Learning from the Old

Dean of Sydney Sandy Grant writes in his Minister’s letter for the Cathedral –

“Friends in Christ, habitually we have at least two Bible readings at church: one for the sermon series, the other mostly from the opposite Testament.

The non-sermon readings are designed to expose you to another part of God’s Word, in a systematic way.

It’s a bit like going to an art gallery to see a particular exhibition. That’s the Bible book for the sermon series. But on the way through the gallery you may also look at the paintings in another room, to get a wider sense of what’s going on in the world of art. …”

– At the Cathedral website.

The Australian Church Record’s Synod 2026 Journal

Lionel Windsor, Editorial Director of The Australian Church Record, introduces the ACR’s Synod 2026 Journal –

Dear friends,

Many readers will know 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” Yet Paul writes these words amid opposition to gospel truth, rejection of godly living and persecution. He therefore urges Timothy: “Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it” (2 Timothy 3:14).

We are encouraged to remember both the biblical truths we have learned and those through whom God has taught us. As I take on the role of editor of the ACR, I am conscious of this rich heritage. This year marks 100 years since it became the Australian Church Record, building on generations of faithful evangelical witness. We give thanks for those who have stood for the gospel, most recently including Mike Leite, under whose leadership the ACR has grown and flourished.

Though today’s challenges differ, the need to hold firmly to God’s word remains. I trust this edition will encourage us to do just that.

Peter Orr examines the nature and importance of the pastoral office, while Simon Hingston considers biblical clarity in evangelism. Jen Richards offers practical encouragement for regular public Bible reading, and James Chen explores how our gatherings and the sacraments point us back to Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice and forward to our future hope.

With a new Sydney synod triennium beginning, we include key sections from the Standing Committee’s report on the theological and historical purpose of synod. We have also published this on our blog as a resource that can be used in preparation for synod.

We also hear encouraging accounts of gospel ministry from Vic Colgan in Carlton, Steve Thurgar in Eagle Vale and James Daymond in the Diocese of Bathurst.

Looking beyond Australia, Rod Chiswell reflects on the recent Abuja meeting and its significance for the worldwide Anglican Communion. Finally, Peter Adam reviews Tony Payne’s Let the Word Dwell Richly, on the vital ministry of Christians speaking God’s word to one another.

I trust this edition will encourage you to continue in what you have learned, and to give thanks for those from whom you learned it.

With deep gratefulness to the Lord for our contributors,

Lionel Windsor
Editorial Director

– After reading the above, you’ll absolutely want to download your own copy of the ACR’s Synod 2026 Journal.

You can do that by clicking this link (3.5MB PDF file). (Good to share too.)

Love in the church

From Phillip Jensen –

“Dear friends,

The second half of 1 Corinthians 14 gives us great insight into the nature of church life. Having addressed the subject of prophecy and tongues in the light of love, Paul now discusses their use specifically in the church. We know from the first half of the chapter that prophecy is greater than tongue-speaking, because of its edifying effect. But what is the effect of speaking in tongues in church? And how should we conduct it, if we have tongue-speaking at all?

Three times in this passage, Paul tells people to be silent. What does that mean and why does he want silence in church? As our ministries in church are to be conducted in love, so also we see here they are to be conducted in accordance with the character of God—not chaotically, but decently and in order. What does it mean and how are we to do it? I hope you enjoy this episode of Two Ways News and remember to subscribe and share it with your friends.

Yours,

Phillip.”

– Hear Phillip and Peter Jensen at Two Ways News.

Always worth your time. Along the way, they mention T.C. Hammond, about whom you can learn more here.

As Phillip mentions, issues discussed in this episode are also covered in his book The Coming of the Holy Spirit and also at this year’s King’s Birthday Conference.

Synod Survival Guide – download your copy

Many have found The Synod Survival Guide by Dr Robert Tong to be a very helpful introduction to Sydney Synod.

It’s presented by the Anglican Church League as a service to the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney.

– Download your copy here. (PDF file.)

Silicon Spiritualities podcast with Chris Watkin

At The Gospel Coalition, since early July, Christopher Watkin has been hosting a podcast about Artificial Intelligence –

“Introducing Silicon Spiritualities, a podcast from The Gospel Coalition exploring the deeper questions artificial intelligence raises about work, worship, truth, power, and what it means to be human.

Host Christopher Watkin helps thoughtful Christians move beyond hype and panic toward a wise, hopeful, and biblically grounded understanding of the technologies shaping our world.”

– Check out the episodes already online.

Phillip Jensen on the Ten Commandments — The Pastor’s Heart

Phillip Jensen has a new book out – Written on Our Hearts – The Ten Commandments and the radical life of grace.

Dominic Steele  speaks with him about the book, and about The Ten Commandments – at The Pastor’s Heart.

– Watch or listen here. Very much worth hearing and pondering.

And the book is available from Matthias Press.

Love in Action

From Phillip Jensen –

“Chapters 12-14 of 1 Corinthians are a unit. Paul uses one long argument that Paul is using.

Most people think it is about spiritual gifts, but it’s much more about what he calls “the spirituals”, whereas chapter 13 on the topic of love seems to have moved off topic. Chapter 14 brings us right back into the pointy end of the debate that Paul addresses. What of speaking in tongues? What of prophecy? What is the greater or higher gift?

I hope you enjoy this chapter as Peter and I discuss it.”

– Listen here.

God’s Very Special Letters: The Epistles for Kids — 2026 Australian Christian Book Of The Year

The Australian Christian Book of The Year has been announced –

“God’s Very Special Letters: The Epistles for Kids – Philippians, Colossians & Philemon, 1 Peter – Matt Dodd and Thom Bransdon

Four New Testament letters have been brought to life for readers of all ages. This new translation uses direct and plain language and is a joy to read. The text is complemented by illustrations that advance the narrative, remind us of the culture and fortunes of the original readers, and ensure that people remain the focus of complex theological ideas.

This unprecedented and wonderful initiative makes these epistles accessible to children and offers older readers a fresh encounter with familiar and favourite parts of Scripture. Why hasn’t this been done before?”

Details at the Sparklit website.

Themelios 51.2 released

From The Gospel Coalition:

“The new [northern] summer 2026 issue of Themelios has 231 pages of editorials, articles, and book reviews.

It is freely available in three formats: (1) PDF, (2) web version, and (3) Logos Bible Software. …”

– Details here.

Charity

From Phillip Jensen –

“Should you read 1 Corinthians 13 at your wedding? And should we translate 1 Corinthians 13 as ‘charity’ or ‘love’? Today’s episode will answer both of these questions.

One of the best known and most popular passages of the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13, is the topic of our podcast this week. The good news is, we are talking about it; bad news is, we cannot do it justice. Nevertheless, we hope you enjoy our discussion. Do take a moment to subscribe, and take every opportunity to share this podcast with your friends.”

– Peter and Phillip discuss at Two Ways News.

As always, very helpful. Do listen (or read) and share it with friends.

Written on Our Hearts — a new book from Phillip Jensen

Phillip Jensen has a new book out – Written on Our Hearts – The Ten Commandments and the radical life of grace.

From the publisher’s description:

“Few pieces of writing, if any, have shaped our world in the way that the Ten Commandments have. Thousands of years after God first gave them to Moses and Israel, they remain one of the most discussed and most memorized texts in history.

But are they revered? Are they obeyed? Are they loved? Even those who know the commandments well may struggle to see how they apply to Christians living “not under law but under grace” (Rom 6:14). How and why would a follower of Jesus today share the words of the psalmist: “Oh how I love your law” (Ps 119:97)?

In Written on Our Hearts, longtime pastor and preacher Phillip Jensen takes readers into the mind of the eternal, unchanging God who authored the commandments. Jensen shows that the commandments are not only relevant for today’s world, but also central to the transformation of mind, heart and life that God desires for his people.

Here is a radical vision of grace-filled living that delights in the law of the Lord and does good to all people.”

Published by Matthias Media, it’s available through their website.

Understanding Body Image

From Phillip Jensen –

“Body image today often refers to our perception of our own physical bodies. But Paul used the image of the body 2000 years ago when he spoke of the Body of Christ, and that’s what we need to explore when looking at 1 Corinthians chapter 12.

It is particularly important in today’s controversies that we understand the image of the body.”

– Here Phillip and Peter discuss at Two Ways News.

Understanding the Parables

From Michael Leong at The Expository Preaching Trust –

“Parables have often superficially been compared to sermon illustrations – both seem to relate spiritual truths to earthly events, using contemporary language and metaphors (e.g., those of agriculture, construction, and human relationships). One member of my congregation shared her definition of a parable as ‘an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.’

It’s too simplistic, however, to say that, ‘Jesus used sermon illustrations when he spoke in parables, therefore we also should use sermon illustrations in our preaching.’

Mark 4:10-20 says that the purpose of parables is very different to our illustrations…”

– and he advertises their Wahroonga Preaching Conference coming up on Monday 7th September, with a focus on understanding and preaching from the parables.

Speakers include David Cook, Chris Edwards, Simon Manchester and Michael Leong.

The Age of the Spiritual

From Phillip Jensen:

“In 1 Corinthians 12-14, we come to a passage that has dominated Christian discussion for the last 60 years. It is one that Peter and I have been thinking and preaching on for most of our public ministries. But I hope that you find this fresh take on the passage to be a helpful way of understanding Paul’s letter.”

In the discussion, Phillip recalls writing his book, The Coming of the Holy Spirit –

“In the writing of that book was a verse which held up the whole of my writing for 12 months, for there was a translation problem which one of the editors pointed out to me. That verse was 1 Corinthians 14:12, ‘So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.’

The trouble is, the Greek doesn’t say, ‘the manifestations of the spirit’. What it really says is, ‘since you are eager for spirits’, plural. The Holy Spirit is never spoken of in plural form, so it can’t be referring to the Holy Spirit—thus it should be written with a lowercase ‘s’. But then that raises the question: what spirits is it talking about?…”

– Hear Phillip and Peter Jensen discuss these key chapters – at Two Ways News.

At the bottom of that page, there are ways you can support the ministry.

Confusion over the Religious Question on the Australian Census — Michael Stead and Mark McCrindle

An important and timely episode from The Pastor’s Heart –

“Answering ‘Anglican’, ‘Catholic’, or ‘Baptist’ on the Census isn’t a test of church attendance.

Before filling out your form, hear researcher Mark McCrindle, and Bishop Michael Stead discuss

  1. What the Bureau of Statistics is actually measuring.
  2. Why writing your specific denomination helps community planning more than generic labels.
  3. How census data impacts real-world support—like hospital, prison, and military chaplaincy. …

The Bureau of Statistics definition of religious affiliation is simple: it’s the faith group you associate with, even if that differs from your active practice or participation.”

– Watch here.

Related:

Count us in! – SydneyAnglicans.net.

Next Page →