ChatGPT. Cryptocurrency. The Metaverse. The rapid advancements in technological progress over the past decade have revolutionised our standards of living and perspectives on social change. We live in a society where autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence and virtual reality have transcended the realm of fiction and entered into the real world. Although these high-tech innovations are … Continue reading The Gospel of Technology
Does it matter what Bible translation I use?
The Bible is commonly regarded as the world’s best-selling and most widely distributed book. There currently exist over 700 different translations available across the globe, with almost 50 distinct English versions. You might be wondering to yourself: Why can’t all Christians just agree on one translation of the Bible? What are the differences between each … Continue reading Does it matter what Bible translation I use?
Summer Reads Book Reviews
Over the past few months, your fellow ACG members and leaders have written up their reflections on the books that they've read over the course of 2021. Our hope and prayer is that you'll enjoy these reflections and be encouraged to read these books for yourself or with others.
You Are What You Love – James K.A Smith
1. What is the book about? Why do we do what we do? And more importantly, why don't we do what we want to do? In this book, James K.A Smith argues that perhaps it's because we don't really want what we say that we want. The simple premise of the book is that our … Continue reading You Are What You Love – James K.A Smith
Grace Defined and Defended – Kevin DeYoung
If you've stuck around Christian circles long enough, you might have heard of the Doctrines of Grace, also known as the Five Points of Calvinism. Most could likely recite the catchy acronym of TULIP: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace and Perseverance of the Saints. Perhaps some could actually explain what the doctrines … Continue reading Grace Defined and Defended – Kevin DeYoung
This Momentary Marriage – John Piper
What makes a marriage meaningful? Some answers to this might focus on the wedding ceremony, or the diamond rings, or even the love between a man and woman. The Bible tells us that marriage is only a shadow of the greater reality, that is, the relationship God has with us! So then, how does the … Continue reading This Momentary Marriage – John Piper
Don’t Waste Your Life – John Piper
Two fifty-something year old retirees wasting their lives collecting sea shells. The American Dream or modern tragedy? What is the purpose of life? If we only get one shot at life, how do we avoid wasting it? 1. What is the book about? Pastor and theologian John Piper addresses the age-old question that plagues our … Continue reading Don’t Waste Your Life – John Piper
The Church of Laodicea
Imagine for a moment the sweltering heat of a summer day. You try to find chilled refreshing water to quench your thirst, but all that’s available is stale lukewarm water. Despite your best attempts to stomach the unsavoury liquid, you end up spitting it back out. This is exactly what Jesus promises to the lukewarm … Continue reading The Church of Laodicea
Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers – Dane Ortland
Do you ever feel like your Christian life is an endless cycle of sinful stumbling and redoubled efforts? Are you beginning to suspect that God’s patience with you must be wearing thin? At the very least, his love must come with a deep sense of disappointment. For the discouraged, exhausted and burnt out; this book … Continue reading Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers – Dane Ortland
The Church of Ephesus
What would Jesus say to your church if he were to return today? For the church of Ephesus, there was no need for speculation as Jesus spoke to them through the Apostle John in the book of Revelation. On the exterior, the Ephesian believers appeared to be flawless. However, they had a profound heart issue … Continue reading The Church of Ephesus
The Seven Churches of Revelation
The book of Revelation has developed a reputation for being mysterious & prophetic apocalyptic literature, but digging beneath the surface reveals that the book is actually filled with rich pastoral implications. Written by the Apostle John during his exile on the isle of Patmos, the book of Revelation uses vivid symbolism and imagery of Christ’s … Continue reading The Seven Churches of Revelation
Why Should We Catechise?
The Case for Catechisms Well folks, it’s time for the Catechism of the week! If you’ve been a regular member at our GracePoint Sunday worship services, you will have noticed a few additions to our church liturgy over the past year. Most notably, the interactive segment of catechisms, where we get to hear a central … Continue reading Why Should We Catechise?
Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted Because of Righteousness
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10) As Jesus concludes the prelude to his Sermon on the Mount, he pronounces a final blessing unto those who endure persecution for righteousness’ sake. He elaborates on the hardships that his disciples will inevitably face, addressing them … Continue reading Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted Because of Righteousness
Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst For Righteousness
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6) As we approach Jesus’ fourth teaching to his disciples, it is important for us to understand the weight behind his words in order to fully savour His promises. We tend to think of righteousness as moral behaviour, virtuous living … Continue reading Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst For Righteousness
Grace Alone
What is Sola Gratia? Sola Gratia is the Latin phrase meaning ‘grace alone’ and one of the key driving forces behind the Protestant Reformation, alongside faith alone, scripture alone, Christ alone and to God’s glory alone. Grace can be defined as ‘unmerited favor towards the undeserving’. Though the Catholic view affirms that we need God’s … Continue reading Grace Alone
Allelous Community Group 