On being sure we are not the problem…
I spoke at the Baptist Union of Western Australia’s Annual Assembly yesterday, and thought you might be interested to read the text of my address. You’ll notice that I picked up on a few of the themes we have looked at on the blog in recent weeks. We had a computer virus hit our network at Vose this week. As we called the staff together to look at what had happened and to outline the plan to get it sorted, the natural question that was asked was, ‘So how did this happen?’ As the IT guru outlined it for us, and explained how someone had unwittingly opened an attachment that had...
Read MoreWhy Theodosius vs Ambrose really matters…
Heard about the dispute between the Roman Emperor Theodosius and Bishop Ambrose of Milan back in 390? I thought not… Before you yawn a little too obviously and quote Henry Ford’s ‘history is bunk’, let me assure you that this case finds its way onto the pages of this blog because in my judgment it is one of those critical turning points in history – a little ah ha moment after which we all understand some aspects of faith more clearly. For those who are at the ‘Theodosius who?’ stage, he was the Roman Emperor famously (or not so famously if you have never heard of him) credited for...
Read More10 insights on losing 10 kilograms…
OK, so this is a bit of brag post. I’ve just succeeded in losing 10kg, and mercifully that’s not the result of some dreaded disease, but a bit of a change in eating habits. Here are my 10 insights on losing 10 kg… I don’t ever want to get into a position where I need to lose 10 kg again. Sugar is addictive. Its highs are illusionary, and they always let you down. Eat off a plate and with a knife and fork. It helps limit binging. Eat slowly, and ask yourself, ‘so what is it that I am eating and am I enjoying it?’ Eat anything in moderation. Exclude arsenic...
Read MoreThe refugee, my housemate: On opening our hearts…
Vose student Alan McGrechan recently shared something of his story at a chapel service… And what a story it is – of cultural readjustment to Australia after his time in Mozambique, of loss of purpose and confidence, and then of finding new challenge and meaning in opening his heart and life to others, others who in this case were Afghani asylum seekers. I find it inspiring, and I am sure you will to… It fits seamlessly into our current series on ethics, ‘Deciding what’s right…’ Currently I live in Midland with sixteen other people in a shared house...
Read MoreSome blogs worth looking at…
I had a preaching free Sunday, so no sermon notes today, but instead I thought I would point you to some blogs I think are worth looking at. In my opinion, the gold standard is undoubtedly Scot McKnight’s Jesus Creed. Most often there are 4 posts per day (no idea how he manages that – though he is not the sole author), and whilst topics are largely theological in nature, the overall coverage is broad and always interesting. At times it is fairly specialized, but most are accessible to anyone ready for a theology 101 course. Comments (which usually flow thick and fast) reflect a...
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