How to become a nice person

Itโ€™s easy to shake our heads in disbelief at the apparent failure of world leaders to contribute to measures aimed at world peace. Itโ€™s also easy to shrug our shoulders at our own inability to negotiate peace within our family or faith community. The good news is that the Bible has a plan for world …

Must have a short memory

We have all heard of the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas terrorists against Israeli civilians on October 7, 2024, and the military responses and counter-responses.ย That deplorable conflict, far from over, is now further complicated by evidence of mass starvation, allegations of genocide in Gaza, and Israeli โ€œpogromsโ€ against Palestinians living in Israel. And this is merely …

Reflecting on 25 years since the Bridge Walk

One of my favourite urban walks anywhere in the world is the short walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Unfailingly, I feel my spirits lift as I join strangers crossing the old Coat-hanger, taking in some of the most stunning views the Emerald City has to offer. On Wednesday this week, I crossed the famous …

Peacemaking through preaching

By Rod Benson Good preaching positively unsettles us. It inspires wonder in Godโ€™s character and ways. It draws adoring worship from bruised, parched and self-absorbed souls. It encourages new thoughts. Good preaching is a light in the dark. It challenges the status quo, instills vision and prompts reform. It uncovers common ground and builds bridges. …

How to restore a damaged relationship

A sermon by Rod Benson Matthew 5:23-24 Youโ€™ve all seen them: by the side of the road, or lying derelict in the bush, or on the scrap heap โ€“ old cars, their windows broken, seats disintegrating, engines forever silent, slowly rusting away as the iron alloy is exposed to oxygen and moisture over time, producing …