Frayed about the Edges

Posted on March 15, 2021 
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“It is a common failing of any writer, teacher or preacher to impose one’s individual circumstances on a whole community – to assume that what one is going through, all are going through.

Nevertheless, it is a reasonable diagnosis to say that Australian society, and Western society in general, is looking very frayed about the edges. …”

– Peter Barnes, Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, writes to encourage Christians to be confident in the God who reigns over heaven and earth.

Moore College Open Events 2021

Posted on March 15, 2021 
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Here are some dates for your diary from Moore College.

A Tale of Two Liturgies

Posted on March 13, 2021 
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At The Gospel Coalition website, Justin Taylor draws attention to “An insightful excerpt from Matt Merker’s new book, Corporate Worship: How the Church Gathers as God’s People, 9Marks, Building Healthy Churches series (Crossway, 2021).”

He quotes Matt Merker who writes,

“…imagine two different church gatherings. Each congregation is the same size. They use the same musical instruments: keyboard, guitar, bass, and drums. More importantly, they affirm the same basic theological beliefs. But their liturgies differ in consequential ways. …

What do these different liturgies communicate? What values do they reveal? …

Look at the structure of your church’s most recent gathering. What is the “story” that it tells through the arrangement of the various elements? Is it a story worth instilling in your congregation, week after week?”

– Read it here.

Not Gathering with the Church Hurts You Spiritually

Posted on March 11, 2021 
Filed under COVID19, Opinion Comments Off on Not Gathering with the Church Hurts You Spiritually

“Some will think this is insensitive, some will think it’s overdue, but I want to make sure it’s said: not physically gathering with the church hurts you spiritually.

So, pandemic-weary Christian, work to gather again with your church, even if your church continues to offer a virtual option.

Likewise, pandemic-weary pastor, gently encourage your pandemic-weary congregation to gather as soon as they can. …”

– Timely words from Jonathan Leeman at 9Marks.

Slow start to Archbishop’s election

Posted on March 11, 2021 
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“There has been a low-key response to the opening of nominations for the election of the next Archbishop of Sydney.

The summons to the Election Synod was issued on January 25. A one-day ordinary Synod in May will be followed by the Election Synod, which would consider those nominated. However, as Southern Cross went to press in late February, there were no names yet announced. …”

– At SydneyAnglicans.net, Russell Powell shares the latest on the coming Archbishop’s election. A matter for continued prayer.

John Anderson announces he is available for preselection to the Senate

Posted on March 10, 2021 
Filed under Australia, People Comments Off on John Anderson announces he is available for preselection to the Senate

In a video statement on his website, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, John Anderson AO, explains why he is offering himself for preselection for The Nationals Senate ticket in NSW.

Help or Harm: The Gospel Coalition Australia’s planned campaign

Posted on March 10, 2021 
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In the latest edition of The Pastor’s Heart, Dominic Steele speaks with Akos Balogh and Bill Salier from The Gospel Coalition Australia about a social media campaign being launched this week.

These brothers each want to see people saved and Christ glorified. We are thankful for them all. Their discussion might help you think through how to best speak of the Lord Jesus in the public square.

Watch or listen here.

Book Review: Born Again This Way

Posted on March 10, 2021 
Filed under Culture wars, Resources Comments Off on Book Review: Born Again This Way

“Rachel Gilson’s book Born Again This Way is what I wish I’d read about 25 years ago when a Christian friend shared with me that she was same-sex attracted and she didn’t know what to do. Neither did I, and at the time, praying with her was the only thing I could think to do.

Fast forward to 2021 and this conversation is far more common. Today, there are a number of books on the subject of Christians and same-sex attraction. What makes Gilson’s book stand out is the way it combines a careful treatment of the topic with her own deeply personal story. …”

– At Equal but Different, Victoria Colgan commends Born Again This Way by Rachel Gibson.

God, the Bible and Mardi Gras

Posted on March 9, 2021 
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“The 2021 gay and lesbian Mardi Gras held at the Sydney Cricket Ground was quite a spectacle. It was colourful, loud, celebratory and was reported by various media outlets as being the best celebration yet (as it is every year). And yet, the Scriptures teach us that what they were celebrating was in fact part of God’s judgement. …”

– At The Australian Church Record, Ben George takes us to Romans chapter 1.

But be sure to read the full article.

“… Knowing that we are all in the same boat, all equally rebellious against God, all equally deserving of death, and all equally in need of Jesus who saves, then it is in fact loving and good that Christians reach out to all communities, including the LGBQTI+ community, with the gospel.”

ABC TV News story a reminder to pray for Bathurst

Posted on March 8, 2021 
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This story from ABC-TV News, broadcast on Sunday 7th March 2021, is a reminder to pray for Bishop Mark Calder, the Diocese of Bathurst, and the many people in that region who don’t yet know the Lord Jesus.

Ministry enrolments at Moore double in 2021

Posted on March 7, 2021 
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“With great joy, Moore Theological College has seen full-time enrolments for the Bachelor of Divinity and Bachelor of Theology courses double this year.

All up there are more than 95 enrolments for undergraduate students starting in 2021 – an answer to many prayers for more workers for the harvest…”

– Great news from Moore College. Via SydneyAnglicans.net.

Newcastle Synod Presidential Address 2021

Posted on March 7, 2021 
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Bishop of the Diocese of Newcastle, Dr Peter Stuart, addressed his Synod on Saturday 6th March.

He spoke about the challenges and opportunities facing the Anglican Church in the Hunter and Central Coast regions of NSW.

A good reminder to pray for gospel ministry in that large area.

Read his full address here (PDF file).

There’s a list of Appointments and moves from page 24.

Photo: Diocese of Newcastle.

John Piper’s Magnum Opus on the Providence of God

Posted on March 7, 2021 
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“Joe Rigney sits down with John Piper about his magisterial new book on Providence, a volume over 700 pages that is a culmination of his life study and work.”

– Watch the video and read about it from Justin Taylor at The Gospel Coalition.

Biography of Archbishop Harry Goodhew set to be launched

Posted on March 7, 2021 
Filed under People, Sydney Diocese Comments Off on Biography of Archbishop Harry Goodhew set to be launched

Dr Stuart Piggin’s biography of the Rt Rev Dr Harry Goodhew AO (Archbishop of Sydney 1993 – 2001) is set to be launched in Sydney on 23rd March and in Wollongong on 1st April 2001.

Download this PDF file for all the details.

Larry Crabb, 1944 – 2021

Posted on March 6, 2021 
Filed under People Comments Off on Larry Crabb, 1944 – 2021

Christian Counsellor Dr Larry Crabb has been called home.

He was perhaps best known for reminding Christians that their significance and security lie in Christ.

He visited Sydney in the mid 1980s, and his books and videocassettes had a widespread influence at the time.

Photo: Kgamble6, Wikipedia.

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