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.
Bob Carr
Posted on May 2, 2014
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“If ever a preacher had a challenge it was Bob Carr’s statement: ‘The thing that puzzles me about Easter is why the sacrifice was required. … No preacher has ever explained to me why the death of Jesus had to happen, why it was mandated, why any message from God to man had to happen by that route.’
He expressed no doubt that the Scriptures recount Jesus’ death as a sacrifice, he just could not see the reason for it. So in response there is no point simply rehearsing the content of the Scriptures, rather it requires showing their logic. So here are two lines to follow – one personal the other explanatory.”
– Dean of Sydney Phillip Jensen writes on former Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr, and the Cross of Christ.
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Posted on May 2, 2014
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Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God – one of J I Packer’s most important books – is this month’s free Audiobook download from Christian Audio. It’s read by American Grover Gardner.
Archbishop Glenn Davies speaks about Moore Theological College
Posted on May 2, 2014
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Moore Theological College recently interviewed Archbishop Glenn Davies about his thoughts on the College.
You could use these videos in home groups or in churches to encourage the study of God’s word and the support of the College.
See the videos here –
1. The Archbishop of Sydney and Moore College (3’33”)
Dr. Davies speaks his about his long-standing connection with the College, his training at Moore, his long association and his new role as the President of the Governing Board.
2. Moore’s Unique Role in the Diocesan Mission (4’52”)
Glenn considers the unique place of Moore in the mission of the Diocese of Sydney.
“…Moore College is essential for continuing the work of teaching the Bible. We can never take the teaching of the Bible for granted.”
3. Moore College: Serving the World (4:03).
The Archbishop talks about the College’s three ministry Centres, about engaging with churches and training people of other denominations for gospel work. Lastly he encourages us to pray continually for the College’s students and faculty.
Background info at the College website.
‘Tough new sharia law takes effect in Brunei’
Posted on May 2, 2014
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“Brunei has become the first country in South-East Asia to introduce sharia law, despite widespread condemnation from human rights groups. …”
– Report from ABC News.
The Legacy I want to Leave — Piper
Posted on May 2, 2014
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“When I think of the coming generations, I am not content to only leave them a deposit of books and sermons that celebrate the glories of God and the wonders of Christian Hedonism. A great teacher once told me to ignore the conclusions of commentaries, and only look for their arguments. I have tried to give good arguments.
But underneath all the arguments is the Book. The Bible. If future generations only learn what we saw, and not how to see it for themselves, they will be second-handers. And second-handers cannot last. …”
– John Piper introduces “Look at the Book”.
Tim Challies on Brian McLaren
Posted on May 1, 2014
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“Along the way we have visited such figures as Joseph Smith (Mormonism), Ellen G. White (Adventism), Norman Vincent Peale (Positive Thinking) and Benny Hinn (Faith Healing). Today we turn to a man who helped lead the Emerging Church and who was once named by TIME as one of the 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America.”
– In his series on ‘The False Teachers’, Tim Challies (who will be in Oz later this month) turns to Brian McLaren.
(Brian McLaren was one of the speakers at the 2008 Lambeth Conference.)
Northwest Network, May 2014
Posted on May 1, 2014
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The latest issue of Northwest Network, the newsletter of the Diocese of North West Australia, is now out. You can download it here as a 1.9MB PDF file.
It’s a good way to keep in touch with – and to pray for – the churches of the North West.
Firing Rome’s Canon
Posted on April 30, 2014
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“The church at Rome just determined that these two popes exceeded God’s expectations for obedience. These men not only were able to escape the punishment of purgatory, having no need to purge their sins, having already achieved the holiness necessary to enter heaven.
Not only that, but all the merit they achieved which was beyond what was required was deposited, along with the merit of Christ, into the Treasury of Merit. This merit can become yours, via the purchase of indulgences…”
– Dr. R.C. Sproul, Jr. looks at the theology behind the canonisation of Popes John and John Paul.
Saints
Posted on April 29, 2014
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“ I turned up for my early morning coffee today and, helping my newsagent friend, Charlie, dropped off today’s edition of La Fiama, the Italian newspaper, to my barista, Dom. I asked him, as usual, to translate the headline – ‘Pope declares two Popes saints’.
How does a person become a saint in the Roman Catholic church?…”
– David Cook on who the real saints are. (published 29 April 2014.)
Latimer Fellowship engages with ‘Ma Whea?’
Posted on April 28, 2014
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NZ General Synod members will gather in the Bay of Islands for the General Synod of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, May 10–15.
The recently-published report of the ‘Ma Whea?’ [Where to?] Commission on Same-Gender Relationships, Ordination and Blessing will be a topic for discussion.
The Latimer Fellowship has published some brief reflections to help Synod members think through the issues raised in the report.
“To aid General Synod representatives, and to encourage evangelical thinking and engagement with the Report and the issues contained within it, various members of the Fellowship have written short reflections on it. Our prayer is that these pieces might strengthen confidence in God’s word revealed in Scripture, and be widely disseminated.”
Communiqué from the GAFCON Primates Council, April 27 2014
Posted on April 27, 2014
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The GAFCON Primates Council has been meeting in London, and at the conclusion of the gathering released a Communiqué, which addresses current issues in the Anglican Communion.
On The Church of England:
“We are particularly concerned about the state of lay and clerical discipline. The House of Bishops’ guidance that those in same sex marriages should be admitted to the full sacramental life of the church is an abandonment of pastoral discipline. While we welcome their clear statement that clergy must not enter same sex marriage, it is very concerning that this discipline is, apparently, being openly disregarded.”
Read the full Communiqué here.
Moore College Open Night — 5th May 2014
Posted on April 27, 2014
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“An informal night to come along and check out the College and find out for yourself what Moore is all about.”
– Details from the MTC website.
A Conversation with Tyndale House’s Peter Williams
Posted on April 25, 2014
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Dr. Peter Williams, Warden at Tyndale House in Cambridge, was interviewed recently in Arizona. He was asked about the future of the church, and what challenges and encouragements there are.
15 minutes, worth watching. (h/t Justin Taylor.)
Anzac and Easter 2014 — Phillip Jensen
Posted on April 24, 2014
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“Easter is a moveable feast. The latest day upon which it can occur is Anzac day. But not till 2038 will Easter and Anzac day coincide. Frequently, as in this year, Easter is close to Anzac Day. Inevitably they cast a shadow upon each other. Both are about paying the supreme sacrifice.
Australians, together with our cousins across the Tasman, remember the sacrifice of so many of our armed forces on Anzac day each year. It is right and proper to do so. …”
– Phillip Jensen writes in his weekly newsletter for the Cathedral.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…