Sydney Anglicans Pray for Paris
A special public service of sorrow and prayer for Paris, in the wake of the Black Friday attacks, will be held in St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney on Sunday 15th November at 3pm.
“It is difficult to comprehend the barbarity of such attacks” said the Archbishop of Sydney Dr Glenn Davies “but we mourn with those who mourn and weep with those who weep.”
“We pray that God in his unfailing love will comfort the people of Paris, especially those who have been injured and the families and friends who have lost loved ones.”
Premier Mike Baird will attend the service and representatives of the French Government will also be in attendance.
A French flag is already flying at half-mast at the Cathedral.
– Source: SydneyAnglicans.net.
Update: Bible Society Australia has published prayers by Dominic Steele and by Steve Cree.
Pastor, learn to say no!
Good advice from Richard Underwood at the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches – via Unashamed Workman.
10 Serious Problems with ‘Jesus Calling’
“Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling is a phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down. According to publisher Thomas Nelson, it “continues to grow in units sold each year since it was released [and] has surpassed 15 million copies sold.” Nelson is involved in an expansive new marketing campaign that involves a new web site and daily radio devotionals.
ECPA reports that ‘Thomas Nelson began its partnership with the Salem Media group to provide 60-second daily messages on Eric Metaxas’ show, which is carried on more than 100 stations nationwide and worldwide on SiriusXM Radio. The Jesus Calling radio devotional reaches more than 500,000 people each day through these segments.’ With 15 million copies sold, it has marched its way into rare company.
Yet it is a deeply troubling book. I am going to point out 10 serious problems with Jesus Calling in the hope that you will consider and heed these warnings…”
– Read the serious issues Tim Challies identifies. Is Jesus Calling big in Australia? This Australian bookshop lists it among their ‘Best-Selling Books’.
Limited prayer limits evangelism
“Many people own Nelson Mandela’s book Long Walk to Freedom but have not actually read it. Many Christians love the idea of prayer, but struggle to actually implement it.…”
– At GoThereFor, Stephen Liggins encourages you to pray – for evangelism!
Happy 97th Birthday, Billy Graham
“This is the best documentary I have seen on Billy Graham, the most famous and significant evangelist since George Whitefield…”
– Justin Taylor provides links to a 120 minute documentary on Billy Graham.
Resources for Remembrance Day
While many churches (such as St. Andrew’s Cathedral) observed Remembrance Day yesterday, Sunday November 8th, if you are looking for material for this week, Defence Anglicans has some resources which may be of help.
Tears and Hope 2015
The annual ‘Tears And Hope’ service of healing for survivors of abuse is to be held at St John’s Darlinghurst, on Monday, November 23rd at 7:00pm.
Download a PDF flier to share with others, and pray that the service may help to bring comfort and healing.
Where is your journey taking you?
Moore College is encouraging you ask where your life fits into the Lord’s Plan. How can you be equipped to serve Christ?
Watch their latest video.
Why every seminary student should read J. C. Ryle
“I began my study of J. C. Ryle (1816-1900) more than six years ago, and my interest in him was primarily historical. However, as I prepare to defend my dissertation and end this leg of my journey with him, I am absolutely convinced that he has a lot to offer you as a minister-in-training…”
– At the Southern Seminary blog, Ben Rogers explains why it’s advantageous to follow J. C. Ryle down old paths.
(In this Crossway video, J. I. Packer recommends Ryle’s Holiness.)
Churches, know your young people by name
“It is a wonderful thing to be known by name. Most of us will know that experience of surprise and gratitude that comes when our name is recalled…”
– Good advice from Youthworks College Principal, Dr. Bill Salier.
J I Packer — In his own words
Crossway have released their 18 minute “short video documentary about [J.I.] Packer’s early life, theological influences, and enduring legacy”.
Give thanks for the good things the Lord has given us though this man, and pray for Packer’s continued work in helping Christians to value and love God’s word.
You can view it here, along with eight brief video clips in which Dr. Packer addresses the questions:
What is Repentance?
What is Faith?
What is the Church?
What is Doctrine?
What is Christian Unity?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
What is the Lord’s Supper?
What is Baptism?
See also: Justin Taylor has some background and links.
Preaching the Book of Judges
In the latest Preaching Matters from St. Helen’s Bishopsgate in London, Charlie Skrine speaks about preaching from Judges.
The first decision, he says, is to discern if the main characters are heroes, or are they villains? How do you apply the book?
Watch the 11 minute video here. Very helpful – particularly if you are planning a sermon series on the book.
Getting on the front foot
“Christians need never to be on the back foot in answering the attacks of atheists and secularists.
The bankruptcy of their position is readily revealed when one examines their empty explanations given to life’s four biggest questions.
What I appreciate most about being a Christian is the Faith’s realistic assessment of the human condition, and its sure diagnosis and assured prescription for humankind’s ills.
Here are life’s four biggest questions:
Where did I come from?
Where am I going?
Why am I here?
How do I live?…”
– Another helpful post by David Cook, Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia website. (Photo: St. Helen’s London.)
Two Bishops – Two books
Christian Education Publications has two new books which are well worth checking out –
Walking in Truth and Love, by Bishop David Mulready, is a series of studies for Lent (or other times).
“In these 40 daily devotions, David Mulready explores the three letters of John, and the call of Jesus’ followers to walk in truth and love.”
A Short Book About Jesus – The Man from Heaven, by Bishop Paul Barnett.
“A Short Book About Jesus is a clear, concise and thought-provoking read and is an ideal introduction to Jesus for anyone wanting to know more. It is also an excellent resource for personal reflection, for church small groups, for ministers preparing sermons or for those interested in apologetics.”
What is Reformation Day?
“What is Reformation Day? To answer that question, let’s ask another question. When is Reformation Day? It’s October 31; it commemorates the events of October 31, 1517…”
– Ligonier Ministries’ Stephen Nichols answers the question at Five Minutes in Church History.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…