Southern Cross magazine for September — October 2026

The latest issue of the Diocese of Sydney’s Southern Cross magazine is now out for September – October 2026.

You can get a copy at your local church – or you can download / read it online.

Plenty of interesting and encouraging articles, including –
• The Big Church Song Survey
• Year 13 in Fiji
• Laughter
• Psalm 93

There’s also a story about Alice Cooper and the new book Evangelism in the Local Church by Paul Brennan and Dave Jensen. See it on page 7.

The Tron Church has this interview with the authors. There, Dave Jensen argues that you don’t need a celebrity to promote the gospel. (Of course, every celebrity needs the gospel!)

And The Wandering Bookseller currently has the book on special.

Photos: SydneyAnglicans.net.

Watch out, scammers about

Good to be aware of –

“Sydney Anglican Services has renewed warnings about a sophisticated email scam targeting church communities, with fraudsters impersonating church leaders to gain access to parish directories and contact members.

Nathan McQueen, the Head of IT for Sydney Anglican Services (SAS), says fake emails are sent by a scammer impersonating a member of the church leadership team. …”

– From Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net.

Image from The Melbourne Anglican, when similar scams were being tried in Melbourne three years ago.

How Scammers are Targeting Christian Authors

Tim Challies has something to be aware of –

“Authors are being targeted today. I expect this targeting includes all authors, but I can attest that it certainly includes Christian authors. As far as I can tell, these are not particularly dangerous scams, but they are annoying nonetheless and potentially costly.

Here’s how they work. …”

– Read it all (with some examples of scam e-mails) at challies.com.

Twice as Vulnerable: What Every Pastor Needs to Know

From The Pastor’s Heart this week –

“Consent, Bodies and Belonging: Ministering to Young People with Disability.

In every church’s orbit are young people with intellectual disability, whether in the pews, in youth group, or in a family that stopped coming because it got too hard.

The Australian Disability Royal Commission found people with disability are twice as likely to face abuse and exploitation.

Are our churches actually safe, welcoming places?

Accessibility Ministry Advisor at Sydney Anglican Youthworks Bec Baines speaks about consent, capacity, bodies and belonging, and how to disciple young people with intellectual disability.

Links:

• Bec is the author of a new resource for teens and young adults with intellectual disability called Made to Be Me and You.

• Living Hope Anglican Accessibility Guide.”

– Watch or listen here.

The Gospel Foundation — The hope of worms?

From Phillip Jensen:

“This week we start a 4-week series on one of the pivotal chapters in the Bible: 1 Corinthians 15. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not an afterthought of the gospel. It is not a tidying up of the events of Jesus’ death at Calvary. The resurrection is the gospel; it is foundational to the Christian understanding of Jesus’ mission and the world’s future.

In this episode of Two Ways News we look at the first 11 verses which are on the truth of the gospel. As we recall the message that was preached, in the coming weeks we will see the significance of doubting the resurrection as well as the marvellous implications of our confidence in Christ’s resurrection.”

– Here Phillip and Peter discuss – at Two Ways News.

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.

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