Category: Bible

To be a Christian book

February 12, 2025

I just received a hard copy of a book I have been reading. I had been reading the PDF version and found it to be a great resource, so I decided to add it to my physical library.

To be a Christian is a catechism style book that has over 360 questions and answers. It touches on all areas of our faith as Christians. I wish I had something like this as a new Christian, it would have been really helpful.

Here is an example question and answer about Jesus…

  1. Who is Jesus Christ?
    Jesus is the eternal Son of God, the Savior of the world. Fully divine, he took on our human nature, died on the Cross for our sins, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now rules as Lord and King over all creation. (Numbers 21:4–9; Psalm 110; John 3:13–15; Philippians 2:5–11; Colossians 1:15–20)

I really love that it has a short answer that you could memorise and it has all the Bible references that you can look up.

Here is a description from the publisher…

Catechesis is an ancient practice of Christian disciple making that uses a simple question-and-answer format to instruct new believers and church members in the core beliefs of Christianity. To Be a Christian, by J. I. Packer and a team of other Anglican leaders, was written to renew this oft-forgotten tradition for today’s Christians. With over 360 questions and answers, plus Scripture references to support each teaching, this catechism covers the full range of Christian doctrine and life, drawing from the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and other important doctrinal summaries. Clear, concise, and conversational, this resource was written for all believers who seek to be grounded more deeply in the truth of God’s Word.

I downloaded a free PDF copy from here, and then purchased a hard back copy from Koorong.com here.

The family of God

February 9, 2025

John 1:12 NLT – But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

The Bible tells us we become children of God when we believe in who Jesus is and accept Him as our Lord and Saviour. We become His children and a part of His eternal family. This means we join every person who has accepted Jesus in the last 2000 years!

When we accept Jesus we become part of the communion of saints that the Apostle’s Creed talks about. We are brothers and sisters with those alive today and those who have already gone to heaven.

God’s eternal family is big, very big. But the good news is there is room for more. The Bible tells us that God is being patient so every last person can make it in. He does not want any one to perish, but all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

If you would like to accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you can pray the prayer below.

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Saviour. In Your Name. Amen

For more information please visit my finding salvation page and my discipleship page.

What is temptation?

January 26, 2025

I am reading a book called, “To be a Christian” that is in a form of question and answer Catechism for growing in our faith.

I am up to the section on temptation on page 77. I really like the way it addresses key questions, has a short answer with lots of Bible references. Below is a sample…

  1. What is temptation?
    Temptation is any enticement to turn from faith in God and to violate his commandments. (Proverbs 1:8–19; James 1:14–15)
  2. What are the sources of temptation?
    I am tempted by the false promises of the world, the selfish desires of my flesh, and the lies of the devil, all of which war against God and my spiritual well-being. (Genesis 3:1–8; Proverbs 30:7–9; Mark 7:15; James 1:13; 1 John 2:15–17)
  3. What help do you seek from God in the face of temptation?
    I ask God to increase my faith to trust him, enliven my conscience to fear him, soften my heart to love him, and strengthen my will to obey him, that I may resist evil and stand in the face of temptation. (Proverbs 2; Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:31–32; 1 Corinthians 10:12–14; James 4:5–10)
  4. Does God lead you into temptation?
    No. God never tempts anyone, nor is he the cause of any sin; but he does allow me to be tested so that I may grow in faith and obedience. (Genesis 22:1–18; Job 1:6–12; Psalm 11:4–5; Proverbs 17:3; Matthew 4:1; James 1:12–15)
  5. What are ways to guard against temptation?
    As I abide in Christ, I can guard against temptation by praying for protection and strength, confessing my sins, recalling God’s Word, avoiding tempting situations, and seeking the support of fellow Christians. (Genesis 39:7–12; Psalm 119:9–11; Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 14:38; Romans 13:11–14; Ephesians 6:13–18; 1 Peter 4:1–2, 7)

I really love the question and answer format. I can see it would be a useful devotional and discipleship tool to help us learn and grow in our faith.

It is available online to purchase in paperback or hardback. I got a PDF copy from here.

(Image: Carolyn Dyk/Wycliffe Bible Translators)

The Chosen TV

January 25, 2025

My wife and I have been watching the Chosen tv series. It is something we have been meaning to watch for a while. We are really enjoying it a lot.

I think it would be really hard to bring the Bible to life on film, but the Chosen have done it really well. We have been brought to tears many times watching some of our favourite Bible passages on screen.

One thing I think that makes it so good is the writers have three Biblical experts who are advisers. They have a Catholic Priest, a Jewish historian and a Christian Bible scholar who read over the scripts to ensure it is true to the text and the cultural setting.

I really love the way Jonathan Roumie plays Jesus. He brings a level of teaching authority and strength when needed, but also a deep compassion for those suffering and those who have lost hope.

Jonathan (as Jesus) treats those who think they are perfect and religious with a firm rebuke and those who are genuinely trying to learn, grow and truly follow Him with love, compassion and encouragement.

The thing I have enjoyed the most is the way it has brought Jesus’ miracle to life. So far we have been blind eyes and deaf ears opened, violent seas calmed, paralytics healed, demons cast out and people raised from the dead.

One of my favourite scenes is the Roman soldier who asks Jesus to heal his servant boy at a distance. The way he calls Jesus Lord and then shows his unworthiness for Jesus to go to his house captures the moment perfectly.

I have really loved the Chosen so far. We have decided to buy the series on DVD so we can have it in our collection to watch again and again.

If you are interested in watching the Chosen you can watch it for free on their website at www.thechosen.tv.

What is my mission?

January 11, 2025

What is your mission?

This is a great question. My mission was given to me many years ago in Perth. I was doing my morning devotions and a Bible passage really jumped out at me. The passage lit up on the page like a light was shinning on it. And the words looked bigger like a magnifying glass was put over them.

The passage was 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 NLT. It says…

“And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. [19] For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. [20] So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

This is when I felt God call me to ministry. In my heart I knew I had to tell people about Jesus and help them to follow Him. This started through my local church and several years later through PASSIONAustralia.org.

So since 1996 I have been doing my best to fulfil the mission God has given me. Some times has been in a full time role like a Pastor or a Chaplain, but mostly it has been as a Lay Preacher while working part time in secular work.

So what is my mission? I am an ambassador for Christ helping people be reconciled to Himself. I help them put the pieces of faith together to find Christ.