The trouble with preachers who claim the gospel guarantees material benefits, argues BRIAN ROSNER, is that they tragically misread the Bible and undersell the gospel.

According to Paul there is great joy to be found in singleness and, contrary to popular opinion, marriage does not solve all problems (indeed it has its own). Both single and married Christians need to be encouraging each other to take Paul's words seriously, to endeavour to find contentment in their situation despite their concerns, and to remember that the God of comfort urges us to bring all our anxieties to Him in prayer.

With all the debate surrounding values, the relative quality of private and public schools, and the burgeoning Anglican school movement, it is timely to ask what makes a school Christian anyway. Is it that they are driven by values? Proponents of public schooling rightly claim that public schools are also driven by values! Indeed many of these values would find their basis in a Christian cultural memory.

The Diocese of Sydney gives journalists plenty to write about, not all of it helpful.

An exciting new ministry has been growing amongst Australian-Born Chinese youth in Sydney's Chinese churches. JOSEPH SMITH spoke to STEVE CHONG to find out more.

Most books on church planting, church growth and ethnic ministries use the Homogeneous Unit Principle (HUP). Don't be scared off, this is just a big term for what we all know and observe; that people want to be with people who are like them. We see it every day in who we gather around us as friends, who we spend time with at parties and where we choose to live.

Craig Blacket says he has encountered many difficulties in making his vision for TAFE ministry a reality. “Our Anglican middle class culture likes things neat and balanced, but God's not like that. God loves to lead the charge from the front.”

Two years ago Jamilla was at her wit's end. She was isolated and alone trying to bring up two daughters in a foreign country, which had customs and laws she couldn't understand.