Ben Pakula - Australian Church Record

Sing a Song of Judgement

July 16, 2021July 15, 2021 by Ben Pakula

When did you last sing a song about God’s judgement in church? A few years ago I introduced a new song at my church. It was a new arrangement of John Newton’s ‘Day of Judgement! Day of Wonders!’. I was a little worried about how it might be received.…

The Congregation has spoken: “We also want systematic theology!”

January 30, 2020 by Ben Pakula

At the church I pastor a returning missionary was giving a brilliant sermon on Acts 17. Mid-talk he paused and asked the congregation to discuss this question: “Is Jesus still a man today?” I was perplexed as to why he would ask such an obvious question…until…

Creating a culture of doctrinal literacy

February 17, 2019 by Ben Pakula

My favourite book on Christian doctrine is Peter Jensen’s At the Heart of the Universe. It’s short, sharp, soaked in Scripture, and came about as a result of research for presenting the material orally. Best of all, it begins with eschatology—something…

More Reasons to Tell your Jewish Friends about Jesus

November 13, 2026June 11, 2017 by Ben Pakula

I’m a Jewish follower of Jesus, and I came to faith one day when my uncle plainly set forth the gospel (using Two Ways To Live) as we sat at the table in his kitchen.[1] My testimony may give people encouragement to proclaim the good news…

Your minister needs your help

November 13, 2026April 26, 2017 by Ben Pakula

During my ministry training a mentor gave me a helpful piece of advice: “be careful with the ‘Three G’s – Gold, Girls and Glory’. Gold refers to greed and dishonest gain. Girls (or guys)[1] refers to sexual misconduct, and Glory to pride and self-aggrandisement.…

The Gospel Remains Foolish

November 13, 2026January 16, 2017 by Ben Pakula

A student once asked Karl Barth if he could summarise his whole life’s work in theology in one sentence. Famously, Barth replied: “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”[1] The beauty of such a response is that it nicely captures…