The Writing is on the Wall
Posted on July 31, 2010
Filed under News
“Two weeks ago I wrote ‘Whither the Standing Committee of the Anglican Communion?’, posing a number of questions about the lack of transparency, hypocrisy and overreaching by this new ersatz ‘Instrument of Unity’.
Since then, and up to and including the time the Standing Committee (SCAC) met, The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada continued to breach the Windsor moratoria. Please note: the following are not allegations or opinions, they are documented actions by TEC and the Anglican Church of Canada…”
– this week’s update from Canon Phil Ashey of the American Anglican Council.
Do Christians need a Christian prime minister?
Posted on July 30, 2010
Filed under Opinion
“Recently disendorsed NSW Liberal candidate, David Barker, expressed concern that Julia Gillard was ‘anti-God’ and that a non-Liberal vote would be a vote for Muslims, thus reintroducing religion, kicking and screaming in protest, to the campaign agenda.
Associated with the NSW Christian right, Mr Barker’s comments raise the question of whether Christians in Australia expect a Christian prime minister…”
– Greg Clarke, Director of the Centre for Public Christianity, had this thoughtful opinion-piece published on the ABC’s ‘The Drum Unleashed’ yesterday.
Don Carson on ‘The God Who is There’
Posted on July 30, 2010
Filed under Resources
This looks to be very helpful. Andy Naselli writes,
“On February 20-21 and 27-28, 2009, Don Carson presented a 14-part seminar entitled ‘The God Who Is There’ at Bethlehem Baptist Church’s North Campus in Minneapolis. This series will serve the church well because it simultaneously evangelises non-Christians and edifies Christians by explaining the Bible’s storyline in a non-reductionistic way.
The series is geared toward ‘seekers’ and articulates Christianity in a way that causes hearers either to reject or embrace the gospel. It’s one thing to know the Bible’s storyline, but it’s another to know one’s role in God’s ongoing story of redemption. ‘The God Who Is There’ engages people at the worldview-level.
And now MP3s (full) and video (10-minute previews) are available for Carson’s 14-part series…”
– All the links are here. (h/t Justin Taylor.)
Don Carson to preach in Melbourne
Posted on July 29, 2010
Filed under News
Don Carson is speaking evangelistically in Melbourne, Monday 23rd – Friday 27th August, at Storey Hall, 342 Swanston Street.
Ridley College Principal Dr Peter Adam writes, “This week is put on by Ridley Melbourne, as part of our Centenary celebrations. What better way to celebrate 100 years of ministry than give a gospel message to Melbourne.”
Dr Carson’s topics?
Monday: How can we see God?
Tuesday: How can we start over again?
Wednesday: How can God Have a Son?
Thursday: How to get the Best Bread in the World
Friday: How can I believe Jesus Rose from the Dead?
Details at the Ridey College website – PDF invitation here. (h/t Diocese of Tasmania.)
Culture and Theology seminar on Homosexuality
Posted on July 29, 2010
Filed under Resources
Matt Chandler at The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas, recently addressed a topic he had previously stayed away from. In a 2 hour Culture and Theology seminar on Homosexuality, Matt provides a great deal of food for thought. Well worth your time.
Dated ‘5.21.10’ on the Studies & Seminars page, here’s a direct link to the 35MB mp3 file.
Moving Forward?
Posted on July 28, 2010
Filed under Opinion
“After the strident, disdainful renunciation of the Communion’s official teaching concerning sexuality, as expressed in the 1998 Lambeth Resolution 1.10, and in direct opposition to and repudiation of the request of the Instruments of Communion, the response of the Archbishop of Canterbury in his 2010 Pentecost Letter has been as devastating as a feather duster and as effective as an ashtray on a motorbike…”
– Bishop Glenn Davies writes at SydneyAnglicans.net.
Related: ‘Dialogue’ trumps Scripture — again?
‘The good book’s guide to great sex’
Posted on July 28, 2010
Filed under Opinion
“Sex is God’s gift to humanity and healthy sexual behaviour should be the church’s gift to the world. As reported in The Age this week, we are neurologically wired to desire sex, to fall in love with the person we desire sex with, and for that love to develop into a deep personal attachment. Our bodies are wired to operate best with one sexual partner for life.
The Christian church has a positive duty to help all people form healthy sexual self-identities, which lead to healthy sexual behaviour, particularly in a world where highly sexualised images are commonplace…”
– Kamal Weerakoon (St. Marys Presbyterian Church) writes in the Sydney Morning Herald. It’s a follow up to Monday’s article by Barney Zwartz in The Age.
Thinking of leaving your church?
Posted on July 27, 2010
Filed under News
In a guest post at Kevin DeYoung’s blog, Jason Helopoulos lists seven good reasons to leave a church. He also tackles other reasons people sometimes give – reasons that aren’t all that good.