Could you tell the story of life with Jesus in 6 words? In the New Testament there are a variety of ways the writers tell the story of what Jesus has done. That makes sense, it’s a big story connecting with people in different ways. Authors Mark Baker and Joel Green explore this in their book, “Recovering the Scandal of … Read More
“THE RABBIT LISTENED”
This is the title of a delightful children’s book with a simple and powerful message. A child has a bad day and while all the other animals try to make suggestions and ‘fix’ things, rabbit quietly snuggles up to the child and just listens. Listening is a gift. To the person being listened to it says a lot without ‘saying’ … Read More
TIME TO MOVE FORWARD
He [Jesus] also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As … Read More
PENTECOST IS NOT JUST FOR PENTECOSTALS
What comes to mind when you hear the word “Pentecost”? You might think, “Pentecostal”. Pentecostal churches are a Protestant branch which emphasise personal experience of the Holy Spirit. Its origins are from the Los Angeles, Azusa Street Revival in 1906 as people had similar experiences to that seen in Acts 2 when the day of Pentecost came. They spoke in … Read More
IS JUSTICE EASIER THAN RECONCILIATION?
I wonder who decided Australia should have a ‘Reconciliation Week’ with our First Nations peoples? ‘Justice Week’ might have been an easier option? We could list out the issues, sort out how to recompense, and then move on. If you think about it, given Australia’s shared history, ‘Justice’ already is a difficult journey. But someone decided we needed more than … Read More
ARE YOU EXCITED FOR ELECTIONS?
Are you excited for election time? Has an election stump speech thrilled you? I admit I am yet to be excited or thrilled, at any government election. The flurry of promises, attacks, criticisms, claims, raise more questions than enthusiasm. This is disappointing, as so much of our lives are shaped by our government. I hope for something far better. Nearly … Read More
Contributing to a wider work
Our church is connected to a family of churches known as the Baptist Churches of SA. This is a group of 70 Baptist churches and through our shared mission we do more together than apart. The Baptist family resource pastors, church leaders, ministries, and organisations. Together we have endeavours such as Baptist Care SA, Crossover, Baptist Mission Australia, Baptist World … Read More
THE IMPACT OF A MOTHER
Recently dear friends of mine lost their mother to cancer. Mother’s Day will be a difficult day. Their mum was the hub of the family. Her grandson named her the family’s “wisdom keeper and memory maker.” She was a powerful combination of servant, leader, softness, and strength. Her sacrifices, her tears, her joy, her faith, her love have formed her … Read More
HELPING OTHERS JOIN OUR CHURCH
What was it like the last time you joined a new social group? This might have been a party, book club, sporting group. Did you know anyone? Who helped you make friends? How did you feel walking into a crowd of strangers for the first time? For most people, this is hard work. Possibly such hard work, it is rarely … Read More
HOW TO LIVE WITH OUR ENEMY DEATH
Easter Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 A dear friend of my family passed away this week. She had been steadily declining for months, now sadly and possibly with some relief, is at rest. To my shock, another friend passed away last week very suddenly. We know death is inevitable, yet it is not something we like to talk about. We may … Read More