As another calendar year draws to a close a chorus of Christmas carols fill the airwaves, city centres, and churches all over Australia.   We hear of “Joy to the World” and this could not be more timely!    We hear of over 130 children slaughtered in a Pakistani school.  A lone gunman in the Sydney Lindt café with twisted religious and political beliefs holds people hostage; Tori Johnson is found dead and Katrina Dawson is fatally wounded.   A...

I long for revival! I long for the day when revival comes to Australia and to other western nations. I long for the day when the presence of God is realized in the midst of our nation, when God is seen in industry, commerce, politics, in national and international affairs! I long for revival! "God our Saviour, ... will you not revive us again?" (Psalm 85:4,6)   This prayer of the sons of Korah is the cry of...

Are you ready for an experiment?   A radical experiment?   An experiment that will turn your life upside down?   In one year?   And not just you -- your church as well?    Well, pick up a copy of David Platt's book Radical and take up the challenge he gives in this book.   I dare you!   More about that later. Last year I did a book review  on Platt's more recent book, Radical Together....

It was very encouraging to gather with over 30 people from across Australia, New Zealand, and Solomon Islands to explore future ministries.   This happened 22-24 October in Geelong, at the Reformed Theological College(RTC).   The conference delivered what it promised.   It was stimulating, interactive, and practical. The Explore conference began with a wonderful sit down evening meal.   One of the classrooms was tastefully decorated and everybody had a chance to meet each other over some very good...

"What does the Lord God require of [us]?    To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)    In a recent trip to the eastern suburbs of Melbourne -- I saw a bunch of Christians living out this relationship with God. I was in Pakenham, a rapidly growing city in the far eastern reaches of Melbourne, Victoria. Every day commuters board trains and travel to and from the...