Learning to follow Jesus in 21st Century Australia
Many of us might be able to understand what Jesus’ disciples were thinking in the opening verses of this week’s Gospel reading, Luke 21:5-19. They were walking with Jesus through the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, pointing out and marvelling at its ‘majestic stonework … and the memorial decorations on the walls’ (v5 NLT). Instead of... Continue Reading →
The year was about 556BC. It had been just over 30 years since the armies of the Babylonian Empire had invaded Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and taken the Jewish people into exile. For thirty years, God’s people had lived in a foreign land under the oppression of a military dictatorship and dreamed of God restoring them... Continue Reading →
When was the last time you were caught doing something wrong? Some of us might find it difficult to remember a time when that happened. That could be because either we rarely do anything wrong, or we might be good at not getting caught. Others of us, however, might find it a bit easier. Maybe... Continue Reading →
Life was looking hopeless to Jeremiah in this week’s Old Testament reading, Jeremiah 32:1-3a,6-15. He was under arrest for speaking God’s word to his people. King Hezekiah didn’t like what Jeremiah was saying and so put him in prison. At the same time, the mighty and all-conquering Babylonian army was camped outside the walls of... Continue Reading →
We can all have things in our lives that we love. Sometimes, our love for those things can be so strong that we can reject, dismiss or even hate other things. For example, we might love chocolate so much that we never eat lollies, or the other way around. We might love our football team... Continue Reading →
Most dog owners would probably agree that their pets are happiest when they are running free. There are times when dogs need to be on a leash, such as when they are going for a walk in a public place. At other times, it might be necessary to tie them up, for example if visitors... Continue Reading →
There are a few different ways to make pancakes. For example, we can buy a bottle of pancake mix from the shops, add water, shake, and pour the batter into a hot pan. Another way to make pancakes is to use a more complicated recipe using self-raising flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, sugar and vanilla... Continue Reading →
This Sunday St Peter’s is celebrating the 125th anniversary of their church building. For one hundred and twenty-five years God’s people have gathered in that place to hear the good news of Jesus, to welcome people into the family of God through baptism, and to receive the body and blood of our crucified and risen... Continue Reading →
Some Australian capital cities are built on beautiful waterways. Sydney Harbour is rated as one of the most picturesque harbours in the world. Perth stands on the beautiful Swan River. The Brisbane River snakes around the Queensland capital and provides stunning views of its high-rise offices, apartment buildings and parklands. However, our own Torrens River... Continue Reading →
Most of us probably know what it’s like to have something we need to do, but we haven’t been able to do for some reason. Maybe we need to mow the lawn, weed the garden, fold the washing or clean the windows. For younger people, it might be that we have an assessment piece to... Continue Reading →
Pastor Eugene Online 