Is God Good For You? Panel of expert apologists will answer this question at Onward conference23/5/2019 
If God is so good... why are Christians so bad? why does he condemn people to hell? why is he so against our sexual freedom? Is God good for you? God calls us to live as ambassadors in the world. It can be tough when we are surrounded by objections to our faith. Join us as at Onward 19 this June as our panel of internationally renowned apologists Dan Paterson, Mary Jo Sharp and Wassim Sabry equip us to answer these difficult questions with love and truth. Meet Onward Speakers
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| There are many along the way who have inspired me at different times in different ways by their godly example or a word in season. "The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction." Proverbs 16: 21 Most recently, my dear friend Sam died of a thyroid cancer she had been fighting for 11 years. The cancer finally out ran the drugs. She loved the Lord Jesus and longed to die well. And she did. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" completely summed up her last years. Her desire to share the gospel with her family and friends right till her last breath really challenged my apathy and reticence in my own personal evangelism. She was a Head teacher who was loud, funny and confident but eventually she lost her voice through invasive surgery so she learnt to sign so that she could continue to sing the Lord's praises. |  Sam three weeks before her death. |
Her excitement in anticipation of seeing Jesus face to face confronted how comfortable I am in this world, how easily I forget: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God..." And her funeral, which she had planned down to the last detail was all about Jesus (except maybe her 1970's Motown Disco playlist at the refreshments after the service).
4. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing women in the Western church today?
The challenges are many and varied but I think the one I come across daily is the cult of "Self Love". I see it in the way we raise our children to believe they are the centre of the universe with the resulting carnage in homes and schools. I see it in the way we deal with each other in church - falling out over the slightest misjudged comment or perceived offence. I see it in the way we deal with the problems and issues living in a fallen world throws up. The irony is that believing the world, the flesh and the devil's lies about 'self' leads to fear and anguish - not freedom and happiness. Eventually, I think the cult of "Self Love" will be realised as the cause of some mental health issues, addictions and the breakdown of family life.
The world tells us that we are special, that we deserve to be happy, that we deserve to be treated in a certain way by those around us because we are worth it. We are constantly told we need to work on our self esteem; our self confidence, our self worth or our self actualisation. This all sounds well and good until you realise it actually doesn't work in practise. This is because in order for us to do whatever we want to feel good about ourselves, we are going to make a lot of people around us unhappy. It is a counsel of despair. I'm either going to make you more insecure as I place my worth and my happiness above yours or I'll become more insecure as you don't treat me the way I have been led to believe I should be treated. As Sharon Hodde Miller helpful puts it in her book Free of Me: Why Life Is Better When It’s Not about You:
"The reason self-preoccupation causes insecurity is that it raises the stakes - on dating, parenting, working, and serving - by turning it all into a referendum on our worth. Every slight, every rejection, every awkward interaction must be about us.”
One of the most helpful books I have read on this was Timothy Keller's "The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness". It outlines how God calls us into the bigger story - His story - where we learn to live for him instead of ourselves, as we were designed to before we went for self rule. When we shift our focus off ourselves - our fears, our appearance, our success, our self-doubt - and fix our gaze on Christ alone, we encounter the freedom we were created to have. When we learn what it means to be "In Christ" and we find our identity and security and worth in Him; as we learn to serve rather than be served, we will finally learn to be free of me. If we could learn to live this out as women of Christ I really think it would transform our families, our churches and attract a lost generation to Christ.
The world tells us that we are special, that we deserve to be happy, that we deserve to be treated in a certain way by those around us because we are worth it. We are constantly told we need to work on our self esteem; our self confidence, our self worth or our self actualisation. This all sounds well and good until you realise it actually doesn't work in practise. This is because in order for us to do whatever we want to feel good about ourselves, we are going to make a lot of people around us unhappy. It is a counsel of despair. I'm either going to make you more insecure as I place my worth and my happiness above yours or I'll become more insecure as you don't treat me the way I have been led to believe I should be treated. As Sharon Hodde Miller helpful puts it in her book Free of Me: Why Life Is Better When It’s Not about You:
"The reason self-preoccupation causes insecurity is that it raises the stakes - on dating, parenting, working, and serving - by turning it all into a referendum on our worth. Every slight, every rejection, every awkward interaction must be about us.”
One of the most helpful books I have read on this was Timothy Keller's "The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness". It outlines how God calls us into the bigger story - His story - where we learn to live for him instead of ourselves, as we were designed to before we went for self rule. When we shift our focus off ourselves - our fears, our appearance, our success, our self-doubt - and fix our gaze on Christ alone, we encounter the freedom we were created to have. When we learn what it means to be "In Christ" and we find our identity and security and worth in Him; as we learn to serve rather than be served, we will finally learn to be free of me. If we could learn to live this out as women of Christ I really think it would transform our families, our churches and attract a lost generation to Christ.
5. What can women expect from your talks from Hebrews this year?
I want all women - but especially those who might be feeling discouraged and worn down - to be blown away once again by Jesus Christ. I want them to know who He is; what He has done and how He is all we need to persevere in the Christian life and to cross the finishing line. So I hope we will meet Jesus again in his word and get a glimpse of his greatness. That we will become ‘besotted with’, ‘captivated by’, ‘hooked on’ Jesus again, and as a result - perseverance will rise in our hearts and we will leave determined to keep on trusting in Jesus and following Jesus even through the dark cold winter nights of the soul.
Early Bird tickets now available!
Whether you have been a Christian for many years or are still seeking answers about God, come to OneLove and experience life changing preaching, inspirational testimonies, delicious food, amazing music and fantastic fellowship!
This year we're excited to have Bible teacher Lizzy Smallwood open up the book of Hebrews to encourage us that there is purpose in our perseverance, and Anne-Sophie Rowcroft will share with us from her experiences as a missionary in West Africa.
OneLove will be held on Saturday, 31 August 2019 in the heart of the city, at the beautiful Sydney Town Hall.
CLICK HERE to register now.
This year we're excited to have Bible teacher Lizzy Smallwood open up the book of Hebrews to encourage us that there is purpose in our perseverance, and Anne-Sophie Rowcroft will share with us from her experiences as a missionary in West Africa.
OneLove will be held on Saturday, 31 August 2019 in the heart of the city, at the beautiful Sydney Town Hall.
CLICK HERE to register now.
Stay up to date with OneLove women's conference:
Photo: Tobias Moore (Unsplash)
Balancing life on the edge of eternity can be a difficult thing.
We can feel torn between our present life on earth and our future reality with Christ in eternity. Like exiles and foreigners, we can feel caught between worlds as we long for Jesus to bring us into our spiritual home. While some days on earth are joyful and fulfilling, other days can feel lonely and disheartening. Although we know that God is with us, our hearts, minds and bodies continue to fight against sin and death.
At Katoomba Easter Convention, we will be exploring the theme 'Life On The Edge Of Eternity'. To prepare your heart for KEC, here are 9 promises to spur you on as you wait on the edge of eternity:
We can feel torn between our present life on earth and our future reality with Christ in eternity. Like exiles and foreigners, we can feel caught between worlds as we long for Jesus to bring us into our spiritual home. While some days on earth are joyful and fulfilling, other days can feel lonely and disheartening. Although we know that God is with us, our hearts, minds and bodies continue to fight against sin and death.
At Katoomba Easter Convention, we will be exploring the theme 'Life On The Edge Of Eternity'. To prepare your heart for KEC, here are 9 promises to spur you on as you wait on the edge of eternity:
- The whole world will submit to the lordship of King Jesus; and there will no longer be any threats or competition to His power or kingdom. (Luke 1:32-33)
- King Jesus will rule with perfect righteousness so that every injustice will be judged and every wrong made right. (Luke 18:7, Acts 17:31)
- Our sinful desires that once separated us from God’s holy presence will be eradicated once and for all. We will be made holy with new spiritual bodies that are incapable of sin and death. (Phil 3:20-21, 1 Cor 15:51-57)
- We will no longer have to fear the humiliation or disgrace of our past, present and future sin. We will no longer have to feel shame. (Isaiah 54:4, Rom 5:5, 9:33, 10:11)
- Jesus will return to wipe away every tear caused by death, mourning or pain. (Rev 21:4)
- We will see the fruit of our labour in the Lord and know with certainty that our work and sacrifices were not in vain. (Phil 2:15-16)
- There will be unity and peace as believers from every nation, tribe, people and language group comes together because of their mutual faith and worship of Christ. (Rev 7:9)
- We will enter God’s promise of everlasting rest from the thorns and thistles of work, worry and anxiety. (Heb 4:9-10, Rev 14:13)
- We do not need to fear death because after we die, we will enjoy eternal joy and pleasure in God’s presence. (Psalm 16:11)
Join us at Easter Convention!
Katoomba Easter Convention is an annual retreat for the whole family.
Get away over the Easter long weekend with the entire family and be immersed in God's Word whilst relaxing in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Connect with family and friends, and grow in your walk with Jesus together.
Join us at Katoomba Easter Convention 2019: www.easterconvention.com
Get away over the Easter long weekend with the entire family and be immersed in God's Word whilst relaxing in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Connect with family and friends, and grow in your walk with Jesus together.
Join us at Katoomba Easter Convention 2019: www.easterconvention.com
What characterises a man of faith? Paul Tripp to address this topic at BASECAMP this August.
28/3/2019
What defines a man of faith? What does it look like to live as one? What traits should characterise a faithful and godly man?
This year, Dr. Paul David Tripp will return to the KCC platform to address men at BASECAMP men's conference. He will be speaking on the theme 'Portrait of a Man of Faith', to address how biblical faith gives men a new identity that is very different from the way the surrounding culture defines a man.
The Bible is clear that faith is not just something you do with your brain, but a commitment of your heart that radically changes the way you live your life. This year at BASECAMP we will consider core characteristics in the life of a man that only grow out of the soil of faith in God.
Watch the promotional video for BASECAMP 19 here:
This year, Dr. Paul David Tripp will return to the KCC platform to address men at BASECAMP men's conference. He will be speaking on the theme 'Portrait of a Man of Faith', to address how biblical faith gives men a new identity that is very different from the way the surrounding culture defines a man.
The Bible is clear that faith is not just something you do with your brain, but a commitment of your heart that radically changes the way you live your life. This year at BASECAMP we will consider core characteristics in the life of a man that only grow out of the soil of faith in God.
Watch the promotional video for BASECAMP 19 here:
Bring a group to BASECAMP this year!
BASECAMP is better with your brothers! We encourage Group Leaders to make the most of our Group Deals for each of our events:
BASECAMP Mountains (2-3 August) Group Deal:
Purchase 5 or more tickets upfront during Early Bird to "hold the rate" all the way up to the conference for any additional tickets you need! Valid from 1 March 2019. Just call the KCC office to purchase your additional tickets.
Register now!
BASECAMP Sydney (10 August) Group Deal:
Get every 10th ticket in your cart FREE automatically at checkout! Invite a first-timer or bless a brother in need with this free ticket. Valid from 1 March 2019. Discount automatically applied at checkout.
Register now!
BASECAMP Mountains (2-3 August) Group Deal:
Purchase 5 or more tickets upfront during Early Bird to "hold the rate" all the way up to the conference for any additional tickets you need! Valid from 1 March 2019. Just call the KCC office to purchase your additional tickets.
Register now!
BASECAMP Sydney (10 August) Group Deal:
Get every 10th ticket in your cart FREE automatically at checkout! Invite a first-timer or bless a brother in need with this free ticket. Valid from 1 March 2019. Discount automatically applied at checkout.
Register now!
We are thankful to God that Tony Payne will be joining the KCC platform as a speaker at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC). In this interview, Tony shares on life and faith, and how the resurrection gives him hope in a jaded world.
As you get older...it's easier to become jaded and depressed about the future and indeed of Christianity...But the more starkly and realistically you come to appreciate the nature of sin and its consequences, the more brightly shines the hope of the resurrection.
1. What occupies your time during the week?
This year, I’m dividing my time between two organisations—Matthias Media and Moore College. I’ll be be spending about half of my time as a Writer and Director at Matthias Media, mainly responsible for generating new resources and projects to help churches in the great task of making disciples. The other half will be as the Director of the Centre for Christian Living at Moore College, plus also helping out with some lectures in ethics. I know the Bible says that you can’t serve two masters, and that you will hate the one and love the other. But I honestly love both of my masters this year!
2. What do you think are the benefits of attending conferences like Katoomba Easter Convention?
It’s been a few years since I’ve been to KEC, but it was a regular part of our yearly rhythm as a family in the past. And I think the benefits we experienced were the ones that most people testify to: a time to pause amid the furious regular pace of life to think and pray and refocus; an opportunity to hear God’s word powerfully taught and be challenged about our walk with Christ; a time of fun with our kids, especially mixing with other families; a chance to catch up with many old friends!
3. Who is someone who has inspired or spurred you on in your Christian walk?
I think Phillip Jensen has probably had the biggest influence on my Christian walk: as a teacher and example and encourager. He’s now hit 70, but is still as insightful and passionate as ever for the gospel and glory of Christ.
4. The KEC theme this year is "The end of all things: life on the edge of eternity". How does the 'end times' and promise of eternity with Jesus shape the way you live today?
More than anything it gives me hope. As you get older (I’m 56 now), I think it's easier to become jaded and depressed about the future — of our society, and indeed of Christianity. Somehow things don’t seem as rosy and hope-filled as they were in your 20's. You run up against the stubborn realities of sin, corruption, dishonesty, foolishness and all the rest—not only in your own life and those around you, but in the world more generally. But the more starkly and realistically you come to appreciate the nature of sin and its consequences, the more brightly shines the hope of the resurrection, and the more urgent becomes the work of the gospel. That’s how it is for me anyway.
5. What spiritual disciplines or habits helps you to persevere ahead of eternity?
For me, the most significant is the discipline of continuing to meet in prayerful, word-based fellowship with other Christians. Talking about the encouragement we get from brothers and sisters in the Christian community, especially when we have doubts or struggles, Dietrich Bonhoeffer said: "The Christ in own own hearts is weaker than the Christ in the Word of the brother”.
There’s a lot of truth in that. We can get the wobbles quite easily; we need the Word to come to us from outside—on the lips of our brothers and sisters, whether in preaching or in mutual encouragement and conversation—to help us persevere. I think that is the main means God has used to help me persevere in Christ over all these years.
There’s a lot of truth in that. We can get the wobbles quite easily; we need the Word to come to us from outside—on the lips of our brothers and sisters, whether in preaching or in mutual encouragement and conversation—to help us persevere. I think that is the main means God has used to help me persevere in Christ over all these years.
6. If you could give some pastoral advice to your younger self, what would it be?
That’s a toughie. The easy answer is ‘read the Bible and pray more’ — and that would be true. It’s always true! But I think I’d say two particular things to my younger self:
1. Watch less television, and spend the time you save talking to people more, and reading more.
2. Be stronger in saying 'No' to various good and worthwhile opportunities and activities (including in church life), so as to focus more effectively on the things you’re most responsible for (especially shepherding your family and focusing on the key ministries you’re responsible for).
1. Watch less television, and spend the time you save talking to people more, and reading more.
2. Be stronger in saying 'No' to various good and worthwhile opportunities and activities (including in church life), so as to focus more effectively on the things you’re most responsible for (especially shepherding your family and focusing on the key ministries you’re responsible for).
Hear Tony speak at KEC!
Meet KEC19 Speaker, Tony Payne from kcc on Vimeo.
Join us at KEC 19!
Katoomba Easter Convention is an annual retreat for the whole family.
Get away over the Easter long weekend with the entire family and be immersed in God's Word whilst relaxing in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Connect with family and friends, and grow in your walk with Jesus together.
Register today at: www.easterconvention.com.
Get away over the Easter long weekend with the entire family and be immersed in God's Word whilst relaxing in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Connect with family and friends, and grow in your walk with Jesus together.
Register today at: www.easterconvention.com.
On Tuesday 04 December 2018, KCC’s development application to upgrade its Katoomba site was refused by the Sydney Western City Planning Panel.
The application process has involved many professionals who have partnered with KCC and worked tirelessly and diligently to pursue this vision for the convention site.
At the meeting, the panel chairman acknowledged the excellence of the design, and voted for a deferral to allow KCC time to work with local council and Rural Fire Service to amended plans, however the remaining four panel members voted for a refusal. Further details are included here in our full statement.
The KCC board and management are considering its options in light of this decision in consultation with its advisors, and an update will be provided in due course.
KCC would like to thank all of its supporters and those directly involved in the process and planning to date and invites continued prayer for pathways forward and decisions about the best use of the site.
The application process has involved many professionals who have partnered with KCC and worked tirelessly and diligently to pursue this vision for the convention site.
At the meeting, the panel chairman acknowledged the excellence of the design, and voted for a deferral to allow KCC time to work with local council and Rural Fire Service to amended plans, however the remaining four panel members voted for a refusal. Further details are included here in our full statement.
The KCC board and management are considering its options in light of this decision in consultation with its advisors, and an update will be provided in due course.
KCC would like to thank all of its supporters and those directly involved in the process and planning to date and invites continued prayer for pathways forward and decisions about the best use of the site.
We are thankful to God that Geoff Harper will be joining the KCC platform as a speaker at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC). In this interview, Geoff shares on life and faith, and gives us some advice on how we can persevere and be spiritually disciplined ahead of eternity.
1. What occupies your time during the week?
I teach Hebrew and Old Testament at Sydney Missionary & Bible College. I also write whenever I can carve out some space. Current projects include an edited volume which explores interpersonal forgiveness and a book on teaching Leviticus aimed at pastors and Bible teachers.
Coming from an island nation I enjoy the ocean - so swimming, fishing, kayaking, snorkelling are on the menu as often as I can swing it.
I teach Hebrew and Old Testament at Sydney Missionary & Bible College. I also write whenever I can carve out some space. Current projects include an edited volume which explores interpersonal forgiveness and a book on teaching Leviticus aimed at pastors and Bible teachers.
Coming from an island nation I enjoy the ocean - so swimming, fishing, kayaking, snorkelling are on the menu as often as I can swing it.
2. What do you think are the benefits of attending conferences like Katoomba Easter Convention?
KEC offers the chance to gather with Christians from other churches and regions and is an implicit testimony to what God is doing outside of our own contexts. That is deeply encouraging. The opportunity to sit under good teaching and to sing and pray together is not something to which we all have equal access. KEC can thus be a place of refreshment and re-invigoration to aid us in the tasks God has called us to in our own context.
KEC offers the chance to gather with Christians from other churches and regions and is an implicit testimony to what God is doing outside of our own contexts. That is deeply encouraging. The opportunity to sit under good teaching and to sing and pray together is not something to which we all have equal access. KEC can thus be a place of refreshment and re-invigoration to aid us in the tasks God has called us to in our own context.
3. Who is someone who has inspired or spurred you on in your Christian walk?
Many people have: some living, and many more through what they have written. Above anyone else, I am blessed to have a godly wife who is not afraid to call me out when I'm wrong or to point me to the gospel. There are plenty of times when either (or both!) has been required.
The writings of C.S. Lewis and Martyn Lloyd Jones have also been of immense benefit over the years. Each has, in his own way, demonstrated the importance of a sound biblical understanding coupled with perceptive thinking. While I may not agree with everything, they have certainly helped me sort out my own muddled thoughts as well as inspiring me in my role as a teacher and preacher.
Many people have: some living, and many more through what they have written. Above anyone else, I am blessed to have a godly wife who is not afraid to call me out when I'm wrong or to point me to the gospel. There are plenty of times when either (or both!) has been required.
The writings of C.S. Lewis and Martyn Lloyd Jones have also been of immense benefit over the years. Each has, in his own way, demonstrated the importance of a sound biblical understanding coupled with perceptive thinking. While I may not agree with everything, they have certainly helped me sort out my own muddled thoughts as well as inspiring me in my role as a teacher and preacher.
4. The KEC theme this year is "The end of all things: life on the edge of eternity". How does the 'end times' and promise of eternity with Jesus shape the way you live today?
I hope it gives an overall shape and purpose to my life. The important things are those that will last, they are the ones to invest in. I try (and often need reminding) to work knowing that my labour in the Lord is not in vain and with the goal of hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
I hope it gives an overall shape and purpose to my life. The important things are those that will last, they are the ones to invest in. I try (and often need reminding) to work knowing that my labour in the Lord is not in vain and with the goal of hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
5. What spiritual disciplines or habits helps you to persevere ahead of eternity?
It's hard to go past the key 3: prayer, the Bible, and Christian fellowship. Each of these has been vital for my faith, yet also requires constant attention and investment. Whenever things feel "wobbly," it's usually because one of these three is suffering. At the same time I tend to get bored with routine, so variation is key. For example, I don't follow any particular Bible reading plan. I do, however, keep a track of what I have read to ensure I keep reading through the whole of Scripture (I keep track of what we read with the kids for the same reason).
It's hard to go past the key 3: prayer, the Bible, and Christian fellowship. Each of these has been vital for my faith, yet also requires constant attention and investment. Whenever things feel "wobbly," it's usually because one of these three is suffering. At the same time I tend to get bored with routine, so variation is key. For example, I don't follow any particular Bible reading plan. I do, however, keep a track of what I have read to ensure I keep reading through the whole of Scripture (I keep track of what we read with the kids for the same reason).
6. If you could give some pastoral advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Take personal holiness seriously and strive for it, rather than just assume it will happen by itself. Be aware that the patterns you form early on will have an impact on the rest of your life - for better and for worse.
Take personal holiness seriously and strive for it, rather than just assume it will happen by itself. Be aware that the patterns you form early on will have an impact on the rest of your life - for better and for worse.
Hear Geoff preach at KEC 19!
In this video, Geoff shares what you can expect from his talks at Katoomba Easter Convention:
Meet KEC 19 Speaker, Geoff Harper from kcc on Vimeo.
Register for KEC 19!
Katoomba Easter Convention is an annual retreat for the whole family.
Get away over the Easter long weekend with the entire family and be immersed in God's Word whilst relaxing in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Connect with family and friends, and grow in your walk with Jesus together.
Register today at: www.easterconvention.com.
Get away over the Easter long weekend with the entire family and be immersed in God's Word whilst relaxing in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Connect with family and friends, and grow in your walk with Jesus together.
Register today at: www.easterconvention.com.
Stay up to date with Katoomba Easter Convention:
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