Category: Current Issues

The Commonwealth Government is examining the proposed introduction of a Federal “Charter Of Human Rights” and has appointed Fr. Frank Brennan as Chairperson along with Mary Kostakidis, Mick Palmer and Tammy Williams. They have been tasked with asking the following questions and reporting to the Government.

• Which human rights and responsibilities should be protected and promoted?
• Are human rights sufficiently protected and promoted?
• How could Australia better protect and promote human rights?

Many Christians are concerned that such a Charter could limit Christian freedom. As a service to the Christian community, a special event has been organised for those who live in Melbourne by The Australian Christian Lobby, The Melbourne Archdiocese of the Catholic Church and the Church & Nation Committee, Presbyterian Church of Victoria. This event will include a panel based Q &A session with questions submitted in writing on the night.

Date: Wednesday 27th May 2009
Venue: The Chapel, Crossway Baptist Church, Vision Drive, Burwood East
Time: 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm
Enquires: (03) 9018 1782

For full details click here.

Anytime we lose something or someone special to us we experience grief. Grief is our natural emotional response to loss of any kind. Many people are facing this right now through the tragedy of the bush fires here in Victoria – the loss of friends, family members, and loved ones, as well as the loss of homes and possessions.

There are many stages of grief that most people go through. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, in her 1969 book "On Death and Dying", describes five discrete stages that most people go through when dealing with grief or tragedy. They are known as the five stages of grief. 

1. Denial – "I feel fine … This can't be happening to me!"
2. Anger – "Why me? It's not fair … How can this happen!"
3. Bargaining – trying to change what has happened in some way.
4. Depression – "I feel so sad, why bother … I feel like I'm going to die … What's the point?"
5. Acceptance – "It's going to be okay … I'm going to make it …"

These stages apply to the death of a loved one, but also to other losses such as a loss of employment, income, home, or a relationship (such as a marriage ending in divorce). These stages don't necessarily come in order nor are all stages experienced by everyone.

Thankfully, we serve a God who is familiar with grief (Isaiah 53:3), who identifies with us in our pain, and who offers us comfort and strength to make it through (see 1 Corinthians 1:1-7). In addition, the comfort of family and friends is also essential. Let people talk, let them grieve, and help in practical ways.

P.S. Click here for a few of my own thoughts as I had to deal with the grief of losing my mother a number of years back.

"Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted" [Jesus – Matthew 5:4]

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us." [The Apostle Paul – 2 Corinthians 1:1-7. NLT]

As we continue to sort through all of the various emotions and heartache of the bush fires here in Victoria, lots of questions are raised and all sorts of discussions result. The age-old question of "Why?" emerges once again, a question that people have grappled with for centuries on end. Even as adults, we often find it difficult to understand what has happened and why. Where is God in all of this?

These questions can be especially difficult for children.

Here are a few resources for helping children during this time, referred to me by the Chaplain of Waverley Christian College, Peter Nash. Firstly, there are some thoughts from Michael Grose, a leading child educator in Australia. Secondly, is a document with an extensive list of a variety of resources available.

You also might be interested in a few comments I made just after the Asian tsunami.

Ask God to give you wisdom as you talk with children and young people at this time, as well as to all of those grappling with these current issues.

Tragedies such as the current bush fires, often bring out the best and worst of humanity. To hear of people looting, vandalising, setting up fraudulent fund-raising schemes, and even committing arson, is so shocking and sad. In contrast, to see how most people rise to the challenge to support and help each other with genuine love, service, and goodwill is a tribute to humanity. After all, we were all made in the image of God our Creator, even if that image has been marred. 

Let's continue to do all we can to help those affected by the fires. I have spoken to a number of people this week who have lost their homes, as well as friends and loved ones in the fires. This is such a difficult time for them but as we come alongside them with encouragement and support, I believe that they can make it through. 

Let's keep praying, offering practical help where possible, and giving financially. Our church has already made a $10,000 donation to the bush fire appeal and we will take up special offerings in all of our church gatherings this coming weekend, as well as encourage people to continue to give via the various bush fire appeals taking place. 

Our community ministry is also providing accommodation, clothes, and food for bush fire victims. 

Finally, be sure to take some time to write or contact our fire-fighters, emergency service workers, as well as many of the other individuals and organisations involved in this crisis. We took a minute or so in one of our church gatherings last weekend to record a brief video message to the firefighters. 

Thanks everyone!

P.S. For information on how you can volunteer your services, click here or call the Information Victoria Bushfire Volunteer Hotline on 1300 366 356.

Whenever there is a tragedy or disaster in our world, conversations about the judgment of God often emerge.

This is a sensitive topic that needs to be handled with care. Are the recent bush fires in Victoria the judgment of God? What about that person who died in a car accident last week, that person who died of sickness yesterday, or that couple who haven’t been able to have children? Are they too under the judgment of God because something bad has happened to them? Is any negative experience of human suffering an indication of the judgment of God? These are difficult questions and none of us have God’s full perspective on life’s uncertainties. 

In Jesus’ time, there were a number of tragedies that took place (see Luke 13:1-5). Pilate killed a some Galileans and mixed their blood with sacrifices (“human evil”) and then a tower (the Tower of Siloam) collapsed and killed eighteen people (“natural evil”). Jesus addressed these two current issues but he didn’t explain ‘why’ they had happened. What he did say, however, was insightful. He said, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them-do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."

Jesus makes it clear that when something bad happens it doesn’t necessarily mean that the person(s) affected by suffering are necessarily sinful or evil. Good and evil does not fall on people in some sort of vindictive manner. Jesus doesn’t say that these people are ‘under the judgment of God’ either.  

Continue reading “Are the Bush Fires the Judgment of God?” →

Our State of Victoria is caught up in the worst round of bush fires in our history. Over 200 people have died as a result of the fires and over 1850 homes have been destroyed. 

This is a tragic situation and it is so sad to think that a number of the fires may have been the work of arsonists. 

Scorching heat has not helped. Melbourne had a record high of 46.4 degrees Celsius – that's over 115 degrees Fahrenheit. 

What can we do?

1. Pray for those who have lost loved ones because of the fires. This is an incredible time of grief, sorrow, and even anger, for many people. It will not be easy for them to rebuild their lives after such horrendous loss. Pray for God's grace and comfort. Pray for the fire-fighters and emergency services as they continue to try to get multiple bush fires under control around the state. Pray for more rain and for favorable weather conditions.   

2. Where possible, offer emotional support and practical help to any families or neighbours directly affected by the fires.  

3. Consider making a financial donation. The federal government has set up a $10 million dollar bush fire relief fund but more will be needed. Donations to the Victorian Bushfire Relief Fund can be made at any NAB branch or via internet banking.  BSB: 082-001.  Account number: 860 046 797. Victoria Police have urged those wishing to donate not to tie up 000 and other emergency hot-lines and instead to call the Red Cross Information Line on 1800 727 077.  You can also donate online at www.redcross.org.au, by phoning 1800 811 700, or at any Bunnings store. 

4. Send a note of encouragement to the fire fighters by clicking here. 

5. Donate blood. Extra blood is especially important for burns victims who are receiving treatment in hospital. Appointments can be made by calling the Red Cross on 13 14 95.

Last week, on November 7th, Billy Graham turned 90 years of age. He is one of the most well-known Christians in the world today and through his evangelistic ministry he has preached to over 215 million people. Through many decades of ministry he has remained humble and he has lived with utmost integrity, a shining example to all.

Click here to read a recent article in the USA Today newspaper about Billy Graham.

Click here if you would like to post a belated personal birthday greeting to Billy. Tens of thousands of people have already done so.

His autobiography Just As I Am is one of the most inspiring stories I have read. It is a long read but well worth it. His life reveals so many excellent principles for us to emulate as we seek to live lives worth following.

Happy birthday Billy and thanks for serving God so faithfully!

The prophet Isaiah challenged the people of his time that God was more interested in their works of love for the poor and needy than he was in their worship (see Isaiah 58). This is a message strongly echoed by other prophets (see Amos 5:21-24). Jesus reinforced this strongly in the parable of the sheep and the goats where he paints a picture of the nations being divided not by doctrine, personal ethics, or religious activities but by how they had treated the poor and needy (Matthew 25:31-46).

Poverty is not a 'left-wing' political issue; it is a Christian issue.

Just under half of the world's population (2.8 billion) lives on US $2 a day or less. It is hard to imagine that kind of poverty (click here for a description of what that would be like). Recently, Australia was ranked as the most prosperous nation in the world. We are the affluent minority.

How should we then live?

We should:

1. Become more aware of the issues. Why not order World Vision's latest book, World Poverty for Dummies – it's only $25.

2. Reflect on our own values and lifestyle. Spend less and give more away.

3. Get involved. There is so much that can be done.

Worship and justice must go hand in hand. Together we can really make a difference, one step at a time.

Integrity is one of the most important character qualities to develop in your personal life. For leaders, it is vital, as it is part of the foundation of all credibility and influence. Integrity means that there is an integration between who we really are (when no one is looking) and who we appear to be to others. Other similar concepts to integrity are … honesty, truthfulness, and authenticity.

How do you develop personal integrity? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Value integrity. Unless you place a high value on this quality you will be unlikely to pay the price to develop it and preserve it over the long haul.

2. Establish personal boundaries between what is right and wrong, acceptable and unacceptable, and then stay as far away from the edge as possible. Don't see how close you can get to the edge. That's like a deep sea diver seeing how long they can last on a tank of oxygen.

3. Sweat the small things. Jesus said that faithfulness in small matters is the foundation of faithfulness in large matters. In the same way, dishonesty in small matters often leads the way to dishonesty in large matters. Tell the truth, don't exaggerate, pay for personal expenses at the office, don't cheat on your taxes, etc, etc.

4. Adopt an early warning system. Significant loss of integrity is never a fall, it is more often a gradual slide. Take decisive action early … before it's too late.

5. Repent quickly. Admit it when you are wrong, ask forgiveness, stop doing the wrong thing.

6. Ask others to help you. I have a number of people outside of my world who I meet with regularly who are able to ask me any question they want about anything in my life. Accountability is important.
7. Ask God to help you. The human heart is prone to self-deception (see Jeremiah 17:9). Ask God to search you and show you any crooked way in your life (see King David's prayer in Psalm 139:23-24).

Integrity – it's well worth the effort!

Within a few short months, a new president will be elected in the United States of America. Will it be John McCain or Barack Obama? It's been a long campaign and there are lots of opinions about who is the best candidate for the 44th American president.

What do you think?

Here are a few additional links that may be of interest to you:

1. Christianity Today's Election Blog
2. Information on Pastor Rick Warren's recent interview of the two candidates.

Here is another post borrowed from Steve Murrell's blog on a similar theme as yesterday's post …

This list is similar, but a bit different. Over 90% of drop outs happen during a “life change” season. Many of the top 10 “life change” moments that fueled the drop out seem mundane. But, when a person is in the process of fazing out of church, almost anything can become the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back.

Here are the top 10 “life changes” that cause young people to quit church:

10. Lost touch with my church-going friends 9. Family responsibilities preventing me from attending 8. Made life decision not accepted by the church 7. School responsibilities preventing me from attending 6. Spending more time with friends outside of church 5. Became too busy, but still wanted to attend 4. Moved too far away from church 3. Change in work schedule 2. Moved to college 1. Simply wanted a break from church

Source: soon-to-be released book by Thom Rainer and Sam Rainer called “Essential Church”

Some reflection questions …

1. What life change experienced caused you to withdraw from church? OR

2. Why did you stay in church even through life change seasons?

Continue reading “Top 10 Life Changes that Cause Young People to Drop Out of Church” →

We live in a world of exponential change that often results in stress in our lives. Stress can come from the high pace of change, from increasing mobility, from time pressures, from work, from feeling like things are out of our control, from fear, from strained relationships, from competition, and from emotions such as frustration and anger. We also need to understand the effect of the combination of stressors – the whole is always greater than the sum of the parts.

Doctor Richard Swensen outlines how stress can affect us in many areas of our life:

• Psychologically – stress has a profound effect on our psychological well-being, Symptoms can include: depression, withdrawal, apathy, mental fatigue, anxiety, negative thinking, difficulty making decisions, exaggerated worry, anger and hostility, impatience, forgetfulness, and confusion.
• Physically – our response to stress is also physical. Symptoms can include: rapid pulse, palpitations, increased blood pressure, hyperactivity, ulcers, irritable bowel, tightening of the muscles, headaches, weight changes, compromised immune system, unexplained fatigue, itching, insomnia, and shortness of breath.
• Behaviourally – what our mind and body experience, our behaviour often express. Behaviours can include: irritation with friends and colleagues, bossiness, outbursts of temper, withdrawal and detachment, sudden tears, changes in eating or sleeping patterns or in our sexual drive, accident proneness, reckless driving, or even compulsive shopping.

Because of the pace of life, the lack of margin, and the stress of living in the 21^st century, we can easily drain our reserves and before we know it, we’re running on empty. The warning lights come on and we know we can’t keep going or we’re going to ‘crash and burn’. We must refuel!

More on that tomorrow …

Each Christian is described as one of God’s 'sheep', who He personally loves and cares for. He delegates this responsibility of care to leaders in the church, or shepherds who represent Him on earth.

Notice Jesus’ last concern as He spoke to Peter before He ascended to heaven. Three times He said to Peter, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17). He wanted Peter, as a prominent leader in the early church, to have the heart of a shepherd and to care for each individual.

Each local church is similar to a sheepfold, where a group of God’s sheep are being cared for and led by one of God’s 'under-shepherds'. Church leaders must recognise that each Christian is ultimately God’s sheep. Leaders are to care for, feed and provide guidance to each person entrusted to them by God.

From time to time, God moves His sheep from fold to fold. Often, it’s through relocation or a job transfer. Other times, it’s because a new phase of growth is needed that requires a new environment. I heard one pastor of a growing church say, “We don’t steal sheep, we just grow grass.” This humorous statement has a lot of truth to it. Sheep that aren’t getting fed or who aren’t being cared for will move on to greener pastures.

Individual Christians that move to another local church need to ensure that they leave with a proper attitude and that they resolve any outstanding issues, if at all possible. Church-hopping is definitely not God’s plan. Moving to a new church needs a lot of prayer and appropriate counsel.

When people leave our local church and join another church, we must continue to love them and treat them as brothers or sisters in Christ.

That They May Be One

God is building His church, and His church is an extension of the kingdom of God in every locality. It is not one particular denomination or nationalistic group. It is His people, out of every nation and cultural background. There are all kinds of different churches to reach all kinds of different people. As the true church of Jesus Christ turns from competitiveness to co-operation, we will see the task of reaching our cities accomplished much more quickly.

A kingdom mentality sees the church in the world as a body comprised of many local churches, all working together for God's purposes. It is a day of partnership and networking, based on relationship, not on the particular label a specific church or ministry may have.

It’s a new day! God is breaking down the walls. He is bringing His body, the church, together as a mighty force in the earth. It will take the whole church, taking the whole gospel to the whole world, to complete the Great Commission. The last prayer of Jesus was that we would all be one as He and the Father are one (John 17:20-21). That is one prayer that will be answered. Let’s work together for its fulfilment in our time!

P.S. The blog posts over this last week have been gleaned from the book Transforming Your Church.

It’s amazing and saddening to see the amount of literature that has been produced in recent decades by Christians that is aimed at judging other churches or ministries and even going to the extreme of labelling them “demonic” or “of the devil.”

Yes, it is important to “contend for the faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) and stand for truth. However, we must focus on the fundamentals of Scripture and the essential doctrines of the Christian faith, not on minor controversial issues. We should also do everything in the spirit of Christ, which requires a loving and sensitive approach when speaking about other Christian ministries.

The Bible does tell us to test all things and to hold on to the good and let the bad go (1 Thessalonians  5:21-22). 1 John 4:1-3 also tells us to test the spirits and to not believe everything we hear. We should test churches and ministries by what they say about Jesus – who He is and what he has done. We should, however, place final judgement on nothing before its time (1 Corinthians 4:5. James 4:10-12). God is the true judge, and each person will stand before Him (not us) and give account for all they have done.

Christian love requires us to avoid a critical attitude that is quick to pull down and point out flaws in other people and their ministries (Matthew 7:1-5). Instead of judging, Jesus tells us to examine the fruit or results of a person or ministry.

Derek Prince recommends five key things that we should look for when discerning whether any church, ministry or so-called “move of God” is genuine or not (from his booklet Uproar in the Church published by Derek Prince Ministries). Here they are:

1. The fruit of repentance. Are people turning from sin to God?
2. Respect for the Scriptures. Is God’s Word being respected, valued and taught?
3. Exaltation of Jesus. Is Jesus being lifted up and magnified?
4. Love for other Christians. Is there a growing love for other believers?
5. Loving concern for the unreached. Is there a focus on reaching people for Christ?

A tree is known by its fruit. We may not always recognise or understand how the Spirit moves, but we can know the evidence of the Spirit’s work. Is the fruit something that looks like the Holy Spirit?

Derek Prince goes on to say, “If a significant number of Christians in the current move (or church or ministry) successfully passes all, or most, of the five tests, then it is safe to conclude that this is, essentially, a move of God. However, this does not mean that everyone or everything in it is faultless. God has no faultless people to work with, but it is amazing what He can do with those totally surrendered to Him, though weak and fallible.” (Please also note that the devil does not want these five things to happen!)

We see this gracious attitude portrayed so beautifully in the advice that Gamaliel gave to the Pharisees when they were considering persecuting the early church. In Acts 5:33-39, he tells them that, if this ministry is not of God, it will die down and come to nothing. However, if it is of God, they should leave it alone lest they be seen as fighting against God.

We would be wise to take his advice today as we observe other ministries and churches.