We have used the “Church is not a building” line so many times that—not only have we forgotten that, at least in some ways, a church so obviously is a building—we rarely pause to think what other temptations we could similarly rebut by adapting this simple statement. So let me suggest some other worthwhile applications…
Sometimes when we repeat a true statement too many times, we begin to forget the ways in which the statement might be untrue. One such statement is this: “Church is not a building.” How many times have we heard it without pausing to think about what we are saying? Of course, it is true. Church…
That means it isn’t just mine, it’s yours, your friend’s and even your enemies’ too. It belongs to the seemingly grumpy old people up the back, just as much as it does to you. Problems within it are everyone’s. Solutions need grace and patience. As this is how others will know we are his disciples,…
Church is home to me. A space where I can be myself, uncontained and unashamed while coming to Jesus in fellowship with other believers and friends. I walked into church for the first time this week in my pyjamas, but I wasn’t where you’re all probably thinking. I was in my friends’ room in the girl’s…
I see a Church active in proclaiming the gospel and Christ’s soon return I see a church bringing hope to those without hope Finding those who are lost Feeding those who are hungry Standing up for injustice I see a church filled with the Holy Spirit and not bound by culture, language or tradition I…
There was once a man called Epicurus who bought a house for his friends to eat at and recommended that no one ever eat alone. He said, “Before you eat or drink anything, consider carefully who you eat or drink with rather than what you eat or drink.” While buying a house for the sake…
So Converge has come and passed again for the 4th year. I have had the absolute privilege and blessing to attend the last 3 years, unfortunately missing the first. It has been so awesome and inspiring to see it grow over the years. The organisers and volunteers that put in the effort to create a…
Each year on the eve of Australia Day, January 26, a prominent person who is considered to have made a significant contribution to Australian society is named “Australian of the Year.” I’m told this style of award happens only in a few nations around the world but not only does this honour recognise a lifetime…
I finally popped my ‘Road to Bethlehem’ Cherry! Yes, I know, “How could you have never gone to Road to Bethlehem?”. It’s a question I get asked quite a lot during this time. And the honest answer is… “I don’t know”. It was never in the plans but after this week I’m sure to make…
One of the Bible’s distinctive catch-cries is “Don’t be afraid.” Often, it’s the necessary greeting that begins interactions between God and humanity, particularly almost every time an angel appears in a Bible story. For example, “Don’t be afraid” is a recurring motif around the birth of Jesus (see Luke 1:13; 1:30; and 2:10), contradicting the…