Oh sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth!
Sing to the LORD, bless his name;
Monthly Archives: May 2014
What promise am I given?
Thought
[This article is an edited extract from Scott Blackwell’s forthcoming book from Matthias Media called Healed at last: Separating biblical truth from myth.] (more…)
A kick in the praying pants
Life, Sola Panel
I haven’t been praying much recently. So this is for me as much as for you. Here are some verses that keep nudging at my mind:
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Early reactions to ‘Women, Sermons and the Bible’
Resource Talk, Sola Panel
It’s been just over two weeks now since the release of Women, Sermons and the Bible (WSB), and my thanks to many of you for the messages of appreciation and support. I’ve been particularly encouraged by a number of people who have commented on just how clear and accessible the book is, even when dealing with quite complex arguments and claims. Here’s part of one email from a Sydney laywoman:
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Satan’s lies about prayer
Life
It’s a fair bet that most Christians would see prayer as a vital component of our relationship with God. We can bring our worries and troubles to our Father, we can ask for anything in Jesus’ name, we can be confident in our approach to God because of the blood of our saviour—these are all things we affirm and love. (more…)
More on Challies down under out West
More details on Tim Challies’ trip to Australia. Apart from the two public events in Sydney this week, Tim will be speaking in Perth on Technology, Pornography and Modesty. Here are the details: (more…)
Is Jesus Lord of your (Easter) Holidays?
Everyday Ministry, Life, Sola Panel
Friends, is Jesus Lord of your holidays? For many of you, the answer is yes!
Jesus says the two great commands are to love God and to love your neighbour. So I see people making Jesus Lord of their holidays, when they continue to read the Bible and say their daily prayers while out of regular routine in relaxed mode. Or when they take the chance to read and reflect on a solid Christian book they’d not normally get to. (more…)
Learning to pray with the Master
Life
If there is one practice which seems to many to be the opposite of authentic spirituality, it is saying set prayers. Prayer, we easily feel, ought to be spontaneous, heart-felt, uninhibited. Surely repeating old phrases runs the risk of losing these things. Surely someone else’s words cannot best express my uniquely individual thoughts and needs. Surely this would turn prayer into a hollow religious ritual. (more…)
An invitation to Nexus
Pastoral Ministry, Sola Panel
And besides, what is the point of ministry conferences anyway—do they actually change anyone or anything?
There was a moment of awkward silence in the room when the question was asked. (more…)
A good funeral
Pastoral Ministry, Sola Panel
This morning, I was doing Six Steps to Loving Your Church with my very small growth group (me and two church wardens). And the question asked: “What do you really love about your church at the moment?” And my answer? (more…)
Prayer in the life of Jesus
Life
‘Women, Sermons and the Bible’ – available now
Resource Talk, Sola Panel
Good news — Matthias Media’s new collection of essays interacting with John Dickson’s Hearing Her Voice is now available as an ebook. You can find it: (more…)
Tim Challies down under [UPDATED]
For the many Sydney-based Briefing readers who (like me) have appreciated Tim Challies thoughtful and wise writing ministry over the past many years, here’s a chance to catch up with Tim in person. (more…)
Editorial: Approaching God
Editorial
Other religions seem to have the edge over us when it comes to looking ‘spiritual’ with regards to prayer. Long strings of colourful flapping flags, or giant wheels that you spin, or rituals in which you face a monument several times a day—Christian prayer seems rather ordinary in comparison.
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