Preaching over…next up…preaching conference!

I’ve spent the last two weekends preaching. Last weekend at St Lucia I went through Ezra 4-6 emphasising God’s sovereignty as we pursue holiness. Today I had another crack at Proverbs 9 to the youth church with Brisbane Cantonese Alliance Church and emphasised the wisdom given to us because we are in Christ. Monday to Thursday I’ll be attending QTC for a preaching conference with David Cook. So for these few weeks I’m going to be saturated with preaching!

I was struck in my preparations for both sermons how difficult the applications seemed to be. Figuring out the passages and finding some structure to the sermons was ok, this process is falling out quicker than at first. But applications are still something I struggle with. Why?

I’ve been tossing up various reasons for a long time, but it finally dawned on me last Friday before my Proverbs sermon today. Are the troubles I have with applications in sermons due to the fact that I myself am not reflecting on how the passage is applying to me? It struck me between the eyes. The questions I was asking of others I was not asking of myself. So keep praying that I approach God’s word with a soft heart, ready to be confronted, challenged and shaped through it.

YF Camp 2007

I have to admit that this years YF Camp was one of the more memorable ones in recent history. There's quite a few factors, in my mind, which make for a good camp: the camp site, the speaker, the bible studies/groups...to name a few. This year was a great mix of all of them. The talks were challenging and clear and people seem to have been moved to greater depths in their faith. There appears to be much fruit appearing from the camp, so the next few weeks will be crucial in our follow up of the many people who came - particularly the 20 odd non-Christians!

For now, here are some photos from the weekend away :)

Sunset on the Friday afternoon...wow...

The face of a man who cannot handle chilli but has swallowed a tablespoon's worth of Sambal...on a bet!

Sunrise over the dam. 5:30am in the middle of winter was surprisingly warm!

This is my Pastor/Trainer...

The beginning of a love affair...Mikey and the drums that is...

Alvin's baptism...the look on his face screams out, 'Wait! I think I've changed my mind!!'

Not stretching, a friendly game of 'pull-the-string-tucked-into-your-pants'

The best jook breakfast at camp ever!

Sleeping arrangements: because each cabin had a separate 'leaders' room, Steph and I were able to share the same room. But it was in the girls dorm. These were the girls who were 'next door'...

Tim, Michael (camp speaker), and Ping. Separated at birth?

110 people at camp. Another great one to remember :)

And here's a slide show with more pictures and a cool tune. Enjoy :)