Important Events...

What would you consider to be some of the more important local, national and world events?

eg. Olympics, Christmas, World's Biggest Morning Tea, Big Day Out, National Sorry Day, World Cup, World Smile Day... etc!

Evangelist Quiz

Evangelistic Relationship Quiz
taken from http://ministrymarketingcoach.com

Take your relationship inventory. Read each statement and rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 (1=never, 10=always). Answer every question not only from your perspective, but as others would see you.

• I strike up conversations with new people I meet and bring Christ into the conversation.

• I attend community events where I can meet new people and help others.

• I remember personal details about people and include them in conversations with them to show I care.

• People are always introducing me to new people who are not believers in hopes I might share the gospel with them.

• I intentionally share the message of the gospel.
  
  
• I don’t “beat around the bush” but make sure people I know hear the message of Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins and the availability of forgiveness through faith in Him.

• I follow-up with the people who make decisions to follow Christ with within 48 hours.

• I believe that everyone should hear the gospel!

• I don’t mind talking openly with people about my faith even when I am being overheard.

• When I am out and about I keep in mind my conversation and behavior could impact my ability to witness.

• I am not constantly pestering people about the gospel–people have fun when I am around too.

• My community (not just my church) can count on me to be involved in local programs and volunteer projects.

• I feel confident when I talk to other people about Jesus.

• I remember to acknowledge the good and strengths I see in others. It’s not all about me!

• I strive to be a servant at heart by giving of myself in helping people, listening to them, and showing Christian love to them in any way possible.

• I ask my friends to introduce me to people in their network who do not know Jesus.

• People often encourage me saying my evangelistic ministry inspires them to be more outward with their faith.

• I see myself as one who is dedicated to helping other people succeed in life.

• My relationship skills and networking have produced fruit in leading others to Christ in the last six months.

[Score Yourself: Add up your score and look at your total. Around 30= Work on being more outgoing. Around 60= Try being more intentional with the gospel. Around 90=Clarify your vision and passion for evangelism. Around 120= Don’t stop growing, but bring someone along with you to help them catch your passion. Around 160= Shouldn’t you be training others to do what you do? Take your total score and and divide by 18 to get your average score. Can you improve your average?]

Preaching Notes...

Joshua Harris from Covenant Life Church, has had a series on his blog called "The Preaching Notes'. He has asked a few of his preacher friends to share their sermon notes that they preach from.

Interesting variety from each of the preachers and I am sure will be of great insight to many! Hope you get some ideas and encouragement!

Please note Josh's purpose: "The purpose of this post and this series is to learn about preaching, not to comment on the preachers or attack their ministries. I've turned off comments for this post and deleted all comments that veer from this clear purpose. Thanks for understanding."

Speak Up...

The Australian Human Rights Commission are inviting you to submit a response to issues of Freedom of Religion and Belief in the 21st Century in Australia. In particular they are interested in your responses to any or all of the questions in the discussion paper, as well as any other issues of concern. These questions are intended as a guide only, so respondents should not feel limited by these.

Go onto their website: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/frb download the form and write a submission!

Fun |ˈfən| noun

A bill poster on the streets of Glebe.

Men and tears...

Augustine, Confessions, Book 9, Chapter 12.
MOURNING MONICA, HIS MOTHER

I closed here eyes; and there flowed a great sadness into my heart and it was passing into tears, when mine eyes at the same time, by the violent control of my mind, sucked back the fountain dry and woe was me in such a struggle! But, as soon as she breathed her last the boy Adeodatus burst out into wailing, but, being checked by us all, he became quiet. In like manner also my own childish feeling, which was, through the youthful voice of my heart, finding escape in tears, was restrained and silenced. For we did not consider it fitting to celebrate that funeral with tearful plaints and groanings; for on such wise are they who die unhappy, or are altogether dead, wont to be mourned. But she neither died unhappy, nor did she altogether die. For of this were we assured by the witness of her good conversation her "faith unfeigned," and other sufficient grounds.

...my soul was stricken, and that life torn apart as it were, which, of hers and mine together, had been made but one.

... with a new sorrow I sorrowed for my sorrow, and was wasted by a twofold sadness.

What's normal in culture?

This week my friend accepted a job with Playboy International, as an interior design intern for their New York bars and nightclubs. Another one of my friends is growing in reputation as a burlesque dancer who is fusing the modern and traditional styles. And most of my other friends who work in more ‘normal’ jobs would probably say they are happy for these friends – they are pursuing their dreams, getting good money and having fun. What can be wrong about that? I like seeing my friends happy too, and I am excited that they are accomplishing goals and having fun, however I can’t quite reconcile why happiness is found in working for an industry that feeds the objectification of women and that normalises sex as a commodity.

When did we accept synonymity of sex with red, black and naughty? And why do we construe violent, abusive and pornified images, as the norm for sexy? Our ears are blasted by the advertising jingle for a popular male deodorant, which uses Bom-Chicka-Wah-Wah, the onomatopoeia guitar riff from porn movies of the 70s. This has even provided inspiration for the single released comprising of these lyrics:

“what if in the morning there is guilt and regret? Better than another night watching TV with you pets”

We watch, laugh and usually pass-over the unhealthy concepts of relationships, image and sex promoted. But for how long shall we concede? What are our boundaries? The pornification of culture has even crept into the children’s clothing market whereby ‘bust-booster’ bras are manufactured for girls as young as three. Additionally, the Peek-a-boo pole-dancing kit marketed for six-year-old girls promised, “to unleash the sex kitten inside”.

Am I just the fuddy-duddy, Jesus-loving, old-fashioned and conservative Christian friend? Do you think, as the apostle Paul does in Ephesians 4, that our society has lost all sensitivity?

Then again, should we even be surprised that there are no objective moral norms, given our society holds no belief in an objective moral-norm-giver.


they are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. ephesians 4:17-19