Reactions to the US Presidential election
Posted on November 8, 2012
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“Christians must now pray for our President. As the Apostle Paul instructs us …
Christians must never see political action as an end, but only as a means. We can never seek salvation through the voting booth, and we must never look for a political messiah. Nevertheless, Christians do bear a political responsibility, established in love of God and love of neighbor. We are rightly concerned about this world, but only to a limited extent. Our main concern is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
– Al Mohler.
“If we suffer political defeat like those who have no hope but politics, we do not even commend ourselves, let alone the God who hung the moon and stars. …”
– Collin Hansen (written before election day).
Time for a grown-up debate on what sort of children will be allowed into the world
Posted on November 6, 2012
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“Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson last night strongly criticized the level of public debate in Australia and Western society.
Speaking at the launch of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Ethics and the beginning of human life, Mr Anderson lamented the lack of understanding of what a civilized debate requires, and observed that valuable contributors to society’s understanding of complex matters are often put off by the way debates unfold in the public sphere and by the demonisation to which contributors are frequently subjected. …”
– Ian Carmichael at Matthias Media, has news of an important book by Dr Megan Best.
There’s also audio from the book launch. The book is available from Matthias Media.
Jesus’ ‘wife’ found dead!
Posted on November 5, 2012
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“On September 18, the news broke of a small fragment of papyrus purporting to record words of Jesus. It contained the striking phrase, ‘Jesus said to them, “My wife …”‘ and then the text breaks off at the right hand margin. …
However, after nearly a month of scrutiny by scholars on the blogosphere, it appears that the fragment is almost certainly a fake. Here’s how that came to light …”
– Peter Williams from Tyndale House, Cambridge, summarises where things stand concerning this alleged ‘Gospel’ – at Evangelicals Now.
Has the personal evangelism ship sailed?
Posted on November 5, 2012
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“It is quite correct to say that there are only two kinds of people in the world—those who in the words of Two Ways to Live are living ‘Way A’ (rebelling against God, facing his judgement) and ‘Way B’ (submitting to and trusting in Jesus, forgiven by God).
But it is also true that within those two broad categories there is a wide spectrum of difference. …”
– Tony Payne begins discussion on a topic close to the heart of many – at The Briefing.
A Mormon President?
Posted on November 4, 2012
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In January, Michael Horton spoke with Adam Christing, writer and director of a documentary about a relatively unknown aspect of the life of Joseph Smith, namely his candidacy for President of the United States.
Whatever the outcome of the US elections this week, this programme gives some useful insights into what Mormons believe. Hear it via this link.
A Report from the Anglican Consultative Council meeting in Auckland
Posted on November 3, 2012
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Canon Phil Ashey reports from what he sees as an “intensively stage managed and choreographed” meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council.
Canon Ashey is Chief Operating and Development Officer of the American Anglican Council.
Here’s his conclusion:
“In terms of what schemes seem to be emerging, I would respectfully suggest the following as a “pincer” movement that ACC/ACO is going to place upon confessing Anglicans:
1. Through Continuing Indaba dialogue and stories, bolstered by the work of the BILC resources, Biblical interpretation of human sexuality and its limits will be rendered value-neutral with no limits on Biblical interpretation within the Communion. Lambeth 1.10 will be declared in effect non-binding;
2. Then, through the new Code of Conduct and the Safe Church resolution, any objection to sexual expressions that are not Biblical will be deemed “harassment,” chilling any speech and bringing consequences to those who, in Anglican communion meetings, dare to raise the subject.”
Read his full report to see why – Read more
Free audiobook – What is the Mission of the Church?
Posted on November 2, 2012
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This month’s free audiobook from Christian Audio in the US is What is the Mission of the Church? by Kevin DeYoung & Greg Gilbert. Get it here.
After Darkness… Light
Posted on October 31, 2012
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A six minute video from John Piper for Reformation Day (October 31st). It’s a brief look at the legacy of John Calvin – as well as a reminder of the aims of Desiring God.
‘Cloak and dagger’ Archbishop of Canterbury selection
Posted on October 31, 2012
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“The committee choosing the next leader of the world’s 77 million Anglicans is facing growing discontent from within the Church amid clams that the long-running process has become a ‘cloak and dagger’ procedure.…
The first that the world’s 77 million Anglicans are expected to know of the identity of their new leader will be when the name is announced from Downing Street.”
– Opinion piece in today’s (UK) Telegraph.
Pastoral Letter from Archbishop Wabukala
Posted on October 30, 2012
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Archbishop Eliud Wabukala, Chairman of the FCA Primates Council, has released this Pastoral Letter:
“The Primates’ Council has just concluded its October 2012 meeting in Dar es Salaam where we witnessed the blessing of God in a number of key areas:
• In the increase of our numbers
• Through the achievements of our April meeting
• By the testimonies of those who are joining with us
• In the new funding provided for our communication efforts
• Through our decision to meet again in a Global assembly
• By the recognition that we are not alone in this spiritual battle …”
Christianity and the Dark Side
Posted on October 29, 2012
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“The coming of Halloween is a good time for Christians to remember that evil spirits are real and that the Devil will seize every opportunity to trumpet his own celebrity…”
– Al Mohler looks at the American institution which is increasing being imported into Australia.
Australian Church Record, Nov 2012
Posted on October 29, 2012
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The latest issue of The Australian Church Record is now available from their website.
This edition reflects on Sydney Synod, the Diocesan Mission, and the election of a new Archbishop.
Trust and obey?
Posted on October 29, 2012
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“The survey reveals 64 percent of churchgoers agree with the statement: ‘A Christian must learn to deny himself/herself in order to serve Christ.’
Nineteen percent disagree with the statement.”
– Ed Stetzer has new research from the US.
Church Society urges C of E General Synod to reject Women Bishops measure
Posted on October 28, 2012
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Church Society has written to members of the Church of England’s General Synod:
“…our Council and membership contain a substantial body of ordinands, younger clergy, lay leaders and laity all of whom subscribe fully to the Society’s position, such that their ministry within the Church of England will be threatened by the proposed Measure, if it is enacted. It would be immensely damaging to the Church of England and to our country if the ministries of such men and women were seemingly rejected by our beloved national church.
It would also put us significantly at odds with most of the provinces, and the vast majority of Anglicans, in the global Anglican Communion, who do not have female bishops.…”
– Read the full letter at Evangelicals.org.
The pain threshold
Posted on October 28, 2012
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“Is the New Testament pattern of normal Christian witness, ‘Always be ready to invite your neighbour to an evangelistic barbecue’? ‘Go into all the world and get them to hear someone else make disciples’?”
– Chris Green, Vice Principal of Oak Hill College in London, has a point. Read it here.
