The Coming of the Holy Spirit — new book from Phillip Jensen
From Matthias Media:
“When we seek to understand the person and work of God’s Spirit, we are often so concerned with personal theories or current controversies that we fail to listen carefully to what God himself teaches in the Scriptures.
The Coming of the Holy Spirit begins with the very centre of what the Bible teaches about the Spirit: Jesus will fulfil the Old Testament prophecies and pour out the Holy Spirit on his people.
The book explores the five promises of Jesus about the Spirit in John 14-17 and then traces the fulfilment of those promises through the rest of the New Testament—in the Pentecostal outpouring of Acts 2, the progress of the Holy Spirit’s world mission throughout Acts, and the ongoing work of the Spirit in initiating, continuing and completing the Christian life in all its dimensions (personal and corporate).
In this important and unique work, Phillip Jensen draws on a lifetime of biblical exegesis and preaching to unfold not only the depth and richness of the Bible’s teaching about the Spirit, but its centre and emphasis. Having done this important work, he then goes on to deal with many of the secondary issues that have often dominated our discussion of the Spirit.”
Phillip Jensen Podcast
From PhillipJensen.com and Two Ways Ministries:
“This new podcast from Phillip features sermons, talks, and other resources which proclaim the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through teaching people the Bible. We exist to equip followers of Christ to apply a Biblical knowledge to their priorities and practice to live boldly and single-mindedly for Christ.”
Much food for thought. A very worthwhile way to spend some time.
There’s a new episode every week or so.
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts, and on the website.
The Truth of Jesus: John Anderson speaks with Phillip Jensen
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson has interviewed many interesting people over the last few years.
With Easter upon us, he speaks with Phillip Jensen, Bible Teacher and Evangelist.
Fascinating interview. Encouraging to watch and great to share.
It’s available at johnanderson.net.au – and also on YouTube where a timeline of topics discussed is posted underneath the video.
Dissecting the new Two Ways to Live – with Phillip Jensen and Tony Payne
“We are joined by the authors of Two Ways to Live, Phillip Jensen and Tony Payne, to talk through the changes they have made to the iconic gospel outline.
We talk through the what and why behind the changes.”
– Great encouragement in thinking how to share the gospel. At The Pastor’s Heart.
A Call to Change the Census — Phillip Jensen
At last, I was chosen to be in a sample! I always wonder about polls and samples; I know lots of people but so few of them are ever part of a sample. But this time the Australian Bureau of Statistics chose my suburb to test out the 2021 Census.
So dutifully on the 29th of October I and those in my household answered all the questions about those who were with us that night (namely ourselves). It was magnificently simple, easy to follow and all done on-line. It collected up the basic information of the community, which will help research and policy makers to understand the nature of the Australian community.
All of this except the question on religion – for whether it’s intended to or not, it will deceive by unjustifiably claiming to present information that it has not acquired. In other words; it’s a sham!
The question on religion gave multiple choice answers organised by ‘no religion’, denomination of choice and religion of choice. The top billing went to ‘no religion’ which was separated by a line before the denominations and religions were listed. The religions and denominations were listed in what seemed a random fashion, though I suspect it was a descending order of popularity from last census. So Catholic and Anglican were the top two and others like Hindus and Baptists were further down the list. With finally a box to indicate any other religion not on the random list.
At one level it can appear that it is a fair question. All the options are available plus an alternative to indicate another religion if they haven’t provided for your religion explicitly. But you don’t need a degree in research science to perceive the biases in the order of the listing. Nor do you need a degree in religious studies to see the inaccuracy of confusing denominations with religions.
Personally, I find census information very useful and I’m glad our nation in its research and policy decision making has reliable and trustworthy information about our changing population. As a person deeply involved in religion, I’m particularly interested in religious statistics, as I’m sure are other ‘religious practitioners’. The decline of the old European denominations of Christianity is important to measure, not just for the political joy of atheists, but for the real understanding of anybody interested in religion or Australia. It may disappoint people to see their community declining but accurate accounting of reality is far more important than feelings of disappointment.
However, half a story is worse than no story – especially when the half that is given comes with the authority and apparent thoroughness of the government bureau of statistics. It leads to falsehood in journalistic writing (fairly common in the area of religion), bad decisions in policy and wrong actions amongst religious communities. Everybody loses when the facts are misrepresented by sloppy collection of data.
The question of religion is not so much which denomination you belong to as to which religion: Buddhist, Christian, Hindu or Islam. To only ask about Christian denominations, ignores the possibly more important distinctions between Sunni and Shia in the Muslim community. Within Australia there is a growing number of active Christians who have no denominational connection or interest.
With 30% identifying as ‘no religion’ in 2016 it is important to clarify the meaning of the term. Some today claim they are ‘spiritual’ but not religious, others that they are agnostic or disinterested and still others are atheists. To lump them together while differentiating Christians down to denominations of less than 1% gives a very distorted view of our society and its recent developments.
A complaint without an alternative is easy to make but not particularly helpful. So, let me recommend to the Bureau the following:
1 That all options, including ‘no religion’ be presented alphabetically.
2 That the basic question be divided between
a Buddhist
b Christian
c Hindu
d Islam
e Judaism
f No religion
g Other
3 That denominations (including Islamic denominations) and no-religion alternatives (atheist, agnostic, no interest, spiritual) be made into sub-questions flowing from these main religious groupings.
It is important in Census work that the stability of the questions enable comparisons from one census to the next, especially to be able to see trends. What I am suggesting would enable those comparisons to be made. But it is more important that we are comparing realistic snapshots of society. Furthermore, when society changes, as religion in a now multicultural society inevitably has, that the questions seek out the new reality rather than archaically repeating yesterday’s concerns.
As a Christian, I am concerned for the truth. Of course, I would like to see Christianity growing in Australia. But that has to be a reality not a wish or a distorted Census report. Reality is what the Census should provide. But at the moment, if the Bureau continues with its sample census, we will not have reality but half-truths and distortions that are impossible to usefully evaluate.
– Phillip Jensen.
The minister drought and what to do about it? – with Phillip Jensen
From Dominic Steele:
“The minister drought and what to do about it? – with Phillip Jensen
There’s been an across the board drop in people stepping up to serve in full time ministry roles whether as senior pastors, assistant pastors or people putting themselves forward to study at theological college.
We had the Principal of Moore Theological College, Mark Thompson on The Pastor’s Heart a few months ago and he said that enrolments are down for theological colleges across the western world.
It’s very different to twenty years ago, when all the talk at Moore College was of continued growth.
Humanly speaking Phillip Jensen was the person in Sydney used by God most significantly to prompt the explosion in gospel workers.
We ask Phillip what are the factors that have contributed to the slump, and what needs to be done?”
– Watch or listen at The Pastor’s Heart.
Related:
Where are all the senior ministers? – Bishop Peter Lin.
Phillip Jensen on how COVID19 changes evangelism
“This week on The Pastor’s Heart we talk big COVID changes: individualism and community, autonomy and submission, free press & censorship, materialism, wealth and its assumptions and the seriousness of life.
Plus the massive advantages for ministry and evangelism in a society which has much more time on our hands and is much more aware of the reality of death.
Plus we ask Phillip how Christian leaders can honour Jesus, loving the flock and reach the lost in the Corona season.”
– A very helpful episode of The Pastor’s Heart.
The last death throes of cultural Christianity and what’s next — with Phillip Jensen
“Former Anglican Dean of Sydney Phillip Jensen says to understand the issues fronting Christians today we will best start with understanding the history.
Phillip, who now heads up Two Ways Ministries, takes us on a helicopter journey through fifty years of cultural and Christian history…and considers where to from here?”
– Whether you were there, and remember it, or weren’t and don’t, this is a fascinating overview of the last 50+ years, with gospel encouragement for the future.
Watch Phillip at The Pastor’s Heart with Dominic Steele.
New look for Phillip Jensen’s website
Phillip Jensen’s website has a new look. As previously, it is packed with helpful resources.
See it at phillipjensen.com.
Are you on the same team as Israel Folau? — Phillip Jensen speaks at Moore College Chapel
Phillip Jensen spoke on 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 as a guest preacher at Moore College Chapel last Friday, 3rd May 2019.
This is well worth hearing and sharing. (File photo.)
Spirit-inspired Christian Living — Phillip Jensen
“What does the Spirit want Christians to do? What does the Spirit enable Christians to do?
There are two common errors in answering these common questions:
at one extreme, the humanistic Christians have no place for the Spirit, but lay burdens of morality upon us;
at another extreme, the mystical Christians expect the Spirit to magically solve all our problems.
But what do the Spirit-inspired Scriptures tell us to expect about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives?”
At Moore College’s Centre for Christian Living, Phillip Jensen is speaking about “Spirit-inspired Christian Living” on Monday 20th August, from 7:30pm.
Billy Graham in Sydney — and the best decision Phillip Jensen ever made
“I was just 13 when I first heard Billy Graham preach. At his urging, back on that autumn day in 1959, I decided to give my life to Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. It was the best decision I have ever made and so I have remained for ever thankful to God for Billy Graham.
William Franklin Graham was one of the world’s global citizens, but this week, at age 99, he died in his native state of North Carolina. He preached in more countries to more people than any other man in history. Amongst his preaching tours he visited Sydney three times (1959, 1968, 1979). On each occasion the gospel he preached affected thousands – changing individuals, families and communities. His was a global mission that affected local communities. It was a high-profile ministry that transformed the lives of little people.”
– Read Phillip Jensen’s tribute to Billy Graham, and get a sense for the impact on Sydney of this preacher of the gospel.
Phillip Jensen on his long ministry and lessons learned
At Nexus Conference 2016, Dominic Steele interviewed Phillip Jensen on his long ministry and lessons learned.
The video and audio files have now been posted at The Pastor’s Heart.
Take the time to watch or listen, be reminded of what’s really important, and give thanks for faithful servants like Phillip. Much to think about, and lots of wisdom.
My Request — Phillip Jensen
Phillip Jensen on Anglican Evangelicalism
In the latest Preaching Matters video from St. Helen’s Bishopsgate, Phillip Jensen speaks about what it is to be an Evangelical Anglican.
In doing so, he explores the difference between ‘followers of Calvin’ and ‘followers of Calvinism’. (Mike Ovey responds here.)
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…