Tag Archive for: stephen mcalpine

The City and The City: Living In Formational And Worshiping Distance

By: Stephen McAlpine

In his novel The City and The City, English author China Mieville sets a murder mystery in two cities, Beszel and Ul Quoma.  Bezsel is run down and grimy (think Eastern bloc 1970s), while Ul Quoma is all Singapore glitz and glam.

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Christian Leader: Are You a Painting Or a Window?

By: Stephen McAlpine

Paul is not a painting we look at and wish we could be like; rather he is a window to the awesome rescuing grace of the Redeemer. Leader pride produces personality cults, while leader humility stimulates worship of God. Read more

The Right Coloured Ashtrays for Church

By: Stephen McAlpine

You know God’s doing something special when you’re choosing the colour of the ashtrays for the church not the colour of the carpet.

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How Talia’s Disabled Daughter Taught Her about the Love of God

By: Stephen McAlpine

I have devoted this guest post to a friend of mine, Talia. I have not read anything as moving, as heartbreaking, or as soul-enriching this year. Read more

What Religion, According to Nick Cave, is the “Unhappiest in the World”?

By: Stephen McAlpine

No one does unhappy like Nick Cave. Nick Cave was born to do unhappy. Read more

Red Rope Christianity

By: Stephen McAlpine

Flying. Remember that? I flew a lot in 2019 for my job, mostly interstate within Australia (which admittedly is a big place), but also some international flights. Read more

Aiming to Be Amongst the ‘Two Percenters’

By: Stephen McAlpine

2: 59:59 That was my goal anyway.  My goal for the Perth Marathon.  The magical, and elusive, sub three.

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The Madness of the Unforgiving Crowds

By: Stephen McAlpine

Our culture has a problem with forgiveness.  We live in a post-forgiveness world.  And it’s going to get brutal and cold if the trend continues.  And it is trending.  That’s the precise word for it, because all of the tools are available to unforgiveness to ensure it does.

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Kath Sees Our Christian Community, And She Wants Some

By: Stephen McAlpine

I got home from church last night and my neighbour diagonally opposite, Kath, was out in her garden.  It was a mild evening, sun not fully set, so I wandered over for a chat.

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