I live in Ashfield in Inner West Sydney. I sneak across a parish boundary to go to Church in Croydon, the next suburb.

What was the first book of the Bible you ever read?

I can’t remember. But I remember the Bibles my parents gave my twin and I, King James with wonderful line drawings from the British and foreign Bible Society.

Name a Bible character you resonate with and why.

Mephiboseth, Jonathan’s son, who King David made sure was looked after. I was fostered and adopted and identify with this example of Old Testament Child rescue (in 2 Samuel). Mephiboseth was later the victim of injustice, but he rose above it and responded with grace. Mephiboseth was not looked after as well as David would have liked, but I had wonderful parents.

What are you reading in the Bible at the moment?

Looking at John. Puzzling over John 14 and the “greater works” of verse 12. If the works are miracles, who does more than Jesus? And if the works are conversions – why is this a work? I am still “working” on it.

Where do you read the Bible?

On my iPad, often on the train.

Name one part of the Bible you keep coming back to again and again and why.

“In my father house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 I love the “If it were not so…” I find it reassuring. He’s covered my doubts before I even have them.

Describe one of your Bible reading failures and what you learnt. 

I once believed I had to be perfect. I had to pray uninterrupted for 15 minutes and read the Bible every day. The guilt got me. Until I discovered I was forgiven already.

What advice would you give someone struggling to read the Bible each day?

One verse is better than nothing. Start there. In other words start with 25 words.

If you were a monster what would be your defining feature?

I’d like to be Leviathan and be strong. But then people would fear me, and that would be sad.