It always concerns me the amount of so-called ‘Christians’ who spend their time throwing mud at other Christian ministries, claiming that so-and-so is a false prophet or spreading heresy. Jesus does call us to discern ministries (by their fruit) but to go beyond this and place a judgment on a person is something we are … Continue reading Heretic Hunting?
Believe it or not, Christmas is only four weeks away! For followers of Christ, and especially for those of us who pastor a church or speak from time to time, Christmas presents another excellent opportunity to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ. But how do we share this timeless message in new and fresh … Continue reading Christmas Resources
By Alistair McGrath for The Telegraph With simplicity and elegance, he captured the imagination of a war-weary generation. Today it will be announced that a memorial to the poet, literary scholar and novelist C S Lewis (1898-1963) is to be placed in Poets’ Corner at Westminster Abbey next November, 50 years after his death. He joins a … Continue reading C.S. Lewis Deserves His Place in Poet’s Corner
The apostle Peter presents us with a strong challenge for times like ours: 1 Peter 4:7-11. The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home … Continue reading Living in the Last Days (1 Peter 4)
Do you remember where you were and what you were doing on the evening of August 9th last year? It was census night here in Australia, a day every five years where the government requires every person living Australia to complete a survey (conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics). It includes questions about personal … Continue reading Religious Belief in Australia (2011 Census Results)
As part of his letter to followers of Christ scattered throughout the Mediterranean world, the apostle Peter shared a few thoughts especially for church leaders. 1 Peter 5:1-4. I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming … Continue reading Leading in Tough Times (1 Peter 5)
The book of 1 Peter was a general letter written by the apostle Peter to a wide group of early Christian communities comprising a vast network of small groups scattered throughout the Mediterranean world. Like most letters, it begins with a greeting (1:1-2), then moves to a blessing (1:3-9), followed by a statement (1:10-12), then the … Continue reading Endurance during Suffering (1 Peter 1)
Father Norton woke up Sunday morning and realizing it was an exceptionally beautiful and sunny early spring day, decided he just had to play golf. So... he told the Associate Pastor that he was feeling sick and persuaded him to say Mass for him that day. As soon as the Associate Pastor left the room, Father Norton headed out of … Continue reading Skipping Church
[The following article is by Cole Moreton from the Telegraph] The next Archbishop of Canterbury woke up yesterday with something on his mind. “Thought in the night,” he wrote on Twitter. “Those who made money betting on me give it to their local church!” Chatting wittily online to 6,429 online followers is not something the … Continue reading New Archbishop of Canterbury: Justin Welby
Rev. Billy Graham turned 94 years of age this week. “I never expected I would live this long, outliving my beloved wife, Ruth, as well as many friends and loved ones,” Graham said last week. “I believe God must still have a purpose for keeping me here, and I look forward to seeing what that … Continue reading Billy Graham turns 94
Religious editor, Barney Zwartz, wrote the following article entitled "Flock keeping the faith - and feeling blessed" in this week's AGE newspaper: FALLING church attendances in Australia may have plateaued and churchgoers are considerably happier than 10 years ago, according to the five-yearly church ''census''. ''The complete Australian church is growing stronger, or holding its ground, and … Continue reading The Church in Australia – latest NCLS data
The following article is the from the Barna Group web site ... November 5, 2012 – Compared to the days leading up to 2008, when Barack Obama was a frontrunner and poised to make inroads among Christian voters, the 2012 presidential race remains without a clear leader. Yet most voters place a high urgency on … Continue reading 2012 American Election Day Preview (Barna Group)
More wisdom from James on temptation ... James 1:12-15. God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do … Continue reading Overcoming Temptation
Here is some wise and highly relevant advice from James, the brother of Jesus: James 1:2-8. Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your … Continue reading The Joy of Trials
[A guest post by Rev Canon J.John - www.philotrust.com] The bizarre preoccupation with Halloween shows no sign of abating. Indeed, the enthusiasm with which some shops are marketing this celebration of evil, death and the occult suggests that their owners are banking on huge sales of pumpkins, masks and witches’ hats.. Many concerns have been raised concerning Halloween over the years and the two most … Continue reading The Tragedy of Halloween
