The Land of the Free
We are a free country, for which we are often very pleased when we see what happens in the social systems of some other countries in the world. Christians are also supposed to be free (Gal 5:1). But really, how free are we?…. Freedom is not freedom from restraint – i.e., being allowed to do whatever we want. […]
The Lord Reigns (Psalm 93)
From ancient times people have been awestruck by the power of the ocean. Sometimes described as angry and powerful like a mighty beast that listens to no one. The sea can be unruly and untamed; giant waves relentlessly attacking ships and invading rocky coast- lines with surges which hit with power, sending spray and sound […]
The Cost of Living
I saw a cooking show recently that claimed to offer nutritious, delicious recipes at a low budget, suited to these times of soaring costs and energy shortages. However just as the show started, the electricity was cut, followed soon after by the gas supply. The host ended up espousing the great economy, flavour, and exercise and […]
Christianity in Decline?
Figures were released this week from the national census taken last year. They indicate that Australia is becoming less religious, and less Christian. 43.9% now claim adherence to the Christian faith, down from 60% in 2011. The question is what exactly does this mean?…. It may mean that many who have had only a nominal attachment […]
Unclean! Unclean!
This week I received the dreaded official text message from SA Health, that read, “You completed a COVID-19 test within South Australia. The result of this test is positive. This means that you have COVID-19”! I think the fact that I’d had multiple COVID tests that have come up negative, and that it took 27 months […]
Back to the Future
It is a joy to celebrate the 156th anniversary of the Golden Grove Uniting Church this year. Really we are celebrating the work of God the Father, who called our forebears through faith in Jesus Christ, to worship Him and witness to Him. Our forebears went to enormous pain, expense and effort to begin a new […]
You’re Soaking in It
Are you old enough to remember Madge the beautician, and the Palmolive dishwashing detergent Ad? She matter-of-factly places her customer’s fingers into a bowl of mystery green liquid, and begins spruiking the virtues of Palmolive – “it’s mild on your hands while you do dishes”. Then announces to her customer’s shock, “You’re soaking in it”. […]
Ordinary Power from on High
Do we think of ourselves as just ordinary, everyday Christians? And that while some people in the Bible have some pretty amazing spiritual experiences, that those experiences are probably not really for us? And maybe we think of the events of Pentecost a bit the same way?…. At the end of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus talks […]
The Left, the Right,… or the Heights?
There’s been a lot of discussion of politics recently, and the different positions that people hold to. These differences are taken by some with grace and good humour, but between others with passion verging on violence. In some contexts we can be hesitant even to admit to our political views – whether we are toward […]
How Do Christians Fit into Party Politics?… They Don’t.
Timothy Keller. “The Bible binds my conscience to care for the poor, but it does not tell me the best practical way to do it. Any particular strategy (high taxes and government services vs low taxes and private charity) may be good and wise and may even be somewhat inferred from other things the Bible […]