North West Australia could opt out of weddings
Posted on November 12, 2013
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“The Bishop of North West Australia has warned that if the state or federal governments legalize same-sex marriage, Anglican clergy in his diocese would no longer serve as marriage registrars.
The statement by the Rt. Rev. Gary Nelson follows the decision last month by the Australian Capital Territory to legalize same-sex marriage…”
– George Conger reports for The Church of England Newspaper.
Don’t go it alone!
Posted on November 11, 2013
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“It is no accident that so many of the commands given in the New Testament letters involve ‘one another’:
welcome one another; care for one another; bear with one another; forgive one another; submit to one another; admonish one another; exhort one another, and so on. Don’t judge one another, deprive one another, lie to one another, speak evil of one another, envy one another…etc, but do comfort one another, encourage one another, edify one another, and – above all – love one another.
The reason for all these injunctions is quite obvious: clearly, we need one another! …”
– William Philip at The Tron Church in Glasgow with a great reminder about the importance of church. (Photo: Russell Powell.)
At 95, Billy Graham’s ‘last’ message is the same as his first
Posted on November 8, 2013
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“Come to the Cross, by repentance and faith.” – Billy Graham’s Message.
29 minutes. Watch it and pass it on.
This is currently being shown across the United States in a national outreach as Bill turns 95.
Remembrance Day resources
Posted on November 8, 2013
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Remembrance Day is Monday November 11th.
The Defence Anglicans website has resources which may be useful for you.
Why we are contributing to Greenfields land
Posted on November 8, 2013
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Through the Sydney Synod, the Anglican churches of Sydney have resolved to work together to purchase land in ‘Greenfield’ areas.
If we don’t get in early, it will be too late to purchase land to build centres where Christ’s people can gather and be beacons of light in their new communities.
Dominic Steele at The Village Church Annandale has kindly shared this video he made for his own church. He speaks with Stuart Starr at Oran Park. It’s ideal to show in your church to help everyone get behind the vision.
Render unto Caesar or unto God? Government funding and the crisis of Conscience
Posted on November 8, 2013
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“There is truth in the claim that Sunrise Children’s Services, along with thousands of similar organizations and institutions, will have to face a hard choice: serve Caesar or serve God. This becomes inevitable once an entity becomes dependent on financial support from the government …”
– Albert Mohler writes about a local (to him) example of the crisis coming to many Christian organisations.
New Westminister nominees list is out
Posted on November 7, 2013
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The names of those nominated for the position of Bishop of New Westminster, in the Anglican Church of Canada, have now been released. Anglican Essentials Canada Blog have helpfully added links to the CVs and videos of the candidates. Lots of talk of diversity.
The Synod begins 30th November, to replace Michael Ingham, pictured, who retired in August. Bishop Ingham famously declared that J I Packer and David Short had abandoned Christian ministry.
How can Systematic Theology enrich and energise preaching?
Posted on November 7, 2013
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Canon James Packer spoke recently for The Charles Simeon Trust in the US.
Classic Packer. Set aside an hour and be encouraged and strengthened in your preaching (or in encouraging others in their preaching).
On Vimeo. (h/t Justin Taylor.)
9Marks Journal on Evangelism — part 2
Posted on November 6, 2013
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The latest 9Marks Journal is free to download. It’s packed with articles of interest to Sydney Anglicans as we plan for the ‘Jesus Brings’ outreach… articles include:
Evangelism in the Workplace
Reaching the “Converted”
Evangelism across Economic Boundaries
How can Churches Evangelise their Neighbourhoods?
Three Lessons for Cross-Cultural Evangelism
Evangelising the Nations at Home
The Gospel for a Gay Friend
Bathurst Synod this weekend
Posted on November 6, 2013
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“The annual meeting of the Synod… of the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst will meet in Bathurst this weekend (November 8-10).
Originally scheduled for September, the meeting had to be postponed to allow preparation of up-to-date financial information following the sale of Orange Anglican Grammar School and Macquarie Anglican Grammar School. The sales were finalised at the end of September.
This will be Bishop Ian Palmer’s first Synod as Bishop of Bathurst, and will involve some difficult decisions as the diocese faces very daunting financial challenges. …”
– from The Diocese of Bathurst.
Our friends in Bathurst would be glad of your prayers. Please pray that the outcome of the decisions made will glorify Christ and that many more in the region will find saving faith in him.
Preachers hungry to be mentored
Posted on November 5, 2013
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“[A] growing number of pastors are seeking to develop their skills through mentoring networks like that offered by the Centre for Biblical Preaching.
The Centre and its programmes are run by Mike Raiter, a passionate local and international preacher, former missionary and former Principal of Melbourne School of Theology and former Head of Missions at Moore College in Sydney…”
– Story from Eternity Newspaper.
High Court challenge to ACT same-sex marriage set for December 3 & 4
Posted on November 4, 2013
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The Australian Christian Lobby’s Lyle Shelton sent this 90 second video update from outside the High Court in Canberra.
An unavoidable truth: the doctrine of sin today
Posted on November 4, 2013
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“The heart and wellspring of all evangelical theology is the cross of the Christ. It is in the light of the cross that we truly understand God and truly understand ourselves.
It demonstrates God’s deep and determined love and it demonstrates God’s deep and determined love for sinners (Rom 5:8). I cannot avoid the reality and seriousness of my sin when I attend to the awful glory of what happened outside the walls of Jerusalem 2000 years ago. I cannot avoid the determined and loving purpose of God when I consider who it was who died there. …”
– Mark Thompson writes at The Briefing.
10 Tips for your next Hospital visit
Posted on November 4, 2013
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“Pastors should be prepared to minister when they step foot in a hospital room. With someone under your care in frail condition, this is no time to wing it. Visiting someone is not just about what you do once you are in the room, it is about being prepared before you arrive…”
– Maybe this ought to be common sense, but it’s a good reminder (h/t Tim Challies).
Probably few use the Prayer Book’s The Order for the Visitation of the Sick these days, but if you haven’t read it lately, take the time to do so. Here’s the 1552 version. And the 1662 version.
Related: A visit means more than a text – Jean Williams.
J.C. Ryle on Sickness, and Some Thoughts on Affliction, by Neil Prott (both on the old part of our website).
Another Reflection on GAFCON 2
Posted on November 3, 2013
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“GAFCON was likened to ‘a taste of heaven’, with believers from many nations, races, colours and languages worshipping the one Lord together. The daily pattern was praise and prayer, a morning Bible exposition from the book of Ephesians, followed by plenary lectures and seminars.…”
– Andrew Atherstone gives his perspective on GAFCON 2013.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…