church

Just thinking…At the first Christmas, in one sense heaven came to earth. It’s ironic, then, that tradition has so wrapped around our understanding of both the first Christmas and of Heaven itself, that much of what we think about each stems more from tradition than from scripture. A donkey? An innkeeper? Only three wise men?…

Just thinking…This last week much of my discussions with young adults and youth have focused around the rapper Kanye West. This has sprung from the recent release of his gospel album “Jesus Is King”; quite an action from the man who claimed to be “a god” in 2014, and whose track record shows anything but…

Just thinking…Some comments that were left on our church Facebook Page last night: ‘What a wonderful community spirit you all showed and shared. We were honoured and humbled by your kindness. Thank you, and be well’ (Andrew Corner). ‘You guys are wonderful! We had another superb year celebrating with you. Thank you so much Remuera Baptist’ (Pip Walker). ‘Thank you…

Just thinking…One of the most compelling sermons I have ever heard was given to a group of us final year students at Laidlaw Bible College as we were soon to face the great unknown of the ‘real world’. You could cut the uncertainty in the room with a knife; some of us had jobs already…

Just thinking…How can molecules of water defeat molecules of rock? And yet they do. I have seen buttresses of rock carved and shaped by the ocean, and mighty coastlines worn down by the waves. It doesn’t happen quickly. It may take centuries or more. The rock is obstinate and clings to its own; it fights…

Just thinking…Jesus redefined family. And he did this on at least a couple of occasions. We read about one incident when his mother and some of his brothers came looking for him while he was teaching. Someone gave him the report that they were outside the packed house, waiting to see him. His response? “Those…

Just thinking…We had a lot of fun last Sunday night at ‘faith@6:30’. Thanks to Simon, Elisha and Matt for all their efforts! They had prepared a simulation game where everyone was given a new identity that covered gender, ethnicity, employment and marital/parental status. So, a young male student may suddenly find he is a middle-aged…

Just thinking…In a world where atheism tends to drive the media, we often wonder if our efforts for Christ make any difference. But every now and then we hear things that remind us that they do! What follows is part of an article written by an atheist called Matthew Parris. Fascinating, encouraging stuff! Before Christmas…

Just thinking…When were you last in a team of people that functioned well to achieve a common goal? There is something very special about the experience, isn’t there? There is the thrill of a shared endeavour, and a sense of security knowing that things don’t all depend on you, that you can depend on others…

Just thinking…I think it was C.S. Lewis who said, “Humility is not thinking less about yourself; it is thinking about yourself less.” Over the years, I have found this quote helpful, both because it challenges the obvious sin of pride, but also the more hidden sin of ‘false humility’. Pride wishes to garner the attention…