Pastor’s Word

Baptism

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, The doctrine of baptism divides Christians. Almost all Christians believe that baptism is a practice given by the Lord Jesus to signify the unity of believers with Jesus Christ. The difference comes when we consider the place of their children. The Covenant Promise & Sign in the Old TestamentContinue reading “Baptism”

The Next 40 Years

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Last time I wrote, I reviewed the events of the formation of the Uniting Church in Australia 40 years ago. Our attention then turned to our side of the fence. I assessed the Parish of Benalla using six characteristics of the Presbyterian Church of Australia today, as identified byContinue reading “The Next 40 Years”

How Are We, 40 Years On?

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Where were you on Thursday 22nd June 1977? No, it’s not the date of moon landing or the dismissal of Gough Whitlam. After years of discussion and two nation-wide votes, two-thirds of the Presbyterian Church of Australia left the denomination to join the new Uniting Church in Australia. UnionContinue reading “How Are We, 40 Years On?”

The Meaning of the Cross

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, We are told never to judge a book by its cover. A better approach is to judge a book by its table of contents. As Easter approaches, I’ve been thinking of a wonderful little book by John Piper entitled ‘Fifty Reasons Jesus Came to Die’. Just reading the tableContinue reading “The Meaning of the Cross”

The Gospel for Believers

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, If January is anything to go by, 2017 is going to be a busy year. Although I’ve been on leave, there has been a lot going on in the Parish. We’ve enjoyed and been challenged by the ministry of Matt Cole during his placement here. His sermons through JoelContinue reading “The Gospel for Believers”