Introduction Having begun this series with the impression of the glorious vision of Jesus in Revelation chapter 1, we moved on from there to the central focus of our studies, the Lamb “standing as slain” (5:6). As the only one … Continue reading
Introduction To understand Revelation we need to picture it like a vast mural which portrays the victory of Christ from a number of perspectives[1]. It recapitulates the same themes of the triumph of the Lamb of God over and over, … Continue reading
Introduction In the first week of our series I focussed on Jesus identity as perfected prophet, priest and king and how he calls us to share in his ministry. Last week, we concentrated on the Jesus as the Lamb “standing … Continue reading
Introduction One of the extraordinary things about the contemporary church in most Western nations is its passivity. Many congregations fail to engage the surrounding community in any transforming way, a majority of believers self-consciously lack authority in the Word and … Continue reading
Introduction The immediate impulse for this series came from the news that a professing Christian, married and with children, had committed suicide because he was overwhelmed by depression. Contrary to popular belief that Australians are an easy going fun loving … Continue reading
Background Not long ago I became inwardly aware[1] of a desire to get attention, or be listened to when even when others were speaking. As this was egocentric and unChristlike I began to pray asking God to reveal the root … Continue reading
“What role does God play in our lives? It is an inevitable but wrong question. We shall be freed from it only by captivation to the right question: what role do we play in God’s life? The story is not … Continue reading
Introduction Last time I preached I began with a text that describes immaturity as a failure to grow in “the word of righteousness” (5:13). Similarly, Jesus explains failure in fruitfulness as the inability to understand and obey the “the word … Continue reading
The Spirit of Prayer The Spirit in the Prayer Life of Jesus It is reasonable to suppose that the pattern of the Lord’s Prayer recapitulates the central elements of the prayer life of Jesus. The Lord’s Prayer is headed by … Continue reading
Background This paper attempts to thread together various scriptures, prophetic words and convictions shared by a diverse group of people concerning God’s plan for Western Australia[1]. In recent days I have focussed on praying into this subject more intensely, and … Continue reading
God is Excited Those who are familiar with my writings may be surprised by the title to this piece; nevertheless it is what I am sensing in my spirit in the last few weeks. What is exciting God is a … Continue reading
Key text Hebrews 5:11-14 “About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach … Continue reading
Key Text: “Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship … Continue reading
Philip East’s, 25.06.2008 Key text: Colossians (2:8-10) “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him … Continue reading
Hebrew / biblical view of time quality rather than quantity, cf. successive generations experience the original Passover/ Exodus, Lord’s Supper Three tenses of time: Past – rejection of Jesus cross death Present – resurrection Future – return Disciples: Past – seen Jesus crucified Present – full … Continue reading
Introduction At the recent WA Equipper’s Prayer Summit a pastor remarked on our neglect of the personal presence of the Holy Spirit. He suggested that as the Holy Spirit clothed himself with the body of Jesus when Christ was on … Continue reading
Introduction During a local retreat we were talking about “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27) when someone quoted from 2 Peter, “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to … Continue reading
Mandurah, 07.10.2009 Preamble I remember some years ago having a very important revelation – I liked God and he liked me. Sometimes we find it easier to talk about loving God than liking God – this talk is about being … Continue reading
Introduction This article, a successor to the two about Elijah, explains how God uses everyday circumstance to manifest himself in “secular space”.[1] This is a down to earth reality in which all Christians may fully participate. The contents of the … Continue reading
Mandurah, 26-27/0920/09 General Background Sally asked us to take this retreat not so much as a time to focus on her and the call of God on her life, but as an opportunity to take time out and be still … Continue reading
Introduction I have recently treasured some intense experiences of the stillness of God both in the desert and on a tropical beach. These times are always attractive, desirable and alluring and in them revelation comes, as in this teaching. Yet … Continue reading
If the cross is the Father’s deepest work in the humanity of the Son, then it must be the key to all spiritual fathering. The spiritual father sees into the heart of another person and discerns there the work of … Continue reading
“19 Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven … Continue reading
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. 6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I … Continue reading
1. Foundations a. There are two radically different ways of seeing things: we cannot know what things really are (constructivism / post-modernism) and we can know the inner reality of existence (essentialism) b. post-modernism: preoccupation with how things are known … Continue reading
Introduction Marriage is all about sharing with one another at the deepest level, the biggest thing that stops this happening is fear. It has surprised me over the years how many men fear their wives, marriage seems to do this … Continue reading
Introduction Marriage is all about sharing with one another at the deepest level, the biggest thing that stops this happening is fear. It has surprised me over the years how many men fear their wives, marriage seems to do this … Continue reading
The foreshore at Trinity Beach Cairns terminates on the southern end with a rocky outcrop and forested hill. A path leads up to a point where the ocean stretches to the horizon in the east. A cement seat faces the … Continue reading
Introduction In praying with others for our local area the Lord began to share another key to the transformation of cities and nations. We were praying that the hope of the resurrection come to the hordes of depressed and despairing … Continue reading
Hearing the Word of God[1] Background This final teaching on the nature of revival emerged from a session of prayer in Hong Kong on 5th June 2009; it complements and completes my first two messages. The central point of the … Continue reading