Why attend CMS Summer School this year? A chat with Dr Andrew Shead on the Psalms
“It speaks volumes that the most popular conference for Sydney Anglican clergy to network with each other (not forgetting the many others who also attend!) is a missionary conference. The good news of forgiveness in Jesus Christ is for the whole world, and right now our world needs to hear of Jesus just as much as ever.
So why sign up for CMS Summer School’s livestream talks this year? Aside from the fact that it’s easy, and the kids’ and youth program is this year entirely free, there is a great treasure in store as we are taken through the Psalms with Moore College’s Head of Old Testament Dr Andrew Shead. …”
– The Australian Church Record speaks with Dr Andrew Shead.
CMS Summer School runs from 8 – 14 January 2022.
Rico Tice preaches at the St. Helen’s Insurance carol service
Yes, Christmas is over, but it is always wonderful to hear Christ preached.
Rico Tice spoke from Matthew 2:1-12 at the St. Helen’s Bishopsgate Insurance Carol Service in December 2021.
Be encouraged to likewise share the news of Christ.
Sunday Morning Encouragement
With thanks to Rob Smith and St. Andrew’s Cathedral Sydney.
Amazing Grace — a hymn for the New Year
John Newton wrote his most famous hymn, Amazing Grace, 249 years ago.
Learn more at The John Newton Project.
“The words of Amazing Grace were etched on Newton’s heart daily.
But we assume that he first wrote this hymn for his New Year’s Morning sermon of 1 January 1773, for it fits his sermon notes so closely and the text he chose to write above it in the Olney Hymns, 1 Chronicles 17:16,17, is identical to the sermon’s text.”
You can also hear some of the earliest tunes used to sing the hymn.
Greg Sheridan on the 160 pages that may change your life
At The Wee Flea, David Robertson has posted the full text (with permission) of Greg Sheridan’s a wonderful Christmas article in The Australian entitled 160 pages that may Change Your Life (subscribers’ link).
New Year’s Resolution: focus on the now
“I was recently reflecting on the initial results released after the 2021 Australian Community Survey regarding what Christians think and know about Jesus and church. Already these things should cause us to come to God in prayer.
On the one hand, there are so many signs that the spiritual health of Australian mainstream society is poor.
On the other hand, one can’t help but notice the opportunities to share about Jesus, and the benefits of being part of a Christian community who love and care for each other.
This then also got me thinking about the fascination that we have (me included) with New Year’s resolutions. …”
– Ben George writes at The Australian Church Record.
Christmas morning encouragement
With thanks to Emu Music.
Christmas Eve Encouragement
O Come, All You Unfaithful – from Sovereign Grace Music.
Sunday Morning Encouragement
With thanks to Emu Music.
A Fireside Chat with Bishop Rod Chiswell
The December 2021 – January 2022 issue of The Link from the Diocese of Armidale is now up on their website.
Lots of encouraging articles and fuel for prayer.
Bishop Rod Chiswell writes,
“Greetings from Armidale. I hope you’ve weathered the winter and stayed warm in your patch. Since moving to Armidale, I’ve rediscovered the joys of sitting by the fire. So, this letter from me comes as a kind of fireside chat to share some of the things that are on my heart.
During my first eight months in the job as bishop, at every opportunity in parishes around the Armidale Diocese, I have been underlining the central importance of God’s word. …”
– Read it all on page 3 of The Link, available via this page.
Also in this issue, Bernard Gabbott reflects on “shepherding a scattered mob” during COVID in Narrabri.
The Diocesan vision is to “Introduce people to Jesus and help them home to Heaven”. How wonderfully clear and encouraging!
New video: Thank you for supporting the Gospel in Greenfields
Here’s the latest encouraging video from the Archbishop of Sydney’s New Churches for New Communities.
Our trust vindicated at Christmas
“At Christmas, God proved himself worthy of our trust.
Having put the world on notice that he was going to pay us a visit, he told us where. …”
– Neil Percival, Rector of the Parish of Young, has had this Christmas message published in The Boorowa News.
Hoping Christmas is Good News
“If you regularly preach at this time and if, like me, you have been at it for forty years there aren’t too may Christmas-type verses left to preach on.
For all that, it is hard to beat the account of the announcement to the shepherd by the angel of the birth of the Lord Jesus. …”
– Short but sweet classic advice from Chappo – at The Australian Church Record.
Related:
“Do you really believe the gospel can convert your friends?” – John Chapman.
Photo: Matthias Media.
Sunday morning encouragement
The Night Song – another beautiful song, just out, from CityAlight with Colin Buchanan.
Driscoll, Schaeffer, and Packer on the Size of your Church and the Idolatry of your Heart
Just in time for Sunday, three thought-provoking quotes, via Justin Taylor.
He also mentions the excellent “Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome” by Kent & Barbara Hughes.
Photo of J I Packer courtesy Crossway.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…