Evangelism and social responsibility

Thought

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How should Christians relate to society at large? To what extent should we be involved in social and political action? Evangelicals are divided on the issue. This article by John Woodhouse is taken from a longer paper that first appeared in Explorations 3: Christians in Society.

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Techno-prayer

Life

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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.

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The God I don’t believe in

Thought, Sola Panel

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In our last issue, it was suggested that the cross of Jesus is being neglected by many modern Christians. In the face of intellectual scepticism, an increasing desire for miracles, and the contempt that is bred by familiarity, the cross is looking worn out. We need to regain our focus on the cross.

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Speaking the truth in love

Everyday Ministry

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Cross-cultural evangelism is hard work, but is that what we’re faced with here in Australia?

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible … I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. (1 Cor 9:19, 22)

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No golden age

Pastoral Ministry

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“Communicate or die.” That’s the grim truth many churches are grappling with as they seek to fulfill the Great Commission in modern Australia. In a series of three articles, Robert Doyle asks: Does our ‘package’ clearly communicate our message?

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Who was Jesus?

Thought

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Who was Jesus? asked the cover of TIME magazine in August, 1988.

The TIME article was provoked by the release of Martin Scorcese’s sensational new movie The Last Temptation of Christ, in which Jesus is portrayed as having sexual fantasies. According to reports, the film is irreverent, even blasphemous, and will prove to be deeply offensive to Christians.

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I’d like an Argument please, Mr Hinch

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After increasing irritation, a Briefing article, and a letter to Derryn Hinch, Ross Nicholson found himself on national television…

Three and a half million TV viewers sit primed ready to enjoy a bit of controversy. Current affairs programmers scour the papers, news bulletins, letters to editors or letters from viewers to feed this desire. It’s called the ratings game. The gospel doesn’t rate so the television medium is almost a closed shop to any presentation of the gospel in prime time. (more…)

Commentary: Hebrews, Psalms

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Hebrews

Hebrews appears to be so formidable that many do not begin to study it in detail and benefit from its riches. An easy introduction would be Donald Guthrie’s contribution to the Tyndale series (1983) or Raymond Brown’s commentary in the Bible Speaks Today series (1982). (more…)

Here come the Koreans

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With the eyes of the world now having left Korea, we might turn our attention to some Koreans now living in Australia. One suspects that they are doing more for ‘world peace’ than the Olympic movement… (more…)

A Phoney War

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A war against the drug problem–that is what our governments have promised us, and we are still waiting for the battle to begin. So far, the authorities have done little more than engage their pea-shooter: a novel advertising campaign and an education pack for the kids. As the lives of our young people are ruined (and prematurely ended) and our crime rate soars, the casualties seem to be all on the wrong side. (more…)

Commentary: The Pastorals, The Book of Job

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The Pastorals

The two letters of Paul to Timothy and the letter to Titus (generally called the Pastoral Epistles) are often treated by scholars as a later creation of some unknown author. This often has the effect of devaluing their teaching and making some regard the Pastorals as only of secondary importance in the canon of Scripture. Therefore, it is important to fins a commentary that will take the claim to Pauline authorship seriously and argue it persuasively. (more…)