Category: Jesus

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I turned up to the party one week late

In year 3 I turned up to Colin’s birthday party one week early. Kinda embarrassing, kinda funny. All okay, I just turned up the correct time the following weekend. This time it looks like I’ve turned up to the party one week late. I thought Monday 9th May was the 400th birthday of the King James Version of the Bible. It wasn’t. Monday 2nd May, 2011 was the birthday party. Oops. Unless I can invent a time machine, it looks like I’ll have to wait until the KJV’s next significant birthday (500th?) or hope the 400th kicks on for a while!

Anyway. Happy Birthday 400th Birthday KJV!! I’m thankful to God that you helped pave the way for the Bible in a language I can understand.

For more info on the KJV and why it’s worth celebrating, check out www.kjv11.com.au

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In the presence of greatness

This is an illustration from a book by John Dickson. I’m storing it here for later reference. Others might find it useful too. Peaceout.

In the USA some time ago, three lads hopped onto their local bus for a ride. They were in a fairly ‘vigorous’ mood, so when they noticed a man alone up the back of the bus dressed rather casually in a track-suit and beanie, they thought they’d see how far they could push him.


At first they just made a few light jokes about him. The stranger didn’t respond. They turned up the heat and started to insult him directly. The stranger still didn’t respond. They continued this for some time trying to get the man to fight back. After all, there were three of them and just one of him.

Eventually the bus arrived at the stranger’s stop. He stood up. The lads then realised that he was much, much bigger than they had estimated. He looked down at the young men, reached into his pocket, and pulled out his business card. He handed it to one of them and then silently walked off the buss and on his way.

The three boys huddle around the card to see who this stranger was and what he did for a living. The card read:

JOE Louis
Professional Boxer

Continue reading “In the presence of greatness”

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4 Youth Sermons on ROMANS 8

Romans is the Mt Everest of the Bible. Romans 8 is the Mt Everest of Romans. That means Romans 8 is pretty massive. Breathe-taking. Go read it. Seriously. In early March I got to hang out with a fantastic bunch of young punks from Holy Trinity and Trinity Bay in Adelaide, South Australia. We spent 4 days digging into Romans 8. What a great encouragement to see the hunger and maturity of the members of these youth ministries.

Here are the mp3s from the Romans 8 talks:

Romans 8 – Delivered
Romans 8 – Adopted
Romans 8 – Frustrated
Romans 8 – Loved

[right-click etc to download]

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Ask God Anything

If you could ask God anything, what would it be? Check out www.askgodanything.com.au and log your question. St Faith’s have been running this microsite during April. The top 4 questions will form the basis of the teaching series throughout May.

Topic 1 has already been selected for this weekend. There were lots of questions on God and disasters: earthquakes, fires, tsunamis etc. So topic 1 for May 1 is

WHERE IS GOD IN DISASTER?

Submissions close at midnight on Wednesday April 27. The other 3 topics will be announced this weekend. Anyone is welcome to leave a question. We’ll do our best to get back to people on any questions that aren’t answered during the series.

If you’re from St Faith’s – encourage your friends to leave their questions and then invite them along to the series or any that are particularly relevant.

Check out service times etc: St Faith’s Website. If you’re from out of town, keep an eye on the podcast for each of the responses.

www.askgodanything.com.au

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God’s Wonderful Surprise

From The Jesus Storybook Bible, Written by Sally Loyd-Jones & Illustrated by Jago.

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The Resurrection from Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20.

JESUS’ FRIENDS WERE SAD. They would never see their best friend again. How could this happen? Wasn’t Jesus the Rescuer? The King God had promised? It wasn’t supposed to end like this.

Yes, but whoever said anything about the end?

Just before sunrise, on the third day, God sent an earthquake – and an angle from heaven. When the guards saw the angel, they fell down with fright. The angel rolled the huge stone away, sat on top of it, and waited.

At the first glimmer of dawn, Mary Magdalene and other women headed to the tomb to wash Jesus’ body. The early morning sun slanted through the ancient olive trees, drops of dew glittering on leaves and grasses – little tears everywhere. The friends walked quietly along the hilly path, through the olive groves, until they reached the tomb. And immediately noticed something odd – it was wide open.

They peered through the opening in the dark tomb. But wait. Jesus’ body was gone!

And something else: a shining man was there, with clothes made from lightening.

“Don’t be scared,” the angel said.

But (they couldn’t help it) they screamed anyway.

Continue reading “God’s Wonderful Surprise”

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What’s the deal with Jesus + Christianity???

Have you got questions about Jesus? God? Christianity? Life? Christianity Explored have just launched an amazing resource that will help you to learn more about Jesus and Christianity. It’s a website. It’s hot. Really good stuff. Check it:

Check out some of the ‘Real Life Stories‘ – you might hear from people just like you. If you’ve got doubts or you’re skeptical, check out the ‘Tough Questions‘ section.

(h/t Kevin DeYoung)

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Freedom from Sin and Death

In a world where many are crying out for freedom and liberation, Good Friday is a message of freedom: “God brings freedom from sin and death through the death of Jesus for sin.” I preached from Matthew 27 across the day. Always encouraged by the older crew at 830. Good time with my family at 1030. And then a new Good Friday Night service and dinner at 6pm tonight. I’m thankful to God for time with our church family today.

Here’s some details from tonight: there were 3 Bible readings, Isa 53 and 2 from Matthew 27, each with live music backing. The above pic from creation swap was used as a background. The band played 5 songs: Nothing but the blood; How deep the Father’s Love; In Christ Alone; Jesus Thank You; and Stronger. They also did a great version of Lead me to the Cross as an item (here’s a short vid). We used a countdown video to kick off and another video off the back of the sermon.

Click here to have a listen to my sermon on Matthew 27.

See below for the Easter Message from the Arch Bish.
Continue reading “Freedom from Sin and Death”