41 Questions to ask a potential Church
Posted on August 30, 2009
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Colin Adams at Unashamed Workman has posted questions he asked of the elders at his new church prior to him being called.
There are a lot of sensible questions there.
Australian Christian Books of the Year 2009
Posted on August 28, 2009
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SPCK Australia has announced its 2009 Australian Christian Literature Awards. Here’s the list – Read more
Freedom, Biblical Baptism and Christ Centred Communion
Posted on August 28, 2009
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Barry Newman, well known to many in Sydney Diocese, and one of the ACL’s vice-presidents, has recently started his own blog. He begins by looking at the sacraments.
(h/t David Ould.)
UK Christian arts festival draws criticism
Posted on August 28, 2009
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“Traditional Anglicans have criticised the UK’s major Christian arts festival for inviting a gay American Bishop to speak. Among those addressing the Greenbelt festival this year is the Bishop of New Hampshire, Gene Robinson…
Changing Attitude, a leading pro-gay Church movement, will be laying out their ideas at the festival. Its director, the Rev Colin Coward, says he is happy to have a debate on homosexuality, but that it is not appropriate to invite the ‘Ex-Gay’ movement.”
– Report from BBC News on a story which has been building for the last month or so. Another controversial speaker, Rob Bell, has been overlooked in much of the discussion. (Related.)
The Greenbelt Festival is held this weekend. (Photo: TEC.)
Do we have free will?
Posted on August 28, 2009
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Andy Naselli writes:
“This summer my church… hosted a “Difficult Issues Series” on Wednesday nights, and on June 10 I addressed this topic: “Do We Have a Free Will?”
MP3 (1 hour and 45 minutes including Q&A)
Handout (7-page PDF), Condensed Essay (4-page PDF).”
– thoughtful resources from Andy Naselli’s theology blog. (Andy serves as research assistant to Don Carson at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.) h/t Justin Taylor.
Friday August 28: Prayer day for Connect09
Posted on August 27, 2009
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In a letter to Rectors and Curates-in-Charge, Archbishop Peter Jensen has called for another day of prayer –
“Dear Friends,
We received very positive feed back after the prayer day which was held on Friday May 22, and this has prompted me to hold another. I am pleased to announce a special Day of Prayer will be held on Friday August 28 commencing at 10am in the Chapter House, St Andrew’s Cathedral, concluding at 2.30pm.
The first and most vital aspect of Connect09 is prayer. I invite you to be present on that day. You might like to encourage at least two people to represent your parish. Let’s make this a priority as we pray for our diocese in this year of great opportunity for the gospel.”
Here’s an outline of the day as planned –
1000-1030 Bible Study
1030-1100 Jesus All About Life (JAAL)
1100-1130 Inspiring People (CBD events)
1130-1200 Georges River Region
1200-1230 Northern Region
1230-1300 Western Region
1300-1330 Wollongong Region
1330-1400 South Sydney Region
Graham Wade 1931–2009
Posted on August 26, 2009
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SydneyAnglicans.net reports that Graham Wade, pioneering Christian cartoonist, filmmaker and illustrator of the Jungle Doctor books, has died at the age of 78.
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” (Revelation 14:13).
See also these entries at Christian Cartoonists International and OzComics (which also tells of Graham’s involvement in the founding of Pilgrim International).
(Photo: Christian Cartoonists International.)
Davies and Spong agree
Posted on August 26, 2009
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“It is not often that I find myself in agreement with Bishop Jack Spong.
According to the Church of England Newspaper report of 21 August, the former Bishop of Newark has rejected Presiding Bishop Katharine Schori’s contention that nothing had changed as a result of the 76th General Convention’s votes on gay bishops and blessings…”
– Bishop of North Sydney, Glenn Davies, writes at SydneyAnglicans.net.
Mark Dever interviews Phillip Jensen
Posted on August 26, 2009
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While in Sydney, Mark Dever conducted an interview for 9Marks with Phillip Jensen. Both Phillip and Mark speak about bringing change in a church.
Video of the interview, which runs for 16 minutes, is posted at phillipjensen.com.
Preach on Alienation — to Reconcile
Posted on August 26, 2009
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“Of course, there are great temptations not to preach on sin(!) Brian McLaren tells us that this is not the way to reach Gen-Xers. Robert Schuller told us this was not the way to reach Boomers. Harry Fosdick told us this was not the way to reach Moderns. I am sure we could find such sentiments all through history, and the reason is that we do not like to be told that we are sinners…”
– Chad Brand. (h/t Unashamed Workman)
Study theology?
Posted on August 25, 2009
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Want to be better equipped to live for Christ? Interested in studying theology? Here are some opportunities to investigate further –
The Presbyterian Theological Centre in Burwood has an Open Night this Wednesday 26th August from 7:00pm.
Sydney Missionary and Bible College has an Open Evening on Monday 7 September, 2009, 6:45pm for 7:00pm.
Moore College is holding an Open Day and Spring Carnival on Saturday, 26 September, 9:30am – 2:30pm in the College grounds. Families welcome. (Photo: PTC.)
Ryle on Sin
Posted on August 25, 2009
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“Men will never come to Jesus, and stay with Jesus, and live for Jesus, unless they really know why they are to come, and what is their need. Those whom the Spirit draws to Jesus are those whom the Spirit has convinced of sin.
Without a thorough conviction of sin, men may seem to come to Jesus and follow Him for a season, but they will soon fall away and return to the world.”
– Bishop J.C. Ryle, Faithfulness and Holiness: The Witness of J.C. Ryle, p. 114, 115. (Thanks to Erik Kowalker at J.C. Ryle Quotes.)
Wearing the disguise of Faithfulness
Posted on August 25, 2009
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“The inevitability of the votes to allow the affirmation of homosexual unions and the calling of homosexual ministers is rooted in decisions made prior to those crucial votes. The actions in Minneapolis would be inconceivable but for the fact that the denomination has for decades allowed increasing theological pluralism to mark its membership and its leadership…”
– Al Mohler writes on the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s decisions last week,
Getting church right
Posted on August 24, 2009
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The Liturgical Panel of Sydney Diocese has been working on new resources to help those involved in planning and leading contemporary-style worship gatherings.
While it’s a work-in-progress, their helpful website is now up and running, and features a ‘Service Builder’. It’s at bettergatherings.com. Thanks to all involved!
Related: Bishop Robert Forsyth’s column at SydneyAnglicans.net. and Thinking about what we do in church (i).
Albert Mohler on the Future of the Southern Baptist Convention
Posted on August 24, 2009
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President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Albert Mohler, last week spoke at The President’s Forum at the seminary. His topic was “The Future of the Southern Baptist Convention”.
Interesting listening and an insight into growing up as a Southern Baptist, US culture, and whether the Southern Baptists will be mission-minded or bureaucratic. While the culture is different, listeners will pick similar challenges for Sydney Anglicans.
Worth hearing. The 57 minute audio file is available at the SBTS website.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…