Last among equals

Whether we like it or not, it’s natural for any group of people to form structures to try and organise its membership. So, when you get together a bunch of people to play on a sporting team, it’s pretty normal for a captain to be appointed. And when you have an organisation like a club … Read more

An important reminder as school returns

Whether it’s the school shoe sales or the return of 40kmh school zones, nearly all of us notice when it’s ‘back to school’ time. And as schooling comes to our mind we should remember that education is a privilege we should never take for granted. Many parents around the world would only dream of offering their … Read more

The lesson our leaders must learn

At this moment in time we are witnessing a change in the leadership of the Premier of NSW and the President of the USA. Both offices are positions of power, and both roles provide a powerful influence. This makes it a good time to reflect on what Jesus thinks about leaders and leadership. When one of his disciples … Read more

Is Jesus Un-Australian?

One of the core values of Australia is the right to a ‘fair go.’ When someone doesn’t get what they deserve, it often causes our blood to boil. When one kid gets more lollies than another, then we hear the cry, “it’s just not fair!” And when one employee gets paid more than another person who does … Read more

That’s Retailtainment

If you’ve ever chosen to ‘go to the shops’ in order to occupy your time, then you will have experienced some ‘retailtainment.’ George Ritzer defines this as the “use of ambience, emotion, sound and activity to get customers interested in the merchandise and in a mood to buy.” Retail has been mashed up with entertainment, and now it’s … Read more

Mythbusting Reality – Talk 18 Mythbusting Life – Job 42.7-17 – talk outline

Job: Mythbusting Reality 18: Mythbusting Life Job 42:7-17 ✦  Jodie McNeill Managing expectations 1. God is angry with Job’s friends (verse 7a) It is ___________________________ to experience God’s anger They have not spoken the ________________ 2. God is not angry with Job (verse 7b) God says Job has spoken _____________________ 3. God tells the friends … Read more

Great growth through Year 13

Life changing. Boldness. Deep joy. These are some of the concluding words that come into mind about my journey with Year 13. This year has been the best year of my life. Who would have thought that in only nine months, I would have grown so much. I am so thankful to God for his growth … Read more

Mythbusting Reality – Talk 17 Mythbusting Evil – Job 40.6 to 42.6 – talk outline

Job: Mythbusting Reality 17: Mythbusting Evil Job 40:6 to 42:6 ✦  Jodie McNeill Monsters Inc. 1. God’s justice challenged by his treatment of evil (40:6-14) Job claimed that God was ______________ (40:6-8) God challenges Job to __________ the world (40:9-14) 2. Behemoth: the evil embodiment of death (40:15-24) Meet the __________________ ___________________ Behemoth (40:15-24) 3. … Read more

Are you scared of death?

It is quite unnerving to see a grown-man sobbing uncontrollably. This is what I saw as I went to visit a gentleman in hospital who had been told that he had only days to live. He was in constant tears because he was scared about what would happen to him when he died. Facing death without any … Read more

Mythbusting Reality – Talk 16 Mythbusting God – Job 38 to 40.5 – talk outline

Job: Mythbusting Reality 16: Mythbusting God Job 38 to 40:5 ✦  Jodie McNeill God grant me the serenity 1. God’s loves order (38:1-38) God _________________ directly to Job (38:1-3) God orders __________________ (38:4-11) God orders ____________ (38:12-21) God orders the _______________ (38:22-38) 2. God manages ‘chaos’ (38:39-39:30) Lions & ravens (38:39-41) Mountain goats (39:1-4) Wild … Read more