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.

In Philippians, Paul writes, "Rejoice in the Lord always... Do not be anxious about anything, but... present your requests to God. And the peace of God... will guard your hearts and minds." Christians should cast their anxieties on God, trusting Him while also being attentive and ready for action.

As ambassadors for Christ, we represent both our heavenly citizenship and our earthly context. Like diplomats, we must uphold our values while understanding and respecting local customs. It's a high calling to reconcile others to God, embodying His appeal through us.

God's love is profound, yet we're captivated by false loves like self and success. To overcome this, we must prioritize our identity in Christ and love God above all else.

Jesus, both unique and relatable, embodies divine perfection in human form. Despite being unrecognized by many, he offers salvation to all who believe. His life, while holy, also resonates with human experiences, teaching us how to navigate life's challenges.

The murder of a gay couple by a police constable led to the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras board asking the NSW police not to march in the parade. Despite not being a hate crime, it raises concerns about discrimination and domestic violence within the police force. This highlights challenges in addressing victimhood and inclusivity in society.

The murder of a gay couple by a police constable led to the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras board requesting the NSW police not to march in the parade. Despite historic discrimination, the police have made efforts to be inclusive. Excluding them from the parade contradicts the community's values of inclusivity and forgiveness.

Australia's social cohesion, pride, and hope are at their lowest, reflecting a decline in shared values, economic equality, and trust in government. Rising inequality, disparities in education and healthcare, divisive politics, and a loss of shared narrative contribute to this decline. The shift away from traditional values and the embrace of individualism have left many feeling disconnected and exposed.

Reflect on Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and the concept of gossip, particularly contemptuous gossip. While traditional gossip forms triangles and can be risky, contemptuous gossip bonds individuals against a third party without personal risk. However, it lacks constructive value and contrasts with the biblical command to love one another and show respect to leaders, emphasizing the importance of building up rather than tearing down.

I'm exploring Martin Seligman's positive psychology. He emphasizes voluntary activities as key to sustained happiness. According to his formula, 40% of happiness is determined by actions like gratitude, forgiveness, and serving others. These align with Christian values and contribute to a fulfilling life.

The opening of the Ram Temple in India on the site of a historic mosque has implications for secularism. Secularism is declining globally and that atheism is also waning. The rise of religious nationalism is seen as a response to the decline of secularism. Christians should advocate for a secularism based on Christian values of justice, equality, compassion, and freedom for all without seeking a return to Christendom or privileging Christian values in legislation.

Ayaan, born in Somalia, underwent a transformation from Islam to denouncing her faith, embracing Western ideals. A politician, activist, and former atheist, she recently announced her conversion to Christianity, emphasizing its values in safeguarding human life, freedom, and dignity.

Christmas, amidst global conflicts, may feel untimely. While acknowledging the struggles and recognizing the universality of war and celebration, we reflect on the dualities within the human heart. Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us of the coexistence of war and peace, weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing. Christmas embodies God's love, prompting contemplation amid the world's challenges.