Peter Jensen: The Challenges of Global Anglicanism — The Mission of the Church
Posted on March 6, 2022
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From Church Society:
“In this first of our 2022 Lent series on the challenges of Global Anglicanism, Rt Revd Peter Jensen former Archbishop of Sydney and General Secretary of GAFCON, speaks about the challenge of taking the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ to the world.
He identifies three challenges: identity, truth and relationships.”
Good to watch and share.
The Real Cost of Social Media
Posted on March 4, 2022
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“Like it or not, we live in a world dominated by social media. While many older forms of media continue to exist and to exert their influence, all have in some way had to bow before the ascendancy of new media. It is pervasive, it is ubiquitous, it is addictive, and it is changing everything.
Yet because social media rose with lightning speed and so quickly became nearly omnipresent, we may already have lost sight of the influence it has over us. …”
– Tim Challies commends “Terms of Service: The Real Cost of Social Media” by Chris Martin.
A word from Bishop Gary Nelson
Posted on March 4, 2022
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Bishop of North West Australia, Gary Nelson, writes –
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” [ESV, 2 Tim 47]
Paul writes these words to Timothy as he nears the end of his life and ministry. They certainly encourage us all to finish well, to remain faithful to our Lord.
Friends, as I write, it’s only a few months before I conclude my ministry in the North West on May 15. For Christine and I, it has been, and still is, a wonderful privilege to serve the Lord in this part of remote Australia. It seems only yesterday we were leaving Sydney to drive across the continent to Geraldton. Now, we find ourselves preparing to do the reverse trip, 10 years later. We find it hard to believe our time in the North West is rapidly drawing to a close. So, Christine and I, want to thank you, whether family, friends or supporters [across Australia, and overseas, especially in America], for your constant prayer, generous giving and continued encouragement to press on. Read more
Archbishop Kanishka Raffel’s message to churches — March 2022
Posted on March 3, 2022
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“Archbishop Raffel has written to churches, and spoken on video, about the remarkable week which has seen the invasion of Ukraine and flooding in two states.”
– Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net has more.
In a letter to Rectors, Archbishop Raffel also writes,
“The Rev Mark Charleston has also written a prayer for those affected by floods. It is available online at sydneyanglicans.net/news/a-prayer-for-those-affected-by-flood.”
Winding up order issued for Christian Democratic Party
Posted on March 3, 2022
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“A winding-up order to dissolve Fred Nile’s Christian Democratic Party (CDP) has been issued by Justice Black of the NSW Supreme Court. …”
– Report from Eternity News.
Numbulwar Restoration Project
Posted on March 3, 2022
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From the Diocese of the Northern Territory:
“The Diocese is seeking financial support for the restoration of the church building and rectory in the remote community of Numbulwar.
We hope to continue to enable culturally appropriate worship activities in the region by improving its facilities. For further information, please review the project presentation or contact Lee Walton at the Diocesan Office…”
Numbulwar is a remote community on the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Southern Cross magazine, March 2022
Posted on March 3, 2022
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Anglican Media Sydney has just released Southern Cross magazine for March 2022.
Printed copies will be available in parishes from this weekend, but you can download a PDF version now at magazine.sydneyanglicans.net.
APWM Ukraine news and appeal
Posted on March 2, 2022
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Australian Presbyterian World Mission has released this video with some news of the Ukraine from neighbouring Hungary. Plus they are running an appeal in Presbyterian chureches.
“APWM Associate missionary, and Presbyterian Church of Australia minister, The Rev Dr Granville Pillar and his wife Ibolya, live just 50km from the Hungarian-Ukrainian border. They have been providing assistance for refugees.”
‘Two faces …?’ — an Ash Wednesday reflection
Posted on March 2, 2022
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“Human relationships on the personal and international level must rate as the greatest challenge for the world’s future. The cold-blooded invasion of Ukraine reveals an oft unspoken issue that confronts us: flawed human nature.
The Russian author, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn once commented, If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?
Robert Murray McCheyne, who was a great influence on CS Lewis, observed, The seeds of all sins are in my heart, and perhaps all the more dangerously that I do not see them.
Let me make a suggestion. Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season of Lent that continues through to the day before Easter Day. …”
– Read (or listen to) John Mason’s Word on Wednesday reflection for Ash Wednesday from the Anglican Connection.
Pastoral video from Bishop Mark Calder on the floods and Ukraine
Posted on March 2, 2022
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Yesterday Bishop of Bathurst Mark Calder released this pastoral video.
Please use it as an encouragement to turn to the Lord in prayer.
Jesus is what truly matters
Posted on March 1, 2022
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“I hope that as you combed through the Moore Matters Autumn 2022 publication, you have begun to see the ways in which Moore College continues to influence the world through theological education.
From the rich melting pot of ethnicities right here in Sydney, to the various overseas ministries that our graduates are involved in, your generosity in supporting the training and equipping of men and women is both strategic and significant.
Every one of you, through your financial generosity, fervent and consistent prayers, and advocacy for the work of the College, are valuable partners in this ministry that aims to see God glorified through providing excellent evangelical theological education. …”
– Ben George at Moore College writes to encourage us to focus on what’s most important. (Plus you can read the latest Moore Matters at the link.)
Australian Anglicans and Sexuality — with David Bennett
Posted on March 1, 2022
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From The Pastor’s Heart –
“Australian Anglican Evangelicals are praying that the Australian national Bishops meeting (in March) and the General Synod (8-16 May) will affirm the Bible’s teaching on marriage, sexuality and chastity.
The General Synod will consider three motions and two propositions affirming the Bible’s teaching on marriage and chastity. …
David Bennett is a former Sydney gay activist, now a Christian, and a member of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby’s College of Evangelists.”
Albert Mohler on the Ukraine crisis
Posted on February 28, 2022
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In his The Briefing for Monday 28th February 2022, Albert Mohler tackles what’s happening in Ukraine.
He provides an interesting and disturbing analysis, emphasising the importance of a Christian worldview.
Growing Gospel Workers
Posted on February 28, 2022
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“Dear fellow-workers in ministry,
We face a pressing concern. In twenty years’ time, who will be the ministers of our churches or leading youth and children’s ministries? Who will be serving overseas as missionaries? Who will be our chaplains in schools, hospitals, prisons, universities, defence force, aged care, and sporting bodies? Who will be our church planters, here or abroad? …”
– At The Gospel Coalition Australia, Peter Adam addresses a pressing concern.
When Bec and Anton Visited Church (a Parable)
Posted on February 28, 2022
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“‘This is it,’ she said. ‘Quick, turn left!’”
Bec had spotted the parking sign for Hope Church and was pointing at it as her husband turned on the indicator and started to turn.
As they drove slowly into the carpark she started to feel her stomach churn. She hadn’t been to church since she was a child more than 20 years earlier. …”
– Published last year – but with Easter fast approaching – here’s encouragement from Steven Kryger at Communicate Jesus.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…