Learning to follow Jesus in 21st Century Australia
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 →
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 →
There are a lot of movies and television shows set in courtrooms. For example, classic movies such as To Kill a Mockingbird and Twelve Angry Men all include a courtroom scene. More modern courtroom movies include A Few Good Men, My Cousin Vinny, Primal Fear, Legally Blonde, Big Daddy, just about anything by John Grisham,... Continue Reading →
After Paul’s dramatic conversion to the Christian faith on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-31), he spent the rest of his life traveling around the Eastern Mediterranean Sea spreading the gospel, establishing new churches and encouraging young Christian communities. In what is referred to as his Second Missionary Journey, which we can read about in... Continue Reading →
As we move towards Christmas, we might be hearing a lot of Christmas songs and carols. They can be ancient carols through to modern songs, sung by choirs, rock bands or vocalists in a wide variety of musical styles. One musical group with a pretty large following that performs Christmas music is called Pentatonix. Pentatonix... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
Most of us would have done a True or False test at some stage in our lives. These tests are simple: we are presented with a statement and asked to say if it is true or not. For example, we would say that “3x3=9” is mathematically true. The statement that European settlement in South Australia... Continue Reading →
When we meet people for the first time, usually the first thing we might learn about them is their name. After that, to get to know them better, we might ask about what they do, where they are from, or what football team they support. Since living in the Barossa Valley, I’ve learned that people... Continue Reading →
Do you know what it’s like to see someone for the first time after you’ve had a fight, or they’ve said hurtful things either to you or about you? I hope you’ve never been in that situation, but if you have, you’ll probably know how difficult it can be. Do you ignore what’s happened and... Continue Reading →
