Sophie Timothy

“Are you Fluent Yet?” by Ruth Adams

I loved this piece because it really put me in the shoes of a first year cross-cultural worker, and gave me practical tips on how to speak with my friends who are doing cross cultural work in encouraging ways.

“In Porn’s Chains” by Kaley Payne

This story left me thankful for the work of Christ in Simon’s life, and for his honesty and ministry to men caught in the chains of porn. An incredible story of how Christ can set us free from sin.

“Hip Hop artist tagged by god” by Sophie Timothy

Pete is a larger than life character, whose story is by turns dramatic and inspiring. I think about the way God has worked in his life to not only bring him to knowledge of Christ, but is using him to bring the good news to people across Australia. What a gift he has, and a heart for the ministry. It was a privilege to tell his story in Eternity.

John Sandeman

Are you embarrassed about the Old Testament? Do you wonder how the actions of Islamic State differ from what God told Israel to do under Joshua? Andrew Shead, an OT teacher from Moore College, told us that we need to read the Joshua story closely to see what really lives in the Christian closet.

“The Hillsong song that every Christian can sing” by Karen Mudge

The headline said it all, for one of the most read stories of the year.

The story of the “Jesus Loves Muslims” street stall in Melbourne’s Swanston Street is even more newsy than when we ran it in the May 2014 Eternity. Some Christians found the “Jesus Loves Muslims” sign too much. The stall is run by Dr Bernie Power a lecturer at the Melbourne school of theology.

Kaley Payne

Where are the female CEOs in Christian organisations? by Sophie Timothy

I was inspired by the three women Sophie Timothy interviewed in March this year, who lead some of Australia’s Christians organisations.

The first scriptures for the Nyoongar people celebrated in Perth by Kaley Payne

I loved writing this article and learning just a little bit more about the Nyoongar people of Australia’s south-west region. It blows my mind that there are still people in Australia who don’t have access to a Bible in their own language. And I was truly moved by the excitement and dedication of those involved in the translation work. There’s something really beautiful about seeing words from the Bible in a different language, knowing that within the unfamiliar lettering is meaning that you also hold in your heart.

The Christian Alone by Michael Jensen

This article from Michael Jensen reminded me that the Christian life “asks for silence as well as speaking”. That’s a hard lesson for an extrovert who loves to talk and who gets bored easily when she’s alone! But one I’ve been challenged to consider a lot this year.

Tess Holgate

“HOLY WAR: Islamic State & Israel in the Old Testament” by Andrew Shead

I know John already chose this one, but I just love this article for the way it doesn’t brush away the hard questions, but brings them to the Bible looking for real and meaningful answers. It doesn’t brush away the horrific sins committed by Christians throughout history either, it simply owns responsibility where it ought, and ends with a note of hope.

“Cuba says ‘sí’ to the Bible” by Suzanne Schokman

What I love about this story is that people in a gospel-poor country are crying out to have access to the Bible. It fills me with such joy and excitement to know this, that I just want to jump on a plane with a suitcase full of Bibles and hand them out on the streets of Havana.

“Hope for the Pacific Islands” by Sophie Timothy

Domestic violence is such an insipid evil in our world, and it floors me when anyone, anywhere would think it’s okay to hit a woman. I love this story because it both shocks me as it reveals some widely held attitudes towards women in the Solomon Islands, and also reports on ways in which those views are being challenged from the Bible. I love seeing change as a result of people knowing the Bible better!