We celebrate the incarnation of God, Jesus Christ, the Word, become flesh, who made his dwelling among us (John 1:14). John says, “we have seen with our eyes, we have looked at, our hands have touched … we proclaim to you what we have seen and heard” (1 John 1:1, 3). Paul put it in…
I have noticed that articles on Facebook are often headlined: “Three reasons why…..” or “Four ways to …. “ or 5 key thoughts on ….”. So I thought I would finish this year in that vein: Two big issues… A one word answer? Having now been back in parish/pastoral work for four years, I find…
Test Date: 29th Nov. From the High Priestly prayer John 17:1–3 (NKJV) 1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.…
Much of the debate in the media about fundamentalism and radicalisation would be solved if all involved developed a commitment to responsible hermeneutics. Hermeneutics is the science of interpretation. When a solicitor reads a legal deed, words are to be understood literally. When I read the newspaper, I adopt different hermeneutical principles in reading the news items, the comment, the editorial and…
Test Date: 25th Oct. From the Upper room discourse John 16:8–11 (NKJV) 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler…
October – November 2015 edition of The Pulse, news magazine of the Presbyterian Church of Australia in the State of New South Wales is available at the PCNSW website for download. Download or open the PDF here. Features: Special report – Are Schools SEXUALISING OUR CHILDREN? What are we? Social media under the scope A new convener Register for summer camp now Taking Christianity to…
The October long weekend (3 – 5 October) has been hot in Sydney with temperatures reaching 350. Saturday saw the spectacle of a full MCG hosting the AFL Grand Final in which the Hawthorn Hawks dominated the West Coast Eagles, winning by a big margin of 46 points. Sunday morning began with the GEM commentator in Sydney, unable to establish any objectivity…
Test Date: 20th Sept. From the Upper room discourse John 15:1–4 (NKJV) The Relationship of Believers to Christ 15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of…
Test Date: 30th August From the Upper room discourse John 13:34–35 (NKJV) 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 14:1 (NKJV) 1 “Let not your heart be…
August – September 2015 edition of The Pulse, news magazine of the Presbyterian Church of Australia in the State of New South Wales is available at the PCNSW website for download. Download or open the PDF here. Features: Tree Change for Nicola… And a Principal for PLC Armidale Pitt Wood Open Same-Sex Marriage Ministering to Disabilities General Assembly 15 Camping for kids Plus:…