A gift-wrapped community
Here’s a great idea for Christmas –
“The Emmanuel Church in Glenhaven is gift-wrapping 1900 Essential Jesus Gospels in preparation for Christmas this year. Church members will door-knock homes in the local area over 2 Sundays, to give out their special gift…” – Story here.
Church discipline: a good idea?
The latest version of the 9Marks eJournal is devoted to the often-difficult question of church discipline. It’s available as a PDF file here.
A tip for the Melbourne Cup
Last year, Kel Richards and Dean Phillip Jensen discussed the topic of gambling at The Chat Room.
Watch it at SydneyAnglicans.net.
Stott on Anglican Evangelical Identity
“First and foremost, by God’s sheer mercy, I am a Christian seeking to follow Jesus Christ.
Next, I am an evangelical Christian because of my conviction that evangelical principles (especially sola scriptura [Scripture alone] and sola gratia [by grace alone]) are integral to authentic Christianity, and that to be an evangelical Christian is to be a New Testament Christian, and vice versa.
Thirdly, I am an Anglican evangelical Christian, since the Church of England is the particular historical tradition or denomination to which I belong.
But I am not an Anglican first, since denominationalism is hard to defend. It seems to me correct to call oneself an Anglican evangelical (in which evangelical is the noun and Anglican the descriptive adjective) rather than an evangelical Anglican (in which Anglican is the noun and evangelical the adjective).”
– Quoted in R. Steers, The Inside Story, p. 191. (h/t Mark Thompson.)
Timothy Partnership to be launched
A new joint project of Anglican Youthworks College and Presbyterian Youth.
“In 2010, we are proud to launch the Diploma of Theology by Distance: practical theological training made accessible to every Christian, everywhere. This unique collaboration brings together the expertise of two experienced and trusted ministry organisations to offer the best possible ministry education and formation experience for students. We also work with local church ministers on the ground to train up a generation of leaders.”
Read about it at timothypartnership.com.au.
Here I Stand — free audio download
To mark Reformation Day (October 31), Martin Luther’s Here I Stand, a 24 minute recording by Max McLean, is available as a free download from The Listener’s Bible.
“In the late afternoon of April 18, 1521, in the city of Worms, Germany, Martin Luther, a 37 year-old Catholic monk was called to defend himself before Charles the Fifth, the Holy Roman Emperor. The speech he delivered that day, Here I Stand, marked the beginning of the Reformation…”
The offer exprires on November 1st. To receive the download, simply create an account and follow the links. (h/t Andy Naselli.)
Columbo-style connecting
On two recent episodes of the White Horse Inn broadcast, Greg Koukl from Stand to Reason ministries shares some tips on connecting helpfully in an apologetic situation. He thinks we can learn from Lt. Columbo.
Hear the discussion (“Tactics” parts 1 & 2, October 4 & 11 2009) in the White Horse Inn archives. (Part 2 repeats about 10 minutes of the first episode.)
Connect09 Halloween idea
Next Saturday, October 31st, is Halloween (and, November 1st is Reformation Sunday!).
If you live in an area where young people are likely to knock on your door for Trick or Treat, consider having some copies of the Colin Buchanan DVD on hand to give away with your confectionary. (Ideally, hand the DVD to their parents if they are present.)
Better Gatherings — new look
The recently-launched Better Gatherings website, produced by the Archbishop of Sydney’s Liturgical Panel, has had a makeover.
“This site is designed to equip service leaders to craft meetings that by their shape, their contents and their tone proclaim the gospel of Christ, build his body in the unity of the spirit and bring honour and glory to God.
On this website we would like to help you reflect biblically and historically on just how good church can be, and give you the resources you need to put this vision into practice.”
“A Star. A Stable. A Saviour.” – from Nathan Tasker
Nathan Tasker is releasing a CD in time for Christmas, A Star. A Stable. A Saviour.
As a pre-release promotion, 5 copies can be ordered for $50, including shipping. A Christ-honouring Christmas gift? An evangelistic talking point? Worth checking out. (h/t Justin Moffatt.)
Counterfeit Gods reviewed
Tim Challies reviews Tim Keller’s new book Counterfeit Gods.
And Christianity Today has an interview with Tim Keller:
“Look at your daydreams. When you don’t have to think about something, like when you are waiting for the bus, where does your mind love to rest? Or, look at where you spend your money most effortlessly.”
The book doesn’t appear to be available in Australia just yet, but you can read the first chapter here (PDF file via Westminster Bookstore).
Large print Essential Jesus
The Essential Jesus (the Gospel of Luke) being distributed across Sydney as a part of Connect09 is a wonderful resource. Many who have received copies have commented on its clear layout and attractive presentation.
It’s not ideal to give to everyone though. Some people would like larger print! See this from Matthias Media.
“I Have No Greater Joy”
Two weeks ago, Don Carson preached at CrossWay Community Church in Bristol, Wisconsin. His text was on 3 John, focussing on verse 4.
As always, Christ-centred and edifying. Hear the sermon here (60min / 14MB mp3 file).
The danger of ending every sermon with application
“The standard sermon ends with several points of application. I have nothing wrong with this. Many of my sermons end with some ‘now what’ points that relate the text to everyday life. But congregations should not expect every sermon to end with three ‘take home’ points…”
– Kevin DeYoung with some helpful thoughts on preaching at DeYoung, Restless, and Reformed.
Why learn Biblical languages
Elizabeth Groves, who lectures at Westminster Seminary, speaks on why learning the biblical languages is so important. Worth watching on YouTube (h/t Ian Clary.)
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…