Sometime soon every church that uses the NIV for their public reading and preaching of Scripture will have to decide on a new English version. Sandy Grant looks at the options, and the implications. (more…)
Author Archives: Sandy Grant
SSM – Not Again
Life, Thought, Sola Panel
Friends, this is a post I’d prefer to avoid. Same-sex marriage (SSM) is not something I want to focus on. But we don’t always get to choose which issues to discuss. And SSM really is the issue of the times. Everyone agrees, even if they’re weary of the topic. (more…)
Psalm 46:10 – Stop Fighting
Thought, Sola Panel
Like many people on September 11, my thoughts turned to the Scriptures.
In particular, I wondered what I should read to our congregations, since the ten year anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington occurred on a Sunday. (more…)
What are we reading in Oz?
Life, Review, Sola Panel
It seems the new Briefing is getting into the analysis business, so I thought I’d have a go in regards to Christian literature in Australia. (more…)
KJV Top 24
Everyday Ministry, Sola Panel
During September, we’re going to be celebrating the 400th anniversary of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, to coincide with the Bible Society’s “Book that changed the world” exhibition visiting Wollongong (1-28 Sept, UOW Library). (more…)
A constituent on same-sex marriage
Life, Sola Panel
Last year, the Australian Parliament agreed that its Members of Parliament (MPs) should seek the views of constituents on the question of same-sex marriage.
Have you given your local MP the benefit of your view?
A tribute to John Stott
Life, Sola Panel
Friends, I’m not ashamed to say I shed a tear when I opened up my computer on Thursday morning to read that John Stott had died, aged 90, and gone to be with the Lord.
Bible reading with kids
Everyday Ministry, Sola Panel
I was asked for recommendations for resources that would encourage parents to read the Bible with their kids, especially in the six-to-ten-year-old age range. I can think of several, most of which my family has tried.
Encouraging leaders to step up
Pastoral Ministry, Sola Panel
A young man doing MTS recently emailed me to ask this question:
I’ve just read your blogs and review of Leadership on the Front Foot and I had a question. As your review stated, it seems to be a book aimed at new ministers of the gospel. So, having not read the book, I don’t think it seems to be a good book to get information on encouraging young men (university age) to step up and lead. Here lies my question: is my assessment a fair one and, if it is, can you recommend a book that would/could be useful in the situation I’ve outlined?
Before you read on, what would your answer be? What book would you suggest to enthuse a man in his late teens or early twenties in taking responsibility in leadership in gospel ministry?
(more…)
Death in Romans
Thought, Sola Panel
Did you know that Paul’s letter to the Romans contains about half of all his references to death and dying?
For various reasons—mainly being committed to a team pulpit ministry—I didn’t preach over the last Easter weekend. Or rather, my Easter sermon was delivered the Wednesday before the weekend at our monthly mid-week friendship service to 21 precious frail-aged seniors (the oldest was 101 years old) and their helpers (all women!). (more…)
Descent into hell
Thought, Sola Panel
Recently on a feedback card at church, someone commented:
“I thought Jesus didn’t descend into hell! Just that he suffered the death we deserved.”
The answer is: yes and no! The question raises complex issues that cannot be easily answered in a short space.
So let me take a long space. (And if you are interested, read on, read slowly, and re-read if you need!)
Answering questions for yourself
Everyday Ministry, Sola Panel
For the first time I can recall, I recently received questions via our church comment cards about the non-sermon Bible reading. It was Galatians 3:15-25! Normally questions are from the sermon passage—things the preacher has not covered or were not clear on. But it’s good to be attentive to the other Bible reading too!
However, I want to encourage people to see if they can answer their questions for themselves, rather than just asking the pastoral staff. (I still answered the questions though as worked examples!)
Four reasons not to worry about the ethics classes
Life, Sola Panel
What do we do when a law we’ve benefited from changes? Perhaps it’s time to brush ourselves off and get back to the work of the gospel.
Please be a sceptic
Life, Sola Panel
Because I am a pastor and maintain a church email group list with large numbers on it, I receive lots of ‘pass it on’ emails. Dozens and dozens.
My kids get even more of these chain emails, urging them to pass on the contents from their friends. Some are harmless, some are enjoyable. Others are false or a waste of time. Some are more sinister.
Something funny is happening to our Bible readings
Pastoral Ministry, Sola Panel
Something funny is happening to our Bible readings at church. I noticed it last week.
We use the NIV at St Michael’s for our public reading of Scripture and preaching. (And Scott, please note we have at least two readings at every service, and three for our early morning service!)
Everyone on our reading roster knows we use the NIV.
But last week some of the readings were different from what we had in front of us. And others noticed too. What was going on?