Features
The Australian Christian Channel provides weekly feature articles from respected church leaders and teachers. Search our archive of feature articles for great bible-based teaching.
Love me where you're at
I have discovered that, as we seek the Lord, our most difficult periods can be transformed into wonderful breakthroughs into God's love. For me, one such season occurred during the years 1979 to1981. The association of churches with which I was aligned had fallen under spiritual deception. Not only were its core doctrines increasingly seeded with New Age influences, but immorality crept in, and key leaders began leaving their wives for other women. more
Experiencing God's power through praise
It is easy to praise God when the sun is shining, our children are making good grades in school, and we have received a promotion at work. But when the storm clouds gather, the grades start to slip, and the pink slips are read, the last thing we feel like doing is praising God. Yet, this is the very time when we need to lift our voices to Him in praise. more
Did your 2009 resolutions work?
It's always interesting to look back at our good intentions from the start of the year and see if anything stuck. Last year I wrote a post remembering that every year we make new resolutions, and every year we fail. We just can't seem to stay committed, enthusiastic, or determined enough to keep our good intentions. But the word "resolution" is simply another way to express the desire for change. more
Miraculous praise amid Haiti's destruction
When the earthquake struck last week, a brave American woman found supernatural strength to praise the Lord—and to help deliver two babies. more
Be Filled with the Spirit!
The Bible tells us to be "filled with the Spirit!" Have you ever wondered what that means? It may not be what you think. We might surmise to be "filled with the Spirit" means that we will have an emotional experience. Now, it could mean that, but you can have this encounter with God and have no emotional experience to speak of. more
Watch Your Mouth! It Matters More Than You Think.
It’s a simple message: “Watch your mouth!” Have you ever said that to anyone? Or has anybody ever said it to you? Most of us would probably agree that we need to think more before we speak. James 1:19 tells us to: …Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak… (The Amplified Bible). more
Know your Best Friend
What qualities do you look for in a best friend? Most of us are looking for someone to always be there for us; someone who will never leave us, even when everybody else does. We crave relationships in which our friends intuitively know how to comfort us when we hurt, encourage us when we are dejected, and strengthen us when we cannot stand on our own. Yet even the most loyal and dedicated friends will eventually let us down — no human can be an ideal friend at all times. But Christians are blessed with a constant companion who never leaves us and never fails us: the Holy Spirit. more
Sweet baby Jesus had a beard
It’s quite a confession, I know, but I can't get enough of Will Ferrell. I crack up as soon as I see the too-close-together eyes of the former Saturday Night Live comic and star of the enjoyably stupid Talladega Nights (and a few good serious films, too). And he really did do the best Dubya impersonation. What's not to love? more
It's all about Him
A little girl noticed that her mom was getting really stressed out around Christmas. Everything was bothering her mom, and she was very irritable. Evening came and the mom bathed the little girl, got her ready for bed, put her under the covers, and had her say her prayers. She would usually pray the Lord's Prayer, but on this particular evening, she amended it a little bit. more
Coping with loneliness at Christmas
’Tis the season to be … gloomy? Feeling low this Christmas season? You’re not alone. Amid cheery songs, festive parties, gifts and good wishes, many lonely people are crying or dying on the inside. Maybe you’re one of them. I was. more
Are you suffering from an out-of-control mouth?
Do you have the power of God in your life? Is He real to you? Is your relationship with Him making a difference in your life – affecting your personal well-being, your relationships, and your life in general? I think most Christians enjoy a measure of God’s power. But I’m not satisfied with enough power to be okay. I want whatever God says I can have. And I want all of it! How do we get what God has for us? Prayer. We ask, and we receive. more
Be Yourself
Have you ever been shopping and found an outfit that looks identical to the one your favorite celebrity wore on the red carpet, and for a fraction of the price? So you buy it only to realize it doesn’t quite look like it did on the waif-thin actress. The clothes don’t feel right and you don’t quite feel like yourself in them. It’s probably because, while the outfit looks great on the celebrity, it’s not your style! more
When, God, When?
When, God, when? Chances are you’ve prayed that prayer recently. Waiting on God is something we can all relate to, and it’s one of the most important times to remain strong in our faith. more
David knew how to repent
King David was a champion for God but he did not live a Teflon lifestyle. The problems, difficulties, and sorrows of life did not slide past him. He lived a difficult, tragic, and lonely life. His was a life of brokenness. Great men and women of God are not great because they escape their problems. They are great because they know how to go to God with their problems in brokenness. more
Affirming each person we meet
Australian writer David Malouf writes of ‘the sacrament of daily existence’, the ordinary, prosaic, uneventful graced power of people living good lives in community. These are communities built on healthy relationships of trust and tolerance, of generosity and good sense, of seeing the other in someone else’s world view, life style, taste in music or dress sense and inviting that other to see you in the same way. It is about sharing the best of ourselves with others and vice versa. more
Divine Delays
There are times when we pray about something maybe once, perhaps twice, even three times, and if we don't receive an answer in the affirmative, then we give up and assume that it must not be God's will. But Jesus taught His disciples "that they should always pray and not give up4" (Luke 18:1 NIV). more
The Jedidiah Identity
What defines you? Is it what you do? Some find their meaning in life by "making a difference." But what happens when you don’t? Fear of failure can become your god when you find your identity through making a difference. What defines you? Is it who you are? Some think they have found enlightenment in the saying, "It’s not what you do but who you are that matters." Unfortunately, that thinking sets us up for a self-centered life---"I"dolatry. Fortunately, there is another way. more
The Jedidiah Identity
What defines you? Is it what you do? Some find their meaning in life by "making a difference." But what happens when you don’t? Fear of failure can become your god when you find your identity through making a difference. What defines you? Is it who you are? Some think they have found enlightenment in the saying, "It’s not what you do but who you are that matters." Unfortunately, that thinking sets us up for a self-centered life---"I"dolatry. Fortunately, there is another way. more
Prayers for a Child
A feeling of vulnerability often leads us to prayer, and there’s never been a more vulnerable experience for me than being a mother. So much desire and so little control. From the time we found out we were pregnant, through the prenatal checks and ultrasounds, from labour to discharge from the hospital, until now, with Jack at nine months old, I often find myself muttering incantations to God, usually starting with the word, ‘Please’. more
A professor and his students
This is the true story of something that happened just a few years ago at the University of Southern California. There was a professor of philosophy there who was a deeply committed atheist. more
Discover your treasure house
Are you feeling anxious? Everyday, around the world, we hear disturbing news reports about the failure of major financial institutions, the growth of unemployment, plummeting home prices, and natural disasters. These serve as a reminder that we are not to put our security, or our treasure, in this world. more
Spiritual Awakening: The only thing that will save us
We can learn an important lesson from the East African Revival, which transformed a region 80 years ago. The people of Uganda call it Balokole. In the Luganda language it means "the saved ones," but the word became synonymous with the East African Revival—one of the most significant Christian movements in modern history. more
Keep it simple
Years ago, I lived a very complicated life. For example, there were many times I wanted to have people in our home on the weekends for times of recreation, relaxation, and fun fellowship. More often than not, though, when these get-togethers were over, I ended up exhausted! Why? Because I didn’t know how to live a simple life. more
The courage to stand
Not too long ago, I read that violence on television is at an all-time high. Then, of course, there is all the sexual perversion that is depicted. In addition to all that, it seems like people are going out of their way to get God out of our culture. Not only do they want to elevate perversion, but they want to demote God. They want Him out of the picture—out of everything for that matter. more
Our behaviour reflects our belief
When the nation of Israel was getting ready to go into the land that God had promised them, their leader Moses gave them instructions on how they should live as God’s people. God wanted them to avoid certain animals because He regarded them as unclean and one of these was the chameleon (Leviticus 11:30). more
Pray for hunger
Today many Christians have lost their hunger for God. Instead of coming into the Lord's presence hungry for more of His fullness, our thoughts are gathered to worldly concerns and fleshly distractions. At best, we are merely curious about spiritual realities, but not truly hungry. more
Don’t block the flow of the Holy Ghost
We often pray for more of the Holy Spirit's anointing. But if God gives you His power, will you actually use it? A few years ago the Lord challenged me about my level of spiritual hunger. He showed me that even though I had stood in many prayer lines and repeatedly sung the words, "Lord, I want more of You," I wasn't as passionate for Him as I thought I was. more
One is the loneliest number
At certain times and to varying degrees, we all detest being alone. To avoid its pain, we turn the car radio on or the television 'just for company'. Perhaps we resist solitude because of what we may discover about ourselves; we fear being alone will reveal the insecurities which lurk deep within. If we have unresolved issues, loneliness demands that we listen to their voices and recollections. more
You are salt and light
Jesus said that we are "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world". Being salt and light is not optional. Jesus did not say you can be ... or you have the potential to be ... He said you are. Everyone who has trusted Christ for salvation and is born again is the salt of the earth and the light of the world. more
Come out and be real
In the day and age that we live in, there’s a great deal of attention paid to what we look like on the outside. We spend a lot of time thinking about what we wear, our hair, makeup, shoes, what kind of car we drive, what kind of house we live in, what kind of job we have, whether we have our own office, and even what kind of computer we have. However, we can look great on the outside but still be an absolute, total wreck on the inside. more
Thankfulness
Matthew Henry, a Bible scholar who lived 1662-1714, was once accosted by thieves and robbed. He wrote these words in his diary regarding his experience: “Let me be thankful first because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth because it was I who was robbed, and not someone else.” more
Coping with job loss
How do you help a friend cope with losing their job? I got an email recently from another laid-off colleague. He received notice Tuesday, effective Friday. His wife is also jobless. He put the word out, looking for leads. One more recession downsizing casualty. more
Can we really know God's will?
Does God still speak to people today? Does He actually have a master plan for your life and mine? If so, how do we discover it? How can we know the will of God? The answer to first question is yes. God still speaks to people today. But let me also say that after years of walking with the Lord, I have not discovered a foolproof method for knowing the will of God under all circumstances. more
Two things, two things only
There are so many things to occupy our minds: so many books, so many examples, so many good teachings that deserve our attention, that say, "here is a truth." But, as I have been serving the Lord these past years, He has led me to seek for two things and two things only: to know the heart of God in Christ and to know my own heart in Christ's light. more
What is Kingdom fruit?
Recently I had the opportunity to preach on the Kingdom in my local church. As part of this message I referred to the warning from Jesus that if we don’t produce the fruit of the Kingdom then God will take the Kingdom from us and give it to someone else who is being productive for the Kingdom (Matt 21:43). Following this message I had an interesting dialogue with my friend Mark Darling. more
You can be bitter or better
Did you know that the circumstances in your life can actually make you a better person? Whether those situations are good or bad, you can choose to allow your circumstances to make you better or bitter—it’s your choice to make. more
The Blessings of Surrender
Most Christians would admit that, at times, their Christian walk feels more like a crawl. We may feel our relationship with God has dwindled or that our work for Him is ineffective. We may even feel disillusioned about the path our life has taken. more
Light of Christ
In the nineteenth century, lighthouses on the coasts were looked after by lighthouse keepers and their families. If a man who looked after the lighthouse became ill, the work was picked up by his wife or children. more
How to Walk with God
When I hear of Hollywood couples who get together and then divorce rather quickly, I have to wonder what people are looking for in marriage. Do they understand that it's a commitment? Do they understand that feelings will come and go, and that you must get on with the very real business of loving a person and all that it means? The same can be said of a relationship with God. more
Meaningful male friendship in a disconnected age
Despite the proliferation of iPhones, Blackberries, e-mail and social networking Web sites—not to mention Starbucks locations—many Christian men, if they are honest, will tell you they are lonely. They may Twitter several times a day to co-workers; they may have occasional golf buddies; they may even grab coffee with colleagues from time to time. But so many men who attend church regularly are friendless. more
Stressed Out? You Might Need Sleep
Snapping at your kids or spouse, stewing in checkout lines, shouting at road hogs . . . cultural negativity abounds. A National Sleep Foundation (NSF) poll suggests links between sleep deficiencies and negative attitudes and behaviour. more
Christ-Responders
I was out early one morning riding my bicycle when suddenly, to my left, came the horrific sound of an automobile accident; it occurred about eighty feet from me at a stoplight. I turned just in time to see one car sliding sideways, while the other car, with the hood and grill pushed up like a pug, was rocking back and forth from the impact. more
Let go and enjoy life!
I think happiness is a goal all of us can agree on. Let’s face it—we all would like to be happy. In fact, if you were to make a list right now of all the things you want in your life, chances are the vast majority of things are on that list just because they will make you happy—or at least you think they’ll make you happy. more
Value the season you're in
People can get so caught up in the fact their dream is so close - preparing here, there, and everywhere - but forget they still have to finish this season before launching into the next one. I have had lots of opportunities to finish things - jobs, relationships, renovating my house (!). The most important lesson I've gained from all of this is the way we finish one thing directly impacts the way we enter the new thing. more
Remember God's goodness
Have you ever forgotten an important date? Maybe it was a friend's birthday or your wedding anniversary. With our hectic schedules, sometimes we forget the important things — including the past blessings of God. more
Salt of the Earth
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavour? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world - like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father.'' (Matthew 5:13-16) more
Unbelieving Believers
Before our last Cherish conference, God directed me to tell the women just how much he believed in them. As God impressed this on my heart, I questioned it because it sounded so obvious, so simple. Then over the next few weeks God took me on a journey to teach me that I actually had no idea just how much he believes in me. I had to understand the depth within this seemingly simple truth before I could share it with anyone else. more
The Key to Reconciliation
When the apostle Paul went to Athens and preached the gospel, he walked around the city and saw that it was completely given over to idolatry. Athens was known for its cultural learning. It was known for its incredible edifices. And it was also known for spirituality. more
Be ALL you can be
Have you ever noticed that it’s usually much easier to start a project than to actually finish it? The truth is, anyone can start projects. The world is full of just-started projects that looked great at the time but were never completed. There’s always a certain amount of excitement that comes with starting something. People rally around you and encourage you. There’s an energy that always comes when you’re first starting out. more
Bridging the gap between Sunday and Monday
For many Christians the highlight of their week is the Sunday service. Sadly many believe this is where the Kingdom of God is primarily expressed. Ministry is confined to that which is done within the church. This is demonstrated in the true story of a young lawyer who was asked what her ministry was. She replied “I teach Sunday school at my church” What a travesty!! Nothing she did during the week in bringing justice, compassion and resolution to the world in which she worked counted, in her mind, as having any spiritual value. How can we change people’s thinking to break free of this Sunday/Monday dichotomy? more