Learning to follow Jesus in 21st Century Australia
On the last Saturday in September this year, the Brisbane Lions football club won their third Australian Football League (AFL) premiership in a row. Achieving the three-peat hasn’t been easy for the club. Ten years ago, they were sitting at the bottom of the AFL ladder with poor membership numbers and low attendances at their... Continue Reading →
Most church communities have something that they are known for. For example, a lot of churches in the Barossa Valley are known for having old, beautiful buildings. The reputation of other churches can be based on a particular worship style, a ministry, a musical instrument like a pipe organ, or other things they have or... Continue Reading →
Some people might think that Christian communities should be places where everyone is happy, people get along perfectly, and there are never any problems in our lives or in our relationships. The reality is far from this idealised picture of how some people think churches should be. Church communities are full of flawed, imperfect people... Continue Reading →
A long-standing tradition in a lot of church communities is the shared lunch. Many of us will remember halls full of people with long tables overflowing with casseroles, sandwiches, and homemade pies, pasties and sausage rolls, followed by delicious cakes, slices and cream-filled desserts. They were times when people would connect, talk about their lives... Continue Reading →
When was the last time you learned something new? Some people find the idea of learning really difficult. It can bring up memories of long days at school, memorizing dates, facts and figures by rote, exercises that seemed totally unconnected with real life, or strict punishments if we stepped out of line. For others, learning... Continue Reading →
As I drive around the Barossa, at times I see people who are driving towards me raise their hand to acknowledge me. It’s something I’ve often seen motorcycle riders do over the years. They often give each other a wave or a nod to express solidarity and camaraderie to others who share their passion for... Continue Reading →
Jesus was associating with the wrong kind of people. In ancient Judea, people assumed that religious teachers would spend their time with followers who obeyed their religious traditions and held to high moral standards. They expected people who knew and taught God’s word to mix with people who knew the ways God wants people to... Continue Reading →
In our Bible readings over the last couple of weeks, we have been hearing Jesus promise his disciples to send them the Holy Spirit. Two weeks ago, in John 14:15-21 Jesus told them, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit,... Continue Reading →
Building a house doesn’t happen by accident. A huge amount of planning needs to go into constructing a house, or any sort of building, if it is to serve its purpose and provide a suitable dwelling for the people who will live there. From the footings to the frame, the building materials, colours, internal fittings... Continue Reading →
A lot of Australians are excited that the new AFL season has started! For the next six months or so, eighteen teams will play each other until only two are left to battle for the Premiership Cup on the last Saturday in September. During the whole season, players, coaching staff and supporters will all have... Continue Reading →
