How should Christians engage the Same-Sex Marriage debate?
“So we’ve got a voluntary ‘Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey’ (commonly known as a plebiscite) coming up in September.
The future definition of marriage is likely to be decided in the next few months. And while most Christians I know are happy to vote in the Postal Survey (plebiscite), questions are being asked about how to engage the SSM issue – and whether we should engage at all.
There’s uncertainty: should Christians ‘force their views’ onto other people, especially a vulnerable minority like LGBTI? Is opposing the redefinition of marriage contrary to what Jesus would do? Is it unloving?
These are important questions to think through.
Here are 11 things we should understand – beginning with a basic overview of political theology …”
– At The Gospel Coalition Australia, Akos Balogh helps us think through engaging in the same-sex marriage debate.
Is the Catholic Church a Christian church?
“Sometimes, as Evangelicals approaching Roman Catholicism, we look at various parts of Catholicism without considering how they relate to the whole Catholic system.
For example, some might say Roman Catholics believe in the Trinity and the ancient creeds but that they have got the doctrine of Mary, Christ, salvation, the Bible and the church wrong at various key points. This atomization of Catholic teaching can lead us into saying things like, ‘The Roman Catholic Church is Trinitarian and creedal, and therefore more Christian than the Jehovah’s Witnesses or the Mormons’. …”
– At GoThereFor.com, Mark Gilbert encourages clear thinking so that we don’t forget our Catholic friends need Jesus too.
Christianity in the Modern World
“The brotherhood of man has failed to eventuate, and while we have an abundance of gadgets, and an increasing facility for satisfying all our material needs, our deepest needs are not met, and men in general are farther from satisfaction at the deepest level than they were. …”
– Dr Leon Morris could have been writing yesterday, but this piece from The Australian Church Record’s archives was first published in May of 1955.
Marriage Once More
“Finally it seems to have come to a head. There’ll be a postal plebiscite on marriage redefinition. Lyle Shelton, Managing Director of the Australian Christian Lobby, tweeted:
“Well, it’s game on to save marriage, freedom & gender. This is the fight of our lives.”
Regulars here know I am committed in this debate. I have written and spoken publicly in multiple venues in favour of classic marriage, on radio, newsprint, blogs and lectures.
However, Shelton is wrong. The marriage definition debate is not “the fight of our lives”.
The fight of our lives occurred two thousand years ago. And we did not win it. Christ won it for us, when he died on the cross – for the sins of people like you and me – whether black or white, male or female, civilized or wild, straight or same-sex attracted!
And whatever happens in the Australian marriage debate, Jesus will still be on his throne. He’s seated at the right hand of God, risen from the dead, conquering the grave. By that resurrection, Jesus was publicly declared by God as King of his Universe, far above all earthly powers and authorities. No politics can change that!
And Christians will still be able to live out their marriage vows as best they can, struggling to be faithful, to care for their kids, and offering forgiveness when we each fall short.
But God has placed us as citizens in a democracy. So we ought to vote and advocate for what is best for humanity. And God’s ways are good! …”
– In his Minister’s letter last week, Sandy Grant at St. Michael’s Cathedral Wollongong helps us keep the plebiscite in perspective. Read it all.
See also 1 Timothy 2:1-6 –
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.”
Calvinist the movie
This soon-to-be-released movie, “Calvinist”, looks to be slightly different way of teaching theology.
The Slippery Slope and the Jesus Box
“In the late-20th century and early 21st century, the slippery slope has tended to begin over the issue of women’s ordination.
The reason for this is not because there is something especially nefarious about women being ordained, but because this is the point of maximum cultural outrage at which progressives have tended to capitulate. …”
– Sobering words from Rick Phillips at Reformation21.
The Bible: Is it Relevant? Is it True? Would it matter if it wasn’t?
“How can a book drawn up over centuries, but all long since, by people in and around Palestine, have any real significance for people like you and me who live in this mad age of rush, atom bombs and duodenal ulcers?
Let us approach this question via another question I am sometimes asked, ‘Is the Bible true ?’
And this second question leads me to pose a third, ‘Does it matter?’ For indeed to many people is almost an axiom that it does not matter, since it is quite possible to get on with the serious business of living in blissful unawareness of its teachings. …”
– The Australian Church Record has republished this 1955 article from Leon Morris.
Reflections on the 50th anniversary of my Diving Accident
Joni Eareckson Tada reflects on the the Lord’s faithfulness, these fifty years, since she had her diving accident.
Reformation Public Lecture — Graham Cole — The legacy of the Reformation through the eyes of J.C. Ryle
Dr Graham Cole spoke at Moore College on July 19th, about The legacy of the Reformation through the eyes of J.C. Ryle. Most encouraging.
Reformation Preaching and the Modern Mind — Annual Moore College Lectures 2017
“The Annual Moore College Lectures will be given by Carl Trueman, a well-known church historian who has written extensively on reformation themes.”
– Beginning 3rd August. Details from the College.
What was the Reformation and why does it matter?
Last week, David Cook spoke at St. Helen’s Bishopsgate, on What was the Reformation and why does it matter?.
“The great pastoral effect of the Reformation is Assurance.”
Most encouraging. Watch on Vimeo.
Related: The English Reformers’ Teaching on Salvation. Talk by Donald Allister at the 1991 Church Society Conference.
Kevin DeYoung, The Necessary Doctrine of Sin — Preaching Matters
“Why is the preaching of the doctrine of sin so central to the mission of the church?
Is the lack of sin-preaching in churches a new problem? Where might this emphasis begin to slip in our ministry? What can we do to keep sin front and centre in our preaching?”
In the latest Preaching Matters from St. Helen’s Bishopsgate, Kevin DeYoung addresses the doctrine of sin in our preaching and teaching.
Why the Reformation still matters
Coming up this month: Graham Cole (former member of the Moore College faculty, now Dean of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago) is giving a public lecture at Moore College on Wednesday 19th July, 7:00pm – 9:00pm.
His topic: The legacy of the Reformation through the eyes of J.C. Ryle.
How the Reformation rediscovered Happiness
“Imagine facing judgment day every week.
Near to where I grew up, in the Oxfordshire village of South Leigh, is the parish church of St. James the Great. Over the chancel arch is a medieval wall painting depicting the final judgment. …”
– At Desiring God, Tim Chester shares one way in which the Reformation was revolutionary.
Reformation 500 resources from Church Society
Check out these free resources from Church Society –
1.) Reformation 500 Resources –
“Church introductions, Sunday school material, school assemblies, youth groups and Light parties – we’ve got you covered! This comprehensive set of resources introduces key themes of the Reformation through three central figures:
Martin Luther: How can we be right with God?
William Tyndale: Why the Bible matters so much?
Thomas Cranmer: How can everyone hear the true gospel?
Experienced children’s and youth workers, Robin Barfield and Nathan Phillingham, have provided teaching material, introductions, games and crafts suitable for different ages and groups. There are also activity sheets by Chris Joyce. Leaders’ notes provide some background to the series and suggest further reading.
Church introductions give ways of introducing the key people and ideas of the Reformation to your whole congregation.
The Light Party materials include teaching, games and craft activities for a family party, suitable for either church or non-church families. These resources do not overlap with the Sunday school or other sets of resources, using different Reformers to tell other aspects of the story.”
2.) Reformation 500 Magazine –
“In place of our usual summer edition of Crossway, Church Society are pleased to publish this special Reformation 500 magazine.
Containing articles by two Church Society Council members, Dr Andrea Ruddick and Dr Kirsty Birkett, the magazine provides a thorough introduction to the Reformation.
Andrea’s article explores the medieval background to the events of the 16th century, while Kirsty identifies key figures of the Reformation era and explains their contribution to its revolutionary events and teaching.”
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…