Word on Wednesday with John Mason

The opening lines of Psalm 95 read: O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving.How often do we express our gratitude to the LORD? Do we thank him daily for his countless mercies? This podcast reflects on the significance of thanksgiving in our relationship with God.

One of the things I love about the Bible is its earthy realism. It understands the world we live in - the good and the bad, the grief and the joy. It also understands how we feel about life's injustices.Find out more in this week's podcast.

Depression is a reality experienced by many people. Psalms 42 and 43 testify to this. In both Psalms the writer asks why he is depressed. 'I believe' he says. 'Why then do I feel as I do?' Find out more in this week's podcast.

Many people these days experience depression. It's not something new and should not be lightly dismissed. Psalms 42 and 43 reveal lessons from the experience of the psalm writer which can help us. Find out more in this week's podcast.

Twenty four years after the events of 9/11, it is easy to put aside the hideous, evil acts that cut short lives of people going about their daily affairs. However, it can never be said that the Bible knows nothing about catastrophic events - and not least human evil and its devastating effects on this world. Psalm 46 introduces themes we often overlook. Find out more in today's podcast.

Christians, especially in Northern Nigeria, are reckoned to be the most persecuted people in the world. Our hearts cry out with the repeated words of Psalm 13: How long, O LORD ...? Our sense of right and wrong and our cry for justice suggest we live in a moral universe.Find our more in this week's podcast.

Studies reveal that Christians are the most persecuted people in the world. The theme of the persecution of God's people is not new. Psalm 2 begins: Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? Find out more in this podcast.

Have you ever been resentful of people whose lives seem successful? The very thought of them strips any sense of happiness from you. There's nothing wrong with being successful. The question is, what value do we put on it? Does success represent what life is all about, or is there more to life? This second reflection on Psalm 1 identifies our two life choices.

Happiness is something we long for. But how can we achieve it? Can it be a goal? Or are there too many variables outside our control? Psalm 1 helps us work through these questions.

What do you think of prayer? Do you pray regularly? And if you do, do you pray with confidence? Can God, whom we call Father, be trusted to hear our prayers and answer them? This podcast focuses on Jesus' parable in Luke chapter 11, which gives us a clear picture of the God to whom we can pray with complete confidence.

What is your ambition in life? The themes of royalty and service stand out in Luke's record of the life and work of Jesus of Nazareth. Although he is demonstrably God's King, he never used his divine powers out of self-interest or self-aggrandizement, but for the good of others.He demonstrated supremely that ministry is about service.

The themes of royalty and service stand out in Luke's record of the life and work of Jesus of Nazareth. Although he was God's King, he never used his divine powers out of self-interest or self-aggrandisement, but for the good of others. Find out more in this podcast.

With the current geo-political upheavals, many fear what the future holds. The uncertainty today is exacerbated by the angry divisions within societies. We can feel powerless when it comes to talking about our faith. However, we find help and hope in a parable that Jesus told.

In this world of turmoil and suffering, we long for a day when all will be put right. A scene in the public ministry of Jesus of Nazareth helps us.

CS Lewis in Screwtape Letters observes that there are two equal and opposite errors that people fall into regarding the dark powers. One mistake is to disbelieve in their existence; the other is to believe in them to excess. In Ephesians chapter 6 verses 10ff, Paul addresses this reality.

CS Lewis in Screwtape Letters observes that there are two equal and opposite errors that people fall into regarding the dark powers. One mistake is to disbelieve in their existence; the other is to believe in them to excess. In Ephesians chapter 6 verses 10ff, Paul addresses this reality.

CS Lewis in Screwtape Letters, observes that there are two equal and opposite errors that people fall into regarding the dark powers. One mistake is to disbelieve in their existence; the other is to believe in them to excess.In Ephesians chapter 6, Paul the Apostle. helps us to understand the fundamentals of the conflict in the world. Find out more in this podcast.

"The success . . . of the most influential framework for making sense of human existence that has ever existed always depended on people like my Godmother: people who saw in the succession of one generation by another something more than merely the way of all the earth . . ."As a Christian, . . . she had the hope of eternal life. It was a faith that she had received from her mother, who had received it in turn from her parents. . . . And this was the tradition that my Godmother passed on to me."Tom Holland in Dominion

Everyone loves a story. The huge success of the Narnia books of C S Lewis, The Lord of the Rings from J R R Tolkein and, of course, J K Rowling's Harry Potter series, all come to mind. But fiction is not the only form of story people long for.With that in mind, listen to this podcast with the story of the man whom H G Wells observed ''... is easily the most dominant figure in history'.

Can we help our broken and divided world find hope and peace? Or has the voice of God's people been silenced? Tom Holland in Dominion traces the influences of the Jesus sstory on the West, including the values of right and wrong, justice and compassion.

In his 2004 book The Holy Trinity, Robert Lethem commented on the impact of postmodernism on society. "In terms of instability and diversity, the postmodern world of constant flux is seeing insecurity, breakdown, and the rise of various forms of terrorism."Come with me to Paul the Apostle's prayer of thanksgiving for the church in Colossae in Colossians chapter 1.

How do we respond to this changing world that denies the sacrificial practice of Christianity?

Is there anything that can really make us different - that can shake us out of our apathy and anxieties? That can inject enthusiasm and joy, confidence and courage into our lives?Come with me to the events of Pentecost that we read about in Acts chapter 2.

There are moments in life when our hearts are lifted to a sense of the transcendent - perhaps when hearing some sublime music or gazing on a glorious scene. For a few fleeting seconds we are enchanted by the prospect of a world whose beauty and peace surpass our usual experiences. And we long for it. Does our longing suggest it could be real?

There are moments in life when our hearts are lifted to a sense of the transcendent - perhaps when hearing some sublime music or gazing on a glorious scene. For a few fleeting seconds we are enchanted by the prospect of a world whose beauty and peace surpass our usual experiences. And we long for it. Does our longing suggest it could be real?

The Easter season challenges us to think about life and death matters. Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son alerts us to the existence of a God whose nature is always to have mercy.

Over this Easter season we've touched on the Gospel record of Jesus' physical resurrection as well as some of the implications of this momentous event. In 1st Corinthians chapter 15, Paul lifts a corner of the curtain on what this new life means.This podcast as it reflects on these verses.

Following the death of Pope Francis, one commentator reported that the Pope's body was being laid to rest for eternity in a Basilica outside the Vatican. It would appear they were unaware of the credal statement that "We believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting". This podcast reflects on Paul's words in his first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 15.

Anyone who is alert to the strange mixture of good and evil in the world around us, can well be tempted to despair. Is there any hope for the future?

The events of the first Easter Day awakened the world to the dawning of a new era and with it the assurance that there is more to life than our experiences now. In our troubled, conflicted and war-ravaged world, how encouraging this is. The resurrection of Jesus reveals that death need not be the end, but the door to life in all its fullness and joy.

Why is it, that despite all the hopes and dreams of the world becoming a better place, wars, injustice and poverty continue?Why, two millennia ago, did Jesus of Nazareth die - the most unjust conviction ever?Luke chapter 22 records Jesus' last words at his last Passover meal with his disciples - a meal now known as the Last Supper.

GK Chesterton once observed, "On five occasions in history the church has gone to the dogs, but on each occasion it was the dogs who died."Are you interested in playing a part in a gospel movement today?Find out more in this week's podcast.

What do you think of prayer? Do you pray with purpose and confidence? Prayer is integral to our partnership with the Lord - and not least in our promotion of the gospel.This third podcast in the series God's Great Passion focuses on prayer, especially as it relates to gospel mission.

The February Barna Report revealed "that while 71% of adults" (in America) "believe in the existence of one or more gods or spiritual authorities, far fewer said they believe in the existence or influence of Jesus Christ (59%) or the God of the Bible (40%)". In the second week of this series, join me in exploring Matthew 28 verses 18-20.

In a report released last week, Dr George Barna wrote, "Fewer American adults put God at the center of their lives, view their relationship with Him as important, or rely on Him for daily guidance."Fine out more in this podcast.

It is often said that we have only one life to live. Yet how many people really believe this? C.S. Lewis commented, "If I find in myself desires which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."Find out more in this week's podcast.

In his Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 5 Jesus says, Let your light shine before others so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. In chapter 6 he says, Beware of practising your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them. Is Jesus contradicting himself? Find out more in today's podcast.

HG Wells, historian and author, said, "Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all history". Why then was HG Wells, and many like him, not a believer? Perhaps it has something to do with what we might call, God's deep irony.Find out more in this podcast.

The crucifixion of Jesus is key to the Christian faith. And yet it seems utter foolishness and weakness. Find out more about the wisdom of God and the power of God at work, in this podcast.

As the Anglican form of the Lord's Supper is often misunderstood, this podcast gives a brief introduction of key themes.

As the Anglican form of the Lord's Supper is often misunderstood, this podcast gives a brief introduction to key themes.

Why do people suffer in a world where a good and loving God rules? Find out more in this reflection on Psalm 46.

Elections can prompt us to wonder if there will ever be a leader who truly governs for the good of the people and the country. Can we hope for a perfect leader whom we can honor and respect? This podcast addresses this issue and the longing we have for a truly good leader.

If we are to understand the trauma and trials of life, we need more than human wisdom and understanding. When the Bible speaks of wisdom it speaks of the complex matrix of intelligence, knowledge and power within a moral framework working together towards a good outcome. Find out more in this week's podcast.

Martin Luther's 1963 "I have a dream ..." speech in Washington DC fired the hearts of American people across the racial divide to a new vision and energy to promote harmony and peace. Yet within five years, Martin Luther King himself was gunned down by an assassin's bullet.Will there always be death and destruction or is there some hope for our world? John us as this week's podcast considers Isaiah's words in chapter 60, where we find the theme of a renewed city.

Writing in the Weekend Australian January 4-5 2025,Greg Craven, former Vice-Chancellor of The Catholic University in Sydney, observed that Christmas has not merely "become commercial ... but that it has become materialist". Later on he adds, " ... people long for a spiritual reality that transcends mere functional reality". Considering this desire to reawaken the meaning of the Christmas story, this week's podcast considers afresh the various facets of the original records found in Matthew and Luke.

T.S. Eliot prophetically observed in his Choruses from the Rock in 1934: " ... Men have left GOD not for other gods, they say, bur for no God: and this has never happened before. ..." What is the most pressing issue as we enter the new year? T.S. Eliot suggested it is the matter of God in our lives. This podcast reflects on the reality of this truth.

Does Christmas hold out something special for you? Or is it nothing but fake news and a season of stress? This podcast reflects on two scenes from Luke chapter 2, which places Jesus's birth in its historical context and focuses on some insights into the event.

We all like to think that there are areas in our life where we are in control. CS Lewis in Surprised by Joy wrote of his pre-Christian phase: “… But, of course, what mattered most of all was my deep-seated hatred of authority, my monstrous individualism, my lawlessness. No word in my vocabulary expressed deeper hatred than the word INTERFERENCE. But Christianity placed at the centre what then seemed to me a transcendental Interferer. If its picture were true, then no sort of ‘treaty with reality’ could ever be possible. There was no region, even in the innermost depth of one’s soul (nay, there least of all) which one could surround with a barbed wire fence and guard with a notice No Admittance. And that was what I wanted; some area, however small, of which I could say to all other beings, ‘This is my business and mine only’.” As we prepare for Christmas it’s worth reflecting on one of the most breath-taking moments in history – the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary: “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28b). We can appreciate Mary’s alarm with this supernatural visitation. But the angel, sensitive to her apprehension continued, “Do not be afraid, for you have found favor with God. And now you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus… (Luke 1:30-31). “How can this be, since I have no husband?” Mary responded (Luke 1:34). Even though she was engaged to Joseph, at this point she had clearly not slept with him. And, perhaps like Peter at the time of Jesus’ transfiguration (Luke 9:33), she uttered the first thought that came to mind. The angel’s response to Mary’s question is unexpected and astonishing (Luke 1:35). It is one of the most stunning statements about Jesus in the whole of Luke. Gabriel clarified for Mary, and for us, just why this baby can be described as truly human and yet divine: ‘God’s Holy Spirit will come upon you,’ he says, and ‘the power of the Most High will overshadow you’. They reflect the life-giving work of God in creation (Genesis 1:2; Psalm 104:30), and in salvation (Ezekiel 37:14). Mary was a special recipient of God’s grace. God would be with her (future tenses) in the events that were to unfold. His centuries old promises concerning his kingdom and his salvation were about to be fulfilled. Consider what the angel Gabriel goes on to say to Mary about her baby: “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:32f). The theme of a virgin or young woman bearing a special son found in Isaiah chapter 7, verse 14, is present here. Yet Luke, unlike Matthew, doesn’t reference this. His emphasis is on the son rather than the mother. The baby is to be named Jesus. Furthermore, Luke sets out who the baby is – drawing our attention to the themes of the prophet Nathan’s words to king David in Second Samuel, chapter 7. Nathan speaks of David’s descendent whose name would be great and who would sit on the throne of his father David (2 Samuel 7:9 and 13-16). Furthermore, Nathan speaks of him as God’s son who will rule over God’s people (see also Psalm 7:17 and Daniel 4:24). We should also note Luke’s contrasting statements about Jesus and John the Baptist. Whereas John would be great before the Lord (Luke 1:15), Jesus would be great in his own right (Luke 1:32). Many will rejoice at John’s birth (Luke 1:14) but God would give Jesus the throne of his father David (Luke 1:32). While John will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God (Luke 1:16), Jesus will reign over the house of Jacob forever (Luke 1:33). John would play a significant role in God’s plan, but Jesus would be more significant in every way. John would stand in the tradition of the great prophets, but Jesus would be greater than a prophet. He would not simply stand in the tradition of the kings but would be the king God had promised long ago. (2 Samuel 7:9-16; Psalm 89:14, 19-29, 35-37). For Luke, Jesus’ connection with David is most important (1:32; 1:69; 2:4; 2:11; 3:31). While Jesus would be given the title Lord after his death and resurrection (Acts 2:29-36), glimpses of this would be seen during the course of his ministry (Luke 18:39; 19:38). This royal figure would be the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:32). His rule would be over Jacob and would be forever (Luke 1:33). In this remarkable, unexpected scene, Luke records God’s direct and personal involvement in his creation. From the moment of his conception in Mary’s womb, Jesus is understood to be truly man and truly God. God’s kingdom or rule has come into our human experience in a new and personal way. Jesus is truly divine and yet he is from the family of the kings. Mary’s words of humility challenge us: “Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). When we consider this simple yet profound scene the i

"Prepare ye the way of the Lord" are the opening words of the musical Godspell that opened in 1971.The lyrics pick up the theme of John the Baptist's preaching 2 millennia ago as he prepared people for the coming of God's promised Messiah or King. Now in the season Advent, we need to prepare for the return of God's King.