According to the recent national census (2010), 49.4% of people in Australia are married. The medium age of a first marriage for men is 29.6 years old and 27.7 for women. Choosing to marry someone is an important decision that needs to be undertaken with much prayer and consideration. At our church, we require all couples … Continue reading Some Thoughts on Marriage
Some Thoughts on Dating
At some stage, many single people move into a romantic relationship with someone from their circle of friends. This in often an exciting yet somewhat scary time. Although it's often too early to tell, ideally, the couple see each other as a potential spouse, not just a relationship of convenience, which can easily become selfish … Continue reading Some Thoughts on Dating
Some Thoughts on Singleness
Based on last year's national Australia census (2010), 41.9% of adults in our local State of Victoria are single. They include people who have never married (because they chose not to marry or have not found a partner) or those who have been married but are single again because of the death of a spouse … Continue reading Some Thoughts on Singleness
Update on the State of the Family
Created for Relationship The book of Genesis is the book of beginnings. It doesn’t tell us when the world was created or much about how the world was created (two matters that continue to be hotly debated today) … but it does tell us who created the world (God) and why he created it. God … Continue reading Update on the State of the Family
Technology and Families
A new study by the Barna Group reveals that families are more dependent on technology and media than ever and could benefit from some reflection on how they manage their time on-line, in front of the TV and on their digital devices. The research found that: Parents are just as dependent on technology as teens … Continue reading Technology and Families
The Grass Will Grow
I first heard this story in a sermon by Tony Campolo. It never fails to bring a tear to my eye ... "There was once a little boy named Mike. When he just was a toddler, he wanted a sand box and his mother said, 'That’ll be good', but his father said, 'There goes the … Continue reading The Grass Will Grow
Generation iY
Generation Y are the children of the late Baby Boomers and the early Gen-Xers - born between 1984 and 2002. While experts differ on what to call them, all agree they are bound to change the way we approach life. Even if you have no interest at all, or no connection at all with this … Continue reading Generation iY
Seven Lies that Can Disable a Generation (Part 2)
Lie #5 - "You can have it now." This generation get their music - now, their texts - now, their fast food - now, their information - now. They are accustomed to living this way and they have a low tolerance for waiting. Of course, us adults are not much more patient either. WAIT is … Continue reading Seven Lies that Can Disable a Generation (Part 2)
Seven Lies that Can Disable a Generation (Part 1)
Tim Elmore (see recent post) believes that many young people are reaching adulthood emotionally unstable and socially naive - due to the lies they have been told. Shame on us - not on them. We have not equipped them to face an uncertain world. Here are some of the most harmful lies we've told to … Continue reading Seven Lies that Can Disable a Generation (Part 1)
Damaging Parenting Styles
Generation expert, Tim Elmore, believes that those us who work with young people today need to pay attention to the way we relate if we are to correct some of the damage that has been done with this generation. After working with thousands of parents over the years, Tim has spotted eight damaging parenting styles that … Continue reading Damaging Parenting Styles
A Good Father
Dads, your kids need you and its never to late to start being a better father. Fathering is a vital, honorable, and essential part of the fabric of human life. In his book Five Signs of a Loving Family, author Gary Chapman outlines a few signs of a good father. Here they are: A good father is active in … Continue reading A Good Father
Marriage God’s Way (Pt.3)
Here are some discussion questions you might like to consider about marriage ... What was your parent’s marriage like? What ‘roles’ did your dad or mum each play and what were the expectations like? How has that influenced your view of marriage? What are some of the implications that the doctrine of the Trinity (one … Continue reading Marriage God’s Way (Pt.3)
Marriage God’s Way (Pt.2)
Marriage Today The Bible is the inspired word of God and it was given to guide us in our lives today. Our first task is ‘exegesis’, which is where we ask what God’s Word meant back then in the culture and time in which it was given. There are considerable cultural gaps between us and … Continue reading Marriage God’s Way (Pt.2)
Marriage God’s Way (Pt.1)
Better Relationships We're currently doing a series of messages at our weekend church gatherings based on Paul's letter to the Ephesians. This weekend we picked up some of Paul's thoughts for better relationships. These are often referred to as the ‘household codes.’ Paul addresses husbands and wives (Eph.5:21-33), parents and children (Eph.6:1-4), and finally masters … Continue reading Marriage God’s Way (Pt.1)
Aussie Men are the Least Desirable Husbands!
A recent study conducted by Oxford University revealed that Australian men are the least desirable husbands when it comes to housework and helping with the children. With Aussie men, it seems that their passion for beer and sport takes precedence over doing the washing up. Aussie men are still perceived as being Steve Irwin and Crocodile … Continue reading Aussie Men are the Least Desirable Husbands!