Signs of the Times

July 2006

The Day God Saved Johnny Cash

Cash made his way to NickaJack Cave on the Tennessee River just north of Chattanooga, Tennessee. He knew several people had lost their lives in the caves across the years, usually by entering and then losing their way. “It was my hope and intention to join that company.”

Workaholism

In our society, work is important. For example, how often have you been at a party and the first question someone asks is “What do you do?” Work, for most of us, is something that pays the bills and gives us the means to enjoy the fun things in life, like holidays and evenings out. But when a person’s work starts becoming the be-all and end-all of their existence, it’s a sign they’re turning into a workaholic.

Is God Responsible?

Although most people avoid talking to each other on the train, the existence of God was discussed with with a fellow traveller. “How could a loving God permit these disasters? As an intelligent person you should be able to see that!”

Does It Matter What I Believe?

A question we hear often is, “Does it really matter what I believe as long as I believe in something?” Or, “As long as your belief helps you, isn’t that all that matters?”

Are You Game?

The rapid development and drastic changes in computer technology has gained much of its momentum and direction from the demands of the gaming industry to be able to render better graphics and produce better sound. Even more interesting than the improvements in technology are the changes in the way games are being used.

No Regrets

Would I regret today? If I were told I would die in one hour, what would I feel about the day I had just lived? I don’t usually think about these sorts of things, but the other day this thought popped into my head as I was driving home very late from a friend’s place. I had just spent an entire Sunday helping two friends shift out of one house and go their respective ways. By the time 3 am rolled around—yes 3 am—I collapsed into my car and started my journey home.

Beating Bugs

When a virus gets into the body, it is up to the immune system to seek it out and destroy it. Fortunately there are a number of things we can do to stimulate immune function and maximise the effectiveness of the body’s defence system.

From Heroin to Heroine

Bringing hope from a broken past, God is using Bronwen Healy’s story to heal those she encounters. A recovered heroin addict, Bronwen, 30, is living proof that God does miracles.

Mass for the Masses

Communion—a remembrance service, originally looking back to the Passover and forward to Jesus’ sacrificial death—was to be a spiritual renewal with the symbolic emblems of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine, representing Jesus’ death as the Lamb of God with the assurance of victory. But this ceremony has been literalised by Roman Catholicism, which teaches that the priest transforms these emblems into the actual body and blood of Jesus, creating a sacrifice equal to that of the cross.

Who Is on Trial?

The Bible paints a very clear picture of judgment taking place in heaven but who is judged, who is judging and what the outcome will be.

Operation Vege Garden

Every year, Australians are invited to make a difference to the lives of those less fortunate. The annual ADRA Appeal helps people overseas, and in Australia. Here's how one innovative project is using donations to help people help themselves.

Dr Feelgood’s Prescription

My three-year-old son makes me think. Sometimes he makes me think, How much should I tip the waiter to deal with this mess? Or he makes me think, How does he break something like that with his bare bands? Of course, there are times when he makes me think, Ah, what an adorable kid! And there are other times when I think, Either this boy really needs a nap, or we should call an exorcist.