Hugh Latimer — 16 October 1555

“On the morning of 16 October, 1555, Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley, both formerly bishops of the Church, were executed for heresy in Oxford.

It was then that Hugh Latimer uttered his famous sermon,

Be of good cheer, Master Ridley, and play the man. We shall this day light such a candle by God’s grace in England as I trust shall never be put out.”

Written by the then Church Society Director David Streater for Crossway in 1996, “Hugh Latimer – Apostolic Preacher” is available in Church Society’s archives as a PDF file.

Take the opportunity today to learn of and to thank the Lord for Bishop Hugh Latimer.

Cranmer the evangelist

“The language of The Book of Common Prayer may be over 400 years old, but captured within it is a clear evangelistic structure, based on scripture: a recognition of personal sin, repentance, forgiveness and praise at God’s goodness.

We may not use BCP liturgies directly, but let us use the truths of scripture contained within for our own good, the good of our families, our church and our nation, and ultimately for the glory of God. This article is worth reading not just for its look at the BCP services, but also as a reminder that the structure of our services can be evangelistic, not just our preaching.”

– At Church Society’s blog, Chris Kilgour recommends Samuel Leuenberger’s 1992 Churchman article, “Archbishop Cranmer’s Immortal Bequest: The Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England: An Evangelistic Liturgy” (PDF file).

The GWC Whitefield Symposium

The audio of the talks given at the Whitefield Symposium at George Whitefield College in Cape Town is now on their website.

Speakers include David Seccombe and Melvin Tinkler. Available here.

Irenaeus on Polycarp, a disciple of John

“Here is a delightful page from the early church that you will surely enjoy.

First, the quick background. Irenaeus (c. 130-200) was a disciple of Polycarp (died c. 155), who, in turn, was a disciple of the apostle John…”

– from Books at a Glance.

Credo Magazine — George Whitefield at 300

“In a day when ears itch and truth is shown the back door, what could be more needed than men who actually preach the Word? George Whitefield (1714-1770) was one of those men.”

– The latest Credo magazine looks at George Whitefield, three hundred years after his birth.

Celebrating one giant leap for the gospel

St. John’s Cathedral at Parramatta is celebrating 200 years since Samuel Marsden’s first Mission to New Zealand at their 10:00am service on Sunday 20th July. David Pettett will be the guest speaker. (PDF flyer.)

As well, the book Launching Marsden’s Mission, edited by Peter Bolt and David Pettett, will be launched.

(Contributors include Greg Anderson, Peter Bolt, Malcolm Falloon, Michael Gladwin, Meredith Lake, Simon Manchester, Malcolm Prentis, David Pettett and Craig Schwarze.)

The Christian origins of NAIDOC week

“This week is NAIDOC week across Australia, celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. What many don’t realise is that it was Aboriginal Christians that started NAIDOC week. Specifically, it was the initiative of an Aboriginal Christian, William Cooper, who asked the churches to start praying for aborigines on what would become known as ‘Aboriginies Sunday.’…”

– Dominic Steele writes at The Briefing.

Happy birthday to Samuel Marsden

Today marks the 249th birthday of Samuel Marsden, the second Chaplain to the Colony of New South Wales.

Marsden is reviled by some in Australia, but remembered with thanksgiving in New Zealand.

David Pettett wrote about him at Theological Theology a while back.

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.

What actually happened on Resurrection Day? A clear and simple account

“Many detractors of the Christian message claim that the four accounts of Jesus’ resurrection contain discrepancies that are irreconcilable and so fatal to the Gospels’ authenticity and truth. Contrary to these claims, the extraordinary events of that amazing day can be told in a clear and simple account.

It was Sunday, the 5th April AD 33, and the action began around dawn with exactly three women involved…”

– Dr. Peter Bolt explores what happened on Resurrection Day.
(Photo: St. Helen’s Bishopsgate.)

Remembering Archbishop Marcus Loane

Sir Marcus and Lady Loane at Bishopscourt 1980, published 1981 Today marks the 5th anniversary of the death of Sir Marcus Loane, Archbishop of Sydney from 1966 to 1982 and Primate of Australian 1979 to 1982. (Thanks to Greg Blaxland for the reminder.)

Perhaps it’s a good time to pause to give thanks for him and his legacy in Sydney and beyond.

Here are a few articles from the archives –

Statement from Archbishop Peter Jensen – 14 April 2009
Dean Phillip Jensen’s tribute – 17 April 2009.
Archbishop Marcus Loane photo gallery.
Remembering with gratitude Sir Marcus Loane, on the Centenary of his birth – 14 October 2011.
Sydney Synod gives thanks for Marcus Loane – 18 October 2011.
The Marcus I Knew and Loved – an appreciation by Greg Blaxland.

The Final Days of Jesus: Palm Sunday

Justin Taylor introduces the first of a series of videos to be released this week on the theme of “The Final Days of Jesus”.

Professors Douglas Moo (pictured) and Andreas Köstenberger provide valuable background to the events of Holy Week.

They are an accompaniment to the book “The Final Days of Jesus”. (Availability.)

Leon Morris and the Cross of Christ — Ridley lecture

The Rev. Neil Bach, who is writing a biography of Leon Morris, delivered this lecture at Ridley College Melbourne to mark the Centenary of Morris’ birth.

The life and ministry of Deaconess Mary Andrews

The life and ministry of Deaconess Mary Andrews is the focus of this year’s Moore College Library Day – Saturday, May 10th 2014. Details from the College.