GAFCON — Uniting and Reforming

In the run up to this month’s GAFCON 2018 in Jerusalem, GAFCON has begun publishing reflections from some who attended precious gatherings.

Published so far: Melvin Tinker, Jane Tooher, and Winnie Njenga.

‘Men Praying for Moore’ Breakfast — Saturday 5th May

Here’s an opportunity for men to gather, to pray for Moore College.

“…to share in breakfast and pray, and to be informed on how they might continue to pray. … Archbishop of Sydney The Most Rev Dr Glenn Davies … will lead a brief devotional.”

Saturday 5th May 2018, 8:30 – 10:00am.

RSVP by April 27.

Details from the College.

New trial expected soon for Asia Bibi

“On Saturday, the Chief Justice of Pakistan confirmed a new hearing will be held soon and has ordered full security provisions to be given to Asia Bibi’s legal team. …”

– Report from Premier UK.

God’s Strategy for Evangelism

“Whether it’s war, sport or business, everyone needs a good strategy. Strategy is the ‘how’ question. You might have a vision – what you want to see happen. You might have a mission – what you are going to do. But do you have the strategy – how are you going to do it?

What is our strategy for evangelism? As Christians, we have our vision: the nations before the throne praising the Son (Rev 7:9-10). And we have our mission: to go and make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19). But what is our strategy? How are we going to do this?”

– Encouragement from Tom Habib at The Australian Church Record.

Katoomba Christian Convention planning major redevelopment

“In one of the largest developments ever seen in the Mountains, Katoomba Christian Convention has plans for a $64 million rebuild on its premises at Cliff Drive.

Plans for the major redevelopment are now on public display with council.

They call for the demolition of several existing buildings and building of a new auditorium for public worship, a 500-seat dining hall, six eco-lodges and three eco-chalets to accommodate 390 people, a new reception building, bookshop and cafe. …

The DA is on public exhibition until April 11. It will then go to the Sydney Western City Planning Panel, rather than council, because of the size of the development.”

– See the full story from The Blue Mountains Gazette.

Related: Development application – Blue Mountains City Council.

Image: The Blue Mountains Gazette. Link via SydneyAnglicans.net.

Archbishop Davies on Q@A tonight, 23 October

Archbishop Glenn Davies will be on the panel of Q&A tonight on ABC television –

“Joining Tony Jones for the Q&A Same-Sex Marriage debate: actress and author Magda Szubanski; Anglican Archbishop of Sydney Glenn Davies; Jesuit priest and law professor Frank Brennan; ‘No campaign’ spokesperson Karina Okotel.

Monday 23 Oct 2017, 9:34pm.”

John Howard criticises Malcolm Turnbull over handling of postal survey

“Former prime minister John Howard has criticised the Turnbull Government’s handling of the same-sex marriage survey, calling for the details of any bill to be released before the vote. …”

– Report from ABC News.

Presbyterian response to the announced postal marriage plebiscite

“The 2016 GAA resolved as follows:

Min 67.8 “The General Assembly urges congregations to support the ‘No’ case in opposing the redefinition of marriage.”

Without binding consciences, please read the following as a request from the PCA that when the government asks for your opinion that you consider supporting the “NO” vote.

The Australian Government plans to conduct a postal vote seeking the opinion of Australians on marriage. Ballot papers will begin arriving at our homes on 12 September, just a month from now.

The Presbyterian Church of Australia opposes the introduction of legislation for so called ‘same-sex marriage’. We affirm that the true definition of marriage is found in God’s Word: the life-long union of one man with one woman, voluntarily entered into, excluding all others.

It’s important to urge every Presbyterian Christian to engage in the process and vote, and to “support the NO case”. We ask every attendee at church to both register and vote, and then seek to persuade as many of their family and friends to do likewise.

There’s no doubt that the postal vote can be won in favour of the current definition. There is a large number of Australians, many of whom have not had their say, who affirm the common view of marriage as God-given and God-blessed.

Your participation will make a difference, but we need you to be earnest, active and in prayer about it. There are many powerful voices clamouring to tear down what God declares to be holy. The church must not be silent on this.

While we speak up and have our say, we do so with a gracious engagement and with respect for those with whom we disagree.

John P Wilson

Moderator-General
Presbyterian Church of Australia.”

Source: Presbyterian Church of Australia.

Recent news from Moore College

Here are a few recent news stories from Moore College. They are a good reminder to pray for all serving and studying at the College, with the Winter break now on (24 June – 16 July).

John Chapman Preaching Conference 23 September.

In September, Dr Bryan Chapell, Senior Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, Peoria, Illinois USA, will present at our next one-day John Chapman Preaching Conference considering the topic Application in Expository Preaching. (Early bird price ends tomorrow!)

David Helm’s visit to Moore helps provide clearer thinking about Bible exposition.

The College was privileged to hear David Helm, author of Expositional Preaching, One-to-One Bible Reading and The Big Picture Story Bible, preaching on Revelation 14 in late May.

Moore Renewed.

Moore’s registration as a Self-accrediting Higher Education Provider was recently renewed for another 7 years. This outcome is a testimony to an enormous amount of effort by the College’s Registrar Rhonda Barry, in particular.

Recent Two Ways Ministries Conference at Moore at bursting point.

Moore College was pleased to host a conference in its new building with Phillip Jensen and Al Stewart presenting the talks. The Annual Two Ways Ministries’ Queen’s Birthday Conference was on the subject of work.

Remarkable opportunity for MA students to join the dots on recent Reformation tour.

Moore held an MA (Theol) Reformation Study Tour unit, in which Moore students joined a tour group that travelled from Prague through Germany and Switzerland and finished up in England.

Greg Clarke and Roy Williams with James Valentine on ABC Radio

Bible Society Australia CEO, Greg Clarke, and author of “God, Actually”, Roy Williams, chatted with James Valentine about the Bible and the Sydney Writers Festival. Aired 23rd May 2017 on 702 ABC Sydney.

17 minutes. Listen here.

Photo of Roy Williams and Greg Clarke courtesy Bible Society.

Secret tomb containing bodies of former Archbishops of Canterbury found under London museum

“Coffins containing the remains of five archbishops of Canterbury dating back to the early 17th century have been discovered in a secret tomb below a London church now used as a museum. …”

— Report from ABC News.

Painting of Abp Richard Bancroft via Wikipedia.

Related: Buried Archbishops “found by accident”? The CofE’s forgetfulness is galling – ‘Archbishop Cranmer’.

“Did the Church of England not know that there were at least five archbishops buried there? Couldn’t someone be bothered to check the records? Why was no archeological dig commissioned? This wasn’t just any old parish church: St Mary-at-Lambeth had been an adjunct to Lambeth Palace for centuries. Its flint and stone walls are 14th-century; its consecrated ground dates back to Edward the Confessor.”

Stories you might have missed — January 2017

Here are some key posts you may have missed this last month. Each link opens in a new window.

Is GAFCON the problem? – Dr. Peter Jensen responds to criticism of GAFCON by the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion.
The Grace of God – or the World of the West? – we featured this challenging address at GAFCON II by Dr. Mike Ovey, who went home to be with the Lord on 7th January.
Dick Lucas on Mark’s Gospel – a wonderful resource from St. Helen’s Bishopsgate.
Remnant in Scotland finding hope through GAFCON – The Rector of St. Thomas’ Church in Edinburgh shares something of the crisis which has hit the Scottish Episcopal Church through its accommodation to secular culture.
Dr Gavin Ashenden resigns as Chaplain to the Queen – This story has gained some traction in the secular press.
New Women’s Ministry Stream at Moore College – Jane Tooher outlines Moore College’s new women’s ministry study stream.
Proposed bill ‘doesn’t protect religious freedom’ – The Diocese of Sydney has told a Senate Inquiry the proposed bill on same-sex marriage does not sufficiently protect freedom of religion.

From around the Anglican Church of Australia — 16 December 2016

Australian dioceses (image: Anglican Church of Australia) Here are a few items from around the Anglican Church of Australia this week.

(Image courtesy Anglican Church of Australia.)

Archbishop of Sydney’s Presidential Address to Synod 2016

“Archbishop Glenn Davies, in his Presidential address opening the 2016 Synod, or Parliament, of the Anglican Church, has spoken of Sydney’s urban sprawl and efforts to establish new churches on the fringe of the city…” – Read Russell Powell’s report at SydneyAnglicans.net.