William Wilberforce

GREAT GRACE— AND A GREAT SAVIOUR!

(July 28, 2025) Robert and Maureen McQuillan share…

As most of you know we like relaxing by watching old movies… especially these days as I (Robert) can’t do much as a result of that very bad fall I had early this month (Thanks to the many friends who are praying for me.. and Maureen, my first-aid specialist ‘nurse!’).

Yes, just to please me Maureen still lets me suggest watching old John Wayne movies! (and yes, she enjoys them too!). And yes, since I was a kid the Duke has been ‘my hero’… even beyond Batman, Flash Gordon, Cagney and Bogart.

Discovery
But… better still, and more meaningful, both Maureen and I at a very young age, five or six, discovered the greatest ‘hero’— Jesus Christ! And recently in my taking it easy to recover, we discovered the brilliant Rosemary Siemens singing those precious old hymns that so many Christians and churches don’t sing or even know these days! And what a precious gentle voice and her mastery of integrated violin playing. We’ve been so blessed!

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THE ‘TOO-HARD’ BASKET

(March 10, 2021) Geri B shares from her heart…

‘Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God … Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me … Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?’

Psalm 42 excerpts – cries from the heart of David, calling on God during despair. We can picture his state of depression.

Depression! Means to be lowered in spirit, dejected, weakened, despondent, having feelings of low value, sadness and pessimism, carrying delusions of inadequacy and hopelessness. Comes from Latin words meaning ‘pressed down.’

Too-hard basket for some Christians
Why is depression such a taboo subject in many congregations today? Because it doesn’t fit in with ‘kingdom-now’ mentality? One of those ‘problems’ that fits the ‘too-hard’ basket – too many grey areas? (more…)

SUBMISSION TO THE AUTHORITIES?

(September 28, 2020) Dr Jim McClure, straight shooting theologian, brings a timely challenge…

I’m sure that we are all weary of the unavoidable and unrelenting news about Corona-19 and the responses to it by various political leaders in Australia. So many questions have been raised concerning the limits of political authority and police functions and personal rights.

Inconsistent political positions and, at times, authoritarian and uncompassionate directives, have not only created confusion but have also stirred the deep concerns of many loyal citizens – including many committed Christians.

This has raised questions such as:

  • ‘What principles should guide Christians when we see political leaders lying or abusing their position of trust or promoting values that stand opposed to biblical values or pursuing policies that suggest self-aggrandisement rather than the benefit of the people they lead?’
  • ‘Should they be challenged and their policies be opposed or should we meekly, quietly, uncomplainingly submit to and support their dictates?’

Recently I’ve read a number of articles by Christians who have expressed profound concern and have challenged many of the political decisions that some of our leaders have been making.  And I have also read many responses from other Christians who rebuke those who express their concern and dare to criticise those leaders whose government policies and pronouncements with which they disagree. Often they quote Romans 13:1-7 (particularly the first two verses) in support of their rebuke.

So what should be the Christian position in regard to political leaders when their guidelines, strategies and directives run contrary to democratic values, and more especially to biblical values?  Obviously both sides cannot be right!  Does Roman 13 endorse a position of acquiescence and impassivity when confronted by overreaching and, at times, tyrannical government officials and policies? (more…)