Warning and hope

Warning and hope

Paul was no lone ranger. In general church life and in gospel ministry he surrounded himself with those who would encourage and strengthen him. Sometimes, however, other Christians deeply disappointed him. His honesty about both his encouragements and his...
Review: Unfollow

Review: Unfollow

It began in 1991. A local independent Baptist Church in Kansas began picketing at a nearby park popular with gay men. Citing Romans 1:32, the protestors paraded handmade signs proclaiming that gays deserve death. The church’s pastor, Fred Phelps, had taught his small...
Bushfires and the Bible

Bushfires and the Bible

Australia is no stranger to seasonal bushfires. Stories and images of this season’s fires are impossible to miss. While the current disaster is hardly the worst in recorded history (the 1974–75 fires consumed in excess of 95 million hectares, compared to the present...
All the King’s men: Introduction

All the King’s men: Introduction

Jesus’ compassion always turned into mission. His compassion for his people drove him to die for them so that they might live (John 3:16). His compassion also drove him to ensure that his mission was carried out by men—initially, twelve men—who shared his compassion...
The most optimistic time of the year

The most optimistic time of the year

If Christmas—“with the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you be of good cheer”—is the most wonderful time of the year, New Year’s is probably the most optimistic time of the year. It is the time of year in which, having taken some time to reflect on how we have...