Podcast Episodes

Apprenticeship to Scripture

In last week’s edition, we discussed the advantages of thinking about Christian disciples as ‘apprentices’—that is, as the kind of learners who devote themselves to learn a new knowledge-based practi…

Published on 5 years, 6 months ago

The apprentice

I received a number of requests after last week’s post on the ‘Yeah-But defence’ to say more about the little hobbyhorse I mentioned in the PS—regarding how we think and talk about church and worship…

Published on 5 years, 6 months ago

The Yeah-But defence

When someone challenges me to change the way I think or act, they can expect to meet a well-organized resistance.

They will have to punch through a layer of conceit that doesn’t want to admit that I …

Published on 5 years, 6 months ago

This Corinthian life

After living in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians an awful lot over the last three years, I have realized two things—first, I’ve been living in Corinth for most of my life; and second, with God’…

Published on 5 years, 6 months ago

I'll have Claytons, thanks

It’s an ad that Aussies of my generation grew up with. Jack Thompson, in his ruggedly good-looking larrikin phase, says to the barman, “Claytons thanks, Brian”.

A dumbfounded onlooker responds, “On t…

Published on 5 years, 7 months ago

One-another evangelism?

In this week’s edition, I want to answer an insightful question that Dave Pitt posed after reading my piece about small groups and one-another edifying speech. 

Hi Tony,

Thanks for this great article. …

Published on 5 years, 7 months ago

Where two or three are gathered

Perhaps predictably, last week’s post about ‘ministry in the year of covid19’ generated quite a bit of interest. This week’s edition is a follow-up about the power and possibilities of ‘one-another m…

Published on 5 years, 7 months ago

Neither a prophet nor a prophet’s son

One of my hopes for The Payneful Truth is that it will be an opportunity for the very thing I discussed in last week’s edition: for us to speak the truth in love with one another, for mutual instruct…

Published on 5 years, 7 months ago

Small groups and ‘church’: what’s the difference?

(Welcome to the second edition of The Payneful Truth. Feel free to forward this email to your friends or use the ‘share’ button at the end to spread the word.)

It’s early March (as I write this) and a…

Published on 5 years, 8 months ago

Why speaking the truth is payneful

(Welcome to this first edition of The Payneful Truth. For the audio version click on the play button above, or for the text version, just read on … )

Naming anything is difficult. Babies, sporting tea…

Published on 5 years, 8 months ago