The 2024 Synod Briefing Podcast now online

Posted on September 5, 2024 
Filed under Sydney Diocese

See also The Synod Survival Guide by Dr Robert Tong.

This very helpful introduction to Sydney Synod is presented by the Anglican Church League as a service to the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney.

– Download your copy here. (PDF file.)

A “Must Hear” address — Dave Jensen at the ACL Synod Dinner 2024

Posted on September 16, 2024 
Filed under Encouragement, Evangelism, Sydney Diocese

“Taking the evangelistic temperature of the Diocese of Sydney” is the topic of Dave Jensen’s address at the Anglican Church League’s Synod Dinner held on 16th September 2024. (Dave is the Assistant Director of Evangelism and New Churches in the Diocese of Sydney.)

Listen Here:

 

or download the mp3 file here (right click to download).

Here is a summarised version of Dave Jensen’s address:

Bible Reading: Act 5:17-26.

There is no shortage of non-Christian people in our city, and the number will continue to grow as our city grows. And yet, this is the hardest time for evangelism in Australia’s history. Being a public Christian and sharing the gospel has never been more complicated. On the other hand—this is the greatest time for evangelism in Australia’s history! There has never been a better time to share the gospel. Despite the difficulties and dangers, biblical, historical, and observational evidence provide us with attitudes of action, initiative, and hope.

How can both of these things be true?

In Acts 5, there is an astonishing interaction between Peter and John and the Sanhedrin. Luke has already described numerical and gospel growth, along with the growth of opposition. Peter and John have been hauled before the Sanhedrin and ordered not to teach in the name of Jesus anymore. But as Acts 5 continues, we see the apostles continue this public gospel ministry. They’re arrested, re-arrested, and flogged—yet they continue to preach. The apostles proclaim with clarity the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Suffering and opposition do not prevent their worship and witness; they fuel it! When they face opposition, they leave the Sanhedrin rejoicing for being counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name! So they return.

Why do they do this and respond in this way? It is significant that the second time they are captured, there is no angelic prison break—and the large-scale persecution of the church begins. If God has the power to prevent their pain and persecution, why would he bring them back to the same place and not release them from prison? Why would God allow what he has the power to prevent? There can only be one possible answer. He has a purpose of greater value—something he holds as of greater worth than our comfort and pleasure in this life: “this new life” (verse 20). The new life that comes to us through trusting in the death and resurrection of Jesus. This is worth more than anything else because it lasts forever.

So, the disciples keep the big picture in mind: the eternal perspective of assured salvation in Christ. So, this passage gives us two priorities for evangelism:

Firstly, above all else, we must prioritise gospel proclamation. People’s greatest need in this life is spiritual—so we need to proclaim the life-transforming gospel of Jesus Christ.

Secondly, suffering for the gospel is not an enemy to be avoided—it’s a privilege to be endured. We might believe that by watering down, we reach out. We can be tempted to make the gospel more palatable or first to persuade people how beautiful Christianity is before we eventually share the gospel with them. But that is wrong. As we suffer, we make the saving sacrifice of Jesus visible.

So, this is the hardest time for evangelism in Australia’s history. But it’s also the greatest time for evangelism in Australia’s history because as we suffer, the love of Jesus and the gospel shines through the words we say.

God isn’t done with Sydney! People are being converted all over the place. We have a job to do—let’s stick to it. Let’s do it with hope and determination. Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, who for the hope set before him, endured the cross.

Some quotes from attendees:

Trevor Cairney: The talk was incredible—it was challenging and so right about the times we live in. People are miserable and hurting; they need and want people to talk to them about the gospel. This was a timely message: we need to have more!

Susan An: I really appreciated Dave talking about both the difficulties and opportunities we have in sharing the gospel.

Christian corporate governance, statements of faith, and upholding marriage

Posted on September 16, 2024 
Filed under Culture wars, Sydney Diocese

At The Australian Church Record, Dean of Sydney Sandy Grant writes:

“In September 2024, the Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney will be asked to delete the personal Statement of Faith from its Corporate Governance Policy.

However, this personal Statement of Faith should continue to be signed by those elected or appointed to be Board Governors and Heads/CEOs of our Anglican organisations. It has been an integral part of the Corporate Governance Policy since 2014, when it was introduced as the culmination of 4 years’ research, discussion, review and debate. …”

– Read here.

AI as God, Deepfakes, and The Resurrection — John Anderson speaks with John Lennox

Posted on September 15, 2024 
Filed under Apologetics, Culture wars, Resources, Theology

From JohnAnderson.net.au:

John Anderson “… speaks with Oxford Professor John Lennox about the intriguing connections between science, religion, and modern cultural shifts.

Lennox reflects on how figures like Jordan Peterson have opened the door for renewed dialogue between Christianity and science. He argues that historical scientific pioneers were driven by their faith in a divine lawgiver, a perspective that has regained traction in modern intellectual discussions.

The conversation also touches on the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence and society’s growing struggle with truth in the age of deepfakes. \

Lennox emphasises the unique hope Christianity offers through the resurrection of Jesus, contrasting it with secular movements like transhumanism, which promises immortality but fails to address deeper human questions.”

– The video on YouTube has timestamps for ease of navigation.

Alistair Begg announces retirement — planned for Sept 2025

Posted on September 15, 2024 
Filed under People

“On September 8, 2024, Alistair Begg announced to the congregation of Parkside Church that he will be concluding his time as senior pastor in September of 2025. He will continue his pastoral and ministry work at Truth For Life.

Alistair informed the Parkside Elders about his decision in August of 2024, and the Elders will nominate a candidate for senior pastor in the year ahead.”

– Announcement video here. (Of course, many will be looking forward to hearing Alistair Begg at the NSW & ACT CMS Summer School in January 2025.)

“Will you help the crowds see Jesus?”

Posted on September 14, 2024 
Filed under Encouragement, Evangelism, Sydney Diocese

“Two years ago we met in the southwest growth corridor at Oran Park and I asked you, ‘Do you see the crowds?’ The crowds of people moving into Sydney – growth areas and established areas, people from many nations, people without knowledge of the Lord and his cross. Today I want to ask, will you help the crowds see Jesus?”

With that challenge, Archbishop Kanishka Raffel opened the Synod in the Greenfields in northwestern Sydney. …

– Report from Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net.

Below: Watch Archbishop Kanishka Raffel’s Synod Address.

The death of Jesus — Matthew 27:1-66

Posted on September 14, 2024 
Filed under Encouragement, Resources, Theology

St. Helen’s Bishopsgate in London has published a new audio reflection by Dick Lucas – on The Death of Jesus – from Matthew 27:1-66. It was recorded in March this year.

In discussing the passage, Dick seeks to prepare Christians for what happens when the gospel is proclaimed, and shares a sobering story of his first days at St. Helen’s in 1961. (Dick served as Rector from 1961 to 1998.)

Listen here.

We can give great thanksgiving to the Lord for Dick. Born in 1925, Dick attained the age of 99 on Tuesday (September 10). St. Helen’s posted this Happy Birthday message on their Facebook page.

St. Helen’s has more than 1700 talks by Dick available on their website.

Knowing Jesus when it hurts

Posted on September 14, 2024 
Filed under Encouragement, Moore College, Theology

“Imagine that God gave you a vision of heaven. One moment you sit praying, the next God’s Spirit has lifted you into the heavenlies. You gaze around at the heavenly reality. You see the glories of the Father and the wonders of the seraphim and angels.

Perhaps you catch a taste of what it means to be without sin, to live unencumbered by the desires of the flesh. In ways that you will never find words to express you feel something of the glory of life in the presence of the living God. And then, just as quickly as it began, it’s over.

I wonder, if you had such a vision, who would you tell about it? I wonder, how quickly would you tell them? Would you post it online, phone a friend, talk to your pastor? …”

– Very helpful article from Paul Grimmond at SydneyAnglicans.net.

The purpose of the Lord will stand — Australian Church Record Journal for Synod 2024

Posted on September 13, 2024 
Filed under Encouragement, Evangelism, Resources, Sydney Diocese

The Australian Church Record has published a special edition of their Journal to coincide with the meeting of Sydney Synod starting this weekend.

Whether or not you are a member of Synod, this is well worth downloading, reading and sharing.

Highlights include interviews with Robert Tong and Laurie Scandrett, but much else to see too.

 

A Heart for the Gospel: Paul Donison speaks with Jodie McNeill

Posted on September 12, 2024 
Filed under GAFCON, People

GAFCON’s Global Anglican Podcast episode number 7 has been released:

“Jodie McNeill – A Heart for the Gospel: Meet the New Global Operations Manager

We sit down with the Revd Jodie McNeill, Gafcon’s Global Operations Manager, to discuss his vital new role in the day-to-day ministry of Gafcon.

As an Anglican pastor and longstanding advocate for the Gafcon movement, Jodie understands the need to both ‘throw a lifeboat’ to Anglican churches whose diocesan leaders have abandoned the truth, as well as the importance of supporting churches that remain within their troubled dioceses.

General Secretary Paul Donison explores with Jodie their shared passion to see Gafcon engage and equip everyday Anglicans in standing firm for the gospel today.”

– Listen here.

“They said I had what they were missing and asked to visit my church”

Posted on September 12, 2024 
Filed under Encouragement, Evangelism, Sydney Diocese

“I spoke recently at the GAFCON Australasia gathering in Brisbane. GAFCON is the “mission arm” of the movement of orthodox global Anglicans. Hundreds had eagerly put aside time and paid to travel there from every Australian state and territory, as well as New Zealand, PNG and Myanmar.

We looked at Romans 1, full of Paul’s personality and emotion. This is a little surprising because Paul didn’t plant the church and hadn’t visited it yet. Yet it drips with authentic affection and concern. …”

– Archbishop Kanishka Raffel writes at SydneyAnglicans.net.

Where was the Serious Exchange of Ideas? The American People Need More Than What Happened Last Night in the ‘24 Presidential ‘Debate’

Posted on September 11, 2024 
Filed under Opinion

Albert Mohler shares his thoughts on “The Debate”.

– Listen here if you’re interested.

Repost: Call from the Presbyterian Moderator General to “Walk for Life”

Posted on September 11, 2024 
Filed under Australia, Culture wars, Other denominations

“David Burke, the moderator general for the Presbyterian Church of Australia, has called on all people of Christian faith to defend the rights of the unborn by participating in ‘Walk for Life’.

Rev. Dr. Burke argued that there is a parallel with the abuse relating to domestic violence, vulnerable people such as children and people with disabilities as well as child abuse in all its forms. Burke said:

‘To my mind, one of the great unmentioned forms of child abuse is the fact that there is a capacity in Australia to kill a child still in its mother’s womb – a living human being with all its actuality and potential made in the image of God.’”

– See the video message from David Burke at AP, the Presbyterian Church’s national journal.

The Walk for Life to which he is referring is planned for September 21st 2024, 2:00pm – 4:00pm Hyde Park, Sydney. Tickets here.

From the ticketing website:

“Love Sydney exists to stand for truth and intercede for the preborn through gathering together with others who are in agreement with our mission.

As we walk, may our countenance and attitude of our faith be evident with all interactions with each other. We welcome everyone who wishes to stand for life with us in this respectful way, regardless of their faith, ethnicity, age or gender.

We ask that you not engage with anyone that is expressing their opposition to our peaceful Walk for Life event. Our trained marshals, professional security and police are all here to keep our event safe. Anyone making nuisance noise will be asked to leave.

Please remember no megaphones or signs. Our official signs will be available for you to carry while at this event. Please obey the marshals, security team and police on the walk.

Our role is simple – to stand in the gap and be a voice for the voiceless, as we cover Sydney in prayer and love.”

Coercive control in Christian families and the impact on children – with Jenni Woodhouse

Posted on September 11, 2024 
Filed under Resources

From The Pastor’s Heart:

“How do we help children in Christian families escape and recover from the devastating effects of domestic abuse?

Pastoral consultant Jenni Woodhouse says there is a hidden epidemic of coercive control where a parent with narcissism or borderline personality disorder makes life impossible for their both their spouse and children.

We also explore the impact of domestic abuse on children of all ages, from teenagers to toddlers.

What responsibility does the church have? What should a church leader do?

How can we as church leaders detect and address these issues in the congregation?

Jenni Woodhouse is a pastoral care consultant with the Church Missionary Society.”

– Watch or listen here.

Regional ministry in the Bathurst Diocese – Mark Calder, James Boardman and Sally Phelps

Posted on September 10, 2024 
Filed under Australian dioceses, Good News

From Moore College:

“Vice Principal Simon Gillham chats with Bishop of the Bathurst Diocese, Mark Calder and regional workers James Boardman and Sally Phelps. They share the joys and challenges of doing ministry in a regional area and share about the exciting growth and opportunities available in the area.

Would you continue to pray for the gospel growth in the Bathurst Diocese and that many would head out into regional ministry.”

– Watch here, and do pray.

Fearing God the Father

Posted on September 10, 2024 
Filed under Theology

“ ‘I am a child of God, God is my Father; heaven is my home; every day is one day nearer. My Saviour is my brother; every Christian is my brother [or sister] too.’

This is my favourite sentence in J. I. Packer’s Knowing God. Packer persuasively argues that being adopted as a child of God is the highest blessing that God gives us, higher even than justification. …”

– At The Gospel Coalition Australia, Richard Chin shares the third in a series on fearing God, “Fearing God the Father”.

( Part 1: Fearing God Our Creator. Part 2: Fearing God Our Judge.)

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