Silence Personal Matters I have been going through one of my restless periods lately. Some of the things God has shown me over the years, as far back as two decades, have only come to pass in marginal ways, at … Continue reading →

The Mystery of Marriage Revelation 4: Seeing the Mystery Personal Matters This is the fourth in a series of teachings as part of a mystical theology of marriage.  They describe knowledge through presence within the communion I share with my … Continue reading →

In the book of Revelation there are two significant arenas of action – heaven and earth.  One thing which seems particularly significant about this theme is the idea that what goes on in heaven is not visible to those who … Continue reading →

Bend the Knee Personal Matters Sometimes I sense the Spirit of God speaking clearly about something I do not want to hear. This seems to be a regular feature of prophetic communication, at least in the Old Testament. Jeremiah complains … Continue reading →

Christ our Law Introduction Yesterday I went from preparing this sermon to the Belmont races to publicly pray for the safety of those who involved in the racing industry. 2 incidents happened there which totally confirmed the content of this … Continue reading →

Towards the end of the book of Revelation there are two significant “women”.  The first “woman” is discussed in chapters 17-18 and the second in chapter 19 and 21.  Both the “women” have glory and splendour, but the one is … Continue reading →

Just Walk Across the Room 4: Grander Vision Living Church on the Rise Bassendean Introduction This is the last of three sermons based on the Just Walk Across The Room series of Bill Hybels. So far we have seen that … Continue reading →

The Mystery of Marriage Revelation 3: Presence in All Things Personal Matters As indicated in the first teaching this series is an exercise in mystical theology. Its content is not derived from reading or listening to Christian teaching but proceeds … Continue reading →

Last week (18/7/14) a Malaysia Airlines plane was shot down by yet unknown persons by a missile over the Ukraine.  298 people, the full complement of the plane’s passengers and crew are dead.  Among the dead from W.A. are three … Continue reading →

The Mystery of Marriage  Revelation 2: Justified Peace[1] “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom 5:1) Personal matters As indicated in the first teaching this series is an … Continue reading →

ISIS[1] and the Strategy of God Personal Matters Last Saturday (5/7/14) I had the option of listening to an Oxford theologian or attending a prayer meeting for the situation in the Middle East. Naturally I went to the prayer meeting. … Continue reading →

  The Bridal Path                                    Church on the Rise Bassendean  6.7.14 Genesis 2:15-25; Psalm 45; Rev 19:6-11; 21:1-4, 9-11 Introduction When Donnas’ long service leave application was coming up she expressed a desire to visit the Greek islands.  I pounced at … Continue reading →

The Testimony of the Betrothed                              Perth Prayer (PP) July 2 2014 Background A few weeks ago I was praying in the middle of the night on the Island of Patmos and the Lord began to share with me the depth … Continue reading →

Thankfulness Introduction The hymn Now Thank We All Our God [1] which we sung before the Gospel reading represents a spirit that has become exceptionally rare in the Western Church. This song was first sung in the city of Eilenburg … Continue reading →

The Mystery of Marriage[1] Revelation 1: Equality “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30) Introduction to Series Across the Western world the state of marriage is in crisis. Marriage rates have plunged in Scandinavia, births out of wedlock are … Continue reading →

Personal Matters Before heading overseas last month I felt quite overwhelmed by the pressures of ministering/fathering to people. I left seeking a greater share in the relationship between the Father and the Son as a source of all spiritual strength. … Continue reading →

Finally Human In the last week I have several times become lost on my way to familiar venues, totally forgotten an important meeting I was meant to chair, and whenever I think about the future it seems to be wholly … Continue reading →

Do it again! Personal Matters A few weeks ago I had a surprise phone call from someone in Adelaide who knew me 40 odd years ago at the charismatic youth-oriented Jesus Centre. A few days later at a church fete … Continue reading →

Unchristian Unfathered Introduction In the last six months 3 Anglican ministers in Perth have been defrocked, on Monday this week I heard about a Pentecostal youth pastor stood down because of fooling around with girls, then in Tuesday’s West Australian … Continue reading →

Recently I have begun to think about the work of Satan.  This is the second in (possibly) a series of discussions as a result of my contemplations (the first is ‘Doctrines of Demons’).  In this I am concerned to consider … Continue reading →

Control Freak Personal Matters In a recent meeting reviewing the progress of Perth Prayer[1] one of the most insightful brothers said we were suffering from “hardening of the artistry” (Charles Slack). By this he meant that our format of worship, … Continue reading →

Introduction In recent days I have been drawn to a consideration of the devil.  It is quite clear to me that Satan is by no means neutral towards us.  He has an agenda and that is to take the people … Continue reading →

Generation Personal Matters At the height of the Vietnam War masses of young people were protesting in the streets and a consensus existed that ANZAC Day would die a natural death. I was part of that generation who considered they … Continue reading →

Death: A Meditation Personal Matters A few days ago I had a very intense conversation with a church leader about some foundational problems in a local congregation. The situation was complex and any way forward required deep humility and carried … Continue reading →

Cling Personal matters Recently I have been sensing that we are too measured in our approach to the things of God. This might seem like a reflection of my “intense” personality; but I believe such a conviction is biblical. An … Continue reading →

Healing Australia’s Wound Personal Matters A few days ago I was with Christians of many nationalities gathered with elders/members of the Noongar tribe by the banks of the Swan River. The site overlooks a fresh water spring and is close … Continue reading →

Personal Matters I was engaged in conversation recently with a national leader in a Christian marketplace mentoring organisation. Rather naughtily I inquired, “Do you teach those being mentored about idolatry?” The response was a blank stare and speechlessness; the extreme … Continue reading →

In the middle of the book of Revelation we find an angel who proclaims the eternal gospel.  “Then I saw another angel flying in midheaven, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth– to every … Continue reading →

Introduction In a time of national crisis the LORD spoke through Jeremiah, “Has a nation ever changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit.12 Be appalled, O … Continue reading →

Set Apart “Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, … Continue reading →