Wilderness Conversations

A Christadelphian Bible School is held three times a year at Rathmines, a town in New South Wales located north of Sydney and south of Newcastle. Over the course of a week, Christadelphians from across Australia and around the world come together in friendship and fellowship, united by the word of God. t the recent April Bibleschool, we hosted two panel discussions under the theme “Conversations in the Wilderness.” The first of these focused on the topic of parenting.

Dave Jennings lives in Los Angeles, USA and is a member of the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia that meets at Simi Hills. Dave is currently the editor of The Christadelphian Tidings – a Christadelphian Magazine and online publication. He joins Wilderness Conversations to discuss the current work of the publication and the exciting new opportunitiesContinue reading "97 The Tidings – Dave Jennings"

In this conversation we discuss mental health and the Bible and explore the potential of the Bible to improve mental well-being, the concept of humility, and the distinction between poor mental health and mental illness.

Ron Hicks was born in Adelaide, was baptised in Adelaide in August 1953 and now lives in Adelaide but has been many places in the meantime. Ron was a member of the Washington DC Christadelphian Church or ecclesia for over 50 years whilst employed by the International Monetary Fund and now back in Adelaide he attends the Happy Valley ecclesia. Ron joins Wilderness Conversations to share his Journey of Faith.

Art Courtonel lives – in his own words “in the quiet village of Burbage with his lovely wife Trasey-anna and his Son Asa-Caleb” and is a member of the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia that meets at Rugby. Rugby is a town 140 kms north west of London, 50 kms short of Birmingham. In July 2012 he established ChristadelphianVideo.org and this has now become his permanent pastime. ChristadelphianVideo.org reaches thousands of viewers and listeners from many denominations and continues to increase its exposure on the various media platforms. Art joins Wilderness Conversations to discuss this exciting project.

Jeremy is currently the assistant editor of the Christadelphian Magazine. Prior to the current role, Jeremy was the publishing editor of Testimony magazine. Recently Jeremy has written a book that is published by the Christadelphian Magazine entitled At The Citadel In Susa.

Breaking the Cycle pulls back the curtain on the hidden reality of domestic violence, revealing its impact where we least expect it. This book uncovers the painful cycle that binds victims, and the subtle ways abuse takes root. We might wonder how such harm could exist in our faith community, or what Christ-like support it demands.

Dales Tuggy is the author of a number of books including the book “What Is The Trinity”, and is the co-author of a number of books including “Is Jesus Human And Not Divine”. These books are all readily available on Amazon. He is also well-known for his online presence as the creator of “The Trinities” podcast and blog which features hundreds of episodes and posts on topics relating to competing views about the Trinity, the history of Theology and Unitarian Theology and Christology.

Geoff for some time has been contemplating the significance of the way the expression “Kingdom of Heaven” as opposed to the “Kingdom of God” is used in the Gospel of Matthew. He has published a book and takes a detailed review of each occurrence of the expressions in the gospel as well as a wider biblical view of this key component of the gospel.

Paul Wearne attends the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia that meets at Eastern Suburbs in Perth Australia. Recently Paul has been doing some investigation into different Bible translations and he seeks to answer some basic questions such as: Can we trust modern translations? Are translations biased? Is there a particular translation that we should use? Are all modern translations equal? Paul joins us on Wildernessconversations. Paul joins Wildernessconversations.

It was his study of Jude that alerted him to the prevalence of the work of Michael the Archangel more broadly throughout the scripture. Mark argues that much of the work of Yahweh was carried out by his agent who bore His, that is Yahweh's name. Details can be found in the book “Michael the Archangel”

Kel Hammond lives in Sydney and for many years has been a member of the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia at Yagoona. Kel joins Wilderness Conversations to discuss one of his papers - The Atonement - 6 Popular Theories.

On Christmas Eve in 1974 a severe tropical cyclone named Tracy devastated the city of Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia, one of the residents was Cynthia Gillis who lost everything on that day. Years later circumstances would have her move to Adelaide where she settled in the Adelaide Hills, just west of the city centre in a township called Lobethal. In what seems like an extraordinary and indeed cruel coincidence, Cythia once again lost everything in a bush fire in 2019 that took her house along with 86 other homes and one life. The date was Christmas Eve 2019 exactly 45 years later to the day. In the intervening time, Cynthia was introduced to the gospel message, and she joins Wilderness Conversations to share her story.

Dev Ramcharan lives in Ontario Canada and is a member of the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia at Toronto West Ecclesia. In the May and June 2024 Christadelphian Magazine Dev wrote an article entitled: Choosing a Good Death and he seeks to explore our obligations to die well. Death, particularly our own death isn't a subjectContinue reading "85 Choosing a Good Death – Dev Ramcharan"

Damien Schifferli, his wife Keren with their three children Tessa, Clare and Tom attend the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia that meets at Busselton, 200kms south of Perth, Western Australia. Damien's parents are Christadelphians who were founding members of the Gosnells ecclesia in Perth. Damien married Keren Edgecombe and together they decided to make a sea-changeContinue reading "84 Damien Schifferli: Preaching in Busselton"

Jeff Deuble of the Churches of Christ in Sydney, Australia shares his journey to uncover the genuine Jesus from scripture alone. After his brother Greg challenged him to understand Christ from a Jewish perspective, Jeff set out on a quest, reading through all of scripture to see what it really said about the Messiah.

Originally, Christianity shared its history with Judaism. The first Christians were all Jews. Over the centuries, Christianity regrettably strayed from its mores and forgot its connection to the Jewish community. This book reconsiders Christianity's Jewish roots. In doing so, it asserts that Christians, despite their doctrinal disagreements with Jews, are to see Jews as part of their own spiritual family. Christianity and Judaism, rather than two religions, are one family.

This morning Tuesday May 21, 2024 we received the sad news that Sister Gwen Rosser passed away, She was born in 1930, just before the 2nd WW started making her 94 years old this year. She leaves behind her husband, Brother Jim who was born in 1926, between the wars a few years before theContinue reading "81 A Life In Christ – Jim and Gwen Rosser"

With all the turmoil in the world, protests have broken out in many countries over many different issues. Some of the causes may seem valid, the hurt is real, but what should be the response of the disciple of Christ?  Should we get involved in the causes that seem just? Surely we have a responsibility to speak up for what we understand for be Gods point of view. Should we than participate in nonviolent civil unrest and protest?

Pt 2/2 Steph was born in Perth, moved to Sydney to complete her doctorate and residency, where she met and married Nic Collins. Before their first wedding anniversary and on the eve of moving from Sydney to Brisbane where Steph was to start a new position, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today Steph and Nic deal with the ups and downs of living with cancer, and they join Wilderness Conversations to share their story.

Pt 1/2 Steph was born in Perth, moved to Sydney to complete her doctorate and residency, where she met and married Nic Collins. Before their first wedding anniversary and on the eve of moving from Sydney to Brisbane where Steph was to start a new position, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today Steph and Nic deal with the ups and downs of living with cancer, and they join Wilderness Conversations to share their story.

Greg Palmer lives in Adelaide and is a member of the Aberfoyle Park ecclesia and recently wrote a book entitled Simply Revelation. In the last 3 podcasts, Greg introduced the book and we looked at Revelation 1 -4, and then in part 2 the seals and trumpets, Revelation 5-11, then the vials. We finish with a consideration of Revelation 17-22.

Greg Palmer lives in Adelaide and is a member of the Aberfoyle Park ecclesia and recently wrote a book entitled Simply Revelation. In the last 2 podcasts, Greg introduced the book and we looked at Revelation 1 -4, and then in part 2 the seals and trumpets, Revelation 5-11. In this podcast we consider Revelation 12-16 including the vials.

Michael Hyndman is a Christadelphian who grew up in Adelaide, attended the Christadelphian Heritage College and now has a career in cyber security. He currently lives in Perth, is a part of the Christadelphian community there, and is married with 4 children who all love the Lord Jesus. Michael shares his story and the very serious warning of the ever near risks of cyber threats and how we can minimise their impact and replace what is natural in this day with what is holy.

Greg Palmer lives in Adelaide and is a member of the Aberfoyle Park ecclesia and recently wrote a book entitled Simply Revelation. In the last podcast, Greg introduced the book and we looked at Revelation 1 -4, in part 2 we look at the seals and trumpets, Revelation 5-11. The jacket introduces the book asContinue reading "74 Simply Revelation – Greg Palmer Pt 2/4"

Greg Palmer lives in Adelaide and is a member of the Aberfoyle Park ecclesia and recently wrote a book entitled Simply Revelation. Greg joins us to introduce the book and in part 1 we look at Revelation 1 -4. The jacket introduces the book as follows: Why another book on Revelation? Since the earliest daysContinue reading "73 Simply Revelation – Greg Palmer Pt 1/4"

Peter Williamson was born in 1950 and grew up in the Sydney area, NSW Australia after which he moved to Adelaide where his whole life direction was radically changed. Today he is a husband to Diana and father to 3 adult children and he joins Wilderness Conversations to share his story. https://wildernessconversations.com/ Now also availableContinue reading "72 Seeking Truth – Peter Williamson"

Jude wrote his epistle to encourage the faithful to contend earnestly for the faith in the face of developing ecclesial apostasy. He illustrated his exhortation by drawing upon examples of men from Old Testament history who failed to uphold God's truth in their day. Mark's analysis of Jude's epistle demonstrates that all these examples of failure had one thing in common - a personal interaction with Michael the archangel, who so often has been involved in the execution of God's judgments in the earth.

Jude wrote his epistle to encourage the faithful to contend earnestly for the faith in the face of developing ecclesial apostasy. He illustrated his exhortation by drawing upon examples of men from Old Testament history who failed to uphold God's truth in their day. Mark's analysis of Jude's epistle demonstrates that all these examples of failure had one thing in common - a personal interaction with Michael the archangel, who so often has been involved in the execution of God's judgments in the earth.

ensions between the Israelis and the Palestinians dominate the way which the world relates to the Jewish state. Just as the return of the Jews to God's land is a feature of latter-day prophecies, so too is the response to the return by the Arabs in and around Israel. In this book we look at the prophetic and historical background to the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We also look at prophecies which describe how the Palestinians, and their supporters may be expected to act in the future.

For over fifty years Leen Ritmeyer has been exercising his skills in the area of Biblical Architecture - a combination of the disciplines of archaeology, ancient architecture, history, education, and Biblical Studies. Leen says that the study of ancient structures in the Land of Israel and Near East enriches and confirms our understanding of Biblical history.

James Mansfield attends the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia that meets at Enfield in Adelaide. At a meeting held in Adelaide on September 1993, 30 years ago this month, the idea of starting a Christadelphian Private School was tabled. Following a positive finding of a feasibility study conducted by Bruce Gurd, Brian Luke and James Mansfield a Planning Committee was initiated. A Christadelphian Primary school commenced operation on 31 January 1996; just two and a half years from the initial tabling of the idea. James joins WildernessConversations to share his reflections on the process.

Luke Hillian was baptised during Covid in June 2020 and now attends the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia that meets in the North Lakes area near Morriset north of Sydney and just south of Newcastle. Luke joins WildernessConversations and shares his story of finding great treasure in the field.

Luke Smith attends the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia that meets in Nanango, a small town north west of Brisbane, Queensland. Luke brings to light some of the heritage of the Christadelphians and their involvement in the early days of Jewish settlement in the Holy Land. One of the first villages established was that of Rosh Pina, a settlement funded in part by the Christadelpians.

Ron Houben lives in New Zealand and attends the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia at Pakuranga. He has a passion for sharing the gospel and joins wildernessconversaions to share his passion and experiences.

Des Manser lives in Adelaide and attends the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia that meets at Enfield. Des was born in 1937 and moved to Adelaide as a child and grew up in the Sunday School run by the Adelaide ecclesia. He shares his reflections of nearly 60 years as a disciple of Christ.

Kylee Mingham experienced post-natal depression and PTSD many years ago. Today she uses her personal experiences to help and guide clients through their own challenges with mental health.

William Patino grew up in the coastal town of Wollongong, NSW Australia – moved to the mountainside town of Te Anau, in the South Island of New Zealand. He is a husband and father to two young children. Will has been a full-time landscape photographer since 2014 and as such sees the world differently. He has newfound appreciation for nature and the many intricacies that many would take for granted. Will's has a deep reverence and awe of nature and the creator, and it's this that inspires him.

Paul Tovell lives in the UK and attends the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia at Burton on Trent. Paul recently published a book entitled – THE KING IN YOUR HEART and joins Wildernessconversations - Pt 2 of 2.

Paul Tovell lives in the UK and attends the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia at Burton on Trent. Paul recently published a book entitled – THE KING IN YOUR HEART and joins Wildernessconversations - Pt 1 of 2.

Have you ever wondered why so many people have different ideas about the Bible? How could one book inspire such disparate concepts and interpretations? Jason speaks about the book he authored last year, entitled, The Bible In Context.

Paul Yearsley until recently lived just south of Sydney, Australia and attends the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia the meets in the Southern Highlands. In his twenties, Paul did what every young boy wants to do – become a fireman! Paul shares his reflections on how seeing people in the most extreme contexts has influenced his faith.

The three Merz brothers, Rudolf, August and Albert lived in Nazi Germany and as Christadelphian brothers they refused to perform military service, declared that they were conscientious objectors and suffered terribly as a result. Years in a concentration camp in one case, a decade in a mental institution in another, and execution in the case of Albert - all were borne with extraordinary determination and fortitude for the sake of Christ.

David Olsen lives just north of Sydney, Australia and attends the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia at Punchbowl. David has done some research into the horrible mode of death and punishment that became known a crucifixion. What was so significant about this mode of death in the 1st century and what does it mean to usContinue reading "Christ crucified a stumbling block, foolishness or the truth? David Olsen"

Joshua Robinson, originally from the UK, now living in Adelaide meets at the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia at Salisbury. Joshua is a member of the Faith Alive committee that is responsible for the preparation and publication of the Faith Alive magazine, a magazine published by The Christadelphian Office. It is an excellent resource for the target audience, initially designed for those aged from 16 to 25 but in recent times a broader audience as Josh explains.

Colin Byrnes lives in Sydney and for many years has been a member of the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia at Castle Hill. In the August and the September Christadelphian Magazine Colin wrote an article entitled COMPARING KINGS AND CHRONICLES and he seeks to understand the differences between these two books and the purpose behind their writing. Colin joins us on Wilderness Conversations.

Daniel Mansfield lives in Sydney, Australia and attends the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia at Punchbowl. Daniels hobby is astrophotography and whist this is largely a visual hobby, not lending itself to a conversation, the connection between what we can see in the sky and scriptures is fascinating. We discuss Lucifer, the morning star, the creation, the star of Bethlehem, Pleiades and Orion of Job 38:31 along with Mazzaroth of v 32 and the wandering stars in Jude 13.

Peter Knowles lives in South Australia and attends the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia at Southern Vales south of Adelaide. Peter joins wildernessconversations to discuss how the scriptures can help us to be mentally well.

Sam Mansfield lives in Adelaide and is a member of the Christadelphian Church or ecclesia at Hyde Park. Sam recently presented a series of studies in Cairns entitled, “The Fruit of the Spirit” taken from Paul's letter to the Galatians – Sam joins Wilderness conversations.

Its been 5 years from the last Family Conference, held in Brisbane and plans are coming together for the Melbourne Christadelphian Family Conference to be held from January 8 to January 14, 2023. It is a now greatly appreciated opportunity for fellowship with Brothers, Sisters and Young People primarily from around Australia but no doubt some from other countries. The theme is “Choose Life” and the 2 international speakers are Bre' Jim Styles from the USA and Andrew Bramhill from the UK. The two key note speakers join us on WildernessConversations to share what they are looking forward to.

Christadelphian and Author Colin Attridge is possibly known for his book on Fruit of the Spirit first published in 1998 with a 2nd edition in 2016 by The Dawn Book Supply. Colin joins Wilderness Conversations to discuss his most recent book entitled “Gods Secret”. A 340 page book written primarily for those who are still looking for answers to the big questions; but relevant and extremely helpful to any enquiring mind. The book is divided into two separate but complementary parts. Part one lays a foundation, encouraging readers to look further into God's Word. From the existence of a creator, through to the question of human suffering and God's plan to rectify the worlds problems through the work of Jesus Christ. The second part takes the reader step by step through the words of David in Psalm 34 as a key to unlocking true wisdom.