Gospel
Five great theological themes of the gospel: The atonement (part two)
Australia’s T. C. Hammond, principal of Moore Theological College in the middle of the twentieth century, had this to say of the atonement: If the student has insufficient time for an attempt to master the other important sections of Christian Doctrine, let him, at least, have a firm grasp of this, which is the very [...]
Five great theological themes of the gospel: An introduction (part one)
The wise old apostle is bent over the desk as he scrawls the final words of his letter in the gathering darkness. “O Timothy,” (the words are warm, but solemn) “guard the deposit entrusted to you.”1 If there is one passion that should be characteristic of every single believer, it is this passion to guard [...]
“In My Seat” – A reflection on 9/11
I highly recommend this video about an American Airlines pilot who was scheduled to fly on one of the planes that hit the World Trade Centre. The story is a powerful reminder of redemption and the grace of God. I recommend the following articles on the anniversary event: Time Magazine – What took so long? [...]
Are You Effective?
The best thoughts do not always win. Ideas that are communicate effectively come out on top. I often ask myself, ‘Why are the best television advertisements for beer? Can’t the gospel be promoted with equal professionalism?’ Without diminishing the work of the Holy Spirit, we should ask ourselves, ‘Is our poor delivery obscuring the message [...]
Legalism’s Whip
Helen’s lips trembled and her aqua-blue eyes brimmed with tears. “At the Christian college I attended, students were not allowed to ride in other people’s cars. But one day when I was shopping with roommates, a friend passed us in her car and offered us a lift back to campus. We gladly accepted. Feeling guilty [...]
Cultivating a Culture of Growth in the Church
Another sad story of church stagnation. Faces lined with weary stubbornness dot the congregation. Numbers are depleted since our last visit a few years ago, but besides the smaller numbers, nothing has changed except the decorations in the church lobby. Knowing a little of the background of this once thriving church, I wonder what led [...]
Is Judaism Christian?
I have been amazed in recent years by the strong influence of Judaism within Christianity in Australia. I recently heard of an Independent Baptist church publicly celebrating Passover. I regularly hear of itinerant speakers who teach Jewish ceremonies and encourage their practice within the Christian community. In my travels, I’ve spoken to many Christians who [...]
Bible Truths for the Right-Brained
Ever heard the joke “Left-handed people are the only people in their right minds”? Roger Sperry, who won a Nobel prize in 1981 for his work with split-brain research, is responsible for much of our understanding of how the two halves of the brain control different functions. In summarising some of his findings, Sperry wrote [...]
Straight Talk about Gay Guys
He was massaging my scalp and crooning a love song, twirling just a little in his high heels. My hairdresser, that is. Hot numbers from the karaoke all-time favourites list are his specialty. To make conversation I asked if he had ever performed in public (I meant outside of the hair salon). He confessed that [...]
Easter Is For Runners
“What is your most popular Easter egg?” I asked the lady at Darrell Lea. She pointed to a large-sized egg. “Oh, definitely the nougat egg — the whole thing is filled with nougat!” Sounds way too sweet, I thought. No offence, nougat fans. For most people, Easter is a nougat egg. It’s filled with sweetness [...]
Death and taxes: The theology of Easter
They say only two things are certain: Death and taxes. I suppose we could think of tax as one of a citizen’s liabilities in a contract between a nation and its citizens. A contract that’s broken by death. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to escape our bondage to taxes through death but then [...]
When Tragedy Strikes
Thanks for yesterday’s post on the earthquake, Ben. It was timely and well-written. My thoughts take a slightly different angle, but come to similar conclusions. Her swollen face disappeared between her knees as she retched once again. Sitting on the cement curb near the outpatients at Vila Central Hospital, Shelley and her mum were waiting [...]
