Two Bishops – Two books

Two Bishops, Two Books Christian Education Publications has two new books which are well worth checking out –

Walking in Truth and Love, by Bishop David Mulready, is a series of studies for Lent (or other times).

“In these 40 daily devotions, David Mulready explores the three letters of John, and the call of Jesus’ followers to walk in truth and love.”

A Short Book About Jesus – The Man from Heaven, by Bishop Paul Barnett.

“A Short Book About Jesus is a clear, concise and thought-provoking read and is an ideal introduction to Jesus for anyone wanting to know more. It is also an excellent resource for personal reflection, for church small groups, for ministers preparing sermons or for those interested in apologetics.”

What is Reformation Day?

“What is Reformation Day? To answer that question, let’s ask another question. When is Reformation Day? It’s October 31; it commemorates the events of October 31, 1517…”

– Ligonier Ministries’ Stephen Nichols answers the question at Five Minutes in Church History.

Human Sexuality and the ‘Same Sex Marriage’ Debate — a review

Ben Pakula reviews Human Sexuality and the ‘Same Sex Marriage’ Debate – the fruit of two years’ work by the Sydney Diocesan Doctrine Commission.

“something that is both easy to read, yet also theologically rich; a tool that will equip any Christian to better love the LGBTI community… and better serve Christians for whom same-sex attraction is an issue.”

Here’s the full review:

“Australians can either remember or at least learn of a time where supporting and praising the practice of homosexuality was considered taboo. Within a single generation a great reversal has taken place: to speak against the practice of homosexuality is, ostensibly at least, to be narrow-minded, bigoted, backward, draconian, right-wing and homophobic. Regardless of the sides anyone takes on any amongst the plethora of debates concerning homosexuality, all must concede that such a sociological change is unprecedented.

Human Sexuality and the ‘Same Sex Marriage’ Debate demonstrates that this radical change has come about as a direct result of calculated cultural engineering; admitted and shamelessly championed by proponents of homosexual activity and the gay lifestyle. Their program owes much of its success to the erosion of a Judeo-Christian worldview, such that the Christian voice in the debate concerning ‘Same Sex Marriage’ (SSM) is seen as out-dated and senseless. Recognising that Christians are already on the back foot when it comes to the SSM debate, Human Sexuality sets forth a brilliant summary of the sociological history of the gay rights movement, then gives a careful and thorough presentation of the biblical position (including the hermeneutical framework through which the position is crafted), and finally shows how the Bible’s teaching should inform the way we speak lovingly and boldly in the public sphere, as well as equipping us to love and minister to our brothers and sisters who struggle with same-sex attraction.

The authors (and editor, Dr Mark Thompson), have obviously taken great care to deliver something that is both easy to read, yet also theologically rich; a tool that will equip any Christian to better love the LGBTI community (which will involve speaking in opposition to many facets of its worldview), and better serve Christians for whom same-sex attraction is an issue. The great quality of the work has been recognised by the Ministry Training and Development department of the Sydney Anglican Diocese, as is evidenced by their decision to give a copy of this book to delegates present at a recent training conference, all of whom are ordained ministers. For ordained ministers, and for any Christian who wants to be well informed about the SSM debate, Human Sexuality and the ‘Same Sex Marriage’ Debate ought to be seen as ‘go to’ book.”

It’s available from Christian Education Publications.

Putting Halloween in its place

Glen Scrivener, former Oak Hill student and Church of England minister in Eastbourne, made this video in 2013 as a response to Halloween.

Read Glen’s comments about it at the Oak Hill College website. Watch and download it at Vimeo.

We Cannot be Silent — new book from Albert Mohler

“We are now witnesses to a revolution that is sweeping away a sexual morality and a definition of marriage that has existed for thousands of years. This is the morality and understanding of marriage that has been central to societies shaped by biblical witness and the influence of both Judaism and Christianity. But, it is important to note that marriage has been understood throughout human history – in virtually all civilizations – as the union of a man and a woman.

We Cannot Be Silent is a book about that revolution, how it happened and what it means for us, for our churches, and for our children…

Every Christian church – and every Christian – will face huge decisions in the wake of this moral storm. When marriage is redefined, an entire universe of laws, customs, rules, and expectations changes as well.”

– This looks to be an important book. Just released.

Richard Phillips has a review at The Gospel Coalition –

“Chronicling how marriage was critically undermined over several generations through birth control, no-fault divorce, and cohabitation, Mohler – president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky – notes that the silence of Bible-believing churches helped facilitate the fall of marriage. Now, with our backs against the wall, he sounds an urgent plea: the one approach Christians cannot afford to adopt is silence. We must speak.”

And Tim Challies also has a review –

“The chapters that may bring the most unique value are the ones that trace the history and growth of this revolution. Most of us see how it is playing out around us today, but few understand how we got to this point.”

Is God a She?

“As Christians, we cede power to God. We give up the claim to run our own life, and submit to him as our Lord. That is our basic relationship to him: we are creatures and disciples. …

I found it noteworthy that Mrs Treweek … asserts her right to be addressed as she wants to be addressed, so that Her Majesty the Queen herself has to comply in her writs. … Should we not extend the same courtesy to God as Bishop Rachel insists upon for herself?”

– Church Society’s Dr Lee Gatiss responds to statements by Bishop Rachel Treweek, that Christians should use male and female pronouns when referring to God.

(Photo: Diocese of Gloucester.)

So you think you can explain the gospel

“…the simple fact that a Christian has heard the gospel numerous times does not mean that they can reproduce it. Recognition does not equal reproduction. I suggested a good exercise might be to give a group of believers a piece of paper and two minutes to anonymously write out a brief outline of the gospel.”

– At GoThereFor, Stephen Liggins shares the results of some simple research.

Related: Two Ways to Live.

Reformation Sunday 2015

It’s Reformation Sunday this weekend, and the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals has some free (and some paid) downloadable resources for your edification.

Hearing 1 Corinthians — as a letter

Andy Naselli recited the full text of 1 Corinthians as the sermon at Bethlehem Baptist Church back in August.

In “Why and How to Memorize an Entire Book of the Bible”, he provides a link to the video, and also addresses the Why and How of memorising a book of the Bible.

He’s got the whole world in His hands

Use these daily images of Earth to prompt your praises of our great God.

(Background story.) Image: GSFC/NASA.

Kara Hartley — encouragement for women in ministry

Kara Hartley, Archdeacon for Women in the Diocese of Sydney, spoke at the Priscilla & Aquila Centre Refresh Conference in August.

The theme was ‘Stress & Ministry’. The first talk – by Kara Hartley – on Psalm 100 – and the second – by Dr Helen Rienits – are now on Vimeo.

Herman Who?

“Much of the debate in the media about fundamentalism and radicalisation would be solved if all involved developed a commitment to responsible hermeneutics.

Hermeneutics is the science of interpretation.

When a solicitor reads a legal deed, words are to be understood literally. When I read the newspaper, I adopt different hermeneutical principles in reading the news items, the comment, the editorial and the comic strip.

All of the Bible is to be taken seriously and that means that not all will be taken literally…”

– David Cook writes about the importance of hermeneutics.
(Image: St. Helen’s London.)

More Packer

Crossway has released more short videos filmed as part of their forthcoming documentary entitled, J. I. Packer: In His Own Words.

“We’re also giving away a free e-book by J. I. Packer to everyone who signs up to receive the videos via email at JIPacker.com.”

Released so far:

What is Repentance?
What is Faith?
What is the Church?
What is Doctrine?
What is Christian Unity?
Who is the Holy Spirit?

The full video will be released on Tuesday, November 3rd.

Ka-Ching! Designed for addiction

Tonight (Tuesday 20th October 2015, at 9:29pm) ABC TV is screening a documentary on the inner workings behind the all-pervasive poker machines in Australian clubs and pubs.