Discipleship
Covid vaccination and the church
An Ethicentre Briefing Paper The recent announcement by the Australian government that increased freedoms would be available to citizens who were double vaccinated for COVID-19, or have exemption on medical grounds, has caused significant consternation in the Christian community. Issues of conscience and concerns about exclusion have been raised as reasons why such measures should…
Read MorePutting ‘care’ back into ‘healthcare’ after COVID-19 – a reflection
En français September has begun and, with it, the fall. Sitting here in Staten Island, I am thinking of the seasons that have ended. I am able to ‘see’ the spring and summer seasons better than I could in the chaos of the recent past. The reason is a long-needed week away at a Christian…
Read MoreMore than PPE, healthcare workers need SEPPE
The case for SEPPE – spiritual and emotional support with PPE – during COVID-19 and beyond. ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’ (Proverbs 3:5-6) As I sit down to write this, my mind goes back to the…
Read MoreFive calls and a promise for uncertain times
На русском, español, français, português ‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”’ (Jeremiah 29:11-12) A verse…
Read MoreContentment – a myth or reality in this restless world?
Em português And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) For we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out of it. (1 Timothy 6:7) The movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, reminds us to ’never give up’. Since its release over a decade ago, it is among…
Read MoreLeading self and others in an ongoing season of crisis and uncertainty
En español, português, français Three to four months ago, we thought the challenge and crisis we are facing would soon end. ‘This too will pass’, was the advice many of us had to give to others and even remind ourselves. Even during fear and internal challenges, we looked forward to a near future, when things…
Read More40 questions for quality time between confined spouses
En français, português And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.(Genesis 2:25 NKJV) In the beginning, the first couple in the Garden of Eden were naked. This nudity symbolises transparency, an intimate knowledge of the other, of their thoughts, dreams and deep aspirations. Satan succeeded in breaking the beauty…
Read MoreA psalm in the epidemic – trust triumphs over fear
На Pусском, Español, Português He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ (Psalm 91:1-2 ESV) Psalm 91, also called the ‘Triumphal Hymn of Trust’, is a gem. It has breathed…
Read MoreTake up your cross and follow Jesus
En Français, Português ‘Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me…..For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?”’ (Matthew 16:24-26) Adoniram Judson (1788-1850) was a Baptist missionary and the first American…
Read MoreTrusting God through difficulties – five keys to resilience and perseverance
En Français, Pусский, Português We all face difficulties in life. What is unique about the coronavirus pandemic is that we are all facing the same difficulty at the same time – although its effect on each one of us is different. But each family has its own story of illness – mental and physical, chronic…
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