Author Archive
A Choice Between Ethics And Religion?
TIME Magazine article on the debate concerning ethics classes in NSW schools. TIME
Sexual Detox
I recently read Tim Challies’ little book Sexual Detox, which is a great help for Christian men in our pornified culture. The book includes a sobering description of the nature and effects of pornography and masturbation, an overview of God’s plan for sex and sexuality, and practical advice for detox for husbands and men in [...]
Two Ways To Live
When was the last time you had a Gospel conversation? Is the Gospel difficult for you to explain? If you are rusty with evangelism, you could really benefit from Two Ways To Live. What’s Good About It Theology The Two Ways To Live outline presents these theological points: 1. Creation 2. Sin 3. Death and [...]
Spanking Is Not Enough
In his book Teach Them Diligently: How To Use The Scriptures In Child Training, Lou Priolo gives good advice for parents on the topic of spanking: “…if you, like so many Christian parents I’ve known, are spanking your children without (simultaneously) ministering the Word to them, you are not spanking them biblically.” … “The rod [...]
Why Some Sins Are Worse Than Others
My high school classes are learning the catechism, and this week we covered this question: Westminster Shorter Catechism, Question 83: Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Answer: Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. Puritan pastor Thomas Watson (1620-1686) wrote a [...]
The Two Books
In the Pixar movie Up, the story begins as a boy and girl meet and share a scrap book of their adventures. They later marry, still dreaming of exploring new lands. Growing old together, they were never able to actually go overseas and the wife passed away. Eventually the old widower re-opened the dusty scrap [...]
Essential Virtues
I’ve been enjoying Jim Berg’s latest book Essential Virtues: Marks of the Christ-Centered Life. Berg explains how the list of virtues in II Peter chapter 1 “presents a clear template for our own growth in Christ and for our discipleship of others in the midst of our own morally corrupt culture.” It’s a great study [...]
Phillip Jensen On Church Music
Thoughtful points on the use of music in the church. “The selection of music for a particular gathering must be both difficult and careful.”
Religion In Australia: Statistics
Here are some interesting religion statistics. According to the ABS 2006 census (the most recent): About 13 million or 64% of Australians called themselves “Christian.” However, only about 7.5% attend any church services weekly (NCLS Research 2004). The main denominations continue to decline slowly, while 19% of Australians claimed “no religion.” Another two million did [...]
Dodgy Governments
Every day we are reminded of the incompetence of government. We hear it on the news and from our co-workers. We remember it when we’re stuck in traffic or waiting for a bureaucrat to answer the phone. Misguided policies and wasteful programs are commonplace. (I speak as a long-suffering New South Welshman) Whether it’s a [...]
Resources For Youth Groups
For teens, youth group can be a great way to have fun and to learn and live out the Word. But for leaders, it’s often a challenge to juggle activities and provide proper instruction. Here are three educational resources I’ve used, which can enrich teens and assist leaders. A Sneaking Suspicion (John Dickson) Written primarily [...]
“I Am The Grain Of God”
I’ve recently been teaching a class on the topic of martyrdom. Since we enjoy the blessing of religious freedom and tend to take our liberty for granted, it’s sobering to learn of persecution against Christians today and in church history. I’m struck by the resolution, even optimism, of the early church during the blood-stained Roman [...]
