The God we serve is a relational God. He communicates with us. He speaks and he listens. He has also created us as relational beings, created to communicate. Through communication we can know God and know each other, as well as the world around us. The Bible is God's primary source of communication to us … Continue reading The Art of Reading
Just Do It!
Some thought-provoking quotes ... "If you love me, you will obey what I command." [Jesus - John 14:15. NIV] "Knowledge doesn't change the world; action does." [John Maxwell] "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Those who listen to the word but do not do what it … Continue reading Just Do It!
The BBQ Rules
Some gender-related humour ... for your enjoyment ... We are about to enter the summer and BBQ season. Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity, as it's the only type of cooking a 'real' man will do, probably because there is an element of danger … Continue reading The BBQ Rules
Preaching Thoughts from Rob Bell
Last year I took a course on 'Preaching' with Haddon Robinson and Rob Bell, as part of my Doctor of Ministry program with Fuller Theological Seminary. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned so much. There is an entire field of study in preaching and communication and although I’ve spoken thousands of times, I've only given … Continue reading Preaching Thoughts from Rob Bell
Maturity
“Maturity does not come with age but with the acceptance of responsibility.” [Edwin Louis Cole] When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I grew up, I put childish ways behind me." [The Apostle Paul - 1 Cor.13:11. NLT]
Sacred Sex
We are currently doing a series of messages at CityLife Church on Sacred Sex. No, 'sacred sex' is not an oxymoron. The word 'sacred' means holy, special, set apart unto God. We must avoid a dualistic philosophy that separates life into two spheres: the sacred and the secular, the holy and unholy, the pure and … Continue reading Sacred Sex
Christians and Alcohol
"Should Christians drink alcohol?" This question has caused a fair bit of heated discussion over the centuries. Obviously, alcohol abuse does a lot of damage in our society and drunkenness needs to be avoided by any Christ-follower. But should a Christian totally abstain from all alcoholic beverages or is it okay to drink in moderation? … Continue reading Christians and Alcohol
What’s a Senior Minister to do?
Church work is never done. There's so much to do with seemingly not enough time to fit everything in. The urgent constantly seeks to crowd out the important. We often question whether all our efforts are truly effective. So, what's a Senior Minister or Pastor to do? The leaders of the early church faced the … Continue reading What’s a Senior Minister to do?
Prophetic Bloopers
At our church we believe in the ministry of prophecy. God still speaks today, not at the authoritative level of Scripture, but to bring strength, comfort and challenge to people's lives (see 1 Cor.14:3). Recently, we had a time of prophetic ministry over 250 of our church leaders and we've received many excellent reports about … Continue reading Prophetic Bloopers
My Encounter with Grief
Seventeen years ago tomorrow (October 20th, 1990), I had my first real encounter with intense grief. Yes, I had seen other people grieve. Yes, I had played the piano and sung at funerals ... but nothing this close to home ... It was the day my mother passed away - Joyce Conner. My parents had … Continue reading My Encounter with Grief
Angels Watching Over Me
While on safari in Tanzania, Africa, recently, we stayed at a place where you weren't allowed to walk outside your room at night. If you wanted to go to the dining room or reception area (both separate buildings) you had to call the office and they would send one of their staff to escort you … Continue reading Angels Watching Over Me
Who will you vote for Prime Minister – John Howard or Kevin Rudd?
The Australian Federal Election date has finally been set for Saturday, November 24th, 2007. Who will you vote for Prime Minister of Australia – John Howard or Kevin Rudd? I have a personal conviction that it is not my role to tell people how I think they should vote. Neither does our church take a … Continue reading Who will you vote for Prime Minister – John Howard or Kevin Rudd?
Reflections on the War in Iraq
The war in Iraq continues to be a topic of fairly heated political discussion across the globe. I personally believe that US President, George Bush, would have been better to wait until a United Nations joint decision before choosing to invade Iraq. The 'weapons of mass destruction' that were the cause of the invasion soon … Continue reading Reflections on the War in Iraq
Anyone for Golf?
Did you hear about the two guys who went golfing ... the one guy hit the ball right down the middle of the fairway about 150 metres. He was so excited ... he had never been down the middle of the fairway in his life. He was so excited ... he got down to where … Continue reading Anyone for Golf?
Multiply Your Ministry Impact
Everyone wants to have a fruitful life and ministry. But that's only half of our mandate. God wants us to be "fruitful AND multiply" (Gen.1:28). He desires us to reproduce ourselves in others "after our kind". Great leaders are able to train others to join them in ministry and thereby multiply their ministry impact. God … Continue reading Multiply Your Ministry Impact