post supportMIKE

The Reason for God
10 April 2013

I don’t post links for many Christian things these days unless I actually think they are actually REALLY worth watching. So it’s in this context that I’m posting this video. Dr Tim Keller was invited to to speak at Google as part of Authors at Google talks back in 2008.

He was asked to speak on the reasons for belief in God. The video goes for just over an hour but the last 20 minutes or so are questions and answers. It’s well worth a watch especially if you don’t believe in God or necessarily sign up to Christian belief. He addresses why this is in his first point. Let me give you a taster summary for his talk.

1. Why the reasons for God are important.
2. How the reasons for God work.
3. What the reasons for God are.

I should also plug the a book he has published on the subject The Reason For God. It’s an excellent read. I really like the way he approaches things. He is intelligent, softly spoken and winsome. Not one of those annoying ranty American preachers. Nor does he take cheap smug shots at Atheism and disbelief.

What ever your stripe you will enjoy this... at least what the Google employees are wearing at 54 minutes in.

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tags christian, christians i respect, thinking, video

I don't like Bible study but I do like Tim.
19 February 2009

Now don't get me wrong. It's not that I don't like the Bible or studying the bible itself. What I'm talking about are small groups that weekly read through a passage in the Bible with a series of set (or unset) questions. Let me try and pin why I don't like it.

• It always feels out of control and messy. Sometimes it can feel like everyone wants to have their little say but we just don't get anywhere.
  
• I'm not always awesome thinking on my feet and often struggle to "get" what people are saying.
  
• Sometimes they end up pointless arguments over small things.
• I never feel totally confident leading a study. I used to spend hours and hours preparing for studies and was still wracked with self doubt.
• I freak out a bit when I can't answer every question.
• It's worth noting this is my personal feeling and not a reflection on others. On the flip side I really enjoy 'one to one' and preaching... but just not Bible study.
  

All that brings me to the Crossroads MENS bible study which Dan roped me into running late last year. I'm about to hand it over to Tim H*. Tim previously has done an awesome job as FOCUSutas president in 2008. He's a really top bloke, tremendously encouraging, and has grown heaps in his faith over the last couple of years. I've been feeling a bit sad about handing things over. Maybe I have actually grown to enjoy my MENS Bible Study. In any case I have every faith in Tim and he'll probably do a better job than I.

Tim you get the award for being a Christian I truly respect.

*Just so you know I'm stopping the MENS study to free myself up to run another Bible study here at Jane.

3 comments  

tags christians i respect, friends, thinking

5 christian friends who have influenced me
02 January 2009

1. Mikey – Pastor of Crossroads church. Taught me much about myself and my relationship to ministry and people. Helped me to move more like a ninja when I talk about my faith and showed great belief in me and they gifts I have.
2. Seumas – Bible College and language ninja extraordinary. Seumas always thinks outside the square. He’s from Sydney not Hobart and he’s cool but in weird way. Amazing intellect. We chat regularly on Skype.
3. Benny – Taught me heaps about ministry and University work. He also taught me humility and how to disciple others, helped shape my mind to become sharp. He also stood by me in some really tough times.
4. Sam Green – For preaching and teaching faithfully good solid theology and grounding me in basic understanding of the Bible over my Uni years.
5. Paul Chew – Taught me the basics of Romans 1-5 and put up with my annoying questioning of everything in Bible study when I first become a Christian. Thinks outside the square and puts up with my annoying questions still.

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tags christian, christians i respect, friends, linkage, ministry

Thanks Mikey
19 December 2008

I think I first got to know Mikey when I was around eighteen. I didn't click with him straight away, he seemed just a bit too smart. Kinda like people who you are too scared to talk to. He'd just become a Christian and seemed to have a real burning passion for what he believed in. I really respected this especially because I'd grown up as a church kid. Even though he (and most of us) said and did some silly things back in those days, I always had a sense that Mikey's heart was always in the right place.

I got to know him a bit better when he and Nikki moved into "The Castle" my now famous (or infamous) sharehouse. He and Nikki lived in the very top room. He used to sit up in their room writing sermons and long seminars for "Fightclub" our church ministry training course.

I couldn't say we got along really well or that we were close friends during this time but I remember realising that I didn't need to be intimidated by him anymore. Our time at the castle came to a close and we all moved out. It'd been my hope to move with Mike, Nikki and the others to another share house.

Mikey then did something that taught me a very profound lesson. I was about 23 or 24 and didn't have a particularly well rounded understanding of people outside of myself. He took me aside and explained I wasn't the easiest person to live with and it had been hard for he and Nikki to live with me. Although the criticism cut deep and I was pretty upset I knew it was fair . I apologised begged Mikey for another chance. After talking with Nikki, they decided to give me a second chance.

I learned a lot about myself that day, and my treatment of others. Still more I learned about giving people a second chance. I learned about grace. Mikey showed me that being a Christian wasn't just about being forgiven by a gracious God, but about showing that gift to other people.

Mikey has been fantastic in looking after me this year while I've been working at church. He's been patient and careful in his advice. We've even had fun working in the Crossroads office encouraging each other in anal orgnaisationalness. Of course it would be easy to miss Nikki out but if you know Mikey well you learn that she plays a very important role in his work too not just looking after the kids but giving him advice. She lets him give generously of his time and for this I'm grateful.

Mikey has been a great supporter of myself and my work over both the years I've been working. This year particularly he has taught me many things and been very patient. I'm very very grateful to him for his help and the hard work that he's put into me, my church and many other Christians here in Hobart and beyond. Thanks heaps man.

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tags christian, christians i respect, friends, ministry

I don't do memes but...
08 September 2008

I got tagged for a meme the other day. I haven't been sure what to do ever since. Should I do it? Should I not? Generally I don't get into those of sorts of things... it's sitting in my inbox... What to do??

Then a thought! I will instead send a shout out to Rachel and Seumas who were both wonderfully hospitable to me while I was recently in Sydney. Having spent most of this year at a Residential College I really appreciated Rachel's cooking and her gentle quiet nature. I love quiet observant people because they always remind me to shut up and listen more. I also loved spending time talking with Seumas and his massive brain. He has an opinion that is always thought through and worth listening to not to mention is a linguistics ninja (as well as a ninja ninja). So Seumas and Rachel you both get the reward for Christians who I respect.

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tags christian, christians i respect, friends, linkage

Some pictures...
02 September 2008

From the Connecting Evangelism and Ministry conference I was at in Sydney. I was lucky enough to be sitting right behind the key speakers in all the sessions.

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tags christian, christians i respect, pictures

Below tree level you will find
26 May 2008

Benny is my very good friend. He's stuck with me through thick and thin as well as some of the darkest times of my life. He taught me heaps about being a Christian and ministry. I'm happy to plug his book here. I owe him very much. Benny gets my award for Christians who I truly respect.

*If you pop into Fullers to grab a copy Benny might even sign it for you.

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tags christians i respect, friends, pictures

Musos who I respect
08 February 2008

During MTS I’ve realised just how much I enjoy spending time with people. This is particularly so with some of the blokes I meet up with. This was especially the case the other night when I met up with Nick, Nathaniel and Alan to organize the Conservatorium Christian Group for the year.

Helping lead the Con Group during 2007 was a real learning experience for me. I joined the group as an outsider in only it’s second year of existence. Over the year I grew to know the people there and by the end of the year we finished as a good bunch of mates.

The other night as we discussed the history of the group and planned for 08 I was tremendously encouraged by their keenness to serve Christ but most of all by their openness to admit faults and bear with mine.

We planned out what will be an awesome year for the group. It’s great to have a bunch of guys who I know and trust will make this group God willing one of the best successes of 08. All three of you are truly Christians who I respect.

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tags christian, christians i respect, focus, ministry

Church Planting... with Phillip
25 September 2007

I've been listening to some Phillip Jensen talks on church planting. They are from a trip he took to UK for the Yorkshire Gospel Partnership. Well worth a download especially if you are interested in church planting. Grab em here. Phillip you are definately a Christian I respect.

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tags christian, christians i respect, linkage

Older really is better
17 September 2007

I love old people. I went to St Johns to plug FOCUS on Sunday and was pleased to find that
they are some of the sharpest minds around. Not only did one old dude remember my name, but Christine's and which country she was from, and which one she had lived in. WOW! Many of my friends wouldn't even be able to manage that.

Now really that shouldn't surprise as St Johns have been great supporters of FOCUS over the years. In fact I began my FOCUS plug with a big fat thankyou for all prayer and dosh they've chucked in at FOCUS over the years. It was also great to also have a number of the younger duders there keen to help me with my wage... but this one is for the old people of St Johns.

Old people of St Johns you are truely Christians who I respect.

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tags christian, christians i respect, church

Sherrin and Dave's Wedding
20 August 2007

I've known Sherrin for a long time. We used to go to school together at good ol' Calvin. I also remember what she was like back in those days. Details aren't necessary suffice to say I'm very happy to see how much she has changed and grown over the years I've known her both as a person and in her faith. Sherrin you are a Christian I truly respect.

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tags christian, christians i respect, friends, linkage, pictures

Oh the horror...
14 June 2007

Sydney has been nice. I've spent the last couple of days hanging at Moore College with Seumas and the Tassie boys and girls. It has been nice to sleep in a bit. I've been gathering lots of information on Uni Church up here and FOCUS like groups here.

Also if you haven't discovered Facebook yet I suggest you jump on board lest you miss the train (they have trains in Sydney). One reason is it's a great way to catch up with the Sydney Moore College dudes and dudettes.

But the horror I hear you ask? Well I discovered to my horror last night I have a 6 and-a-bit hour layover in Singapore on the way to Germany... (Pause) that's right 6 freakin' hours sitting in the airport. What should I do?

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tags christian, christians i respect

Older is better
27 May 2007

Thirdly for the Christian as you age and outwardly waste away, you inwardly become renewed to be a person more and more like Christ. These older people have an amazing love for the Lord.

Old people of Richmond you get a Christians I respect award.

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tags christian, christians i respect, church, ministry, pictures, update

Ministry Tips - Chips
09 May 2007

"So..." says one person... an awkwardly long silence follows.
"Yeah..." Another painfully long silence... that seems to last for eternity. Sensing problems I ask,
"Anyone for chips?" Leaning into my bag I pull out a pack of Doritos finest. Conversation flows.

There is something about eating together that really helps to vibe and conversation in a Bible Study group. For this reason I'm going to be bringing chips to my new Bible study group each week.

I can remember back in the early days when I had first become a Christian a bloke called Paul Chew ran my Bible study. What I remember most was, that even though he was newly married and had a low paying job, each week he brought along a box of Cheezels to share. This act week by week showed me he cared... cared enough about me and our study to invest a couple of bucks. It taught me to be generous and willing to share in a way that no study ever could. So I'll be bringing chips to my Bible study group.

And Paul Chew you are very definately a Christian I respect.

9 comments  

tags christian, christians i respect, ministry, ministry tips

Christian's I respect
28 March 2007

Christine has a quiet and gentle spirit but she’s not the kind to hide in the corner and not say anything. She always has an idea or an opinion that is worth listening to.

Christine is a submissive but isn’t ever a doormat. She is a godly Christian woman and leader of women in her own right. She is easy woman to lead. Even we disagree about things we always reach satisfying compromises. Christine is a Godly person she is passionate about God and people growing in their understanding of God. For a person with out much experience she has a great depth of insight and advice about marriage and relationships. (She has learned many of the lessons I have without needing to make the mistakes).

She is fun to be with and she’s never bored to be around. She has a slightly dangerous and mischievous side that likes doing silly things. People commented to me when we were in Australia “wow she’s not a loud American”.

She is very intelligent and thinks very carefully about the Bible and how to understand it and apply it. She is understanding caring and supportive. She has been a shoulder to lean on when I have found things hard and difficult. She’s not afraid to admit when she’s wrong and accepts correction with a smile

It has been great to see the transformation in her life over the last 12 months we’ve been in contact with each other. She has grown in humility, sensitivity and has gown to be more loving and caring for those around her. The hard-nosed snow queen has gone and the wonderful person beneath shines through.

Praise God for Christine

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tags christians i respect, christine

Sherrin...
11 March 2007

...is engaged to her boyfriend Dave. But you'll only read about it here bloggers as she's having a blogging sabbath till Easter.

Sherrin deserves the Christians I respect award for the amazing transformation I've seen in her life over the years I have known her. Back at school she was a pretty horrible person whose life was as rebellious as they come... but she came to know Christ and began to change. It's a pity people don't realise just how dramatic has been the change in her life. It has been a great source of personal encouragement to see just how much being a Christian has transformed her.

Praise God Sherrin you are most definately a Christian I greatly respect.

1 comments  

tags christians i respect, friends

Mike and Nikki
06 February 2007

A while ago I blogged about being encouraging... "Christians should be encouraging". So here is the first in a series of posts about people who I respect and find tremendously encouraging.

Mike always makes time even though he is busy. Mike is a busy guy... busier than most people I know. He runs our church yet always manages to make time to help me with a Bible study, children's talk or sermon. Nikki also does heaps. I'm a big believer that behind any great preacher lies a wife whose support is essential to their ministry success. Nikki is a marvelous example of this and a number of people have commented as much. Nikki also has an active child to look after.. many times even though pregnant and tired she has made the effort to talk to people, attend meetings and be hospitable. It is very encouraging.

I used to live with Mike and Nikki and their patience with me and my personal faults and willingness to forgive brought me on occasions close to tears. Mike practices what he preaches. Social time and hang out time are important... so Mike and I hang out... he asks me about cars (and is actually interested).

Mike is the broadest thinker I know. The breadth of understanding Mike has for our church and future makes my mind boggle. I don't know how he holds it all together. Weekly plans, monthly aims, yearly goals. Mike always listens carefully and is open to correction. I noticed this happening just last weekend.

Praise God for Mike and Nikki. God has worked wonderfully in their lives.

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tags christians i respect, friends

My brother Dave
27 July 2006

Today is my little brother’s birthday. He’s 24. The two of us have been living together for about the last three years. We have the occasional personality clash and fight but all things considered we are pretty close.

He is very different to me. He is quieter almost shy, certainly less verbose and outgoing than I am. He is very hard working and has a keen eye for detail and observation. He has an amazing stick-ability with tasks. While I loose patience quickly and move on to the next thing, he will very carefully and meticulously accomplish the task.

He has always done better academically than I have. At school his TE score was so far above mine it wasn’t funny. Similarly at University when we undertook subjects together he’d always do slightly better. I’ve always been secretly jealous but admired this about him.
The thing that I most love about my brother is that he is a Christian. He worked really hard last year running a very difficult bible study group while working fulltime. Like me he has many struggles. Pressures at work and I think he is often under appreciated for the hard work that he does. Much respect to you Dave. Happy birthday.

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tags christians i respect, friends, pictures