In Mark chapter 9, the apostles encounter an alarming scene—they find someone casting out demons in the name of Jesus without official authorization. After a stop-work meeting, they decide that the scab exorcist is acting outside the provisions of the award and should desist immediately or face a campaign of rolling stoppages.
Archives: life
Eastern Europe and the triumph of sin
Life, Sola Panel
As the new decade dawns, there is a sense of optimism abroad. The recent cataclysms in Eastern Europe have led many commentators to suggest that a new era is upon us. Everything is changing—the old allegiances, the old enemies, the old arguments. They all seem to be shifting and maligning before our startled eyes.
Consuming joy
Life
Modern Christians are mad not to tithe! We just don’t realize what we are missing out on.
Whenever the subject is raised, we immediately think, “How can I survive if I put 10% of my salary into the collection plate instead of just flicking the bottom with my thumb as usual?” Tithing sounds hard, solemn, joyless—a feeling that is reinforced by some advocates of the practice.
Is God a greenie?
Life
Whose side are you on: the loggers or the greenies? Conservation has become a major political issue. The Green Independents hold the balance of power in the Tasmanian government. As Christians, where should we stand on this issue? Is there a distinctive Christian point of view?
Techno-prayer
Life
There is nothing easier than making a Christian feel guilty about his prayer life. Everyone seems embarrassed about the little praying they do or the lot of praying they don’t do. To build the guilt to psychiatric proportions, just mention some Christian saint of the past who had no trouble praying four or five hours a day before breakfast—even on weekends and public holidays. Just for good measure, throw in a latter day St Sadist whose church is growing at an alarming rate and whose obvious spiritual power is a result of him having given up food; he just prays. By now, you should have one groveling Christian.
The Denomination as Idol
Life
Defining our terms
It seems extreme to suggest that denominations are idols for many Australian Christians, and yet it is hard to come to any other conclusion. How can we justify such a statement? First of all, let’s define our terms.
When church is like an ABC documentary
Life
When surveyed about what should be on television, most people say they want more documentaries. The ABC has certainly complied with this wish, giving us documentaries on every conceivable (and inconceivable) subject. We have wandered the art world of Europe, the reproductive cycle of the ant, the history of dance, and the wonders of the cosmos. We have delved into the history of war and the history of love, the history of science, even the history of Christianity.
On being a first-century Christian
Life
The issue of cultural relativity—of how we are to resolve the differences between first and 20th-century culture—is an important aspect of the whole hermeneutical debate.
Herman who?
Life
Four ways to live?
Life, Sola Panel
In our world there are no absolutes. The opinion poll has become the arbiter of moral values. Having removed God from the system, modern man has discovered that the concepts of ‘truth’ and ‘authority’ have departed with him.
Canberra Christian Youth Convention
Life
Ever been frustrated, trying to explain the terrific things you learned at a church conference to a friend who didn’t go? What you heard changed your life, but your friend cannot appreciate what has happened, because he wasn’t there. It’s much the same when you read or listen to God’s word: Scripture can make a thunderous impact on you life. But when you try to explain it to your friend, she somehow cannot get as excited as you. Have you had that experience?