A significant apology from the UK
“As the ominous tide of cancel culture continues to rise in North America, Europe, and other parts of the world (such as Australia), it is all the more important to point to significant victories on behalf of freedom of speech.
We can now report on one such victory from the U.K., a victory that is not just legal but also morally substantive. Put another way, what was said by way of apology was just as important as the victory won in court. …”
– Michael Brown at Christian Post reports on an apology from Blackpool Council in the UK. (Link via Anglican Mainstream.)
Sunday morning encouragement
With thanks to Rob Smith and St. Andrew’s Cathedral.
J I Packer on the Death of Death
Today marks one year since J. I Packer was called home to be with Christ.
It’s very appropriate that the Gospel Coalition has republished his Introductory Essay for John Owen’s Death of Death in the Death of Christ.
“There is no doubt that Evangelicalism today is in a state of perplexity and unsettlement.
In such matters as the practice of evangelism, the teaching of holiness, the building up of local church life, the pastor’s dealing with souls and the exercise of discipline, there is evidence of widespread dissatisfaction with things as they are and of equally widespread uncertainty as to the road ahead.
This is a complex phenomenon, to which many factors have contributed; but, if we go to the root of the matter, we shall find that these perplexities are all ultimately due to our having lost our grip on the biblical gospel. …”
Image: Regent College, Vancouver.
Sydney Synod 2021 postponed
Due to the uncertainties of the current COVID outbreak, Archbishop of Sydney Kanishka Raffel has postponed the forthcoming session of the Synod which was to have to commenced on 6th September.
At this time a new date has not been decided. However elections to boards, councils and committees will continue as planned.
Gafcon Australasia 2021 Conference postposed – but …
From GAFCON Australia:
“It is with great disappointment that the organising committee has made the decision to postpone the Gafcon Australasia 2021 Conference amidst the escalating national COVID-19 outbreak.
We acknowledge the disappointment and inconvenience that this announcement will cause, however see this decision as the only reasonable course of action at this time.
Although we have postponed the conference, all supporters are invited to a special, online gathering to be held on Monday 19th July at 7:00pm (AEST).
You can register for this event here.”
The Importance of Children’s and Youth Ministry
“It is no surprise to ACR readers that Australia is radically and rapidly changing as a nation.
Whether or not it is accurate to describe the initial colonies or federated states as a “Christian” nation, it is abundantly clear that as we enter the third decade of the 21st Century, Australia is increasingly a post–Christian and post–church society.
In 2017 45% of Australians identified as Christian and 25% of Australians were described as ‘cold’ towards Christianity. Only 15% stated that they attend church monthly or more.
As confessional Anglicans, we are not specifically concerned with Australia being a culturally Christian nation. However, we are passionate about Christ and his Kingdom. We are passionate about making disciples of all nations by evangelising the lost and discipling the saints …”
– At The Australian Church Record, Tim Beilharz writes to encourage clarity on Children’s and Youth Ministry.
An evangelical Rector quits apostate denomination – with Andrew Pearson
From The Pastor’s Heart:
“The resignation of Rev Andrew Pearson as rector of the 11-hundred strong Advent Cathedral in Birmingham, Alabama has come as a shock.
The conventional wisdom had been that Advent could ride the storms of liberalism surrounding it, despite many other evangelicals being gradually forced out of America’s Episcopal Church over the last decade.
However, the Cathedral’s vestry has recently capitulated to the demands of the new Alabama Episcopal bishop.
Andrew says an ultimatum was put to him by two successive bishops, ‘change or leave the denomination.’
Andrew speaks about how he reluctantly came to realise there was no future for him in the Episcopal denomination, and that he needed to leave.
He speaks about joining the Anglican Church in North America, what it’s like now serving under a bishop he can trust in Foley Beach, and his plans for a new church plant in Birmingham.”
– A very sobering reminder of the choices facing the remaining evangelical pastors in The Episcopal Church and other denominations on a similar trajectory.
He also reminds Australian Anglicans of what the real issues are – but do watch it all, and do pray.
For some of the background:
‘The Advent has changed’: Andrew Pearson on why he left Advent Cathedral – al.com
The Anglican Debacle: Roots and Patterns – by Dr. Mark Thompson, March 2008.
The Sydney Lambeth Decision Briefing – March 2008.
A Crisis in Koinonia: Biblical Perspectives for Anglicans – David Short, May 2004.
Four clergymen ordained in Bathurst across Anglican and Catholic dioceses
“A number of clergymen have been ordained at Bathurst across two denominations over the past few days.
The All Saints Anglican Cathedral hosted a special service on Saturday for The Reverend Wally Cox and The Reverend Andrew Thornhill, who were both ordained as priests.
Both were ordained as deacons last December, with the former currently serving in the Blayney parish and the latter currently at the Coonabarabran parish. …”
– Good news via The Western Advocate.
Review: 7 Reasons to (Re)consider Christianity by Ben Shaw
“This is a really, really good book.
In a highly readable and biblical way, the author Ben Shaw does precisely what his title suggests – he gives seven good reasons for someone to (re)consider Christianity. As such, the book is also really useful, especially in our contemporary western context, where so many are moving away from the Christian faith, from Christian knowledge, or even from Christian awareness. …”
– At The Gospel Coalition Australia, Stephen Liggins reviews 7 Reasons to (Re)consider Christianity by Ben Shaw. The book was launched a month ago, just before Ben was called home to be with Christ.
Sunday morning encouragement
With thanks to Emu Music.
A regular diet of Scripture
“Although it shouldn’t surprise us, hearing the word of God regularly can be surprisingly helpful as we navigate life, mid-2021 included. The frustration of another lockdown, separation from loved ones, the monotonous grind of working life, the fracturing of relationships, the sluggishness and mediocrity we feel as we struggle through online work, online school and online church – there is so much in life that can bring us down and take us away from the wonder, awe and majesty of knowing our great God and Saviour. …”
– Here’s some encouragement from Ben George at The Australian Church Record.
Moore College Sunday 1st August 2021 — resources
From Moore Theological College:
“Moore College Sunday is a day when we partner with local churches to invite people to pray for the College, its work, the churches it serves and its students, graduates, staff and faculty, and ask people to get involved in the College community. When Moore College has a need, we know that the most important thing to do is pray. For over a century, God’s people have been praying for the college, and when they’ve prayed, God is never slow in answering.”
– Read about Moore College Sunday (1st August 2021) – and see the resources to help you and your church pray for the College.
Cling to God, care for each other
“We were hoping COVID lockdown wouldn’t happen again in NSW but, once the cases kept coming, it was not surprising when the Premier extended the stay-at-home order yesterday for Greater Sydney.
Just like 2020, our work and life patterns have been mucked up. And, just like 2020, anxiety and depression have reasserted themselves in the lives of many people – if they ever went away.
‘For people who have still not recovered from last year, this has pushed all sorts of buttons,’ says the Rev Dr Keith Condie, co-director of the Mental Health and Pastoral Care Institute and Mary Andrews College. …”
– Encouragement amidst COVID restrictions from Judy Adamson at SydneyAnglicans.net.
Application
“Applying the truth of the ‘there and then’ of the Bible to the ‘here and now’ of life today, is a challenge for every preacher. No part of preparation is easy but I think most preachers find application and illustration especially challenging.
David Veerman, the editor of The Life Application Bible, says this is partly due to a lack of training, and to the fact that application is hard work. However we must not make the mistake of leaving it to our listener, thinking that the listener will make the connection between then and now. …”
– At The Expository Preaching Trust, David Cook writes to help preachers.
The Election of Archbishop Mowll: A Decision with Consequence
“The Conservative Evangelicalism which permeates the diocese of Sydney today has not always characterised the diocesan leadership. Although Sydney may always have had an Evangelical flavour, in the early 20th century the leadership of the diocese represented a more liberal emphasis.
The election of H.W.K. Mowll as Archbishop (1933-1958) changed the trajectory of the diocese toward a more conservative theological position. The significance of Mowll’s leadership was not merely a result of his duration in office, but rather the growth, innovation and theological consolidation which he instigated. …”
– Dr. Ed Loane, Warden of St. Paul’s College, University of Sydney, reflects on a turning point for the Diocese of Sydney.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…