https://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Groups/1000096940/Blog.aspx Latest articles from Blog, Encounter Baptist Church 2021, Encounter Baptist Church en Insight by Endis, www.endis.com 1440 http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000155860/Spiritual_Bright_Spots.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000155860/Spiritual_Bright_Spots.aspx Sat, 02 Jan 2021 13:00:00 GMT I encourage you to reflect on 2020 and see if you can identify some spiritual bright spots. These will be simple practices you observed in yourself or others that had surprising benefits. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000155545/The_Lords_Prayer.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000155545/The_Lords_Prayer.aspx Fri, 26 Jun 2020 14:00:00 GMT During July, I would like to challenge you to pray the Lord's Prayer three times a day - they can become pools of prayer that help us grow in the With God Life. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000155505/The_Blessing_the.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000155505/The_Blessing_the.aspx Tue, 09 Jun 2020 14:00:00 GMT I hope this song will help embed the Aaronic Blessing in your soul. But more than that, I hope that for the rest of your life you will regularly bless other people with it. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000155410/Positive_Pruning.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000155410/Positive_Pruning.aspx Tue, 28 Apr 2020 14:00:00 GMT This pruning is an opportunity for us to connect with God and reflect on our pre-shutdown lives. If we just spring back to life as it was, we may miss an opportunity for spiritual growth and greater fruitfulness. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000155171/Giving_Up_Ignoring.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000155171/Giving_Up_Ignoring.aspx Tue, 18 Feb 2020 13:00:00 GMT This year we are encouraging everyone in our church to 'give up ignoring God' for Lent by using these 40 days to Cultivate a more Consistent Awareness of Christ with us. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000155136/The_5_Animals.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000155136/The_5_Animals.aspx Tue, 04 Feb 2020 13:00:00 GMT In Matthew 10 Jesus gives his 12 disciples instructions before he sends them out on mission. In his usual vivid style, Jesus uses 5 animals to help them and us remember key points about how to approach mission. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000155006/Sermons_from_2019.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000155006/Sermons_from_2019.aspx Fri, 29 Nov 2019 13:00:00 GMT We often get caught up in the tyranny of the next thing. But it is important and valuable to look back and to remember. I encourage you to look through this list of topics we have covered in Sunday sermons this year. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154907/How_do_we.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154907/How_do_we.aspx Wed, 23 Oct 2019 13:00:00 GMT Psalm 119:58 says 'I have sought your face with all my heart' and to 'seek God's face' appears in Christian songs and prayers. It is a spiritual sounding phrase, and yet we probably haven't thought about how we might do it. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154715/Are_you_suffering.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154715/Are_you_suffering.aspx Tue, 13 Aug 2019 14:00:00 GMT External pressures and internal vulnerabilities can conspire together to keep us from a life of real rest that leads to fruitful work. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154644/Lord_Make_me.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154644/Lord_Make_me.aspx Tue, 16 Jul 2019 14:00:00 GMT I think praying about our own spiritual growth is something that we should do on a daily basis. Here are some reasons and some steps to take. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154571/Stillness_Smallness_Being.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154571/Stillness_Smallness_Being.aspx Wed, 12 Jun 2019 14:00:00 GMT Some spiritual reflections from being out in nature on a recent holiday http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154294/Who_are_we.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154294/Who_are_we.aspx Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:00:00 GMT God originally created humans to rule over the world (Gen 1). Humans' performance in this regard is mixed, but more than any other creature, we have the capacity to influence and shape this world. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154272/Who_are_we.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154272/Who_are_we.aspx Tue, 19 Feb 2019 13:00:00 GMT God created humans in his image (Gen 1) and at a deep level we are carriers of Gods' image. But it only takes a bit of introspection to realise there are many parts of our lives that are currently not like God. However... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154256/Who_are_we.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154256/Who_are_we.aspx Tue, 12 Feb 2019 13:00:00 GMT God's original intention for humans was that we would live with God (Gen 1-3) but we became disconnected. We can be confident that God will succeed in fixing this because the With God Life is a major feature of the new creation in Rev 21-22. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154197/Two_Podcasts_to.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154197/Two_Podcasts_to.aspx Tue, 29 Jan 2019 13:00:00 GMT To grow as Christians, we need to grow in Content (what we know), Character (how we behave), and Competency (what we can do). Here are two podcasts that provide great content. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154031/Be_lazy_this.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154031/Be_lazy_this.aspx Fri, 14 Dec 2018 13:00:00 GMT Some reflections on the biblical rhythm of Rest and Work along with a link to an article about "Why Being Lazy is Actually Good for You" By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154010/Sermons_from_2018.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000154010/Sermons_from_2018.aspx Thu, 06 Dec 2018 13:00:00 GMT We often get caught up in the tyranny of the next thing. But it is important and valuable to look back and to remember. I encourage you to look through this list of topics we have covered in Sunday sermons this year. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153994/A_guide_to.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153994/A_guide_to.aspx Thu, 29 Nov 2018 13:00:00 GMT Exaltation, Reflection, Adoration, Consummation, and Commission are five elements that can enhance our worship. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153613/Desires_Will_and.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153613/Desires_Will_and.aspx Thu, 09 Aug 2018 14:00:00 GMT When we are Disconnected from God our Desires come to Dominate us. As we reconnect to God we need to Dethrone our Desires from that place of Domination. And that involves our wills and us making choices for good and for God with God's help. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153281/What_does_it.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153281/What_does_it.aspx Wed, 13 Jun 2018 14:00:00 GMT The first step into a life without lack involves how we relate to God in trust and reliance. The next step into a life without lack involves how we relate to ourselves and it involves 'death to self'. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153255/Jobs_stages_of.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153255/Jobs_stages_of.aspx Thu, 07 Jun 2018 14:00:00 GMT In Chapter 5 of Life without Lack, Dallas Willard looks at the story of Job and unpacks how Job’s faith develops through his experiences. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153153/How_is_a.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153153/How_is_a.aspx Tue, 29 May 2018 14:00:00 GMT Psalm 23 gives us a picture of a life without lack. But if you are anything like me, you will ask - is that sort of abundant life really a possibility for me? in my complicated life? with all my issues? http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153128/Practice_the_key.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153128/Practice_the_key.aspx Tue, 22 May 2018 14:00:00 GMT If you want to get better at hearing God, the next thing to do is practice. We need to practice what we've learned rather than continually look for more information. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153110/Are_you_missing.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153110/Are_you_missing.aspx Wed, 16 May 2018 14:00:00 GMT Humans communicate in a rich variety of ways. Obviously we speak to each other. But we also use lots of other modes. It is similar with God. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153066/Hearing_God_Better.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153066/Hearing_God_Better.aspx Tue, 01 May 2018 14:00:00 GMT There are two reasons to get better at hearing God: God speaks to us about our relationship with God, and God speaks to us to for the strengthening, encouragement and comfort of others (1 Cor 14:3) http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153056/Hearing_God_Better.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153056/Hearing_God_Better.aspx Thu, 26 Apr 2018 14:00:00 GMT We see in Mark 1:11-12 that Jesus heard his Father - his Father affirmed Jesus' identity as His Son, and through the Spirit he was sent into the wilderness. So it follows that an important part of copying Jesus is learning to hear God. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153036/How_to_memorise.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000153036/How_to_memorise.aspx Thu, 19 Apr 2018 14:00:00 GMT I’ve been challenged by David’s idea of memorising an entire chapter of Mark this year. David has given us one idea of how to do it. There might however be some people who need other ideas for learning from memory. By Rosie Pryor http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152885/Identity_Microsurgery.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152885/Identity_Microsurgery.aspx Tue, 20 Mar 2018 13:00:00 GMT We form our sense of identity from those around us. But God always intended that the strongest source of our identity should come from our relationship with Him. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152877/Psalm_23_life.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152877/Psalm_23_life.aspx Thu, 15 Mar 2018 13:00:00 GMT When we start thinking about a life without lack, we might automatically begin thinking about a life free from trouble, difficulty, or suffering where you always have lots of money, a nice house, a good car and a good job...... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152628/What_do_you.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152628/What_do_you.aspx Tue, 27 Feb 2018 13:00:00 GMT When I was a child, sometimes during church services I would look at the hymn book and count the number of words in the hymns we were singing. I don't do that any more but I still count when I go to church. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152625/Children_s_Sport.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152625/Children_s_Sport.aspx Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:00:00 GMT Some time last year I read an article on the web looking at the involvement of families in children’s sport in the USA and comparing it to church involvement. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152548/The_Dallas_Disciplines.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152548/The_Dallas_Disciplines.aspx Sun, 11 Feb 2018 13:00:00 GMT Our theme at church this year is COPY. For us to live a with, like, and for Jesus life, we need to copy Jesus and copy people who copy Jesus. So this Lent we are encouraging everyone in our church to spend 40 days copying Dallas who copied Jesus. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152490/Copy_people_who.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152490/Copy_people_who.aspx Tue, 06 Feb 2018 13:00:00 GMT We learn how to do all the important things in life by copying others. We copy how others tie their shoe laces, plait ponytails, kick footballs, shoot netballs, drive cars, and do brain surgery. It is no different in becoming more like Jesus. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152394/The_Diamond_that.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152394/The_Diamond_that.aspx Tue, 30 Jan 2018 17:00:00 GMT Mark Chapter One is our theme bible passage for this year. It is like a beautiful diamond with many different facets. We are going to be returning to this passage across the year to unpack many of its riches. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152395/The_next_best.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152395/The_next_best.aspx Tue, 23 Jan 2018 15:00:00 GMT We all like to meet important people first hand and if we can't we like to speak to people who have had the opportunity to meet them. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152417/For_true_rest.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152417/For_true_rest.aspx Sat, 06 Jan 2018 13:00:00 GMT We are in a season of rest and abiding as a church. But it can sometimes seem to pass by so quickly and we don't feel like we have really rested or abided. In this post I want to explore the significance of stopping. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152032/Difficulties_in_life.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000152032/Difficulties_in_life.aspx Tue, 17 Oct 2017 13:00:00 GMT Since we will experience crises in our lives it is wise for us to do some stress testing - to think about what difficulties we might experience and how they could negatively impact our Christian lives. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151620/Deep_and_Wide.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151620/Deep_and_Wide.aspx Thu, 27 Jul 2017 14:00:00 GMT One of the keys to becoming more like Jesus is cultivating thankfulness to God. To build a life permeated by thankfulness, we need to give thanks regularly. But what can we give thanks for? http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151562/The_Poetry_and.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151562/The_Poetry_and.aspx Mon, 10 Jul 2017 14:00:00 GMT When we read the poetry sections in Isaiah, we might be puzzled by the lack of rhyms that are much more prominent in English poetry. Rather than rhymes, hebrew poetry is typically structured around 'parallelisms', By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151537/A_fresh_way.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151537/A_fresh_way.aspx Tue, 04 Jul 2017 14:00:00 GMT This year, we are focusing on three words to help us in our Christian lives - WITH, LIKE and FOR.... half way through the year, here is a refresher PLUS a bonus exercise you might like to try By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151506/The_Genius_of.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151506/The_Genius_of.aspx Tue, 27 Jun 2017 14:00:00 GMT Last Sunday our church had a fantastic Brunch. It was an important time of togetherness over food. But it was also an opportunity for us to experience the genius of mid sized groups. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151432/Overview_of_Isaiah.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151432/Overview_of_Isaiah.aspx Wed, 21 Jun 2017 14:00:00 GMT As we read and preach through the book of Isaiah, it might be helpful to keep in mind the following framework: By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151397/The_Book_of.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151397/The_Book_of.aspx Tue, 13 Jun 2017 14:00:00 GMT This week we are starting a teaching series on the Book of Isaiah. Our hope is that during this series you will gain a deeper appreciation for this amazing book and will recognize ways in which it speaks to us today. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151371/Aaron_Keyes_talk.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151371/Aaron_Keyes_talk.aspx Tue, 06 Jun 2017 14:00:00 GMT Aaron Keyes leads a ministry called 10,000 Fathers. He gave a great talk at the 2017 Worship Together Conference and while it was delivered in a worship conference setting it is actually a great teaching about discipleship. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151335/The_Weightiness_of.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151335/The_Weightiness_of.aspx Mon, 29 May 2017 14:00:00 GMT As we look forward to Pentecost this Sunday and we are asking God to fill us afresh with His Spirit, here is a reminder of 7 points about waiting on God from the recent sermon "The weightiness of waiting": By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151242/Oh_for_the.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151242/Oh_for_the.aspx Wed, 10 May 2017 14:00:00 GMT You don't hear this phrase of exasperation used as much anymore but maybe you can recall yourself or someone else using it when something silly or frustrating happened.... http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151217/Are_you_enjoying.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151217/Are_you_enjoying.aspx Wed, 03 May 2017 14:00:00 GMT God wants us to encounter Him, He wants us to encourage one another, and He wants us to engage with the community around us. But sometimes we can get so caught up in encountering, encouraging, engaging that we forget to enjoy God. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151014/Questions_for_our.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000151014/Questions_for_our.aspx Tue, 04 Apr 2017 14:00:00 GMT A few days ago, one of our daily readings was from Psalm 42:5 - Why, my soul, are you downcast?...Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him. It reminded me of some advice from 'Soul Keeping' by John Ortberg about speaking to our souls. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150931/The_With_God.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150931/The_With_God.aspx Tue, 28 Mar 2017 13:00:00 GMT One of the most widely read books about living the With God Life is "The Practice of the Presence of God". Here are some quotes that might inspire you to read the book. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150902/Our_current_Actual.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150902/Our_current_Actual.aspx Tue, 21 Mar 2017 13:00:00 GMT Our 'With God' lives can only happen in our actual lives. If we wait until our lives are less hectic, more ordered, less painful, more successful, more simple, more dramatic, less dramatic etc etc - we could be waiting a long time http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150844/The_With_God.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150844/The_With_God.aspx Tue, 14 Mar 2017 13:00:00 GMT One of the most widely read books about living the With God Life is "The Practice of the Presence of God". Here are some quotes that might inspire you to read the book. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150802/Two_simple_practices.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150802/Two_simple_practices.aspx Tue, 07 Mar 2017 13:00:00 GMT If all it took to help people become like Jesus was attending church services, our country would be full of people who are barely indistinguishable from Jesus! By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150792/Reflections_on_Pauls.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150792/Reflections_on_Pauls.aspx Thu, 02 Mar 2017 13:00:00 GMT Earlier this week, our daily readings (encounterbc.org) included Acts 26:15-27. This reading is part of Paul's testimony before King Agrippa. Many rich reflections come from this short passage. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150455/Integrating_the_Three.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150455/Integrating_the_Three.aspx Tue, 21 Feb 2017 13:00:00 GMT This year we are encouraging people to use three simple words to help them in their Christian life - WITH, LIKE, FOR. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150340/Three_simple_words.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150340/Three_simple_words.aspx Mon, 30 Jan 2017 13:00:00 GMT As we start a new year it is always good to refresh and refocus. John 1:1-18 and Luke 10 are a great place to start. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150113/The_Example_of.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150113/The_Example_of.aspx Tue, 13 Dec 2016 13:00:00 GMT Mary plays a crucial role in birth of Jesus. Her openness and receptivity to the work of God is remarkable and inspiring http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150074/The_forgotten_art.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150074/The_forgotten_art.aspx Tue, 06 Dec 2016 13:00:00 GMT In our always on, always connected, always moving to the next thing lives, it is easy to lose the art of true resting. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150049/Journey_of_Worship.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000150049/Journey_of_Worship.aspx Fri, 02 Dec 2016 13:00:00 GMT Worship is central to the Christian life. Understanding how we can progress through worship will help us become better worshippers. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149932/Aim_to_have.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149932/Aim_to_have.aspx Thu, 24 Nov 2016 13:00:00 GMT In the lead up to Christmas I have been reflecting more on the life of Jesus and how he expertly balanced the three relationships - with his Father (Up), with the disicples (In), and with the world around him (Out). By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149841/The_example_of.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149841/The_example_of.aspx Tue, 08 Nov 2016 13:00:00 GMT The second season in the life of this church changed their world. We are aiming to follow their example. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149797/Equip_Sunday_October.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149797/Equip_Sunday_October.aspx Tue, 01 Nov 2016 13:00:00 GMT On our equip Sunday in October we ran training tracks to help us with our Christian lives. Here are some resources from those tracks. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149770/Reflections_on_non.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149770/Reflections_on_non.aspx Thu, 27 Oct 2016 13:00:00 GMT Chris and Peter are two members of our congregation who have had long journeys with illness. I have asked them to reflect on a number of questions about non-healing and their answers are below. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149674/Responding_to_the.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149674/Responding_to_the.aspx Thu, 13 Oct 2016 13:00:00 GMT Below are some thoughts about how we should respond to the healings that people received in our service last Sunday. The focus of these thoughts is on the healings and the importance of us responding to them in significant ways. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149616/Gratitude_and_Grace.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149616/Gratitude_and_Grace.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2016 13:00:00 GMT As we recognise, name and express gratitude for the good things in our lives, we are recognising how God's grace has been active in our lives. (grace is much more than forgiveness although it wonderfully includes it) By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149413/A_heavenly_perspective.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149413/A_heavenly_perspective.aspx Thu, 15 Sep 2016 14:00:00 GMT Over the last few weeks I have been regularly reading and reflecting on Revelation Chapters 4 and 5. These chapters provide a glimpse of what it is like in heaven 'at the moment'. They describe worship of God in vivid imagery. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149274/6_helpful_Questions.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149274/6_helpful_Questions.aspx Thu, 01 Sep 2016 14:00:00 GMT Have you ever noticed our humans almost always tend to gather together in teams.  It appears to be a deep human trait..... Communities that have purpose outside themselves have a depth and richness that communities without that outward focus usually lack By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149092/6_Helpful_Questions.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149092/6_Helpful_Questions.aspx Mon, 15 Aug 2016 14:00:00 GMT I think most Christians understand that is important for Christians to be engaged in mission of some sort. However, it is something we tend to outsource to others - overseas missionaries, visiting evangelists, paid ministers, or church programs. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149030/6_Helpful_Questions.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000149030/6_Helpful_Questions.aspx Mon, 08 Aug 2016 14:00:00 GMT I think the church has sometimes defaulted to a classroom mode of developing people through sermons, classes and courses.  In the process we have often settled for the TRANSFER OF INFORMATION and fallen short of the TRANSFORMATION OF LIVES. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148959/6_Helpful_Questions.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148959/6_Helpful_Questions.aspx Mon, 25 Jul 2016 14:00:00 GMT I think we sometimes unconsciously change the phrase 'PERSONAL relationship with God' to INDIVIDUAL relationship with God'. We live in a culture that prizes individuality and autonomy and so 'personal' often unconsciously translates to 'private'. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148910/6_Helpful_questions.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148910/6_Helpful_questions.aspx Mon, 18 Jul 2016 14:00:00 GMT I think one of the great hinderances to growth in our Christian walk is BEING BLASÉ - being indifferent in our responses to the ways we encounter God and the ways God speaks to us. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148855/6_Helpful_questions.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148855/6_Helpful_questions.aspx Tue, 12 Jul 2016 14:00:00 GMT Over the next few blog posts I will be looking at six questions about our Christian lives that are good for us to think about regularly. Reflecting on them can help provide shape and direction to the three dimensions of our Christian lives. http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148680/Books_refered_to.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148680/Books_refered_to.aspx Wed, 22 Jun 2016 14:00:00 GMT In my sermon from Romans 8 titled 'Nothing can separate you from the love of God' I referred to stories from two books. These stories illustrated the two ways we can be convinced of things - information and personal experience. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148657/A_simple_repeatable.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148657/A_simple_repeatable.aspx Tue, 14 Jun 2016 14:00:00 GMT Discipleship and Mission can sometimes seem to be difficult and complicated. That is why I am always on the look out for simple and repeatable practices that can be a great help. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148548/10_Plagues_and.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148548/10_Plagues_and.aspx Tue, 31 May 2016 14:00:00 GMT In direct correspondence to the 10 plagues, the books of Exodus and Numbers, record 10 instances where the Israelites put God to the test by not believing what God had said, by being disobedient, and by grumbling and complaining. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148536/Discipling_Meals.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148536/Discipling_Meals.aspx Sat, 28 May 2016 14:00:00 GMT From these verses and the example of Jesus, From the bible we learn that discipleship should happen in the regular events of life. We shouldn’t rely just on services, programs or even training events. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148297/Getting_Real_with.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148297/Getting_Real_with.aspx Thu, 28 Apr 2016 14:00:00 GMT One category of Psalms, that aren't often referred to are Psalms of Lament. But since our lives are full of downs as well as ups, it is important that we become familiar with these Psalms. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148244/Missional_Meals.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148244/Missional_Meals.aspx Mon, 18 Apr 2016 14:00:00 GMT We think it is important that as Christians we follow the words, works and WAYS of Jesus. When we look at the Gospels, we see a vital part of what Jesus did was have meals with people. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148199/Developing_our_Grow.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148199/Developing_our_Grow.aspx Tue, 12 Apr 2016 14:00:00 GMT On our site, we regularly publish blog post and sermons but when you look for a particular topic, they might not be as easy to find. So we are in the process of adding relevant links to the 'Grow' section of our website. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148183/What_can_a.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148183/What_can_a.aspx Thu, 07 Apr 2016 14:00:00 GMT Christians often talk about having a relationship with God. ... this can sometimes seem a bit confusing and it has the potential to become a 'stock phrase' which we can sometimes struggle to explain. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148127/Missional_Training_Videos.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148127/Missional_Training_Videos.aspx Tue, 29 Mar 2016 13:00:00 GMT Here are some short videos by Alex Absalom. They are full of practical tips to help us be on mission with Jesus in our everyday lives. (We will add more as they are released!) By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148060/Dont_take_Easter.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000148060/Dont_take_Easter.aspx Thu, 17 Mar 2016 13:00:00 GMT I think there is a danger that if we transfer this flattening out to Easter we miss the richness and the depth of these universally significant events. So this Easter try not to treat every day the same. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147936/Pharohs_mummified_heart.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147936/Pharohs_mummified_heart.aspx Tue, 01 Mar 2016 13:00:00 GMT In our relationship with God, we are usually either moving closer to Him with greater openness, or moving away from him either slowly through distracted drifting or more quickly through hardening of our hearts By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147883/The_Joy_of.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147883/The_Joy_of.aspx Tue, 23 Feb 2016 13:00:00 GMT Last week there was a major scientific announcement that Gravity Waves had been detected for the first time. I find the science fascinating but in this post I want to link it to goodness and joy. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147823/Imitating_life_requires.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147823/Imitating_life_requires.aspx Tue, 16 Feb 2016 13:00:00 GMT Effective discipleship or apprenticeship needs both information and imitation... Too often in discipling new Christians we have just relied on conveying information and omitted imitation. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147775/Understanding_the_Parables.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147775/Understanding_the_Parables.aspx Tue, 09 Feb 2016 13:00:00 GMT The gospels record the first disciples going to ask Jesus to explain these parables on a number of occasions. Therefore it is quite natural that we should also have questions about how we should understand the parables. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147726/Learning_something_new.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147726/Learning_something_new.aspx Wed, 03 Feb 2016 13:00:00 GMT The section 11:20-12:14 surrounds the famous 'come to me all you who are weary ...' verses in 11:28-30. This section as a whole can help us understand these verses in a clearer way. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147652/Words_Works_and.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147652/Words_Works_and.aspx Tue, 26 Jan 2016 13:00:00 GMT Looking at Matthew 5-9 to learn from the Words, Works AND Ways of Jesus. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147594/Upside_Down_and.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147594/Upside_Down_and.aspx Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:00:00 GMT In this post I would like give an overview of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) as it is authoritative teaching from Jesus about Character. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147549/Covenant_and_Kingdom.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147549/Covenant_and_Kingdom.aspx Thu, 14 Jan 2016 13:00:00 GMT The two big themes of the bible are highlighted in both Genesis and Matthew By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147350/The_Minor_Prophets.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147350/The_Minor_Prophets.aspx Tue, 15 Dec 2015 13:00:00 GMT One thing that can make it easier to understand these books is to understand who wrote them and when they were written. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147150/The_Minor_Prophets.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000147150/The_Minor_Prophets.aspx Thu, 19 Nov 2015 13:00:00 GMT The 'Minor Prophets' are actually the last 12 books of the Old Testament. And the only reason they are called 'minor' is the length of the books when compared with the 'major' prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000146821/Resisting_temptation_get.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000146821/Resisting_temptation_get.aspx Tue, 13 Oct 2015 13:00:00 GMT ?Temptations to do the wrong thing or NOT do the right thing are common to all of us. They can sometimes be difficult to overcome. In other areas of life, when we have a problem we usually go to an expert for help. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000146779/What_do_those.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000146779/What_do_those.aspx Thu, 08 Oct 2015 13:00:00 GMT As we seek to follow Jesus in community with other people, we usually start using words that have biblical and theological significance. Sometimes we think we know what these words mean, but if we were asked to define them we might struggle. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000146724/The_Particular_Goodness.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000146724/The_Particular_Goodness.aspx Tue, 29 Sep 2015 14:00:00 GMT In the last two posts I have looked at the importance of focusing on the Goodness of God in Creation and Salvation. In this post I want to look at the importance of recounting the particular goodness of God in our personal lives. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000146660/The_specific_Goodness.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000146660/The_specific_Goodness.aspx Wed, 23 Sep 2015 14:00:00 GMT There are parts of creation that we don't experience as good - disasters, sickness, and the sin and evil that occurs between humans. This is where appreciating the second source of God's goodness is vital By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000146569/The_pervasive_goodness.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000146569/The_pervasive_goodness.aspx Tue, 15 Sep 2015 14:00:00 GMT Last Sunday we looked at the importance for our spiritual lives of knowing, understanding, recognizing and appreciating the Goodness of God. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000146528/Memory_verses_arent.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000146528/Memory_verses_arent.aspx Sun, 06 Sep 2015 14:00:00 GMT Memorising verses are valuable for adults as well as children. When was the last time you memorised a bible verse? By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000145582/Learning_to_pray.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000145582/Learning_to_pray.aspx Mon, 22 Jun 2015 14:00:00 GMT On Sunday we looked at how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. He gave them information about prayer in Luke. The Lord's prayer is the foundation of that information and such a rich resource for us today. However he continually gave them .... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000145431/The_value_of.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000145431/The_value_of.aspx Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:00:00 GMT Many times we can be struck by the need to be more like Christ in our Character or Competency - through reading the bible, a sermon, a converstation or even just observing someone who is like Jesus. But often we take the thought no further..... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000145392/I_want_it.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000145392/I_want_it.aspx Thu, 28 May 2015 14:00:00 GMT To become more like Jesus in our Character, we have to feed the fruit of the Spirit in our lives but we also have to weed out sin. One of the important things we have to get better at is dealing with temptation - because temptation comes to all of us... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140428/Some_quotes_from.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140428/Some_quotes_from.aspx Tue, 19 May 2015 14:00:00 GMT A number of years ago I was privileged to attend a two week workshop with Dallas Willard. I was recently going through some notes and thought I would share a few of them here: Spiritual Life is the life that integrates us with the Life of God... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140369/Salvation_stronghold_satisfaction.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140369/Salvation_stronghold_satisfaction.aspx Tue, 12 May 2015 14:00:00 GMT At our church we encourage people to follow the Moravian Daily readings (encounterbc.org). Recently Psalms 62 and 63 have been in the readings. These Psalms describe God as being psalmist's Salvation, Stronghold and Satisfaction. These aren't just ... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140289/Some_recent_3dm.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140289/Some_recent_3dm.aspx Thu, 07 May 2015 14:00:00 GMT Here are some great blogs from various people connected with 3dm around the world. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140166/The_importance_of.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140166/The_importance_of.aspx Tue, 28 Apr 2015 14:00:00 GMT Psalm 37:4 "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Until recently, I didn't think about delighting in God. I loved God, was committed to God, followed God, and had joy in my life. But this verse has inspired me.... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140129/Great_story_about.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140129/Great_story_about.aspx Tue, 14 Apr 2015 14:00:00 GMT This is an article that was published on The Age's website. It describes his experience of coming across an unlikely group of people who turned out to be followers of Jesus and what happened when they offered to pray for him.... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140128/When_I_get.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140128/When_I_get.aspx Tue, 07 Apr 2015 14:00:00 GMT What sort of person do you want to be when you get to the nursing home? Many of us think about what we want to be or do when we grow up, but one day, if we get old enough we will find ourselves in a nursing home..... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140127/Do_you_have.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140127/Do_you_have.aspx Tue, 31 Mar 2015 13:00:00 GMT Many of us have TO DO lists. Some who are more organised will have detailed lists with priorities and due dates. Others will freely move from one task to the next one that comes to mind. However there is something more iimportant than a TO DO list.... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140126/A_key_competency.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140126/A_key_competency.aspx Mon, 23 Mar 2015 13:00:00 GMT Becoming like Christ involves growth in knowledge of the CONTENT of the Christian Faith, the CHARACTER of Jesus, as well as the COMPETENCIES of Jesus.... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140125/How_can_I.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140125/How_can_I.aspx Mon, 16 Mar 2015 13:00:00 GMT When Jesus is teaching his disicples about not worrying (Matt 6:25-34) he tells them to seek first the Kingdom of God. But how do we do that? I think Col 3:1-4 breaks that down into some clear steps.... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140124/Apologetics_its_not.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140124/Apologetics_its_not.aspx Tue, 10 Mar 2015 13:00:00 GMT In 1 Peter 3:15 it says 'But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.'... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140123/Weeds_of_the.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140123/Weeds_of_the.aspx Tue, 03 Mar 2015 13:00:00 GMT The Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 are well known to many - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness .....etc. But what is not often recognized is that in many of the places in the New Testament where positive characteristics .... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140122/A_key_competency.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140122/A_key_competency.aspx Mon, 23 Feb 2015 13:00:00 GMT In the feeding of the 5000, Jesus challenges the disciples to give the crowd something to eat. Now giving people things to eat is a normal, everyday activity that most of us can accomplish (with varying degrees of culinary expertise).... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140121/G_R_O.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140121/G_R_O.aspx Mon, 16 Feb 2015 13:00:00 GMT Recently we have been reflecting on being deliberate in seeking to grow as disciples of Jesus this year. There are three areas we need to grow in: .... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140120/Suffering_and_joyful.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140120/Suffering_and_joyful.aspx Tue, 10 Feb 2015 13:00:00 GMT This excerpt is challenging especiallly for those of us who may be facing great suffering now and I don't want you to experience them as harsh or condeming in any way. The first paragraph holds out the possibility of meeting God in your suffering.... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140119/Busy_and_hurried.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140119/Busy_and_hurried.aspx Sun, 01 Feb 2015 13:00:00 GMT Dallas pointed out to me once that there is a world of difference between being busy and being hurried. Being busy is an outward condition, a condition of the body. It occurs when we have many things to do.... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140118/Easy_is_a.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140118/Easy_is_a.aspx Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:00:00 GMT Here is another excerpt from 'Soul Keeping' by John Ortberg: The Soul needs rest. In the Bible, God never gives anyone an easy job.... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140117/When_the_soul.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140117/When_the_soul.aspx Tue, 20 Jan 2015 13:00:00 GMT As I mentioned earlier, the New Testament book of James uses a fascinating word to describe this condition. It's often translated "double-minded," but the Greek word is dipsuchos - we might think of it as double souled ... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140116/Keep_your_Soul.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140116/Keep_your_Soul.aspx Mon, 12 Jan 2015 13:00:00 GMT The formation of the soul is the most important process in the universe. John Keats wrote, "Call this world if you please 'The vale of soul-making.'" in our day, we talk a lot about self-talk. Apparently, that's a really important part of the human... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140115/How_to_arrange.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140115/How_to_arrange.aspx Sat, 27 Dec 2014 13:00:00 GMT John Ortberg was experiencing frustration at work. He went to Dallas Willard for some advice. I think the advice applies to all of us, whether we are pastors or not because all of us are influencing people as Christians - people at church, family, ... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140114/I_hope_your.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140114/I_hope_your.aspx Tue, 16 Dec 2014 13:00:00 GMT At Christmas six years ago art historian Gergely Barki reluctantly turned the children's movie "Stuart Little" to appease his bored daughter. Hanging on the wall in one of the scenes he saw a long lost avant-garde painting - Sleeping Lady with Black vase By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140113/Who_Was_St.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000140113/Who_Was_St.aspx Tue, 09 Dec 2014 13:00:00 GMT Link to an online article By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000139802/Embrace_the_Busyness.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000139802/Embrace_the_Busyness.aspx Mon, 01 Dec 2014 13:00:00 GMT The next two months are often months of great contrast. December can be unusually busy with projects needing to be finished, school years coming to an end, end of year functions for work, school and a kaleidoscope of other groups, presents to purchase... By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000139800/Everyone_starts_running.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000139800/Everyone_starts_running.aspx Sun, 23 Nov 2014 13:00:00 GMT Have you ever been to an end of year concert for a dance school or a days worth of games at a local soccer club? In both places you will see beginners - usually young - running around in circles. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000139799/The_Soul_Experiment.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000139799/The_Soul_Experiment.aspx Thu, 20 Nov 2014 13:00:00 GMT Here is another quote from John Ortberg's book, Soul Keeping. I am recommending this book for summer reading. We will have several copies available at church. You can also purchase kindle versions from Amazon. By David Wanstall http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000139765/Soul_Keeping_Caring.aspx http://www.encounterbaptist.org.au/Articles/1000139765/Soul_Keeping_Caring.aspx Sun, 02 Nov 2014 13:00:00 GMT This is the title of a recent book by John Ortberg. I found it really helpful and would recommend it. It seems we don't speak much about 'soul' these days - we are much more likely to talk about 'self'. I think we need to redress the balance. By David Wanstall