Homosexuality as Dividing Line — The Inescapable Issue
Posted on September 25, 2014
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“The vote to declare that the New Heart Community Church of La Mirada, California ‘does not presently meet the definition of a cooperating church’ came unanimously as the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention met this week in Nashville. It was a solemn moment and a moment perhaps to be repeated any number of times in coming months and years. Homosexuality was the dividing line…”
– Albert Mohler reflects on the issue which has torn the Anglican Communion, and is now doing the same in his own denomination.
Why I walk with the cross
Posted on September 24, 2014
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In Bishop Stuart Robinson’s Canberra & Goulburn synod address (PDF) he speaks about his Bishop’s Walk of the Cross through towns in the diocese –
“While the cross-carrying bit may appear a tad idiosyncratic, nonetheless it opens up opportunities for conversation. When asked why I do this, my consistent reply is twofold.
To begin with, I believe communities need to see their leaders, especially bishops, engaging in public evangelism and giving people the opportunity to turn to Christ. Do you know one fellow, as he came forward to give his life to Christ, said, ‘Bishop, I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to do this for 40 years…’
Another reason is this: it provides opportunities – and a model, for any person of faith to share what Jesus has done for them – whether in parks, nursing homes, clubs, classrooms, fire-trucks or fishing wharves – and to gently but confidently, invite a response…”
And there’s a report on the Synod here.
Mike Horton on Moore
Posted on September 24, 2014
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It’s easy to take a place like Moore College for granted.
While he was in Sydney for the Annual Lectures, Mike Horton (Westminster Seminary California) spoke about the role of Moore.
Among other things, Mike gives this advice –
“If God is calling you to ministry, start at Moore – don’t end up at some point down the line – Why not get right at it?” Take a few minutes to watch the videos:
1. On the challenges facing the church and why people should study at Moore.
2. On Moore and the need for theological education.
3. Mike is asked about his ministry.
ReNew: united, confessing, missional
Posted on September 24, 2014
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“Is the Commitment signed on Tuesday by delegates at the ReNew conference a manifesto for schism? In a word, no. …
The partnership of Church Society with Reform means that there remains a strong commitment to working within the existing structures of the Church of England. There is a real desire to take Archbishop Welby at his word, that as Conservative Evangelicals are considered to be part of authentic Anglicanism and encouraged to “flourish” (according to the July statement on Women Bishops), so churches in this tradition should be encouraged to grow and multiply.…
The controversial part of the commitment is the recognition that there will be times when pioneering new congregations will on occasion mean operating without Diocesan approval, and the Anglican Mission in England (AMiE) is the mechanism to enable this.”
– Anglican Mainstream’s Andrew Symes looks at the new vision for growing evangelical churches in England.
Thinking about Moore College for 2015?
Posted on September 23, 2014
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Moore College would like you to think about studying next year.
Undergraduate? Postgraduate? Distance learning? See what the college has to offer and apply by November 30 to avoid extra admin fees. Details here.
The worst media Christian bashing this year?
Posted on September 22, 2014
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“There’s probably no point waiting to the end of the year to award the prize for the worst media monstering of a Christian for 2014. Because the Sydney Morning Herald has published such an egregious story on Dean Phillip Jensen… that any other winning entry is unlikely.”
– Phillip Jensen has been criticised by the media before, and John Sandeman catalogues yet another example.
See also the article in question – The truth behind ISIL – by the Dean.
Bathurst’s Anglican synod grapples with $24m debt
Posted on September 22, 2014
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“The gravity of the financial situation facing the Bathurst Diocese of the Anglican Church hit home this weekend for members of the 47th Synod. …”
– report from The Western Advocate.
CESA Presiding Bishop Desmond Inglesby to retire
Posted on September 21, 2014
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P
residing Bishop of REACH South Africa (formerly known as CESA), Bishop Desmond Inglesby announced his early retirement –
“It is with great sadness that I need to inform you that, for medical reasons, I have decided to retire early. This means that I will be stepping down as Presiding Bishop with effect from the end of September.”
Read more at the REACH-South Africa website – and please pray for Bishop Inglesby and for the work of the gospel in South Africa.
Leaders need wisdom, diplomacy and resolve to find the way of peace
Posted on September 21, 2014
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“Any sensible person wants peace, but the way of peace is not as easy to find as the way of war. The Prime Minister calls Australia a carefree nation yet we have to confront the Islamic State overseas and, it seems, at home.
I would not want my words twisted again in public debate so let me be perfectly clear. Our leaders need our prayers for wisdom, diplomacy and resolve as they seek to find the way of peace. The evil deeds of recent weeks cannot be left unanswered, but what is the best way to protect innocent people on the other side of the world? …”
– Dean of Sydney Phillip Jensen writes in The Daily Telegraph.
The War of the Cross
Posted on September 21, 2014
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“When ISIS changed its name in June from ‘the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’ (ISIL, or the Arabic acronym ISIS) to simply ‘the Islamic State’, this was a shift of enormous theological and eschatological significance. …
The Islamic State sees itself … playing a key role in the End Times in fulfilment of many prophecies, when all the enemies of Islam (particularly Christians) will be defeated.”
– Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund, writes that the theology and eschatology of ISIS explains a great deal about their actions. (Photo: Barnabas Fund.)
GAFCON Chairman to assist at investuture of ACNA Archbishop
Posted on September 19, 2014
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‘It has been announced that the Chairman of GAFCON, Archbishop Eliud Wabukala, will assist at the Service of Investiture for the new ACNA Archbishop.
The service will take place on October 9, to formally mark the beginning of the Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach’s [pictured] ministry as Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), a denomination of more than 112,000 members spanning Canada, the United States and Mexico.
The historic transition is the first for the new denomination, as its founding leader, The Most Rev. Robert Duncan, retired in June 2014 at the conclusion of a five-year term.
Dr Wabukala, who is also Archbishop of Kenya, has been invited to help lead the service, which will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Oct 9th at the Church of the Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia and will be attended by 8 global archbishops representing more than 50 million Anglicans.”
– from GAFCON.
Archbishop Davies welcomes new Roman Catholic leader
Posted on September 19, 2014
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“The Archbishop of Sydney issued a statement of welcome to Bishop Anthony Fisher, named as the successor to Cardinal George Pell as Roman Catholic Archbishop of Sydney.”
– read Archbishop Davies’ statement here.
(Photo credit.)
Cranmer the evangelist
Posted on September 18, 2014
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“The language of The Book of Common Prayer may be over 400 years old, but captured within it is a clear evangelistic structure, based on scripture: a recognition of personal sin, repentance, forgiveness and praise at God’s goodness.
We may not use BCP liturgies directly, but let us use the truths of scripture contained within for our own good, the good of our families, our church and our nation, and ultimately for the glory of God. This article is worth reading not just for its look at the BCP services, but also as a reminder that the structure of our services can be evangelistic, not just our preaching.”
– At Church Society’s blog, Chris Kilgour recommends Samuel Leuenberger’s 1992 Churchman article, “Archbishop Cranmer’s Immortal Bequest: The Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England: An Evangelistic Liturgy” (PDF file).
Loving Muslim neighbours with the gospel
Posted on September 18, 2014
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Samuel Green’s “Engaging with Islam Training Course” is an invaluable resource.
“The Engaging with Islam course is designed to give Christians a practical introduction to the history and teaching of Islam and a foundation for answering common questions.
The course can be done individually, in a small group or as part of leadership training. Anyone can lead this course as no previous knowledge of Islam is required and leader’s notes are provided. The course is a mix of preparation material, group discussion and a video presentation.”
New Director for Moore College’s Centre for Christian Living
Posted on September 17, 2014
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“Rev Tony Payne has been appointed the director of Moore College’s Centre for Christian Living. The centre, established in 2010 to resource Christians to live as disciples of Christ and to tackle the hard issues of the twenty-first century, will be ‘rebooted’ in early 2015…”
– News from Moore Theological College.
Also at SydneyAnglicans.net.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…