False Comfort: The Treacherous Gospel of Wrathless Universalism

Posted on September 27, 2019 
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“An increasing number of Christian books, podcasts and blog posts tell us that we shouldn’t believe in a God who judges and punishes sinners – especially on the Cross of Jesus or eternally in Hell. Sooner or later, they assure us, everybody will be saved.

Here are 10 questions to ask when you encounter such theology …”

– Here’s a helpful post by Andrew Moody on a very sobering topic, at The Gospel Coalition Australia.

The passing of new abortion laws — Statement from Archbishop Glenn Davies

Posted on September 26, 2019 
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Anglican Diocese of Sydney

Media Statement

Abortion laws pass the NSW Parliament

I want to thank the people of NSW who have petitioned, rallied and written to their parliamentary representatives during the recent debate on abortion.

Much has been achieved through these efforts so that the Bill that was finally passed by the Parliament is a far better Bill than what was introduced eight weeks ago.

We said at the time that it was unconscionable to attempt to rush this through the Lower House in the originally proposed timeframe, without any public consultation. We are grateful for the time that both Houses gave to the Bill and for the amendments made in both Houses.

Yet we are deeply saddened by the passing of these laws and the abortion-on-demand regime they introduce. The life of both a mother and her child in the womb are precious to God. We must love them both and protect them both.

May God have mercy on us.

Dr Glenn N Davies, Archbishop of Sydney, 26 September 2019

– Source: SydneyAnglicans.net.

Tragic day for Australia as NSW parliament passes its deadly abortion bill

Posted on September 26, 2019 
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“The Australian Christian Lobby has expressed its deep disappointment at the passing of the controversial abortion bill in the NSW Parliament today.

The bill, which has seen the third longest debate on any bill in the Legislative Council, quickly passed the Legislative Assembly this morning on the voices, after passing the Upper House with amendments last night. …”

– Press release from The Australian Christian Lobby.

Possibly ‘the worst law passed in New South Wales in modern times’

Posted on September 26, 2019 
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“Last night the controversial bill, which has been the source of public and political debate over the past eight weeks, passed the upper house 26 votes to 14.

This paved the way for it to be reintroduced to the Lower House today.

Ms Berejiklian, who faced significant public criticism from conservative figures over the bill, was not in the chamber for the final vote.…”

– Report from ABC News.

(Image from the 15 September 2019 Stand for Life rally in Hyde Park.)

Freedom for Faith submission on the draft Religious Discrimination Bill

Posted on September 26, 2019 
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“Freedom for Faith has released its submission to the Commonwealth Government on its Exposure Draft Religious Discrimination Bill. …

I recommend it as an excellent overview of the Bill, with a good summary of its good points and some areas where it could be improved. …”

– See Neil Foster’s latest post to download a copy of the submission, along with previous comments – at Law and Religion Australia.

New Principal announced for SMBC

Posted on September 25, 2019 
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An announcement from Sydney Missionary and Bible College:

“We’re delighted to inform you today that the SMBC Board has appointed a new Principal.

After a lengthy recruitment process, attracting outstanding local, interstate and overseas candidates, we can today announce that the new Principal of Sydney Missionary and Bible College will be Derek Brotherson. …”

– More at the SMBC website.

International Religious Freedom Award to be presented to Archbishop Benjamin and Dr. Gloria Kwashi

Posted on September 24, 2019 
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“On September 30th 21Wilberforce will present the second annual Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom award to Archbishop Benjamin and Dr. Gloria Kwashi of Jos, Nigeria.

Named for Congressman Frank Wolf who has worked tirelessly for decades to promote international religious freedom and later served on staff with 21Wilberforce, the award will be presented at a dinner held at Dallas Baptist University.…”

– Press release from 21Wilberforce.

(21Wilberforce is a Christian human rights organization dedicated to defending the universal rights of religion, belief, and conscience for all people.)

A Corinthian Tale

Posted on September 24, 2019 
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“There are growing signs that the ecclesial weather is changing and our churches are not prepared.

As the broader culture becomes more insistent about its moral narrative, Churches have become less certain. Universities, media personalities, and political representatives vocalise a secular righteousness with increasing confidence, while ecclesial leaders pray that kicking the can down the street will do the trick. …

No Christian denomination or Church in Australia can afford to play dodge ball with the marriage issue. As far as I can see, there are only three options available for churches and denominations: choose capitulation, accommodation, or faithfulness. …

Doing nothing is not a solution. To ultimately decide on inaction is a form of accommodation.”

– Murray Campbell, Pastor of Mentone Baptist Church, has been keeping an eye on movements in the Anglican Church of Australia. You should too.

See also:

Newcastle Synod to debate same-sex blessings – DavidOuld.net.

What Should a Church Look Like?

Posted on September 24, 2019 
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“The apostle Jude said that he was very eager to write on one subject – our common salvation – when he found it necessary to write against who were assailing the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). In his case, it was a matter of divine inspiration; in my case, it might look more like temptation. Nevertheless, it will be good for us to look later at what we are meant to look like as a church.

My diversion came with news from Union Theological Seminary in New York, which was established in 1836 by Presbyterians. …”

– Dr Peter Barnes writes as the new Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia.h

Related:

Flower Power? – Carl Trueman

“Liberal theology may well be rooted in highly sophisticated theories and articulated by extremely intelligent people, but it tends to result in liturgical practices that are at best banal and at worst childish. Talking to plants is a fine candidate for the latter category.”

We harvest what we sow – Murray Campbell

“There is plenty of mockery being aimed at Union Seminary today. Some of it makes you laugh, for if we didn’t, one would likely weep. The absurdity of the original message is being matched by the Seminary today as they double down and attempt to explain why praying to your indoor garden is a great idea…”

Disciplinary hearing ahead for Albany Episcopal bishop

Posted on September 23, 2019 
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“The Albany Episcopal Diocese bishop who vowed to continue prohibiting same-sex marriages in defiance of the church’s orders will face a disciplinary hearing, the Episcopal Church announced Wednesday. …”

– Story from The Times Union, Albany, NY. (link via SydneyAnglicans.net)

See also:

Further action on Bishop William Love’s Nov. 10, 2018, pastoral letter and pastoral directive – Episcopal News Service.

“On January 11, 2019, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry issued a Partial Restriction on Ministry to Bishop Love after broad consultation with leadership in The Episcopal Church and discussions with both Bishop Love and the Episcopal Diocese of Albany Standing Committee. In addition to the partial restriction on ministry, Bishop Curry also noted, ‘I am aware that Bishop Love’s conduct in this regard may constitute a canonical offense under Canon IV.4(1)(c) (‘abide by the promises and vows made when ordained’) and Canon IV.4.(1)(h)(9) (‘any Conduct Unbecoming a Member of the Clergy‘), and that conduct has been referred to the Rt. Rev. Todd Ousley, bishop for pastoral development and intake officer for disciplinary matters involving bishops.‘…” [emphasis added]

Bishop William Love addresses the Albany Diocesan Convention – 21 June 2019.

Tasmanian Churches oppose Euthanasia legislation

Posted on September 22, 2019 
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“The Anglican and Catholic churches say proposed Tasmanian voluntary assisted dying legislation ‘normalises suicide’ and ‘threatens the lives of the vulnerable’. …

Anglican Dean of Hobart the Very Reverend Richard Humphrey said there was no ‘more serious ethical decision’ for Parliament to consider than that raised by the proposed legislation.”

– Story from The Advocate.

Milawa “Blessing” Order of Service and Photographs

Posted on September 22, 2019 
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Although it was said that the blessing of the parties to a same-sex marriage in the Diocese of Wangaratta had been postponed, David Ould reports that some kind of blessing apparently took place last weekend, on Saturday 14th September.

He has published several photos (including this one of Bishop Parkes) and images of the Order of Service.

“There is no mention in the order of service of a blessing for Davis and Whalley and yet it is clear from photographs and the comments of those who were there that there was a recognition and affirmation of the marriage. …”

Related:

Response to a vote by the Synod of the Diocese of Wangaratta – Archbishop Glenn Davies.

Dean of Sydney and GAFCON Australia react to the Wangaratta same-sex blessing vote.

Newlyweds John Davis and Rob Whalley given love, but not a blessing, from Anglican church – The Border Mail (subscription).

“Saturday’s service included a moment where Bishop John Parkes laid his hands on the couple then invited others to follow, creating a power affirmation.”

ReNew Conference hears call to mission in the light of the future

Posted on September 19, 2019 
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“The annual gathering of conservative evangelical English Anglicans addressed the uncertainties of ministry in the present, given the challenges offered by the Church of England and Western culture, and emphasised the certainty of a future under Christ’s just reign promised in Scripture. …

The theme of the Renew Conference, attended by nearly 500 people from 270 churches, was ‘multiplying ministries in the light of eternity’.”

– At Anglican Mainstream, Andrew Symes gives an encouraging report on this year’s ReNew Conference in the UK.

Holy talk (Ephesians 5:3–4)

Posted on September 18, 2019 
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“Human beings are social creatures. We need to belong. One of the most obvious ways we do that is by the way we speak. Whenever we speak, in all sorts of small ways, we’re signalling to others how and where we belong. Often our nationality, our social class (or our aspirations!), our particular generation, our allegiances, influences, and personalities are all revealed when we speak.”

– As he continues his reflections on the Letter to the Ephesians, Moore College’s Dr. Lionel Windsor turns to chapter 5, and the complete inappropriateness of pornolalia.

Read or listen here.

‘A virus in the Australian national church’ – Sydney Archbishop Glenn Davies calls out revisionist mavericks

Posted on September 17, 2019 
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Archbishop Glenn Davies was today’s guest on The Pastor’s Heart.

Well worth watching.

Sydney Archbishop Glenn Davies shares openly about –

On the sexuality crisis in the Australian Anglican Church, Dr Davies –

Finally Dr Davies reflects on his own time as Archbishop in the lead up to his final Synod. Dr Davies says he’s been inspired by the boldness of Paul, and is so thankful for those many people who have prayed for him.

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