A Family Vacation - A Milestone Event When Jesus was about 12 we have a story in Luke Chapter 2 of Him being about the Father's business. His family did their regular 12-month visit to Jerusalem to celebrate Easter. Wait...What? Of course, this was before Easter existed. Jesus' family were coming down to celebrate Passover. At the same time of year, Jesus was hung on the cross. But there are a … [Read more...]
Biblical Tithing: From Ancient Practices to New Principles
The concept of giving a portion of one's earnings or spoils of war is deeply rooted in ancient civilizations. Including from Greece to China. This practice involved making gifts as religious offerings or paying tribute to political authorities. Tithing, the act of giving one-tenth, found its place in the biblical narrative, carrying a rich history that evolved. It is a practice rooted in ancient … [Read more...]
Be A Missionary: What It means To Be One
From Local Trailblazer to Global Storyteller: A Missionary's Journey Within Australia It is funny really when I first arrived at Bible College, many years ago now, the first question that fellow students asked was, "Where do you intend to serve?" They immediately assumed that I would be a missionary somewhere overseas. It was always amusing to see the look of confusion on their faces when I said … [Read more...]
Christian Hope: Embracing A New Year’s Reflection
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it is natural to reflect on the past and anticipate the future. For Christians, this reflection is often imbued with the profound sense of hope that stems from their faith. Christian hope is not merely an optimistic outlook based on circumstances but is grounded in the unchanging promises of God. Let us explore the significance of Christian hope and how … [Read more...]
A Christmas Blessing From A Simple Young Girl
In the heart of a small village adorned with snowflakes and twinkling lights, lived a young girl named Lily. Christmas was approaching, and the town resonated with the spirit of that season. A spirit that carried with it the joy of the birth of Jesus. A Christmas blessing. Lily, a girl of deep faith and compassion, found delight in the nativity scenes that adorned the town square. She believed … [Read more...]
After The Christmas Party The Challenge of the Clean Up.
After the Christmas Party sucks! Just look around you. It is typical, after a wonderful Christmas party, to confront the clean-up. The whole house has to be cleaned again. The irony is never lost on you that you have cleaned it thoroughly before everybody arrived and, just like the Aussie Jingle Bells song, everybody shoots through at the end of the Christmas party before the washing up. How … [Read more...]
Mission: The Western Church & Pentecost
Why is it that so much of the Western church thinks that we can either be careless about our mission or make excuses as to why we are not doing anything? In Acts chapter 2 One of the most powerful events occurs. Certainly the most significant events outside of Creation and the resurrections of Jesus Christ. This is the day of Pentecost. It was also the day when mission was empowered. The … [Read more...]
Where Are The Preachers? Replaced By Technology?
And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations. (Matt.24:14). Where have all the preachers gone? Is it possible to preach the Gospel to the Whole World? With all the technology we have, we still have only reached a fraction of the world. Christian Radio can only reach where there is a radio and that will only ever be where people value the … [Read more...]
Missionary in A Tin: An Interview of Joy Ridderhof
The story of Missionary in A Tin is told about someone who was unpacking a truck. They were being watched with interest by a fellow countryman. With the usual collection of supplies and necessities, a round biscuit tin-shaped item was unpacked. After the remainder of the supplies were unpacked the driver then proceeded to the round biscuit tin-shaped item and opened it up. A hand-cranked … [Read more...]
Heaven In Jewish, Christian & Secular Thought
Introduction to the Concept of Heaven A Personal Dream of Heaven Heaven often begins as a personal dream, a tapestry woven from the threads of our deepest hopes and spiritual longings. It is a place imagined to be filled with peace, joy, and the presence of the divine. For many, this personal vision of heaven provides comfort and a sense of purpose. A guide through the trials of life with the … [Read more...]