The Gospel Saturated Blog

The gospel is good news before it is good advice. It tells us who Jesus is, what he has done, and what that means for our lives and our world.

The Kingdom

Carrie Shaw
September 22, 2026

The Kingdom Of God Is Like…

I used to think the Kingdom of God was like something out of a medieval fairy tale: turrets stretching skyward, covered in ivy, stone towers glistening in the evening sun. Perhaps a little something like the Cair Paravel of Lewis’s imagination, with wide, rushing rivers curving around its feet and carpeted meadows stretching out behind it like skirts.

Faith & Life Discipleship

Carrie Shaw
September 7, 2026

Saved

Everyone wants something to believe in. From aliens to political conspiracies, from the supernatural to the meaning of life, flat earth theory (yep, it really is a thing) to climate change, we're all looking to take a position on something. We're all looking for a belief or an opinion to call our own.

Marriage & Relationships The Church Women & Men

Carrie Shaw
July 7, 2026

The Lost Warriors Of Ephesians 5

From the opening chapter, Paul words draw our eyes above the visible world and to Christ enthroned over every ruler, authority, power, and dominion. In chapter 2, we’re reminded that we were once dead in sin, walking according to the ruler of the kingdom of the air. In chapter 3, Paul says the wisdom of God is now being displayed through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. By the time we reach chapter 6, the veil is pulled back completely. We’re told to put on the whole armour of God and, in doing so, to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11), the great enemy of the saints (Revelation 12:11-10, 13:7).

Jesus

Carrie Shaw
May 31, 2026

What Is Truth?

Truth is a person. Jesus is not the subtext but the substance. And when our lives are reoriented around that person, when we are living in his light, walking in his way, participating in his kingdom, we have the truth.

Discipleship Faith & Life

Carrie Shaw
May 27, 2026

Contagious Holiness

As Christians, do we believe the good news we have to offer the world is truly good news? And are we convinced that it's good news not just for tomorrow, but also for today? Do we realise that we can make a difference - for good - in the world? And if we do, how do we actively choose to bring contagious holiness to those around us?

Ethics & Justice

Carrie Shaw
September 17, 2025

Should Christians Vote Or Be Involved In Politics?

Should Christians vote? Or be involved in politics? It’s an interesting question, perhaps even an unnecessary one for some of you, and you may be wondering why I’m asking. I grew up in a religious community that taught emphatically that Christians shouldn’t be involved in politics or have any degree of civic engagement (ie the police force, law, navy). We are in the world but not of it.

The Kingdom

Carrie Shaw
July 9, 2025

Two Kingdoms

One of my favourite themes in the Bible is that of the two kingdoms. There’s so much happening across the Bible's pages that it can be easy to miss this theme at first glance. Understandably, we often spend more time on what seems more central - the ministry of Jesus Christ and the New Testament stories of the early church, which fill our sermons, books, and conversations.

Theology

Carrie Shaw
March 28, 2025

Resurrection: Life After Life After Death

The entire Christian faith rests on this foundation—first and foremost, the resurrection of Jesus himself, and then the promised resurrection of those who belong to him. Paul calls Jesus “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20), meaning his resurrection is the beginning and guarantee of what is to come for all who follow him. He goes before us so that we might share in his risen life.

Faith & Life

Carrie Shaw
March 13, 2025

Dual Citizens

I was born and raised in New Zealand, the land of the long white cloud and a ratio of nearly six sheep for every one person. I often remember as a child watching the sun in summer sink below the horizon late at night, and, in winter, layering up as warmly as possible through the short, dark, freezing days of relentless rain and, oftentimes, snow.

Faith & Life

Carrie Shaw
December 29, 2024

Before + After

In the beginning, there was nothing. A vast, endless emptiness. Deep, restless waters, devoid of life, and overshadowed by a darkness as complete and as final as death itself. It is over this dim, watery world that the Spirit of God hovered, waiting, moving; poised to begin the work of creation. And it is into this dark world that God said. "let there be light".

Faith & Life Jesus

Carrie Shaw
December 7, 2024

The Dark Heart Of Christmas

Christmas is a unique time of year. Traditionally, it’s seen as a season of joy, hope, celebration, and family—a chance for many to unwind and find rest as the year draws to a close.

The Church

Carrie Shaw
October 31, 2024

Loving The Church

Loving the church can be hard.. Frankly, at times, she can seem like a big, fat disappointment. Infighting. Divisions. The failure of leaders and the apathy of congregants. The assimilation to culture. A preoccupation with prestige and power. Intolerance. Liberality. Sometimes the church is hard to love.

The Revival Of Antisemitism (Or Was It Ever Really Dead?)

Carrie Shaw October 7, 2026

The reality is, the world feels sharply split right now: pro-Palestinian or pro-Israeli, and the gap only seems to be getting wider. Along with that widening gap is a troubling

The Headship Bait-And-Switch

Carrie Shaw October 4, 2026

“The husband is the head of his wife.” It’s a favourite refrain in complementarian circles, particularly when the conversation turns to biblical manhood, leadership, and a husband’s supposed God-given authority

The Kingdom Of God Is Like…

Carrie Shaw September 22, 2026

I used to think the Kingdom of God was like something out of a medieval fairy tale: turrets stretching skyward, covered in ivy, stone towers glistening in the evening sun.

The Revival Of Antisemitism (Or Was It Ever Really Dead?)

Carrie Shaw October 7, 2026

The reality is, the world feels sharply split right now: pro-Palestinian or pro-Israeli, and the gap only seems to be getting wider. Along with that widening gap is a troubling and disturbing shift in how Jewish people are being spoken about and portrayed. What I’m witnessing is a revival of antisemitism (or was it ever really dead?) and its re-emergence is deeply concerning.