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Nehemiah 3-4 Sermon
Is now up online. You can listen here.
Perth Debate Video: People Should Keep Their Religion To Themselves
The video from the debate in Perth is now available! Enjoy!
Pornography – where does it hurt?
The poster board outside our church has a confronting message this month, looking at the subject of pornography.
We might feel awkward about it but pornography has a massive effect on large segments of our society - it's time we got serious about how big a deal and how damaging it is. outreachMEDIA, who provide our posters, have a great article on their website.
My name is Derek Higgo, I'm a psychotherapist in Sydney providing counselling for couples and individuals. The larger percentage of my work concerns men of different ages struggling with pornography. More and more people are struggling because pornography is not accountable, it's anonymous and it's so accessible. Sadly, by the time the men I speak to come to me, they've often developed a pattern of addictive behaviour, their marriages are damaged and they're under a burden of immense shame, guilt and depression. Some are even considering suicide. The Bible has plenty to say about pornography. Put simply, it is wrong and unfaithful to cultivate lustful thoughts. At the very least, the following verse teaches us that there will be consequences for those who watch pornography:
"Can a man walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?" Proverbs 6:28
Treading the path of pornography is like climbing down a wet and slippery embankment. At first you think you're ok. "I'm in control of this". But all of a sudden you're dazed and bewildered, lying at the bottom of a muddy pit, uncertain how you got there so quickly. It is a choice that will take you further than you ever intended to go. Why, oh why, do we let the media and society set our expectations about sex and relationships? Magazines, the Internet, Billboards and TV are so obsessed with body image and sexuality. Men are portrayed as conquerors whose performance determines their manhood. And women must be flawless and 'on' all the time. But no real relationship is like this. The world of pornography is a fantasy place of no commitment and unrealistic expectations. Meanwhile, in the real world there is disappointment and disillusionment as the bond between couples is strained by feelings of inadequacy and resentment. Sexual wounding strikes at the very core of our identity. Yet sex is a wonderful gift from God. In the Bible the inventor of sex endorses his handiwork. Isn't that great news? In Genesis, Proverbs, Song of Songs and many other places, we see that sex is good and to be celebrated. Importantly, in 1Corinthians 7:2-5 we learn that sex is designed exclusively for marriage and is intended to be for fun and mutual pleasure, motivated by love and commitment. If you're despairing, remember, God offers hope and a way out. Jesus forgives! But you must speak to someone, it's too hard to solve this alone.
"If therefore the son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed" John 8:36
Prayer: Dear God, please help me to walk tall, without shame, free from thoughts and actions that don't honour you. Amen.
There are some great resources available to you to help you in this struggle. We particularly recommend
10 Steps to Great Theology!
For a while now UCCF (the UK Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship) has been developing its Theology Network, which purports to
...equip you with top quality theological resources- both articles and audio talks. We believe that Christian theology is the most exciting thing possible since it’s simply about knowing God better.
And they do an excellent job. Don't let the fact that you're not a student stop you from mining the great resources available here.
Their latest offering is "Foundations", a ten week course for individuals or groups. I'd struggle to find a better basic overview of Christian doctrine than what is offered here. And it's all free!
Theology Network is headed up by Dr. Mike Reeves who I knew in London. He's an astounding guy and, not least, a phenomenal teacher of God's word in all its aspects.
Hie thee hence to Foundations.
Men and Machines - A Great Idea for Men’s Ministry
One of the recent events we held at church is explained by our Senior Minister...
I'm sure there's plenty of churches that could have a go at something like this.
New Gear for the Secret Volcano Lair
Upon clocking in this morning for the day's work on the VGAC (Vast Global Anglican Conspiracy) I noted that Greg has let the decor, well, sort of slip.
Piles of chicken dinner boxes left abandoned in the corner. Crates of empty Calvin beer bottles waiting for the recycling ship that never seems to arrive.
In short, the place is looking a bit shabby.
However, fear not for a whole bunch of new cool toys is now available to spruce the place up.
NASA are selling off old Space Shuttles!!!!
That's right, people. For the paltry sum of $28.8 million we can get a shiny space shuttle for the Volcano Lair! Tracy Island eat your heart out!
It' s going to mean a paltry 5% increase in our budget but it's worth it!
Who's in?
Daily Meditation: Our Daily Bread
This series is recommended as an orthodox alternative to Forward Day by Day. It is offered by RBC Ministries.