A New Minister’s Compromise

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I just committed my first compromise as a new minister, and I thought that you would all like to know about it.

Finding a “Real” Church

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A couple of years ago, my wife and I lived not too far from two steakhouse restaurants (imagine our luck). Interestingly, both erected signs along their footpath advertising curbside delivery service. The idea being: telephone your order ahead of time, park outside the restaurant, and a smiling attendant will deliver your food directly to your car.

A special service, no doubt! But what I found particularly amusing was, being merely 50 metres apart, another restaurant’s advertisement included the words, “The Original”. Two restaurants, in close proximity to each other, promoting the same style of service, in aggressive competition.

Islam vs. Democracy

Religion vs Religion

In March of 2006, an Afghani man faced the death penalty for having converted to Christianity from Islam. This story captured our attention for a number of reasons: it challenged us politically and spiritually. Allow me a few paragraphs to highlight various issues and implications of this story.

Our Story of God’s Blessing

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I would like to share a story of God’s blessed provision for my family.

This month, my family takes possession of a lovely, almost new duplex in Picnic Point. Grateful for the support of the ANZ bank, at no small cost, and of the Australian Government for the grants and stamp duty exemptions made available to us, we will become home-owners.

A Troubling Vision

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I have been reflecting on the Vision Statement of my church lately, and I’ve noticed that we have a conflict. This conflict arises from the our human inability to balance two seemingly exclusive concepts. Unfortunately, the gospel of Jesus repeatedly demands of us that we balance such tensions.

Saving Christmas From “The Machines”

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The holiday season is fast approaching, with Christmas being its central feature.  While Christmas is primarily a Christian religious festival celebrating the birth of Jesus, it has become the most economically significant holiday of the year. Among its non-religious aspects, Christmas is associated with family and friends exchanging gifts and cards, stories and songs about [...]