Why so many churches hear so little of the Bible
Posted on May 14, 2014
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“It is well and good for the preacher to base his sermon on the Bible, but he better get to something relevant pretty quickly, or we start mentally to check out.” That stunningly clear sentence reflects one of the most amazing, tragic, and lamentable characteristics of contemporary Christianity: an impatience with the Word of God.
The sentence above comes from Mark Galli, senior managing editor of Christianity Today in an essay entitled, “Yawning at the Word.” In just a few hundred words, he captures the tragedy of a church increasingly impatient with and resistant to the reading and preaching of the Bible. We may wince when we read him relate his recent experiences, but we also recognize the ring of truth. …
– Albert Mohler writes on the famine of hearing the Word of God.
Same-Gender blessings: NZ General Synod votes
Posted on May 14, 2014
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The Anglican Church of New Zealand claims it upholds “the traditional doctrine of marriage”… by moving to bless same-gender relationships —
“General Synod today passed a resolution that will create a pathway towards the blessing of same-gender relationships – while upholding the traditional doctrine of marriage.
It will appoint a working group to report to the 2016 General Synod on “a process and structure” that would allow those clergy who wish to bless same-gender relationships – using a yet-to-be developed liturgy – to do so. …
Synod has therefore upheld the traditional doctrine of marriage – but also moved to find ways to respond to committed relationships between two people, regardless of gender. In effect, it has also established a four-year timeline for change to take effect…”
See also The Archbishops’ Pastoral Letter:
“the Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia is both affirming the traditional doctrine of marriage, exploring the recognition of those presently in life-long monogamous same-gender relationships, and seeking a process and structure to enable the possibility of a rite for blessing life-long monogamous same-gender relationships for those who wish to offer this rite.
We also are apologising unreservedly to the LGBT community where the church has not acted in a loving way.”
New Zealand: Ma Whea? debate to continue into third day
Posted on May 13, 2014
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“General Synod continues wrestling with the questions about same-sex ordination and blessing. But there are signs that the debate is drawing to a conclusion.
A nine-person working party is working on a draft proposal, which will be brought before the whole synod to consider tomorrow, with a vote to follow. …”
– Report on the New Zealand General Synod’s deliberations from Anglican Taonga.
Investigating Paul’s backstory
Posted on May 13, 2014
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“Paul Barnett, a leading historian of early Christianity, investigates the period sometimes labelled the ‘unknown years’ of Paul’s ministry (i.e. the 14 years between his Damascus Road experience and first missionary journey), in order to provide a foundation for interpreting Galatians. He convincingly accounts for Paul’s activities during that span, and offers a compelling interpretation of sections of Galatians based on his reconstruction…”
– At SydneyAnglicans.net, Moore College’s Philip Kern reviews Paul Barnett’s new book, Paul in Syria: The Background to Galatians. (Published by Paternoster in the UK, the book does not seem to be widely available just yet, but will be worth getting when it is. The ISBN is 9781842278536.)
St. Helen’s looks back with thanksgiving
Posted on May 12, 2014
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On Thursday 11th May 1961, the Rev. Richard Charles (Dick) Lucas was inducted to the parish of St. Helen, Bishopsgate, in London.
Many in Sydney can join with the congregation at St. Helen’s in giving thanks and praying for future growth.
Here’s a nicely-done 12 minute video released for the anniversary.
Oz and NZ News 11 May 2014
Posted on May 11, 2014
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Here are a few items from around Australia and New Zealand…
- Anglican News, the newspaper of the Diocese of Canberra & Goulburn – May 2014, PDF.
- Keep Good Friday a holy day and holiday – Bishop Philip Huggins in Melbourne.
- The Diocese of Willochra, Bishop John Stead’s Synod address 2014 – PDF.
- NZ General Synod – Archbishop’s charge to be given over three days.
- Anglican hierarchy urged to approve same sex marriage – TVNZ – and video report.
Willful blindness vs social media traction
Posted on May 10, 2014
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“Now, the story which has been almost completely ignored for the last two weeks is beginning to gain traction in the media.
It’s not because the mainstream media have suddenly gotten either religion or conscience, it is because every day crowds of demonstrators are marching in front of media outlets and government offices carrying placards in places like Lagos, Abuja, and London that say things that read, “Our girls are not for sale,” and “Bring them home.”
– Bishop Bill Atwood writes at The American Anglican Council.
(GAFCON photo: Russell Powell.)
From The Dean’s Wife
Posted on May 9, 2014
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“Peter tells husbands to live with their wives understanding her physical hardships in life, as one with whom we share an inheritance (1 Peter 3:7). Here is an edited version of an article on the topic that my wife, Helen wrote some years ago for the Equal But Different Journal.”
– Phillip Jensen introduces this article by Helen.
Formulary Friday: Taking to heart
Posted on May 9, 2014
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“We can tend to have a low view of memorisation – perhaps it conjures up those dreary school lessons spent reciting the kings and queens of England, or, still worse, we associate it with a dead spirituality, all outward forms and vain repetition. But, just as we might want to commit particular Scriptural verses or passages to memory, I’d like to suggest that we might find it helpful to do the same for parts of the liturgy – that liturgical familiarity is more often a friend than it is a foe.”
– Mark Smith at Church Society reckons it’s a good idea to open that Prayer Book. See why here.
The Church Singing — latest 9Marks Journal
Posted on May 9, 2014
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Check out the latest 9Marks Journal –
“In this edition of the 9Marks Journal, we start with singing and the song. Why do congregations sing, what should they sing about, and how can they sing better?
We then think more carefully about the music itself, particularly with two different perspectives on whether or not some musical forms are better than others. Finally we think about what is involved in leading music.”
Abp Welby marks 20 years of women priests
Posted on May 7, 2014
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“Men and women are “equally icons, witnesses, vessels of Christ for the world”, the Archbishop said today during a service at St Paul’s Cathedral marking the 20th anniversary of female priests.”
– Read Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby’s sermon here. Photo: ACNS.
Related: Reform press release.
New National Coordinator for Church Army
Posted on May 6, 2014
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Here’s a press release from The Church Army:
The Board of Church Army in Australia is pleased to announce that Conrad Parsons has been appointed to the new role of National Coordinator.
Making the announcement, Ian Freestone, Chairman of the Board said, “we are very excited in this new season Church Army is in and believe Conrad is the perfect fit in our task of growing a network of evangelists across Australia.
The mission of Church Army is to honour and encourage evangelists across Australia in their work of making disciples. Church Army has recently undergone an overhaul of its strategic plan and the Board sees the appointment of a national coordinator as a key part of this new chapter.
“The work of the evangelist is an often misunderstood and undervalued gift to the Church and its mission. Our hope in implementing our strategic plan is to see over 300 evangelists networked together in dynamic and empowering relationships. Conrad comes to us with a wealth of experience as an evangelist, Christian leader and effective networker,” said Freestone.
Conrad Parson’s appointment will begin as three days a week beginning on May 1, 2014 whilst continuing to also serve part-time in his role as Pacific Regional Director for Youth for Christ International.
Photo: Church Army.
Free eBook on Isaac Watts
Posted on May 6, 2014
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“In an age of simplistic and repetitive choruses, many churches are rediscovering the blessing of theologically rich and biblically informed songs. In the latest addition to our A Long Line of Godly Men Profile series, Douglas Bond introduces us to Isaac Watts, ‘the father of English hymnody.’…”
– free eBook from Ligonier Ministries during May 2014.
David Cook on Gospel Preaching
Posted on May 5, 2014
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David Cook has been preaching evangelistically for St. Helen’s Bishopsgate in London.
While there, he was interviewed about Gospel Preaching for the Preaching Matters series. Most encouraging.
Reform asks: Why is the C of E celebrating 20 years of the ordination of women?
Posted on May 4, 2014
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Director of Reform Susie Leafe today asked, “What exactly are we celebrating? Women have been ministering in the church for 2000 years, not 20. The very fact that this event is taking place begs some serious questions about how some people view ministry in the Church of England. It seems we have forgotten that we follow Christ, who came to serve and not be served…”
– full press release from Reform in the UK.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…