imitate them in that! When we talk about the hope of healing and the relief of physical pain, our contemporaries love it and they flock to our "healing services" with high hopes. But when we talk about glory lying beyond the grave and our sure hope of eternal life they are brought up short and are forced to face their own eternal destinies.'

Mark Ashton, On my way to heaven: Facing death with Christ, p.11.