Ministry
Anyone for Easter Eggs?
A reader of this blog has raised the question: “Do independent churches make too little of Easter?” On my way to church last Sunday I passed several children carrying palm branches to church for the Palm Sunday service. The sight of them was the first time I even thought of this special day in the [...]
Pastors and blogging (An interview with Al Garlando)
Following on from last week’s interview with Bob Bixby, I’ve interviewed Al Garlando, an Australian blogging pastor. Jason Harris interviews Albert Garlando for InFocus JH: I know you’re a busy man, so I appreciate you taking the time to share with us. First, just let us know a little about yourself. Where you pastor, your [...]
Other Fields; Other Sheep
Brown-black eyes smiled warmly across the table from us. Newly arrived in town, the young pastor and his wife shared a little of their personal history. “People say to our pastor, ‘You’ve sent all your best people away to Bible school and seminary and now they’re not even coming back to help you!” Julie was answering a [...]
Should pastors blog? (An interview with Bob Bixby)
Part of the purpose of InFocus is to develop the Australian blogosphere. We do this by providing an Australian section in our blogroll, by linking generously to Australian blogs, and by encouraging Australian readers, thinkers, and theologians to blog. I want to further support this purpose by focusing today on the question “Should pastors blog?” [...]
Pink In Sydney
A.W. Pink is probably best known for writing The Sovereignty of God. Written in 1918, it was a controversial but strong argument for God’s supremacy. Virtually unknown in his lifetime, he speaks through his writings today. Biographer Iain Murray claims he was “one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the [...]
A Cure for Mental Enslavement
I’ve been going to church since I was eight years old. Almost every church I have attended has been a self-proclaimed Bible-centred church. But what I have observed in churches is a lot of Bible preaching, a lot of Bible studies, Bible stories and Bible songs, but very little actual Bible reading. By simple comparison [...]
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 [...]
As Unto The Lord
He was born in 1898 in London, England. While studying engineering, World War One was devastating countries, people’s ideals and families. The Army Flying Corp which later became the Royal Air Force became his home and occupation for the next few years. But the highlight of his time in the army was during his service [...]
Ending up where he always belonged?
Kevin Rudd has enjoyed a resurgence of sorts. With Federal Labor holding on to power by the slimmest of margins, it has been forced to focus on governing rather than carrying out the usual post-election executions. And make no mistake, Rudd was on the top of the list. But to use a beautiful Old Testament [...]
Enculturation… explanation of my comments on the NBF
Several weeks ago I posted on the National Baptist Fellowship which was being held in Brisbane at that time. Along with my rejoicing in some of the blessings of my distanced participation in the meetings (via live streaming), I also made a few critical comments. I explained then that I was doing so in the [...]
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 [...]
