Formulary Friday: Taking to heart
“We can tend to have a low view of memorisation – perhaps it conjures up those dreary school lessons spent reciting the kings and queens of England, or, still worse, we associate it with a dead spirituality, all outward forms and vain repetition. But, just as we might want to commit particular Scriptural verses or passages to memory, I’d like to suggest that we might find it helpful to do the same for parts of the liturgy – that liturgical familiarity is more often a friend than it is a foe.”
– Mark Smith at Church Society reckons it’s a good idea to open that Prayer Book. See why here.
The Church Singing — latest 9Marks Journal
Check out the latest 9Marks Journal –
“In this edition of the 9Marks Journal, we start with singing and the song. Why do congregations sing, what should they sing about, and how can they sing better?
We then think more carefully about the music itself, particularly with two different perspectives on whether or not some musical forms are better than others. Finally we think about what is involved in leading music.”
Abp Welby marks 20 years of women priests
“Men and women are “equally icons, witnesses, vessels of Christ for the world”, the Archbishop said today during a service at St Paul’s Cathedral marking the 20th anniversary of female priests.”
– Read Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby’s sermon here. Photo: ACNS.
Related: Reform press release.
New National Coordinator for Church Army
Here’s a press release from The Church Army:
The Board of Church Army in Australia is pleased to announce that Conrad Parsons has been appointed to the new role of National Coordinator.
Making the announcement, Ian Freestone, Chairman of the Board said, “we are very excited in this new season Church Army is in and believe Conrad is the perfect fit in our task of growing a network of evangelists across Australia.
The mission of Church Army is to honour and encourage evangelists across Australia in their work of making disciples. Church Army has recently undergone an overhaul of its strategic plan and the Board sees the appointment of a national coordinator as a key part of this new chapter.
“The work of the evangelist is an often misunderstood and undervalued gift to the Church and its mission. Our hope in implementing our strategic plan is to see over 300 evangelists networked together in dynamic and empowering relationships. Conrad comes to us with a wealth of experience as an evangelist, Christian leader and effective networker,” said Freestone.
Conrad Parson’s appointment will begin as three days a week beginning on May 1, 2014 whilst continuing to also serve part-time in his role as Pacific Regional Director for Youth for Christ International.
Photo: Church Army.
Free eBook on Isaac Watts
“In an age of simplistic and repetitive choruses, many churches are rediscovering the blessing of theologically rich and biblically informed songs. In the latest addition to our A Long Line of Godly Men Profile series, Douglas Bond introduces us to Isaac Watts, ‘the father of English hymnody.’…”
– free eBook from Ligonier Ministries during May 2014.
David Cook on Gospel Preaching
David Cook has been preaching evangelistically for St. Helen’s Bishopsgate in London.
While there, he was interviewed about Gospel Preaching for the Preaching Matters series. Most encouraging.
Reform asks: Why is the C of E celebrating 20 years of the ordination of women?
Director of Reform Susie Leafe today asked, “What exactly are we celebrating? Women have been ministering in the church for 2000 years, not 20. The very fact that this event is taking place begs some serious questions about how some people view ministry in the Church of England. It seems we have forgotten that we follow Christ, who came to serve and not be served…”
– full press release from Reform in the UK.
Bob Carr
“If ever a preacher had a challenge it was Bob Carr’s statement: ‘The thing that puzzles me about Easter is why the sacrifice was required. … No preacher has ever explained to me why the death of Jesus had to happen, why it was mandated, why any message from God to man had to happen by that route.’
He expressed no doubt that the Scriptures recount Jesus’ death as a sacrifice, he just could not see the reason for it. So in response there is no point simply rehearsing the content of the Scriptures, rather it requires showing their logic. So here are two lines to follow – one personal the other explanatory.”
– Dean of Sydney Phillip Jensen writes on former Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr, and the Cross of Christ.
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God – one of J I Packer’s most important books – is this month’s free Audiobook download from Christian Audio. It’s read by American Grover Gardner.
Archbishop Glenn Davies speaks about Moore Theological College
Moore Theological College recently interviewed Archbishop Glenn Davies about his thoughts on the College.
You could use these videos in home groups or in churches to encourage the study of God’s word and the support of the College.
See the videos here –
1. The Archbishop of Sydney and Moore College (3’33”)
Dr. Davies speaks his about his long-standing connection with the College, his training at Moore, his long association and his new role as the President of the Governing Board.
2. Moore’s Unique Role in the Diocesan Mission (4’52”)
Glenn considers the unique place of Moore in the mission of the Diocese of Sydney.
“…Moore College is essential for continuing the work of teaching the Bible. We can never take the teaching of the Bible for granted.”
3. Moore College: Serving the World (4:03).
The Archbishop talks about the College’s three ministry Centres, about engaging with churches and training people of other denominations for gospel work. Lastly he encourages us to pray continually for the College’s students and faculty.
Background info at the College website.
‘Tough new sharia law takes effect in Brunei’
“Brunei has become the first country in South-East Asia to introduce sharia law, despite widespread condemnation from human rights groups. …”
– Report from ABC News.
The Legacy I want to Leave — Piper
“When I think of the coming generations, I am not content to only leave them a deposit of books and sermons that celebrate the glories of God and the wonders of Christian Hedonism. A great teacher once told me to ignore the conclusions of commentaries, and only look for their arguments. I have tried to give good arguments.
But underneath all the arguments is the Book. The Bible. If future generations only learn what we saw, and not how to see it for themselves, they will be second-handers. And second-handers cannot last. …”
– John Piper introduces “Look at the Book”.
Tim Challies on Brian McLaren
“Along the way we have visited such figures as Joseph Smith (Mormonism), Ellen G. White (Adventism), Norman Vincent Peale (Positive Thinking) and Benny Hinn (Faith Healing). Today we turn to a man who helped lead the Emerging Church and who was once named by TIME as one of the 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America.”
– In his series on ‘The False Teachers’, Tim Challies (who will be in Oz later this month) turns to Brian McLaren.
(Brian McLaren was one of the speakers at the 2008 Lambeth Conference.)
Northwest Network, May 2014
The latest issue of Northwest Network, the newsletter of the Diocese of North West Australia, is now out. You can download it here as a 1.9MB PDF file.
It’s a good way to keep in touch with – and to pray for – the churches of the North West.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…