The Bible and same sex relationships: A review article
“The reason that homosexual relationships make so much more sense to people today than in previous times is because they have absorbed late modern western culture’s narratives about the human life.
Our society presses its members to believe ‘you have to be yourself,’ that sexual desires are crucial to personal identity, that any curbing of strong sexual desires leads to psychological damage, and that individuals should be free to live as they alone see fit…”
– Tim Keller responds to two celebrated books which argue that the Bible allows for, or supports, same sex relationships.
Focus on Evangelism: Church of North India
“The Church needs to focus on evangelism and be united to take up challenging issues together, participants of a mission consultation held in New Delhi have concluded. …
Through his death on the cross and commission to ‘make disciples of all nations’, Jesus had entrusted the Church and individual Christians with a ‘significant responsibility’ to proclaim, witness to and transmit the Gospel to all people, [Provincial Secretary Alwan] Masih said…”
– an encouraging report from The Anglican Communion News Service.
‘Stoush over NSW public school enrolment forms’
“Accusations that Rev Nile asked for the ethics changes in exchange for his support of the government’s power privatisation plans have also emerged, and have been denied by Rev Nile and the Christian Democrats.
While the media has focused on Rev Nile’s request to take ethics classes off the enrolment form, there has been barely a mention that the same request has been made unanimously by faith groups offering Special Religious Education in NSW schools…”
– helpful background from Bible Society Australia to a story that’s in the news.
Do you love me? Putting the carriage before the horse in the same-sex marriage debate
“It’s important that we get our heads around the nature of this debate otherwise we’ll just continually be responding to the wrong point, nor will we be in any position to helpfully reflect back to our wider society just what is going on and, perhaps, get them to reconsider…”
– David Ould considers the nature of love and marriage. Check it out.
Words of encouragement from Gordon and Ruth Russell
Moore College has posted four brief, but very encouraging, videos with College graduates Gordon and Ruth Russell.
Take the time to watch. At around three minutes each, the videos are ideal for screening in mid-week meetings or on Sundays.
2. Why Moore, and what’s next for you?
CMS-UK calls for prayer and fasting for ‘creation care’
“On Sunday 7 June, members of the Church Mission Society are switching off their gadgets to write, pray and act for climate justice.
The CMS community invites people to join them for this day of action on creation care – the Anglican Communion fifth Mark of Mission – as they disconnect their electronic devices and contemplate lifestyle changes that can be made for the environment…”
– Report from the Anglican Communion News Service.
Related:
Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Corinthians 1:20-25.
Stage Two exile – are you ready for it?
“The Western church is about to enter stage two of its exile from the mainstream culture and the public square. And it will not be an easy time.
In case you missed it, Exile Stage One began a few decades or so ago, budding in the sexual revolution of the sixties before building up a head of steam some 20 years ago. Finally some Christians sat down to talk about it 15 or so years ago, and that set the ball, and the publishing companies rolling…”
– at The Gospel Coalition Australia, Steve McAlpine, Associate Pastor at Providence Church in Perth, calls Christians to be prepared for what is coming.
Sydney Diocese appoints Domestic Violence task force
“The Standing committee of the Diocese of Sydney has voted to appoint a taskforce to develop a diocesan response to domestic violence. …
The taskforce includes a chaplain, a professional counsellor, the Archdeacon for women, Kara Hartley and several other members. …”
– from SydneyAnglicans.net. (Photo of Archdeacon Kara Hartley by Sam Law.)
Northwest Network June 2015
The Diocese of North West Australia has issued their latest newsletter. Check it out – and pray for the churches of the North West – 900kb PDF file.
Christ amongst the ‘gods’
“Today, Australia is visibly a religiously plural society. Christianity is no longer the ‘normal’ religion. Religious diversity is the new normal. And we experience that diversity daily. … This is the first of three articles about responding to religious plurality in Australia…”
– the Gospel, Society and Culture Committee of the Presbyterian Church of NSW is helping Australian Christians to think through the issues of living in a multifaith society. You can download the PDF file here.
A sexual ponzi scheme?
“An article in the Washington Post last week (“How to break free from monogamy without destroying marriage”) described the dynamics of an open marriage and the various “apps” now available for facilitating extramarital relations.
The amorality might have been shocking twenty years ago but today such well-traveled territory likely provokes little more than a yawn. Yet the article is still instructive for what the author’s analysis (or lack thereof) tells us about contemporary culture…”
– Carl Trueman writes at First Things. (h/t Tim Challies.)
This is the God who Saves – new EP from Michael Morrow
“Michael Morrow is a UK based Australian musician who has produced songs with EMU Music and on his own.
You might remember him from songs like This Life I Live, Nothing But The Blood, and Come Hear The Angels Sing.
He’s just released a four song EP that takes its name with the first track, This Is The God Who Saves…”
– thanks to Gary Ware for spotting this.
Call for coalition to vote as one on marriage
Here’s a media release from the Australian Christian Lobby –
“The Australian Christian Lobby today renewed its call on the Liberal party to stand by its principled policy on marriage by continuing to vote as one on the issue…” – Read it all on their website.
David Cook on Preaching Galatians
“Why is the Gospel so momentous? Is the work of Christ sufficient to bring us into relationship with God, or do we need to make some additive? What place is there for the law in the lives of Christians already saved by grace through faith?
David Cook explains why it is so important to preach Galatians properly. The law will not justify us, but neither will the law sanctify us. The law is no help in causing us to grow in godliness or in maintaining our relationship with God. The work of Christ doesn’t need supplementing by anything we may attempt to do.”
– Check out the latest Preaching Matters video from St. Helen’s Bishopsgate.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…