‘Seven Lessons from Down Under’

“John Piper recently spent two weeks ministering in Australia. Here are seven lessons I learned along the way traveling with Pastor John — both through conversation with him and observing his example and interaction with the Aussies. …”

– Josh Etter writes at Desiring God.

Fresh songs for churches

September’s edition of Southern Cross highlights the importance of hymns and contemporary music and worship songs in church. With that in mind, it’s well worth checking out ‘At Your Feet’, songs written by Matt Mulready.

Described as Fresh songs that teach and respond to the saving work of Jesus, ‘At your Feet’ has five tracks, each of which are ideal for congregational singing. Three are new songs, and two are hymns with new tunes (make sure you hear ‘There is a Green Hill’).

Matt explains why he writes in this short video.

Hear and buy the album from simplysing.com.au. (Includes sheet music, lyrics and slides. The CD is $9.95, download version $7.95 – and Christmas isn’t far away.)

Are Sydney Anglicans actually Anglicans?

Last week Michael Jensen wrote for the ABC’s Religion and Ethics, responding to suggestions that Sydney Anglicans are something other than ‘Anglican’.

Read it here.

‘Christianity Explored’ resources

For the last week or so, at The Good Book Blog, they ’ve been posting a range of information to encourage use of the Christianity Explored course.

Worth checking out. (In Australia, the course is available here.)

9Marks eJournal Sept–Oct 2011

Phillip Jensen, Dean of St. Andrew’s Cathedral Sydney, is one of the contributors to the latest 9Marks eJournal, now available from 9Marks.

This issue is part 2 of The Pastor and his Staff.

Bp John Harrower at Science and Christianity conference

Bishop of Tasmania John Harrower has been speaking at the Conference on Science and Christianity in Launceston over the last few days. He’s posted the text of his devotions, with some Australian science illustrations, at his blog –
Keeping on,
Humility before the facts,
Loyalty and accountability,
Being sure of our ground.

A question for PCUSA Conservatives: Why now?

In his column at Reformation21, William Evans asks if something more obvious than the current issue of homsexuality has been overlooked…

“Even as PCUSA liberals were busy dismantling the confessional heritage of the church, evangelicals were repeatedly stepping back and stepping back and stepping back from decisive confrontation…”

Read it all at Reformation21. (We earlier incorrectly attributed this to Carl Trueman – oops! our sincere apologies!)

Dick Lucas and the Parable of the Two Sons

Dick Lucas was back at St. Helen’s Bishopsgate two weeks ago – preaching from Matthew 21:28-32.

In drawing out Jesus’ teaching, he remembers John Stott and the CICCU missions of the 1950s and 60s. And he reminds his hearers to ‘watch out for religious leaders’. Especially challenging for all who are ordained.

Watch it at Vimeo. (Runs for 29 minutes.)

True Feelings: MTC School of Theology 2011

This year’s School of Theology at Moore College is about “True Feelings: Emotions in Christian Life and Ministry” – Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th September.  Read more

Responding to same-sex marriage debates

On Wednesday August 24th, politicians are due to report to Federal Parliament on the views from their electorates on marriage for same sex couples. Now would be a good time to contact your MP.

Here are some resources that may be useful – (h/t Andrew Cameron.)

Social Issues briefing #090.
‘Revising Marriage?’ (an interdenominational document): Long version, short version.
www.australianmarriage.org
www.australianmarriageis.com
www.makeastand.org.au

‘Prayer is your life’ — Tim Keller

At the 2011 Evangelical Ministry Assembly in the UK, Tim Keller spoke with Adrian Reynolds about the Christian’s prayer life. His answer is challenging and encouraging. See it from the Proc Trust on Vimeo. (h/t Unashamed Workman.)

A passionate plea for doctrine

In the latest issue of Cross†Way, Anthony Rees gives 5 reasons why there is a need to recover Christian doctrine.

Read it here as a PDF file – from Church Society.

The heart of growing Christianly

“… The world takes a census, of our numbers, size and influence but it does not know what it is counting. For the institutional size of a Christian denomination or church tells you little about its growth or impact.”

– Phillip Jensen writes about the growth that’s key – at the Cathedral website.

SMBC Missions Conference 2011

“2011 Equipping Your Church for Global Impact Conference” is the theme of a day conference on Saturday 17th September 2011 at SMBC. The organisers say:

“Most churches still give the major part of their energy and resources to the maintenance of their own local programmes. More than ever, we need well informed, fully resourced global mission enthusiasts in every local church. This conference will provide ideas, resources and opportunities for discussion with other mission enthusiasts.”

– Read the details here.

Looters: Them or us?

“I spoke on the phone yesterday with a south London vicar whose parish had been hit by rioters. Actually, “rioters” is not quite the word. The disorders straight after the death of Mark Duggan may have been riots with the associations of protest that brings, but by now a better word than rioters is looters, because the focus seems so strongly on violent theft. …”

– Principal of Oak Hill College in London, Mike Ovey, has some very perceptive comments about this week’s trouble in England.

← Previous Page — Next Page →