Who Am I Listening too? - Paul Downie

This week Paul extracts out the crushing event shortly after Jesus’ arrest, Jesus predicts Peter’s thrice denial to Peters face. Three times when queried over having associated with Jesus, Peter can’t but help being under pressure shortly after Jesus’ arrest and sarcomas as Jesus calls out a truth that Peter must face.

Peter was the one disciple who wore his heart on his sleeve, but the substance of his faith was soon put to the test and to his own anguish, his heart drops when he realises his courage was nowhere to be found when it counted. However, Jesus knew Peter’s true heart and that he would be gathered up to become one of the most powerful advancers of the Gospel the world had ever known.

Is it a lack of courage that can cause us to “follow at a distance”? Was Peter hearing some of the negative things being said that slowed his faith and hastened his doubts? Here in this day who do we handle the negativity of how people would perceive the church? Can we be like Peter and gather ourselves together and go on to be a mighty light for the Gospel? Please consider these things…

Recorded 01/01/23

Is Christmas Just Another Day? - Paul Downie

As most age old traditions weary from the “Same ‘ol, Same ‘ol” the events surround the birth of the Christ Child have been slowly replaced by other traditions like: The mad rush to buy presents and organise get togethers, watch the cricket, fire up the roast or BBQ, give the car it’s annual cleanup and do a road trip, and play the same ‘ol songs over and over and over and over an… You get the point, right?

So, is Christmas just another day tagged as the “Silly Season”? What could be done to get back to basics, or are the basics too dull in this fast paced world that craves some excitement at every turn? Maybe we are growing tired from OUR traditions. Are our traditions becoming like the world? Maybe.

recorded 25/12/22