The Denial (Mark 14:27-31, 66-72) The theme of abandonment overshadows many of the Stories Around the Cross. Jesus was abandoned by betrayal (Judas), by indifference (the disciples sleeping three times in Gethsemane), and by denial and desertion (Peter and the Twelve). When Jesus needed them the most, his friends left him alone. They all participated … Continue reading Stories Around the Cross – The Denial
How’s Your Cultural Intelligence?
The apostle Paul worked hard to relate to a wide variety of people. Have a read of this from his letter to the church at Corinth in the first century: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all … Continue reading How’s Your Cultural Intelligence?
The Power of a Clear Conscience
The apostle Paul spoke a lot about a 'clear conscience' back in the first century. Here are two examples: "Friends, I've lived with a clear conscience before God all my life, up to this very moment." Acts 23:1. MB "I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people." Acts 24:16. NLT … Continue reading The Power of a Clear Conscience
Grief
Ten tips for supporting someone who is grieving: • Offer practical support such as meals, shopping, gardening, errands, lifts, etc. especially in the early days. • Accept that everyone grieves differently. Grief is a normal and natural response to loss but everyone grieves differently. • Don't judge. There is no right or wrong way to … Continue reading Grief
Responding to Domestic Violence
Right now, our vision as a church is to see over 10,000 stories of transformation. Recently, we have had a number of moving stories about individuals coming out of domesitc violence situations. These are people who once felt isolated, hopeless, and helpless. Now they feel cared for and looked after. These stories provide hope for anyone affected by domestic … Continue reading Responding to Domestic Violence
“Porn Kills Love” by Josiah Conner
We fight the drug of porn with the power of love Ephesians 5:1-14 [Josiah Conner kicked off our Modern Family series last weekend with a message entitled "Porn Kills Love" (watch or listen). Here is a summary, along with some reflection questions] Steak: We have taken the good gift of sex and turned it into something … Continue reading “Porn Kills Love” by Josiah Conner
Say ‘No’ to Domestic Violence
As a pastor and church leader, I have a confession to make: The church has not handled the matter of domestic violence well. Let me be more specific: 1. We have not done a good job of helping to prevent domestic violence, of confronting it when it does occur nor of helping those … Continue reading Say ‘No’ to Domestic Violence
Dealing with Grief at Christmas Time
Christmas is a joyful time for most people. But for some it can be a difficult time, especially for those who have lost a loved one. Christmas reminds them of what or who is gone. The pain of that grief can be quite unbearable. I had my first major encounter with grief when I lost … Continue reading Dealing with Grief at Christmas Time
Two Simple Questions to Improve Your Marriage
In most marriages, one person is wired a little more relationally than the other. Often it is the wife ... but not always. If so, husbands, find a quiet time and place and ask your wife these two simple questions: 1. "How would you rate the current state/health of our marriage on a scale of … Continue reading Two Simple Questions to Improve Your Marriage
When Families Break Down
Divorce and Remarriage In Matthew 19:1-9, we have a record of the Pharisees trying to trick Jesus with a question about divorce, a hotly debated topic of his day. Everyone today has or knows a friend or family member who has been divorced and possibly remarried, or maybe we have even gone through that experience … Continue reading When Families Break Down
Family Life
“In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.” Eva Burrows
Re-Thinking Family
Let’s talk about the family. There have been many popular TV families over the years – Little House on the Prairie, The Waltons, The Brady Bunch, The Cosby Show, Friends, The Simpsons and now Modern Family. Some people say that television shapes the culture while others say it simply reflects the culture. A few would … Continue reading Re-Thinking Family
Mother’s Day
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day. I realise that this can be a difficult day for some people. Maybe your mother passed away recently, or you don’t have a good relationship with your mum, or maybe you always wanted to become a mum and it hasn’t happened. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. … Continue reading Mother’s Day
Weeping with those Who Weep: Learning to Grieve
Almost a year ago, Matthew Warren, the son of well-known American pastors Rick and Kay Warren commited suicide. It was a sad day for everyone and of course, the Warrens being public figures, everyone had an opinion about the situation. Today, Kay Warren made the following post on her Facebook page and I think it … Continue reading Weeping with those Who Weep: Learning to Grieve
The 18th Camel
A little wisdom goes a long way. When you give you will always get it back. A father left 17 camels as an asset for his three sons. When the father passed away, his sons opened up the will. The Will of the father stated that the eldest son should get half of 17 camels … Continue reading The 18th Camel