Reforming Wonder

Going from a life of great sin in the slave trade, to one of great grace ministering to his congregation, John Newton published 'Faith's Review and Expectation' - a poem of testimony illustrating David's realisation of his sin in 1 Chronicles 17.  This became known as 'Amazing Grace' and has gone on to inspire many people the world over, estimated to be performed 10 million times annually.  Join us as we sit down with the Rev Gary Goodes and meditate on these popular lyrics.

Having grown up with a secular world view, the Rev Gary Goodes had never given God a second thought - until one simple question challenged him to dig a little deeper.  Yet, it isn't his musings or any clever arguments that changed his mind - it was simply the cross.  Join us as we chat about God's saving grace in his life.

The lyrics for 'Jesus The Name High Over All' are adapted from some stanzas titled by Charles Wesley 'After Preaching'.  Written in an era of great revival and evangelistic ministry, the words were intended to capture the messages of the time as preached by men like George Whitefield and John Wesley.  Join the Rev Peter McIntyre as we look at this hymn, and it's historical setting, together.

Probably one of the most famous Christians to have ever lived, Patrick has touched the lives of countless believers with his confessions, "I, Patrick, a sinner".  Yet how was he received in his own century, who stepped up to fill his shoes once the Lord had taken him home, and how did one man's testimony go on to touch most of western Christianity?  Join us as we discuss the legacy of Patrick, and the impact of the early Irish Christianity, with Rev Peter McIntyre.

One of the greatest gifts of the reformation was the re-introduction of congregational hymn singing.  For this, the Lord raised men like Gerhardt to write hymns which stand the test of time, hymns which imparted to Christ's flock great truths such as the steadfastness of Christ, His protecting comfort and our great joy in Him.  Join us as we reflect on 'A Rock that stands forever' with Rev Stephen Pollock.

One of the distinctives of Christian worship should be the centrality of the preached word.  Every week God's family meets, but what are we listening for?  And how are we to respond?  Join us as we discuss 'Preaching Christ' with Dr Stephen Pollock.

History reports that John Newton was so wicked even hardened sailors despised his company.  Yet, despite long years within the slave trade, he eventually came to find his harbour of refuge in Christ and Him crucified.  Join us with Rev Johnston as we reflect on one of Newton's great hymns of testimony.

For thousands of years, a major presence in the communication of God was the High Priest.  Not only did he represent the people before God, but he also was a walking object lesson reminding the people of many truths.  Rev Ron Johnston has delivered many talks with his own replica costume and joins us today to discuss what we can still learn from this God appointed uniform. 

Translated from a centuries old Irish prayer ‘Bí Thusa 'mo Shúile’ in 1905 and set to the folk tune known as ‘Slane’, ‘Be Thou My Vision’ has quickly become one of the most well-loved hymns of Irish origin. Its words are a prayer of the saint’s heart asking for God’s guidance and help as we walk heavenward. Join us as we reflect on its lyrics with Rev David Wilson.

Jeremiah Burroughs' well-known book calls Christian contentment a 'Rare Jewel' and yet it is promised to the believer in abundance.  So why do we as disciples of Christ so often struggle to claim what He has freely provided?  Join us as we sit down to discuss this with Rev David Wilson.

The Christian walk is one full of many highs and lows.  Yet, regardless of the situation, our greatest comfort is the ability to say - 'It is well, with my soul' - and nothing can change that or take it away.  Join us as we reflect on this well-known hymn with Rev Jonathan Storey.

Why did God wait years before revealing His only begotten Son?  Why did the inspired Word span centuries of writers and not just one individual?  Throughout all of time, God has slowly revealed Himself and we see this pattern even in our own individual lives.  Join us, along with Rev Jonathan Storey, as we think on these principles and apply them to our personal walk.

'Blessed Assurance' - One of the great truths of scripture is the unchanging nature of Yahweh and what a delight it is to have our assurance in Christ and Him alone.  Join us as we contemplate on the much-loved hymn 'Blessed Assurance' along with Garth Craig.

Who are we before a Holy God?  Ultimately our position in Christ defines this.  Join us as we delve further into this topic with the Rev David McAuley, gleaning much joy and wonder from it.

Psalms are the praise that has been sung by the church for 1000s of years.  Psalm 130 is a psalm of repentance which focuses on the wonderful forgiveness we have, when our hope is in the Lord.  Join us as we reflect on its words with Rev Ian Harris. Thanks to 'Crown Hymn' for providing vocals.

Christ's parting words to His church are known as 'The Great Commission' - thus missions "are not just a department within the church, they are the church". Join us as we discuss the importance of heeding this final command with Rev Ian Harris.

Join us as we reflect with the Rev Stephen McCrea on the hymn 'To God be the Glory'.  Oh how wonderful it is to 'Praise the Lord' for all that He has done for us. Soli Deo Gloria

"Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit" John 12:24. A verse often quoted by Fred Orr, missionary to the Amazon, who certainly lived it out - sacrificing much in his service to the Master.  Join us with Rev Stephen McCrea as we look at the life of this old saint who inspired many.

Join us as we reflect with Rev Stephen Greer on the hymn "Crown Him with many crowns", exploring attributes of Christ that make Him fully deserving of all glory!

As we sit under the faithfully declared Word each week we glean much truth from our pastors, yet most would struggle to quote their well-prepared messages.  The hymns we sing however, are remembered word for word - these contain the "Theology That Sticks".  This week we are joined by Rev Stephen Greer to discuss the importance of thoughtful hymnody - the act of singing or composing hymns.

🎧 New Podcast 🎧 Join us as we reflect on the well-known hymn 'Before the throne of God above' along with Rev Paul Foster!

This week we had the Rev Paul Foster along to have a conversation - on conversation.  Discussing how to talk more about Christ and in Christ, challenging ourselves on engaging with the church not just in worship, but fellowship also.  We pray you are blessed in listening along.

This week we invite you to reflect on the words of 'The Love of God is Greater Far' - a hymn with rich history which helped inspire the Reforming Wonder logo.  Join two of the team as they discuss it on the podcast.

For our first podcast we were delighted to sit down with Rev Armen Thomassian and talk about 'Reforming Wonder', what do we mean by it and how Christ should be changing us day by day to be more like Him. https://linktr.ee/reformingwonder