Jun 7, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Matthew was an unlikely disciple; he was a tax collector. Tax collectors were among the most despised group of people in Jewish society of the time they were collecting taxes for the hated and pagan colonial ruler. As such they were seen as collaborators and traitors...
Jun 1, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Today we celebrate the Ascension and the Holy Trinity. This lesson does not speak of the Lord’s ascension but it gives clues to its significance – the great commission to make disciples of all nations and its relationship to the Trinity. Do you think that the...
May 25, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
There’s the rub Back when I lived in Hobart, I had a friend of whom I was quite fond, (and many years later, I’m still good friends with him and his wife and kids.) This friend was one of those people who had (and still has) a very earnest heart for God, and I always...
May 17, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Saying goodbye This week our lectionary readings focus on Jesus’ farewell. The reading from Acts 1 tells the story of the Ascension (which the church calendar observes this year on May 18), 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection. The Gospel reading is a section of what has...
May 10, 2023 | EXPLORING THE BIBLE, NEWS
Some years ago, I went to a talk by Thomas Bandy, a popular speaker and expert on church growth from the US. He was very popular in UCA circles at the time and made regular visits to Australia to speak at various events. He said in the church, we often lament that...
