The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof

Posted on April 4, 2026 
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Commander of NASA’s Artemis 2 mission, Reid Wiseman, took this photo of the Earth yesterday, shortly after the crew had fired their engine to leave Earth orbit to travel to the vicinity of the Moon. (Image credit: NASA.)

The photo has been widely shared in the media. It shows the night-time side of the Earth, illuminated by the full Moon, which is behind the spacecraft. The Sun is hidden behind the Earth.

The planet Venus is the bright point at top left, and a reflection of something inside the cabin is the bright spot just below the centre of the picture. Auroras are visible at both poles, and stars can be seen in the blackness of space.

As published, the photo has usually been shown with north at the bottom, making identification difficult. The image above is rotated to north at the top. A comparison might help in working out what is what.

Psalm 24 reminds us that “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein…”

If you look closely at the picture (click for a larger version – or see the unrotated original here), you can pick out the lights of cities across NW Africa  and the Iberian Peninsula. Madrid is the brightest light there.

Each of those lights represents thousands – or millions – of people. People who need to come to know the Lord Jesus who died and rose again for them.

As well as praising the Lord for the wonder of his creation, praying for the people framed in that photo would be a good way to pray this Easter.

Daylight Saving in NSW ends Sunday 5th April 2026

Posted on April 4, 2026 
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Just a reminder – in NSW, Daylight saving ends at 3:00am AEDT on Easter Sunday 5th April 2026.

Jesus, Betrayed and Crucified

Posted on April 4, 2026 
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From The Gospel Coalition

“This is the heart of the gospel. This is the center of history. This is God dying in our place.”

Gary Millar preached this message on Jesus’s passion from Luke 23 at TGC’s 2013 National Conference. When Jesus went to the cross, he was surrounded by weak, evil, and self-interested people. Yet he remained in control, steadfast in his trust of his Father, all the way to death. His sacrifice is something we should never take for granted.

– Watch or listen here.

Three Reflections for Good Friday – from Bishop Mark Calder

Posted on April 3, 2026 
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Three Reflections for Good Friday – from Bishop of Bathurst Mark Calder – on

1. The courtroom scene: Romans 3:21–26

2. The cross scene: 1 Peter 2:21–24

3. The heart of God scene: 1 John 4:9–11.

– Watch here.

2026 Moore College Graduation – Occasional Address – Revd Dr Graham Cole

Posted on April 3, 2026 
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From Moore Theological College –

“At Moore College Graduation 2026, Rev Graham Cole encouraged graduates to consider their ambitions in ministry.

From Philippians, he pointed to Paul’s desire to see the gospel advance in every circumstance, and to the deep, lasting joy found in Christ, secure, unshaken, and not dependent on situation.

If we belong to Jesus, we are citizens of heaven, called to live lives worthy of the gospel.”

– Watch here.

Australian Church Record’s Easter 2026 Journal

Posted on April 2, 2026 
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From The Australian Church Record –

“In this Easter edition of the ACR Journal, we focus our attention on our gatherings and liturgy. Those who are familiar with the Prayer Book will know that we’ve titled this Easter edition in the words of Psalm 95, which is a core part of the liturgy for the daily service of morning prayer. The Psalm has a focus on hearing (‘Today, if you hear his voice’) and it warns its hearers against hardening their hearts in light of hearing the word of God. …”

– Read about – and download – the latest Journal.

God’s ‘Authentic Intelligence’ — Easter 2026 message from Archbishop Kanishka Raffel

Posted on April 1, 2026 
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“Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has issued a timely warning against relying on Artificial Intelligence for spiritual direction, urging Australians to look instead to the ‘Authentic Intelligence’ of the Easter message. …”

– Read this report from Russell Powell.

– Share the video with your friends – or show it in church this weekend!

– Read the full text below – or download it as a PDF file.

– And don’t forget that Daylight Saving ends on Sunday morning.

Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney 2026 Easter Message

Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. (NIV)
John 20:19b-20

One of the most surprising things I have heard recently is the news that some people are using artificial intelligence to talk to God.

At least, they think they are talking to God.

This isn’t just searching an online Bible for answers — people are asking AI to generate spiritual guidance for their lives.

But at Easter, we celebrate something infinitely greater: God speaking to us in person.

When Jesus appeared to his disciples on the first Easter day, they were ‘locked away’ fearing those who put Jesus to death. But Jesus appears in the midst of them, speaking ‘Peace’.

It was an everyday greeting, but this was not everyday peace. It was the peace that had been bought by his pierced hands and side.

They were overjoyed to see him, not only because he had conquered death, but because his death purchased peace with God, and drove away all their fear.

AI can certainly be useful, though not without risks. But when it comes to the most important things in life, God has come to us and brought us peace through his Son.

This Easter, remember that for two thousand years we have had God’s Authentic Intelligence. Communication from God – in Jesus! You can ‘chat’ with God and hear his voice through the words of Jesus in whom, the Bible says, are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

So, why not use this season to go offline and pick up a Bible. Some questions only God can answer.

Kanishka Raffel
Archbishop of Sydney
Easter 2026

Evidence for the resurrection of Jesus — papers

Posted on April 1, 2026 
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Associate Professor Neil Foster writes –

“Following my previous post [about a breakfast seminar run by the Newcastle Christian Lawyers Fellowship this morning], here is the paper I am presenting on evaluation of the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus applying principles of the law of evidence applied in the courts …

In that paper I mention a brilliant paper on the same broad area by former Justice of Appeal Ken Handley; for those who haven’t seen it, here it is for download …”

– Download both papers from Law and Religion Australia.

Getting Authority and Care Right – Peter Orr on Today’s Pastor

Posted on April 1, 2026 
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From The Pastor’s Heart –

“ ‘Authority’ and ‘care’-  the two big words New Testament lecturer Peter Orr says belong together at the heart of real shepherding.

Lecturer at Sydney’s Moore Theological College, Peter Orr, has told the Nexus Conference, that one of the great confusions of our moment is confusion about the role of the pastor.

He asks whether in circles like ours, with a strong and right emphasis on every-member ministry, we accidentally downplayed the distinctiveness of the pastor?

What does it mean to say that a pastor has real authority, but that it is derived, limited and for care? How to avoid harshness, being too soft and lazy.”

– Watch here.

Peter & Christine Jensen – Moore College 100 Ministry Stories

Posted on March 31, 2026 
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From Moore College’s 100 Ministry Stories, Ed Loane speaks with Peter and Christine Jensen –

“From Sunday school classmates to a lifetime of gospel partnership, Peter and Christine Jensen’s story is deeply intertwined with the life of Moore College. Converted through the ministry of the 1959 Billy Graham Crusade, their faith was shaped through church community, theological training, and a shared commitment to proclaiming Christ.

Peter’s years at Moore College were marked by the influence of teachers such as Broughton Knox and Donald Robinson, whose commitment to Scripture shaped his lifelong ministry as a pastor, teacher, and later Archbishop of Sydney. Christine served faithfully alongside him, investing deeply in student wives, women’s ministry, and the prayer life of the College community.

Together, their ministry reflects the impact of Moore College not only in Sydney but around the world— training leaders, strengthening churches, and equipping generations to know and proclaim the Word of God.”

– Most encouraging. Watch here.

The Arrogance of the Immoral

Posted on March 31, 2026 
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From Phillip Jensen –

“Because of sin, immorality is universal. Sometimes it is so blatant that everybody can see it. But what happens if everybody can see it except for the church?

In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul is dealing not only with immorality, but also with arrogance.”

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

No conflict, no drama

Posted on March 30, 2026 
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“George Bernard Shaw is quoted as saying: ‘No conflict, no drama.’

Conflict drives our stories. The hero engages in single combat with the villain. Two suitors vie for the attention of an attractive and intelligent woman. The detective’s wits are pitted against the cunning of the criminal. Scripture, likewise, is full of stories, drama, and conflict. Whether it’s God vs idols, Jesus vs the Pharisees, Paul vs the false teachers, or the Spirit vs the flesh, the Bible is replete with military, emotional, ideological, relational, and intellectual conflict, often all at once!

As preachers, we can help our churches by bringing out these conflicts of Scripture in our preaching. Doing so aids the clarity of our preaching – it helps the Christian to know not just what Jesus is for, but also what He’s against. It also drives interest, as hearers wish to see how these conflicts will be resolved. …”

– At The Expository Preaching Trust, Michael Leong shares some helpful thoughts on preaching.

Why I returned to the Middle East

Posted on March 29, 2026 
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“As I stepped onto the plane, it was noticeably empty. It seemed many regular travelers had decided to stay back that day. Probably because I was heading to the Middle East.

I’ve lived in this region for almost two years, having moved here for the opportunity to serve in evangelism and discipleship among university students. …”

–At The Gospel Coalition, an unnamed believer shares his or her reasons for going back.

“ My reflections aren’t only relevant to those living in this region or serving in cross-cultural ministry.”

Image courtesy adsbexchange.com showing air traffic, 29 March 2026.

Global Anglican Council official list

Posted on March 28, 2026 
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From John Sandeman at The Other Cheek –

“The official list of the Global Anglican Council, set up to lead in a reset Anglican Communion, was released by the Gafcon General Secretary, Paul Donison, overnight. It differs from the list published by The Other Cheek recently – which included people who are likely to join the council but have not yet. The Other Cheek apologises for this error.

It includes …”

– See the list here.

Photo: Image: In the livestream from the Advent Cable Network Nigeria, Gafcon General Secretary Paul Denison announces the Global Anglican Council.

Canadian Christian fined for posting ‘There are only Two Sexes’

Posted on March 28, 2026 
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“A former Canadian school board trustee — an outspoken Christian — is facing nearly $1 million in fines for expressing on social media his belief that there are only two sexes, male and female. …

All of this began back in October 2017, when Neufeld posted on his personal Facebook page that the district’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) program was rooted not in biology but was a ‘social construct’. …”

– AT AP, the Presbyterian online journal, Guido Kettniss shares his latest compilation of news from around the world.

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