I’m compiling a reading list for the bookstall on our church conference (camp, house party or whatever you call it!) on the topic of holiness and santification. (more…)
Author Archives: Sandy Grant
Opposing Euthanasia
Life, Sola Panel
Euthanasia is being pushed again in NSW. There’s a lot more that could be said, but here’s what I’m sending to my local MPs… (more…)
Jesus is… alive
Life, Sola Panel, Thought, Sola Panel
It’s the central claim of Christianity: Jesus is alive.
Not just that his memory lives on in people’s hearts. Not that his teaching still inspires people today. But that Jesus rose from the dead—flesh and blood, in time and space. (more…)
Man of Sorrows
Bible Brief, Life, Sola Panel
My favourite Easter hymn is “Man of Sorrows” by Philipp Bliss (1838-1876). Its first line and title comes from the most famous Old Testament prophecy of all, one of Isaiah’s so-called Servant Songs. (more…)
The Edict of Milan and religious liberty
Life, Sola Panel
1700 years ago in early 313, the Edict of Milan was issued by the Roman emperors Constantine (from the west) and Licinius (from the east). The decision reversed a 200-year-old policy of the Empire against Christians, which involved discrimination and persecution. (more…)
Using biblical words in biblical ways
Thought, Sola Panel
Two decades ago, one of my lecturers at Moore Theological College was a great example of the practice I spoke about on Wednesday: using biblical words and concepts in biblical ways. (more…)
Sanctification is not about progress
Thought, Sola Panel
Well, sanctification is not primarily about progress—but I thought I’d get you with the title!
I dislike how so much evangelical discussion speaks of sanctification primarily in terms of progress in holiness. (more…)
A Mini Christian Bookshop
Everyday Ministry, Sola Panel
There is no longer any Christian bookshop in the city I live in. But not everyone can, let alone will purchase books online. To generalise, this is particularly true of older generations and of the non-tertiary-educated. (more…)
Notable anniversaries in 2013
Couldn't Help Noticing, Pastoral Ministry, Sola Panel
I always love Joy Horn’s annual round up of Christian anniversaries for the coming year. Great ideas for introducing a bit of church history into bulletin articles, blog posts, and occasionally even sermons. (more…)
Making the Most of Christmas
Everyday Ministry, Life, Sola Panel
Here are a few rough and ready suggestions I jotted up for our church about “making the most of every opportunity” (Col 4:5 NIV) for the gospel from the Christmas season.
Farewell Chappo
Life, Sola Panel
John Chapman, our beloved brother in the Lord, who is one of Australia’s greatest evangelists, and did more than any to raise the standard of Bible preaching in evangelicalism in Sydney, has gone to be with the Lord tonight. So many of us are so glad we have his books still with us. But we will miss him so much. 
(more…)
Prayers for those suffering abuse
Pastoral Ministry, Sola Panel
There has been a national Royal Commision of inquiry into the tragedy of child sexual abuse and institutional responses, announced by Australia’s Prime Minister, Julia Gillard (her press release here). (more…)
Jesus is… beyond fiction
Thought, Sola Panel
I cannot believe how often educated people pull out the claim that Jesus probably never existed. Except that it’s not PC to say so, it really deserves the title of Old Wives Tale! (more…)
The mundane work of the Spirit
Everyday Ministry, Pastoral Ministry, Sola Panel
I burst into tears.
Not true! Sorry Jean, I don’t burst into tears (at least can’t remember the last time), but I get moist at the corners of my eyes quite often! For example, just yesterday… (more…)
Freedom of religion and thought
Life, Sola Panel
The theologian and social critic David Wells suggests that we have seen a significant rise in the language of victimhood in both society and the church. He suggests ‘playing the victim’ comes from being overly sensitive to individual rights. We often excuse our behaviour by noticing every insult or injustice that comes from others. Wells warns that when everyone is a victim—as it seems many feel—it trivialises real victims. (more…)