Christian belief, What is Church and why does it matter?
Glenn Hohnberg
Real Differences Catholics and Protestants ...

I’m so glad Australian society has moved past that awful time when society was deeply divided over whether someone was a Prottie (or Proddie) or a Catholic. It was awful, divisive, caused real hurt and it did not represent the love of Jesus.

However, now the pendulum has swung the other way. Many Catholics and Protestants would say there are very few differences or, even, no differences between them. ‘We are all Christians together.’ ‘We all believe the same thing.’

This is a lovely sentiment. But is it true? Are there really no differences of significance?

I think there are many important differences between Protestants and Catholics and we ought to have long conversations with each other about these differences for each other’s sake for heaven and hell are at stake. And truth matters.

The aim of this article is to explore 3 significant differences between Catholics and Protestants (or evangelicals) so we might have those important conversations. Not fuelled by divisive hatred, but fuelled by love and a search for the truth.

Real Differences Catholics and Protestants ought to talk about
Christian belief, Following Jesus - growing as a disciple
Glenn Hohnberg
Words to live by: 2 Timothy Creed

Our church, Risen Church, is starting a new series on God’s word, the book of 2 Timothy. So, I’ve created a new Creed for our church!

Even to me that sounds dangerous: a new creed. I can see the heading now, ‘Local church in Brisbane falls into tragic heresy through new creed.’ However, the words to this Creed come straight from 2 Timothy.

Words to live by: 2 Timothy Creed
Society
Glenn Hohnberg
Can we find peace at Christmas?

We long for peace. It seems out of reach. But it is possible.

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Can we find peace at Christmas?
Society, Following Jesus - growing as a disciple
Glenn Hohnberg
Go on, Christian Zoomers, hold hands.

How should Christians date? They should seek an emotional connection. And yes, believe it or not, they could even hold hands. That’s right, I dare you, Christian zoomer, hold hands.

Here’s a short guide to Christian Zoomer dating.

Photo by Dương Hữu on Unsplash

Go on, Christian Zoomers, hold hands.
Society
Glenn Hohnberg
Gospel Truth in a Glittering World

K-Pop Demon Hunters is absolutely over the top, in the best possible way. The film is funny, delightfully quirky, and bursting with playful animation. The soundtrack is ridiculously catchy and the characters turn out to be more layered than you might expect. But given the themes of witchcraft, demons and idols should Christian parents let their children watch this movie? Many Christian commentators say No. But our guest review Elise Harden shows that great Christian truths shine through in this animated film.

Gospel Truth in a Glittering World
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Real Differences Catholics and Protestants ought to talk about

,
Real Differences Catholics and Protestants ought to talk about

I’m so glad Australian society has moved past that awful time when society was deeply divided over whether someone was a Prottie (or Proddie) or a Catholic. It was awful, divisive, caused real hurt and it did not represent the love of Jesus.

However, now the pendulum has swung the other way. Many Catholics and Protestants would say there are very few differences or, even, no differences between them. ‘We are all Christians together.’ ‘We all believe the same thing.’

This is a lovely sentiment. But is it true? Are there really no differences of significance?

I think there are many important differences between Protestants and Catholics and we ought to have long conversations with each other about these differences for each other’s sake for heaven and hell are at stake. And truth matters.

The aim of this article is to explore 3 significant differences between Catholics and Protestants (or evangelicals) so we might have those important conversations. Not fuelled by divisive hatred, but fuelled by love and a search for the truth.

,

Words to live by: 2 Timothy Creed

,
Words to live by: 2 Timothy Creed

Our church, Risen Church, is starting a new series on God’s word, the book of 2 Timothy. So, I’ve created a new Creed for our church!

Even to me that sounds dangerous: a new creed. I can see the heading now, ‘Local church in Brisbane falls into tragic heresy through new creed.’ However, the words to this Creed come straight from 2 Timothy.

Can you trust the Bible's New Testament and its transmission?

Was the New Testament of the Bible preserved? Or, was it corrupted by the church and those in power, or through just good old plain neglect?

AC Rosenthal argues persuasively that we can trust the documents of the New Testament. They have not been corrupted by time, transmission or corruption. In this post I quote just one section of his excellent article on Substack.

Baby Jesus in a manger isn't enough

Baby Jesus in a manger isn't enough

Baby Jesus isn’t enough. Don’t get me wrong, Christmas is wonderful. The incarnation is amazing. But as this wonderful poem by Luci Shaw points out, the Baby Jesus isn’t enough,

Photo by Karthick Gislen on Unsplash. Edited.

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Go on, Christian Zoomers, hold hands.

,
Go on, Christian Zoomers, hold hands.

How should Christians date? They should seek an emotional connection. And yes, believe it or not, they could even hold hands. That’s right, I dare you, Christian zoomer, hold hands.

Here’s a short guide to Christian Zoomer dating.

Photo by Dương Hữu on Unsplash

Gospel Truth in a Glittering World

Gospel Truth in a Glittering World

K-Pop Demon Hunters is absolutely over the top, in the best possible way. The film is funny, delightfully quirky, and bursting with playful animation. The soundtrack is ridiculously catchy and the characters turn out to be more layered than you might expect. But given the themes of witchcraft, demons and idols should Christian parents let their children watch this movie? Many Christian commentators say No. But our guest review Elise Harden shows that great Christian truths shine through in this animated film.

Organised Crime does it better

Organised Crime does it better

There’s a strong case against organised religion. But two things are worth considering. The Bible, a religious text, teaches that organised religion can go very wrong. And yet, the Bible also teaches that Jesus’ plan was organised religion - the church. For organised religion, like organised crime, does it better.

Photo by Romain B on Unsplash

The Weaver

The Weaver

In the letter of James Christians are called to consider our trials and problems with great joy because of what God is doing through them. He loves us too much to leave us unchanged. This poem, The Weaver, beautifully captures the mystery of God’s great work in our lives.

Photo by Chris Curry on Unsplash

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The Twist in the tail of the Elephant and the Blind Men

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The Twist in the tail of the Elephant and the Blind Men

Can ChatGPT help us get further than blind men with an elephant when it comes to ultimate reality? I thought it was worth asking the question.

Photo by Geranimo on Unsplash

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Reading God's word - 4 important questions

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Reading God's word - 4 important questions

Reading the Bible is amazing. You are hearing the living creator God speak to you by his Holy Spirit. But how do you get started. Read, answering these four questions. I think they are the four most important questions when it comes to reading any passage.

Photo by Meredith Spencer on Unsplash

Growing Disciples of Jesus - Saturate Questions

Growing Disciples of Jesus - Saturate Questions

It isn’t enough for a Christian to know about Jesus. The call is to follow Jesus. It is a life of discipleship. Discipleship isn’t about knowing the right answers. Though we need to know the truth. Discipleship is about knowing the truth and obeying the truth.

Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash Edited.

Radical Ministry - 1 Thessalonians 2

Radical Ministry - 1 Thessalonians 2

In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, his ministry pattern is laid bare. Paul and his team were there for only a few short weeks before conflict and persecution drove them away. But so deep and clear was Paul’s pattern of ministry that he can write back to them and point out what the Thessalonians experienced. In this he lays bare a ministry pattern that Christians can learn from and use to serve others.

Photo by NARINDER PAL on Unsplash

The day when we hug Xavier again

The day when we hug Xavier again

I’m deeply missing Xavier my son who died just over 2 years ago from a terrible sarcoma. I would love to hug him and hold him again. If I did, I’m not sure I could ever let go.

But, I cannot hug him or hold him. Death has stolen him from me, from my wife, Kathryn, from his brothers, his grandparents, his aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. But, I will hug him again because of the resurrection.

Photo by Rose Erkul on Unsplash