Whoever increases wealth by taking interest or profit from the poor    amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor.Proverbs 28:8Nearly 50% of Aussies invest in the stock market. If you include superannuation funds - it would be approximately 95%.How about you? Do you invest in stocks? Or would you?On the one hand, Christians might say that investing is wise and a good way for people to ge...  Read More

16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret...  Read More

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:2-3We saw this yesterday. That a strong faith comes from craving the pure spiritual milk of the Scriptures. How do we turn from eating spiritual junk food that makes us feel full but gives us no nourishment? We memorise a passage like this one.M...  Read More

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.Proverbs 27:17I consider myself a pretty self-sufficient person. I like to solve my own problems. I spend time reflecting on my life, my weaknesses and my strengths. I think about ways to grow and to follow Jesus more faithfully.Do you see yourself as pretty self-sufficient?One thing the last twenty-five years of being in Church has convinced m...  Read More

“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’Matthew 6:9-13I reckon one of the questions many Christians ask is, what can I pray fo...  Read More

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.1 Thessalonians 4:13-14I remember getting an update from an old friend that they had just been diagnosed wit...  Read More

Q. 95. To whom is Baptism to be administered?A. Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him; but the infants of such as are members of the visible church are to be baptised.Ok. I’m going to take it that we all agree with the first statement. We don’t just drop water on whoever comes through the door - ba...  Read More

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength...  Read More

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1Today, I want to focus on two words. Be careful. I reckon one of the great themes of modern life, fuelled by technology and capitalism, is a subtle encouragement toward thoughtlessness. Let me connect a few dots.Example one - streaming serv...  Read More

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.2 Corinthians 9:7Tonight is our Annual General Meeting and forgive me if my mind turns to finances. You know, there is a big part of me (and I’m sure a big part of you) that just wishes God would sort it out you know. That we would win the lottery somehow and tha...  Read More

What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”1 Corinthians 1:12You know, one of the saddest things that can happen to a Church is division. Conflict or fractures can occur for a number of reasons. Doctrine/theology, moral failures, poor pastoral care just to name a few.But one of the saddest things ...  Read More

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away f...  Read More