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

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,but whoever hates correction is stupid.Proverbs 12:1I wasn’t disciplined much as a kid. It was the 80’s. Which came after the 60’s & 70’s (profound hey). But what that meant was my parents brought a hippy flavour into their parenting. The kid will find his own way. Well, I nearly didn’t.Because I suffered/suffer from a dangerous flaw. I thought I knew it al...  Read More

11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.1 Peter 2:11My family loves to watch The Block. I think we like the creativity and renovation, hopefully we aren’t watching for the drama. But often as we watch I need to warn the kids (and myself), be careful of your heart.It’s a show that wages war on my soul. You see these lux...  Read More

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.Ephesians 5:15-16To be a wise Christian is to see the reality of the time we live in. That is, the days are short. Death could come at any moment for the people around us. Jesus could return this year. So let’s make the most of every opportunity to engage others with the m...  Read More

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.Romans 12:6-8One of the mind-bog...  Read More