The Roman Catholic Church considers itself to be the centre of, not just Christian unity, but world unity. That after all is what the word Catholic means: according to the whole. Yet many things the Catholic Church does result in great division.
This week: public acknowledgement of media bias against those who don't want marriage redefined; what to say to your spouse when you have nothing nice to say; the advantages of consecutive expository preaching; the intolerance of tolerance.
A short guide for new or young Christians to the basics of prayer.
How do you preach at a wedding? How do you give a funeral message? How do you prepare a graduation or ordination address?
Many older people—and some younger ones too—have difficulty sleeping right through the night, spending hours or minutes trying to go to sleep. Many years ago, I was discussing insomnia with Dr Paul White, the famous “Jungle Doctor”. He stated, “If I can’t sleep, I don’t count sheep, I talk to the Shepherd.” The idea fascinated me, as a very frustrating time could then be used for something worthwhile.
In the ancient world, a covenant established a relationship of solidarity and loyalty. It was based on solemn promises, sealed with signs, and often regulated by a covenant document (the book of Deuteronomy is the fullest example in the Bible). The covenant document came from the lord of the covenant, stating who he was and how the relationship with his people had been established, and giving the conditions of the relationship.
When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, he wept bitterly over the people and spoke about the temple’s imminent obliteration, in part because the temple was operating as a “den of robbers” (Luke 19:41-46). The inspection grade was a clear fail!
Links that matter on Australia and racism, four reasons to expect fruit, family devotions, The Gospel Coalition Australia, the redefinition of marriage, and transgender issues from a doctor's perspective.
Insert into your sermon a short (4-6 minutes) explanation of the main truths about who Jesus is and what he has done, along with an exhortation to repent and believe.
What happens when I’m not sure I’ve read the Bible correctly? What happens when the person next to me is sure that I haven’t read it correctly? How can I know I’m right?