50 Shades of Confusion
Posted on February 12, 2015
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“The coming days offer an extraordinary opportunity for Christian growth. As the trailer hits our screens, as the chance to buy tickets drops into our inbox, we each have a choice to make… Let’s make choices that help us – and those around us in church – grow in Christ.”
– at The Good Book blog, Helen Thorne has some much-needed advice for Christians regarding a certain film and book.
Related:
Fifty Shades of Shame — The Evolution of Pornography – Albert Mohler.
“Going to see Fifty Shades of Grey, or reading the book series, is an exercise in pornographic intent and effect. It is also an act of defiance against the goodness of the gift of sex as granted to humanity by God. Furthermore, the series is an assault upon the dignity of every human being.”
The Real Abuse at the Heart of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ – Relevant Magazine.
“The message is clear: by turning these same behaviors around to market them as ‘romance,’ this film effectively silences the experience of millions of victims of abuse.”
NZ church offers to exchange Fifty Shades of Grey tickets – Bible Society.
Archbishop of Sydney’s response to ‘The Forgotten Children’
Posted on February 12, 2015
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From the Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney
Media Statement February 12th, 2015
The Forgotten Children, National Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention
The Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies, says the situation of children in detention ‘should concern every Australian’ and he has supported calls for an overhaul of the current system.
Read more from SydneyAnglicans.net
Salvation is all God’s doing
Posted on February 11, 2015
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“Do I contribute to my own salvation? Do I repent and believe and thus God regenerates me or is it the other way around? Is faith my contribution to the whole process – God does his bit and I add my necessary contribution?”
– David Cook writes to remind us that salvation is all God’s doing.
Google reveals Australians want to know who Jesus is
Posted on February 10, 2015
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At Communicate Jesus, Steve Kryger has spotted something very interesting in the Google searches made by Australians in 2014.
How can your church use this information?
Power and Promise – studies for Lent 2015
Posted on February 10, 2015
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Lent is coming up shortly (it starts Wednesday 18th February).
Some churches observe Lent – others don’t. Either way, the forty days leading up to Easter are a great time to encourage church members to reflect on God’s Word, and to understand how all of God’s promises find their ‘yes’ in Christ.
“This Lent, join Dr Peter Jensen in his new book, Power and Promise, as he explores God’s faithfulness and sovereignty from Adam to Abraham.
The opening chapters of the Bible are a majestic introduction to God, his Word, and the world as we know it. In Power and Promise, the former Archbishop of Sydney marvels at the intricacies of the rich landscape that is Genesis 1–15.
Through these chapters we also see the heartbreaking history that stemmed from humanity’s rejection of its Creator, and the certain hope offered in God’s covenants.
With 40 daily devotions and questions for group discussion and personal reflection, this book is an ideal resource for challenging Christian faith, devotion and obedience in the lead-up to Easter.”
Learn more, and order your copy from Christian Education Publications.
Theological College and the New People of God
Posted on February 9, 2015
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“The new academic year is upon us. In my brief visit to GWC for the annual language Summer School, I’ve seen new students arrive, as well as old students and faculty return. One of the joys in this is seeing the diversity of people coming to the college. I’m reminded that when the gospel is preached, the Spirit draws people from all nations into Christ’s church to the glory of God the Father…”
– George Athas from Moore College has been visiting George Whitefield College in Cape Town. He’s written this encouraging piece for their website.
Tonight: ACL Western Sydney Region Information Night
Posted on February 6, 2015
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Come and hear Moore College Principal Dr. Mark Thompson speak on the vital role of the Anglican Church League in the life of the Diocese of Sydney.
7:30 – 9:00pm Thursday 26th February at Glenmore Park Anglican Church, 16 William Howell Drive, Glenmore Park.
There’ll be an opportunity to meet ACL Council members, ask questions, receive information and, if interested, sign up for membership of the Anglican Church League. A light supper will also be served.
Please be encouraged to download this PDF invitation. and pass it on to anyone who may be interested.
BeLoved
Posted on February 5, 2015
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“It’s the fairy tale we all believe in – connection, completion, love without parting. The merest glimpse of it captures our hearts.
But is the fairy tale real? Is there such a thing as endless bliss, unconquered love and a happily ever after?…”
– Another wonderfully thought-provoking video from Glen Scrivener in the UK.
Read his description, watch the video, and share.
‘South Carolina Decision a full vindication for victims of ECUSA’s Oppression’
Posted on February 5, 2015
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“Circuit Judge Diane S. Goodstein’s carefully crafted 46-page decision in the case brought by Bishop Mark Lawrence’s Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina (along with 35 of its parishes, plus St. Andrew’s, Mt. Pleasant) against the Episcopal Church (USA) and its rump group (ECSC, or “Episcopal Church in South Carolina”) is a complete vindication of the positions taken and arguments advanced for so long, by so many, inside and outside the Church. It is a vindication first, for the Right Reverend Mark Lawrence…”
– Christian lawyer A.S. Haley sums up the South Carolina decision.
See also this report from the Diocese of South Carolina. (Photo: Bishop Mark Lawrence.)
Family of Asia Bibi appeal for help over blasphemy charge
Posted on February 4, 2015
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“Asia Bibi, a poor, illiterate woman from Pakistan’s rural Punjab, has been on death row for almost five years after being accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad, a charge she vehemently denies. In a rare interview, her husband has appealed for help from the international community…”
– Report from BBC News. (Photo: Barnabas Fund.)
Advancing Your Preaching workshop
Posted on February 3, 2015
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Coming up on Thursday February 19, the Advancing Your Preaching workshop is a joint venture of Cornhill Sydney and Moore College. Dr Peter Jensen is speaking on Preaching Christian Doctrine.
RSVP February 12. Details and registration form here.
‘How euthanasia advocates will never stop at the terminally ill’
Posted on February 3, 2015
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“Tom Mortier never paid much attention to the discussion about voluntary death in his country.
‘I was like just about anyone else here in Belgium: I didn’t care at all,’ he said. ‘If people want to die, it’s probably their choice. It didn’t concern me.’
But in April, 2012, ten years after the law changed to allow euthanasia, Mortier, a university lecturer, received a message at work…”
– Anglican Mainstream links to this article in The Telegraph. (Photo: HOPE.)
Kanishka Raffel — Do not lose heart
Posted on February 2, 2015
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In the latest Preaching Matters video, Kanishka Raffel, who has been visiting St. Helen’s in London, speaks about why we should not lose heart as we preach the gospel.
Be encouraged.
New Dean of Armidale announced
Posted on February 2, 2015
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“Chris Brennan is to be the next Dean of St Peter’s Cathedral in Armidale.
In every sense of the word Chris’ appointment is a local one having grown up at Enmore and Yarrowyck, being educated in his high school years at The Armidale School (TAS) and only ever having left the north west to study at the University of Southern Queensland, where he obtained a science degree, and later at Moore Theological College in Sydney. …
Chris will be installed as Dean in a special service at St Peter’s Cathedral on 2 March.”
– Read the full announcement from the Diocese of Armidale. (Photo: Glen Innes Anglican.)
Can we talk about Islam?
Posted on February 2, 2015
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“One thing that most Australian Christians and Muslims share is a frustration with the standard media-driven categories in which nearly all religious claims or subjects are discussed in our society. Clichés, misunderstandings and misrepresentations are common. Even simply talking publicly and clearly about religious teachings and practices is often seen as undesirable, inappropriate and divisive.
Why is that? And could things be different?…”
– An interesting evening coming up at Moore College’s Centre for Christian Living.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…