New Release: The God Who Speaks Life

Who is the God of the Bible, and what does it mean to have faith in him? This book gets to the heart of the issues without taking too long about it. God, we learn, is the God who is Creator, Judge, Saviour, Life-Giver, and Trinity. Everything about the Christian faith flows out of that … Read more…

The Gospel and Race: A Truly Dangerous Idea

Late last year, the Sydney Opera House hosted the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, an annual event that features discussions on a number of contemporary issues and controversies. I was excited to be attending one of the festivals most anticipated talks in its line-up: Why Black Lives Matter. The premise of the discussion was simple: considering … Read more…

Jericho, Jesus, and Trump

As Donald Trump was becoming President-elect yesterday, I found myself singing a familiar song from my childhood: Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho. A well-known African-American spiritual, it tells the story of when God destroyed the walls of Jericho, and led his people safely into the Promised Land of Canaan (c.f. Joshua 6:1-27). Most likely … Read more…

What is a Christian, anyway?

Donald trump says he is, the Pope says he isn’t, so who is right, who gets to decide, and what is a Christian anyway? One of my friends has recently moved to the US and it’s interesting hearing his reflections on the battle for religious labels within the US presidential election. Whether a candidate counts … Read more…

Will You Walk With Me? A pastoral care framework for ministering to same sex attracted young people

It would seem that the battle lines have been drawn. The church, with its ancient might and conservative strictures has hewn its trenches. Seemingly diametrically opposed stands a well-resourced, highly passionate LGBTI social movement. Shots have been fired and the toll keenly felt by both sides. Few paradigm clashes hold the social and emotional gravitas … Read more…

Specific help for victims of family and domestic violence

This article is designed to complement a sermon preached at Barneys Broadway on conflict resolution at Christmas. How could the gospel be good news to victims of domestic and family violence? A personal story: I read recently that the police are called to respond to more incidents of domestic violence on Christmas day than on … Read more…

Conflict Resolution at Christmas

Tools for conflict resolution at Christmas

In a classic 1997 episode of Seinfeld, George Costanza receives a card at Christmas time from his father which says “Happy Festivus”. Jerry and Elaine force him to explain that his father invented a holiday for their family called “Festivus”. As a secular Jewish man he wanted to experience all the main features of Christmas, … Read more…

Tony Abbott, schadenfreude and Jesus

The latest leadership spill has left me with mixed emotions. I was disappointed and frustrated when Tony was elected, and have absolutely hated most of his policies since. I’m skeptical that Malcolm will be much different, though it’s easy to imagine that almost anything would be an improvement. But this whole thing has got me … Read more…