Category: Resources

Grace and change

May 5, 2023

I really like this from from today’s Our Daily Bread…

Moses, though now recognized as a great man of faith, also committed a shocking crime. After he witnessed “an Egyptian beating a Hebrew,” he looked “this way and that” and “killed the Egyptian” (Exodus 2:11–12). Despite this sin, God in His grace wasn’t done with His imperfect servant. Later, He chose Moses to free His people from their oppression (3:10). In Romans 5:14, we read, “Death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command.” But in the following verses Paul states that “God’s grace” makes it possible for us, regardless of our past sins, to be changed and made right with Him (vv. 15–16).

We might think that what we’ve done disqualifies us from knowing God’s forgiveness and being used for His honor. But because of His grace, in Jesus we can be changed and set free to help others be changed for eternity.

Decisions that have helped me

April 21, 2023

Describe a decision you made in the past that helped you learn or grow.

Probably the biggest thing that helped me grow in my faith was to attend Bible college.

I first went to Perth Bible College in 1994. I learned a lot and grew in my faith. Then in 2008 I took a year off work to focus on a one year course at Tabor Adelaide. This was done online.

At Tabor I a number of really helpful units including:

  • Introduction to the New Testament
  • Introduction to the Old Testament
  • Introduction to Theology
  • Pastoral Care
  • Christian Leadership
  • Creative Living (understanding who we are in Christ)
  • Public Speaking and Preaching
  • Pastoral Ethics
  • The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
  • Introduction to Biblical Interpretation

Looking back to those studies it gave me a good foundation of who I was in Christ, an overview of the Bible, how to preach and communicate God’s Word, and how to care for others as a Minister.

I have gone on and done more studies to have more tools in my ministry toolbox, but those units gave me most of what I needed to do the things I have done including Pastor, Elder, Chaplain and Lay Preacher.

If you are interested you can find the websites below.

Perth Bible College – www.pbc.wa.edu.au

Tabor Adelaide – https://tabor.edu.au

What book can I read again?

April 11, 2023

What book could you read over and over again?

Today’s WordPress question of the day is “What book could I read over and over again?” Hands down it is the Bible for me.

In saying that though, the Bible is a collection of 66 books. So if I had to drill down further it would be the Book of Luke from the Bible.

Why Luke? Luke covers all of Jesus’ life, miracles, interactions with all types of people, His death and resurrection.

Here is a snippet from my study Bible about Luke…

“Luke is the most comprehensive of the Gospels. Its general vocabulary and diction show that the author was educated. He makes frequent references to illnesses and diagnoses. Luke stresses Jesus’ relationships with people; emphasizes prayer, miracles, and angels; records inspired hymns of praise; and gives a prominent place to women. Most of 9:51–18:35 is not found in any other Gospel.”

I guess as a relational person, who loves to prayer and hearing about the miracles of Jesus, it makes sense.

The other reason I love Luke so much it has a sequel by the same author – the Book of Acts. You can read Luke and Acts together and get a good understanding of Jesus’ life and what the early church was like.

So what book could I read over and over. The Bible, but more precisely the Book of Luke.

I don’t understand

April 1, 2023

What’s something most people don’t understand?

Over the years I have talked to a lot of people about my faith in Christ. Some just don’t understand it.

Some think following Christ is about obeying a set of rules. When in reality God gives us boundaries to keep us safe. The Bible says we follow a narrow road for our own good.

Some think it is about living a good live to find God’s acceptance and salvation. When in reality is is about accepting what Jesus has done for us in dying for us on the cross.

Some think this life is all there is and we are born, live and die. When in reality the Bible says we are eternal beings who will spend eternity with Christ or without Him.

Often the people I speak to have never read the Bible. So this is where I start them. I encourage them to read the Bible. I encourage them to read either Luke or John and take note of Jesus’ words that are normally in red letters.

When they read the Bible they start to see the real Jesus, not how the world paints Him. And when they see the real Jesus, they see it is more about what He has done for us. This is when they start to understand.

Today I would encourage you to start with the Bible. Read about Jesus. Find out who He is and what He has done. It is my prayer that this will help you to find true understanding.

It you don’t have a Bible you can find one at www.biblegateway.com or look for the YouVersion Bible app in your app store. They are both free to use.