Signs of the Times

October 2005

Jim Richards and Son: More to Winning

Whether it just sounds right or because it’s deserved, they call him “Gentleman” Jim. Jim Richards, that is. This versatile driver from Melbourne says of himself, “I like to think I’m a ‘gentleman’ driver, although I’m hard. I’ve never deliberately driven into someone to gain advantage.”

Avoiding Marriage Meltdown

Time and financial stresses, a radically shifting social culture, and changing expectations are only some of the pressures focused on marriage. To hold your marriage together takes more than mere romance—it takes knowledge, commitment and hard work.

Help When Needed

She opened the door slowly, but smiled as our eyes met. I was surprised to see the black and blue marks around her left eye. Over the course of the next few minutes I pretended I didn’t see her bruised face.

New Orleans: City with a Heart and a Soul

In less than five years, we’ve lived through the horrors of New York’s September 11, 2001, terrorist attack, Iraq’s distressing war, the terrifying tsunami that engulfed many, and the recent tragic loss of lives when London’s transport system was assaulted by yet another terrorist group. And when Hurricane Katrina began its advance on New Orleans from the Gulf of Mexico at the end of August, we were prepared to take it in our stride—until, that is, the enormity of the devastation and its human impact were realised.

After the War . . .

Yes, life is good. That’s why the pain and sorrow stand out so much. They seem wrong. Will there never come a time when funeral homes have to shut down, when the armaments manufacturers have to close their factories, and when hospitals have to go out of business for lack of patients? Yes, if the Bible is to be believed.

Fit to Marry

It’s natural to want to look and feel your best on your wedding day. That goes without explanation. You’re motivated, you’re willing, but are you able? The following six-step guide will walk you through the process of how to look fabulous on your wedding day—and beyond.

A Good Reason to Believe

In Iraq insurgents and recalcitrant Saddam hold-outs continue to kill and maim hundreds daily; in North Korea, the threat of nuclear weapons strikes fear in the region; in Africa numerous countries suffer civil war, an Aids epidemic, and dictators produce man-made famines. With so much negative news in our world, what of it is truly significant in the big picture? At times we become desensitised and blasé about the loss of human lives, the hurt and misery of others, and wonder how one can make sense of it all.

Why Be Baptised?

Obviously the practice in this Christian church was baptism by immersion. This site is not unique, as visits to the large baptistery at Pisa or so many other sites of early Christian churches reveal, from the Bible lands of the Middle East to historical locations all over Europe. Christian history attests that the church practised the rite of baptism by immersion for more than 1000 years before it fell out of favour, replaced with the more familiar forms of today. Then the rite of baptism of infants took the place of a “believers” baptism from Scripture.

The Night that Changed My Life

At around 2 am, after a night of dancing, and on the verge of a nervous breakdown, Ian Grice encountered something that brought him to his knees, then a lifetime of service for Christ.

Who Is Man?

What was God’s original idea in creating humankind? And what happened to it?

Lending a Hand

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is one of Australia’s leading humanitarian agencies, well-known for development and relief work in Third world countries. But ADRA also works within Australia, where its primary work is performed mostly by volunteers.

Yabba, Dabba, Do . . . Not!

You look like you need a vacation. Or maybe you’ve just returned from one. It’s hard to tell the difference between a person in need of rest and a person who’s just spent a week in a minivan with two kids and a Tickle Me Elmo. . .