We all bring assumptions to the Bible—but it’s not just a mirror of ourselves. Unlike a Rorschach test, Scripture speaks with shape, coherence, and the voice of God. Reading it requires humility, but also trust that it reveals more than we invent: it reveals truth.

I love expository preaching—but sometimes I preach topically. Both styles honour God’s Word and shape disciples. Jesus and the apostles preached contextually, drawing themes from Scripture. A healthy church is nourished by both steady diet and surgical precision.

Christus Victor reveals the gospel as cosmic victory, not just personal forgiveness. From Genesis to the resurrection, Scripture shows Christ conquering sin, death, and evil. The cross looked like defeat but was triumph. Easter is the victory cry of our King, and one day, all things will glorify Christ the Victor.

Grace is more than unmerited favour—it’s the healing life of God within us. The Orthodox tradition reminds us grace is not only pardon, but power. Not just a verdict, but a medicine. Through it, we’re transformed into Christ’s likeness—by sharing in God’s life, not just His kindness.

The line between needs and wants is often blurred. We convince ourselves that certain comforts are necessities, shaped by culture, desire, and personal bias. This same struggle affects our faith—we come to God with assumptions, shaping Him in our image. John Calvin reminds us that true wisdom begins with knowing both God and ourselves.

Life and faith rarely move in a straight line. Like sailing against the wind, progress often comes through adjusting and changing course. Jesus’ ministry and Paul’s journeys were full of detours, yet they moved toward God’s purpose. When challenges arise, it may simply be time to tack.

Executive function helps us plan, focus, and manage time, but stress and busyness can weaken it. Even Jesus withdrew to pray, showing the need for focus and renewal. If life feels overwhelming, Lent is a chance to reset priorities—giving God our best, not just what’s left. Small steps in rest and solitude can make a difference.

We presume the nation-state is just, while Empire is often seen as oppressive. Christianity may have shaped this view, but our call as Christians is to seek justice and act as agents of peace in a fallen world. While we navigate earthly systems, our ultimate hope is in the Kingdom to come.

Jesus says, “Whoever is not with me is against me” (Matt 12:30) and “Whoever is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:40). Matthew calls for full commitment to Jesus, while Mark shows openness to allies beyond our circle. The Church must balance devotion to Christ with embracing those who work for his kingdom.

"Thy will be done, on earth as in heaven" is no small request. In heaven, God’s will reigns fully. Yet, on earth, we often prioritize personal freedom and fulfillment. Our culture shapes a gospel of self-thriving, but true life is in surrendering to God’s will. Are you trying to do you will on earth, and leave God’s to heaven?

Taylor Swift’s Super Bowl reception reflects America’s deepening divide. Her political stance fuels reactions, just as Trump thrives on tribalism. The Church, however, offers a better way—unity through Christ. We are one body, diverse yet united, showing the world that true belonging is found in God’s love, not partisan loyalty.

Pep Guardiola's struggles remind us leadership isn't the sole factor in success. Context, culture, and external forces play pivotal roles. While leadership is crucial, attributing outcomes solely to leaders oversimplifies reality. Churches, like teams, reflect broader trends beyond just their "coaches."

A minister’s quip about "Algorithm Church" highlighted how algorithms influence us, tailoring content to affirm our biases. This reflects in church, where people increasingly want messages that align with their beliefs. Yet, this mirrors societal issues: reduced debate and division. Unlike algorithms, the NT church broke divides, uniting all in Christ (Gal 3:28; Eph 2:14).

The ABC's report on Nathaniel Train as Australia's "first Christian terrorist" is controversial. Christianity, centred on Jesus, advocates nonviolence and love for enemies. Labelling Train a "Christian terrorist" misrepresents the faith, as his actions contradict Jesus' teachings and core Christian values.

America's division stems from the lack of a shared narrative and trust in a sovereign God, leading to isolated individuals and contested values. With increased reliance on politicians for hope, anxiety and blame rise. The church now has the role of fostering unity, forgiveness, and compassion in this fractured society.

Elections in Great Britain, France, and the US reveal key trends. France leans far-right with Le Pen's lead, while the UK shifts towards a centrist Labour after long conservative rule. US elections remain polarized on ideology and personality. A common theme is disillusionment with incumbents and a desire for change.

Noticing flaws in others is easy, but we often miss our own. Christians see trends like individualism in the world before noticing it in themselves. Alan Jamieson and Bishop Justin Duckworth identify four streams of individualism: consumerism, careerism, commutism, and compartmentalism. These hinder authentic experiences and mission in the church.

God, grant serenity to accept what can't be changed, courage to change what can, and wisdom to know the difference. Help understand and address brokenness, align actions with Your will, and be a true ambassador of Christ. Come, Lord Jesus, and make all things new.

The blend of modern spirituality with biblical principles, known as syncretism, poses a timeless risk. While it's true we're called to mature and use our gifts, biblical discipleship emphasizes being transformed into Christ's image. Our gifts are not solely ours; they're God’s, expressed through us. Growth comes from Christ's work within us, not just our efforts

In the era of social media, "slacktivism" thrives on superficial gestures, fueled by misinformation. Genuine activism demands more: critical thought, empathy, and tangible action, echoing the selflessness exemplified by Jesus.