A sermon by Rod Benson, Perth, 21 September 2014 Matthew 3:1-3; 4:12-13, 17-19 Then Jesus took his disciples up a mountain and, gathering them unto himself, he taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are …
A pastoral response to same sex marriage
A sermon preached at Toongabbie Baptist Church, Sydney, 28 September 2014 Genesis 1:27-2:1; Romans 12:18-21  In an episode of The Simpsons, Springfield’s mayor calls for ideas to promote tourism, and Lisa Simpson suggests allowing same-sex marriages. The idea is approved and Springfield becomes the place to be for same-sex nuptials. When Rev Lovejoy refuses to …
John Saunders: Baptist pastor and activist
Speech at the Sydney launch of Ken R. Manley & Barbara Coe (eds), John Saunders: Baptist Pastor and Activist 1834-1848 (Sydney: Greenwood Press, 2014). Rod Benson, 9 August 2014 When Dr Michael Frost addressed a meeting of the Baptist Historical Society two decades ago, on the evangelistic ministry of the Reverend C. J. Tinsley, he …
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Christian approaches to war in the light of the biblical command not to kill
A public address by Rod Benson, 12 March 2009 Thank you for the kind invitation to address this gathering of the Council of Christians and Jews in what is a very beautiful Sydney building, the Great Synagogue. It has not escaped my notice that, two days after the Rudd Government reversed the previous Government’s policy …
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Is casting lots a justification for gambling?
What were people in biblical times doing when they cast lots? Should Christians practice this in decision-making today? Is casting lots a justification for gambling? Casting lots in biblical times The practice of rolling dice or selecting the short straw to make important decisions was common in biblical times. The practice often appears to relate …
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