The Religious Discrimination Bill arrives

“After a long wait, the Federal government has released the text of the Religious Discrimination Bill 2021 which is about to be introduced into the Parliament. There has been no general Federal law dealing with detrimental treatment of Australians on the basis of their religious faith and activities, and this is a welcome development, implementing a recommendation of the Ruddock Review which reported in 2018.

The government previously released two “Exposure Drafts” of the Bill (see some comments on those in previous posts, here, and here.) Having promised prior to the last election that he would advance this law, Prime Minister Morrison will now introduce it into the House of Representatives. If passed by the House, the Bill will then need to approved by the Senate, where it seems likely to be referred to (yet another) committee before being voted on there, probably sometime in the New Year. …”

– At Law and Religion Australia, Neil Foster gives an overview of the Religious Discrimination Bill, and also indicates where it differs from previous drafts.

Jesus is off to the beach

“This week, Senior Pastor of Seaforth Anglican, Rich Wenden, explores his findings on how we, as God’s people, can better bring the good news of Jesus to these places.”

– from The Pastor’s Heart.

The Green Captivity of the Church

“Even as I pressed the send button I knew it was a risky moment. And so it proved to be.

As soon as the article was published on a Christian website, there were cries of ‘heretic’, ‘he should lose his job’, ‘how unloving and unChristlike’, ‘cancel him’!?

What was the crime? What heresy was I expounding?

I had dared to suggest that perhaps the Climate Change debate was not over, and there were lots of questions that still had to be answered, and that we should approach the subject with a great deal more humility. …”

– At The Wee Flea David Robertson has republished a piece he wrote for AP (Australian Presbyterian magazine).

See also this article to which he links:

The Church must preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not climate change – William Philip, The Tron Church, Glasgow.

The glory of the incarnation

“As we approach this Christmas season, with the backdrop of a pandemic that has ravaged many people and communities, we ought to stop and ponder afresh the glory of the incarnation.

With people in churches, and those we meet who are caught up with the ‘spirit of the Christmas season’, we often neglect to see just how special it is that at exactly the right moment in history, God actually ‘tabernacles’ (cf. Exod 32-40) among us.

It’s why I think John’s prologue (John 1:1-18) is such a wonderful prompt to really take stock of the true meaning of Christmas. …”

– Ben George writes at The Australian Church Record.

Sunday morning encouragement

A new song for Christmas – How Still the Starry Night – from Emu Music.

A word on behalf of church pastors around Melbourne

“I thought I would take a moment to share some of the things pastors are trying their best to address at the moment.

Pastoring a church is a tremendous privilege and joy, and it’s not always an easy task. Indeed there is reason why many pastors burn out after a few years and many don’t make it beyond 10 years in the ministry.

This pandemic has bowled a googley at all of us, no matter our religious views, job, and life situation. Pastors are not immune from the daily stresses, troubles, and temptations that we all face.…”

– Murray Campbell (at Mentone Baptist Church) shares something of what is happening for pastors in Melbourne (and elsewhere). Fuel for prayer.

Reflections on Advent with Amy Kuhn

“Advent serves as a reminder to us and those around us of our Saviour’s birth, without which we would not have the hope and security of salvation.

In the lead up to Christmas, we have a time to reflect, prepare, wait, rejoice, and celebrate. We essentially are getting ready for the most important birthday party of the year. …”

– The Australian Church Record asks Amy Kuhn for her reflections on the season of Advent.

Sound Doctrine: The Foundation for Faithful Ministry

There’s never been a greater need for sound biblical doctrine in our churches,

That’s the theme of the latest 9Marks Journal.

Read or download here.

The Unseen World

“As Christians we know that there is more to reality than what can be sensed through empirical processes.

For a start, God is spirit, and so can’t be seen under the microscope or through a telescope. And we believe in angels and demons – spiritual beings that could affect us in ways we may not be aware of.

But I suspect that you, like me, tend to sail through each day blithely unaware of these unseen realities…”

– At The Gospel Coalition Australia, Tim Thorburn writes about the unseen realities.

Q&A with Phil Colgan

From Tony Payne –

“A broad-ranging chat with Phil Colgan about the opportunities and threats we face, about being proud of the gospel, about the two books everyone should read, and more.”

– Listen, or read the transcript, at The Payneful Truth.

(Image: Phil Colgan on The Pastor’s Heart, August 2018.)

Nexus Refresh — Friday 03 December 2021

Nexus Refresh is set for 10:00am on Friday 3 December 2021 at Village Church Annandale.

“We’re looking forward to getting together in person for a day to pray, be refreshed for ministry by hearing from God’s word, sing the praises of our great God and of course to eat together.”

Watch Chris Braga encourage you to be there.

Should I Choose a Church for its Pastor?

“If you are looking for a good church, the role of the preacher of God’s Word is the most important thing to consider.

I don’t care how friendly you think the church members are. I don’t care how good you think the music is. Those things can change.

But the congregation’s commitment to the centrality of the Word coming from the front, from the preacher, the one specially gifted by God and called to that ministry, is the most important thing you can look for in a church. …”

– In this extract adapted from Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, Mark Dever shares some advice on choosing a church. At Crossway.

Launch 2022 — A camp for School Leavers keen to live for Jesus

This is a great time to urge school leavers who are planning on going to university next year, to consider Launch 2022.

Dates: 31 January — 3 February 2022
Venue: KCC Conference Centres.
Speakers: Phillip Jensen and Richard Chin.

The main aims of the Launch conference are:

See all the details and registration at phillipjensen.com/launch.

(Do you know someone who would benefit from going to Launch 2022?)

Recruiting women for vocational Christian ministry – with Kara Hartley and Jane Tooher

“How are we going as a network of complementarian churches at raising up women for ministry?

How do you develop a culture in your church that is really positive to women exercising their gifts and hence stepping forward for full time ministry roles?

What should our vision be for raising up women in ministry?  What progress has been made?  What are next steps? …”

– Here’s the latest from The Pastor’s Heart.

Preaching Clubs — update from the Expository Preaching Trust

David Cook shares some details of the Expository Preaching Trust’s Preaching Clubs for 2022 –

“If you are a preacher do come along and join in the supportive fellowship, you will get to preach twice each year and have your sermon critiqued.

The size of the club is limited to 14 members, we enjoy good coffee and food. …”

– Read all the details here.

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