Posts from 2023
I am Not Perfect, But I Will Not Lie about God
In an attempt to be humble, I can be guilty of only speaking of the ways in which I’m not perfect. I don’t want to exalt myself, so I end up downplaying my sanctification and highlighting my imperfections. I am acutely aware of how far short I fall from God’s glory, but if I never speak of God’s grace in my growth, I communicate something untrue about God. I communicate that while God might have saved me from the penalty…
The Weary World Rejoices
I began to listen more closely to versions of traditional carols played during the Christmas season, paying attention to the words rather than just humming along with the familiar melodies. It started with “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” As I listened to it one day while driving alone, the line Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel left me in awe of how God keeps his promises. I kept coming back to that line—and the faithfulness of God—whenever Christmas started…
5 Things at the Heart of a Pastoral Visit
One of the privileges of being involved in pastoral ministry is being able to visit you, whether that is in your home, out for a meal, or in some other place. I read an article a few months ago in which a pastor shared his thoughts on what it might be helpful for you to bear in mind when you receive a pastoral visit (whether from me, one of the elders, or one of your brothers and sisters in Christ).…
Why is Jesus’ birth so important to Christians?
The reality of Christmas is astonishing if you think about it. The God of the universe became a human being. If you’ve been a follower of Jesus for a while, the reality of Christmas and the Incarnation (God becoming human) may not hit you all that hard. The very reason Jesus came was to be born – ultimately to die and give His life as a ransom for many for the forgiveness of sins. The reality of Christmas made this…
Persevere in Praying for Unbelieving Love Ones
Here’s an article I read in the last month called “Persevere in Praying for Unbelieving Loved Ones.” The author shares, Praying for the salvation of a loved one over the course of a lifetime without losing hope is hard work. It takes spiritual muscles that many of us haven’t used. It takes perseverance. We persevere in the hard work of praying for unsaved family members and friends by anchoring our prayers in the truth of Scripture and the character of…
We Can Always be Friendly
Here’s a wonderful article I read recently called “We can always be friendly” that encourages us to do something that I think many of us already see as important. It’s written in the context of something that small churches can do well, but although we’re quite a lot larger than a small church, it seems to me equally relevant to us as well. Friendliness towards those who come through our doors might be harder in a larger church, but it’s…
Grow in Contentment Through Worship
“Paul had experienced the best and the worst of life in this world. He knew what it was to be “brought low” and he knew what it was to “abound.” He knew what it was to have “plenty” and he knew what it was to be in “need.” Paul had experienced life at the top and life at the bottom. He knew the full range of human experience and he says, “In every circumstance, I have learned to be content.” The implication…
Pray the Directory
Here’s a simple idea to grow in prayer for one another as a church family: pray the church directory. The article I’m going to link for you to read if you have a moment is directed at pastors, but is just as applicable for each and every one of us as we show love for one another through the ministry of prayer. Read more…
Contentment doesn’t mean you must stay in the same circumstance forever
Last Sunday night I was preaching on the theme of contentment as we looked at the 8th commandment. As it often happens, just after I’ve preached on a theme, I find a good article that was even written about this time last week by none other than Simon van Bruchem (minister at All Nations Westminster Presbyterian Church in Perth city). I thought I’d share it with you this week because it touches on something I didn’t mention, but which I think is…
Human Equality and Permanent Privilege: Concerns with the Voice Proposal
Editors’ note: The Gospel Coalition Australia does not have an official position on the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament, but we do encourage Christians in this, as in all areas of their lives, to respond to the coming referendum in worship to God and love of their neighbour. We hope that many will have opportunities to talk about the faith as they discuss the Voice with their neighbours, workmates, friends and families. Christian theology and ethics do not directly lead…
The Morality of Voting Yes or No
This week in Two Ways News, Tony Payne and Phillip Jensen discuss the upcoming constitutional referendum. The heart of their discussion is an attempt to answer two questions: “What place does morality have in deciding questions like this?” and “How should Christians engage with the debate as citizens?” Tony Payne: Is there a Christian response to this particular social, political question that we’re grappling with? How can Christians think through morality and the way we make decisions as Christian citizens? Phillip…
Book Review – The Manual
Al Stewart, The Manual: Getting Masculinity Right. Matthias Media, 2022. 249pp. With issues of gender front and centre of the cultural conversation, the need for clarity on what it means to be a man, and what real masculinity is all about, has never been greater. That there is confusion is without doubt. And the confusion is not confined to the secular world; many Christians and churches struggle to clearly and biblically define what it means to be a man. It is…
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