“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.Mark 1:17-18The process of memorisation is a critical part of a process of change. Changing us to be our new self in Christ. We have been called to a new identity and a new purpose.Like the disciples, we are all charged with the growing of the kingdom of God. For some, that wi...  Read More

In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says,“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;...  Read More

7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.1 Peter 3:7I wonder if you find those last few words as confronting as I do. The thought of my prayers being hindered makes me picture maybe not a brick wall, but at least a hedge of so...  Read More

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.Colossians 2:6-7The house I grew up in had an enormous Lilli Pilli tree. Massive roots, so strong it’s branches wouldn’t move when we climbed it. Each year it would drop hundreds and thousands of little f...  Read More

Q. 14. What is sin?A. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.Westminster Shorter CatechismThe Church I grew up in didn’t talk about sin much, but when it did, there was one common analogy; an archer shooting an arrow and missing the bullseye. It’s not a bad one. It comes from the literal Hebrew meaning of sin.And it’s true. God made us to be straight shooters, doin...  Read More

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.Matthew 5:27-29Has there ever been a time so diff...  Read More

3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.1 Peter 3:3–4I want you to think of how many beauty products you can name. It’s pretty easy to start rattling them off because you ...  Read More

Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.Mark 3:35Blood is thicker than water. Across cultures and time, the family bond has remained a feature of human life. But Jesus reminds us that there is something thicker than our blood, it’s His blood. Those who trust in Jesus Christ are adopted into the family of Christ and bonded by the indwelling Spirit. We are brothers and sisters un...  Read More

The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander to the front, and they shouted instructions to him. He motioned for silence in order to make a defence before the people. But when they realised he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of ...  Read More

24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,”  but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.1 Peter 2:24-25I grew up hearing that this passage meant Jesus promises us physical healing. Which is unfortunate, because I don’t belie...  Read More

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.Romans 1:21Ever done something for someone and received no thanks? What if that happened every time? You work hard to show kindness to someone, giving and sacrificing but receive nothing in the way of gratitude. How would you feel?This captur...  Read More

Q. 13. Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?A. Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.Westminster Shorter CatechismThe news often makes for pretty grim reading. Quick recap of today; war in Ukraine, war in Palestine, murder in Sydney, Celebrity says dumb thing, Journali...  Read More