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The qb, April 2012 issue is availabe to read here. Last Sunday I was reminded about the ‘now and not yet’ nature of the Kingdom of God. As I listened to the sermon, I thanked God because we are so blessed to be living in this Age of Grace. And yet, we know that our lives and our world aren’t perfect – only Christ’s return will usher in perfection. We hold, in tension, the ‘now’ and the ‘not yet’. On Monday I was reminded again about the pastor’s message when I heard that a friend had passed away. There’s no doubt in my mind that we worship a God of miracles. My friend needed a miracle to get well, but God chose to take her home to glory. Miracles happen, but not everyone is healed. That’s a very tough concept to balance; to hold in tension. But we can praise God for his provision of the Holy Spirit who is always available to help and guide us as we struggle to understand. John Greenbury’s thoughtful article (Indescribably precious!) helps us to unpack a little of what it means to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and just how precious the gift of the Spirit is to all believers. The ‘now and not yet’ also reminds us to seize the day; to make the most of every opportunity to share the love of Christ with others. With Convention coming up soon in Rocky (14-20 May), we’ve added a little bush flavour to this issue. Ron Turner’s article (Fragile and fractured), describes the upheaval being caused by mining in many outback towns and the vision he and others have to minister to the people there. James Baker (Tree change or sea change) picks up the theme and expands on the needs of people living in rural and remote areas. Finally, don’t miss John Sweetman’s article (Speaking out). He shares some very interesting data on trends in the Western Church as presented at a recent Bill Hybels workshop. Happy reading! Robynne Milne (Editor)
The qb, February 2012 issue is available to read here. Isaiah 43:18-21 came to mind a couple of weeks ago as I was reflecting on last year’s events and the heartache that unfolderd for so many Queenslanders: ‘Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert…The people whom I formed for myself, will declare my praise.’ Captive in Babylon at the time, the Jews were dwelling on the good things that God had done in the past, and perhaps our view of last year isn’t quite so rosy. However, a core truth remains. Whatever our past year or so was like, God is ready to do a new thing in each of us; he just requires us to embrace it. So, I encourage you: tune in, and be aware about what God is doing in your life. I trust that you will enjoy this issue of The qb. Sue Peters (Just one, brand new resolution) is done with making lots of New Year’s resolutions and we are prompted to think about the way we handle our personal finances (Let’s lead by example). We look at the Person and work of the Holy Spirit (A buried treasure) and inner transformation (Don’t settle for less). And there’s more. Isn’t it comforting to know that we, as believers, are those people ‘whom God formed for himself’. What a blessing! Robynne Milne (Editor)
The qb, December 2011 issue is available to read here. Hello everyone! John Sweetman has some comforting words for us in this issue (Worship in the New Creation). He reminds us that even though we feel the inadequacy of our worship here and now, a time is coming when ‘we will see God, face to face, and he will wrap his arms around us and we will be free of mixed motives and distractions’. How encouraging! There’s so much news in Around the regions about how our churches are responding to needs in their local communities, and beyond, including a report from Glasshouse Christian Country College about their team’s visit to Fiji. In (Joy and fruitfulness), Sue McGinty tells us about a recent mission trip to Vanuatu and all that was achieved there. Don’t miss Kamala’s story (A lifeline for Kamala). This lady’s life has turned around since she came into contact with staff from International Nepal Fellowship who partner with Baptist World Aid to bring hope and support to people in desperate poverty. Sue Peters (His perfect timing) expresses a few sentiments about waiting for the birth of her baby, Leah, some years ago; sentiments that most mums will understand! She reminds us that God’s plan and timing are perfect. Jim Greenbury also encourages us to wait patiently for God’s response when we’re seeking physical healing (Look to the Great Physician). Christmas is almost here! It has been a very tough year for many Queenslanders, and it’s still a huge struggle for a lot of people. Karl Faase, guest speaker at Convention next year, prays that we will experience real joy this Christmasl ‘the joy of knowing that whatever you face, Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection allows you to know deep, abiding peace and joy.’ I would like to add my own Christmas greeting. Whatever the year has brought you and whatever lies ahead, I pray that God will bless you richly as you seek to serve him. I trust that your Christmas will be happy and peaceful, and filled with the joy of knowing Christ. Robynne Milne (Editor)
The qb, October 2011 issue is available to read here. Welcome to this issue of The qb. Baptists in Queensland have a long and fruitful history and there are some significant anniversaries highlighted in the following pages. Wondai Baptist Church will celebrate its Centenary in September (Milestones), and the Archives team is producing a book to be published next year to coincide with the 150th Anniversary of the Rockhampton Baptist Tabernacle (Tragedy and triumph). QB Convention 2012 will be held in Rockhampton at that time so that people from our wider Baptist community can join with the Rocky folks as they celebrate this significant milestone. We are so blessed to be living in a country where we can worship in freedom and where we can speak about our faith without fear of retribution. We are hearing more and more stories about believers in other countries who are suffering for their faith (Persecution brief). Many are dying. Passages in the Bible about the end times (that, to be frank, scared me a lot as a young believer) are coming to fruition. The extent of the persecution is so vast that it’s too difficult to comprehend. Wendy Francis (Salt) reminds us that we need to ‘make a stand’ if we want to protect the precious freedoms we enjoy here in Australia. Just last week a school in Western Australia abolished their tradition of reciting the Lord’s Prayer at School Assembly. Only 36% of the families at the school responded to a survey prior to the action being taken, so it seems that for the majority it just wasn’t important. On a happier note, it’s exciting to report on the success of this year’s She is… events around the State (Lives changed; hearts healed). Sue Peters and her team have, once again, delivered events that are Christ focussed and uplifting to QB women. And, while we can write about how many women attended and the content of the programming, only God knows the full impact of these events on women’s lives. If you missed She is… this year, the events will be back in 2012. Please enjoy this issue of The qb. (Robynne Milne, Editor)
The qb, August 2011 issue is available to read here. As I wrote the article in this issue about the Partnership Agreement between Queensland Baptists and the South Seas Evangelical Church (A Landmark Occasion), the ‘Star Fish Story’ came to mind. Based on ‘The Star Thrower’ by Loren Eiseley (1907 – 1977) the story has been through many adaptations. Google it and you’ll see what I mean. It was years ago when I first heard it. Liz Cunningham (MP for Gladstone) was speaking at a women’s supper at Ashgrove Baptist Church. She told the story and I guess it just stuck in my mind. Of course, I’ve heard it many times since then. On the very slight chance that it’s new to you, the story goes like this. There was a man walking along a beach. In the distance he saw someone moving like a dancer. As he got closer, he noticed that it was a young man, and he was not a dancer at all. He was reaching down to the sand, picking up star fish and throwing them into the ocean. When asked why, the young man replied, ‘The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.’ The man said, ‘But don’t you realiser there are miles of beach and there are thousands of star fish all along the sand? You can’t possibly make a difference’. The young man bent down, picked up another star fish and threw it into the ocean. ‘It made a difference to that one,’ he said. Florence Young, the indomitable young woman who commenced the Queensland Kanaka Mission had that kind of attitude. She had a big vision to spread the Gospel to the people of the South Pacific but she started with a tiny group of people in a Bible study – making a difference one by one. There are other encouraging stories in this issue. Peter Richards, Senior Pastor at Kruger Park Baptist Church writes to thank people for their donations to the QB Flood Appeal (Your generosity has changed lives). He has his own version of the Star Fish story to tell, as people were helped, one by one. Sue Peters, recently returned from India, shares a little of Ameena’s story (Do you want to be free?) This young woman, rescued from the streets of Sonagacchi now takes every opportunity to try to rescue others, one by one. Finally, the children at Hervey Bay Baptist Church are learning how to put their faith into action by helping other children who are less fortunate than themselves (It’s not all about me!). They, too, are experiencing the joy of helping others, one by one. Enjoy! (Robynne Milne, Editor)
The qb, June 2011 issue is available to read here. In this issue, Grant Gehrke (God’s invitation to intimacy) writes about the value of rising early to spend time with God, and listening to his voice. This mirrors guest speaker Fil Anderson’s recent presentations at QB Convention where he spoke about God’s great love and that the Father desires an intimate relationship with each of us that can only be nurtured as we set time aside to ‘listen, listen, listen’. D Morcom, too, (Sunday or Sabbath) encourages us to think about ‘the principle of one day in seven’ and how much we need to draw aside from our daily routines so that we can stop, rest, and worship. I am sure this is a struggle for most of us as we strive to live Godly lives. But as David Loder (Comment) reminds us, ‘God has given us everything we need for life and godliness’. We just need to do our part. The High Court has set down 9-11 August for the final hearing regarding the Constitutional Challenge opposing Commonwealth funding of chaplains in state schools (School Chaplaincy faces High Court Challenge). There is no doubt that our ‘chappies’ do outstanding work and meet real needs in our schools. Read what happened to Nyree Mannion (God knows and cares) when she prayed: ‘Don’t send someone else, send me’ and God sent her to Grantham Primary School after the floods. So many people are still ‘doing it tough’ since the floods and cyclone Yasi. Some who were originally advised that they were covered by insurance are now finding this is not the case. Please continue to pray for, and support, those people who are still unable to move back into their homes, especially for those who are living in caravans or under canvas. Winter has arrived and areas like Ipswich and surrounds can be very, very cold. I trust you will enjoy reading this issue of The qb. (Robynne Milne, Editor)
The qb, April 2011 issue is available to read here. As Easter approaches and we prepare our hearts and minds to focus on its real meaning, Fil Anderson (Outward bound for the soul) shares some thoughts about Lenten practices. Fil and his wife, Lucie, will be with us in May when Fil comes to share as guest speaker at QB Convention 2011. Author of ‘Running on empty’ and ‘Breaking the rules, trading performance for intimacy with God’, Fil has much to share about ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’. Sue Peters (Washing and guilt) hits the mark for mums again with her comments. John Sweetman (Growing closer to Jesus and the church) will cause you to think about which stage you’re at, and Ian Hussey (Engaging newcomers in your church family) draws on his research about how friendly we are to the new people who come to our churches. We hear more from those involved in the Queensland disasters and news from Christchurch where the beautiful old Oxford Street Baptist Church is now in ruins. Please continue to pray for those affected by these natural disasters, including people affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Jim Greenbury (Life lessons) continues his articles on the life of Asa and concludes: ‘It is not the act of a moment but the course of a life that most please or displeases God’. That’s encouraging for all of us as we strive to live as Jesus followers. Easter Blessings! (Robynne Milne, Editor)
The qb, February 2011 issue is available to read here. As this issue goes to print, we are swamped by media reports that attempt to convey the ferocity of recent natural disasters, not just in Queensland, but throughout our beautiful country. We’ve witnessed, or been personally affected by, torrential rains, widespread flooding and devastating cyclones. And just today we are beginning to see heartbreaking vision of bush fires that are raging in Western Australia. It’s two years, to the day, since Victoria’s Black Saturday fires. For those affected, seeing the fires in WA will no doubt bring all the memories flooding back. Where is our God in this? Stephen Baxter quotes Isaiah 43:2, ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you,’ (Does God control natural disasters?). There are many verses that tell us God is with us, in every situation, and he knows and loves us. We can rest assured. And this is no time for us to be caught up in debate about whether recent events are the outcome of sin, in individuals or in communities. In John 9, Jesus healed a man who was blind from birth. The disciples asked whether the man was blind because of his sin, or the sins of his parents. Jesus replied that it was not the result of sin but, rather, the man was blind so that ‘the work of God might be displayed in his life’ (John 9:3). He went on to say, ‘As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world,’ (John 9:4,5). Many of our churches are being ‘light’ in their communities in special ways as a result of the current situation. We will never hear every story, and we will certainly never know the outcome of our ‘light shedding’ in Kingdom terms. But God knows! Being ‘light’ can be heavy work. Sue Peters (Stop, drop and pray) suggests we take a moment, take a breath and stop. And Jim Greenbury (Trusting in God alone) reminds us that ‘those who rely expectantly on the invisible God take hold of an irresistible power’. We grieve for those who have lost loved ones. We are uplifted when we see people rescued and share people’s happiness when they retrieve precious keepsakes. Our thoughts are with those suffering in other countries… Brazil, Egypt, Haiti (still so far from recovery); and others. We cannot understand or explain recent events. So, we trust in our Sovereign God and as Charles Spurgeon said so long ago, ‘When we cannot trace God’s hand, we must simply trust his heart’. (Robynne Milne, Editor)
The qb, December 2010 issue is available to read here. There’s no doubt about it. This is a very special time of year. Churches everywhere are gearing up for Christmas. Whether activities and programs are small, or epic like ‘The wonder of Christmas’ held each year at Maroochydore Baptist Church (Around the regions), this is surely the best time to share with our friends and neighbours about the peace, joy and love that only Jesus brings. It’s a challenge though. Christmas is more than just a wonderful time for families; it’s so much more than giving and receiving gifts, however thoughtfully chosen. It’s more than wishing for peace in our troubled world. But, in many minds, good, wholesome concepts like these have drowned out the message of the birth of Jesus. And who is this Jesus? I appreciated a reader’s comments and the quote he submitted (Quotable quotes). C S Lewis wrote: ‘Either this man (Jesus) was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon; or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God.’ No grey areas here! And since we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the only Son of the Most High God, then falling at his feet doesn’t seem like an overreaction. ‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this’ (Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV). This Christmas, take some quiet moments to ‘fall at his feet and call him Lord’ and marvel at ‘the zeal of the Lord Almighty’ who continues to work out his will in our world. (Robynne Milne, Editor)
The qb, October 2010 issue is available to read here. Now that the outcome of the Federal Election is known, we watch with interest to see how the government will function, given the extraordinarily close result. It’s comforting to know that as we committed the process to God, and now as we follow events as they unfold, we stand secure in the firm knowledge that he, and only he, is in control of our country, and our world. The words of Pedro Fernandez de Quiros when he claimed Australia and its surrounding regions for Jesus Christ (Our Great South Land) are a timely reminder that as well as our assured destiny as Christians, we have an unshakable Christian heritage that we must remember and celebrate. John Sweetman continues his thoughtful series (Church Trends) in this issue. We are blessed that John, and others like him, will spend time, prayerfully considering and commenting on important issues for the church. Church life, like life around us, is changing rapidly, and we need to change too if we want to be relevant in our communities. Programs like Men’s Shed (Men step up) are providing outstanding opportunities for men to heal and become all that God intended. When you read Elissa Macpherson’s observations (Beyond doilies and recipes) you catch a glimpse of how important it is that our men find their identities in Jesus Christ. Elissa is this year’s keynote speaker at the very successful She is… events for women. I encourage you to take the time to read her article; her comments are valuable. And if you’re a woman, put everything on hold to attend next year’s She is… events. You will not be disappointed! There is so much for you to enjoy in this issue: articles about children, youth, overseas mission and more. (Robynne Milne, Editor)
The qb, August 2010 issue is available to read here. Most of us are ‘time poor’ and we struggle to balance everything that competes for a share of our precious hours. With this in mind, I wonder how you approach your copy of The qb. Do you take time to sit and read it from cover to cover? Do you read a few pages then put it aside to finish later? Or, do you skim through it and read only those stories that grab your attention? I’d love to hear your responses! Whether you absorb, dip or skim the contents in this issue, please don’t miss Billy’s story (Jesus waits). It will encourage everyone, but especially those who are, or have been, involved in children’s ministry. It’s a story that spans nearly 30 years; a story that demonstrates the value, in Kingdom terms, of telling children about Jesus and his love for them. I had little difficulty picturing that small child, in that small town, miles from most places, and I could easily imagine that same child treasuring his keepsake. I know you’ll appreciate Billy’s story. Debbie Brennocks (Africa captures a heart) is achieving great things for God including raising four little girls who might otherwise have been dumped on rubbish tips or left out in the bush to die, and things are looking up for Joseph (A brighter future for Joseph) because of the ministry of Baptist World Aid Australia in Uganda. Trish Lane (Open and intentional) offers thoughtful suggestions about children’s ministry and the importance of including children in our church activities. She helps us to think ‘outside the square’. There are other articles about children and youth in this issue, plus much more. (Robynne Milne, Editor)
The qb June 2010 issue is available to read here. John Sweetman (Speaking out) makes pertinent comments about Facebook in this issue. It’s worth highlighting his point that it is vital that this tool is servant and not master. Whatever upsets a healthy balanced life is to be avoided. So far, I admit that I’m not a great fan. I subscribed a while back, just to see some photos posted by a friend, and was overwhelmed by the messages that immediately cluttered up my inbox. It was so nice to click ‘unsubscribe’ as I muttered, ‘my life is cluttered enough already!’ However, there’s no doubt it’s an excellent tool if handled correctly, so I’ll probably give it another try again soon. It always touches the heart to read storied like Bernie’s (Baptisms) and we are reminded about the greatness of our God and the depth of his love for us; how he draws us to himself and is longsuffering and compassionate. It also reminds us how, if we’re willing and available, God uses us in other people’s lives. Jesus is being made known in our schools all around Queensland (Outback chappies urgently needed; Around the regions). Let’s never be complacent about this wonderful open door. We can certainly praise God for it. The presence of godly men and women in our schools (including our teachers) provides outstanding opportunities to make a real difference in our communities. Jim Greenbury (Dealing with delay) tackles a hard issue as he discusses delayed answers to prayer and reminds us that when this happends, we are not unique. Through the ages mighty warriors of God have experienced the same and grown in their faith because of it. I trust that you will enjoy this issue of The qb. (Robynne Milne, Editor)
The qb, April 2010 issue is available to read here. Baptist World Alliance (BWA) President, David Coffey, has known our guest speaker for Convention 2010 for more than 30 years. His comments (About Nigel Wright) give us an insight into Nigel the person, rather than Nigel, Principal of Spurgeon’s College, London. I am sure you will enjoy reading about him. With Convention just a few weeks away, there’s a growing sense of excitement in the QB office and the kind, welcoming folks at Reedy Creek are gearing up for a great celebration of God’s goodness. We trust that you will join us – you are sure to be blessed! Information and registration details appear again in this issue. As Alan Grieve’s time as President draws to a close, he comments on his experiences (Reflections) and encourages each of us to seek a personal encounter with God. More than that, he reminds us that as we seek to ‘share the wonderful truths of the Gospel’, others, too, will encounter God. Baptist World Aid Australia (BWAA) workers are in Haiti, helping to bring fresh, clean water so desperately needed by the people following the devastating earthquake that struck in January (Haiti needs fresh water). BWAA does not usually fund the work of organisations in the Caribbean as they have no established partnerships there. However, as the scale of the disaster became clear, they decided to enter into a new partnership with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, who was working in Haiti even before the earthquake struck. Like BWAA, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is a member of the Baptist World Alliance. Leanne Rogers recently returned from a mission trip to the Thai/Burma border (Around the regions). Her experience has changed her life and awakened a deep passion within her to be used by God to help alleviate the suffering of these oppressed people – in her words, ‘… I have let God know that I don’t just want to be aware; I want to be used!’ Please enjoy reading this issue of The qb. (Robynne Milne, Editor)
