True Judgements

From Phillip Jensen –

“Just as Western society is confused over the subject of identity, so we are confused over the issue of judgementalism. The modern push is to be a non-judgemental, inclusive society, but the reality is one of high condemnation and exclusion of people whose views or lifestyle differ from those in power.

Christians believe in the judgement of God, but what do these judgements involve? And what are the differences between discernment and condemnation? I hope you enjoy our consideration of 1 Corinthians chapter 4.”

– Listen at Two Ways News.

Children in the gathering: Why the church needs its youngest members

Bex Purdue at St. Matthias Centennial Park has these words of encourgamenrt at The Australian Church Record –

“As Anglicans, we wholeheartedly believe that children are treasured members of our covenant community. Praise God that the promise of salvation extends not only to us but also to our children (Acts 2:39). One way this belief is reflected is through the baptism of our children. However, our belief that children are equal members of the body of Christ shapes much more than just our view of baptism—it shapes how we do church. So what does this look like at our weekly church gathering?

Kids’ Church and youth programs during our church gatherings are wonderful provisions from God as a way to love and serve the children (and parents!) of our church. …”

– Read it all here.

Islam in the Public Square

From AP, the Australian Presbyterian online journal –

“I have been engaging publicly with Islam for over 30 years and have a noticed a recent change in the way it is discussed in public. The Bondi shooting, the war with Iran, and the ISIS brides have changed public discourse.

Up until recently, a Muslim could commit an act of violence against a non-Muslim, say it was done in the name of Islam, and quote from the Qur’an for justification; but most Western leaders and media would respond by saying it had nothing to do with the religion and that Islam is a religion of peace. I hear this response a lot less often, if at all, now. …”

– Sam Green looks at possible responses to a growing knowledge of Islam in the West, and urges Christians to respond in a Christian way, “because we have experienced the love of God for his enemies ourselves”.

Image: Sam Green on The Pastor’s Heart in September 2024.

See also Sam Green — Engaging with Islam – December 2024.

Christian Identity

From Phillip Jensen –

“Today as we proceed through 1 Corinthians 3, we think of the pressing problem for modern Western culture: that of identity.

Apparently, many people struggle with the questions, ‘Who am I?’ or ‘What am I?’. This chapter answers these questions for Christians.”

– Listen at Two Ways News.

Helping kids engage with the Epistles

From Tara Sing at SydneyAnglicans.net –

“When the Rev Matt Dodd, from Lakemba, noticed the lack of material as he was looking for resources for his kids’ ministry, he decided to do something about it. With a genuine desire to open the Scriptures for kids, he produced the new series God’s Very Special Letters.

Partnering with illustrator Thom Bransdon from St Mark’s, Sadleir, the duo have translated the epistles into language that children would use in the school playground, and have brought them to life with vivid drawings of the early church. …”

– Read all about it here.

And a link to an earlier story at The Australian Church Record – and do watch the promotional video.

The production quality is top class.

The first three books (just released) are on sale currently at The Wandering Bookseller.

Knowing your place – Acts 7:1-19

Moore College’s Lionel Windsor spoke at College Community Chapel on Tuesday morning.

He spoke from Acts 7:1-19 – God’s chosen place – Stephen’s speech. An encouraging reminder of the key importance of Biblical Theology.

– Watch here.

The Global Anglican — Church Society Podcast

From Church Society –

“Peter Jensen and Kirsten Birkett discuss The Global Anglican theological journal, and Peter shares his thoughts on the state of global Anglicanism more broadly.”

– Listen here. Recorded just before G26 met.

The Two Wisdoms

From Phillip Jensen –

“Dear friends,

We do appreciate comments and feedback, and even questions from our many subscribers.

Sadly, we haven’t got the time or resources to be able to answer each question; however, two of the comments that came in to us on the Acts 17 passage we thought would be very helpful to air in this episode of Two Ways News, before we look at the two wisdoms contrasted in 1 Corinthians chapter 2.”

– Listen here. And, as always, thoughtful, helpful and informative.

Understanding Evangelism

From Phillip Jensen –

“We do appreciate comments and feedback, and even questions from our many subscribers.

Sadly, we haven’t got the time or resources to be able to answer each question, however two of the comments that came in to us on the Acts 17 passage we thought would be very helpful to air in this episode of Two Ways News, before we look at the two wisdoms contrasted in 1 Corinthians chapter 2.”

They begin by clarifying some things about anti-semitism and then go on to speak about the vital topic of evangelism.

– Listen here. Most helpful.

Preaching When Opportunity Knocks

“Some years ago now, John Chapman, Sydney Diocesan Evangelist, came to Melbourne to lead a workshop for preachers. As you would expect, it was absolutely loaded with good advice conveyed with machine-gun-like speed and precision. …

Of all the standouts from that day, one thing still comes to my mind each year as Christmas and Easter approach. …”

– Bob Thomas, retired Presbyterian minister, shares brief encouragement at The Expository Preaching Trust.

Also new at their website:

Preaching Wisdom –

“The wisdom books of the Bible are Job, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, Song of Songs and there is a wisdom category of the Psalms, Psalm 119 being an example of a Wisdom Psalm.

The preacher of these books will never be accused of being anything but contemporary, down to earth and practical. …”

– David Cook shares opportunities to develop skills in preaching these books.

Reading the Bible In Church

“Looking for people who can read the Bible out loud in church? Trying to fill the Bible reading roster? Building a team of Bible readers? Then let me ask you, what qualifies someone to be able to read the Bible? Do they need to have a background in performing arts? Or perhaps have been a newsreader in a previous life?

Should they audition for the task? Or complete a training course for reading in front of others? Is volunteering enough or is vetting needed?

What makes a good Bible reader? …”

– Dave McDonald writes at The Gospel Coalition Australia.

Thoughts on AI — A helpful resource from Crossway

At AP, The Australian Presbyterian, Cooper Rispin shares some brief reflections on resources around AI –

“Should we be afraid of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it is influencing our world, or should we be embracing it? If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably felt unsure or overwhelmed by all the rapid developments.

That said, Large Language Models (LLMs), often referred to as AI, have already been a wonderful asset, but not without their concerns. I am particularly thankful for how quickly tools like Grammarly have improved, helping me with my daily job of writing emails, talks, etc. It’s an example of how these tools have been a great asset to humanity.

If you want help thinking about AI/LLMs for you, your family, and your church, I want to recommend a two-part series from the Christian publisher Crossway, along with books by some of the hosts of these episodes. …”

– He reminds us that technology is never neutral. Worth checking out.

Children’s Bibles are helpful—but they’re not enough

“When I ask parents if they read the Bible with their children, they’ll often respond enthusiastically and say something like, ‘Yes! We read them a chapter from a children’s Bible before bed every night!’

And that’s so encouraging to hear! But it’s not what I meant.

What I’m really asking is: ‘Do you read the actual Bible with your children?’…”

– At The Australian Church Record, Leah has a point.

Boasting in the Cross

From Phillip Jensen –

“Is pride a virtue or a vice? Is it right or even wise to boast of oneself? Traditionally, modesty has long been commended and pride decried. But today, we encourage the young to be proud of themselves, and we hear celebrities of all kinds proclaiming pride in themselves and their achievements. What place, then, does pride have in the Christian life? Should we be proud to be Christians?

The ancient world, as with the modern, places great emphasis on learning, education and wisdom. The human ability to think deeply is one of the great distinctive characteristics of our species. But does God set limits on human wisdom? Can we judge God or even know him by our wisdom?

The gospel always undermines human pride in ways we never expect, and so I hope you enjoy our discussion in this episode. Thank you to those who have inspired conversations by contacting us and providing feedback; if you want to do the same, please write to us at respond@twm.email.”

– Phillip and Peter Jensen discuss at Two Ways News.