Archive - October, 2010

Reformation Day – Confidence

October 31, 2010 in Jesus with 2 Comments

Happy Reformation Day! October 31 is a significant day in the history of the Gospel and God’s work in the world. It’s got nothing to do with Halloween, but it does have something to do with people knocking on doors! I liked this quote this morning from my friend on twitter: “31/10 – Kids knock on doors asking for treats. 31/10 – Martin Luther knocks on Church door asking for Reform”. On October 31, 1517, the young monk Martin Luther nailed his ‘95 Theses‘ to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany.

That document outlined a number of concerns he had with some specific problems within the Roman Catholic church of his time. His goal in the first instance was to reform the church, but in the end it was the spark that lead to the Protestant Reformation.

One of the legacies of Luther and the Reformation for Christians today is confidence.

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Is Halloween Evil?

October 30, 2010 in culture with 0 Comments

Halloween doesn’t really get in that much of a look-in in Australia. Though I did notice a display complete with smoke machine and ghoulish goblins around the pumpkin section in my local supermarket. What’s the deal with Halloween? Check out the following:

I Am Second® – Christian Hosoi

October 27, 2010 in culture with 4 Comments

Check out this vid about Christian Hosoi. He was a pro skater back in the oldn day. His life got pretty messed up with drugs & gaol. His life was turned around. Find out more:

From I Am Second

According to Twitter: Philippians + Colossians

October 26, 2010 in Jesus with 0 Comments

Here’s the latest according to twitter. Philippians and Colossians are chockers with great memory verses!! It was hard to choose just one verse each day. Are you a Christian? How are you going with spending regular time listening to God in his Word? Not a Christian? Give the bible a shot, it might just change your life! Start here.

Here is the reading plan I use (PDF). Here are some other  Bible reading resources.

See below the jump for the compilation of the Philippians + Colossians verses:

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DMDC Reloading January 2011

October 25, 2010 in design with 4 Comments

I’ve been riding this blog template for almost 3 years. 3 years is a long time in blog template world. It’s time for a change. The template has served me well, I still like it, but some of the coding in the background is now outdated. I have a pretty good idea of what I want it to look like. There’ll defs be some continuity with the current look & feel.

As I head back into full-time work with a church, there will probably be some slight changes to content and direction. But nothing too radical. I’m keen to keep posting about culture, design, life and (most of all) Jesus.

If you’ve got any ideas. I’d love to hear them! Stuff you really like, stuff you really hate. Or what you’d like me to get you for Christmas. Thanks for reading. Peaceout.

YMC 2010 – Some to be Shepherds

October 24, 2010 in Jesus with 13 Comments

Are you involved in youth ministry? Not too far from Sydney? Yes and yes? Then I reckon you should get your butt along to the Youth Ministry Conference run by Youthworks. I’m really looking forward to giving a couple of talks this year, and think that the content we’ll be looking at will be really valuable. Read more info below and at the YMC website.

SPEAKERS: Mark Sayers, Steve Morrison, Mike Everett and Dave Miers.

DEC 6-8 | Port Hacking, Sydney. Electives & Program

Jesus gives us the perfect example of Shepherd leadership and it is a tough example to follow. He shows humility and at the same time strength and conviction. He shows mercy and grace and yet a willingness to rebuke and call for change.

This year the Youth Ministry Conference is all about how we lead, the culture in which we are leading and practical electives to equip us to serve in a God-honouring way. The conference is for Youth Ministers, Chaplains, SRE teachers and leaders who really want to be pushed to a new level.

For those who are used to our usual conference format you will notice there is something a bit different about YMC this year. We’re going retreat-style which we hope will facilitate a great time of networking, refreshment and mutual encouragement for all participants. There are also options for those who can’t stay the whole time so noone misses out!

Registration is open | Enquiries: (02) 8268 3355

See you there!

Free Music Friday 11 // The Ember Days

October 22, 2010 in culture with 0 Comments

One of the bands I’ve been enjoying from the Come&Live website is The Ember Days. You can pick up  2 of their EP’s and 1 Album. Your Eyes Light Up album (2007), The Ember Days EP (2009), Finger Painting EP (2010) all for FREE!!! They have some fairly catchy pop-rock numbers through to some more haunting (almost, but not quite, Sigur Ros-esque) adventurous ballads. There is also some really cool worship stuff, but I’m not sure how it would go in a church congregation. All-in-all, highly recommended.

Now – having formed in New Zealand, the reality is that if they continue to increase in popularity and success, Australia will claim them as one of our own! If you enjoy The Ember Days (or any of the other bands on Come&Live), make sure you drop them some coin. // Web |  Twitter | Facebook | Album 1 | EP 2 | EP 3

Steve Chong Video Blogging from Cape Town

October 21, 2010 in Jesus with 0 Comments

My good friend Steve Chong is currently attending The Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization with 4000 other Evangelical leaders in Cape Town, South Africa. He’s been churning out a number of video blogs each day. They are really worth your while. Some of his interviews include John Piper, former Australian Deputy PM – John Anderson and Bishop Glenn Davies. Steve was almost mugged by a dude at knife point!

He also had the opportunity to lead a taxi driver and security guard to Christ!! Seriously cool stuff happening. Vids definitely worth watching. Watch them on the Kirkplace website | Watch them on their YouTube channel | Also check out his tweets and twitpics

If you’re a Christian, pray that this congress would lead to more evangelism.

If you’re not a Christian, check this, this or this to see what all the fuss is about!

See below for two of the vids:
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According to Twitter: Galatians + Ephesians

October 20, 2010 in Jesus with 0 Comments

Here’s the latest according to twitter. Some incredible stuff in Galatians and Ephesians about what God has done in Jesus to bring people to himself. It’s not about keeping laws, being a good person or trusting yourself. It’s all about Jesus. Through the blood of Jesus, people who are far away can be brought near to God. Very cool.

Here is the reading plan I use (PDF). Here are some other  Bible reading resources.

See below the jump for the compilation of the Galatians + Ephesians verses:

Continue Reading…

3photos: Sam Mowing the Lawn

October 19, 2010 in life with 4 Comments

Sam will often stand at the window watching me as I mow the lawn. It’s amazing to then see him imitating me as he pretends to mow the lawn! I appreciate knowing that my son is watching me, and I pray that I’d be a father worth imitating. Here are 3 pics of him “mowing” the lawn this past weekend. Pretty cute threads too!

Lawn Mowing 1

Two more below:
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God, Marriage, and Family | Andreas J. Kostenberger

October 18, 2010 in Jesus with 0 Comments

Crossway have recently launched the 2nd Edition of God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation by Andreas J. Kostenberger. You can find out about the book here. It comprehensively deals with the Old Testament, the New Testament and current topical issues. I’m currently studying Christian Ethics at college and it’s a useful text for a theological college student, but I think it’s not beyond the average reader. I know of a number of churches that use this as required reading for couples before they get married. Marriage is currently under attack in our world… there’s no better time to be acquainted with God’s good plans for  relationships than now!

Here’s a blurb from the product website:

The release of the landmark first edition of God, Marriage, and Family provided an integrated, biblical treatment of God’s purposes for the home. Since then, explain authors Andreas Köstenberger and David Jones, the crisis confronting modern households has only intensified, and yet the solution remains the same: obedience to and application of God’s Word.

In the second edition of God, Marriage, and Family, Köstenberger and Jones explore the latest controversies, cultural shifts, and teachings within both the church and society and further apply Scripture’s timeless principles to contemporary issues. This new edition includes an assessment of the family-integrated church movement; discussion of recent debates on corporal punishment, singleness, homosexuality, and divorce and remarriage; new sections on the theology of sex and the parenting of teens; and updated bibliographies. This book will prove to be a valuable resource for personal and group study, Christian counseling, and marriage and family courses.

Get your hands on a copy:

Crossway | Amazon | Booko | Browse the whole book online

Lecrae – Background Ft. C-Lite Video

October 17, 2010 in culture with 2 Comments

Lecrae’s new album Rehab has been on repeat for the last 2 weeks. Unbelievable! So encouraged by the counter-cultural challenge of the album. Rap and Hip-Hop is all about me: fast cars for me; big biceps for me; lots of girls for me; the world revolves around me! Not so with Lecrae’s album. It has the repeated idea of turning from the idol of self; that is, the world doesn’t revolve around me. Check out film clip of ‘Background’:

Check out the album here.

30 is the new 20

October 15, 2010 in life with 3 Comments

Here’s my first blog post of 2010: And then it dawned on me, I turn 30 this year! For better or for worse, that day has now come! I’m 30. I’m feeling okay. My brother reminded me though, that 30 is the new 20. So I guess that means I’ll be having a massive 21st birthday party for my 31st next year, stay tuned. Feeling young again.

I had a lovely day with Row and Sam for my birthday. i) We kicked off with breakfast at The Vespacific Cafe. ii) Sam had a sleep while Row did some admin and I read a book (this one… it’s incredible!) iii) Bike ride around the lake. iv) Picnic lunch. v) Play in the park. vi) Watched Hitch. vii) Prepped for talk on Daniel 1. viii) First night at St Faith’s Youth. ix) Hung out with Row. x) Writing blog post. A good fun day.

To help celebrate my 30 is the new 20 birthday, here are some awards:

  • Marty Feltham: first to wish me happy birthday overall winner!
  • Marty Feltham: first to wish me happy birthday via SMS
  • Steph Lentz: first (of many!) to wish me happy birthday via Facebook
  • Row & Sam Miers: first to wish me happy birthday in the flesh
  • Alison Cooper: first to wish me happy birthday via telephone
  • Luke Walker: first to wish me happy birthday via twitter
  • Ian Tyrrell: first to wish me happy birthday via email
  • Blockbuster Erina: first business to offer me freebies for my birthday
  • Soulies: First group of 3+ people to sing me happy birthday

Thanks for all the love people. Your award? Your name in (digital) print.

3photos: Narrabeen Spring Sun

October 14, 2010 in design with 0 Comments

So, we’ve moved to Narrabeen. The warmer weather and the beautiful outlook make it easy to go walking, running, swimming and riding often. I often take Sam for a walk early in the morning to give Row a sleep in. Below are some pics in my 3photo series from a recent early morning adventure. (I’ve just subscribed to the daily photo email from Manly-based photo crew saltmotion.com – check them out, much better than mine!)

Narrabeen Spring Sun 1

Two more below:
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MP3s from Regenerate Spring Camp 2010

October 13, 2010 in Jesus with 1 Comment

Are you involved in youth ministry? Keen to see a great youth ministry in action? Try and spend some time with Regenerate Youth from Christ Church Gladesville, such an encouraging bunch of young punks. Exciting stuff happening in their community. I gave 5 talks from Luke’s gospel on following Jesus at their recent Spring Camp. Sweet.

Here are the MP3s:

[right-click to download]

Euthanasia in the spotlight

October 12, 2010 in culture with 5 Comments

Euthanasia has been in put back on the agenda in Australia. The Australian Greens Party have made it their number one issue to push through parliamentary debates in the Upper House and Lower House. The good news is that there has been a number of great articles intelligently opposing euthanasia in secular press.

Here are a few of them:

Rice Regenerate Rally 2010 – GLORY

October 11, 2010 in Jesus with 0 Comments

Rice Regenerate Rally 2010 is on this Saturday night. Paul Dale will be speaking (here’s a video interview with him) on living a life that brings God glory. Should be hottt.

Wesley Centre – 220 Pitt St, Sydney | Saturday 16th October
Doors Open at 7pm | Tickets: $15 (buy online)

Regenerate – Spring Camp 2010 Promo Vid

October 9, 2010 in Jesus with 1 Comment

I’m currently on the Regenerate Youth Spring Camp 2010. Regenerate is a killer youth ministry part of Christ Church Gladesville. Here’s the sweet sweet promo vid:

Sweet vid? Made by Jeremy Dunne. He’s a kickin video maker.

The Humbling Power of Cross-Centred Thinking

October 6, 2010 in Jesus with 2 Comments

The extended extract below is from John Piper’s recent sermon: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God (read manuscript, watch vid or listen to MP3). (h/t  CJ Mahaney)

Where should our mind focus in order to know God most fully and deeply?

We could focus on nature because the heavens are telling the glory of God (Psalm 19:1).

We could focus on the human soul for we are made in the image of God.

We could focus on the history of Israel because God calls Israel “my glory” (Isaiah 46:13).

We could focus on the life of Christ because he is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (Hebrews 1:3).

Or we could come to the event where more of God is revealed than any other event in history, the death of his Son.

All the other revelations of God in Christ are like rays of sun breaking through the clouds. But the death of Christ for sinners was like a bolt of lightning.

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COME HOME – 5 Youth Sermons

October 5, 2010 in Jesus with 0 Comments

Last week I spoke to 50 year 12 students each day on the Christ Church Youth Year 12 Study Hall (check out their swanky new website). The 5 talks were from Luke’s gospel on the theme “COME HOME”. We kicked off in Luke 15 and saw how the rebellious son and the religious son were both lost and need to come home to their father. I think it was challenging to both church kids and non-church kids. Check out the MP3s below:

[Right-click to download]
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