Christmas — Myth or History?

Posted on December 5, 2011 
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Bishop Paul Barnett responds to an article in last weekend’s newspaper.

“So don’t let the sceptics and atheists take away your hope.”

“You cannot but be impressed with the zeal of the modern sceptic and reciprocally unimpressed with the lethargy of the contemporary Christian. Right on track the Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Weekend (3rd December, 2011) has a lengthy and well-researched article, ‘Divine Intervention’ (Fenella Souter) in which she debunks the historical basis for the first Christmas.

Her two main arguments are that there are only two gospel accounts and that they are contradictory, with the addition of many fictional details…”

– Read the full article on Paul Barnett’s website.

Update: If it comes in handy, here’s a PDF version formatted to suit a double-sided A4 sheet.

Two new assistant bishops for Canberra-Goulburn

Posted on December 5, 2011 
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Bishop of Canberra & Goulburn, Stuart Robinson, has followed-through on his stated commitment to appoint a woman bishop in his diocese. Announcement here.

Dick Lucas at the Autumn Joint Ministers conference 2011

Posted on December 4, 2011 
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Last week we linked to video of Carl Trueman at the Proclamation Trust’s 2011 Autumn Joint Ministers Conference in Leicestershire.

Dick Lucas also spoke at the conference, giving three talks on 2 Peter, and now video and audio files of his addresses are online.

Archbishop of Sydney calls on ALP delegates to reject ‘false rhetoric’

Posted on December 2, 2011 
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Here’s a Statement released by Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Peter Jensen:

Archbishop of Sydney calls on ALP delegates to reject ‘false rhetoric’

The ALP has a proud history of achievement in genuine matters of equality, so it is disappointing to see it divided over the false rhetoric of ‘equality’ surrounding same-sex marriage.

The present law defining marriage is not a denial of rights. Issues of inequity regarding the financial and legal status of same-sex relationships have already been addressed by the Parliament and I have supported these changes.

There is no doubt the ALP conference has a difficult decision and this is a painful subject for many, but it is incumbent on delegates to consider the long-term consequences.

Redefining marriage will have unintended and unwelcome consequences for the meaning of parenthood, our openness to other forms of marriage, sex education and our commitment to religious freedom.

Dr Peter F Jensen
Archbishop of Sydney
2/12/2011.

(Source: SydneyAnglicans.net)

A reminder to pray for DNWA and a new Bishop

Posted on December 1, 2011 
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Dean of Geraldton and Administrator of the Diocese of North West Australia asks for prayer for the election of a new Bishop (election synod February 10-11), in his first letter to the diocese.

Archbishop of Canterbury’s Advent Letter 2011

Posted on December 1, 2011 
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Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, has published his Advent letter to the Anglican Communion – on the Lambeth website.

Bishop Lawrence writes about Disciplinary Board Decision

Posted on November 30, 2011 
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“For now given no more allegations from anonymous sources within the diocese it is my hope we can all get back to focusing our full attention on proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit and to Glory of God the Father that the Church here in the Diocese of South Carolina may add daily to its number those who are being saved.…”

– Bishop of South Carolina, Mark Lawrence, writes to his diocese about the dropping of ‘Disciplinary proceedings’ against him.

Earlier: Allegations of ‘abandonment’ against Bishop of South Carolina

‘The Love Feasts’

Posted on November 29, 2011 
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Barry Newman’s latest topic for thoughtful examination is ‘the love feasts’ –

“What exactly did Jude have in mind when he wrote, ‘These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm – shepherds who feed only themselves’ (NIV Jude 12)? In particular what did he mean by ‘love feasts’? This blog series will attempt to examine these and related questions…”

– see the first few posts on the topic at Barry’s blog.

At the Centre of the Storm — accounting for Biblical Theology in the 21st Century

Posted on November 29, 2011 
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Mark Thompson shares news of a new MA course at Moore College, starting in 2012.

From Reformation to Revival

Posted on November 28, 2011 
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Lee Gatiss has been speaking in Cambridge at the ‘Saturday School of Theology’ on the theme ‘From Reformation to Revival’.

The audio of the first two sessions is now available, with the third to come. Below are the descriptions of each session:  Read more

Australia Day Convention 2012

Posted on November 26, 2011 
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Well, this series of promo videos for the 2012 Australia Day Convention is a bit different (as noted at Ref21).

The next speaker (in the absence of ‘Special Agent PDJ’) will be revealed on Sunday. But who is the mystery man in the centre of the photo?

CMS UK looking for new leader

Posted on November 26, 2011 
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“The Executive Leader is responsible for leading the community and its organisation in pursuing the vision of a world transformed by the love of Jesus, and the fulfilment of the aims of making disciples, resourcing leaders and transforming communities…”

– Details from CMS UK (PDF fie).

‘No more bets at the Glasgow bookies’

Posted on November 25, 2011 
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More from Carl Trueman – this time on the ongoing train-wreck of the Church of Scotland –

“The official line in the C of S is that the matter of homosexuality has not yet been decided but it is very clear from the above quotation, especially given the context, which way the matter has already practically concluded. It may take a year or two before the procedural shouting dies down but I would assume that the Glasgow bookies are no longer offering odds on the outcome.

That is why men such as Peter Dickson, James Torrens and others are now putting everything they have on the line and leaving…”

– Read it all – including some very sobering matters for prayer – at Reformation21.

Carl Trueman on preaching and the Trinity

Posted on November 25, 2011 
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Carl Trueman spoke on the Trinity earlier this month at the Proclamation Trust’s Autumn Joint Ministers Conference in Leicestershire.

He began his series by pointing out how crucial it is that Christians have a good grasp of the doctrine of the Trinity. The first talk includes a fascinating overview of the doctrine of the Trinity in the early centuries. His second talk was on the link between preaching and the Trinity.

The Proc Trust has posted the videos of his talks. Most edifying. Direct links to talks – Talk 1 , Talk 2, Talk 3.

David Jones on Church Planting

Posted on November 23, 2011 
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Here’s a challenging talk on evangelism and church planting – from David Jones, church planter, pastor, and Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia. He spoke recently in Adelaide.

The audio quality is not great, but the video file is very much worth watching. (Image: Pilgrim Hill.)

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