For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. (2 Cor 7:10)
Category Archives: Uncategorized
When are we human? The dilemma of embryonic stem cell research
Life
Christian voices have been prominent in recent months over the issue of whether to allow scientific research to take place on stem cells. Megan Best, a doctor trained in bioethics, explains what is at stake.
Making Jews jealous: another look at Romans 9-11
Life
In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he says that he is not “ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile” (Rom 1:16). In what sense is the gospel “first for the Jew”? What does this mean for Christians today?
This present age: Our struggle not to covet
Life
Last month, Carmelina Read asked whether Christians were in any way distinct from the great Australian materialistic dream. In this article, Phillip Jensen challenges us to think this through in some particular areas of life: gambling, schooling and paying our clergy.
Whatever happened to sacrifice?
Life
Not within cloistered walls,
Not in the peaceful glade,
Not in the sheltered home
‘Neath the trees’ spreading shade.
But on the mountain side,
Wind swept;
Crossing the desert bare,
Sun scorched;
Braving the torrent stream.
Flooded;
Out on the battlefield,
Bloody;
Unsheathed His sword.
Here I find my Lord.
Ten tips for frustrated servants
Life
One of the most common experiences in the life of Christian service is not love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, or any other fruit of the Spirit; it’s frustration. Sometimes this arises from ungodliness in the servant; sometimes it is a genuine response to a situation that makes you feel like crying out, “God, what are you doing here?”
More than animals: what kind of creature are we?
Thought
What is man? Throughout history great minds have tried to define us as a species, but the essence of humanity has proved hard to pin down. “Man is a featherless biped”, Plato concluded, although he was somewhat dissatisfied with this as a definition. “Man is a reasoning animal”, wrote Seneca, echoing Aristotle. “Man is a tool using animal”, said Carlyle, anticipating modern anthropology. Man is “a poor, bare, forked animal”, wrote Shakespeare in his habitual pessimism about humanity.
Dear Briefing: Should Christians have children?
Life
Twenty years ago, many people got married and had kids, if not, got married to have kids, but these days people seem to shack up and have dogs. Should a Christian couple’s plans include children?
Diary of an urban parson
Everyday Ministry
Time … and what to do with it
Life
It is our greatest asset and worst enemy. Time. We all feel it slipping away; we all feel its pressure. But David Andrew thinks we don’t grasp the fact that the gospel of Jesus should change the way we understand time and how we use it.
Media wash-up
Life
The newspapers are now silent on the induction of the new Australian Anglican Primate. The story has run its course and the weighty matters of Olympic Torch Relays, Telstra Shares, and State of Origin football have moved to centre stage.
The garden and the bush: Two ways to read the Bible
Life
So which would you prefer? A pleasant bush walk through a national park or a leisurely stroll through an extensive botanical garden? (more…)
Starless City
Life
If any Christian is not fully convinced that the Western world is in a state of terminal crisis, then they should take a trip to the multi-million dollar Sydney Casino, also known as ‘Star City’. If this establishment is the jewel of Sydney’s night life then we are in serious trouble.
Wright up close
Thought
In our last issue, we looked at the way in which the rise of ‘the New Perspective on Paul’ has led to a radical rethinking of the doctrine of justification; one that is at odds with the traditional evangelical understanding inherited from the Reformation. Perhaps the most vocal and best known proponent of this ‘New Perspective’ is Tom Wright, who has already been introduced. This article seeks to show that the ‘New Perspective’ (generally) and Tom Wright’s position (particularly) are far less Scriptural than the traditional evangelical understanding of justification.
Getting in and staying in: The ‘New Perspective’ on justification
Thought
Over the past 20 years, a quiet revolution has been taking place in the study of the Apostle Paul and his doctrine of justification by faith. In the first of a series of articles, we look at what this ‘new perspective’ is.