Author: Jimmy Day

John 14:6 is a well-known verse that is often quoted in isolation as proof of the exclusivity of the Christian faith: that Jesus is the only way to God the Father. Jesus tells his disciples, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” But is Jesus declaring the uniqueness of the religion that will one day bear his name, or does he have something else in mind?

Context

Canadian evangelical theologian Dr. Don Carson wrote, “A text without a context is a pretext for a proof text.” We do the Scriptures and the Christian faith a great disservice when we select a verse from the Bible and make it say what we desire without considering its context within the larger narrative.

Let’s explore the context of John 14:6. Approximately half of John’s Gospel concentrates on the last week of Jesus’ life. The events progress quickly, and John shares details that no other gospel writer includes, such as the raising of Lazarus and the ensuing plot to kill Jesus due to the religious leaders’ envy of his popularity.

In John 13, the disciples come together for the Passover meal. Jesus washes their feet and predicts Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial. What Jesus says in John 14 also takes place while they are seated around the table for the Passover meal, giving us a rich context to understand his words.

Famous Last Words

Jesus will be arrested later that night; therefore, his words in these chapters are commonly known as the Farewell Discourse, which includes Jesus’ final words before his death. If you know you’re about to die, you don’t waste time or words. You get straight to the point and express what weighs heavily on your heart.

In John 14, Jesus consoled his disciples because he had informed them that he would be betrayed, denied, and would leave them. He told them, “I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.”

Reassurance

Jesus’ disciples were in a state of sorrow and needed consoling, as this was not the ending they anticipated. They had hoped for a Messiah who would overthrow Rome and re-establish Israel and God’s Kingdom. A suffering Saviour was not what they envisioned. Therefore, Jesus’ words at the start of John 14 are intended to reassure the disciples, offering them comfort and a sense of security:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Oh, Thomas!

Thomas hears Jesus and disagrees with him: “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

The following verses (7-11) are a bit tricky to grasp, but to summarise, Jesus teaches that one way to understand what God is like is by looking at him (Jesus). The Jewish Annotated New Testament states, “To know Jesus and his works is to understand and know God.” In that sense, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. The first followers of Jesus called themselves The Way.

Exclusiveness

John 14:6 is often regarded as the basis for the exclusive claims of Christian salvation. In other words, many Christians believe and preach that people cannot know God unless they accept Jesus, as suggested by John 14:6. Is this true, and does John imply this in the verse?

I appreciate the explanation given by The New Interpreters Study Bible (p. 1937), which offers extensive notes from ninety leading theologians:

“John 14:6 expresses the central theological conviction of the Gospel of John: Jesus is the tangible presence of God in the world (1:1-18). The language of Father and Son points to the intimacy of the relationship between God and Jesus. Humanity’s encounter with Jesus the Son makes possible a new experience of God as Father (see 1:12; 20:17). Yet John 14:6 is often interpreted in ways that misuse its central theological claim. What John intends as particularism, many contemporary Christians wrongly interpret as exclusiveness. John 14:6 celebrates how Jesus reveals God for those in this particular faith community and is not a statement about the relative worth of the world’s religions. John is concerned with helping Christians recognise and name their God and the distinctiveness of their identity as a people of faith.”

If this is true, John 14:6 is not a statement of exclusiveness but rather a statement of truth that applies to anyone who follows Jesus. When we follow Jesus, we discover in Him a revelation and experience of God as Father.

Jesus’ intent in his words recorded in John 14 is to console his disciples. It would hardly have been appropriate to turn this time of sadness into a declaration of, “Oh, by the way, from now on, the religion I’m starting is the only right one. All the others are wrong. Anyway, don’t be sad!”

Other Ways

The Scriptures reveal various ways for us to know God. For instance, in his letter to the Romans, Paul writes about knowing God through His creation and human conscience. This exploration of alternative ways to understand God encourages us to be open-minded and inclusive, acknowledging that people who have never heard of Jesus can come to realise that God is real and reach out to Him.

The apostle Paul conveyed this to the people of Athens: “God Himself gives everyone life, breath, and everything else. From one man, he made all the nations…God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

Summary

To summarise, I don’t believe Jesus intended to make a statement of exclusiveness in John 14:6. However, another verse appears rather firm, which is part of Peter’s sermon in Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

In John 14:6, Jesus comforts his followers, assuring them that although he will die, it is not the end of the story. While they can’t follow him now, they eventually will. Jesus’ death and resurrection paved the way for anyone who trusts him to follow through death and be resurrected in the Father’s presence. If you’re seeking a relationship with your creator, I encourage you to pray to Jesus and accept Him as your Saviour.

If you’re keen to explore this topic further, I encourage you to listen to the following episodes of the Digging Deeper Podcast:

 

#9 Second chances after death

#32 People who never hear about Jesus

#82 How can I know that God exists?

#98 Is Jesus the only way to God?

The Victorian State Government has taken a significant step by launching a Parliamentary Inquiry into the recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organised fringe groups. This inquiry, responding to several media reports over the past few years, is a crucial move that aims to illuminate manipulative and abusive cult practices that have profoundly harmed individuals.

Why?

In 2023, Season 4 of the Listnr podcast, “The Secrets We Keep,” highlighted “Australia’s oldest and hardest line Pentecostal Church, the Geelong Revival Centre.” Late last year, the Nine Entertainment Group, publishers of The Age newspaper (among others), picked up the story. I found it both fascinating and alarming as investigative reporter Richard Baker revealed tales of religious manipulation, harsh punishments, extreme teachings, and sexual abuse.

These reports have prompted the state government to take action, and I’m pleased they have. However, it highlights the church’s urgent need for self-regulation. For many years, I have wondered why the church, in general, does such a poor job of recognising destructive behaviour within its ranks and addressing it. Why do we wait for the government to intervene, only to often complain that the state is meddling in the church’s affairs and limiting its freedom?

Example One

Two glaring examples spring to mind. Firstly, the decades of child sexual abuse by clergy and religious leaders. Paedophile priests were moved from parish to parish, and abusive pastors were often allowed to continue in ministry because their churches were so successful. Frank Houston and the CLC movement come to mind. Finally, the government stepped in when Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in November 2012.

The church’s inability to self-regulate is shameful. We must question: Why was the abuse concealed for such an extended period? Why was it accepted instead of being revealed and reported?

Example Two

For years, pastors—including myself—promoted reparative therapy for gay individuals. Groups like Exodus International publicised stories of men and women who were gay but had transitioned to being straight. So, when someone came out to us, we sent them to Exodus to get rid of their “unwanted same-sex feelings.”

However, there was a problem— it didn’t work, and the Exodus testimonies were found to be untrue. In the early 2000s, a young man I had sent to Exodus approached me after a service and shared the impact that the ministry had on his life. He was depressed and suicidal, and his sexuality remained unchanged. He’d devoted ten years of his life to reparative therapy, which yielded no results. His story prompted me to reflect and ask questions. I discovered that his experience mirrored that of everyone else involved with the ministry.

In 2012, Exodus president Alan Chambers renounced conversion therapy, asserting that it was ineffective and harmful. The subsequent year, Chambers dissolved the organisation and expressed regret for the pain and suffering their programs had caused. Although Exodus is no longer operational, some smaller ministries remain in existence. This is why governments have intervened and outlawed this damaging practice.

I look forward to the day when a more mature church, having learnt from past mistakes, will self-regulate, recognise harm, and act to minimise it. This hope for a better future should inspire us all to work towards it.

What?

The inquiry into cults and fringe groups in Victoria examines how they recruit and control individuals. It is currently open and is expected to report back by 30 September 2026. You can submit your response here. I will be submitting on behalf of Bayside Church.

The inquiry does not aim to judge anyone’s beliefs; rather, it focuses on protecting individuals from harm. It seeks to determine whether current laws are sufficient to address groups that use manipulation or control in ways that can cause significant harm to individuals.

Distinction

An important distinction made in the Inquiry notes is that patterns of behaviour, rather than a group’s ideology, distinguish cults from other groups. A destructive cult may hold beliefs similar to those of a church, but it engages in harmful behaviours such as:

  • Isolating members from their friends and family—a practice known as shunning.
  • Demanding total obedience and punishing members for perceived disobedience while employing guilt or fear to manipulate their thoughts, such as requiring permission to date or marry.
  • Suppressing individuality.
  • Abusive behaviours including financial, psychological, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as other forms of coercive control.

High Demand

The inquiry will also focus on high-demand religious groups, which significantly influence congregants’ choices regarding “education, employment and opportunities, relationships, resources and lifestyle.” While these groups may not be classified as cults, they do require a substantial level of commitment from their members. Previous research has characterised high-demand groups as “absolutist and nontolerant” of other beliefs, upholding strong leadership hierarchies and fostering unquestioning obedience.

We have observed the systematic dismantling of several high-profile and high-demand churches in recent years across the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. I believe we will see more of this in the future.

Concerns

Some are concerned that any subsequent legislation arising from the inquiry may cross the line into state interference in church affairs. I will mention this in my submission, and if you’re worried about it, I encourage you to raise it as well.

Melbourne-based author and researcher Sarah Bacalle has penned an insightful article for ABC Religion and Ethics, affirming the inquiry while also raising some concerns. She writes, “The Victorian inquiry is an important step, but the committee has an extraordinarily complex task ahead of them in untangling where the threads of accepted theological belief and practice end, and where “high demand” religion and coercion begin. Nevertheless, the recognition itself by wider society that religious contexts can inflict damage feels deeply significant and validating, partly because of the depth and complexity of trauma that can emerge in such settings. This is a form of trauma whose processes are often hidden within in-groups and are not widely understood by those outside them.”

I am deeply concerned for those who find themselves caught up in cults and high-demand religious groups. I have personally been involved in such churches. The expectations placed on staff and members were enormous, leading to exhaustion, burnout, and, in one case, a complete nervous breakdown.

The church should be a place where souls can find rest in God’s grace and community with His people. We ought to use our gifts cheerfully, not out of compulsion. Godly leaders will reflect God’s nature and help people to “lie down in green pastures…beside quiet waters” where their souls can be refreshed.

Please pray that the committee is guided by wisdom in this inquiry. Submissions can be made online until 31 July 2025.

I find a narrative emerging from certain Christian circles deeply disturbing. On the surface, it sounds righteous, but upon reflection, it is unbiblical, unjust, and simply not very much like Jesus. This narrative, which I refer to as ‘enforced religion,’ involves imposing religious beliefs or practices on individuals or groups, often against their will or in a manner that infringes on their rights.

The narrative I’m referring to is cloaked in the language of religious freedom or rights; yet, it infringes on the freedoms or rights of others, a concern that we all should share.

In Australia

In last week’s blog, I mentioned the Christian Values Checklist, which the Australian Christian Values Institute regularly updates for state and federal elections. This blog is not intended to be an exposé on this organisation. I refer to them as an example of my concerns about enforced religion.

For instance, one of the “Christian values” on the checklist is retaining the parliament’s opening with Christian prayers. As a Christian, I appreciate that parliament opens with an acknowledgement of country, followed by two Christian prayers—a parliamentary prayer and the Lord’s Prayer.

However, I also (as a Christian) have concerns for those in Parliament who hold no faith or adhere to a belief system other than Christianity. Jesus taught the Golden Rule: Treat others just as you want to be treated. It raises the question: If I were an atheist, a Buddhist, or a Hindu, how would I like Christians to treat me? Would I experience Jesus’ love and grace by being subjected to enforced religion?

The Australian Christian Values Institute website discusses religious freedom and freedom of speech. However, some of its views deny liberty to those with differing beliefs—a stance that fails to respect our society’s diversity.

Australian churches and Christian schools must consider this if anti-discrimination laws are reconsidered. Compromise is essential when balancing the competing interests of various parties. I feel we Christians often want to protect our rights at the expense of others. Selfishness is NOT a Christian value.

In America

Across the Gulf of Australia, in the good ol’ US of A, there are even more concerning examples of enforced religion. Last year, the Republican-backed Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, ordered that “every public school classroom in Louisiana has…to display a poster of the Ten Commandments.” Did you notice the word “ordered?”

Now, I value the Ten Commandments and the ancient wisdom they convey. Still, I can’t help but wonder if they would be more impactful if displayed in the White House and Mar-a-Lago, especially the parts about adultery and not bearing false witness against thy neighbour. There are Christian people in the U.S. who enforce the commandments in schools, yet support a president who openly flaunts Moses’ laws.

Meanwhile, a top education official in Oklahoma has ordered schools to incorporate the Bible into lessons. Republican state Superintendent Ryan Walters stated that the rule is compulsory and requires “immediate and strict compliance.” This represents enforced religion.

Paul’s Reflections

Back to the Ten Commandments for a moment. Please read 2 Corinthians chapter 3 and reflect on the apostle Paul’s commentary on these ancient laws. Paul contrasts the Old Covenant with the New—the Law with the Spirit—and speaks derogatorily of the Ten Commandments. He describes them as:

  1. The ministry that brought death (7).
  2. The ministry that brought condemnation (9).

These Christians promote a message other than the Gospel by legislating the Ten Commandments in schools. Paul said, “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

Jesus’ Way

Later in 2 Corinthians chapter three, Paul announced, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Freedom, not enforced religion; freedom is Jesus’ way. Nowhere in the gospels do we find Jesus coercing anyone. When a wealthy young guy approached him and asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus went straight to the heart of this guy’s problem and addressed the idol in his heart:

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this, the man’s face fell. He went away sad because he had great wealth.

Jesus didn’t chase after him and say, “Listen, mate. If you don’t repent, you’ll burn in hell forever.” There was no coercion or control. Jesus gave him complete freedom to make his own mind up. Some theologians, including myself, believe this man was Barnabas, who later chose to follow Jesus and sold some of his property to help the poor.

Freedom

I encourage you to be wary of anyone—Christian or not—who constantly insists on freedom of speech or religious liberty. They invariably seek freedom for themselves while denying it to others.

Nicholas Ferroni is a high school History teacher, education activist and host. I love this Tweet he posted back in 2022: “If you are okay with having Muslim, Jewish and Hindu students sit through a Christian prayer in public school, and not okay with having Christian students sit through a Muslim, Jewish or Hindu prayer, then it’s NOT religious freedom- it’s religious oppression.”

Reflect on this: when we Christians prioritise our desires at the expense of others’ freedoms and rights, it is not religious freedom; it is religious oppression—and religious privilege.

God created humans and bestowed upon us the gift of free will, granting us the ability to choose, even if it means making poor decisions and facing the consequences. However, no one is coerced, which is why I detest enforced religion. I urge you to be cautious of it as well.

Whenever there’s an election, I’m reminded of how little some sectors of the church have learned about the detrimental impact of polarising political statements made by churches and church leaders on the Gospel.

While I support Christians participating in politics or running for political office, the church as a whole—and pastors in particular—must remain above politics, nonpartisan, and committed to its central message: the good news of God’s love and grace through Jesus Christ. Anything that obscures that message is an enemy of the Gospel.

Too Political

Several years ago, the Barna Foundation commissioned research among young adults (ages 16-29) to determine why they did not engage with or had ceased to be involved in a church. One of the six reasons was that the church was “too political.”

I find it bewildering when church leaders make politically divisive statements, despite the evidence showing that this harms the cause of Christ. Sadly, we have observed a significant portion of the American church aligning politically, resulting in disturbing effects.

Conservatives Only?

A while ago, I saw a post on a pastor’s Facebook page encouraging his followers and congregation to “Let righteousness reign. Put Labor and the Greens last!” I realise this reflects the views of many conservative Christians, but my question is: what message does this send to people in that church who may disagree? What about people who do vote Labor or Green and still love Jesus? What about those in the broader community who are considering Jesus and the Church but are put off by this statement? Isn’t the Gospel inclusive, or do you have to change how you vote when you become a Christian? Also, why is it “righteous” to vote for a conservative party?

I don’t ask the people in our church who they vote for—it’s not my business—but I imagine we have all sorts of political perspectives at Bayside Church. Some of our members are conservative, while others have told me they’re voting for the Teals. Others are Green or Labor. People in our church are free to follow their conscience and vote accordingly. Our unity is found solely in the person of Jesus, whose kingdom is not of this world.

The Checklist

The aforementioned pastor shared the following chart compiled by the Australian Christian Values Institute.

The Christian Values Checklist informs voters about what each political party represents regarding various moral and ethical issues. The chart states, “On many welfare and social justice issues, the party policies are very similar. Our aim is to deal with the moral and ethical issues that are rarely, if ever, discussed publically [sic] in an election campaign.” I’ll return to that statement later.

The implication is that if you are a devoted Christian, you will likely vote for Family First, One Nation, or Trumpet of Patriots.

They Come and Go

In times past, the Australian Christian Values Institute has commended the Christian Democrats, the DLP, and Rise Up Australia. The Christian Democrats, Fred Nile’s party, were dissolved in 2022 by the courts due to longstanding legal challenges and governance issues. In the same year, the DLP (Democratic Labour Party) was deregistered because of a lack of members. Rise Up Australia was voluntarily deregistered by the Australian Electoral Commission in 2019. Rise Up’s leader, Danny Nalliah, has been surrounded by significant controversy for many years.

In 2025, we have some new parties to uphold “Christian values,” but if you can’t stomach any frontrunners, then the Nationals or the Libs would be your choice. However, whatever you do, “Let righteousness reign. Put Labor and the Greens last!”

Christian Values?

Let’s examine those Christian values. Predictably, they align with what one would expect from conservative Christianity in Australia, which has been significantly influenced by American Evangelicalism. In this tradition, the two main issues Christians should concentrate on are matters related to abortion and the LGBTQ+ community (stop both as much as you can).

While the chart helps you understand the various parties’ stances on these topics, I can’t help but notice the missing elements, which brings me back to the statement about welfare and social justice issues. Why separate these from a Christian Values Checklist?

Are refugees, the homeless, those living with mental illness, and victims of domestic violence not worthy of the Christian vote? Which party or parties have the best policies in place to help those on the margins of society? The chart includes nothing about those living in poverty, and it appears that the environment was added as an afterthought! Maybe I’m wrong, but is caring for God’s creation less critical than opening Parliament with a Christian prayer? And, on that topic, since when has it been a Christian value to force people to say a prayer if they don’t want to? Selah!

Jesus’ Example

For followers of Jesus Christ, He remains our example of Christian values. Jesus began and concluded His ministry with unequivocal value statements:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favour has come.”

At the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus proclaimed that his followers would care for the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and those in prison.

You’ll notice the overlap in Jesus’ statements. It seems His heart for those struggling in life didn’t change during His ministry years, and it still hasn’t.

As you vote in this or any election, consider what is important to you, but don’t stop there. What about others, especially those on the margins? The people for whom Jesus mainly showed concern. Paul put it this way, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

Jesus said, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Being like Jesus means we will be interested in the people He showed interest in, such as those who are homeless, sick, or in prison; the poor, orphans, and widows; as well as those living with disabilities or who are victims of domestic violence.

Your vote should support candidates who implement policies that demonstrate care and concern for the most vulnerable members of our community, as well as for God’s creation.

A Final Word

The church and Christian leaders must remain non-partisan. The Gospel is good news for all people. The church does not thrive when in power; it’s not meant to rule nations or manipulate political systems. It’s intended to proclaim a message of reconciliation with a God who loves people and a Saviour who died and rose again to extend amazing grace. Let’s never lose this focus.

This year, the Bayside Church family is reading through Acts and the epistles, guided by my devotional book FRESH. In the past week, we’ve been reading Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian church, and a verse jumped out to me that I’ll discuss in this blog:

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: Mind your business—MYOB.

Good Ambition

In much of the New Testament, ambition has negative connotations, usually labelled selfish ambition. But here, Paul uses the word positively, encouraging these Christians to strive to outdo each other as who shall have the honour of being the most peaceable member of the church community.

The Thessalonian Christians showed love to others but weren’t always getting it right. Some were overly caring and meddlesome, giving unsolicited advice, forcing their opinions on others, and trying to control others’ actions. Have you ever encountered someone like that? Are you that person? I have learned to ask people if they would like my advice or help. I no longer presume.

Busybodies

In my decades as a Christian and a pastor, I’ve encountered far too many busybodies—interfering, nosy, and gossipy individuals who meddle uninvited in the lives of others. Bayside Church has suffered more from such people than any other immoral behaviour.

Peter also cautioned the church community against behaving this way: If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer, thief, or any other type of criminal, or even as a meddler. It’s quite striking that Peter includes busybodies and gossipmongers alongside criminals.

Over Caring

Then, some people are overbearing because of being overcaring. They are the “How are you really” crowd. They ask you how you are, and you tell them you’re fine—because you are. But they really, really want to care, so they must dig a little deeper. How are you really?

I am not suggesting that we shouldn’t ask follow-up questions or show genuine interest in others; however, we need to be cautious to ensure that our caring doesn’t become interference. I’ve met people who gather information about others by asking numerous questions and then using that knowledge to assert power. They influence people to be vulnerable to satisfy their own need for self-importance.

Paul tells the Thessalonian Christians that being meddlesome and interfering is not how God has taught us to love one another: Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: to mind your own business—MYOB.

Quotes

Solomon wrote much about this in his wisdom collection, Proverbs. He dramatically stated: Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own. It’s a powerful picture that meddling will ultimately cause YOU harm.

I love this anonymous quote: “Never worry about what I’m doing. Only worry about why you’re worried about what I’m doing.” Please reflect on that statement, especially if you’re one of those followers of Jesus who’s constantly venting about other people on social media. Why are you so worried about them? What does this say about you?

Irish Biblical scholar Alec Motyer, author of The Message of James, wrote: “A fig must have a fig tree as its source, a grape can only come from a vine, an olive from an olive tree; salt water has a salt source; sweet water a sweet source; bitter words a bitter heart; critical words a critical spirit; defamatory, unloving speech issues from a heart where the love of Jesus is a stranger.” (P. 127).

A Painful Lesson

A man was walking past a school, and all the kids shouted, ’13….13….13.’

The fence was too high to see over, but he saw a little gap in the planks, so he looked through to see what was happening, and someone poked him in the eye with a stick!

Then they all started shouting ’14….14….14!

MYOB

Scripture teaches us to concentrate on our own concerns without interfering in the affairs of others. It encourages us to uphold a strong work ethic in a meaningful occupation, motivating us to work diligently, rest adequately, and enjoy leisure. It inspires us to gather with fellow believers and share our lives, but refrain from meddling. It prompts us to sustain prayer, Bible reading, and study habits, all while nurturing genuine and practical care for those less fortunate than ourselves.

And so, make it your ambition to live quietly and peacefully, and to mind your own affairs and work with your hands, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders [exhibiting good character, personal integrity, and moral courage worthy of the respect of the outside world], and be dependent on no one and in need of nothing [be self-supporting]. MYOB.

We preachers bear an enormous responsibility for the care and spiritual welfare of the people we teach and guide. This burden gripped me as a young pastor and has never left.

My Responsibility

Paul the apostle instructed the young men Titus and Timothy to “encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” And “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” Each preacher must ensure their teaching is accurate, helpful, and sound because “the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” I have sadly watched the fulfilment of Paul’s words through the multiplicity of YouTube clips, podcasts, and online preachers who operate with little or no accountability.

A verse in James has remained at the forefront of my mind for decades: “Not many of you should become teachers…because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” I take James’ advice seriously. There will come a day when I—and every other preacher—will stand before God to give an account of my life and what and how I built into others’ lives through my preaching. It’s a sobering thought.

Your Responsibility

But you also have a responsibility:

Every Christian should examine what they hear by doing their own study.

We need to listen to a sermon with an open mind. We must resist being cynical—where nothing is right—or gullible—where nothing is wrong. Paul wrote, “Test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.” In other words, swallow the meat but spit out the bones!

A Bad Example

On Paul’s second church planting trip, he, Silas and Timothy arrived in Thessalonica, Macedonia’s largest port. As was his custom, Paul headed to the synagogue to announce the gospel to Jewish people and God-fearing Gentiles. Some believed Paul’s words, but others were jealous and caused a riot that threatened his life, so “as soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea.” These people rejected what they heard before they had done their own study. They set a bad example, which is then contrasted with the good one.

A Good Example

On arriving in Berea, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now, see how Luke describes the people there: “The Berean Jews were of more noble character (fair and open-minded) than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

The Bereans received Paul’s message with readiness, not bias, prejudice, or preconceived ideas like the Thessalonians. They were humble enough to be told something new and open enough to re-examine their beliefs even though Paul’s teachings challenged their former views.

The Bereans carefully investigated the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. They undoubtedly did this together, reading, discussing, and maybe debating. I encourage you to do likewise. The result of their open-minded, humble inquiry led them to faith in Jesus. Let’s be like that!

Question

Every time I teach the Scriptures—whether through a sermon, blog, or podcast—I do so as someone who has trained extensively and studied diligently for many decades. However, that doesn’t mean I know everything. It doesn’t mean I’m infallible. It doesn’t imply that I am always right or suggest that I never change my mind.

I encourage you to search the Scriptures and question what you hear (from me and others). The Bible is not just a book of answers; it was written to provoke questions. Scripture should never be used to shut down a discussion. It should be used to generate debate.

Be Curious

As you read and study scripture, what questions can you ask about the text or story? Christians should consider how the text points to or reflects Jesus. How does it draw me into a closer relationship with Jesus? Does this verse or story also align with what I know about Jesus?

Other questions could include:

  1. Why do you think the people acted in the way they did?
  2. How would you suggest they behave?
  3. How would you respond in similar circumstances?
  4. Were they good people who responded poorly because of experienced trauma?
  5. What would Jesus do?

A question has power that surpasses the answer. Exploring the Bible and God is supposed to be healthy engagement that, if done with respect, leads to growth. As Jacob wrestled with God, Christians should grapple with God and scripture. The Bible permits us to search and question.

A Western Problem

This approach to the Bible might be counterintuitive to those raised in a Western context. But the Bible is an Eastern book that reflects our messy life experiences. Its pages contain stories, songs, proverbs, and precepts that resonate with everything we face. The Bible has done its job if our discussions cause powerful positive change.

This can sometimes make us uncomfortable as if we’re adrift and unsure of our beliefs. To conclude, I want to provide you with an anchor point. Whenever I have doubts, confusion, or unanswered questions, I always turn to Jesus’ simplicity—who He is, what He did, what He’s doing, and what He will do!

Keep Faith Simple

Jesus teaches us to become like little children who never lose their childlike qualities even as they mature. The Bible is exceptional and life-changing but sometimes puzzling. When I’m confused, I return to simplicity, which is beautifully illustrated in the story of Karl Barth, the greatest Protestant theologian of the twentieth century who was deeply familiar with the complexities of scripture.

When Barth was at Rockefeller Chapel on the campus of the University of Chicago during his U.S. lecture tour in 1962, a student asked him during a Q&A session if he could summarise his entire life’s work in theology in a single sentence. Barth responded, “Yes, I can. In the words of a song I learned at my mother’s knee: ‘Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.'”

 

Christie and I just finished watching the Apple Cider Vinegar series on Netflix. Many people were discussing it, and we found the story intriguing. If you plan to see it, be warned that the six episodes contain strong, coarse language and disturbing themes, including stillbirth, terminal illness, and drug use.

The timing of the series couldn’t be better. With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. poised to assume one of the world’s most influential health positions, it is a stark reminder that wellness quackery remains alive and well. We must be cautious and discerning in our approach to health and wellness, especially considering current popular trends.

Truth/Fiction

The series is an excellent Aussie production about wellness guru Belle Gibson, who claimed: “She treated her own cancer solely through nutritious meals and alternative medicine and how she built a successful lifestyle brand around the lie.”

While that part of the story is authentic, the series employs believable fiction to convey its message. American actor Kaitlyn Rochelle Dever plays Belle Gibson and perfectly captures the Aussie accent. The rest of the cast consists mainly of outstanding Australian actors.

My Story

I am not writing this blog as a cynic. I have used natural therapies for decades and continue to do so. My GP employs a combination of medical and alternative remedies. In my blog, I discussed one example of this: “Help! I need to lose weight.”

I’ve always had an interest in health, diet, exercise, and well-being. Until the age of 21, I explored various New Age teachings. After dedicating my life to Jesus, I prioritised holistic health—mind, spirit, and body. However, I have also witnessed some misuse of these principles that led to premature death. Christians should exercise wisdom in all areas of life, and achieving a balance in health practices is essential.

Hyper Faith

Many years ago, a lovely couple joined Bayside Church. They’d moved from interstate because the wife had cancer and needed to be closer to her treatment. They’d been part of a Word of Faith church where the pastor recommended healing prayer rather than medical treatment.

By the time they moved to Melbourne, the cancer had progressed and eventually became untreatable. We held 24-hour prayers for her, and many people fasted. Sadly, this precious woman passed away. If she had adhered to medical advice, she might have fully recovered, but instead, she received poor guidance from her pastor.

I attended a Word of Faith church in Perth for several years. Churches like this have much to offer, but an overemphasis on the Christian’s divine right to physical health and prosperity can be dangerous. Word of Faith teaching often leads to disappointment (when God doesn’t come through) and blame (if it’s not God’s fault, then it must be yours). Be cautious of any Christian who advises you to ignore medical advice or to discontinue medications. For more on this, listen to my teaching series, Ending the Confusion about Healing.

Divine Healing

My previous comments are not meant to discredit supernatural healing. I have experienced God’s intervention several times when I was unwell. I have prayed for people and seen them healed—including from cancer. I have also prayed for people who continue to suffer or pass away.

Healing is a complex subject and certainly not equivalent to salvation. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” but not everyone who prays for healing—or is prayed for—will experience healing. Christians must learn to distinguish between the temporal and the eternal. Concerning our bodies, Scripture states, “Outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

Temple Care

Our body’s limited lifespan should not be an excuse for neglecting it. Paul wrote: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you.” Reflect on that. Our bodies are temples of God’s Spirit. How well are you caring for your temple?

It concerns me when Christians overemphasise their spiritual life at the expense of their physical health. I’ve observed Jesus’ followers at fellowship lunches and in conference green rooms shovel large quantities of processed “food” into their mouths with little regard for the consequences.

As I mentioned in the blog, “Help! I need to lose weight,” I neglected my health during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to my becoming pre-diabetic. My doctor prescribed medication for this, but it served as a wake-up call to return to healthy eating and exercise, allowing me to enjoy the resulting weight loss. I lost 17 kilos, my pre-diabetic status reversed, and I was taken off the medication.

How many physical conditions and illnesses stem from poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, and excess weight? I do not imply that these factors cause all illnesses, but I am fascinated by how our bodies—our temples—respond to care.

Big Pharma

During the pandemic, we heard people refer to Big Pharma in a derogatory manner. When I first encountered the term, I thought they were talking about a tall man working on the land. The expression originated in the 1990s and has come to imply that pharmaceutical companies have a sinister agenda focused on keeping the population ill and dependent on their drugs. “They” know there’s a better way, but “they” conceal it from you because they are profiting. It’s the David and Goliath story revisited. We’re the little guy standing up to big brother.

This blog is not about defending the medicinal sector. Like many other businesses and organisations (churches included), I recognise that the pharmaceutical industry has been responsible for abuses. Numerous TV series have aimed to expose its corruption.

But let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Many medicines are derived from plants (such as aspirin, penicillin, and powerful painkillers like OxyContin, morphine, and codeine) and animals (including blood thinners, antidiabetics, and anaesthetics). I believe God created these things for our benefit. Over the centuries, astute individuals have discovered treatments that cure illnesses and alleviate human suffering. Many benefits remain undiscovered. It’s like a divine treasure hunt that will lead to more cures in the future.

Last year (2024), the Australian pharmaceutical market was valued at AUD 20.84 billion. In a decade, it is expected to exceed AUD 40 billion. The global pharmaceutical market was estimated at US$1.5 trillion in 2023 and is projected to double by 2034. This is a significant industry, but so is the dietary supplements sector, which was valued at nearly US$200 billion last year. Vitamins make up the lion’s share of this industry, many of which are unnecessary in a healthy diet. They essentially result in very expensive urine.

A Call to Wisdom

God’s people are called to live according to wisdom. James wrote, “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” A wise person will remain open to reason about their spiritual and physical well-being.

I encourage you to eat healthily and exercise regularly. To age well, include cardio, stretching, and resistance training in your weekly routine. If you’re unwell, seek medical help and request prayer, pastoral care, or counselling.

Listen to experts. If you’re uncertain about treatment, seek a second opinion. Don’t confuse a Google search with genuine research. Visit your GP for regular check-ups. Never stop taking prescribed medications without consulting your doctor. Steer clear of wellness influencers and anyone offering simple solutions to complex issues. For example, research suggests that social media posts about cancer contain up to 80 per cent misinformation.

Finally, connect with others. Engaging in a supportive church community and volunteering are excellent ways to promote well-being. Regarding apple cider vinegar, there is limited evidence for its benefits, but it is generally safe when used properly.

Matthew’s gospel recounts one of Jesus’ parables about a landowner who hires workers at different times throughout the day—early in the morning, at 9:00 AM, Midday, 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

At the end of each day, he paid all the workers the same wage, regardless of how long they had worked. Those who worked the longest complained, but the landowner responded that he was being fair and generous, as they had all agreed on the wage.

Focus

The parable, often titled ‘The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard,’ actually centres on the vineyard’s owner. It could be aptly named ‘The Parable of the Compassionate Employer.’ This man exemplifies incredible grace, compassion, and sensitivity for the unemployed. Though kind and generous, his actions are misunderstood, a common plight of the benevolent.

I think of the many times I’ve seen labourers on the roadside in developing countries. These men are desperate to work and don’t know from one day to the next whether they’ll be successful. Imagine the humiliation and uncertainty:

Will I get any work today?

Will I be able to feed my wife and kids?

Will I return home broke and ashamed to the hungry faces of my family?

Many of these blokes linger by the roadside, clinging to hope. In our tale, those who stick around are ultimately rewarded.

Courage

In the first century, labourers worked twelve hours, and the daily rate was a denarius. Today, a denarius would be worth about $60. Those employed at sunrise (6:00 AM) would work hard throughout the heat of the day, hoping they’d be hired for a second day or longer.

The landowner made four additional trips to the marketplace to reward the raw courage of those who remained hopeful for work. Most labourers would leave by noon, but these workers stayed eager and ready. They were not among those who gave up. Their courage in uncertainty is a testament to the human spirit. The owner doesn’t offer them charity; he’s interested in providing a hand-up, not a handout.

The Payout

By day’s end, there were five groups of workers. Only Group One had a verbal contract: “He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.” Groups two, three, and four had a promise: “I will pay you whatever is right.” Group 5 was only offered work with no mention of pay.

When evening came, the vineyard owner told his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’

Why does the master instruct the foreman to pay the last first? Because if he’d done it the other way around, no one would have complained. Everyone would have been happy. So, why deliberately upset people? Read on …

Rising Anger

Imagine the increasing irritation of group one as people who had worked for only an hour or a few hours were paid a denarius. Group One hoped they’d be paid more, but they all received the same.

Jesus’ parable does not focus on equal pay for equal work. This story concerns the overpaid, not the underpaid—and no one is underpaid. Jesus told this parable to teach people about God’s amazing grace, which is resented by those who feel that they have earned their way to more.

The complaint from group one reveals the deep prejudice in their hearts: you have made them equal to us. Their words resonate with the same intensity as those of the older brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, who couldn’t stand the overwhelming grace bestowed by the loving father on his wayward son.

Judas showed a similar attitude when Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. “Why this waste?” exclaimed Judas, the treasurer, the thief. Unfortunately, some people find grace infuriating, and those who have experienced it are often the worst at sharing it with others.

The Take-Home Truth

Jesus shared this parable to illustrate his statement, ‘But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.’ In Jesus’ time, some viewed themselves as the first because they were respectable, pious, and spiritual. Then, Jesus came along and associated with tax collectors, sinners, and other ‘undesirables’ who had been ostracised from Israel’s religious community. He extended precisely the same level of grace to them, teaching that these people were equal to the in-crowd, a message that still resonates today.

Jesus extended precisely the same level of grace to them. His parable taught that these people were equal to the in-crowd, and the in-crowd didn’t like it.

Nothing’s Changed

Have you come across Christians like this? — good, Jesus-loving folks who find it overwhelming when the amazing grace they’ve received is also offered to those they consider unworthy. The same words resonate throughout two thousand years of church history: “You have made them equal to us.” And Jesus replies, “Yes, that’s right. I have.”

In God’s eyes, everyone IS equal to you – get used to it!

As we in Australia watch from a distance as people’s equal rights are wound back in the USA, we wonder if this could also happen here. The answer is yes. Already, years of work towards racial and gender equality have been wound back. Equality is under attack for people of colour, women, gay and transgender people, prisoners, and immigrants. The next four years could be simply awful for people in these and other minority groups.

Christlike?

What also concerns me is seeing and hearing fellow Christians cheering this on. Sometimes, I wonder if we follow a different Jesus or read the same gospels.

Let’s be clear: we lose nothing when others are made equal to us. We don’t surrender our rights and privileges—we share them. In Jesus’ parable, those who worked all day didn’t miss out—they received everything promised, and justice was served. The Compassionate Employer enabled each man to provide for his family and make them proud. He instilled self-worth in them, while those who worked all day sought to deny these blessings. They were greedy, wanting more for themselves and didn’t care for others.

I encourage you to support the equality of others, advocate for those on the margins, and include those who are often overlooked, even in our churches. This is not only a moral duty but also a call to action.

Several years ago, Bayside Church developed an inclusion statement, our firm commitment to upholding the dignity, honour, and equality of all people. If you’re looking for a church with these values, I invite you to join us on the journey.

The blog’s title is from a childhood story—not just a Taylor Swift song. The story is about a farmer with an old mule. One day, the mule fell into the farmer’s well. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the hassle of saving.

Instead, he gathered his mates and told them what had happened, enlisting their help to haul soil to bury the old mule in the well and relieve its misery. Initially, the old mule was in a right state of panic! But then, a thought struck him as the farmer and his mates shovelled soil. It dawned on him that every time a load of soil hit his back, he should shake it off, not letting it weigh him down, and step up, using it as a platform to rise higher. And that’s what he did, blow after blow.

“Shake it off and step up… shake it off and step up… shake it off and step up!” the mule chanted to motivate himself. No matter how painful the blows or distressing the situation seemed, the mule fought panic and kept shaking it off and stepping up!

It didn’t take long for the old mule, battered and exhausted, to stroll triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him instead freed him, all because of how he handled his adversity. This is a powerful reminder that our challenges can lead to incredible growth and transformation when faced with courage and faith. The challenges that seem to bury us often hold the potential to benefit us—and others.

Shake Off

As we begin a New Year, I encourage you to shake off the following:

  1. Shame: the things that embarrassed or discredited you.
  2. Failures: As Zig Ziggler said, “Failure is an event, not a person!”
  3. Hurts: Is this year the time we finally end nursing what upset us?
  4. Regrets: Will they define, confine, or refine us?
  5. Successes: It may sound strange, but some past achievements can hinder future progress.

Step Up

Here are a few valuable suggestions that can help us shake these things off and step up:

Closure: Write down the things you want to shake off and then burn or bury the piece of paper or create your own ritual to separate yourself from them.

Forgiveness: Relinquish your desire to get even.

Resolve: New habits develop through perseverance. It’s not always easy to shake off our past and step up, but with determination and commitment, we can create new habits and attitudes to help us overcome our challenges and grow stronger.

Rely: on God and others. (James 5:16; John 15:5, Phil 4:13, Eph 6:10). Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strength daily. Remember, with God’s strength, we can overcome any obstacle, and with His guidance, we can find the courage to shake off our burdens and step up.

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is shaking it off and stepping up. See your troubles as stepping stones instead of tombstones.

The Scriptures

Sacred scripture is replete with the stories of people who experienced all kinds of trouble. God’s people are not exempt from life’s trials. I encourage you to read the accounts of people like Paul and Silas, who were imprisoned while serving God, or Jeremiah, who was put into a well and left to die because people didn’t like his insights. Then there’s Joseph, who was rejected, falsely accused, abandoned and overlooked before being made Egypt’s prime minister.

During Egypt’s seven years of plenty, God blessed Joseph and his wife with two sons whom Joseph gave Hebrew names:

Manasseh means “Causing to forget.” Joseph said, “God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.”

Ephraim means “double fruit.” Joseph said, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”

Never Forget

Scripture teaches us some vital lessons that we’d do well to remember, especially when life is challenging:

  • God is never unfaithful or unkind, even when circumstances seem otherwise.
  • God’s promises are true in His timing, not ours.
  • We aren’t responsible for the behaviour or attitudes of others, but we are accountable for our own!
  • God’s grace is always sufficient for every situation!
  • God is always present, even when you feel abandoned.

In his study on Joseph, Pastor Keith Krell wrote, “If Joseph hadn’t served the cupbearer and baker, he would have never heard and interpreted their dreams. If he hadn’t interpreted their dreams, he would have never interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams. And if he hadn’t interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, he would have never been placed in a position to deliver God’s people. And if he hadn’t delivered God’s people, the Messiah never would have come to save us from our sins! Remarkably, our salvation was, in part, tied to Joseph’s willingness to serve his fellow prisoners when others may have been swirling in depression, asking, “Why me, God?”

What future blessing depends on our willingness to shake it off and step up?

 

In 1914, as European soldiers marched off to the first major war of the 20th century, they claimed they would return home by Christmas to celebrate their victory. However, the young men did not arrive by Christmas. The war dragged on for years, and Europe would never be the same again.

Christmas Eve

However, in December 1914, a truly unexpected event unfolded on the Western Front. It was Christmas Eve, and the weather suddenly turned cold, freezing the slush and water in the trenches where the soldiers were hunkered down.

In the German trenches, soldiers began to light candles. British sentries reported that small lights were raised on poles or bayonets, and although these lanterns illuminated the German troops, the British refrained from firing. Even more astonishingly, British officers observed through binoculars that some enemy troops were holding Christmas trees over their heads with lighted candles on their branches! The Germans, who celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, extended holiday greetings to their foes.

Christmas Carols

A few German soldiers began singing carols, and soon, others along the line joined in, harmonising. Then they started singing, “Silent Night! Holy Night!” The British quickly recognised the melody and joined the Germans.

One of the most remarkable incidents in military history occurred then. Against all odds, soldiers from both sides laid down their weapons and ventured into no man’s land—too many to be deterred by their superior officers’ objections. An undeclared truce spontaneously emerged, defying all orders and military rules of engagement.

Christmas Peace

One eyewitness account appears in the wartime diary of veteran Frank Richards. In it, he writes: “We stuck up a board with ‘Merry Christmas’ on it. The enemy stuck up a similar one.

“Two of our men threw their equipment off and jumped on the parapet with their hands above their heads as two of the Germans did the same, our two going to meet them. They shook hands, and then we all got out of the trench, and so did the Germans.”

Richards explained that some German soldiers spoke flawless English. One soldier, who had worked in Brighton before the war, expressed his frustration with the conflict and said he would feel relieved when it was all over. His British counterpart agreed.

Christmas Celebrations

The German officers took the lead at the Christmas gathering, supplying barrels of beer for their men and some for the British soldiers. They exchanged small gifts, ranging from chocolate bars and tobacco to tins of processed beef. Others joined in, and as the day progressed, this mass fraternisation spread along the front, featuring soccer matches between the two forces. Men who, the day before, had been shooting to kill were now sharing tots of rum and showing each other family snapshots.

The men gathered around campfires, singing Christmas carols, with “Silent Night” being the favourite since both sides were familiar with it. Before midnight, they said their goodbyes and returned to their lines.

This remarkable historical event has been immortalised in the film Joyeux Noel. I encourage you to watch it this Christmas, but make sure to have plenty of tissues handy!

Christmas Gift

What the world witnessed in the 1914 event is merely a glimpse of the purpose for which Jesus came. Jesus, God in the flesh, brings good news that causes great joy for all people and peace on Earth to those on whom his favour rests. So, the angel said to the shepherds: “Today, in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” “Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.”

The Saviour brought peace to the battlefield, transforming hostility into a Silent Night—a holy night where all was calm and bright. Warring men experienced heavenly peace firsthand as well as the dawn of redeeming grace. This profound event exemplifies the peace and goodwill that Jesus brought to Earth, serving as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of His message.

Christmas Present

Peace can be easily found despite all the conflicts, quarrels, and disagreements that still rage on Earth. It’s the most incredible peace of all—peace with God and peace with others when we choose to lay down our differences and embrace others simply because they are created in God’s image. And, unlike the soldiers in 1914, let’s decide not to take up our disputes again the following day!

Why not get to know God this Christmas by inviting Jesus to be your Saviour and friend? The greatest Christmas gift you could ever receive is the presence of God in your life. As a result, you can bring peace to this Earth and goodwill towards others.

 

Joy to the World is a favourite Christmas carol and one of the many hymns written by Isaac Watts. Watts was a famous hymn writer who composed around 750 hymns from the 1600s to the 1700s.

Family

When Isaac Watts was born in 1674, his father was in prison for his Nonconformist views. Nonconformists were Protestants who did not believe that the Church of England had sufficiently departed from the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church and refused to conform to it. Watts was born into a period of violent religious disturbance and hatred across England, Scotland, and Wales.

His father was eventually freed and fathered seven more children. Isaac respected his father’s courage and remembered his mother’s tales of nursing her children on the jail steps.

Young Isaac

Watts’s early brilliance was evident: he mastered Latin at age 4, Greek at age 9, French at 11 (to communicate with his refugee neighbours), and Hebrew at 13.

When he was 16, Watts went to London to study at a leading Nonconformist academy. From his late teens, the young Isaac Watts complained about hymn singing in church. He once wrote: “To see the dull indifference, the negligent and thoughtless air that sits upon the faces of a whole assembly, while the psalm is upon their lips, might even tempt a charitable observer to suspect the fervency of their inward religion.”

Tired of his complaints, his father challenged him to write something better. The following week, the young Isaac presented his first hymn to the church, which was met with an enthusiastic response. This marked the beginning of his prolific career, during which he wrote hundreds of hymns, including the well-known ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.’

In 1702, at 28, he became the pastor of one of London’s most influential independent churches.

Other Work

Watts was more than a poet; he was also a scholar of broad standing, especially in his later years. He wrote nearly 30 theological treatises, articles on psychology, astronomy, and philosophy, three volumes of sermons, the first children’s songbook, and a textbook on logic that served as a standard work on the subject for generations.

In 1719, Isaac Watts released a collection of hymns based on the Psalms. This collection included ‘Joy to the World!’, a hymn that continues to be sung and cherished to this day; a testament to the enduring impact of Watts’s work.

Sickness

It’s fascinating that Isaac Watts would be best remembered for a joyful song when there was much in his life that we would not ordinarily associate with joy. Early in his ministry, he began suffering from a psychiatric illness that would plague him for the rest of his life. He eventually resigned from his church work in 1712 due to a severe sickness that Watts believed would end his life prematurely. Despite these challenges, he continued to find joy in his work and his faith.

In the Spring of 1714, Sir Thomas Abney, Lord Mayor of London and a member of Parliament, invited Watts to spend a week with his family at their country home at Theobalds. He hoped the rest would aid him in his recovery. Watts lived with the family until his death thirty-four years later, serving as the family’s chaplain and tutor to the Abney children.

Rejection

His illness and unsightly appearance took their toll on his personal life. A disproportionately oversized head topped his five-foot, pale, and skinny frame. His skin was yellowish, and he had a large hook nose and small grey eyes.

Almost every portrait of him depicts him in a gown with ample folds—an apparent attempt by the artists to disguise his appearance—which was probably the reason for the poet Elizabeth Singer’s rejection of his marriage proposal. They corresponded for several months, and there was talk about marriage, but she could not get past his looks when they finally met. One biographer noted, “Though she loved the jewel, she could not admire the case that contained it.”

Paradox

Most people experience a life that combines joy, suffering, and everything in between. Despite the many setbacks, difficulties, and rejections he faced, Isaac Watts’s life was still full of intense creativity, brilliance, and deep joy. His life is a testament to the fact that we all experience a mix of joy and suffering, and that these experiences can coexist.

One of the most well-known hymns is “Joy to the World,” a paraphrase of the last half of Psalm 98:

Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!

Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!

Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!

Let the earth and all living things join in.

Let the rivers clap their hands in glee!

Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord.

For he is coming to judge the earth,

He will judge the World with justice and the nations with fairness.

Reflect

So, when you hear or sing Joy to the World this Christmas, I encourage you to reflect on the song’s author’s words and life. Like ours, Isaac Watts’ life embraced all the highs and lows of human existence.

The Christmas season celebrates a time when God invaded this world with the wonders of His love. Whatever this year has been like, let us all anew appreciate the deep and solemn realisation of what Jesus’ birth means to us—Joy to the World; the Lord has come; let every heart prepare Him room.

A couple of weeks ago, I posted seven Bible verses on my Facebook page about how to treat foreigners. These verses, from both the Old and New Testaments, speak to the importance of welcoming and caring for strangers. I’ll post them at the end of this blog, and I encourage you to read and reflect on them. My only comment at the top of the post was, “Food for thought.”

Why?

I was asked why I posted these scriptures. I have two reasons: I highly regard the Bible and enjoy spreading its timeless teachings. Second, I have observed an increasing anti-immigrant posture among Christians over the past two decades or so, which has been amplified by some of Donald Trump’s rhetoric on deporting millions of illegals when he comes to power.

So, I posted the Bible verses. What could possibly go wrong? I mean, it’s Scripture. We love God’s truth—except, of course, when it conflicts with our prejudices. When this occurs, we look for some wriggle room or attempt to justify why “this” verse doesn’t apply to us or to this situation.

Comments

What followed was a sometimes healthy conversation about immigration—illegal or otherwise. However, some of the comments were unkind. So, I explained my post: “Just to clarify. I’ve posted these verses as “food for thought” as stated. They were written to Jewish believers and Jesus’ followers. How could/should they inform how WE treat the foreigner amongst us as well as those seeking refuge? If you want to politicise them, we could ask ourselves how these scriptures could inform how we vote (for example). Pls discuss.”

Later, I stated: “Maybe I need to be more careful about which Bible verses I post. In future, should I stick to ones that don’t rattle cages, biases, and preconceived ideas? Asking for a friend.”

Full disclosure: I’m an immigrant. When I was twelve, my parents, Ten-Pound Poms, my sister, my brother, and I emigrated from the UK. I am grateful for my parents’ courage and for Australia’s welcoming embrace. I feel at home here and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

Clarification

Since my Facebook post, it would be helpful to explore this topic further. What does the Bible teach, and what are my thoughts on immigration? Here we go!

Firstly, I am not an advocate for open borders. Every country has a sovereign right to determine who should and should not enter. No nation can cope with an unlimited influx of people, straining resources and being unjust to its citizens. Consider Acts 17:26: “From one man [God] made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”

Christians also believe that God has given governments the responsibility to safeguard the stability and security of their people. (Not all nations satisfy this obligation.) Anyone who commits a crime needs to be brought to justice. If that person is not a citizen, authorities should have the right to deport them once they have completed their sentence in Australia—if it is safe and possible.

However, I acknowledge that governments don’t always get this right, and constituents will vote to protest poor policies and decisions—something that has happened in Australia with the offshore detention of asylum seekers and, recently, in the US with the ‘zero-tolerance’ immigration policy that led to family separations.

Politicising People

The problem, as I see it, is when people are used as pawns to gain political power. Some parties see immigration as a vote winner, and it is. Sometimes, the argument is couched in compassionate terms: “We need to stop people from drowning at sea.” “We must break the people smugglers’ business model.” While I agree with both statements, they sound hollow and insincere. I hear, “We don’t want more of these people in our country—send them back to where they came from.”

God does not see people as political pawns, and neither should God’s people. Immigrants, like all humans, are made in God’s image and possess inherent dignity. Christians should advocate for and vote for policies that respect the God-given worth of every person.

To cheer on a politician who uses dehumanising language about precious people is contrary to walking with Jesus. To call all immigrants criminals is simply untrue. I often ask myself what I would do for my family if we were in an unsafe country. The answer is ANYTHING. I would do everything in my power to move us to a place of safety and provide my family with the best prospects in life. The vast majority of immigrants and refugees are just like us. They want a better life, to be safe, and to look forward to a hopeful future. Let’s remember to empathise with their situation.

Most unauthorised immigrants in the United States have lived there for at least a decade and have not been convicted of any serious crimes. Deporting millions of these people will result in family separation on an extreme scale. For example, almost 5 million US citizen children live with at least one unauthorised immigrant parent who would be at risk of deportation. The economic and legal impacts of these policies will also be chaotic for the US.

War and Persecution

Imagine escaping conflict, oppression, and discrimination to arrive in a country where some politicians and residents serve up more of the same—placing people in indefinite detention and forcibly separating children from their parents. The levels of cruelty we have witnessed from policies like this are heartbreaking.

Jesus summarised all Scripture by teaching us to “Treat others as you want them to treat you.” Would you want to be detained, deported, or chastised if you were seeking a better life? Of course not, so why would you support a politician with policies that do just that and then defend them even though they contradict your faith and scripture?

The non-Christian world observes this hypocrisy, rolls its collective eyes, and takes another step away from the church, the faith, and Jesus. You can preach the Gospel until you’re blue in the face, but if your actions drown out your words, what’s the point?

Conclusion

Please consider what I’ve written in this blog and reflect on the verses below. These scriptures do not cover everything the Bible says on this topic, but they make a clear point: believers are not to oppress or mistreat anyone. The Lord considers all people the same, so should we.

 

 

Leviticus 19:33-34: When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself.

Exodus 22:21: Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.

Zechariah 7:9: The Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’

Number 15:16: This law will never change. I am the LORD, and I consider all people the same, whether they are Israelites or foreigners living among you.

Deuteronomy 27:19: Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.

Matthews 25:35: For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.