We Cannot be Silent — new book from Albert Mohler
“We are now witnesses to a revolution that is sweeping away a sexual morality and a definition of marriage that has existed for thousands of years. This is the morality and understanding of marriage that has been central to societies shaped by biblical witness and the influence of both Judaism and Christianity. But, it is important to note that marriage has been understood throughout human history – in virtually all civilizations – as the union of a man and a woman.
We Cannot Be Silent is a book about that revolution, how it happened and what it means for us, for our churches, and for our children…
Every Christian church – and every Christian – will face huge decisions in the wake of this moral storm. When marriage is redefined, an entire universe of laws, customs, rules, and expectations changes as well.”
– This looks to be an important book. Just released.
Richard Phillips has a review at The Gospel Coalition –
“Chronicling how marriage was critically undermined over several generations through birth control, no-fault divorce, and cohabitation, Mohler – president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky – notes that the silence of Bible-believing churches helped facilitate the fall of marriage. Now, with our backs against the wall, he sounds an urgent plea: the one approach Christians cannot afford to adopt is silence. We must speak.”
And Tim Challies also has a review –
“The chapters that may bring the most unique value are the ones that trace the history and growth of this revolution. Most of us see how it is playing out around us today, but few understand how we got to this point.”
So you think you can explain the gospel
“…the simple fact that a Christian has heard the gospel numerous times does not mean that they can reproduce it. Recognition does not equal reproduction. I suggested a good exercise might be to give a group of believers a piece of paper and two minutes to anonymously write out a brief outline of the gospel.”
– At GoThereFor, Stephen Liggins shares the results of some simple research.
Related: Two Ways to Live.
Reformation Sunday 2015
It’s Reformation Sunday this weekend, and the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals has some free (and some paid) downloadable resources for your edification.
Hearing 1 Corinthians — as a letter
Andy Naselli recited the full text of 1 Corinthians as the sermon at Bethlehem Baptist Church back in August.
In “Why and How to Memorize an Entire Book of the Bible”, he provides a link to the video, and also addresses the Why and How of memorising a book of the Bible.
He’s got the whole world in His hands
Use these daily images of Earth to prompt your praises of our great God.
(Background story.) Image: GSFC/NASA.
Kara Hartley — encouragement for women in ministry
Kara Hartley, Archdeacon for Women in the Diocese of Sydney, spoke at the Priscilla & Aquila Centre Refresh Conference in August.
The theme was ‘Stress & Ministry’. The first talk – by Kara Hartley – on Psalm 100 – and the second – by Dr Helen Rienits – are now on Vimeo.
Herman Who?
“Much of the debate in the media about fundamentalism and radicalisation would be solved if all involved developed a commitment to responsible hermeneutics.
Hermeneutics is the science of interpretation.
When a solicitor reads a legal deed, words are to be understood literally. When I read the newspaper, I adopt different hermeneutical principles in reading the news items, the comment, the editorial and the comic strip.
All of the Bible is to be taken seriously and that means that not all will be taken literally…”
– David Cook writes about the importance of hermeneutics.
(Image: St. Helen’s London.)
More Packer
Crossway has released more short videos filmed as part of their forthcoming documentary entitled, J. I. Packer: In His Own Words.
“We’re also giving away a free e-book by J. I. Packer to everyone who signs up to receive the videos via email at JIPacker.com.”
Released so far:
What is Repentance?
What is Faith?
What is the Church?
What is Doctrine?
What is Christian Unity?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The full video will be released on Tuesday, November 3rd.
Ka-Ching! Designed for addiction
Tonight (Tuesday 20th October 2015, at 9:29pm) ABC TV is screening a documentary on the inner workings behind the all-pervasive poker machines in Australian clubs and pubs.
They have come a long way since the mechanical machine pictured!
You can see a trailer for the programme at The Pokies Play You.
Stories you might have missed — Monday 19th October 2015
Here are a few stories you might have missed from the last week –
- New biography of Sir Marcus Loane launched in Sydney.
- Archbishop Glenn Davies’ Presidential Address to Sydney Synod.
- Dr Ed Loane speaks at ACL Synod Dinner.
- ACL Good Governance Workshop for members of diocesan boards and schools.
- Sydney Synod affirms marriage.
- Sydney Synod ‘deeply grieved’ by actions of two Bishops in Victoria.
Positive complementarianism
“Always defending means that often our churches are so concerned with what women are not allowed to do, that we do not take the time to think hard about what women should be encouraged to do to build up the body of Christ. This conference gives us just that opportunity…”
– At Equal But Different, Phil and Vic Colgan are thankful for conferences which move beyond the theological ‘battle ground’ into positive encouragement. And they suggest one you can attend.
When Billy Graham (almost) gave up on the Bible
“…what do we do when we experience doubts that might cause us to give up on Christ, or even to radically alter our views about the Christian faith? …
Having recently read his autobiography, I found it very interesting to learn how Billy Graham faced a crisis of this kind…”
– A most encouraging piece from Moore College’s Dr. Peter Orr. Read it all.
(Photo: Archbishop Marcus Loane and Billy Graham at the 1979 Crusade. Courtesy Ramon Williams / Worldwide Photos.)
Defending classic marriage — Synod speeches
Canon Sandy Grant moved, and Mrs Tara Sing seconded, the motion “Affirmation of marriage as between a man and a woman” at Sydney Synod on Wednesday 14th October 2015.
The text of Sandy’s speech is now available as a 115kb PDF file, with links to useful resources, and the final form of the resolution, as it was passed, at the end.
Mrs Tara Sing’s speech seconding the motion is below – Read more
A Tale of Two Archbishops — ACL Synod Dinner talk 2015
Dr Ed Loane from Moore College spoke to a packed ACL Synod Dinner at the Chapter House on Monday 12th October, 2015.
His topic: A Tale of Two Archbishops: Christian Unity in the Ministries of Archbishop Temple and Archbishop Mowll.
What were the key differences between these two towering figures? What lessons can we learn? Listen to Ed’s fascinating talk which has many contemporary applications:
Or right-click this link to download the 9.7MB mp3 file.
Update: You can also read Dr. Loane’s notes, in this PDF file.
Archbishop Howard Mowll, painted by Alfred G. Reynolds, 1958. On display at Mowll Village, Castle Hill. (Click the image for the full painting.)
Below: Attendees chat over dessert and coffee.
Related links: ACL Membership application.
The Synod Survival Guide.
Good Governance Workshop
Good Governance Workshop
6:30pm, Thursday 26th November 2015.
This workshop is for you if you’ve been elected to a board or a council, particularly if you feel your own management experience doesn’t prepare you for this ‘governance’ role.
As a service to our diocesan organisations and the people elected by our Synod, the Anglican Church League presents a workshop designed to equip members of boards and committees with good governance principles and practice.
Click the image to download an invitation in PDF format.
What: A series of presentations on governance – particularly as it pertains to the Anglican Diocese of Sydney.
Who is it for? Board members appointed to organisations of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney.
When: Thursday 26th November, 6:30pm–9:00pm.
Where: At The Chapter House – please enter via rear door of St. Andrew’s Cathedral.
How much? No charge.
To register, please send an e-mail to our organising committee at ggw@acl.asn.au via this link, specifying the names of attendees (so we can ensure we have the right number of handouts, etc.).
Main Speakers:
Archbishop Glenn Davies
on Evangelical Governance: what difference does the gospel make to governance?
Dr Robert Tong
on Responsible evangelical governance of diocesan boards.
Canon Bruce Morrison
on Responsible evangelical governance of school councils.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…