Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Australian Church Record ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Why (and how) I teach my kids to say sorry](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-and-how-i-teach-my-kids-to-say-sorry/) - If you've spent any time on the internet over the last few years, you might have come across the current parenting advice never to make your child say sorry. This approach is broadly consistent with the values of authenticity, consent and innate morality that underpin modern child-rearing. It comes from a place of wanting to help children understand - [Book Review: Everything is Never Enough by Bobby Jamieson | Review by Jocelyn Loane](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/book-review-everything-is-never-enough-by-bobby-jamieson-review-by-jocelyn-loane/) - Our enormous collection of water bottles lives in a cupboard over our fridge. Every time I open it, I can almost be guaranteed a smack in the face by one falling out. You see, my five children have quite the fixation with acquiring the perfect water bottle. A few years ago, everyone was quite taken - [Book Review: Sing! | Review by Liv Chapman Leggett](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/book-review-sing-review-by-liv-chapman-leggett/) - Netflix’s animated smash hit K-Pop Demon Hunters has been watched over 500 million times worldwide, its songs streamed to the top of the charts, and its stars rocketed into global fame. Amid the flashy animation, insanely catchy tunes, and moments of genuine humour runs a surprisingly clear and powerful message: what you sing shapes you. It’s - [The importance of a special relationship in a crisis](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-importance-of-a-special-relationship-in-a-crisis/) - Special relationship At the celebration of Dick Lucas’ 100th birthday on 14 September 2025, the overseas contribution was a series of recorded video messages from past and present Christian leaders in Australia, testifying to a special relationship. The relationship, first between conservative evangelicals in the Church of England and Sydney Anglicans, has enlarged over the last fifty - [Authentic Anglicanism: Stewarding our rich heritage ](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/authentic-anglicanism-stewarding-our-rich-heritage/) - This article is based on a talk given at the event “Guarding a Good Deposit: Authentic Anglicanism Today,” hosted by the Prayer Book Society of NSW and St John’s Cathedral Parramatta. I write as a lay Anglican, and also as an academic historian. I shall firstly address a broad cultural issue which underscores why I - [Is a mother different from a father?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/is-a-mother-different-from-a-father/) - Australia has celebrated Mother's Day and Father's Day annually since the 1930s. Some might think that these days are a bit of a relic from the past, when traditional gender roles were more accepted and family structures were much less diverse. Couldn’t we now just have a Parents’ Day instead? I don’t hold particularly strong - [The clarity of Scripture and church gatherings ](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-clarity-of-scripture-and-church-gatherings/) - In the wake of the technological developments that churches went through during the COVID lockdowns, I explored different live and recorded videos of gatherings that occurred locally and globally.1 What it provided me was an insight into the flavour of church services across denominations and regions. Something I was struck by was the disproportionate number of - [Principles of the Prayer Book](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/principles-of-the-prayer-book/) - I am probably one of a relatively small number of people these days who has been—hard to know quite how to describe it—perhaps a committed participant in liturgical church services from my earliest childhood memories. Perhaps unusually, I was an early and competent reader, so I imagine I was reading and saying the prayers along - [The liturgical shape of authentic Anglicanism ](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-liturgical-shape-of-authentic-anglicanism/) - The following article is based on a talk given at the event “Guarding a Good Deposit: Authentic Anglicanism Today,” hosted by the Prayer Book Society of NSW and St John’s Cathedral Parramatta. Raised as a Catholic and educated by the Jesuits, I speak as one untimely born when it comes to matters Anglican. But I - [Easter 2026 Journal—Out Now!](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/easter-2026-journal-out-now/) - Read the journal here. In this Easter edition of the ACR Journal, we focus our attention on our gatherings and liturgy. Those who are familiar with the Prayer Book will know that we’ve titled this Easter edition in the words of Psalm 95, which is a core part of the liturgy for the daily service - [Children in the gathering: Why the church needs its youngest members](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/children-in-the-gathering-why-the-church-needs-its-youngest-members/) - The ACR hears from Bex Purdue, children’s minster at St Matthias Anglican. She shares with us one of the greatest joys of her role: seeing the church embrace children as equal and valued members of the body. As Anglicans, we wholeheartedly believe that children are treasured members of our covenant community. Praise God that the - [Watching a heart soften](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/watching-a-heart-soften/) - The ACR heard from Grant Retief, Senior Minister at Christ Church Stellenbosch in South Africa. Christ Church has a thriving student ministry which has experienced exceptional growth in recent years, with three services geared towards students. The church is part of the Reformed Evangelical Church of South Africa (REACH SA). Here, Grant tells the encouraging - [Children's Bibles are helpful—but they're not enough](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/childrens-bibles-are-helpful-but-theyre-not-enough/) - When I ask parents if they read the Bible with their children, they’ll often respond enthusiastically and say something like, “Yes! We read them a chapter from a children’s Bible before bed every night!” And that’s so encouraging to hear! But it’s not what I meant. What I’m really asking is: “Do you read the actual Bible - [How should a Christian respond to the Bondi Beach shooting?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-should-a-christian-respond-to-the-bondi-beach-shooting/) - Although the shooting of Jewish people at Bondi Beach occurred over a month ago, the questions it raises have not faded. Acts of targeted violence leave lasting wounds—within individuals, communities, and cities—and the way we respond to them continues to shape our shared life long after the headlines move on. For Christians, reflection after the - [Authentic Anglicanism: Interview with Ed Loane](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/authentic-anglicanism-interview-with-ed-loane/) - ACR: Ed, thanks for chatting with the ACR in your role as a member of the Sydney Diocesan Doctrine Commission. In his presidential address to the Brisbane Synod on the 25 June 2022, Archbishop Philip Aspinall made comments that caused the Sydney Diocesan Standing Committee some concern. What were these comments? EL: The Archbishop spent a large section - [Meet the new ‘twicer’: The irregular regular](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/meet-the-new-twicer-the-irregular-regular/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I came across an interesting expression recently: the twicer.[1] From what I understand, ‘the twicer’ used to refer to the person who went to church twice a day (think of the days of morning and evening prayer). It then began to refer to the nominal churchgoer who would attend twice a - [Where we complementarians can get it wrong with preaching](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/where-we-complementarians-can-get-it-wrong-with-preaching/) - The problem Over my past 26 years of ministry, I have become increasingly aware of a problem in the way complementarians teach about who should be allowed to preach. Let me be clear—I am a complementarian, and I believe that a faithful application of 1 Timothy 2:11–15 includes a prohibition against women authoritatively teaching (now - [When time feels broken](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/when-time-feels-broken/) - This is part 2 in Annabel's series on time. You can read part 1 here and part 3 here. Bad timing drives me nuts. The bus pulls away just before you reach it. The priceless opportunity disappears just before you can grab it. Just when that person finally gets back on their feet, something else - [You only live twice](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/you-only-live-twice/) - This is part 3 in Annabel's series on time. You can read part 1 here and part 2 here. Getting the time wrong can make a big difference in life. I still remember one morning as a kid getting out of bed, getting dressed in my school uniform, going downstairs into my parents’ room ... - [Why 20 percent better is not good enough](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-20-percent-better-is-not-good-enough/) - Over recent years a lot of ink has been spilt considering the implications for Christians of the seismic changes in Australian society over the past 50 years. The reality is that we have seen a massive shift as our culture has moved further and further away from its Christian roots, such that we now realise - [The Bible’s guide to time travel](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-bibles-guide-to-time-travel/) - Time is a funny thing. It goes too fast. Then too slow. We want it to stand still and then wish it didn’t. We love losing track of it but incessantly strive to find it. There are few things more frustrating and difficult than running out of time or wasting it. We just can’t seem - [Win $50 to spend at Matthias Media!](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/win-50-to-spend-at-matthias-media/) - Enter our Christmas giveaway to win a $50 gift card for Matthias Media. To enter the competition, subscribe to our monthly mailing list using the form below. Already subscribed? You can still enter by liking our Facebook page and sharing the post containing competition information. Warm wishes from the ACR team, and Merry Christmas! 🎁 - [The freedom to say no this Christmas](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-freedom-to-say-no-this-christmas/) - I love Christmas. The decorations, the carols, the smell of cinnamon I force upon my household for 30 days straight. It really is my favourite time of year. But for a lot of parents, the mention of Christmas seems to bring heart palpitations and wistful thoughts of finally taking that cruise that just happens to set sail - [Renewal at St Alban’s Leura](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/renewal-at-st-albans-leura/) - The ACR spoke to James Delanty, rector of St Alban’s Leura, about how God has brought renewal and joy to this historic Blue Mountains parish—and how a vision centred on being “overflowing with joy in Jesus” is shaping both church life and community outreach. James, thank you for speaking with us. Could you tell us - [An honourable approach to dishonourable laws](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/an-honourable-approach-to-dishonourable-laws/) - Australian Christians face increasing challenges in balancing our obligations to civil authority and God’s word. The question of when to obey God rather than government has become one of the most significant issues confronting the modern church. What the government does is one thing; how the church responds is another. We must tread carefully, courageously, - [Handling Halloween](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/handling-halloween/) - Why discuss this topic? As Halloween grows in popularity, it’s worth helping our children think about how to be in the world but not of it (John 17:15). This isn’t about everyone reaching the same conclusion, but about thinking theologically and guiding our families wisely. A brief history Halloween has its roots in a Celtic pagan festival, - [Review: The Nicene Creed (edited by Gilbert and De Chirico)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/review-the-nicene-creed-edited-by-gilbert-and-de-chirico/) - The Nicene Creed: The nature of Christian unity and the meaning of gospel words is a carefully written, informed, and thoughtful examination of basic Roman Catholic beliefs following the implicit and explicit trajectory laid out in the Nicene Creed: the doctrines of the authority of Scripture, Trinity, person and work of Jesus Christ, the Holy - [A long awaited future](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-long-awaited-future/) - The recent announcement from the Gafcon Primates, The Future Has Arrived (16 October 2025), begins a new era in the long history of the Anglican churches. In 2008 Anglican bishops from all over the world gathered in Jerusalem to support each other in the mission of reaching the world for Christ and growing churches where Christ is - [Motherhood, ministry and Instagram: Leah’s open diary of gospel-shaped life at home](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/motherhood-ministry-and-instagram-leahs-open-diary-of-gospel-shaped-life-at-home/) - The ACR spoke to Leah about her ministry at home and in the online world. Leah, thanks so much for talking with us. Can you tell us a bit about yourself for those who don't know you? Thanks for chatting with me! I’m a mum of four kids aged between 3 and 9. I live in - [A disappointing decision: The ACR on Canterbury’s new Archbishop](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-disappointing-decision-the-acr-on-canterburys-new-archbishop/) - The Australian Church Record (ACR) notes the announcement that Dame Sarah Mullally has been appointed to the office of Archbishop of Canterbury, and as such, the Primate of All England and metropolitan bishop of the Province of Canterbury. The ACR regrets this appointment and laments the way it will likely accelerate the weakening of the - [Hope for the Illawarra](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/hope-for-the-illawarra/) - In my time in ministry, I have encountered many people who, while acknowledging Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples” feel impossibly ill-equipped, and so are reluctant to do so. In fact, many of these people further claim that they lack any ability whatsoever to evangelise, presuming the work of evangelism is for those whom - [Going beyond bums and dollars](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/going-beyond-bums-and-dollars/) - Picture this: Every September, the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney receives detailed annual reports from Anglicare (aged care outcomes, community impact metrics, financial sustainability indicators), Moore College (graduate placement rates, theological competency assessments, student satisfaction scores), Youthworks (program participation, leadership development statistics, ministry effectiveness measures), and the same concept is true for pretty much - [Read the Synod 2025 journal now!](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/read-the-synod-2025-journal-now/) - Read the Synod journal here. Dear friends, At Hope Anglican Leppington, we regularly run a program called “Ministry Minds” as we train our young adults for ministry. As part of the program I read 1 Corinthians with them and pause to consider Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3:10: “Be careful how you build.” Paul’s warning reminds us - [A global response to a big idea: Translating the Epistles with words children can actually understand](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-global-response-to-a-big-idea-translating-the-epistles-with-words-children-can-actually-understand/) - Along with his wife Erica and four children, Matt Dodd serves with the saints at Lakemba Anglican Church in Sydney, where he is Senior Pastor. Recently the ACR spoke to him about a long-term project to translate the Epistles into language that is accessible for kids. Matt, thanks for speaking to the ACR. Can you tell - [Do "sheep bite"? Rethinking a popular pastoral phrase](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/do-sheep-bite-rethinking-a-popular-pastoral-phrase/) - I have often heard church leaders use a phrase like, “sheep bite and kick,” to describe challenges and conflict in church life. In this metaphor “biting” signals hostility and stubbornness. Though it sounds biblical, this phrase troubles me. I want to weigh it against the Bible’s use of pastoral language to demonstrate that it is - [Dementia and the Christian: Will Jesus remember me if I forget him?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/5338-2/) - “She was a wonderful mother and a devoted wife”, he said, holding her hand. She sadly didn’t meet his gaze but rather looked past him, glassy-eyed and unseeing. As her speech pathologist I was sitting by her bedside, watching her not recognise her husband of 41 years. She was in the final stages of Alzheimer’s - [From campus to classroom: An interview with Jeanette Chin](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/from-campus-to-classroom-an-interview-with-jeanette-chin/) - Jeanette is married to Richard who serves as the National Director of AFES. Alongside Richard, Jeanette has ministered with AFES at Wollongong University and the Australian National University. Now living in Sydney, they attend St Matt’s Anglican Church in Botany, and Jeanette started teaching Biblical Studies to the junior students of St Catherine’s Anglican School - [Why mission needs strategy: A conversation with Scott Sanders](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-mission-needs-strategy-a-conversation-with-scott-sanders-2/) - Hi Scott, thanks so much for speaking with us. Can you tell us a bit about yourself for those who don't know you? Well, I've been married to Natalie for 20 years and we’ve got four girls. I grew up in a Christian family and became a Christian at Ashfield Presbyterian Church when I was - [In peace I will lie down and sleep](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/in-peace-i-will-lie-down-and-sleep/) - It was another night of lying on the floor in the dark, my arm raised awkwardly through the cot so my daughter could hold my hand against her face, her favourite (and seemingly only) way to fall asleep. How many minutes had we been like this now? Five? Ten? Twenty? You start to lose track - [Does it matter how much a pastor preaches?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/does-it-matter-how-much-a-pastor-preaches/) - The latest edition of the ACR includes the results of a survey we conducted in order to investigate how frequently senior ministers are preaching in relation to the number of full-time staff and adult church attendance. On the whole, there is a negative correlation between the number of full-time staff and the amount a pastor - [Survey results: How often do Rectors preach in the Sydney Diocese?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/survey-results-how-often-do-rectors-preach-in-the-sydney-diocese-2/) - In January 2025 the ACR emailed out a survey to all Sydney Anglican Rectors – numbering just over 250. The survey was short and uncomplicated to ensure a good number of respondents. Below are the results for the survey and the questions that were asked. The catalyst for the survey followed some anecdotes about preaching - [A fresh resource for studies and sermons](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-are-matthias-bible-guides-and-how-can-they-help-you/) - The ACR spoke to Geoff Robson, Publishing Director at Matthias Media, to hear about his work in this space and the company's new series of Bible commentaries. Geoff, thanks so much for talking with the ACR. Can you tell us a bit about yourself for those who don't know you? I became a Christian in - [Alistair Begg on his preaching ministry](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/alistair-begg-on-his-preaching-ministry/) - Alistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry since 1975. He graduated from the London School of Theology and subsequently served in Scotland at Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh and Hamilton Baptist Church. In 1983, he became the senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio, where he continues to lead the congregation and teach God’s word - [Everyone needs (to be) a mother](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/everyone-needs-to-be-a-mother/) - As Mother's Day approaches, the ACR hears from Jane Tooher on what it means to be a spiritual mother. Jane, what does it mean to be a spiritual parent, and in particular a spiritual mother? When someone becomes a parent—whether to biological, adopted or fostered children—it means, among other things, that they have the privilege - [Was Pope Francis a 'gospel man'?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/was-pope-francis-a-gospel-man/) - “Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. … I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic - [Read the Easter 2025 Journal Now!](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/read-the-easter-2025-journal-now/) - Our latest journal is now available online—read it here. One of the most important things we must do at Easter is preach the word. This word, the gospel, is God’s message concerning Jesus his Son, and what he has done in his Son for his glory and our salvation. There is nothing more important for - [The seed that will bear fruit has been planted ](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-seed-that-will-bear-fruit-has-been-planted/) - At the turning point in John’s Gospel, Jesus makes a seemingly obscure reference to his death. As we get ready to celebrate Easter, let’s take a moment now to explore a powerful yet often overlooked verse to see in a fresh way what Jesus endured and the life he has won for us. The moment comes - [Nexus 2025: Post-conference reflections on personal and team-based evangelism](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/nexus-2025-post-conference-reflections-on-personal-and-team-based-evangelism/) - With the measure you use, it will be measured to you, said Jesus. It’s so often like that, isn’t it? What you bring to a thing is very often what you end up getting out of it. The questions and attitudes you have at the outset usually determine how you hear, what you hear, and - [The ACR's Easter Reccomendations](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-acrs-easter-reccos/) - A few of the ACR team share some top picks for a Jesus-focused Easter. Lionel Windsor: The 'Crucifixion' episode on The Rest is History This one isn’t for everyone—but it may well be for you if you’re having conversations with friends about the historical basis for the accounts of Jesus’ life and especially his death - [Addressing a Roman Catholic Resurgence](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/addressing-a-roman-catholic-resurgence/) - We are in the midst of something of a resurgence of Roman Catholicism, though many are not aware of this. Despite many recent controversies, failures, disputes and divisions, it remains a real force in the world, influencing society, politics and spirituality. Just recently, The Rosary in a Year podcast surpassed The Joe Rogan Experience to claim the top spot on - [More than Moralism: Reflections on The Joe Rogan Podcast with Wesley Huff](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/more-than-moralism-reflections-on-the-joe-rogan-podcast-with-wesley-huff/) - Until recently, I had never listened to The Joe Rogan Experience—one of the world’s most popular podcasts, hosted by American comedian Joe Rogan, who interviews an extensive variety of guests at length. I had also never heard of one of Rogan’s recent guests, Christian apologist Wesley Huff. Despite my unfamiliarity with both, I nevertheless decided to listen - [Dave Moore on Why Your Church Needs Healthy Teams](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/dave-moore-on-why-your-church-needs-healthy-teams/) - Dave, thank you for chatting to the ACR. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and where you minister currently? What has been your ministry journey to date? I’m married to Julie and we have four awesome kids (the youngest is turning 17 soon). I started reading the Bible as a kid after a - [3 Recommendations for Parents](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/three-recommendations-for-parents/) - Being a parent is a joyful struggle. In my mind, it’s pure, undistilled hospitality: “Hey there! Make yourself at home … forever.” As with any act of hospitality, there can be so much joy—there’s a new perspective on the world to discover and appreciate as it forms and matures; a new heart to embrace with - [An interview with Veronica Hoyt](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/an-interview-with-veronica-hoyt/) - Last week, Dr Veronica Hoyt joined the faculty at Moore College, as Lecturer in Ministry and Director of the Priscilla and Aquila Centre. Veronica has kindly spoken to the ACR to tell us about life before this new role, as well as her hopes for the forthcoming P&A conference. Veronica, thank you so much for - [How to Break Up With Your Phone](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-to-break-up-with-your-phone-2/) - Most of us admit to spending excessive time on our phones. Tony Reinke, in 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You, warns that this habit reflects what CS Lewis called the “Nothing” strategy in The Screwtape Letters—a life consumed by trivial distractions, leaving little room for what truly matters. This “hamster wheel” of nothingness can rob us - [New Year, New Habits?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/new-year-new-habits/) - We are creatures of habit. Our bodies thrive on routine—we get hungry at roughly the same times, we generally like routines, and we naturally form habits. This is by God’s design. Neuroscience confirms that repetition ingrains behaviours, creating neural pathways that make actions automatic. Forming habits While we wait for our eternal home in the - [Disney movies, Moana and the human heart](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/disney-movies-moana-and-the-human-heart/) - I’ve always been a fan of Disney movies. As a child growing up in the 90s, I was there for every new release, ready to sing along to songs that would become classics. I haven’t yet seen the new Moana movie, but I loved the first one. I loved that it was set in Polynesia; - [Prepare Him Room](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/prepare-him-room/) - We all know that Christmas is a great evangelistic opportunity. Yet with the gun going off to tie up work, attend all kinds of events, plan gatherings, buy gifts, and somehow still function after it all … how could I ever add evangelism into the mix? Rather than tell you simply to ‘share the gospel’, - [Taylor Comes Close](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/taylor-comes-close/) - “I don’t care what anybody says. All Swifties should get a day off on December 9. We are mourning. This is worse than any breakup ever.” So said a reel I recently sent (in jest) to my friend and fellow Swiftie. For any Taylor Swift fan, the sentiment needs no explanation. But for those who - [An interview with Jocelyn Loane](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/an-interview-with-jocelyn-loane/) - We had the chance to catch up with ACR team member Joc Loane to speak about her brand new book, Motherhood. Hello, Joc! It’s great to speak to you about your new book. For those who don’t already know you, can you tell us a bit about yourself? Sure! I was born in Tasmania but - [Win the complete set of Donald Robinson's Works!](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/win-the-complete-set-of-donald-robinsons-works-2/) - “The debt we owe to this faithful disciple and Bible teacher is truly incalculable. He taught us how to read the Bible as a whole, to understand its big picture of ‘biblical theology’ … He taught us to think about church the way the Bible speaks about church rather than to impose our traditions on the Get your hands on the complete five volumes of Donald Robinson's Works this summer... - [Hannah Blake reviews John Mark Comer's 'Practicing the Way'](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/hannah-blake-reviews-john-mark-comers-practicing-the-way/) - Recently I’ve noticed a lot of discussion surrounding John Mark Comer’s latest book Practicing the Way, and more generally around discipleship and formation. Many of us are asking questions about what it really means to follow Jesus, or to be his disciple, or to ‘apprentice’ with him. What does it actually look like for you - [Some of our favourite Christmas resources](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/our-favourite-christmas-resources/) - Some of the ACR team share their favourite resources that have helped keep their eyes on Jesus in the busy Christmas season... Steve Tong The Names of Jesus Advent Calendar is a wonderful resource that puts Christ back in the centre of Christmas! Each card gives a different biblical title for Jesus. Our kids enjoy - [Justin Welby and the Continued Erosion of the Faith in the Church of England](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/justin-welby-and-the-continued-erosion-of-the-faith-in-the-church-of-england/) - The Australian Church Record (ACR) is deeply grieved by the recent remarks made by the Archbishop of Canterbury in “The Rest is Politics” podcast episode... - [What does good strategy look like?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-does-good-strategy-look-like/) - Former management consultant Zaneta Neal encourages us in a richer conversation about good strategy in ministry. - [Christian corporate governance, statements of faith, and upholding marriage](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/christian-corporate-governance-statements-of-faith-and-upholding-marriage/) - In September 2024, the Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney will be asked to delete the personal Statement of Faith from its Corporate Governance Policy... - [The purpose of the Lord will stand](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-purpose-of-the-lord-will-stand/) - As we approach Synod 2024, we come to that time of year where Synod members consider matters affecting the order and good governance... - [Book Review: Honest Evangelism by Rico Tice](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/book-review-honest-evangelism-by-rico-tice/) - Do you find evangelism hard? Why is that the case when we have the best news to share? Here lies a common tension—we know people need to hear about Jesus... - [Mission in the 21st century: When it’s for God’s glory…and when it isn’t](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/mission-in-the-21st-century-when-its-for-gods-gloryand-when-it-isnt/) - My wife Rachel and I recently visited some CMS missionaries in South-East Asia. We met the pastor of their church–a wonderful, godly man who had just - [Evangelism in Bathurst Diocese - Sharing Jesus for life](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/evangelism-in-bathurst-diocese-sharing-jesus-for-life/) - Through the goodness of God, combined with the kindness and service of his people, the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst has experienced renewal in recent years - [Nurturing faith at school](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/sharing-jesus-in-schools-an-interview-with-maree-jones/) - Bronwyn Windsor: How long have you been teaching Scripture (Special Religious Education)? Maree Jones: I began as a young uni student in the late 70s/early... - [The agony and ecstasy of the church prayer meeting](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-agony-and-ecstasy-of-the-church-prayer-meeting/) - Desperation Please forgive two brief and tiny anecdotes which are to remind you that God is completely on top of His gospel mission. I was once telling God... - [A whirlwind interview with Rico Tice: on Chappo, the church and the gospel we preach](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-whirlwind-interview-with-rico-tice-on-chappo-the-church-and-the-gospel-we-preach/) - Rico Tice was until recently the Senior Minister for Evangelism at All Souls Langham Place in London where he served for nearly thirty years. From... - [Evangelism and garlic breath](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/evangelism-and-garlic-breath/) - Stef is a CMS missionary in Santiago, Chile with her husband Chris and three children. Raised in a Christian home, the gospel fell into place for her on... - [Local evangelism and global mission: Maintaining focus on the ends of the earth](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/local-evangelism-and-global-mission-maintaining-focus-on-the-ends-of-the-earth/) - I remember the moment clearly. For several years my wife and I had been weighing up the prospect of vocational ministry. I loved opening the Bible with... - [Who is church for?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/who-is-church-for/) - What is the purpose of church? In one important sense, church is an end in itself: we believe that church is a gathering for the believer to adore God and... - [How to get your church fired up for evangelism](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-to-get-your-church-fired-up-for-evangelism/) - Evangelism is tough. Of course, you know that already. Telling people about Jesus presents a series of challenges and difficulties for Christian people. Yet... - [Gospel seriously: The dangerous necessity of goal-driven ministry](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/gospel-seriously-the-dangerous-necessity-of-goal-driven-ministry/) - What are you aiming for in your ministry? How are you planning to reach these goals? What do you have to change to make it happen? Not just in your rhetoric, b - [For we cannot but speak…](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/for-we-cannot-but-speak/) - One of my favourite parts of the Bible is Acts chapter 4. There are many reasons to love this chapter of God’s word. For one, seeing the boldness of Peter - [The place to start with Catholics](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-place-to-start-with-catholics/) - What can you say when a Catholic in your life talks about same-sex blessings? ‘It’s all OK now dear’. Those were the words of my fiercely Catholic mother when the Pope proclaimed that it was now accep… - [Top 7 stories in 2023 (from heaven’s perspective)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/top-7-stories-in-2023-from-heavens-perspective/) - It’s the season for reflecting on the year that has been. People are compiling lists of the biggest or most momentous events of 2023. While these lists can... - [2023 WRAPPED](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/2023-wrapped/) - My social media has been full of people posting their Spotify 2023 Wrapped in the past couple of weeks. If you haven’t seen it, Spotify collates your year in - [The blood that brings peace](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-blood-that-brings-peace/) - As the Israel-Gaza war rages, with all the tragic death and suffering it entails, many pressing concerns naturally spring to our minds. Why is the situation - [Plans and prayers](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/plans-and-prayers/) - ‘Just take things one day at a time’. It’s a helpful piece of advice, but inevitably our focus does shift beyond the next 24 hours to those things further... - [Celebrating 25 years of EQUIP: Interview with Isobel Lin](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/celebrating-25-years-of-equip-interview-with-isobel-lin/) - ACR: Watching EQUIP women this year, I was struck by the centrality of God’s word in everything that happened. Your first EQUIP conference was back in 1999; what led you and others to start this minis… - [Getting the time right](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/getting-the-time-right/) - It’s awful when you get the time wrong. Missing a meeting, a party, a flight. I’ve done all those things at various points and it’s not a nice feeling! It’ - [Halloween Interview - Ian Carmichael](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/halloween-interview-ian-carmichael/) - Ian Carmichael is a publishing consultant for Matthias Media and author of the publishing company’s first Halloween-themed tract. The ACR caught up with Ian... - [My Greatest Recommendation for Kids – Best News Ever](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/my-greatest-recommendation-for-kids-best-news-ever/) - Recently, a friend was telling me about a poll they conducted among the parents at their church. One question asked about whether the parents read the Bible... - [Safety obsession](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/safety-obsession/) - 'Caution: slippery when wet' Our society is risk-averse. With our endless road signs, laws and regulations, we’ve cultivated a society that champions safety... - ['Your truth' and the true story: How the gospel of Christ transforms our decision-making](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/your-truth-and-the-true-story-how-the-gospel-of-christ-transforms-our-decision-making/) - “Whatever the cause, my memory is my memory, it does what it does, gathers and curates as it sees fit, and there’s just as much truth in what I remember and how I remember it as there is in so-called objective facts. Things like chronology and cause-and-effect are often just fables we tell ourselves about - [BOOK REVIEW: Mental Health and Your Church](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/book-review-mental-health-and-your-church/) - Struggles with mental health are a common human experience. Yet many in our congregations attest to feeling alone, ‘different’ or ill-equipped to address this.. - [Catechising - A short introduction](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/catechising-a-short-introduction/) - “Believe me, Sir, the Church of God will never preserve itself without a Catechism, for it is like the seed to keep good grain from dying out and causing it... - [A View from the Pew - Sarah Cameron](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-view-from-the-pew-sarah-cameron/) - The seventh in our series on lay synod reps… Mrs Sarah Cameron has served since 2021 as a lay representative for St Barnabas’, Fairfield with Bossley... - [A View from the Pew - Kim Windsor](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-view-from-the-pew-kim-windsor/) - Mrs Kim Windsor served on Sydney synod for St Stephen’s Kurrajong (2005-2013). Why do you serve on the synod? I stood for the Synod Rep positions because my - [A View from the Pew - Doug Marr](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-view-from-the-pew-doug-marr/) - Mr Doug Marr served on the synod for more than 40 years. Most recently, he served in an ex-officio role as Registrar of the Diocese. Before that, he was a... - [A View from the Pew - Andrew Buckley](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-view-from-the-pew-andrew-buckley/) - Mr Andrew Buckley is a lay representative. Why do you serve on the synod? I really value the opportunity to actively participate in the oversight and governance o - [The View from the Pew - Janet Austin](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-view-from-the-pew-janet-austin/) - Ms Janet Austin served on synod for many years as a lay representative for Lane Cove. Why do you serve on the synod? I was invited to consider being a Synod... - [Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/do-not-be-conformed-to-this-world-but-be-transformed/) - Paul’s warning in Romans 12 verse 2 is clear – Do not be conformed to this world. If we’re honest however, it is hard not to be! Our age is so domineering. - [Pride will destroy you, your ministry, and people around you](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/pride-will-destroy-you-your-ministry-and-people-around-you/) - You may be familiar with this famous saying, ‘Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall’. It comes from the Bible, Proverbs 16:18. We have.. - [Children of believers belong to God’s family](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/children-of-believers-belong-to-gods-family/) - May our children never know a day apart from the saving grace of Jesus. I work as a chaplain at a theological college, and I have the joy of hearing dozens... - [The big problem in Christian marriages](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-big-problem-in-christian-marriages/) - Recently my husband Ed and I read a number of secular books on marriage in preparation for a seminar we were to give together. There were plenty of gold nuggets of advice in them and some revealing insights into what makes us tick in marriage. I learnt much about communication, emotional tone and maintaining a - [A View from the Pew: Helping the Church make decisions](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/helping-the-church-make-decisions-interview-with-a-lay-rep/) - Mrs Anna Davidson of St Barnabas’, Fairfield with Bossley Park is new to the synod this year. Why do you serve on the synod? This will be my first synod... - [A View from the Pew: Lessons from Lay Members of Sydney Synod](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-view-from-the-pew-lessons-from-lay-members-of-sydney-synod/) - With Sydney synod fast approaching, it is worthwhile remembering that two-thirds of the synod are lay members. Quite apart from the numerical majority, lay - [The Alphabet Bible](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-alphabet-bible/) - When I was at uni, we read an article about memory. It argued that pen and paper, computers and smart phones have erased our reliance on memory. There are... - [The Gospel Speaks a Better Word than ‘You are Enough’](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-gospel-speaks-a-better-word-than-you-are-enough/) - In case you missed it, the Barbie movie has now taken in over $1 billion at the box office globally. I saw the film on its opening weekend, enjoyed it... - [Recommended Reading - Raising Confident Kid](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/recommended-reading-raising-confident-kid/) - I recently had a church mum approach me about a concern she has. Her daughter is in her first year of secondary school, and so is encountering new ideas about.. - [Preaching a good and powerful word](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/preaching-a-good-and-powerful-word/) - The following is an edited transcript from the Nexus 2023 Conference An uneasy relationship with the Scriptures As we start to explore what it means to tremble - [The Life of Faith - Book Review](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-life-of-faith-book-review/) - Thirty-four years ago I began as a naïve 21 year-old theological student at Moore College. Peter Jensen was the Principal and my lecturer in first year doctrine - [What I'm reading - A Smorgasbord](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-im-reading-a-smorgasbord/) - I began this year determined to read more. I’ve always liked reading, and I have plenty of books! It’s just that somehow the time that I remember having as a - [What happened a year ago today](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-happened-a-year-ago-today/) - It’s a cliché: ‘It began as an ordinary day’. But it did. And it opened a window into the ordinary extraordinariness of God’s providence. 7:57am – my husband is - [Richard Johnson](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/richard-johnson/) - One observation about the past is especially instructive for Christians of any age: faithful witness is often met with hostile opposition. It would b - [What I’d be reading right now (if it had come out before the extended version)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-id-be-reading-right-now-if-it-had-come-out-before-the-extended-version/) - You might be aware that a couple of years ago, Victoria passed laws to ban certain kinds of conversation about gender and sexual identity—and other states... - [This is the Word of the Lord](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/this-is-the-word-of-the-lord/) - Thanks be to God With great joy in his heart, a friend of mine recently shared with me about how his son became a Christian. The teenager had been reading... - [Why does God want us to work?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-does-god-want-us-to-work/) - What was the most frustrating thing about being a lawyer? It was what we in the profession call a ‘document dump’: a lawyer from the opposing side sends you... - [God’s goodness in 1 Timothy](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/gods-goodness-in-1-timothy/) - Paul’s first letter to Timothy is full of goodness. Terms for ‘good’ appear 25 times in the letter. That should lead us to expect that 1 Timothy would bring... - [A God worth trembling before](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-god-worth-trembling-before/) - We know a glorious God. A God worth trembling before. Look at the opening words of Isaiah 66: Thus says the Lord: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my... - [The law of the LORD is perfect](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-law-of-the-lord-is-perfect/) - During the lead up to the same-sex mar­riage plebiscite in 2017, I remember being surprised at the number of Christian peo­ple in my own circles who could - [Displaying God's love daily](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/displaying-gods-love-daily/) - Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that... - [Journal - Created male and female](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal-created-male-and-female/) - It is foundational to what we know of God, as the one who speaks his pow­erful word to bring all things into be­ing, and who then orders, arranges, and... - [Journal - How to preach truth yet teach falsely](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal-how-to-preach-truth-yet-teach-falsely/) - In Spurgeon’s Lectures to my Students, in ad­dressing the matter of ‘The Sermon’, Spurgeon exhorts his students ‘to give a clear testimony to all the - [What I’m Reading Right Now](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-im-reading-right-now-2/) - I came to Christianity late. In real terms, I met Jesus in God’s own time. But in terms of my temporal existence, I was already in my 30s and, as a young - [What I'm Reading Right Now](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-im-reading-right-now/) - I’m in the season of baby-wrangling: my cute little wriggly bundle has me up all hours of the night and wants me or her father physically near all hours of... - [Everyone a Child Should Know](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/everyone-a-child-should-know/) - Believe it or not, heaven will not be populated exclusively by Sydney Anglicans! And I, for one, am thankful to God for that. Because I cannot wait to sing... - [Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/wherever-you-go-i-want-you-to-know/) - I bundled my two-and-a-half year old into the car after playtime this week feeling spent. My child is exhibiting perfectly normal behaviour for a child his... - [Simplicity is Best](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/simplicity-is-best/) - I often feel like such a completely useless mother. In my mind I should be beatifically teaching my angelic children from a variety of devotions, all age - [My Greatest Recommendations for Kids - You Are Special](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/my-greatest-recommendations-for-kids-you-are-special/) - You Are Special by Max Lucado is a rare book that accomplishes two very difficult things for a children’s book: It teaches something important and profound... - [My Greatest Recommendations for Kids - Found: Psalm 23](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/my-greatest-recommendations-for-kids-found-psalm-23/) - From the people behind The Jesus Storybook Bible has come Found, a wonderful rendering of Psalm 23 for small children. With the same beautiful text set into - [Bible Time with Pre-schoolers](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/bible-time-with-pre-schoolers/) - I’m so thankful that my daughter is taught at pre-school by wonderfully experienced Christian teachers… so when a list of recommended Bible resources from... - [From the Vault: Christ in Flanders](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/from-the-vault-christ-in-flanders/) - The following piece appeared in The Church Record on April 28, 1916 (the year that Anzac Day was officially named). It looks like it has been re-published... - [Grasping the attributes of God](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/grasping-the-attributes-of-god/) - The final of our stories of brothers and sisters who have come from a South Asian background, been exposed to God’s word, have turned from darkness to light... - [More than a butler at my whim - four stories](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/more-than-a-butler-at-my-whim/) - We continue with our series of four stories of brothers and sisters who have come from a South Asian background, been exposed to God’s word, have turned from... - [Rediscovering Jesus in the Bible - four stories](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/rediscovering-jesus-in-the-bible-four-stories/) - We continue with our stories of brothers and sisters who have come from a South Asian background, been exposed to God’s word, have turned from darkness to light - [God’s good word transforming lives – four stories](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/gods-good-word-transforming-lives-four-stories/) - I’m sure that book after book could be written on the goodness of God’s word, exploring various passages and the ways in which we ought to delight in its beauty - [Do you know death?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/do-you-know-death/) - Over the past three years, it’s been sobering as the world confronts its mortality. Covid’s death toll overwhelmed hospitals, filled the morgues - [Easter: It really happened! But so what?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/easter-it-really-happened-but-so-what/) - When it comes to the resurrection of Jesus, most contemporary Christian writing has been centred on its historicity. Preaching often tends to focus on t - [What are we unable to stop speaking about?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-are-we-unable-to-stop-speaking-about/) - Every time I read Acts 4:20 I am struck by how the message about Jesus should work. As the book of Acts begins, what Peter makes clear in... - [The antidote to idolatry](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-antidote-to-idolatry/) - It’s right and proper for us to worship God. But when we think about worshipping God, we can tend to think of just a limited range of activities... - [ACR Statement on the Church of England’s Green Light to Bless Same-Sex Couples](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/acr-statement-on-the-church-of-englands-green-light-to-bless-same-sex-couples/) - The Australian Church Record laments the regrettable decision of the Church of England to pass a motion to proceed with further steps towards the blessing... - [A question of security (Ephesians 2:6–7)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-question-of-security-ephesians-26-7/) - As I write this, the world is shocked and grieving at the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. The loss of life is beyond devastating. But news stories... - [Ministry In Chile - Interview with Pato Oyarzun](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/ministry-in-chile-interview-with-pato-oyarzun/) - Having trained originally at Moore College, Pato is now the head pastor of Iglesia La Trinidad de Reñaca and leads a city movement in Viña del Mar, Chile.... - [The problem with personal Bible reading](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-problem-with-personal-bible-reading/) - Let me be clear from the start: I think personal Bible reading is of inestimable value. In fact, as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation this year, we should be all the more aware of… - [Supporting Christian mums returning to paid work](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/supporting-christian-mums-returning-to-paid-work/) - Mum guilt. It’s a term most of us are familiar with and it’s something that can permeate through lots of parenting choices, from the style of discipline a mum might opt for, even to taking time out o… - [Don’t take CMS Summer School for granted!](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/dont-take-cms-summer-school-for-granted/) - I reflect on the 2023 CMS Summer School as someone who could only make it for one day. I wish I could have attended more, but I was overseas. Yet, having landed in Sydney on the Monday of Summer Scho… - [Make 2023 the year of truly knowing Jesus](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/make-2023-the-year-of-truly-knowing-jesus/) - There is a time for everything, the Teacher of Ecclesiastes tells us. Whether it is a time for birth or for death; to plant or to uproot; to weep or to laugh; to mourn or to dance – understanding the… - [The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-thrill-of-hope-the-weary-world-rejoices/) - Well, whata year! One without a lockdown. A year that had promised to be a return to the joys of normal life… whatever ‘normal’ means... - [In the spitting image of God](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/in-the-spitting-image-of-god/) - This year on my birthday I received one of those DNA testkits – and I was so excited, I couldn’t wait to do it. I’d been wanting to do one of these for ages... - [The worst of all nightmares!](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-worst-of-all-nightmares/) - Remember this Christmas just how miserable our dark world would be without Jesus. This is why we celebrate! - [Bible Reading with Ruth Baker](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/bible-reading-with-ruth-baker/) - As a full-time worker and single mum, creating space for all manner of things seems to be the magic trick I do every day! - [The only qualification you need to speak about Jesus](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-only-qualification-you-need-to-speak-about-jesus/) - Are you qualified to talk about the message of God’s grace at Christmas time? - [HUGH LATIMER: GOSPEL PLOUGHMAN](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/hugh-latimer-gospel-ploughman/) - The preacher is one of God’s ploughmen. - [Interview - Bible Reading with the Leite Family](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/interview-bible-reading-with-the-leite-family/) - The highs and lows of reading the Bible as a family. A changing family means constant changes in the Leite's family Bible readings. Yet, it is all completely worth it! - [On the Giving of Gifts](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/on-the-giving-of-gifts/) - What should we be unwrapping this Christmas? - [Interview - Bible Reading with the Colgans](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/interview-bible-reading-with-the-colgans/) - Encouraging and real look at how to have a healthy love for God's Word with your family as you all grow up. Don't aim for perfection - aim for faithfulness. - [It’s Advent, Time to Prepare!](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/its-advent-time-to-prepare/) - Time to prepare! This Sunday marks the beginning of the season of Advent. While many of us are wrapping up our work for 2022 and wrapping up our presents for Christmas, a new season begins. In fact, a new year begins. Not a civil calendar year, but a liturgical year. For Advent is the start - [‘But God…’](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/but-god/) - One of the great privileges of my year has been the recent baptism preparation classes that a colleague and I have taken for those getting baptised earlier this month. It has been wonderful speaking with these men and women who are from different backgrounds and who have experienced very different circumstances before trusting in Jesus. - [Thinking Through Modern Day Mysticism](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/thinking-through-modern-day-mysticism/) - When I was growing up, Mum and Dad were pretty honest with me about the origin of Santa. They were also pretty clear that things like ‘lucky numbers’, the Zodiac, and other paraphernalia around fortune telling held no power, and that they weren’t to be believed. Fortune cookies were delicious, and had fun messages inside - [Family Bible Reading – Interview with the Windsors](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/family-bible-reading-interview-with-the-windsors/) - Bronwyn and Lionel, can you tell us a bit about who is in your family? And what does family Bible reading and prayer currently look like in the Windsor household? We have a young adult daughter who is about to get married, a young adult son, and a high-school-aged daughter. So currently, we are all - [Don’t Quiet Quit your Faith](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/dont-quiet-quit-your-faith/) - Quiet quitting is a phrase that rose in popularity at the beginning of this year, mainly through a viral video on TikTok. Quiet quitting is the idea that you do the bare minimum that your job requires. You don’t go above and beyond. You don’t complete any unpaid tasks and you draw strict boundaries around - [Chronics and the cross](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/chronics-and-the-cross/) - Living with chronic illness in light of the cross A theology of suffering An older Christian once told me, “if you live long enough, you will suffer”. Over the years, I have seen how true this statement is and for our young family, it has been around the area of health. As I look back, - [Lord, open the eyes of Hindus to Satya](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/lord-open-the-eyes-of-hindus-to-satya/) - Picture this scene: approximately two hundred million men, women, and children; from every religious caste; from every echelon of every society; from most of the countries across the world; all congregating at the confluence of the Ganges river, the Sarasvati river, and the Brahmaputra (Jamuna) river at Prayag (modern day Prayagraj). This jaw-dropping scene is - [Hezekiah, the early church, and learning how to live in the State of Victoria](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/hezekiah-the-early-church-and-learning-how-to-live-in-the-state-of-victoria/) - The story surrounding the new and now former Essendon football club CEO, Andrew Thorburn, has entered the fourth day. The saga continues to dominate the news with a collation of new articles and opinion pieces in the newspapers and with interviews on radio and TV. Andrew Thorburn was forced to resign from Essendon after less - [What do you want to become? (Ephesians 5:5–7)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-do-you-want-to-become-ephesians-55-7/) - What do you want to become? When you close your eyes and picture yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, what will you have become? What do you hope for, pray for, and plan for? I once wanted to become a famous architect. I designed a three-storey dream house. I built a superb 3D - [Loving Jesus exposes our hearts](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/loving-jesus-exposes-our-hearts/) - No matter how many times I read Luke’s Gospel, it always impacts me. This is because we meet Jesus as he meets with different people. Although it is a little hard to choose, I think my favourite encounter is Jesus’ interaction with the woman who was a sinner from Luke 7:36-50. There is so much - [From the vault: The Bible in the hands of the sovereign](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/from-the-vault-the-bible-in-the-hands-of-the-sovereign/) - The Royal Law By the Rev. Canon M. L. Loane, M.A., Vice-Principal of Moore College.May 28, 1953 At the Coronation of the Boy-King, Edward VI, in 1547, three swords were placed in his hands, one each to represent his right to the realms of England, Ireland, and France. But to the great surprise of the - [The gospel for the boss (Ephesians 6:9)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-gospel-for-the-boss-ephesians-69/) - I once learnt a management principle that’s so simple, and yet so profound, that it’s stuck with me for years. Authority and responsibility should always go together. Authority doesn’t exist for its own sake. If you have authority, it’s there so you can carry out certain obligations. That means you have a responsibility to carry out those obligations, - [Preaching On: 7 ways to encourage your preacher from the pew](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/preaching-on-7-ways-to-encourage-your-preacher-from-the-pew/) - In light of all that has been recently happening in the Anglican world, how can we encourage our preachers, those who pastor us and are holding to their ordination promises to shepherd the flock of God that is in their care? What we are about to share as ministry wives is perhaps un-revolutionary; indeed, all - [The Myth of the Via Media, and other Canterbury Tales – Part 4](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-myth-of-the-via-media-and-other-canterbury-tales-part-4/) - Mark continues from part 3 of his Gafcon 2022 talk. You can read the entire text here. Authentic Anglican Identity So, we have said a lot about the myth of the Via Media and the Canterbury tale of the Three-Legged Stool – perhaps too much!? But if these are neither historically grounded nor theologically desirable - [The Myth of the Via Media, and other Canterbury Tales – Part 3](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-myth-of-the-via-media-and-other-canterbury-tales-part-3/) - Mark continues from part 2 of his Gafcon 2022 talk. You can read the entire text here. Classic Confusion #2: The ‘Three-Legged-Stool’ So much for the myth of the Anglican via media. But alas, there is one more tall Canterbury tale which needs to be busted: the so-called Anglican Three-Legged Stool. This is a story - [The Myth of the Via Media, and other Canterbury Tales – Part 2](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-myth-of-the-via-media-and-other-canterbury-tales-part-2/) - Mark continues from part 1 of his Gafcon 2022 talk. You can read the entire text here. Classic Confusion #1: The ‘Via Media’ So, onto our first classic confusion about Anglican identity: the so-called Via Media. This Latin term can be translated into English as ‘middle way’, ‘middle path’, and so forth. It harks back - [The Myth of the Via Media, and other Canterbury Tales[1] – Part 1](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-myth-of-the-via-media-and-other-canterbury-tales1-part-1/) - GAFCON Australasia 2022 The Pressing Challenge of Anglican Identity “Sometimes it is called fudge … And I say, hey, I like fudge, it’s a lot better than killing each other.”[2] So said Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, on the topic of Anglican identity, in an interview during the recent Lambeth Conference a fortnight ago. Personally, - [The Myth of the Via Media, and other Canterbury Tales [1]](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-myth-of-the-via-media-and-other-canterbury-tales-1/) - GAFCON Australasia 2022 The Pressing Challenge of Anglican Identity “Sometimes it is called fudge … And I say, hey, I like fudge, it’s a lot better than killing each other.”[2] So said Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, on the topic of Anglican identity, in an interview during the recent Lambeth Conference a fortnight ago. Personally, - [The mutual ministry of the pastor and the congregation](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-mutual-ministry-of-the-pastor-and-the-congregation/) - One of the great legacies of the Reformation, 500 years ago now, was a new view of Christian ministry. More particularly, it was a new vision of the pastoral ministry of the local congregation. When we gather as God’s people, it is not as if all the important stuff is done up the front by special people (in the medieval period - [Temptations preachers face to give up on the Bible](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/temptations-preachers-face-to-give-up-on-the-bible/) - Preachers are not special. Every Christian faces temptations to sin. Preachers face the same temptations as every Christian. Like any of us, preachers are ruined through financial greed, sexual immorality, or alcohol abuse. However, there are some specific temptations preachers face concerning giving up on the Bible. Talking of ‘temptations to give up on the - [The Purpose of Preaching](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-purpose-of-preaching/) - Part of my job involves teaching people to preach. If I’ve learned one thing over the years it’s that you can’t learn to do something until you understand the goal. So I find myself asking the question, over and over again, what is the purpose of preaching? It’s a really important question. Understanding the purpose of preaching not only affects the preacher, - [Preaching On](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/preaching-on/) - If you're anything like us, you're a little fatigued (perhaps a lot fatigued) as we carry on in ministry in the wake of (as well as the ongoing onslaught of) Covid, and everything else - and perhaps it's showing. We need encouragement to keep holding to the Lord Jesus Christ and to keep pressing on! - [Stand your ground (Ephesians 6:10–13)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/stand-your-ground-ephesians-610-13/) - In the modern materialistic Western world, it’s easy to ignore the spiritual realities of life. There are just so many things to get on with and worry about: relationships, health, family, work, leisure, career, reputation, and so on. With all these concerns, it’s hard to find the time, let alone the motivation, to consider spiritual - [Some Thoughts on The Radius of Effort and Ministry](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/some-thoughts-on-the-radius-of-effort-and-ministry/) - Consider where you live, and where you work. Or study. A place of significance that you visit frequently. How long does it take to get there, using your standard method of travel? The Radius of Effort When I was in Newcastle, travel time varied depending on where work was and where I was living, but - [It’s OK to be ambitious? Yeah … nah.](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/its-ok-to-be-ambitious-yeah-nah/) - ‘It’s OK to be ambitious.’ Have you heard Christians say this? Have you said it yourself? This is the idea: Ambition—a desire to achieve a vision, to strive for excellence and great goals—is inherently a good thing. Of course, not all ambition is good. Obviously, if you’re ambitious for your own selfish or worldly ends, - [Happy 142nd birthday, ACR!](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/happy-142nd-birthday-acr/) - On the first of July, 1880 the ACR began. Its name back then was ‘The Church of England Record’. Its very first article explains its object and purpose – and it’s remarkable that (1880s language conventions notwithstanding) it’s still the ‘vibe’ of the ACR, 142 years on. Note the references to ritualism, liberalism, mission, children’s - [Evangelism Through Making Christianity Strange](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/evangelism-through-making-christianity-strange/) - The World Next Door by Rory Shiner and Peter Orr Is secularism all bad? Does it always have to mean an increasing hostility to Christianity and resistance to the gospel? Maybe not. One possibility is that it might be (at least partly) a blessing in disguise. As Perth minister Rory Shiner put it a few years back: - [Telling the truth (Ephesians 4:25)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/telling-the-truth-ephesians-425/) - Truth is becoming an increasingly rare commodity in our world. Former US President Barack Obama certainly thinks so. In a speech in July 2018 celebrating Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday, Obama took the opportunity to warn against a dire trajectory in world politics. The very idea of truth is being thrown out the window, and in its - [How to catechise a toddler, and other resources from Moore College](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-to-catechise-a-toddler-and-other-resources-from-moore-college/) - For centuries, Christians have used catechisms to teach the truths of the Scriptures to children. Indeed, in the Anglican Church, one of the biggest responsibilities of the ‘catechist’, often a theological student (what we now tend to call the ‘student minister’) was to catechise the teenagers to get them ready for confirmation. But we don’t - [Paul the Apostle does children's ministry (Ephesians 6:1–3)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/paul-the-apostle-does-childrens-ministry-ephesians-61-3/) - Children’s ministry is exceptionally important. I can vouch for that first-hand. I first came to know Christ when I was a child, through the ministry of volunteers who taught the Bible in my school. As I’ve served on various ministry teams, I’ve had the joy of sharing the Bible with children. I’ve also had the - [Pleasure (and Power and Pride)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/pleasure-and-power-and-pride/) - In my last two articles, I wrote about Pride and Power and my aim in each was to warn us of the danger of shielding ourselves from the God who is Love. I argued that Pride turns us away from our Creator so that the reality of our smallness and dependence is not exposed; I - [Are we ready?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/are-we-ready/) - During a time of door knocking around the streets of Auburn, I met S. He and his family had moved from Maharashtra relatively recently. He was keen to chat about God, but our conversation very quickly revealed his lack of assurance. S’s acts of ‘spiritual’ worship fell on the deaf ears of idols that meant - [Being Who You Are: Considerations for Contemporary Dilemmas](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/being-who-you-are-considerations-for-contemporary-dilemmas/) - In my last article, I outlined the four biblical lenses necessary to answer the question “Who am I?” Putting these four lenses together, I hope now to draw out four implications particularly relevant for our present time. 1. The Contemporary Identity Obsession: The Logic of Autonomy As we’ve seen, our society is obsessed with the - [No Mere Mortals: Understanding Myself through Biblical Lenses](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/no-mere-mortals-understanding-myself-through-biblical-lenses/) - In my first article in this series, I showed some different approaches taken in response to the contemporary question, Have I the right to be who I am? The deep question, however, is the older question: Who am I? In this article I will outline the four biblical lenses necessary to make sense of who - [Have I the Right to Be Who I Am?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/have-i-the-right-to-be-who-i-am/) - This article is adapted from a talk given by Rob at the Mother’s Union Sydney Conference, ‘For Such a Time as This’, held at St Andrew’s Cathedral in February 2022. This article is the first in a three-part series. My wife and I enjoy watching the documentary series, Who Do You Think You Are? In - [Confronting the Lord Almighty](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/confronting-the-lord-almighty/) - Media coverage and advertising everywhere will tell you confidently that the god of this age is Autonomy. Of course, autonomy is not new to this age. We can trace the declaration of autonomy throughout humankind’s history in the pages of Scripture, from many thousands of years ago. But humankind’s experience is that this autonomy has - [The Transcendent Queen](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-transcendent-queen/) - I’ve never met the Queen myself, and am very unlikely to do so now, but I love to hear stories from those who have met her personally. So much so, that I actually remember once feeling quite breathtaken when my mum casually mentioned that she’d Scottish Country Danced with the Queen at a ceilidh at - [The anatomy of an Anglican service: Why Do We Sing Together?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-anatomy-of-an-anglican-service-why-do-we-sing-together/) - People from all four corners of the earth love to sing. Some of us are better at it than others, but needing to be good at it doesn’t stop my friend James[1] from singing loudly and off-key! But why do we sing? And why do we sing in church? I want to share four reasons - [The anatomy of an Anglican service: More than an MC](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-anatomy-of-an-anglican-service-more-than-an-mc/) - The most important service? Let the word of Christ dwell among you richly, said Paul to the church in Colossae. Christians who gather, he goes on, should teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in our hearts to God. The chapel service, just like the - [The anatomy of an Anglican service: Why do we pray together?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-do-we-pray-together/) - Someone once asked Charles Spurgeon, the prince of preachers, “What’s more important, Bible reading or prayer?”Spurgeon replied, “What’s more important, breathing in or breathing out?” Scripture along with prayer are essential to the life of the Christian. If the God of the universe speaks to us by his word, the Scriptures – we speak to - [The anatomy of an Anglican service: Why do we say things together?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-anatomy-of-an-anglican-service-why-do-we-say-things-together/) - We often spend part of our time together saying things out loud in a communal way, whether that be creeds, confessions, thanksgivings or psalms. Perhaps this is something that you’ve always done in church, or maybe this is a new and unusual thing for you. Whatever your background, it’s helpful to think about why we - [The anatomy of an Anglican service: Introduction](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-anatomy-of-an-anglican-service-introduction/) - Today we begin a new series of five articles on the elements that make up an Anglican service. These pieces by the Moore College student orientation team were developed in 2022 to help new students understand the theological logic behind the Anglican services – based on the Book of Common Prayer – that are followed - [Prayer for General Synod](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/prayer-for-general-synod/) - AAPB For a Synod God our Father, you judge your people with wisdom and rule us with love. Give a spirit of understanding to the General Synod of our Church that it may make wise decisions that will give glory to you and be a blessing to your people. Grant this through our Lord Jesus - [The Mothers of Mother's Day](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-mothers-of-mothers-day/) - The mother was called Ann Maria Jarvis and the daughter was Anna Marie Jarvis. They are not household names today, but their lives have affected us all. Mrs Ann Jarvis (1830-1905) was the daughter of a Methodist minister who married the son of a Baptist pastor. Throughout her life she was an energetic Christian in - [The Line in the Sand Author Interview: Mark Thompson](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/lits-mark-thompson/) - The following is an interview with an author in a newly published book, The Line in the Sand. This book is a joint initiative of the Australian Church Record and the Anglican Church League. The book is available for download here: https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/lits The audio of the interview is available on the ACL website: https://acl.asn.au/lits-mark-thompson Welcome - [The Line in the Sand Author Interview: Michael Stead](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/lits-michael-stead/) - The following is an interview with an author in a newly published book, The Line in the Sand. This book is a joint initiative of the Australian Church Record and the Anglican Church League. The book is available for download here: https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/lits The audio of the interview is available on the ACL website: https://acl.asn.au/lits-michael-stead Welcome - [The Line in the Sand: The Appellate Tribunal Opinion and the Future of the Anglican Church in Australia](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/lits/) - The COVID-19 pandemic has put many important aspects of life on hold and, at the time of publication, is not yet behind us. The toll has been heavy. The pandemic has also prevented us from gathering as the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia in 2021, and so, until now, we have been - [The Line in the Sand Author Interview: Glenn Davies](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/lits-glenn-davies/) - The following is an interview with an author in a newly published book, The Line in the Sand. This book is a joint initiative of the Australian Church Record and the Anglican Church League. The book is available for download here: https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/lits The audio of the interview is available on the ACL website: http://www.acl.asn.au/lits-glenn-davies Welcome - [The Line in the Sand Author Interview: Claire Smith](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/lits-claire-smith/) - The following is an interview with an author in a newly published book, The Line in the Sand. This book is a joint initiative of the Australian Church Record and the Anglican Church League. The book is available for download here: https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/lits The audio of the interview is available on the ACL website: https://acl.asn.au/lits-claire-smith Welcome - [Are you wise in relation to King Jesus?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/are-you-wise-in-relation-to-king-jesus/) - It is easy to be a little bit apathetic at Easter. It is a holiday, family commitments pile up, laughter and joy with friends can often be the focus. It is easy to meet church family on Easter Day with a smile and the familiar greeting and response, ‘Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!’ - [The washup from lockdown: What can we pray for our churches?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-washup-from-lockdown-what-can-we-pray-for-our-churches-14/) - We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third - [The washup from lockdown: What can we pray for our churches?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-washup-from-lockdown-what-can-we-pray-for-our-churches-13/) - We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third - [The washup from lockdown: What can we pray for our churches?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-washup-from-lockdown-what-can-we-pray-for-our-churches-12/) - We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third - [The washup from lockdown: What can we pray for our churches?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-washup-from-lockdown-what-can-we-pray-for-our-churches-11/) - We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third - [Preparing for Easter with our Children](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/preparing-for-easter-with-our-children/) - If Father Christmas and the Easter Bunny were both on Instagram, I’m pretty sure we can all guess who would have the biggest following! Easter is so easily dwarfed in our annual calendars by the tinsel and trimmings of Christmas. Yet as Christians we know that Easter is no less important—“we believe that Jesus died - [The washup from lockdown: What can we pray for our churches?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-washup-from-lockdown-what-can-we-pray-for-our-churches-10/) - We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third - [The washup from lockdown: What can we pray for our churches?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-washup-from-lockdown-what-can-we-pray-for-our-churches-9/) - We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third - [The washup from lockdown: What can we pray for our churches?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-washup-from-lockdown-what-can-we-pray-for-our-churches-8/) - We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third - [The washup from lockdown: What can we pray for our churches?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-washup-from-lockdown-what-can-we-pray-for-our-churches-7/) - We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third - [The washup from lockdown: What can we pray for our churches?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-washup-from-lockdown-what-can-we-pray-for-our-churches-6/) - We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third - [The washup from lockdown: What can we pray for our churches?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-washup-from-lockdown-what-can-we-pray-for-our-churches-5/) - We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third - [The washup from lockdown: What can we pray for our churches?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-washup-from-lockdown-what-can-we-pray-for-our-churches-4/) - We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third - [Remembering Martin Bucer](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/remembering-martin-bucer-2/) - On the right-hand side of the chancel floor of Great St Mary’s Church, in the centre of Cambridge, lies a small brass plaque. The Latin inscription, its obscure location and small size do not make it a very accessible tourist attraction. However, as X marks the spot for pirates’ treasure, so this plaque commemorates one - [The washup from lockdown: What can we pray for our churches?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-washup-from-lockdown-what-can-we-pray-for-our-churches-3/) - We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third - [The washup from lockdown: What can we pray for churches?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-washup-from-lockdown-what-can-we-pray-for-churches/) - We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third - [The washup from lockdown: What can we pray for our churches?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-washup-from-lockdown-what-can-we-pray-for-our-churches-2/) - We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third - [The washup from lockdown: What can we pray for our churches?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-washup-from-lockdown-what-can-we-pray-for-our-churches/) - We don’t need to talk to too many church pastors to see that the last two years have been extraordinarily difficult. Of course, there have also been many blessings – and we know that God is always at work for his glory and the good of his people. So as our churches begin their third - [Grace and anger (Ephesians 4:26–27)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/grace-and-anger-ephesians-426-27/) - Anger is more common that we usually like to admit. There’s anger in our world, and there’s anger in our own hearts. Anger exists because things are wrong. And there’s a lot of things that are wrong, both in the world and in our hearts. Sometimes we’re angry on behalf of other people who have - [Three Lessons From Church History](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/three-lessons-from-church-history/) - Church History is a goldmine. Maybe this is something you’ve suspected, maybe it’s something you’ve known, maybe it’s something you’ve never been sure of but getting into it sounds intimidating. Maybe the most you’ve heard of Church History is something about a Council of Nicaea and that the Reformation was one part Luther-the-monk-nailing-his-problems-with-the-Roman-Catholic-Church-to-a-door and one - [How the Black Summer of 2019/2020 prepared me for the pandemic](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-the-black-summer-of-2019-2020-prepared-me-for-the-pandemic/) - It was October, November, and I was anxious. I was trying to do several things at the same time – plan my move to Sydney for College, finish up a ministry apprenticeship, hand over my ministry responsibilities and begin to think about saying goodbye well, and several times an hour, I’d open the Fires Near - [Pray in context](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/pray-in-context/) - How would you describe the times that we are currently living in? Is 2022 a time of great progress and prosperity, where we are both wealthier than any other time in history but also more secure? Perhaps this is the case for some in Sydney, but we know it’s not the case for everyone. For - [Most popular ACR articles of 2021](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/most-popular-acr-articles-of-2021/) - In case you missed it, here are the most popular articles from each month of 2021! Click on any month below to read the article: - [Why attend CMS Summer School this year? A chat with Dr Andrew Shead on the Psalms](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-attend-cms-summer-school-this-year-a-chat-with-dr-andrew-shead-on-the-psalms/) - It speaks volumes that the most popular conference for Sydney Anglican clergy to network with each other (not forgetting the many others who also attend!) is a missionary conference. The good news of forgiveness in Jesus Christ is for the whole world, and right now our world needs to hear of Jesus just as much - [New Year's Resolution: focus on the now](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/new-years-resolution-focus-on-the-now/) - I was recently reflecting on the initial results released after the 2021 Australian Community Survey[1] regarding what Christians think and know about Jesus and church. Already these things should cause us to come to God in prayer. On the one hand, there are so many signs that the spiritual health of Australian mainstream society is - [The easiest conspiracy theory to debunk this Christmas](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-easiest-conspiracy-theory-to-debunk-this-christmas/) - Are you feeling a bit apprehensive about your conversations with family and friends this Christmas? The restrictions and lockdowns of the last few years have helped to keep us safe physically, but they’ve also played a role in dividing us socially. The combination of physical isolation, fears for safety, and the overwhelming stream of digital - [Coming together at Christmas time](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/coming-together-at-christmas-time/) - In my household, a tradition that has occurred each year is that we put up decorations around the house and the Christmas tree together. First comes the task of collecting all the decorations from around the house and laying them out as a reminder of what we have and then, venturing up into the attic - [#blessed in giving rather than receiving](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/blessed-in-giving-rather-than-receiving/) - Have you noticed people using the hashtag #blessed when they receive or have something enjoyable? I’ve never yet come across anyone who has used that hashtag when they have given something away sacrificially until it hurts. But surely, that would be a more blessed state, wouldn’t it? After all, Jesus says, ‘it is more blessed - [Hoping Christmas is Good News](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/hoping-christmas-is-good-news-2/) - The decorations at the shopping malls tell us that Christmas is just around the corner. We are about to begin again the round of carol Services and Nativity plays. The Christmas card list is dusted off for another year and, in my case, I scan to see if any of my friends who appear there - [God: Beyond us – and with us (Ephesians 3:20–21)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/god-beyond-us-and-with-us-ephesians-320-21/) - Christmas Day was almost here. Izzy LaPeruta, aged 7, of New Jersey, USA, was in her living room, near the Christmas tree, playing with a ball. In one terrible moment, the ball flew too close to the tree and knocked it. Tumbling down to the floor came a little doll: an “Elf on the Shelf”. - [How can we avoid conflicts?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-can-we-avoid-conflicts/) - I grew up in a family where we avoided conflicts. If we were unhappy, we would keep it to ourselves. If we were to bring anything up, it would be done in an indirect way. If the conflict reached a crisis point, either people would walk away and not let anyone know or burst out - [What to expect at the 2022 P&A Annual Conference: An interview with Director Jane Tooher](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-to-expect-at-the-2022-pa-annual-conference-an-interview-with-director-jane-tooher/) - ACR: Thank you Jane for taking the time to answer our questions! Firstly, who is the conference for? The P&A conference is aimed primarily at women and men in vocational ministry, but other Christians are most welcome to attend, and do come each year. The annual conference in 2022 is on 31 January, 8.30am-5pm. ACR: - [Giving Advent a Go with the Kids](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/giving-advent-a-go-with-the-kids/) - Until recently I hadn’t thought much about Advent or preparing our family for Christmas. A few years ago we realised this would be our first Christmas with a child who could actually understand what was going on. So, we wanted to think more about creating fun, meaningful and faith-filled memories by introducing some family traditions. - [Why I celebrate Christmas](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-i-celebrate-christmas/) - Christmas was never a thing in my childhood. Growing up in a small town in Jilin Province, Northeast China, Christmas was not part of our yearly celebration. I was only introduced to Christmas through vague references in Western movies. From these movies, I learnt that Christmas was all about Santa, gifts and Christmas melodies. When - [The glory of the incarnation](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-glory-of-the-incarnation/) - As we approach this Christmas season, with the backdrop of a pandemic that has ravaged many people and communities, we ought to stop and ponder afresh the glory of the incarnation. With people in churches, and those we meet who are caught up with the ‘spirit of the Christmas season’, we often neglect to see - [Reflections on Advent with Amy Kuhn](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/reflections-on-advent-with-amy-kuhn/) - Amy, thanks for sharing with the ACR on the topic of Advent. Why do you consider this an important season to mark in our homes as well as our churches? Advent serves as a reminder to us and those around us of our Saviour’s birth, without which we would not have the hope and security - [Learning the habit of Advent](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/learning-the-habit-of-advent/) - “Will you be closer to Christ because of this Christmas, or further away? Will your heart be softer to him or more callous? Will more fog lie between your eyes and his face, or will you see him with greater clarity and savour him with greater fervour?”[1] I read these words on 17 December last - [How I came to know Jesus – Annabel Nixey](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-i-came-to-know-jesus-annabel-nixey/) - It is a strange thing: I don’t remember meeting any of the people who have most shaped me in my life. Either that or they don’t remember meeting me. I don’t remember meeting my mum, my dad or my older sisters. That’s true for most people, I presume! My husband doesn’t remember meeting me (as - [Is the world evil?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/is-the-world-evil/) - Christians think differently about physical bodies to many other cultures and philosophies. We see this played out in Paul’s interaction at the Areopagus (Acts 17), as well as nowadays with our Hindu friends, for example. In many traditions and religions, people aim for some form of escape from this world to a transcendent, purely ‘spiritual’ - [So here's the plan (Ephesians 1:8–10)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/so-heres-the-plan-ephesians-18-10/) - In almost every area of our lives, things work best when we know the plan. Whether it’s personal relationships, or study, or work, or holidays, or sport, or even going for a walk, it really helps to know what the point is and how we’re going to get there. In some areas of life, we - [How I came to know Jesus – Jane Tooher](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-i-came-to-know-jesus-jane-tooher/) - 1. How would you describe your life before you knew Jesus? I cannot remember a time when I did not believe in God. I grew up going to church every week; I thought it was important, and I loved going. But despite all this, I had no assurance of salvation. Sometimes I thought I was - [Bringing people back to church: A pastor's word](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/bringing-people-back-to-church-a-pastors-word/) - In one of our congregations, we recently conducted an online poll of the challenges people are facing as we head towards re-opening church. One of the most commonly identified challenges was learning to manage our fears and anxieties as we step back into meeting in person. Fear and anxiety are tricky. Most of the time, - [Have we domesticated service?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/have-we-domesticated-service-2/) - A few times every year in our church we have ‘welcome suppers’ for people who are new to our church. During those times we talk about the things that define us and invite people to come on board. On each occasion we open up various passages of Scripture to talk about different aspects of church - [How I came to know Jesus – Netane Siuhengalu](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-i-came-to-know-jesus-netane-siuhengalu/) - How does a pastor’s kid come to truly know Jesus? The same way as everyone else: an encounter with grace. I was born in Sydney, Australia, raised in England and am Tongan by ethnicity. All of this movement was due to dad being a Methodist minister who was trained in Australia, worked in Tonga and - [The danger of FOMO](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-danger-of-fomo/) - One of the temptations that I think we as Christians face, more than we would like to admit, is the chasing after the things of this world for a fear of missing out. We ponder whether the denying ourselves of worldly pleasures might just be a foolish pursuit of flagellation and penance rather than living - [A robust view of sin](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-robust-view-of-sin/) - Having a robust view of sin helps us It was a Monday morning – time for training with the ministry apprentices. We were encouraged to bring ministry-based questions to the table; we’d pick one from the pot, and then the staff member leading us would walk us through the principles necessary to navigate the question. - [How I came to know Jesus – Lionel Windsor](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-i-came-to-know-jesus-lionel-windsor/) - I grew up in the rural-urban fringe of Sydney, in an atheist family. But I had the great privilege to hear about God through SRE Scripture teachers. These wonderful people from local churches came into our primary school each week to teach us from the Bible. I asked my parents for a children’s Bible and, - [How I came to know Jesus – Mike Leite](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-i-came-to-know-jesus-mike-leite/) - The story of God’s grace and mercy in bringing me to faith in Jesus is very ordinary. Ordinary in the sense that mine is not a spectacular conversion story. God used ordinary means. He used ordinary people. And thus, mine is an ordinary story. And yet, every work of God in a person’s heart to - [The home revolution](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-home-revolution/) - There’s no place like home. I wonder, has the meaning of this cliché changed over the past year? As we’ve had to face strict stay-at-home orders yet again, we’ve been confronted with the reality of life at home. For many of us, this has not meant attaining the mythical work-life balance but, instead, more stress, - [Starving your belly thoughts](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/starving-your-belly-thoughts/) - Reflections from John 6 for today When the crowds followed Jesus in John 6, they weren’t pursuing life, they were pursuing bread. Jesus challenged them to change their priorities. They needed to stop thinking materially and start thinking spiritually. Their material thinking – what I like to call ‘belly thoughts’ – were denying them a - [How I came to know Jesus – Ruth Baker](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-i-came-to-know-jesus-ruth-baker/) - Memories can feel like a series of hazy vignettes—snippets of people, places, conversations and feelings. In my case, it’s a two-up-two-down in the north of England and playing with the other kids in the street. A gap year in Ireland, goat herding and searching for meaning. University in Glasgow and trying to find my spiritual - [Jesus, Freedom and Authority in Lockdown Part 4: God's mediator](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/jesus-freedom-and-authority-in-lockdown-part-4-gods-mediator/) - This is the final part of a 4-part series looking at issues of freedom and authority from 1 Timothy 2:1–7 (read part 1, part 2, and part 3). This passage teaches us a theology of God and humanity, and so it teaches us to live as humans among humans and human authorities. In the previous - [How I came to know Jesus – Kirsten McKinlay](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-i-came-to-know-jesus-kirsten-mckinlay/) - How would you describe your life before you knew Jesus? My wonderful mum took me to church as a child – perhaps, she might say now, out of a sense of it being the right thing to do, since I had been baptised as a baby. I don’t think she expected church to take hold - [Jesus, Freedom and Authority in Lockdown Part 3: God's salvation](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/jesus-freedom-and-authority-in-lockdown-part-3-gods-salvation/) - This is Part 3 of a 4-part series looking at issues of freedom and authority from 1 Timothy 2:1–7 (read part 1 and part 2). This passage teaches about God and humanity, and so it teaches us to live as humans among humans and human authorities. We’ve already seen from 1 Timothy 2:1–2 that God - [How I came to know Jesus – Scott Newling](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-i-came-to-know-jesus-scott-newling/) - I do not know when God called me to salvation, and I am content with that because, whenever it was, my election has always been certain and sure. So the when of my calling is not so important to me: the fact of it is everything. Nevertheless, in God’s providence, the people of St John’s - [Jesus, Freedom and Authority in Lockdown Part 2: God's rule](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/jesus-freedom-and-authority-in-lockdown-part-2-gods-rule/) - This is Part 2 of a 4-part series looking at issues of freedom and authority from 1 Timothy 2:1–7 (read part 1). This passage teaches us about God and humanity, and so it teaches us to live as humans among humans and human authorities. The first thing that we need to know is that God - [How I came to know Jesus – Pip Taylor](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-i-came-to-know-jesus-pip-taylor/) - When I was 7, my parents divorced and had to sell our family home. As a child, I spent a lot of time asking my mum the value of that home so I could work out if I had enough money to buy it back. As an adult who now owns just 20 per cent - [Marriage lessons in the present distress: Pastoral reflection](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/marriage-lessons-in-the-present-distress-pastoral-reflection/) - The postponement of marriage ceremonies hurts acutely during this pandemic, not only because of the goodness of what is being withheld, but also the length of time and preparation most couples put in for the day. This was certainly the case with my friend and brother in Christ, M. Coming from India and in keeping - [Present Distresses and Wedding Dresses](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/present-distresses-and-wedding-dresses/) - This is part one of a two-part series on what 1 Corinthians 7 teaches us in light of the current Covid restrictions on weddings. The seventh chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is full of all sorts of brain-stretching moments. Sitting right up near the top of its ‘vexing verses list’ surely has - [Jesus, Freedom and Authority in Lockdown Part 1: Prayer](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/jesus-freedom-and-authority-in-lockdown-part-1-prayer/) - Tensions are very high in our community at the moment. I’m writing from Sydney, in extended Covid-19 lockdown, not long after the illegal Anti-Lockdown protest of 23 July 2021, which started just near my home. The protesters were expressing a fear and anger that’s clearly present amongst many. They were wrong to express it in - [How I came to know Jesus – Ben George](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-i-came-to-know-jesus-ben-george/) - How would you describe your life before you knew Jesus? In one sense there was not really a time before I knew of Jesus and understood that he was important to my life and my relationship with God. My family has a cultural heritage from Kerala, South India. We grew up in a traditional Indian - [Messy Prayers](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/messy-prayers/) - What is your prayer life like? Are there times when you feel like it’s easier or harder to pray to God? Perhaps you know the feeling of wanting to pray about something, but working out where or how to start is like finding the start of a roll of tape, or untangling a huge knot. - [Spiritual CBT](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/spiritual-cbt/) - We’re often encouraged in our culture to speak ‘your truth’. Apparently, it’s no longer enough to just speak the truth – the truth is now highly personal! And as well as being personal, your truth can even change or develop over time… in fact it can be as changeable as you like and no one - [Thinking things through biblically as a layperson: An interview with Alison Barratt](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/thinking-things-through-biblically-as-a-layperson-an-interview-with-alison-barratt/) - What does your ministry role currently look like? I work at a church in the North East of England and my role currently involves working primarily with women and children. I took over responsibility for the children’s work just as Covid hit us (previously I had been doing women’s ministry), so I’m not sure I - [A word from Jeremiah... "Idolatry is for idiots!"](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-word-from-jeremiah-idolatry-is-for-idiots/) - As God’s people, we’re in a battle to put sin to death and live a holy life. Of course, growth in godliness is God’s work in us by his Spirit. But we’ve got a role to play as well. What ‘self-talk’ do you use in the thick of battle? Perhaps you say… “I want to - [Answered prayers in Uruguay](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/answered-prayers-in-uruguay/) - In a previous article, we talked about how much we aged during our first six months as missionaries in Uruguay! They were difficult months, especially having to contend with the effects of Covid19 just six weeks after we arrived. Looking back, the shut down of our son’s school in March 2020 was the straw that - [Advance Australia Where?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/advance-australia-where/) - This article was written for the ACR Journal in the lead-up to the archiepiscopal election of the Diocese of Sydney in 2021. Thus the context is prior to the successful election of Abp Kanishka Raffel and needs to be understood in that chronological context. The Anglican Church of Australia The creature we know as the - [Open your eyes to reality](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/open-your-eyes-to-reality/) - I have recently been looking at 1 & 2 Kings. There are so many nuggets there that have warmed my heart as I’ve seen God’s faithfulness in taking care of his people, but I just can’t look past the recorded interaction between the prophet Elisha and his servant (2 Kgs 6:8-17). This little episode, in - [Sing a Song of Judgement](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/sing-a-song-of-judgement/) - When did you last sing a song about God’s judgement in church? A few years ago I introduced a new song at my church. It was a new arrangement of John Newton’s ‘Day of Judgement! Day of Wonders!’. I was a little worried about how it might be received. Why? Because it’s about the horror - [The Importance of Children's and Youth Ministry](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-importance-of-childrens-and-youth-ministry/) - It is no surprise to ACR readers that Australia is radically and rapidly changing as a nation. Whether or not it is accurate to describe the initial colonies or federated states as a “Christian” nation, it is abundantly clear that as we enter the third decade of the 21st Century, Australia is increasingly a post-Christian - [A regular diet of Scripture](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-regular-diet-of-scripture/) - Although it shouldn’t surprise us, hearing the word of God regularly can be surprisingly helpful as we navigate life, mid-2021 included. The frustration of another lockdown, separation from loved ones, the monotonous grind of working life, the fracturing of relationships, the sluggishness and mediocrity we feel as we struggle through online work, online school and - [The Election of Archbishop Mowll: A Decision with Consequence](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-election-of-archbishop-mowll-a-decision-with-consequence/) - The Conservative Evangelicalism which permeates the diocese of Sydney today has not always characterised the diocesan leadership. Although Sydney may always have had an Evangelical flavour, in the early 20th century the leadership of the diocese represented a more liberal emphasis. The election of H.W.K. Mowll as Archbishop (1933-1958) changed the trajectory of the diocese - [Where to go when faith feels dry: Interview with Susan An](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/where-to-go-when-faith-feels-dry-interview-with-susan-an/) - When do you notice this sense of ‘dry faith’ happening, in you or perhaps in others? I notice it happening when people have been ‘comfortable’ for a long time. As in, there’s nothing dramatically going wrong, or spectacularly well either. Like I’m in ‘cruise control.’ Also when church or connect group has become just a - [The Importance of Mission to the Nations](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-importance-of-mission-to-the-nations/) - Famous last words. We are often curious to know what the last words were for a person that was meaningful to us. There is something deeply revealing about who they were, what their values were and what they were thinking about in their last moments. Leonardo Da Vinci was thought to have said, “I have - [The Importance of Complementarianism](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-importance-of-complementarianism/) - I was asked recently about the role of women at my church. This is a topic I love to speak about and I am always excited to list off the many ways that women serve. As an example, last Sunday we had women leading music, praying, reading the Bible, teaching kids’ church, and leading an - [Practical principles for kids' ministry](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/practical-principles-for-kids-ministry/) - A danger in children’s ministry is that it becomes disconnected: children are disconnected from ministry to adults on Sundays and Sundays are disconnected from any wider ministry during the week. Here are a few key ways to help a children’s ministry grow to be an integrated family ministry. 1. Train parents to raise their children - [Theological principles for kids' ministry](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/theological-principles-for-kids-ministry/) - Right thinking fuels right practice. Having set the vision in part 1 of this series, here are 5 theological principles to help lay the foundation for a family ministry in your church. They may not be new, but they are fundamental. 1. Children need the gospel “Surely I was sinful at birth”,writes David, “sinful from the - [I'm not passionate about kids' ministry – but it still matters (Part 1)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/im-not-passionate-about-kids-ministry-but-it-still-matters-part-1/) - Kids’ ministry is not my passion. At a kids’ ministry conference a few years ago, I sat in a group as each person shared introductions. “Hi, I’m Sheryl and I’m passionate about kids’ ministry…” “Hi, I’m Michael and I’m passionate about kids’ ministry…” After several similar greetings, I decided to make a point. When my - [If God is against us, what can we do?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/if-god-is-against-us-what-can-we-do/) - A few times in the last few weeks I have been asked to speak at prayer evenings for India and the Asian subcontinent as they are in the throes of the devastating second wave of Covid. My preparation for speaking at these prayer evenings has been a great encouragement to me, as I have drunk - [The Importance of Fellowship](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-importance-of-fellowship/) - In Sydney, our evangelical theology is one where we treasure the local parish and congregation. This is an absolutely right thing to do at a scriptural level but we need to recognise that there is also a bigger fellowship that occurs between like-minded people. So, one of the things that the diocese has been, really - [The Importance of the Gospel](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-importance-of-the-gospel/) - Where would you be without the gospel? I shudder to think of where my life would have headed without it, and it horrifies me to hypothesise about a future without it. Wonderfully, I am not weighed down by such thoughts. For I love to remember when I came under the sound of the gospel, and - [Reflections on a Year in Lockdown – with Alice Brown](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/reflections-on-a-year-in-lockdown-with-alice-brown/) - There is something very confronting about marking a whole year of lockdown! The past twelve months have turned our world upside down in so many ways and here in the UK it has often felt like we have slipped into the pages of a dystopian novel: streets emptied, schools closed and daily updates on case - [What I pray for my kids – with Jocelyn Loane](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-i-pray-for-my-kids-with-jocelyn-loane/) - I am fully convinced of the need to pray for my children and the children I know. I’m sure if you’ve taken the time to read this article then you are too. We pray because we know God is sovereign over all things, that he is good in all he does and that he is - [Thank God for the things that upset you](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/thank-god-for-the-things-that-upset-you/) - It was 2016 – a Tuesday night, at Bible study. I’d spent the last ten minutes of casual conversation complaining to one of my group members about something – I can’t remember what it was. And then my co-leader asked me to say grace for us. I thanked God for Tuesdays, for the meal, for - [Waves of frustration: Following Jesus in mid-pandemic Europe](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/waves-of-frustration-following-jesus-in-mid-pandemic-europe/) - “Does it seem like too much to ask Ale and Maria if we can see them this weekend?” I asked Simon a couple of months ago. After all, we had seen them only the week before, but for the first time in months. Hearing my own question, I wanted to cry, but it really did - [What I pray for my kids – with Annabel Nixey](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-i-pray-for-my-kids-with-annabel-nixey/) - I have a distinct memory from when I was in high school. I was sitting in the car, about to jump out and my mum was praying for some test or exam I had that day. I don’t remember what the test was. I don’t remember what she prayed. I remember how she prayed. Listening - [The age-old problem of pluralism](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-age-old-problem-of-pluralism/) - I was watching the recent episode of the ABC’s Q&A which featured Martyn Iles from the Australian Christian Lobby. One of the pushbacks to Martyn’s comments was “that’s not what all Christians think.” There was a presupposition amongst those opposing Iles that even for a Christian, the individual’s determination of right and wrong is sacrosanct, - [Autumn 2021 Journal](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/autumn-2021-journal/) - Not everything can be said in a short blog piece. This is where The ACR Journal comes in. Some issues are complex and are best dealt with in more detail. In our journal you’ll find lengthy discussions on relevant and current theological matters within evangelicalism. The Archbishop's ElectionACR Editorial Team Prayer for our Archbishop's electionMichael - [What I pray for my kids – with Ruth Baker](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-i-pray-for-my-kids-with-ruth-baker/) - I have a Christopher Robin and a Tigger. My eldest son is mild, kind and wise. My younger son bounces around and never stops. I thank God for them daily, even when one is being the Minister for Justice and the other is being a crazy stuntman. Among the mess, chaos and noise, when the - [This unity (Ephesians 4:2–3)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/this-unity-ephesians-42-3/) - In the classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the King of Swamp Castle issues an appeal for unity. The King is in the middle of holding a wedding for his son. Sir Lancelot has just turned up, stormed the castle in a mistaken rescue mission, and—being a little overzealous with his heroic gusto—ended up - [Where I go when faith feels dry](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/where-i-go-when-faith-feels-dry/) - I don’t always see it coming. But some days just creep up on me where I know my faith feels lacking. Not absent—just sucked of its life. Dry, dusty, like Miss Havisham’s dining room. Sometimes it happens when I’ve let life get in the way: work, parenting and life-admin have taken centre stage while the - [Freedom and faith: Scotland's lockdown](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/freedom-and-faith-scotlands-lockdown/) - This has been a difficult year for Christians in Scotland, but one in which our convictions have been sharpened, our unity stretched, and the historic constitutional settlement in which we worship called into question. Our family moved from Sydney to Scotland in August 2018 so that I could complete a PhD in Systematic Theology at - [Christ’s body: A brief history (Ephesians 4:11–13)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/christs-body-a-brief-history-ephesians-411-13/) - Are you a Roman? That is, are you the kind of person who really cares about organisation, strategy, pragmatics, and getting things done? The Roman Empire was famous for those things. And so the Romans ruled the world (or at least the Mediterranean world). In a very real sense, ‘Romans’ today—I’m now using the word - [Stories from Moore College Mission 2021: learning and partnership](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/stories-from-moore-college-mission-2021-learning-and-partnership/) - “I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:1-2). As King David pens this psalm, he both remembers the steadfast love of the Lord in the - [Prayer: What are we actually doing? (Ephesians 1:15–16)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/prayer-what-are-we-actually-doing-ephesians-115-16/) - “A Muslim, a Jew and an Anglican Minister walk into a classroom”. This was the advertising blurb for a local Community College seminar I participated in a few years ago. I joined a Muslim educator and a Jewish academic (who is also a friend of mine) to give a series of presentations on different aspects - [Unprecedented times?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/unprecedented-times/) - About 10 years ago I was in the north of Nigeria, in a region dominated by the Islamic group, Boko Haram. I was locked away in a church compound guarded by the army, training a group of local evangelists. Just down the road a bomb was set off outside another church. These local Christians knew - [Christ: Up there and down here (Ephesians 4:8–10)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/christ-up-there-and-down-here-ephesians-48-10/) - In late August 2005, “one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history” ravaged the southern coast of the nation. Hurricane Katrina brought about destruction on a vast scale. Winds of up to 280 km/h and a 9-metre storm surge caused flooding and evacuations across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. More than 1,800 people died. The - [Scapegoat](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/scapegoat/) - A crisis really brings out something different in us, doesn’t it? Back in the winter of 2019, I was getting worried because there wasn’t any rain. Most of Australia that could be on fire was on fire for the entire summer that followed. Then the rains arrived and parts of Australia were flooded. Now we’ve - [The blood that brings us close (Ephesians 2:11–13)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-blood-that-brings-us-close-ephesians-211-13/) - Every so often, I go to a local community college to watch Israeli films with some of my Jewish friends. Recently, we watched a film called A Borrowed Identity. It’s a beautiful film, based on a touching memoir by popular Israeli Palestinian novelist and TV writer Sayed Kashua. The film tells the story of an Arab - [Why I love the Apostle Paul](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-i-love-the-apostle-paul/) - The apostle Paul has been hated for 2000 years by many men and women, with endless papers, books and talks about how awful he was and how he got things so wrong. But that’s not the whole story. There are also many of us—including many women—who love him. There are countless reasons why I love - [How to Break Up With Your Phone](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-to-break-up-with-your-phone/) - We all know there are countless benefits to smartphones, yet even the secular world is becoming increasingly alarmed by how our phones are changing us for the worse. Like many of us, I really appreciated Tony Reinke’s 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You, published in 2017 but still as relevant as ever. Reinke insightfully - [Social media, content manipulation, and the light of the gospel](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/social-media-content-manipulation-and-the-light-of-the-gospel/) - I once heard a phrase used in a philosophy discussion, “We’re swimming in streams.” It is a phrase that describes the concept of a worldview and the way we operate within that worldview. The way we unconsciously perform daily life. The thing that we think of as normal and the thing that is confronted when - [Confident Discipleship](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/confident-discipleship/) - Death and Taxes “But in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” So quipped Benjamin Franklin when reflecting on the impermanence of the newly minted American constitution. We can be confident of two things in life: that we die and that we pay tax. True as this may be, - [God, the Bible and Mardi Gras](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/god-the-bible-and-mardi-gras/) - The 2021 gay and lesbian Mardi Gras held at the Sydney Cricket Ground was quite a spectacle. It was colourful, loud, celebratory and was reported by various media outlets as being the best celebration yet (as it is every year). And yet, the Scriptures teach us that what they were celebrating was in fact part - [Expressing godly womanhood in a secular workplace](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/expressing-godly-womanhood-in-a-secular-workplace/) - Editor’s note: This article is a personal reflection from a woman exploring how a complementarian understanding of men and women in Scripture might apply to her own working life. It does not seek to outline or defend the complementarian position itself. For more on complementarianism, we recommend Claire Smith’s ‘God’s Good Design’ (Matthias Media, second - [Jesus as Prince](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/jesus-as-prince/) - How should we act when we face difficulties as Christians? How should we respond in the face of difficulties that arise from our being Christian in the public square? These questions have become more frequent because of the uneasiness we are feeling at the growing opposition to Christianity in Australia, Sydney included. Christian values that - [What is it you remember?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-is-it-you-remember/) - It’s amazing how selective our memories can be. Just the other night, my wife and I realised that the conversation we thought we’d had a few weeks ago was remembered completely differently by each of us. Actually, we all know that our memories each have certain blind spots. Ask me to drive somewhere I visited - [When vice presents as virtue: stopping sin before it's too late](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/when-vice-presents-as-virtue-stopping-sin-before-its-too-late/) - ‘Personal style’ is a popular term. It’s a way of articulating that God has made us with different wiring, different preferences, different habits and gifts. Our personal styles impact the way we serve in ministry and the roles we get asked to do. For example, someone who loves planning events will often get asked to - [We boast in the Lord](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/we-boast-in-the-lord/) - In a great kindness of God, Moore Theological College has been blessed with a bumper crop of undergraduate on-campus students in 2021. Our full-time, on campus, bachelor level course intake has doubled. We have also had an increase in the percentage of female students in this cohort. All up, including those who are studying part-time, - [Five tips for getting your kids involved in ministry (and why you should want to)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/five-tips-for-getting-your-kids-involved-in-ministry-and-why-you-should-want-to/) - I have come to call February my month of ‘extra-curricular angst’. I spend hours trying to somehow mesh five kids’ schedules so they can all have a go doing the things they want to do (mostly obnoxiously loud instruments) and the things I think they ought to do (swim without drowning, correct major speech impediments). - [The Sign of the Cross in Baptism](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-sign-of-the-cross-in-baptism/) - 12. The minister makes a sign of the cross on each candidate’s forehead and says I sign you with the sign of the cross to show that you are to be true to Christ crucified and that you are not to be ashamed to confess your faith in him. Fight bravely under his banner against - [Are we antinomian? Final salvation and good works](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/are-we-antinomian-final-salvation-and-good-works/) - Introduction In the preface of the book A Faith that is Never Alone, Andrew Sandlin asks the question, ‘does the Protestant idea of justification negate the necessity of good works?’.[1] This indeed has been a common accusation against the reformational teaching of justification by faith alone. If I can caricature the position a little: if - [Why do we say things together in church?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-do-we-say-things-together-in-church/) - As a teenager, I was deeply impacted by a youth ministry that made a lot of hay out of throwing out traditional, churchy practices. We started a church service on couches and bean bags in the hall where we didn’t do anything like liturgy or set prayers. I remain deeply grateful for this low-church experience, - [Love, grief and identity](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/love-grief-and-identity/) - This is part three of Scott Millar’s reflections on grief. Read part 1 and part 2 on the ACR website. You learn a lot about what a person meant to you when they’re taken away. Separation magnifies all the intricate and beautiful nuances of what you had, and absence pries open memories that may have - [A word in grief](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-word-in-grief/) - This is part two of Scott Millar’s reflections on grief. Read part one here. Two days after Susie’s death, the kids and I walk up the hill to church. The July cold bites us in more ways than one, and yet to be outside brings some sense of relief. Our home—so vibrant just three days - [Grief and love](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/grief-and-love/) - I like to believe she died in my arms. Suse was fond of my arms. “They make me feel safe”, she’d tell me regularly. So I like to think that her last earthly memory was of me holding her, caring for her, even as she was being carried into her Saviour’s presence. Sadly, there’s no - [How to make godly decisions in a high-ambiguity context](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-to-make-godly-decisions-in-a-high-ambiguity-context/) - How well you can handle change depends on a trait called 'ambiguity tolerance'. Someone’s ambiguity tolerance describes how well they handle a situation being unclear. Sometimes the situation is unclear because we don’t have detailed information. Sometimes the situation is unclear because it keeps changing. We all have different levels of being able to cope - [2020 Vision in a Covid-19 World](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/2020-vision-in-a-covid-19-world/) - "Christian ministry has faced two major challenges recently: bullying and burnout. The reasons for both are no doubt complex and too difficult to dissect in a simple article. Yet I wonder if our visionary attitudes contribute to these problems." "If we continue to feed our people overly aspirational visions in the hope that it might - [Making our churches a safe space for the separated and divorced](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/making-our-churches-a-safe-space-for-the-separated-and-divorced/) - Here’s an interesting thing: according to the 2016 census, 12% of our population is separated or divorced.[1] Yet only 6% of our church population is separated or divorced.[2] What does this discrepancy mean? Are our churches just excellent at supporting marriages? Perhaps. But I also suspect that many who are separated/divorced feel they are not - [Marriage has always been...?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/marriage-has-always-been/) - A Short History of Christian Marriage [1] The following was first published as part of the Diocese of Sydney submission to the recent Appellate Tribunal. The purpose of this paper is to provide a short account of the development of marriage within the Christian faith. It is sometimes argued that the presence of incidental changes - [Lady Jane Grey: A Firm Faith](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/lady-jane-grey-a-firm-faith/) - The following is an excerpt from a short biography written by Mark Earngey. Complementary copies are to be delivered to Sydney Anglican rectors as a Christmas gift from the ACR. If others would like to order copies please email editor@australianchurchrecord.net Post tenebras spero lucem. After darkness, I hope for light. This phrase was reportedly etched - [Gafcon Australasia 2021 – More Than a Giant Selfie](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/gafcon-australasia-2021-more-than-a-giant-selfie/) - The iconic Temple Steps photo from Gafcon Jerusalem 2018 represents far more than a giant selfie. It records the gathering of a diverse group of Anglicans who share a common love of the Lord Jesus and a passion to joyfully embrace the orthodox teachings of his Bible. It also captures the unity of a fellowship - [Our New Year's resolution – humility?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/our-new-years-resolution-humility/) - If 2020 has taught us anything, it is surely that things are not always as they seem. We are generally more fragile than we like to admit. And with a sudden realisation of fragility there often comes frustration, anger, a claustrophobic feeling perhaps – and definitely a lack of tolerance. The truth is, despite what - [Corrimal, Covid, and Christ](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/corrimal-covid-and-christ/) - Heading into 2020 there was a lot of hope for what God might do amongst us. Over a number of years we have been developing our ‘engage ministries’. These were ministries which gave opportunity for our church community to engage with our area and invite people to things we ran through our ‘evangelism ministries’. At - [Losing Community and Gaining Opportunity](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/losing-community-and-gaining-opportunity/) - What is happening in the Australian soul? One of my lecturers at Moore Theological College would ask this question of many of those he met in the local community in order to understand our culture. A common response that he heard from those in the medical profession concerned the alarming loneliness epidemic that has been - [How did we get here?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-did-we-get-here/) - This Christmas, I’ve found myself in a hierarchical, litigious (and in an odd way), communally isolated Australia. How on earth did we get here? Western culture is built upon freedom and individuality. We value our own goals, our own expression, our own categories of thinking and being. We define our own roles on our own - [Power and pride](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/power-and-pride/) - In recent years I have become downwardly mobile, that is to say I used to be able to do more than what I can do now. Two words: small children. I mean I used to be able to go to the shops and even to the bathroom whenever I felt like it. Now there are - [The journey of a lifetime: An interview with Ruth Baker](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-journey-of-a-lifetime-an-interview-with-ruth-baker/) - Ruth, thanks so much for speaking to us. I’ve heard you say before that you are a very ‘unlikely’ Christian. Can you tell us a bit about who you are and how you came to trust Jesus? I grew up in the 1970s in the north of England with wonderful hippy, anti-establishment, atheist parents, so - [A Theological Account of Blessing](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-theological-account-of-blessing/) - At the recent Synod of the Diocese of Wangarratta (Aug 2019) Dr Dorothy Lee mounted a case for the possibility of Australian Anglican churches blessing same-sex unions in keeping with the general practice of blessing civil unions and the local practices of blessing various aspects of daily life. This paper addresses the biblical and theological - [Pastoral care for the sluggish](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/pastoral-care-for-the-sluggish/) - One of the saddest conversations I have ever had is with H. H was a skilled evangelist, a natural conversationalist, highly intelligent with infectious energy, and, most importantly, was on fire for the Lord Jesus. Yet in this conversation, H told me in some detail how they were no longer a Christian. They did not - [When to take a stand](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/when-to-take-a-stand/) - From time to time, faithful Christians have been called on to take a stand for the gospel. In the 1st century it was over circumcision and Gentile inclusion in the church. In the 4th century it was over the nature of God and the divinity of Christ. In the 16th century it was over the - [Summer 2020 Journal](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/summer-2020-journal/) - Not everything can be said in a short blog piece. This is where The ACR Journal comes in. Some issues are complex and are best dealt with in more detail. In our journal you’ll find lengthy discussions on relevant and current theological matters within evangelicalism. GAFCON Australasia 2021: More Than a Giant Selfie Jodie McNeill - [Sydney Diocese’s Unchanged Priority for over Eighty Years](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/sydney-dioceses-unchanged-priority-for-over-eighty-years/) - “The world’s greatest need is evangelism. With all the earnestness and strength that are in me I urge upon you that fact. I urge it especially upon my brethren of the clergy. Study evangelism; preach evangelism; live evangelism. Let us not, by neglecting it, betray the Lord that bought us; let us not, by neglecting it, betray the souls of - [A Day of Reckoning: Victorian Government pushes to ban Christian practices with threat of 10 years in prison](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-day-of-reckoning-victorian-government-pushes-to-ban-christian-practices-with-threat-of-10-years-in-prison/) - The day has come in Victoria where Christians and Churches need to decide whether to obey God or the Government. Such a decision should never be forced onto believers but the current Victorian Government insists that it must be so. There are times when we use hyperbole and exaggerate the significance of words or decisions, - [Equipped and sent out to speak](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/equipped-and-sent-out-to-speak/) - It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself (2 Corinthians 4:13-14). These words - [Hamilton, and the drive to leave a legacy](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/hamilton-and-the-drive-to-leave-a-legacy/) - I’m often late to jump on a bandwagon, so I only recently saw Hamilton for the first time. Now I’m hooked. I loved it. The song lyrics are stuck on repeat in my brain; I even keep waking up singing them! If you haven’t heard of it, Hamilton is the hit Broadway musical based on - [The best advent devotional I have read](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-best-advent-devotional-i-have-read/) - Last year I used the best advent devotional book I have ever read. To be fair, my reading in this category to date hasn’t been extensive. Nevertheless, I thoroughly recommend to you Christopher Ash’s Repeat the Sounding Joy. This book is a daily advent devotional on Luke 1-2. Each day takes a few verses from - [Jesus: the light worth celebrating](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/jesus-the-light-worth-celebrating/) - There is a reality in Sydney that we need to be aware of: we are home to many people from the Asian subcontinent! First generation migrants and second-generation children of migrants, these are people who have been educated in various systems, from different countries, practicing a variety of religions and surviving in different socioeconomic conditions. - [Preliminary thoughts on the Appellate Tribunal ruling](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/preliminary-thoughts-on-the-appellate-tribunal-ruling/) - It is with great sadness that I note the opinion of the Appellate Tribunal of the Anglican Church of Australia on the matter of proposed services to bless same-sex unions. Setting aside the unanimous advice of the House of Bishops and the unanimous advice of the Board of Assessors, the majority of the Tribunal has - [Time management advice from Ephesians 5](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/time-management-advice-from-ephesians-5/) - In last week's article we looked at Paul’s instruction to “redeem the time” in Ephesians 5:16-17. I tried to let these verses speak for themselves. We saw that Paul is not endorsing our modern day fascination with time efficiency. Rather he’s calling us to live right now as citizens of the new, eternal age even though - [What does it mean to "redeem the time"?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-does-it-mean-to-redeem-the-time/) - Are you ever tempted to think that time efficiency is next to godliness? If that belief is true, then I am one of the winners and my poor wife, Jenny, is one of the losers. I am naturally an efficient person and Jenny is naturally… um… less efficient. It would be so easy to think - [Dating: Biblical Tips for Young Players](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/dating-biblical-tips-for-young-players/) - When do I date? Who do I date? Is physical attraction important? Can I date a non-Christian? Can a girl ask a boy out? How long should I date? How far can we go? How do I know if he or she is the one? The Bible doesn’t answer any of these questions directly. And - [Marketing and Gospel Ministry: Can they work together?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/marketing-and-gospel-ministry-can-they-work-together/) - Tell us about your background/training/experience in gospel ministry I grew up in a South Indian cultural church known as the Mar Thoma Church. I am thankful to have grown up in a place where the Bible and prayer were part of my life, even though it took a while for me to clarify things like - [Reflections on My Expectations of Ministry Fifty Years Ago](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/reflections-on-my-expectations-of-ministry-fifty-years-ago/) - I have been asked to reflect on my expectations of ministry around the time of my ordination in the Diocese of Sydney some fifty years ago. Background 1.1 A Changing World I became a student at Moore College in 1966, in the decade of significant cultural upheaval. In 1962 the Pill had been released, and - [Staying fresh as a rector](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/staying-fresh-as-a-rector/) - Even before COVID-19, every rector was aware of the growing pressure of the role: the demands of compliance, managing expectations and criticisms from the congregation, tensions within parish council, the demands of meeting the budget, keeping the staff aligned with a common vision, and the challenges to see both church and gospel growth. COVID-19 has - [On the Ministry Conveyer Belt](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/on-the-ministry-conveyer-belt/) - Being pushed on to the conveyor belt at Hunter Bible Church (HBC) was one of the greatest privileges of my life. In fact, it was life-giving. I was swept into a menacing ministry machine that would slice and dice me, push and prod me and lovingly lacerate me until I was reprogrammed to endorse this - [Why We Should Say Yes to Sydney and Anglican!](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-we-should-say-yes-to-sydney-and-anglican/) - “Are you here because we are a good boat to fish from or because you want to be an Anglican clergyman?” This question, asked during my Sydney Anglican ordination interview process, took me on a journey in which I became deeply committed to both Sydney and Anglicanism. My faith was birthed through low-church gospel ministry - [Not I, But Christ](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/not-i-but-christ/) - A remarkable revolution takes place when a person is converted. I will never tire of reflecting upon the conversion of Saul of Tarsus that day on Straight Street in Damascus. After he met the Lord Jesus Christ, the activistic antagonist had atonement applied, and the archpersecutor became the Apostle Paul. All his sinful desires and - [Review: The Mission Before Us](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/review-the-mission-before-us/) - You are an Anglican from Sydney? Get this book. Read it carefully. Read it prayerfully. If it is aimed at you, do something about it. And it is aimed at all of us.Think of it this way. When we go to CMS Summer School, we are rightly delighted to meet the new missionaries and become - [One Year in Sydney: An Interview with David Robertson](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/one-year-in-sydney-an-interview-with-david-robertson/) - 1. Hi David, thanks for agreeing to share with us again. In 2018 we spoke to you after you had a sabbatical here in Sydney. What has happened since then and how come you now call Sydney home? I think what has happened is a warning to those of us who have big mouths – - [Pride: Its root and fruit](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/pride-its-root-and-fruit/) - In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis claims that pride is the great sin.[1] When I re-read this recently, I thought he was exaggerating. After some more reflection, however, I have come to the conclusion that he is right, that pride is in fact so insidious, and so damaging, that it is indeed worth a - [An Interview with Stephen Liggins](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/an-interview-with-stephen-liggins/) - Hi Stephen, glad you could talk with us. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and where you are currently in ministry? Sure. I’m married to Shareen and we have two children – Bill (13) and Charlotte (12). I am part of a great ministry team at Anglican Churches Springwood, do some guest lecturing - [The gospel according to a 5-year-old](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-gospel-according-to-a-5-year-old/) - When my kids were young, I had the idea to talk with them about the gospel over dinner so that we could discuss together about what it means for us to follow Jesus. (Dinnertimes were pretty crazy with three kids under ten and the usual debates over the necessity and place of vegetables in the - [In Praise of Unpleasant Discipline](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/in-praise-of-unpleasant-discipline/) - My maternal grandfather is currently on his deathbed, and by the time you’re reading this it’s almost certain he’ll have passed away. Naturally, this state of affairs has led me to reflect on what I’ve appreciated about the relationship I’ve had with him. He’s a man for whom I’m deeply thankful, for he, along with - [Church and the Emergency Online Provision](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/church-and-the-emergency-online-provision/) - Many of us are very grateful that during the COVID-19 pandemic the technology has been available for the broadcasting of church services and the connection of members in Bible studies and other programs online. It has enabled us to continue to sit under the word of God and, albeit in an attenuated way, to enjoy - [Homesick for Heaven](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/homesick-for-heaven/) - When I was thirteen, I started boarding at my school. My family moved across the country, a 6-hour flight and then a 5-hour drive away from me. Our school had day students and boarders, but they mostly socialised separately. The other boarders had all started together at the beginning of Year 7 and had bonded - [When nothing will stand still #6 and 7: Reflections on Hebrews 12](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/when-nothing-will-stand-still-6-and-7-reflections-on-hebrews-12/) - Over the last months, Emma shared how she was feeling when life suddenly changed with Covid-19, and her plan to go back to a familiar passage. Here are the next two episodes... #6: Hebrews 12:7-8 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there - [COVID-19 Reflection](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/covid-19-reflection/) - I had a fall whilst cycling the other day. I got back up and checked where I had injured myself. Thankfully, there were only a few scratches here and there and a slightly damaged sense of pride. I then tried to remember what happened, including what I was doing, what things I was doing wrong, - [Baby steps: our first six months in Uruguay](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/baby-steps-our-first-six-months-in-uruguay/) - On 24th January, we left for Uruguay as missionaries with the Church Missionary Society (CMS). We had been waiting and preparing for this moment for many years, so despite many unknowns, we felt as ready as we would ever be. With no other missionaries (Australian or otherwise) to greet us or help us settle in - [The motivation to do good in a Corona-filled world](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-motivation-to-do-good-in-a-corona-filled-world/) - From genocide and war to domestic violence and ongoing crime rates, the worst of humanity is clear to see. The reaction of many to the spread of Covid-19 backs this up. But intermixed with the stockpiling of resources, the displays of racism and the general fearmongering, there has been an overwhelming mass of very different - [When nothing will stand still #5: Reflections on Hebrews 12](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/when-nothing-will-stand-still-5-reflections-on-hebrews-12/) - Over the last months, Emma shared how she was feeling when life suddenly changed with Covid-19, and her plan to go back to a familiar passage. Here is the next episode... #5: Hebrews 12:5-6 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the - [Locating Singleness in Genesis 2](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/locating-singleness-in-genesis-2/) - Genesis 2 is about marriage, right? Well yes - in part. But it’s not just about marriage. I wonder if we could even say it’s not primarily about marriage. In fact, I would argue that if a single person comes to God’s word looking for truth and hope, they really can’t go past Genesis 2. - [The Minister Drought: A Millennial's Perspective](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-minister-drought-a-millennials-perspective/) - I have really appreciated all the discussion under the catchphrase ‘the minister drought.’ The Pastor’s Heart along with others continue to have robust conversations with some great thinkers about the challenges facing Sydney Diocese. Getting sharp in our ministry thinking in conversation with experienced pastors is always a great thing to be involved in. Although - [Palliative Care](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/palliative-care/) - When I was a university student, our medical school dedicated just one week of our degree to teaching us about Palliative Care. We were to spend five days in the hospice to learn about caring for people at the end of life. When we arrived, we were surprised at our task for the week. Apart - [When nothing will stand still #4: Reflections on Hebrews 12](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/when-nothing-will-stand-still-4-reflections-on-hebrews-12/) - Over the last months, Emma shared how she was feeling when life suddenly changed with Covid-19, and her plan to go back to a familiar passage. Here is the next episode... #4: Hebrews 12:4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. *** I find these - [Winter 2020 Journal](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/winter-2020-journal/) - Not everything can be said in a short blog piece. This is where The ACR Journal comes in. Some issues are complex and are best dealt with in more detail. In our journal you’ll find lengthy discussions on relevant and current theological matters within evangelicalism. Not I, But ChristMark Earngey Editorial: The Issue Before UsThe - [What is your heart's desire?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-is-your-hearts-desire/) - We all have them. They may be wishes on a wish list. Or we call them dreams and talk about “my dream holiday” or “our dream home”. The poet Longfellow wrote of “longings wild and vain”.[1] The Bible speaks in Psalm 37 about “the desires of our hearts”. Some people have clearly defined ambitions. CS - [When nothing will stand still #3: Reflections on Hebrews 12](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/when-nothing-will-stand-still-3-reflections-on-hebrews-12/) - Over the last months, Emma shared how she was feeling when life suddenly changed with Covid-19, and her plan to go back to a familiar passage. Here is the next episode... #3: Hebrews 12:3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. *** For - [Ministering from a distance: Paul's ministry from prison](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/ministering-from-a-distance-pauls-ministry-from-prison/) - Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon from prison. He would doubtless have preferred to be with them in person (Phil 1:8), but as he was kept apart from them he ministered from where God had placed him as best as he could. We don’t get any sense that Paul felt his life was on - [Praying well before COVID-19](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/praying-well-before-covid-19/) - Moore College has always been in the business of praying. As a student a few years ago, I distinctly remember being struck by the faculty’s prayerful dependence on our Lord. They prayed at the beginning of each lecture. They prayed as a response to and as an application of what we were learning from the - [Glory of Christ – Part 2](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/glory-of-christ-part-2/) - In the second of these short reflections on the glory of Christ, I want to draw attention specifically to the constitution of his person in two natures, fully divine, and fully human. As a truth it is something that can be stated with relative ease. It is to say that in Christ, there is one - [When nothing will stand still #2: Reflections on Hebrews 12](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/when-nothing-will-stand-still-2-reflections-on-hebrews-12/) - Back in April, Emma shared how she was feeling when life suddenly changed with Covid-19, and her plan to go back to a familiar passage. Here is the next episode of her raw reflections on Hebrews 12... … looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set - ["...and the books were opened."](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/and-the-books-were-opened/) - This morning saw the release of a set of 45 year old documents, previously kept as secret as secret can be since 1975. The ‘Palace Letters’ were the correspondence between the then Governor-General of Australia Sir John Kerr and the office of Queen Elizabeth as they discussed the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. In essence, - [Sharing Jesus with the Deaf: An interview with Darren Kirkegard](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/sharing-jesus-with-the-deaf-an-interview-with-darren-kirkegard/) - What would it be like to share the gospel with someone who can’t ‘hear’ the gospel? ACR talks to Darren Kirkegard about ministry among the Deaf community*. 1) How did you come to be involved in ministry with the Deaf? Entirely God's plan. I grew up in Brisbane and before I was 20 I had - [The "new normal" and the same old story: Evangelism in a virtual world](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-new-normal-and-the-same-old-story-evangelism-in-a-virtual-world/) - “I just want to see my friends!” This was the frustrated—and completely understandable—cry from one of our teenagers as we entered another week of isolation with no clear end in sight. Although these friends had been chatting (and gaming) online, they knew it was a far cry from seeing each other. Yet this is the - [The bread and butter Christian – Psalm 136](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-bread-and-butter-christian-psalm-136/) - How much is thankfulness part of your life as a follower of Jesus? How much, in our current situation, are you tempted to grumble? How much do you focus on the negative and lose sight of the positive? These questions are significant because giving thanks to God is the mark of a follower of Jesus. - [A new culture of one-to-one ministry under lockdown](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-new-culture-of-one-to-one-ministry-under-lockdown/) - “How can we stick resolutely to our marching orders, now that proper ‘churching’ in person is impossible?” Like every other church, we asked numerous such questions as the global pandemic gathered its eerie pace in what now seems almost another age, barely three months ago. In particular we urgently needed to answer this question: How - [You are enough, and other lies we like to swallow](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/you-are-enough-and-other-lies-we-like-to-swallow/) - I don’t know about you, but the recent months of school at home exposed some pretty ugly cracks in the façade I’d created for myself of being a good mother. It’s much easier, it turns out, to parent your children when they aren’t in the same physical space as you every minute of every hour - [Re-gathering in the Northern Territory: the new normal for St Peter's Nightcliff](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/re-gathering-in-the-northern-territory-the-new-normal-for-st-peters-nightcliff/) - For 11 weeks our church gathered virtually for live-streamed services filmed in our church building. When the Northern Territory announced its ‘Roadmap to the new normal’, we realised we couldn’t allow as many people into our church space as before lockdown, and so we had to move from two Sunday services (9am and 5pm) to - [Glory of Christ – Part 1](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/glory-of-christ-part-1/) - In the first of these reflections, we might begin by considering the way in which Christ is the only representation of God’s glory to his people. When Jesus speaks of “my glory” in John 17:24, that can be thought of either in terms of the essential glory of his divine nature, or in terms of - [Church under Coronavirus: Sevenoaks, Kent](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/church-under-coronavirus-sevenoaks-kent/) - I’m involved in ministry in Sevenoaks, a commuter town in north west Kent, where I’m the Women’s and Children’s Worker for Grace Church and 4 O’Clock Church. I think it’s fair to say that COVID-19 has had more of an impact on day to day life in the UK than it has in Australia. We - [What's happening in evangelism in GBU Chile?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/whats-happening-in-evangelism-in-gbu-chile/) - The dreaded E-word. ‘Evangelism!’ There – I said it. You’re stuck at home. You’re stressed. You’re anxious. And now you’re going to feel guilty! That’s what you’re thinking, right? Just what we needed, another article about evangelism. Cue feelings of guilt, shame and failure! Friends, if this is your expectation, I hope to disappoint you - [Church under Coronavirus: Great Victoria Street, Belfast](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/church-under-coronavirus-great-victoria-street-belfast/) - When I was asked to write this article on what we’re doing as a church in Belfast during these strange days of social distancing, my first thought was: we’re doing what we’ve always done! It may look a little different, but our priorities have stayed exactly the same. As I write, Belfast is in stage - [Church under Coronavirus: Bathurst Diocese](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/church-under-coronavirus-bathurst-diocese/) - Why was there no special gathering to mark the 150th anniversary of the Diocese of Bathurst on 5 May 2020? Was there much to celebrate anyway? Consider the state of the Diocese. Spasmodic rainfall has not broken an extended drought in the region. In recent decades the church has been impoverished. Successfully sued for a - [Why You Should Ditch Your Digital Bible](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-you-should-ditch-your-digital-bible/) - When I started working in university ministry, I thought I knew the issues facing Christian students: money, church attendance, dating unbelievers, overseas holidays, grades. What I didn’t expect was a run-in with the digital Bible. With the advent of the smart phone the way we access our Bibles drastically changed. The YouVersion Bible app was - [Extraordinary Ordinary Local Church Ministry](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/extraordinary-ordinary-local-church-ministry/) - Who could have anticipated that after devastating drought, bushfires, hail and floods, a deadly virus would turn up, slamming shut the doors of every church building in every suburb and town in the land! I'd been thinking about writing this piece before Covid-19 turned our lives inside out. But now, in God's puzzling providence, I'm - [Love in the time of Coronavirus](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/love-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/) - There are reports that during this time of pandemic, the topic of God and eternity is suddenly on many people's radars.[1] As the ACR reported back in 1919, "Christianity is something worth having in an emergency".[2] The same is true today as it was then. Here, Stephanie Hawkins gives an example of how a Christian might share - [The importance of Priest and priest](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-importance-of-priest-and-priest/) - Who needs priests? For many in our society, there is a real cynicism around the word ‘priest’ and the idea of a religious establishment. Yet there are some who have an earnest desire for priests. Perhaps we want people who are holy because we know deep down that we are not very holy, and we - [Church under Coronavirus: All Saints Petersham](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/church-under-coronavirus-all-saints-petersham/) - At All Saints Petersham, we have aimed to keep things simple and sustainable while still focusing on the core of all our church activities: gathering around God’s word and seeking to spur one another on in faith. Our church services are uploaded to YouTube to be streamed from 10am on Sundays. We have mostly pre-recorded - [You: Forgiven and freed](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/you-forgiven-and-freed/) - Freedom. Perhaps more than ever, we all want it. But what is it? Surely freedom is doing whatever we want without restrictions; no barriers or limitations. We tend to think of freedom a little like an astronaut out in space, floating around, with no boundaries. But is that really freedom? That astronaut can’t run around, - [Church under Coronavirus: Edinburgh North Church](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/church-under-coronavirus-edinburgh-north-church/) - After completing his BD at Moore in 2014 and serving as an assistant minister at Minchinbury Anglican Church, Matt Baines and his family moved to Scotland where he is completing a PhD in historical theology at the University of Edinburgh. They attend Edinburgh North Church (ENC), which belongs to a family of Presbyterian congregations along - [How are you going?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-are-you-going/) - How are you going with the outbreak of COVID-19? Maybe you have activated your epidemic plan and you have enough rice, pasta and mince to last until Christmas. Or perhaps you had originally taken a laid-back approach and you are now are scrambling to find the basics in the shops. If you’re anything like me, the - [Four things to pray for South Africa during COVID-19](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/four-things-to-pray-for-south-africa-during-covid-19/) - As I write this (16 April), South Africa is 21 days into a fairly strict lockdown. The lockdown has now been extended to the end of this month and possibly beyond. We’re allowed out for three things: groceries, medical needs, and collecting social grants. Exercise and care of mental health are not on that list. - [Three Gospel Truths Keeping Me Sane During Quarantine](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/three-gospel-truths-keeping-me-sane-during-quarantine/) - I write this during our fourth week of school closures here in Santiago, Chile. Our region is about to enter its third week of formal quarantine, which means we can only leave the home under the strictest conditions (formal quarantine restrictions began in Chile on 26 March). Our family of five are trying to work - [Can you imagine?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/can-you-imagine/) - Imagine the threat of a dangerous disease. Imagine the anxiety about becoming infected, the constant stress eating away at you. Imagine what it could do to your family, what it would do to your social life. Can you imagine? Maybe you don’t have to. Imagine contracting that dangerous disease, not knowing for several days. Imagine - [Meditating on the glory of Christ – an introduction](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/meditating-on-the-glory-of-christ-intro/) - In an earlier post, I suggested that the confinement of the COVID-19 crisis might provide Christians with an opportunity to recover the art of meditating on Scripture to prepare ourselves for our greatest act of faith – coming to terms with our finitude and ultimately handing our bodies over to Christ in death. Doing this - [Anglicans and pandemics: 101 years on](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/anglicans-and-pandemics-101-years-on/) - This is not the first time that the ACR has seen a pandemic. From 1880, the Church Record, as it was known, reported on all the news relating to the Anglican Church in Australia and New Zealand. So I did a bit of research and trawled through the archives to find out what the Church - [Waiting](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/waiting/) - We are not a culture that is adept at waiting. Whenever we are in a queue, most people whip out their phones to entertain themselves. A popular app was ‘Beat the Q’, which let you order coffee on the way so that when you arrived, it would be waiting for you. Australia used to have - [When nothing will stand still #1: Reflections on Hebrews 12](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/when-nothing-will-stand-still-1-reflections-on-hebrews-12/) - Monday, 23 March 2020, 23:09 I’ll be honest with you, I’m drinking more coffee. Nespresso pods do not seem to be in short supply… yet. Many things I regularly fail to navigate well in family life have been… amped up. And almost everything I love about my job in teaching and Chaplaincy has been pulled - [Hot off the press: Resources for Easter](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/hot-off-the-press-resources-for-easter/) - Today is Maundy Thursday. The Easter weekend this year is going to look very different to what all of us were anticipating, isn’t it? In my household, there will be plenty of lament as there will be noticeably fewer chocolate eggs as the usual visits with grandparents aren’t able to take place. (Maybe I should - [Good news in the COVID-19 season](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/good-news-in-the-covid-19-season/) - This COVID-19 season has been intense. Everything is changing, anxieties are raised, people are suffering and death is having an impact on all of us. And significantly, it is not something that we can escape. In close to the last hundred years, there has not been a single thing that has plagued all of society - [Dying Well](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/dying-well/) - A few years ago, in my work and wider church context, we seemed to be confronted with what seemed like an inordinate amount of death. Several people tragically lost infants in the womb. Colleagues and neighbours were suddenly struck down in the prime of their lives. Our church community was confronted by a young man - [Fear or Faith | COVID-19](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/fear-or-faith-covid-19/) - It doesn’t matter which news site you turn to, COVID-19 is making the headlines. It is changing people’s lives. It is shaking up the global financial markets. It is hardly possible to have a conversation with someone before it becomes the subject matter. COVID-19 is here, and we are yet to know the full impact - [My afflictions, your glory (Ephesians 3:12–13)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/my-afflictions-your-glory-ephesians-312-13/) - As Paul writes Ephesians, he can see there’s a crisis approaching. He’d often written letters when groups of believers faced crises. Sometimes, the crisis involved false teaching. Sometimes, it was persecution. There had also been moral failure, rival apostles, and more. This time, the crisis involves Paul’s own imprisonment. Paul’s imprisonment isn’t a crisis for - [My Coronavirus Meltdown Moment](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/my-coronavirus-meltdown-moment/) - Have you had a Coronavirus meltdown yet? Today I had an ugly cry in Coles. I am feeling pretty embarrassed about it. As I jostled my way through the crowds and past empty shelf after empty shelf, I felt myself growing increasingly anxious. We have 5 children. They eat a lot of food. I noticed - [Christians and Pandemics through the Ages (260, 1347, 1665,...2020)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/christians-and-pandemics-through-the-ages-260-1347-1665-2020/) - The ‘coronavirus’ (COVID-19) has put the world into a panic. It is clearly extremely contagious and a significant threat to many lives. Nobody knows how long it will last or what its ultimate effects will be. Amidst the uncertainty, most people are unsure how to respond or what to expect. In this post I want - [Why would you?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-would-you-4/) - Moore College Overseas Alumni: An interview with Rob and Alice Brown Can you tell us about the state of the church in your home country? England is a country with a great gospel heritage, and Christianity in the broadest sense has been part of British culture for centuries. However in recent times there has been - [The importance of being a struggling Christian (Ephesians 6:14–16)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-importance-of-being-a-struggling-christian-ephesians-614-16/) - Do you ever feel like the Christian life is a struggle? Do you feel that it’s hard, day after day, to keep going? Do you find it hard to trust God, to live for Jesus, and to speak about Jesus with other people? Maybe you look at other Christians—at church, or online, or in sermon - [Praying for patience](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/praying-for-patience/) - I first started thinking about patience when I observed (what I perceived as) a lack of it in my husband nearly every time we had to leave the house together. He is a classic ‘doer’; he loves to act and get stuff done and ticked off. I, by contrast, can (over) think and ponder something - [Theological college - Have I missed the boat?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/theological-college-have-i-missed-the-boat/) - ACR chats to Rowena Russell: ministry wife, mum- to-teenagers and Deaf Society support worker and adult educator about taking on theological study at a different stage of life. 1. We often picture the average theological college student as being mid 20s, perhaps single or with a young family. You have a bit of a different - [Does the Bible produce bigots?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/does-the-bible-produce-bigots/) - Mardi Gras is upon us in Sydney. When thinking about the tension in society around the issue of same-sex attraction, it’s easy to wonder if you might actually be a bigot – because you’re a Christian. In preparation for a seminar I presented recently, I reflected on this question as I spent time in the - [5 things you need to talk about with your Youth](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/5-things-you-need-to-talk-about-with-your-youth/) - As the apostle Paul finished up his time with the church in Ephesus he was confidently able to report, ‘I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God’ (Acts 20:27). Wouldn’t that be a great way to finish up a time of serving people you love. But sometimes there are topics - [Novel Coronavirus – fearful or careful?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/novel-coronavirus-fearful-or-careful/) - Over the last six weeks global attention has been increasingly drawn to the outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus in Hubei Province, China. As the situation has evolved the number of infections and casualties associated with the virus has grown, it has moved quickly to become a global concern and to be declared a - [With Thanksgiving](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/with-thanksgiving/) - The Most Reverend Dr Glenn Davies, Archbishop of Sydney and Metropolitan of NSW In his recent and final Presidential address to the third ordinary session of the 51st Synod of the Diocese of Sydney, Archbishop Glenn Davies remarked that his primary responsibility was to be a guardian of “the faith that was delivered once for - [Why Would You?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-would-you-3/) - The ACR talks to Gladwin Joseph, overseas alumnus of Moore College, about his training and his current ministry in India. ACR: Tell us about the state of the church in your country? GJ: The state of the church in India, as said by someone, is “a mile wide, but only an inch deep”. Most churches - [The ACR chats to Tony Payne about a Nexus Conference 2020](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-acr-chats-to-tony-payne-about-a-nexus-conference-2020/) - ACR: Tony, thanks for taking the time to explain about Nexus! So when people ask, 'What is Nexus?', how do you describe what it is? TP: Nexus is a rare opportunity in the midst of a busy ministry year to get together with other Reformed-evangelical gospel workers, to be stimulated and encouraged for the - [How Jesus helps my fear](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-jesus-helps-my-fear/) - Since the death of my paternal grandmother on 26 June 2018, my family has had to mourn the loss of three family members. Preaching at two of the three funerals, I have been forced to reflect on death personally more than I ever have before. In hindsight, one of the reasons that I think I - [Bishop Jay Behan's ACL Dinner Address](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/bishop-jay-behans-acl-dinner-address/) - On 19 October 2019, Jay Behan was consecrated Bishop of CCAANZ in Christchurch, New Zealand. ACNA Archbishop Foley Beach and Chairman of GAFCON Primates Council presided, former Archbishop of Sydney Peter Jensen preached, and various others, such as Dean Kanishka Raffel of Sydney were involved in this important occasion. One month earlier, the then Rev - [ACR interview with Sophie Norved](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/acr-interview-with-sophie-norved/) - ACR: Thanks, Sophie for chatting to us! Firstly, we have to ask: Why did you decide to travel 35km from Rockdale to Leppington every week to help with a church plant in a garage? SN: Our family has been so blessed by church over many years, so when we heard that many Bible-teaching churches needed - [The Congregation has spoken: "We also want systematic theology!"](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-congregation-has-spoken-we-also-want-systematic-theology/) - At the church I pastor a returning missionary was giving a brilliant sermon on Acts 17. Mid-talk he paused and asked the congregation to discuss this question: “Is Jesus still a man today?” I was perplexed as to why he would ask such an obvious question…until a number of people gave the wrong answer! I - [Pursuing Sanctification – God's work or ours? Part 2](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/pursuing-sanctification-gods-work-or-ours-part-2/) - In Part 1, Dan showed us that God’s sovereignty in our progressive sanctification (that is, our ongoing journey in holiness) is not in conflict with our efforts in this area, but that both operate together, as friends. Here, Dan returns to explain what is involved for us as Christians. 1. We are active, responsible and - [Pursuing Sanctification – God's work or ours? Part 1](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/pursuing-sanctification-gods-work-or-ours-part-1/) - John Owen says Christians need to “be killing sin, or it will be killing you.”[1] Yet from my experience most Christians aren’t employing everything they have at their disposal to kill sin or to pursue sanctification in any regard. The most I hear about this is the throwaway line, “I’m struggling with X sin” but - [How long, Lord, must we call for help?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-long-lord-must-we-call-for-help/) - In light of the recent Australian bushfires, we perhaps cannot be blamed for asking, Why is God allowing such a thing to happen? How can God turn a blind eye to the devastation that has come as a result of these fires – the loss of property, animals, even human life? Why doesn’t God do - [The ACR asks P&A Director Jane Tooher about the Priscilla and Aquila Conference (3 February 2020)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-acr-asks-pa-director-jane-tooher-about-the-priscilla-and-aquila-conference-3-february-2020/) - ACR: Thanks, Jane for taking the time to talk to us! Firstly, we wanted to ask you about the Priscilla and Aquila Centre. When people ask you, 'What is the Priscilla and Aquila Centre?', how do you describe to them what it is? JT: The Priscilla and Aquila Centre encourages women in a variety of - [The Recruitment Problem](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-recruitment-problem/) - While I was training at Moore Theological College (2012- 2015) the constant rhetoric was that the Sydney Anglican Diocese was oversupplied with full-time gospel workers. We were warned from the very beginning of the need to be creative in funding our own Sydney Anglican positions if we were to stay in Sydney. From one perspective, - [The message is the mission (Ephesians 1:13)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-message-is-the-mission-ephesians-113/) - What is God’s ‘mission’? In the opening section of Ephesians, Paul talks a lot about God’s purposes for the world. God’s ultimate purpose is to sum up everything in Christ (Ephesians 1:10). God is moving everything in heaven and earth towards that end. But how? What is the means to the end? In other words, what is the - [Evangelism in the Upper Mountains](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/evangelism-in-the-upper-mountains/) - In 1836, while his party baited their horses at the Weatherboard Inn, Charles Darwin trailed a nearby creek down to “a view exceedingly well worth visiting”[i]. That view was the Jamieson Valley at what is now the village of Wentworth Falls. The trail, now called “Darwin’s Walk”, is about a hundred metres from the doors - [The truth about truth](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-truth-about-truth/) - Jesus Christ has always been a controversial figure. Take John 18:33-38, for example, when Jesus is addressing Pilate. He says that he came into the world to speak about reality, and everyone who listens to him knows the truth. This is controversial because Jesus is saying that if you don’t listen to him, you’re deceiving - ['Tis The Season to Be Jolly, So What If I'm Feeling Sad?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/tis-the-season-to-be-jolly-so-what-if-im-feeling-sad/) - The song playing in Target will tell you “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, but you might feel like screeching back “For who?” A light up display on Santa’s belly in Kmart will tell you how many sleeps are left, but to you it might feel strangely reminiscent of a ticking time bomb. - [Communicating Christmas](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/communicating-christmas/) - A good friend has recently become a Christian. As she and her then boyfriend (who has had a mixed experience of Christianity) came home from church one night, she bubbled over with excitement about the sermon: “Wasn’t it so great to be reminded of God’s grace?” “No!” he burst out in frustration. “What does that - [Summer 2019 Journal](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/summer-2019-journal/) - Not everything can be said in a short blog piece. This is where The ACR Journal comes in. Some issues are complex and are best dealt with in more detail. In our journal you’ll find lengthy discussions on relevant and current theological matters within evangelicalism. Evangelism at All Saints’ Church Belfast Dave Jensen ACL Dinner - [You: Lost and longed for](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/you-lost-and-longed-for/) - How long do you last unplugged? Think about it. Once you unplug your phone, it will last maybe 12 hours. A tablet will last perhaps 9 hours? What about an electric car? 45 minutes? But how long does a human last when you unplug them from their life source, not from their tech, but from - [What's wrong with drunkenness? (Ephesians 5:18)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/whats-wrong-with-drunkenness-ephesians-518/) - Alcohol abuse is a real problem in our world. According to a recent Australian Bureau of Statistics National Health Survey, “One in six (16.1%) persons aged 18 years and over consumed more than two standard drinks per day on average”, thus exceeding the guidelines for lifetime risks associated with illness and injury. Furthermore, “just over two - [1 Kings by John Woodhouse: A review by Hank Lee](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/1-kings-by-john-woodhouse-a-review-by-hank-lee/) - “What is your favourite book of the Bible?”, I remember somebody asking John Woodhouse during chapel at Moore College, where he was Principal during my time as a student, to which he replied with a grin, “It’s the one that I’m reading right now. I often find that the book of the Bible I happen - [Training for Christian ministry: what to look for?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/training-for-christian-ministry-what-to-look-for/) - ACR asked South African Uni ministry campus director Ryan van der Avoort what he would say to those working out where to do ministry training. Perhaps cheekily, I’d first want to make two statements: 1. Having a degree doesn’t necessarily mean you should go into full-time paid Christian ministry. Don’t hear me wrong, theological education - [Walking with Jesus - why I wrote this book](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/walking-with-jesus-why-i-wrote-this-book/) - One of the most difficult times in the life of a follower of Jesus is after they first turn to Him and put their trust in Him as King. This is especially true for some of our friends who come from different cultures and backgrounds. It is difficult to integrate into some of our churches - [Why would you?!](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-would-you-2/) - ACR chats to Uni ministry campus director Ryan van der Avoort about what compelled him to move from South Africa to Sydney to study at Moore Theological College. 1) For a bit of context, how would you describe the state of the church in South Africa? I can only comment from my pockets of experience but - [You: created and cared for](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/you-created-and-cared-for/) - What makes you you? It’s the question of our time. Is it my genetics? Am I born this way? Or is it my upbringing, the way I was raised and taught? Are children a blank slate when they are born, waiting for society and experience to imprint on them? Or are their personality and choices - [Avoiding the St Edward Hospital Syndrome](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/avoiding-the-st-edward-hospital-syndrome/) - I was preaching through 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 earlier this year at Mentone Baptist. It is a word of exhortation given by Paul to the church in Corinth. The imagery doesn’t only denote the big picture purpose of Paul’s ministry, but it also denotes the picture for all who are participating in Christ’s redemptive work and - [Politically correct? Calling on people to praise God](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/politically-correct-calling-on-people-to-praise-god/) - It’s not arrogant to call on all people to praise God. In our modern Western world of the ‘politically correct’, for a person to show confidence in almost any ‘truth’ is seen and perceived as arrogant. It’s the era of ‘post-truth’ (the word of the year 2016!) where any call to objective standards of truth - [Thank God for ordinary pastors](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/thank-god-for-ordinary-pastors/) - The noble task of the ordinary Christian minister is essential for the future health of the churches which make up the Anglican Diocese of Sydney. Yet challenges to the ordinary Christian ministry abound! The world around us seems to be spinning away from its Christian moorings at a rapid rate, the frailty of the flesh - [The test that matters (Ephesians 5:10)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-test-that-matters-ephesians-510/) - We live in a world full of tests, examinations, and measurements. The testing starts from an early age. Even before babies are born, we use ultrasounds and other tests to check that everything is OK with the little human being in there, who is about to emerge into the world. As soon as the baby - ["Difficult people" and the resurrection](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/difficult-people-and-the-resurrection/) - Recently I was struck afresh by the great joy we’ll experience when the children of God are revealed, and our bodies are redeemed (Rom 8:18-25). I was struck in particular while praying for a brother with an intellectual disability. It wasn’t so much the redemption of my body that brought me joy (though as I get older - [What future has the Anglican Church of Australia?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-future-has-the-anglican-church-of-australia/) - There can now be no doubt that the Anglican Church of Australia is headed towards a crisis moment. Some might argue it has been a long time coming but recent events have catalyzed the sense that we are rapidly arriving at a moment of decision. So what has brought us to the edge of this - [“Who Am I?” A Sydney Anglican Female Perspective](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/who-am-i-a-sydney-anglican-female-perspective/) - First published on smh.com.au but expanded and published here by permission. My favourite moment of my favourite musical comes when Les Miserable’s protagonist breaks into his moment of existential crisis. “Who am I?”, he lyrically wails. As I read Julia Baird’s latest offering about the caricatured, oppressed, silenced and invisible women of the Sydney Anglican - [Why would you?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-would-you/) - Moore College Overseas Alumni: An interview with Chris Townsend Chris, thank you for taking some time out to chat to us. Can you tell us about the state of the church in your country? I come from two countries, England and Indonesia. I grew up in Jakarta, then became a Christian in England during university. - [The power of forgiveness (Ephesians 4:31-32)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-power-of-forgiveness-ephesians-431-32/) - Forgiveness matters. In fact, it’s part of the bedrock of our relationships. Without forgiveness in our relational world, life would actually become unbearable: Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo tells the gripping story of a man who refuses to forgive. [Spoiler alert] Consumed by bitterness, his plans for revenge destroy the lives of guilty - [Ministry training in Australia: An interview with Ben Pfahlert](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/ministry-training-in-australia-an-interview-with-ben-pfahlert/) - Ben, as director of MTS you’re very involved in seeing the next generation of ministry workers trained up. Tell us about your own ministry training experience. God grabbed me by the scruff of the neck in 1988, in my first year of university. I suddenly and inexplicably had a desire to know what was the - [The antidote to fear](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-antidote-to-fear/) - What are you afraid of? All of us have fears. Sometimes fears are good: they are life-preserving, like the fear of a dangerous situation. Sometimes fears can be terribly debilitating, especially when we feel under-equipped to deal with what we’re facing (or imagining). As Christians, we can face a whole new set of fears: Have - [Interview on evangelism at the Anglicare villages](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/interview-on-evangelism-at-the-anglicare-villages/) - Leigh and Kim Windsor on their experience of evangelism and ministry in the ARV (Anglicare Villages) at Castle Hill. ACR: Thank you for taking the time to talk to us! Firstly, how did you come to Christ? Kim: I did not grow up in a Christian family, but my husband and I decided it would be good - [Finding joy in seasons of change](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/finding-joy-in-seasons-of-change/) - We live in a transient age – life is fast paced, jobs are often uncertain, international travel is increasingly accessible and the idea of being settled somewhere for decades to come is alien to many. At many stages of life it seems that the only constant fixture is constant change! There are lots of things - [The opened eyes of Wilberforce](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-opened-eyes-of-wilberforce/) - The royal assent which was given to the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act on 25 March 1807 represented the fruition of 18 years of persistence for William Wilberforce who introduced his first bill outlawing the slave trade in the British Empire in 1789. Despite that initial victory there was more work to do. It - [I don’t try to do quiet times any more.](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/i-dont-try-to-do-quiet-times-any-more/) - There was a time in my life when I tried to do ‘quiet times’. I don’t any more. I don’t know where the term came from, but the idea of doing a ‘quiet time’ has been part of my Christian life for as long as I can remember. Countless youth camps and church house parties - [Learning Christ (Ephesians 4:20–21)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/learning-christ-ephesians-420-21/) - If you were asked who the most influential people are in your life, chances are your list would include a teacher or two. Good teachers make a huge impact on their students. While the profession of teaching is often undervalued, it’s incredibly important. It’s also really hard work. I have three kids at school, and - [Faithfulness or fruitfulness: when your ministry isn't a success](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/faithfulness-or-fruitfulness-when-your-ministry-isnt-a-success/) - I’m in a Bible study group of women who are preparing to enter full time ministry alongside their husbands. The other day one of them shared genuinely and openly one of her fears about entering ministry. “I just don’t want us to be in a ministry that doesn’t grow, or goes backwards,” she confessed. “What, - [Single Masculinity](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/single-masculinity/) - We all know that there are plenty of Christian books about marriage and raising children. It might surprise you to know there are not very many Christian books out there about singleness—though they do exist. However, when it comes to Christian books aimed at men, the writers tend to assume that the men who are - [Spring 2019 Journal](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/spring-2019-journal/) - Not everything can be said in a short blog piece. This is where The ACR Journal comes in. Some issues are complex and are best dealt with in more detail. In our journal you’ll find lengthy discussions on relevant and current theological matters within evangelicalism. Thank God for Ordinary PastorsMark Earngey Wangaratta Defies National Church - [Life lessons from our stillborn son](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/life-lessons-from-our-stillborn-son/) - The 27th of August will go down as one of darkest days in the history of our family. It has been a year since the fateful day, but sometimes I find the events of that day playing in my head. I can still see the doctor’s face as she said the words “I am very - [Changes](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/changes/) - If there is any group of people on the planet who should be enthusiastic about change and transformation it ought to be Christians. At the heart of the Christian message is the change brought about by the saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ. God has done all that was necessary to transfer his people - [The ACR Online- share the love](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-acr-online-share-the-love/) - From the very conception of the Australian Church Record on July 1st, 1880 (then known as ‘The Church of England Record’) the original founders of the ACR aimed to help the church of God “hold the Christian faith with a firm and unwavering confidence”.[1]Since that time the ACR has produced over 2300 issues of its - [Seeing God at Ground Zero: an Aussie's testimony from 9/11](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/seeing-god-at-ground-zero-an-aussies-testimony-from-9-11/) - A meteorologist would tell you there were sprawling areas of high pressure, but to me it was simply a picture-perfect day for my last full day in New York, and an opportunity to explore the tourist hot spots. First on the list was the viewing observatory inside the World Trade Center’s South Tower. It was - [Responding to a prosperity gospel church: what to say](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/responding-to-a-prosperity-gospel-church-what-to-say/) - What do you say when someone tells you about their church and you realise the teaching they’re getting is what is often called ‘the prosperity gospel’? Great question! The instinct to talk to someone about their relationship with God, and their church, is a good one. Good friends care about their friends’ spiritual well-being. But - [Things I've learned along the way: studying D. W. B. Robinson](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/things-ive-learned-along-the-way-studying-d-w-b-robinson-2/) - Introduction In the year 2001, about fifty metres from where we now stand, a young West Australian skipped a Hebrew class to listen to a slightly and elderly man, dressed in bishop’s purple and a clerical collar, teach on the Epistle of James. The class stood as he entered the room and remained standing while - [The seduction of worldly wisdom](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-seduction-of-worldly-wisdom/) - I know many people just can’t watch Funniest Home Videos– you know the old TV show with people doing really dumb things that go predictably, horribly wrong. You can see everything that’s about to happen coming a mile away, because we know how the world works; we have a certain level of worldly wisdom. Watching people - [The truth in love: A key principle for church growth (Ephesians 4:14-15)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-truth-in-love-a-key-principle-for-church-growth-ephesians-414-15/) - Slogans are catchy. Slogans crystallise our thoughts and capture our imaginations. That’s why they’re so useful for selling ideas. “Just Do It” inspires you to get out there and get active, preferably wearing a certain brand of sporting gear. “I’m lovin’ it” inspires you to get in there and feed the tasty fast food into - [A family shares all of life](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-family-shares-all-of-life/) - In Galatians 6, Paul shows us how the grace of God operates in the life of the church family as we live for others, bearing one another’s burdens. Although it can seem difficult and so is often neglected, this is an important part of Christian fellowship. Is this how your church family helps one another? - [Prepping for a Bible Study](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/prepping-for-a-bible-study/) - It’s maybe a shame that we use the shorthand ‘prep’ for what we’re talking about. It sounds horribly homework-y and not very spiritual. But, let’s face it, ‘thoughtful-and-prayerful-consideration-of-the-passage-in-advance-such-that-I-can-lovingly-build-up-my-group-by-contributing-more-during-the-study’ is a bit of a mouthful. So for now, can we stick to ‘prep’ and just agree that we all know what we really mean? So what - [Further towards a culture of death?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/further-towards-a-culture-of-death/) - Another tragic milestone in our country’s history was put in place on Thursday night as the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, by a vote of 59 to 31, passed legislation to decriminalise the late-term abortion of unborn children. The tragedy lies not just in the vote, but in the arguments put forward in support of - [Reading or speaking the Bible?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/reading-or-speaking-the-bible/) - Words are the lifeblood of relationships. When a person speaks to another, the speaker reveals something of themselves to the hearer; when the hearers listens, they come to know the speaker better. Of course, that depends in part on the truthfulness of the speaker and the attentiveness of the listener, but we get the point: - [S = Sorrow upon sorrow of parents who lose a child](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/s-sorrow-upon-sorrow-of-parents-who-lose-a-child/) - Tomorrow* marks two years since we said goodbye to our teenage son, Nathan, who went to be with Jesus. We were on holidays and we knew that the cancer would take him soon, but it’s hard to drive home with one less kid in your car. When he died, I was relieved that he was - [Evangelism in South Africa](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/evangelism-in-south-africa/) - An interview with Kenny Lloyd, Pastor of Word of Life Church, Port Elizabeth Kenny, can you give us a short introduction to the Word of Life ministry? Ten years ago we started some Bible studies on campus trying to make sure students here were being taught the true gospel. We wanted to have the Bible opened - [If only God would show me a miracle](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/if-only-god-would-show-me-a-miracle/) - He said to them, “How unwise and slow you are to believe in your hearts all that the prophets have spoken! Didn’t the Messiah have to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures. (Luke - [Diary of a missionary: One year on and so many changes](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/diary-of-a-missionary-one-year-on-and-so-many-changes/) - Just over a year ago our family of five moved to Santiago, Chile, to serve as CMS missionaries. Previously I’ve written about our journey hereand here. It occurs to me that I’ve been putting off writing, because I didn’t know where to start. From the moment we stepped off the plane we’ve faced changes and - [Counter-cultural in every age](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/counter-cultural-in-every-age/) - “The clear evidence of the mental health ill-effects of discrimination against LGBT people should firmly banish outdated policies to the past where they belong.” [1] So concluded an article in The Guardian on the issue of our marriage plebiscite in 2017. It’s a common argument: the traditional definition of marriage is so, well, traditional. Clearly - [Who am I? And why was I saved?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/who-am-i-and-why-was-i-saved/) - As Christians, we sometimes get so preoccupied with being better and more effective, that we forget just how special it is to be born again—that we are safe in the arms of Jesus. Yes, sin is still present in our lives. Yes, our settled posture as Christians is constant repentance. But when we are feeling - [Grumbling vs gratitude](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/grumbling-vs-gratitude/) - I've been reading through the book of Numbers recently and have been a little bit taken aback by the sheer quantity of grumbling that comes out of the Israelites’ mouths. It's relentless. And they don't stop even when their grumbling keeps them from entering the Promised Land. It just keeps coming. It made me wonder - [Gifted beyond measure](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/gifted-beyond-measure/) - At the primary school our kids attended, there was a class for gifted children. It was called the ‘opportunity class’. To get into the opportunity class, the kids had to do a test. They couldn’t study for the test; it was designed to measure raw giftedness rather than knowledge or exam technique. Well… that was - [Pastoral ministry: a noble task?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/pastoral-ministry-a-noble-task/) - “Here is a trustworthy saying”, declares the Apostle Paul, “whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task” (1 Tim 3:1). The truth is, however, contemporary Australian Christians might find it a little hard to resonate with this sentiment. Perhaps the Apostle would have made more sense if he’d described it as a “brave” - [Complementarianism and Campus Ministry: An interview with Carl Matthei and Alison Napier](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/complementarianism-and-campus-ministry-an-interview-with-carl-matthei-and-alison-napier/) - What does complementarian ministry look like in practice in a parachurch setting? To explore just that, we chat to Carl Matthai and Alison Napier who are part of the team at Campus Bible Study (CBS) at the University of New South Wales. Carl heads up the ministry and Alison joined the team in 2015 to - [Depression, anxiety and work](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/depression-anxiety-and-work/) - We have responsibility before God to work: it's part of our created nature, and God has purposed for us to work diligently. We are not to be lazy, wasting away our time idly; we are to be busy rather than busybodies, and burden-sharing rather than burdensome. But what does this mean for the person who suffers - [Is Christianity a tribe?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/is-christianity-a-tribe/) - What’s a tribe? Well, whenever a woman tells me she studied Science, Engineering or Maths at university, and I reply that I too studied Engineering, there’s a moment of “aha…!”. Suddenly the relationship becomes more open as there’s a bunch of stuff we don’t have to explain—perhaps especially: why a woman would ever go into - [Evangelism in the Pilbara](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/evangelism-in-the-pilbara/) - 1200km away from the nearest capital city. 600km away from the nearest set of traffic lights. 440km away from the closest town. 440km away from the closest McDonalds. This lands you in the town of Newman. A mining community with the beating heart of the town being the largest open cut Iron Ore mine in - [I learnt to loved to read](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/i-learnt-to-loved-to-read/) - I love to read. Or perhaps, more accurately, I have learnt to love to read. It may not always be the most natural thing to pick up a book. But when I do I’m glad; I open the pages and enter a most wonderful world—of thought. Why do I read? I read books to think - [Lessons in evangelism from an ordinary local church](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/lessons-in-evangelism-from-an-ordinary-local-church/) - The Georges River region of Sydney is a fantastic place to do ministry. What we’ve found since coming to St Paul’s is that there are so many gospel opportunities. Naturally, it is a challenge at times to know which to say yes to and what to say no to, but one of the very encouraging - [No second-class Christians (Ephesians 2:19)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/no-second-class-christians-ephesians-219/) - I once visited a church and sat next to an alcoholic called Phil.[1] I know Phil was an alcoholic because he told me quite soon after church finished. The whole gathering had been lively and emotional, with professional music and young happy faces on the stage. After it was over, Phil struck up a conversation - [Quick wrath, quick atonement; stored up wrath, planned atonement](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/quick-wrath-quick-atonement-stored-up-wrath-planned-atonement/) - Let’s step into dangerous territory and speak directly about the anger of God. Our own worldly hearts testify with the liberalism entrenched in Western churches: speaking on this topic is both dangerous and unpalatable. Preachers, including this author, dance around hell when speaking to a friendly congregation, let alone the outside world. A colleague answering - [Living in the present when you're waiting for the end](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/living-in-the-present-when-youre-waiting-for-the-end/) - Recently, while driving back home at the end of a beach holiday, our eight-year-old sighed deeply in the back seat and said, “I can’t wait until I’m retired”. My husband and I burst out laughing and asked him why he was in such a desperate hurry to get to retirement. “I just want to be - [What's in a name: El Shaddai](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/whats-in-a-name-el-shaddai/) - In this series, we are considering a number of names used for God throughout the Bible, and exploring what they reveal about his character and qualities. In this article we turn to the name by which God first revealed himself to the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob): ‘El Shaddai’ (Exod 6:3). The Hebrew word ‘shaddai’ - [Caring for single mums at church](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/caring-for-single-mums-at-church/) - Church is a place of labels. Some are useful—for example, we wear name tags so we can more easily engage with others in fellowship, or sometimes we’re categorized into groups so we can be pastored more easily. But some labels are burdensome to the bearer and scary or embarrassing to the reader—unless you know what - [Bathurst needs Sydney's pallium](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/bathurst-needs-sydneys-pallium/) - In the medieval church the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was appointed by the crown in England, needed to receive a pallium from the Pope which represented his ecclesiastical authority. The pallium was thin scarf-like vestment and the last Archbishop of Canterbury to receive one was Thomas Cranmer. Just a few years after receiving his pallium, - [How I've tried to encourage women in ministry](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-ive-tried-to-encourage-women-in-ministry/) - In ministry, I’ve had opportunity to work alongside a number of women in the context of church staff teams—among others, two in particular: Pip Russell for 12 years at Christ Church St Ives, and now Deb Earnshaw at Naremburn Cammeray. I want to talk here about how I’ve tried to encourage women in those kinds - [The joys of being a godparent: An interview with Caitlin Orr](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-joys-of-being-a-godparent-an-interview-with-caitlin-orr/) - Caitlin Orr is a graduate of Moore College and works as an assistant minister at Watsons Bay Anglican. She is the proud official godmother to four children, and here she shares some of her experience and wisdom in the world of godparenting. Caitlin, you are a godparent to quite a lot of children—but do you - [We meet because Jesus sat down](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/we-meet-because-jesus-sat-down/) - Ever heard someone say that they don't need to go to church? That they can just read the Bible at home, or watch sermons online? While there may be some good reasons why people might temporarily need to be away from church, or even for longer periods, it is important we push hard to find - [The valuing and devaluing of theological education](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-valuing-and-devaluing-of-theological-education/) - Among the myriad challenges facing the Church of England is the state of theological education. Part time and mixed mode study dominates the theological educational landscape. Residential theological education is deemed too expensive. In many places, two or three year theological degrees with optional original languages are seen as sufficient for pastoral ministry. The few remaining - [Launching UniChurch: An interview with Dave Jensen](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/launching-unichurch-an-interview-with-dave-jensen/) - Originally from Sydney, Dave Jensen is currently serving as an assistant minister at All Saints’ Anglican Church in Belfast. Dave has been involved in the recent launch of UniChurch Belfast—a new initiative of All Saints’ Church in the university quarter of Belfast. Here he shares a little of this new initiative and what its been - [Birds of a feather flock together: Are cultural churches valid?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/birds-of-a-feather-flock-together-are-cultural-churches-valid/) - Are cultural churches valid? By ‘cultural churches’, I mean churches who cater to a particular group of people—the Homogeneous Unit Church (HUC). The HUC was founded from the Homogenous Unit Principle (HUP) and is part of a missiological strategy to combat sociological barriers inhibiting a person coming to faith in Christ. The argument is that - [The first thing to say about church (Ephesians 1:22-23)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-first-thing-to-say-about-church-ephesians-122-23/) - Let’s play a word-association game. Here’s a word: ‘church’. What’s the next word that springs to your mind? You may have named a particular person you know at church. Or you may have identified an emotion related to church: excitement, guilt, gratitude, boredom, joy, pain, disappointment, inspiration, optimism, fear, love, anger, encouragement, frustration, refreshment, exhaustion, - [An Easter reflection from John Stott](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/an-easter-reflection-from-john-stott/) - I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he was seen… (1 Cor15:3-5) The Apostle is reminding his Corinthian readers of the gospel that - [Bored of the cross?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-meaning-of-the-cross/) - What distinguishes Jesus’ crucifixion from every other crucifixion performed by the Romans? Tens of thousands were crucified before Constantine abolished the practice in the fourth century. And it doesn’t take much for us to remember Spartacus, where the mass crucifixion of 6,000 people along the Appian Way has been immortalised (and mythologised!) in film. What makes - [Winter 2019 Journal](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/winter-2019-journal/) - Not everything can be said in a short blog piece. This is where The ACR Journal comes in. Some issues are complex and are best dealt with in more detail. In our journal you’ll find lengthy discussions on relevant and current theological matters within evangelicalism. This issue is packed with articles about ministry: being ordained - [What’s in a name? (Adonai)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/whats-in-a-name-adonai/) - The names given to God in the Bible reveal something of his character and attributes to us. In this article, we turn to one of the most common names for God: ‘Adonai’, which translates to mean ‘Lord’.* At a basic level, a lord is simply someone who has power and authority over another person or - [Departing from orthodoxy: what it was like to split from the Church of Scotland](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/departing-from-orthodoxy-what-it-was-like-to-split-from-the-church-of-scotland/) - Peter Dickson is currently Scotland Team Leader of the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF), which encourages and supports leaders of affiliated Christian Unions (CUs) throughout the UK to engage in evangelism and help Christian students grow in their faith. Peter is married to Eleanor and together they have two children, Esther and Jamie. Peter - [Creatures of habit: Getting our habits under control ](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/creatures-of-habit-getting-our-habits-under-control/) - In part 1 we looked at why it’s so important to harness our habits for good. Now we turn to the nitty-gritty practical stuff about what this might look like. At the risk of stating the complete obvious: we make time for the things we really want to do in life. We want to eat, - [Win the complete set of Donald Robinson's Works!](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/win-the-complete-set-of-donald-robinsons-works/) - A godly man, a loving husband and father, an engaging vice-principal, an excellent exegete, a faithful archbishop. Donald Robinson excited and equipped generations of laymen, pastors, teachers, and scholars with his Bible teaching. As Mark Thompson reflects, “it is one thing to be excited by the things you have discovered; it is quite another to - [Creatures of habit: Why habits matter](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/creatures-of-habit-why-habits-matter/) - Everyone has habits. This is because habits are a part of what it means to be created. You might have the habit of taking off your shoes when you enter a house. Or always sitting on the same side of the aisle in church. Or, like me, of binge watching TV dramas when you’re doing - [In defence of Lent](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/in-defence-of-lent/) - I grew up a Roman Catholic. When I was converted in my teenage years, I became a (high church) Presbyterian, so much so that in 2010 I refused to celebrate Christmas. Fortunately, in Scotland there are pockets of Presbyterians who likewise do the same. So I found myself on Boxing Day in their company, having - [What if it’s not about me?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/what-if-its-not-about-me/) - You are special. Trust yourself. Be true to yourself.… Follow your passion. Don’t accept limits. Chart your own course. You have a responsibility to do great things because you are so great.” I’m quoting from New York Times columnist David Brooks’ book The Road to Character. Brooks is here listing some of the messages that are becoming - [Listening: why it matters and why it's hard](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/listening-why-it-matters-and-why-its-hard/) - “Australians,” quoted our chaplain, “spend the second half of your sentence thinking of an answer to the first half”. Well, I think, I’m a good listener, at any rate. I never—oh, wait, were you still talking? There are many times in the Bible where it’s clear people are notsupposed to “listen” to their neighbour (e.g. Adam - [A rebuke in love: Fostering a culture of change in churches](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-rebuke-in-love-fostering-a-culture-of-change-in-churches/) - It had been an exhausting day and tired children were pushing all my buttons. I would love to say that I rose above the bickering with words of kindness, but that sadly was not the case! Later, children in bed and cup of tea in hand, my husband and I were talking about our days. - [What's in a name? (I AM)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/whats-in-a-name-i-am/) - In every culture, names carry significance. This is especially true in the Semitic culture of Bible where names are frequently used to define a person’s characteristics and actions. In this short series, we’ll explore the many and varied names used for God throughout the Scriptures and see how they are employed to reveal distinct aspects - [Could someone open in prayer?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/could-someone-open-in-prayer/) - Is there any question in a Bible study that causes more awkward silence than ‘Could someone open in prayer?’ Well, maybe the classic ‘What colour is this passage?’ (a legit question, I might add, if used with appropriate care and caution.) But allow me to observe that even in a group of mature Christians there - [The Pastor's Heart: An interview with Dominic Steele](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-pastors-heart-an-interview-with-dominic-steele/) - Dominic Steele is the senior minister of Village Church Annandale in Sydney, and also the host of The Pastor’s Heart—a podcast of deep-end interviews with senior pastors. Dominic has kindly agreed to speak to the ACR and share some of his hopes for and encouragements from this new and very helpful resource. Dominic, could you - [Little ones to him belong](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/little-ones-to-him-belong/) - Over 40 years ago, Jay E Adams opened his little book, The Meaning and Mode of Baptism, with an observation that still rings true today: “obviously, some immersionists speak overmuch on the subject; but just as truly, most of those who disagree with them say far too little”.[1] The above observation might be most true - [The secret to being godly](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-secret-to-being-godly/) - Someone once told me that the secret to a great Bolognese sauce is… beer. I have yet to validate his claim but if anyone else is inclined to check it, I would be a most willing test subject. Perhaps mastering the Bolognese sauce is not on the top of your agenda but I think we - [Practical tips for sharing the gospel with a stranger](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/practical-tips-for-sharing-the-gospel-with-a-stranger/) - “How are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?... Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Rom 10:14, 17) How often do we consider the urgency of Paul’s words here? In 2017 McCrindle Research did a nation-wide study - [This God (Ephesians 1:2)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/this-god-ephesians-12/) - I teach at a Sydney theological college that’s right in the middle of one of the most irreligious parts of the Western world. Our campus sits between a long-established, determinedly secular university, and a vibrant, socially progressive inner-city suburb. Quite often, I join in with a group of college students, heading out into our community - [Creating a culture of doctrinal literacy](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/creating-a-culture-of-doctrinal-literacy/) - My favourite book on Christian doctrine is Peter Jensen’s At the Heart of the Universe. It’s short, sharp, soaked in Scripture, and came about as a result of research for presenting the material orally. Best of all, it begins with eschatology—something that sets it apart, in a good way, from most (if not all) other - [Why God's names matter: YHWH](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-gods-names-matter-yhwh/) - In his best-known love story Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare famously wrote: “What’s in a name? that which we call a roseBy any other name would smell as sweet.” For Shakespeare’s character, Juliet, a name doesn’t seem to matter much at all. A rose could be called anything and it would still be just as lovely—the - [Encouraging women in ministry](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/encouraging-women-in-ministry/) - When I asked one of my female colleagues the question, “How do I encourage you in ministry?” her answer was: “By being normal”. So as I think about how we can encourage women in ministry, the theme is “trying to be normal”. I want to consider how we can be ‘normal’ in our ministry teams, - [Visible and invisible](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/visible-and-invisible/) - By J. I. Packer The distinction between the Church visible and invisible was coined by Luther and Zwingli in the sixteenth century, and was much used by all the Reformers, our own included. The wording of Article XIX ("The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men…") implies this distinction, and it was - [Engaging with worldviews and making Jesus known ](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/engaging-with-worldviews-and-making-jesus-known/) - One of my oldest friends has become hardened to the gospel and sometimes it’s difficult to keep persevering in evangelism with her. It’s hard to be courageous when I struggle to even know where to begin in conversation. It’s hard to feel like a faithful witness when those conversations don’t go far. Perhaps you’ve been - [Why consider gender and the local church? ](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-consider-gender-and-the-local-church/) - Jane Tooher is the director of Moore College’s Priscilla and Aquila Centre. Here she shares with us a little of how this centre aims to encourage the complementarian ministry of women in partnership with men. Jane, can you tell us a bit about your ministry background and how you came to be Director of the - [5 tips for daily Bible reading and prayer](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/5-tips-for-reading-daily-bible-reading-and-prayer/) - The most important resolution you can make this year is to read your Bible and pray each day—this, along with meeting with God’s people, is what makes a Christian’s heart beat. However, by this point in January most of our resolutions will have failed—including our daily quiet time. We’ve started to get busy, missed a - [Ministry in Melbourne: An interview with Andrew Price](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/ministry-in-melbourne-an-interview-with-andrew-price/) - Andrew Price is the lead pastor of Holy Trinity Doncaster in Melbourne. Here he shares with the ACR some of his reflections on ministry at HTD and in the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne. Andrew, tell us a bit about yourself—your family, background and how you came to be in ministry. I grew up in Wollongong - [Changing bodies? A Christian understanding of gender confusion](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/changing-bodies-a-christian-understanding-of-gender-confusion/) - From bathroom laws to birth certificates, transgender rights often occupy the headlines. While we listen to these highly charged political conversations happening in the public sphere, there are also people in our churches who are personally experiencing transgender feelings.[1] This can be difficult and confusing to respond to as a Christian, and it’s something that - [Outwit, outplay and outlast! Hebrew women are survivors](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/outwit-outplay-and-outlast-hebrew-women-are-survivors/) - Watch a woman give birth, a mother stand-up for her child, a widow quietly undergo hardship, and you will see a strength, dignity and endurance of a different type to men. Not better, just different. On average, men can bench-press more, fight wars for national protection and engage in riskier professions, but women are the - [The Bible’s guide to time travel (part 3): Don’t forget to change your clocks](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-bibles-guide-to-time-travel-part-3-dont-forget-to-change-your-clocks/) - Getting the time wrong can make a big difference in life. I still remember one morning as a kid getting out of bed, getting dressed in my school uniform, going downstairs into my parents’ room... to find Mum and Dad still in bed. It was a Saturday! I’d totally lost track of the day. Even - [Biblical mentoring: its pattern and place](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/biblical-mentoring-its-pattern-and-place/) - One of the things that I am most thankful to God for as a young Christian leader is the older and wiser men and women that God has placed in my life. More specifically, I am thankful for those three or four sage Christian men who have invested their time in me, and who meet - [The Bible’s guide to time travel (part 2): Accepting that time is broken ](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-bibles-guide-to-time-travel-part-2-accepting-that-time-is-broken/) - Bad timing drives me nuts. The bus pulls away just before you reach it. The priceless opportunity disappears just before you can grab it. Just when that person finally gets back on their feet, something else goes wrong. Bad, broken timing. Why does time feel so broken? Don’t let those swish Swiss clocks confuse you: - [Christmas Greetings, from 1918](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/christmas-greetings-from-1918/) - A very merry Christmas, from all of us on the ACR team! We wanted to share with you this Christ-centred carol written in for the ACR’s Christmas issue in 1918—we are glad to rejoice in the same great news today as they did 100 Christmases ago. Here we come a-carolling,Carolling for joy!Mary Maid hath born - [Christmas: Satan's field day?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/christmas-satans-field-day/) - Now the title of this article might appear a little too shocking for the ‘merry’ Christmas season… but let me highlight some of the ways that the great deceiver tries to take our minds off Christ during the Christmas period, before suggesting some ways to respond. Consumerism Even before we hit December, the consumerist wheel - [The Bible’s guide to time travel (part 1): Trusting the original Time Lord](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-bibles-guide-to-time-travel-part-1-trusting-the-original-time-lord/) - Time is a funny thing. It goes too fast. Then too slow. We want it to stand still and then wish it didn’t. We love losing track of it but incessantly strive to find it. There are few things more frustrating and difficult than running out of time or wasting it. We just can’t seem - [Teaching wisdom to our children](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/teaching-wisdom-to-our-children/) - “A foolish son is a grief to his fatherand bitterness to her who bore him” (Prov 17:25) Too many of us know this pain first hand—the pain of watching your child make choices that are rightly theirs to make, but that you know will not end well. So far my daughter is only capable of - [Biblical friendship (part 2): Being a friend](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/biblical-friendship-part-2-being-a-friend/) - In part 1 we looked at John 15 and saw that a friend is loving, sacrificial and outward looking. The book of Proverbs fleshes out this picture of what it means to be a friend. Proverbs is immensely helpful in thinking through the issue of friendship, which isn’t surprising because it’s a book of wisdom - [Evangelism: What is it?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/evangelism-what-is-it/) - ‘Evangelism’ has recently risen to the status of what Stephen Potter would call an “OK word”: to utter it is to be ecclesiastically ‘one up’ straight away. (Things were different 20 years ago.) The term stands for something that the modern church knows it should be doing; indeed, we have reached the point where mere - [What’s with the shepherds at Christmas time? ](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/whats-with-the-shepherds-at-christmas-time/) - What’s with the shepherds at Christmas time? In his biography, Luke explains that after Jesus’ birth a crowd of angels appeared to a group of shepherds out in the countryside and announced to them that the Christ-child had been born. He tells us there “were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over - [On choosing a Christmas diet](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/on-choosing-a-christmas-diet/) - Here is a scary question: in the average day, how much time do you spend thinking about food? As Christmas looms, most of us spend even more time than usual thinking about menus. Who and what will you serve this festive season? There’s endless inspiration to fill our thoughts on TV, Facebook feeds and as - [Biblical friendship (part 3): Cultivating friendship](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/biblical-friendship-part-3-cultivating-friendship/) - In part 1 and part 2, we looked at what a true friend is, and how Jesus is the ultimate friend. Now we’re going to think about how to cultivate biblical friendships through the lens of one of the great friendships recorded in the Bible: Jonathan and David. We won’t look at their story in - [Your gut is wrong](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/your-gut-is-wrong/) - The gut plays a very important role in the day-to-day life of those born after 1980. For one, these generations are obsessed with food, with every second meal being posted on Instagram and every second TV show relating to food. But the gut also plays a powerful role in the initial reaction to any given - [Biblical friendship (part 1): What is a friend?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/biblical-friendship-part-1-what-is-a-friend/) - Over the past few years several studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness poses a bigger risk to our health than smoking or obesity. Loneliness has the same effects on your body as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It increases your chances of heart disease by 29% and stroke by 32%.[1] Loneliness is on - [Considering Christ with your children at Christmas: An advent Top 5](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/consuming-your-children-with-christ-at-christmas-an-advent-top-5/) - It’s not like Christmas sneaks up on you. I think my first mince pie sighting this year was in early October. By November I find I can’t resist the urge to buy more gift tags at every single check out display, in case we are gripped by a nation-wide shortage come December. There are so - [They Shall See His Face: A review by Claire Smith](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/they-shall-see-his-face-a-review-by-claire-smith/) - You may never have heard of Amy Oxley Wilkinson (1868–1949), although it’s possible you know of her great grandfather, Rowland Hassall—one of the first missionaries to come to Australia after fleeing trouble in Tahiti—or his son Thomas, who started the first Sunday School in Australia at Parramatta in 1813, and went on to be an - [The evangelical church in Scotland: An interview with Matt Baines](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-evangelical-church-in-scotland-an-interview-with-matt-baines/) - Matt Baines is originally from Sydney where he has been working as an assistant minister at Minchinbury Anglican Church until August this year, when he and his family moved to Edinburgh. Here, Matt shares with us some of his early reflections on the evangelical church in Scotland. Matt, tell us a bit about why you’ve - [Feminism and faith: Some further thoughts](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/feminism-and-faith-some-further-thoughts/) - This is the second part of Christine's article. The first part can be found here. I have invested a lot of effort in researching feminism and trying to express why I think it is at odds with Christianity. I’ve struggled to reconcile the two, not as someone hostile to the feminist cause, but as one who - [Making sense of feminism and faith](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/making-sense-of-feminism-and-faith/) - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a name that is currently dominating feminist Instagram. Despite her youth, gender, and ethnicity, she has just been elected to Congress in the mid-term elections. After she won the democratic primary in June, feminist influencers I follow on social media all paid homage to Ocasio-Cortez by posting photos of her mid-speech with - [Real Faith](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/real-faith/) - This article was originally published in the ACR’s latest journal, which contains lots of helpful reflections on evangelism. You can access the journal in full here. I want people to really believe The simple goal of evangelism is for people to believe in Jesus and be saved. This is our mission. Whether it is through - [Teaching and Learning in the Bible: An Interview with Claire Smith](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/teaching-and-learning-in-the-bible-an-interview-with-claire-smith/) - Claire Smith is a graduate of Moore Theological College and a well-known speaker and writer. In 2012 she recently published a detailed and internationally recognised academic monograph on teaching and learning in New Testament churches—the result of her doctoral studies [Pauline Communities as ‘Scholastic Communities’: A Study of the Vocabulary of ‘Teaching’ in 1 Corinthians, - [Faithfulness and fruitfulness in ministry ](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/faithfulness-and-fruitfulness-in-ministry/) - This article was originally published in the ACR’s latest journal, which contains lots of helpful reflections on evangelism. You can access the journal in full here. What does a faithful ministry look like? What does fruitfulness in ministry look like? Are these things distinct or exclusive or identical to each other? Does one take precedence - [Loving your church family: Some thoughts for the shy, the socially nervous, the introverted and the sinner!](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/loving-your-church-family-some-thoughts-for-the-shy-the-socially-nervous-the-introverted-and-the-sinner/) - We have all felt disappointed when others have failed to care for us. Perhaps you have even been disappointed by someone today! I have been pondering the ways I could be more thoughtful in my daily activities in an effort not to be the one who inadvertently disappoints. Of course, this begs the question: why - [Evangelism and the Sydney Diocese: Our DNA ](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/evangelism-and-the-sydney-diocese-our-dna/) - This article was originally published in the ACR’s latest journal, which contains lots of helpful reflections on evangelism. You can access the journal in full here. At the 2017 session of synod a report was given in relation to diocesan mission and church growth. While there were some positives, the general tenor of the discussion - [Learning by doing: Isobel Lin on ministry training ](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/learning-by-doing-isobel-lin-on-ministry-training/) - Isobel Lin is a chaplain at Moore Theological College, the chair of the EQUIP women’s conference, the wife on Bishop Peter Lin, and the mother of three teenage daughters. As you can imagine, she’s involved in training across lots of different areas and has much wisdom to share! The ACR chatted with her about her - [The great need of the hour](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-great-need-of-the-hour/) - This article was originally published in the ACR’s latest journal, which contains lots of helpful reflections on evangelism. You can access the journal in full here. On Friday 9 March 2018, more than 650 people gathered at St Andrew’s Cathedral during their lunch hour to give thanks to God for the life and ministry of - [Destroy and kill: the command for Israel and for us](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/destroy-and-kill-the-command-for-israel-and-for-us/) - “When the Lord your God gives them over to you, and you defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction… You shall break down their altars and dash in pieces their pillars and chop down their Asherim and burn their carved images with fire. For you are a people holy to the LORD - [The game-changing question for every evangelistic conversation](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-game-changing-question-for-every-evangelistic-conversation/) - “Who killed Jesus?” At some point in every single evangelistic conversation I have, I make a point of asking this question. In fact, over the years, I’ve realised that nearly every part of every evangelistic conversation I have is in fact leading to the point where I can ask this question. It’s an interesting question - [Marriage: its place and pattern (Ephesians 5:31)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/marriage-its-place-and-pattern-ephesians-531/) - “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh” (Ephesians 5:31, R.V.) (See also Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:45; Mark 10:7-8.) These words refer, of course, to the action of a man in getting married. They indicate why it should be - [Coping with the demands of life (Philippians 4:4-20)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/coping-with-the-demands-of-life-philippians-44-20/) - In the Revised Version part of verse 12 of Philippians 4 reads: “In everything and in all things have I learned the secret”. The Greek verb here used means “to initiate into the mysteries” and Paul here uses it both in the passive voice and in the perfect tense. He claims to have been initiated, and - [The goodness of Christian hope](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-goodness-of-christian-hope/) - Do your friends know the goodness of the Christian hope? Do you? Recently I was talking to one of my most biblically informed non-Christian friends about life, the world, human nature and God, when she told me “I don’t want eternal life”. I was taken aback. If anything, I was expecting to hear “Heaven isn’t - [Dementia and the Christian: Will Jesus remember me if I’ve forgotten him?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/dementia-and-the-christian-will-jesus-remember-me-if-ive-forgotten-him/) - “She was a wonderful mother and a devoted wife”, he said, holding her hand. She sadly didn’t meet his gaze but rather looked past him, glassy-eyed and unseeing. As her speech pathologist I was sitting by her bedside, watching her not recognise her husband of 41 years. She was in the final stages of Alzheimer’s - [Have we lost our way on mission?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/have-we-lost-our-way-on-mission/) - This article was originally published in the ACR’s latest journal, which contains lots of helpful reflections on evangelism. You can access the journal in full here. For someone who enjoys American politics, the last year and a half has been both enthralling and exhausting! It seems such a long time ago, given how many things - [Learning to delight in physical limitations (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/learning-to-delight-in-physical-limitations-2-corinthians-127-10/) - The persistent pressure of a physical ailment. In a passage of intimate personal biography Paul reveals that he was troubled by a physical affliction. He calls it “a thorn in the flesh”—language which suggests that it was something very painful and unpleasant, something physically agonising, intolerable, exhausting. Exactly what it was we do not know; - [How to pray on knocking knees: A guide for the jittery, anxious or mildly petrified](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-to-pray-on-knocking-knees-a-guide-for-the-jittery-anxious-or-mildly-petrified/) - I am writing this piece for those who may well feel jittery, nervous or even somewhat terrified to pray out loud in Bible study or certainly with a pre-written prayer from the front of a public church meeting. You don’t need to be afraid! Here are my main points if you want to cut to - [Men’s world and God’s word (Matthew 24:35-44)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/mens-world-and-gods-word-matthew-2435-44/) - This passage of our Lord’s own teaching challenges us, if we will heed it, to recognize the unique character, the supreme worth and the abiding practical value of the word of God. Reference to it is here put in the advent and eschatological context, in relation, that is, to the future coming of Christ and - [Church leaders: realistic idealists](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/church-leaders-realistic-idealists/) - Here’s a thought I’ve been musing over: leaders in ministry need to be realistic idealists. Primarily, we need to be idealists because we are gospel people. We are people of God’s word who seek to do all we do through the lens of Scripture. However, secondarily, we also need to be realistic. We need to - [Evangelical protest: Its cause and content (Galatians 2:11-21)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/evangelical-protest-its-cause-and-content-galatians-211-21/) - Those who know the truth of the gospel may find themselves compelled within the professing Church to become outspoken ‘protestants’, and to give their positive witness to the gospel in order to counter practical abandonment of its truth, and that sometimes on the part of acknowledged leaders or so called ‘pillars’ of the Church. Since - [The healing way (Exodus 15:23-26) ](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-healing-way-exodus-1523-26/) - Trials of the Christian pilgrimage “When they came to Marah they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter” (Exodus 15:23). This happened to God’s people, after their redemption from Egypt, when he was leading them. We may rightly regard the incident as a picture not only of the trials of - [Calling God “Father”: Stumbling block or salve?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/calling-god-father-stumbling-block-or-salve/) - If someone’s relationship with their human parents is negative or non-existent, could the idea of God as Father become unappealing? As someone who’s always enjoyed healthy relationships with my still-married parents, I know that I’m fortunate. But the more people I meet, the more this seems as rare as it is fortunate. Countless factors cause - [Being salty in a secular world: An interview with Os Guinness](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/being-salty-in-a-secular-world-an-interview-with-os-guinness/) - Steve Tong, on behalf of the ACR, had the chance to interview Os Guinness during his recent visit to Sydney. Here, Os shares about the need to connect evangelism and apologetics, and the responsibility of Christians to engage with our world by holding out the light of the gospel. Os also encourages lay people to - [Jesus never directly said “I’m God!”: Answering our Muslim friends (Part 2)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/jesus-never-directly-said-im-god-answering-our-muslim-friends-part-2/) - “But Jesus never directly said he’s God”, says our Muslim friend. How would you answer? Part 1 of this series had us step forward on the front foot against this specific challenge by rejecting the premise and reframing the issue. But if we did work within the boundaries imposed by our Muslim friends, how would - [Jesus never directly said “I’m God!”: Answering our Muslim friends (Part 1)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/jesus-never-directly-said-im-god-answering-our-muslim-friends-part-1/) - A common objection we hear from our Muslim friends regarding the deity of Jesus is this: Jesus never directly said “I’m God”. How would you defend the deity of Jesus using his own words? Passages from John’s Gospel may readily spring to mind—for example the ‘I am’ statements of John 6:20 or 8:58. Yet many - [The Church and the Bible (Part 1) ](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-church-and-the-bible-part-1/) - On this issue of the relation of the Church to the Bible the declared position of the Church of England is explicit and unmistakable. The canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are avowedly acknowledged as supreme and sufficient in authority. They provide the Church as well as every individual Christian with a decisive - [The Church and the Bible (Part 2)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-church-and-the-bible-part-2/) - In the August 1959 issue of The Expository Times, Dr C.K. Barrett refers to what he calls “the erroneous assumption which underlies much ecumenical conversation, that reunion will come by a sharing of treasures”. His significant comment is: “It will not. It will come, if God wills that it shall, not by pooling of an - [The Spirit transforms (Romans 8)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-spirit-transforms-romans-8/) - In Paul’s survey of the Gospel in the epistle to the Romans he declares that all have sinned (3:23), that the Lord Jesus was delivered up for our trespasses (4:25), and that by simple faith we can be freely justified (3:21-26). To those thus put right with God in Christ, not only is it true - [The confidence and hope of our calling](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-confidence-and-hope-of-our-calling/) - He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thess 5:24) These few simple words sum up some of the essential fundamentals of Christianity. They tell us three things about God: that he has called us, that he is faithful, that he will do. They tell us that our Christianity is built - [How I talk to people about the Trinity](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-i-talk-to-people-about-the-trinity/) - It was the first evangelistic course that I had ever run. I had just finished my presentation on the authority of Jesus in Mark 1-2 and opened up for question time. The first question, right off the bat, was… “So, what’s the deal with the Trinity?” Since then I have found that of all the - [Heroes at drinking wine (aka intoxicated masculinity)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/heroes-at-drinking-wine-aka-intoxicated-masculinity/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] “Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink, who acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of his right!” (Isa 5:22-23) The battle-lines have been dug in the conflict about Christians and alcohol, with entrenched positions generating pamphlets, - [Wonderful salvation: A study in 1 Peter 1:1-12](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/wonderful-salvation-a-study-in-1-peter-11-12/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Peter opens his letter by contemplating the amazing character of Christian salvation. The very thought of it immediately calls forth worship and doxology. Blessed by God the giver! Let us make what Peter wrote the subject of our own adoring meditation. Let us see what we can here learn about our - [Let the Word do the Work — New from ACR](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/let-the-word-do-the-work/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Newly published by the Australian Church Record is “Let the Word do the Work, Essays in honour of Phillip D. Jensen.” The Book was presented to Phillip Jensen at the launch at Moore College of Two Ways Ministries on May 30 2015. Here’s the Preface, by ACR Editor Peter Bolt: “When Phillip Jensen announced his resignation from - [The Church in Ireland: An interview with Trevor Johnston](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-church-in-ireland-an-interview-with-trevor-johnston/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Trevor, thanks for agreeing to be interviewed for the ACR. You’ve had a long association with evangelicals in Australia, particularly in Sydney. Do you mind giving a brief history of your personal affiliation? My own connection stretches back to 1995 and a Proclamation Trust conference for theological students. Several of us - [Reflections on Sydney Anglicanism: An interview with David Robertson](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/reflections-on-sydney-anglicanism-an-interview-with-david-robertson/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The ACR was privileged to hear from David Robertson, author of The Dawkins Letters and blogger at TheWeeFlea.com, on his recent visit to Sydney. David, tell us a bit about yourself and why you have recently been in Sydney. I’m a 56-year-old Scottish Presbyterian minister (the Free Church of Scotland). I’m - [When hanger hits…](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/when-hanger-hits/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]‘Hanger’ is a real thing. Somehow, an empty belly affects our ability to stay calm and think happy thoughts. When our stomachs grumble, so do we. But more often than not, hanger is avoidable. It’s not that we don’t have enough to eat, but that we don’t have time to eat. - [The promises of God (2 Corinthians 1:20)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-promises-of-god-2-corinthians-120/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]“For how many so ever be the promises of God, in Him is the yea: wherefore also through Him is the Amen, unto the glory of God through us” (2 Cor 1:20, R.V.) Let us see how much we can learn from this one verse about the promises of God. Their - [The way of cleansing](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-way-of-cleansing/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Believers in Christ and in his atoning sacrifice are assured by Gods word and God’s Spirit that their sins are forgiven, and that they have peace with God. This does not, however, mean that henceforth they themselves cease to commit sin. Indeed, it is often true, to quote familiar words, that - [GAFCON 2018: A turning point in the history of Anglicanism](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/gafcon-2018-a-turning-point-in-the-history-of-anglicanism/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Almost 1700 years ago, on 20 June 325AD, 318 bishops concluded a very significant meeting. They had gathered in Nicaea because errors had arisen in the church which were so profound that they undermined the very foundation of the Christian message. Those bishops renounced the heresies and upheld orthodox Christian doctrine - [The destiny of God’s people](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-destiny-of-gods-people/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] “And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you shall be my people.” (Lev 26:12) No idea is more fundamental to the purpose of God in history, as it is revealed in Holy Scripture, than this one: “They shall be my people, and I will - [How to share the gospel with a stranger](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-to-share-the-gospel-with-a-stranger/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I first heard the gospel at 18, from an older lady I’d never met before. She told me the good news of Jesus while I was pumping fuel into her car (I worked at a petrol/gas station[1]). She then said that I should go to a local church to learn more - [Isaiah’s Servant Song: Suffering and Glory (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/isaiahs-servant-song-suffering-and-glory-isaiah-5213-5312/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]“O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His Glory?” (Luke 24:25, 26). So said the as yet unrecognized stranger to the two whom he joined on the road to Emmaus. Once it - [Bearing burdens: Does Christ-like care lead to burnout?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/bearing-burdens-does-christ-like-care-lead-to-burnout/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] “‘In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) The troubles of this world are inevitable, and while wonderful comfort is drawn from the second part of this verse, the reality that Jesus acknowledges is that we all carry burdens—and sometimes - [Saving contact and simple confession (Mark 5:24-34)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/saving-contact-and-simple-confession-mark-524-34/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]“Who touched me?” This question asked by Christ in Mark 5:30 indicates that someone had touched Jesus, and that Jesus expected that same someone to speak. Of course, from our reading of the passage (Mark 5:24-34) we already know what had happened. It is to most of us a very familiar - [Where to go when faith feels dry](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/where-to-go-when-faith-feels-dry/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]What is dry faith? Is it a heart grown dusty with the grime of the world? Could it be a soul that is cool rather than warm, or weary rather than energised? Perhaps it’s revealed in eyes that have lowered from Jesus and onto self, or a mind that has lost - [A small-step antidote to dull, dry faith](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-small-step-antidote-to-dull-dry-faith/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Perseverance. I have been struck recently by how much the notion of perseverance appears in the Scriptures. Perhaps this shouldn’t surprise me, but it just isn’t one of the first things I think of when I contemplate what the Scriptures are about. Faith, hope and love, the promises and faithfulness of - [“For he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/for-he-shall-save-his-people-from-their-sins-matthew-121/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]When people hear that a baby has been born, one of the first questions that they ask is, “What is the child to be called?” This is a matter of unfailing interest. It is one of the inevitable demands that having children of our own, makes upon us—to give the child - [In Defence of Duty](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/in-defence-of-duty/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]We treat the idea of duty with some suspicion these days. We fear that doing things ‘out of duty’ means acting in a way that isn’t genuine and therefore is less meaningful. But is that the whole story? Duty: the dangers In the Old Testament God rebukes those whose actions aren’t - [God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/god-loves-a-cheerful-giver-2-corinthians-9/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]In 2 Corinthians 9 Paul exhorts his readers to prepare to take their share in a collection that he is making for the poor Christians at Jerusalem. Let us see what we can learn from this chapter about Christian giving. The need to prepare (vv. 1-5) When Paul wrote and sent - [Everyone needs (to be) a parent](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/everyone-needs-to-be-a-parent/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]This Mother’s Day we interview Jane Tooher on what it means to be a spiritual parent and what this has looked like in her own life. Jane lives in Sydney with her student-aged nephews and serves on the faculty of Moore Theological College where she lectures in ministry and church history. - [Beware: and be wise (Philippians 3:1-21)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/beware-and-be-wise-philippians-31-21/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]In Philippians 3 Paul turns somewhat abruptly to warn his reader of certain persistent spiritual perils of which they need beware. He does, he says, in the interests of their safety or wellbeing, that they may know the danger which beset them; then, in order to be positive as well as - [T.C. Hammond: The Lord’s Supper (Article 28)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-the-lords-supper-article-28/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Next to the question of Justification by Faith only the problems connected with the Lord’s Supper present a wide field of controversy in the Reformation period. This is illustrated by the fact that four Articles are devoted to the consideration of these questions. The Article we are considering underwent an important - [Friends: Your secret weapon in avoiding burnout](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/friends-your-secret-weapon-in-avoiding-burnout/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]More and more, Christians are burning out. Depending on the circles you run in, this phenomenon can start to feel almost as self-evident as our most basic beliefs about God. Some of our brothers and sisters who are serving the most are feeling like they have the least left to give. - [T.C. Hammond: The Baptism of Young Children (Article 27)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-the-baptism-of-young-children-article-27/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The controversy concerning infant baptism has occasioned much difficulty to many students. The great body of the Reformed Churches accept it. A determined and earnest company, however, reject it as unscriptural. There are two questions that need to be kept clearly distinguished from one another. The first question relates to the - [Lee Gatiss on learning from Christians of the past](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/lee-gatiss-on-learning-from-christians-of-the-past/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]An interview with Lee Gatiss: Part 2 Lee, you’re a prolific writer and also an editor of works by some great Christians of the past. Why is it important to keep producing these materials? Yes, it’s been a privilege to republish works by people such as JC Ryle and George Whitefield, - [T.C. Hammond: On Baptism (Article 27)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-on-baptism-article-27/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Next to the Sacrament of Holy Communion, the Sacrament of Baptism has occasioned possibly most discussion within the circle of the Christian Church. There is a tendency, against which we must be on our guard, to attribute to the external sign the value of efficacy of the thing signified. This is - [Lee Gatiss on Church Society and Anglican evangelicals in the UK](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/lee-gatiss-on-church-society-and-anglican-evangelicals-in-the-uk/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]An interview with Lee Gatiss: Part 1 Lee, you’ve been Director of the Church Society for a number of years now. Can you give us a quick overview of what Church Society does, and what role it plays in the Church of England? Church Society has been around in various forms - [T.C. Hammond: On the unworthiness of ministers (Article 26)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-on-the-unworthiness-of-ministers-article-26/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The twenty-sixth article is of considerable importance because it defines a very sharp line of cleavage between the Church of England and the Church of Rome. The controversy clusters round the very vexed problem of intention in the performance of the sacraments of the Church. The Council of Trent is quite - [Stories that shape: The place of Biblical theology in child development](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/stories-that-shape-the-place-of-biblical-theology-in-child-development/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Much-loved author Morris Gleitzman was recently appointed as the 2018-19 Children’s laureate. A laureate’s role is to promote literacy, which Gleitzman believes equips ‘young readers to embrace an often dark and uncertain world with optimism, resolve and creativity’.[1] For him, children need stories to learn resilience, insight, problem solving, empathy and - [God’s Strategy for Evangelism](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/gods-strategy-for-evangelism/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Whether it’s war, sport or business, everyone needs a good strategy. Strategy is the ‘how’ question. You might have a vision—what you want to see happen. You might have a mission—what you are going to do. But do you have the strategy—how are you going to do it? What is our - [TC Hammond: The Sacraments (Article 25)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/tc-hammond-the-sacraments-article-25/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]In our last article[1] we dealt with the general definition of sacraments instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ, as laid down in Article XXV. The Article proceeds to the disputed question as to the number of the Dominical sacraments. The term ‘Dominical’ is used to distinguish sacraments “ordained of Christ our - [The ‘so what’ of Easter: Part 4 - A new creation](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-so-what-of-easter-part-4-a-new-creation/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] Easter really happened! We spend a lot of time affirming the historical truth of Jesus’ resurrection. But what about the theological significance? And what does Easter mean for you, for me and for our world? This five-part series looks at some of the answers to this question. Here in part - [The ‘so what’ of Easter: Part 5 – Jesus is judge](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-so-what-of-easter-part-5-jesus-is-judge/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] Easter really happened! We spend a lot of time affirming the historical truth of Jesus’ resurrection. But what about the theological significance? And what does Easter mean for you, for me and for our world? This five-part series looks at some of the answers to this question. Here in our - [The ‘so what’ of Easter: Part 3 – We shall all be changed](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-so-what-of-easter-part-3-we-shall-all-be-changed/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] Easter really happened! We spend a lot of time affirming the historical truth of Jesus’ resurrection. But what about the theological significance? And what does Easter mean for you, for me and for our world? This five-part series looks at some of the answers to this question. Here in part - [The ‘so what’ of Easter: Part 2 - The death of death](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-so-what-of-easter-part-2-the-death-of-death/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] Easter really happened! We spend a lot of time affirming the historical truth of Jesus’ resurrection. But what about the theological significance? What does Easter mean for you, for me and for our world? In part 1 we thought about how the resurrection shows Jesus’ work to be successful and - [The ‘so what’ of Easter: Part 1](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-so-what-of-easter-part-1/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]When it comes to the resurrection of Jesus, most contemporary Christian writing has been centred on its historicity. Preaching often tends to focus on the historical details and the fact that it really happened, rather than its meaning. As a result, the average pew sitter might have a robust apologetic in - [T.C. Hammond: The Church (Article 19)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-the-church-article-19/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Article XIX Of the Church The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in the which the pure Word of God is preached, and the sacrament be duly ministered according to Christ’s ordinance in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same. As the Church - [Growing godly kids #3: Teaching children to read the Bible](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/growing-godly-kids-3-teaching-children-to-read-the-bible/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]God grows his children through his word, so teaching children to read the Bible is as important as teaching them to feed themselves. Let’s see how we could apply a modelling-training-teaching approach to helping children read the Scriptures. Modelling Modelling healthy Bible reading habits can take two forms. The first is - [T.C. Hammond: The Exclusiveness of Christianity (Article 18)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-the-exclusiveness-of-christianity-article-18/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]We have to notice that there is an exclusiveness about Christianity. It asserts, quite emphatically, that there is only one way of salvation. This is the consistent message of the New Testament. Peter boldly declared to his interrogators: “Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name, - [Laziness and the young leader](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/laziness-and-the-young-leader/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]When I hear about people dropping out of ministry due to burnout, it freaks me out. I get worried I will burn out and no longer serve God as effectively. I get worried the leaders I lead will eventually be swallowed by this trend. This spurred me on to write an - [Facebook rant vs. facing up: Which would you choose?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/facebook-rant-vs-facing-up-which-would-you-choose/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Facebook now has over 2 billion active users. More than a quarter of the world’s population now has an active account. Clearly, they are doing something right! But of course, there are cons to every pro. So it’s not surprising that my newsfeed contains a few of these every day: “I - [T.C. Hammond: Where is salvation to be found? (Article 18)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-where-is-salvation-to-be-found-article-18/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]ARTICLE XVIII. Of obtaining eternal Salvation only by the Name of Christ. They also are to be had accursed that presume to say, That every man shall be saved by the Law or Sect which he professeth, so that he diligent to frame his life according to that Law, and the - [Billy Graham Preaches in Sydney](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/billy-graham-preaches-in-sydney/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]In memory of his life and thanks to God for his ministry – we re-release the ACR’s report on the opening night of the Billy Graham Crusade in Sydney, written in April 1959. In ideal weather conditions, Billy Graham’s Sydney Crusade opened at the Show Ground with record first day’s crowd - [T.C. Hammond: Perversions of the Doctrine of Predestination (Article 17)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-perversions-of-the-doctrine-of-predestination-article-17/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]We promised in our last Article to deal with the statements in Article 17 relating to misapplications of the Scriptural doctrine of Predestination. The Article reads: “As the godly consideration of Predestination and our Election in Christ, is full of sweet, pleasant, and unspeakable comfort to godly persons, and such as - [Big Questions from Growing Minds](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/big-questions-from-growing-minds/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]School is back; and so are SRE, Sunday School and Youth Group. And as sure as there is a swimming carnival in February, if you talk to children about Jesus you will be asked big questions in the weeks ahead. I love BIG questions: they’re inconvenient and complicated, they need time - [T.C. Hammond: God’s Purposes are Independent of Time (Article 17)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-gods-purposes-are-independent-of-time-article-17/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]So much attention has been paid to what we may call the problems of Predestination that sometimes the positive teaching of the Article is overlooked. It is worthwhile to devote some time to this obvious duty. The Article asserts that God’s decree of salvation antedates time. Indeed the purport of the - [Growing godly kids #2: Teaching children to pray](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/growing-godly-kids-2-teaching-children-to-pray/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Speaking to our heavenly Father should be the most natural thing for a child of God. However, our own sinfulness often gets in the way of trusting God and speaking readily to him. It is a quaint idea to imagine children will naturally develop a vibrant prayer life, but the reality - [T.C. Hammond: The World is not Exposed to Chance (Article 17)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-the-world-is-not-exposed-to-chance-article-17/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Attention needs to be directed to the opening words of the Article: “Predestination to Life”. Two of the Articles begin with a limiting definition. Article 19 speaks of “The Visible Church of Christ”. Neither Article excludes a further reference to the concept but limits its own range to the particular aspect - [Growing godly kids #1](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/growing-godly-kids-1/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Many Christian parents hope and pray that their children will grow in faith but don’t often know what practical steps they can take to help this. Over the next few articles we’re going to discuss some little steps we can all take to deliberately disciple the children in our families and - [T.C. Hammond: Sin Against the Holy Ghost](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-sin-against-the-holy-ghost/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]In our former comment on this Article we indicated that we would deal more specifically with the sin against the Holy Ghost which receives special mention. There are two questions that arise for consideration— Why is there this specific mention of the sin against the Holy Ghost in reference to post-baptismal - [T.C. Hammond: Predestination to Life](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-predestination-to-life/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]No Article in the Thirty-nine has occasioned more controversy amongst members of the Reformed Church than Article Seventeen. For this reason, if for no other, it requires the most careful consideration. The controversy was comparatively late in origin. It is a well-known historical fact that King James I sent representatives to - [Diary of a Missionary # 3: Gifts from God](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/diary-of-a-missionary-3-gifts-from-god/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I must have sat in this church a thousand times before, but today is different. Today, our family and friends are commissioning us for our first term of service as CMS missionaries in Chile. The December air is sticky and I can hear kookaburras calling as Isaiah is read. A lot - [Blindspots & Barriers](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/blindspots-barriers/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Interview with Jane Tooher (Director of the Priscilla & Aquila Centre) Since 2011 Jane Tooher has been Director of the Priscilla & Aquila Centre (P&A): a centre whose stated mission is to benefit women and to encourage their ministries in partnership with men. We chat to Jane about possible blindspots and - [T.C. Hammond: Can Wilful Sinners be Forgiven?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-can-wilful-sinners-be-forgiven/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]We are introduced by this Article to a very ancient misconception of God’s message of salvation. Tertullian, who attained prominence at the very beginning of the Third Century, held very rigid views concerning the remission of serious sins committed after baptism. When Tertullian became a Montanist this rigour was intensified. So - [T.C. Hammond: Who is a Sinner?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-who-is-a-sinner/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]At first sight it might appear that the fifteenth Article introduces a wholly new topic for consideration. We switch from the consideration of the merit of works to the concept of the sinlessness of our Lord Jesus Christ. Concerning the fact of our Lord’s sinlessness there is happily no controversy. The - [T.C. Hammond: WORKS OF SUPEREROGATION ARE ARROGANT AND IMPIOUS](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-works-of-supererogation-are-arrogant-and-impious/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The final Article on Good Works deals trenchantly with the dogma of works of supererogation. It states very definitely that such doctrine “cannot be taught without arrogancy and impiety.” It becomes necessary to ask “What is meant by works of supererogation?” The word comes from the Latin and has amongst other - [Who rules: The lay or the clergy?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/who-rules-the-lay-or-the-clergy/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Hopefully on reading that title you are screaming out, “Neither! Christ rules!” However, since the beginning of the church there has been unhealthy tension between the shepherd and the sheep, the appointed leaders and those they lead. It is a sad consequence of our human sin, and it manifests itself from - [When must we break unity?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/when-must-we-break-unity/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]At the recent Synod of the Sydney Diocese two important motions were passed concerning the wider Anglican communion. The first affirmed our Archbishop for attending the consecration of Bishop Andy Lines as a Missionary Bishop for the UK. The second expressed our sadness that the Scottish Episcopal Church had broken communion - [The Lord of Time](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-lord-of-time/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The coming of the New Year is always the signal for a rash of resolutions to break out, most of which, though well-intentioned, have a very short life-expectancy, as the insurance people might put it. But with the thought of the passage of time in mind, it may be well to - [The Condition of the Stable](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-condition-of-the-stable/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]As we enjoy the sounds and smells of our Christmas — roast turkey, excited children, and the amicable throng of the communion table — they are different from the first Christmas. Its outward smells and signs are dung, urine, and the sounds of fear as a child is born under reprobate - [Tim & Julia @ James Cook Uni (Townsville)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/tim-julia-james-cook-uni-townsville/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The bible speaks of distinctive and complementing roles for women and men in ministry, but what can that look like in practice? What might it look like in a parachurch setting like uni ministry? We chat to Tim Earnshaw and Julia Bollen. Tim is the Campus Director and Jules the Senior Women’s - [Hoping Christmas is Good News](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/hoping-christmas-is-good-news/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The decorations at the stores and shopping malls tell us that Christmas is just around the corner. We are about to begin again the round of carol Services and Nativity plays. The Christmas card list is dusted off for another year and, in my case, I scan to see if any - [The Gospel Remains Foolish](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-gospel-remains-foolish/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]A student once asked Karl Barth if he could summarise his whole life’s work in theology in one sentence. Famously, Barth replied: “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”[1] The beauty of such a response is that it nicely captures what the bible says about its - [The Reformation: A great mistake?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-reformation-a-great-mistake/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] From the Vault of the ACR, first published February 1967. Re-released to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the reformation. “The sooner we of the Church of England acknowledge that the Reformation was a great mistake and seek reunion with Rome, the better.” The Revd. Dr, Keith Cole, Vice-Principal of Ridley - [Forgiveness Reformed](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/forgiveness-reformed/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] From the Vault of the ACR. First released as an editorial entitled ‘Forgiveness’, November 14, 1977. Last week was the 460th anniversary of the reformation. On the eve of All Saints Day 1517 Martin Luther, a monk, Doctor of Divinity and Professor of Theology at Wittenburg in Germany, nailed up - [Young Leaders: Are we training them to burnout?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/young-leaders-are-we-training-them-to-burnout/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]What training do you think is most important for young Christian leaders? My guess is training relating to godliness and teaching would be at the top of your list. After all, Paul does write to Timothy, ‘watch your life and doctrine closely’ (1 Timothy 4:16). Recently I have become aware of - [Oft-Forgotten Reformers: Katherine Zell](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/oft-forgotten-reformers-katherine-zell/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Katherine Zell was a woman who trusted God at his word. Her writings don’t show someone fake, sterile, sanitized. Rather, in their pages we meet a real woman – with strengths and weaknesses. So who was Katherine Zell? Katherine lived 500 years ago in Germany and is an oft-overlooked but nevertheless inspiring character - [Look! He Comes](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/look-he-comes/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Paul had no hesitation in speaking of the time when “the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Nor was he alone in this, for - [On Demythologizing](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/on-demythologizing/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]A pocket diary can be a mine of information. Lest you be tempted to forget, and go to work when you should stay at home, it lists the Public Holidays. It carries a range of postal information. It may include such valuable information as that russet brown is a combination of - [How to pray soul-in-hand](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-to-pray-soul-in-hand/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]”A man’s prayer is only heard if he puts his soul in his hand.” So runs the axiom of the Rabbis, and it stands as a crushing rebuke for the tepid self-seeking which passes for prayer with so many of us today. The saying is based on Job 13:14, and it - [Hold on to the Good, Reject what is Evil: Headship and Submission in a World with Domestic Violence](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/hold-on-to-the-good-reject-what-is-evil-headship-and-submission-in-a-world-with-domestic-violence/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]How do you feel when you hear the words ‘domestic violence’ and ‘headship and submission’ together? Uneasy? Embarrassed? Apologetic? There was a time when I felt all those things. Before coming to Moore College, I would have tended towards burying my head in the sand when it came to engaging with - [The ‘Good Fellows’ Myth](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-good-fellows-myth/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The ancient Egyptian, so I have read somewhere, did not think of sin as rebellion against God, but simply as an understandable aberration, The ancient Greeks had no idea of the wrath of God, but conceived of their various deities as passionless beings, above being concerned with what man does. The - [How do I serve Jesus when my family doesn't want me to?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-do-i-serve-jesus-when-my-family-doesnt-want-me-to/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Here’s how it is: You’re the only Christian in your family. You’re an active member of your church. But there’s a clash! Your parents have booked a restaurant for Wednesday night to celebrate your brother finishing his HSC exams. They know that you have growth group on Wednesday nights. You’ve been - [Reviving the Novelty of Christmas](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/reviving-the-novelty-of-christmas/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The late Archbishop W. Temple once said “The wise question is not ‘Is Christ divine?’ but ‘What is God like?’ This was his way of driving home the point that the question of the deity of our Lord is not simply an interesting point of debate among academic theologians who have - [Christ amongst the crayons - reaching out through a multicultural, multigenerational kids ministry](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/christ-amongst-the-crayons-reaching-out-through-a-multicultural-multigenerational-kids-ministry/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]In September 2016 my husband and I planted a new multicultural service at Chester Hill Anglican. We started with 8 kids under 4 (not all ours!). Now we regularly have 30-40 kids on Sunday and many more at mid-week activities. Our kids come from very diverse ethnic backgrounds, many are refugees. - [Our Strong Right Arm](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/our-strong-right-arm/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Have you ever noticed how naturally we take pride in our own achievement and rejoice in what our own strong right arm has been able to perform? In matters religious, just as in all others, the tendency is for us to put the emphasis on what we ourselves do. The primitive - [A word from Jeremiah…"Idolatry is for idiots"](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-word-from-jeremiahidolatry-is-for-idiots/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]As God’s people we’re in a battle to put sin to death and live a holy life. Of course, growth in godliness is God’s work in us by his Spirit. But we’ve got a role to play as well. What ‘self-talk’ do you use in the thick of battle? Perhaps you - [Lisa, Bruce & Co @ Parramatta](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/lisa-bruce-co-parramatta/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]What does complementarian ministry look like? We chat to Lisa Boyd & Bruce Morrison of St John’s Cathedral, Parramatta about the ins-and-outs, ups-and-downs of working as a team. Who’s on the team @ St Johns and what is Lisa’s role within that? Bruce: We have a diverse staff team! Ken Tang - ['O Come, Let Us Worship'](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/o-come-let-us-worship/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]”O come, let us worship,” sang the Psalmist, and it seems certain that he found a more ready response among his fellows than his modern counterpart would among the men of this generation were he to sing a similar song. Whereas in earlier days it was usually accepted without question that - [Domestic Violence: A starting point for answers](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/domestic-violence-a-starting-point-for-answers/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]It’s a profoundly saddening and difficult topic and one that raises questions. We touch base with Kara Hartley (Sydney’s Archdeacon for Women’s Ministry) for some answers about domestic violence. Kara, first off – what has lead you to engage with this topic? Most recently, for the last 18 months I’ve served - [My self-help Bible?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/my-self-help-bible/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The self-help industry is flourishing. Isn’t that ironic? The industry is built on the premise that all you need for happiness, success, and contentment is within you, yet it peddles self-improvement programs as the key to becoming a better you. The endless supply and demand for the latest life changing-book betrays - [Unless you see Signs & Wonders](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/unless-you-see-signs-wonders/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]”Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe,” said Jesus to a well-educated man of the first century, but in modern times the situation seems to have reversed. Whereas in earlier days the miracle authenticated Christianity, to men of our day they often present a stumbling-block, so that they - [The Purpose of Humanity](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-purpose-of-humanity/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]When we know our purpose it has far reaching implications for all that we do and give ourselves to. Purpose doesn’t determine what I can or can’t do, but it will tell me what I ought to be doing. For instance, a scalpel can have very great or terrible uses depending - [God and “The Wrath”](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/god-and-the-wrath/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]C.H. Dodd prefers the translation “the Wrath of God” to Moffatt’s “God’s anger” in Rom. 1:18, “because such an archaic phrase suits a thoroughly archaic idea,” while Nicolas Berdyaev writes “Anger in every shape and form is foreign to God.” And again, Sydney Cave speaks of law and Wrath as “almost - [Marriage redefinition: What does Romans 1:26-27 really have to say?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/marriage-redefinition-what-does-romans-126-27-really-have-to-say/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The important article below is reposted with permission from Lionel Windor’s blog. Today, an article appeared on the ABC News website by Dr Robyn Whitaker, a lecturer in biblical studies at Trinity College Theological School, Parkville, Melbourne. The article is titled: “Same-sex marriage: What does the Bible really have to say?”. Whitaker looks briefly at - [Three in One – And One in Three](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/three-in-one-and-one-in-three/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Some people seem to think that the doctrine of the Trinity is the result of a concerted effort by the theologians to make it difficult for ordinary men to understand the nature of God. So far from this being the case history shows that theologians tried every alternative they could, and - [GAFCON in the Midst of Missional crisis](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/gafcon-in-the-midst-of-missional-crisis/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]We’ve looked at how GAFCON came to be and why it matters. Here we’ll unpack the challenges GAFCON and orthodox Anglicans face as we seek to be a missional movement to win people for Christ. In what kind of landscape does the GAFCON movement now find itself? In what kind of - [Christianity in the Modern World](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/christianity-in-the-modern-world/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]“Teach a rat to expect punishment whenever a certain bell rings and a reward whenever a different bell rings; then ring both bells together. The rat will show confusion, timidity and indecision. In much the same way Christians today, confused by the ringing of many bells, are filled with indecision and - [GAFCON: What it does and why it matters](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/gafcon-what-it-does-and-why-it-matters/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]GAFCON began as a moment. A moment when Anglicans stood up for authority of Scripture and the Lordship of Christ. As we saw in our first article, this stand was expressed as a conference held in Jerusalem in 2008. Five years after GAFCON 2008 a second conference was held in Nairobi. - [What’s the go with GAFCON?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/whats-the-go-with-gafcon/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]In November last year, the date and location of the next GAFCON conference were announced – 17-22 June 2018, in Jerusalem. It is expected that over 2000 will attend. But how did GAFCON start? What is it and what does it do? And why is it such a big deal? In - [On Building Temples](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/on-building-temples/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]In all ages and among all peoples men have built their temples, and that from a variety of motives. Sometimes these motives have been pure and lofty, and sometimes they have been somewhat discreditable, but even though we recognize this latter, it comes as something of a shock to read the - [Articulate #3 - He descended into Hell (T.C. Hammond)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/articulate-3-he-descended-into-hell-t-c-hammond/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]It is no empty formula but a message full of hope and gladness when we say in the Creed, ‘He descended into hell’. So says T.C Hammond as he navigates through the controversy surrounding this phrase which appears in the third of the 39 Articles. We hope you enjoy this next instalment in our Articulate series. - [Diary of a Missionary: Packing Up](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/diary-of-a-missionary-packing-up/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I’m standing in my kitchen again, this time weighing up the pros and cons of having a nice tea set on the mission field. They are beautiful and I like them, I’ll need cups so why not bring nice ones that remind me of home? Stef, you can get cups anywhere, - [Creative Love](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/creative-love/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]In a previous article I tried to show something of the distinctive quality of Christian love, that love which was so new that the first Christmas had to look round for a new word to convey the precious new truth. We saw then that the essence of agape is that it - [The Bible: Is it Relevant? Is it True? Would it matter if it wasn’t?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-bible-is-it-relevant-is-it-true-would-it-matter-if-it-wasnt/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]How can a book drawn up over centuries, but all long since, by people in and around Palestine, have any real significance for people like you and me who live in this mad age of rush, atom bombs and duodenal ulcers? Let us approach this question via another question I am - [Youth & Submission](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/youth-submission/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Teaching the biblical concept of submission to youth is more important than we may think as it informs how we relate to God and loves others. But there are challenges! We’ve already considered why teach submission and how to teach it to kids. In this article, we’ll look at two challenges - [Faith in a Time of Crisis – Standing for Truth in a Changing World – Review](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/faith-in-a-time-of-crisis-standing-for-truth-in-a-changing-world-review/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Addressing a group of Moore College students at the end of 2016, Bruce Ballantine Jones pointed out the necessity of church politics. He noted how our disdain for engagement in ecclesiastical debate and processes arises from our good intentions to be engaged in gospel ministry in our local parishes. Nevertheless, politics - [The Anglican Church in America](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-anglican-church-in-america/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] ACR Report on the Anglican Connection Conference, 13-15 June 2017, Dallas TX, USA Stephen Tong, June 2017 ‘A dog’s breakfast’. During a recent conversation in the UK, a casual observer used that phrase to describe to me the Anglican Church in the United States of America. The fracture in the - [The Kingdom & the Power](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-kingdom-the-power/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The most frequent subject in the teaching of Jesus was “the Kingdom of God” or as St. Matthew puts it “the Kingdom of Heaven.” We are apt to misunderstand this somewhat, as our ideas of what a kingdom is are shaped by kingdoms as we know them—definite areas of land, with - [How to teach submission to children](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-to-teach-submission-to-children/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]We’ve looked at why it is important to teach the Biblical concept of submission to children and youth (see Part 1). Now the question is – how to teach it, particularly to children. When we started thinking about this, at first we couldn’t remember ever consciously teaching submission to kids and - [A Tale of Two Communions](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-tale-of-two-communions/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Whenever a church leader makes an important decision, takes a strong stand and then explains their action, they not only reveal their own priorities and convictions but also, more significantly, shape the future of the church they serve and represent. For good reason, such steps are often called ‘defining moments’ and, - [The Word was made Flesh](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-word-was-made-flesh/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Greek term logos which we translate “word” had a much wider range of usage than its English equivalent, being an important term in both philosophy and religion, so that J. H. Bernard can say “We may be sure that the Logos of God was as familiar a topic in the - [How to Teach Submission to Children & Youth](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-to-teach-submission-to-children-youth/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Maybe you’re not thinking ‘how?’ but – ‘why?!’ Why teach submission to children and youth? It’s a difficult enough topic to teach adults. Do we really need to trouble younger minds with it? In the first of three articles I will address just that question. In Part 2, Deb Earnshaw will - [Diary of a missionary: What missionaries need to know](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/diary-of-a-missionary-what-missionaries-need-to-know/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]If you had a captive audience of fourteen missionaries, what would you say to them? What if you had them for five months as fulltime, live-in students? As they set their faces to places beautiful and broken, what do they need to know? As our five months of missionary training draw - [Interview with William Taylor: Impressions of Sydney & Australian Evangelicalism](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/interview-with-william-taylor-impressions-of-sydney-australian-evangelicalism/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Sometimes the best lessons are learned from someone on the outside looking in. We chat to William Taylor of St Helen’s Bishopsgate London regarding his impressions of evangelicalism in Sydney and Australia, drawing on his recent visit in late 2016-early 2017. When did you first visit Australia? What were your impressions? - [Know your faith: God is Love](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/know-your-faith-god-is-love/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]It is probably true to say that the idea that God is love is one of the most widely held and widely misunderstood of the Christian doctrines. “The man in the street” unhesitatingly subscribes to it, although he has only a hazy idea of what he means by God and he - [The Church Universal and its Earthly Form, Part 2: The Church in the New Testament](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-church-universal-and-its-earthly-form-part-2-the-church-in-the-new-testament/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]In the Old Testament the earthly form of the church is national and single; there is only one “church of God.” But in the New Testament it is local and multiple; there are many “churches of God.” The idea of a single ecumenical church is foreign to the New Testament. The - [The Church Universal and its Earthly Form](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-church-universal-and-its-earthly-form/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]“The mystical body of Thy Son, which is the blessed company of all faithful people.” So our Prayer Book describes the church universal. But what is its earthly form? In the Epistle to the Ephesians, which deals with the church as the mystical body of Christ, we learn something of the - [More Reasons to Tell your Jewish Friends about Jesus](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/more-reasons-to-tell-your-jewish-friends-about-jesus/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I’m a Jewish follower of Jesus, and I came to faith one day when my uncle plainly set forth the gospel (using Two Ways To Live) as we sat at the table in his kitchen.[1] My testimony may give people encouragement to proclaim the good news to their Jewish friends and - [Putting it in Print: The Robinson-Knox view of Church Interview with Chase Kuhn](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/putting-it-in-print-the-robinson-knox-view-of-church-interview-with-chase-kuhn/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]If you’ve grown up in Sydney Anglican churches chances are your understanding of what church is and what it’s for has been significantly shaped (perhaps unknowingly!) by two people – Donald W. B. Robinson[1] and D. Broughton Knox[2]. However, no one has undertaken a systematic and extended articulation and appraisal of - [T.C. Hammond: GOOD WORKS WHICH DO NOT PLEASE GOD](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-good-works-which-do-not-please-god/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Having pointed out the place and value of truly good works the Articles proceed to point out the errors that have arisen regarding what are called good works. We are warned in Article 13 not to rely on works done before the grace of Christ. As has been frequently pointed out - [Evangelism in the Latter Days - Sharing the gospel with ageing parents](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/evangelism-in-the-latter-days-sharing-the-gospel-with-ageing-parents/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Ever since I became a Christian at the ripe old age of 18 I’ve been trying to share the gospel with my parents. Not surprisingly, they weren’t receptive to my early methods, driven as they were by excessively youthful enthusiasm. My decision to give up all for gospel preaching in my late - [T.C. Hammond: WHY DO GOOD WORKS?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-why-do-good-works/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The first question that arises when the Doctrine of Justification by faith only is clearly set forth is: What then is the place of good works in the Christian economy? Sufficient attention is not paid to the fact that St. Paul had to encounter the very objection that is still laid - [Bible Reading Bursts](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/bible-reading-bursts/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]‘I want to do something impressive’. That was the thought running through my mind at the start of last year. I had just finished four years at Moore Theological College and was starting out in paid ministry. I felt the weight of responsibility and wanted to capture the attention of the - [T.C. Hammond: WHAT JUSTIFICATION MEANS](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-what-justification-means/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The eleventh Article is so crucial that no apology need be offered for dwelling a little upon it. Luther has been severely criticised for declaring that Justification by Faith only was “Articulus aut stantis aut cadentis ecclesiae,” “The Article of a standing or a falling Church.” But it may confidently be - [Why should I evangelise?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/why-should-i-evangelise/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] How both the bad news and the good news spur us to preach God’s news. We want to share the news about Jesus with others. And we know that we should. But how can we motivate ourselves and others to do it!? One way is to rely on different techniques. - [Your minister needs your help](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/your-minister-needs-your-help/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]During my ministry training a mentor gave me a helpful piece of advice: “be careful with the ‘Three G’s – Gold, Girls and Glory’. Gold refers to greed and dishonest gain. Girls (or guys)[1] refers to sexual misconduct, and Glory to pride and self-aggrandisement. Like many good ministry anecdotes, its original - [The A.I.F in Palestine (Anzac Day, 1940)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-a-i-f-in-palestine-anzac-day-1940/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The following is an excerpt from a letter from Padre F. 0. Hulme-Moir, 2nd A.I.F. abroad, written on ANZAC DAY 1940 and published in The Australian Church Record September 12, 1940. It shows one chaplain grappling to understand the spiritual significance of ANZAC DAY in the thick of World War II. - [“Me, Before You” – You, Before Me](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/me-before-you-you-before-me/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]On a day off last year with my wife, we went and saw the romantic drama Me, Before You (spoiler alert!). The lead male character Will had been a James Bond prototype until he was struck down by a motorcycle and left a quadriplegic. His subsequent confinement to a wheelchair and - [The Message of the Resurrection](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-message-of-the-resurrection/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]There are several aspects of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ dwelt upon in the New Testament. It is profitable for us to consider two of them as we recall this outstanding event. An aspect which is frequently overlooked in these days is brought prominently under our notice by St. - [T.C. Hammond: JUSTIFICATION - “A Most Wholesome Doctrine”](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-justification-a-most-wholesome-doctrine/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] From the Vault of the Australian Church Record, April 17, 1956. 39 Articles: Article 11 – Of the Justification of Man We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by faith, and not for our own works or deservings; wherefore, that - [A Great Opportunity is not God's Calling](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/a-great-opportunity-is-not-gods-calling/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]It’s a story you’ll hear too often… “I’ve been offered this great opportunity; it must be God…They’ve offered me a promotion; it must be God… They’ve asked me to go overseas for a contract; it must be God. How do you move from getting “opportunity to do x” to knowing “God - [Interview with Bishop Glenn Lyons of South Africa](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/interview-with-bishop-glenn-lyons-of-south-africa/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] The history of fellowship between the Australian Church Record and REACH-SA (formerly the Church of England in South Africa) stretches a long way back. When the ACR publicly supported the installation of Bishop Fred Morris as the first Presiding Bishop of REACH-SA, our South African brothers and sisters responded by - [T.C. Hammond: Why Men Turn to God!](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-why-men-turn-to-god/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] From the Vault of the Australian Church Record, March 29, 1956. 39 Articles: Article 10 – Of Free-Will The condition of Man after the fall of Adam is such that he cannot turn and prepare himself by his own natural strength and good works, to faith, and calling upon God. - [T.C. Hammond: Reformation Teaching about Original Sin](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-reformation-teaching-about-original-sin/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] From the Vault of the Australian Church Record, March 1, 1956. In our last article we promised to deal more fully with the Doctrine contained in Article IX. It is one of the Articles directed against the teaching of the Church of Rome. 39 Articles: Article 9 – Of Original - [When good friends dream big for the gospel: Newton, Wilberforce & Johnson](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/when-good-friends-dream-big-for-the-gospel-newton-wilberforce-johnson/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]In the mid-1780s John Newton, the celebrated slave-trader turned preacher, became re-acquainted with one William Wilberforce, a young MP who had recently become an Evangelical. It was the start of a remarkable partnership.[i] 1786 saw their first great project. The British Government had announced plans to establish a convict colony at - [T.C. Hammond: Original Sin and Condemnation](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-original-sin-and-condemnation/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] From the Vault of the Australian Church Record, January 9, 1956. 39 Articles: Article 9 – Of Original or Birth-sin Original Sin standeth not in the following of Adam (as the Pelagians do vainly talk) ; but it is the fault and corruption of the Nature of every man, that - [Thank God that we are perfectly obedient before Him!](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/thank-god-that-we-are-perfectly-obedient-before-him/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Now the first reaction to the title of this piece might be ‘WHAT! How can anyone say that they stand as perfectly obedient before God!’ At one level, this is the right reaction. How can anyone claim such a thing knowing the place of sin in the human heart? Yet, in - [Life as a ministry apprentice in South Africa](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/life-as-a-ministry-apprentice-in-south-africa/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Meet Kwazi Buthelezi, aged 23, originally from Nqutu, a village far (400 k/h) from Durban. Kwazi is a 1st year Apprentice with The Bible Talks university ministry in Durban, South Africa. Kwazi, Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship? Growing up in a church going family and being raised moralistically upright made me think - [Next Generation Ministry in South Africa](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/next-generation-ministry-in-south-africa/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] The ACR speaks with Ryan van der Avoort about the great opportunities and challenges of university ministry in Durban, South Africa. Ryan, what is your official role? I work full-time for a university ministry in Durban called ‘The Bible Talks’ (TBT). I’ve been a TBT Campus Director since mid-2014 and - [T.C. Hammond: Scripture Rules the Creeds](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-scripture-rules-the-creeds/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] From the Vault of the Australian Church Record, December 8, 1955. 39 Articles: Article 8 – Of the Creeds The Three Creeds, Nicene Creed, Athanasius’s Creed, and that which is commonly called the Apostles’ Creed, ought thoroughly to be received and believed: for they may be proved by most - [T.C. Hammond: The Value of the Old Testament](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/t-c-hammond-the-value-of-the-old-testament/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] On Article 7 – From the Vault of the Australian Church Record, November 10 1955 There are three important declarations in Article Seven. (1) The Old Testament is not contrary to the New. (2) The Fathers looked for more than transitory promises. (3) The moral injunctions in the Commandments of - [D.B. Knox: The Authority of the Bible](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/d-b-knox-the-authority-of-the-bible/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]From a lecture to the Evangelical Union, Sydney University, as appeared in The Australian Church Record, November 18, 1948. The Bible is very much a modern book. Its annual sales and circulation easily outrivals its nearest competitor —not only the books in English literature, but, I suppose, the books of any - [New: Women’s Ministry Stream @ Moore](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/new-womens-ministry-stream-moore/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] We chat to Jane Tooher about Moore College’s new women’s ministry study stream in its Advanced diploma of Bible, ministry & mission. Lots of people are getting excited about this development – how did it come about? It’s been something I was hoping Moore could offer for some time now, - [The Sufficiency of Holy Scripture](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-sufficiency-of-holy-scripture/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Welcome to the 2nd part and follow up to T.C. Hammond’s unpacking of the 6th Article from the Thirty-Nine Articles. In our last article dealing with The Thirty-nine Articles we pointed out that Article VI introduced us to the problems that confronted the Church in the sixteenth century in contrast to - [SCRIPTURE: Is it really all we need?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/scripture-is-it-really-all-we-need/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]In 1955, when T.C. Hammond came to the 6th of his reflections on the 39 articles, he did something different. He didn’t write one piece for the ACR. He wrote two. And then followed them up with a third piece in the next issue. Why? Why this extra attention on Article - [Calling all Service Leaders – You are more than MC’s](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/calling-all-service-leaders-you-are-more-than-mcs/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Bible teaches us that God is building his heavenly church. Through His Word and Spirit, He is gathering peoples from every language and tribe around His throne. Whenever Christians gather it is a local, earthly anticipation of this heavenly gathering in a particular time and space.[1] This incredible truth means - [Interview with Vaughan Roberts](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/interview-with-vaughan-roberts/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Rev. Vaughan Roberts was recently interviewed by Mark Earngey, the ACR’s ‘Foreign Correspondent’. Vaughan is the Rector of St. Ebbe’s in Oxford, Director of the Proclamation Trust, and a long standing encouragement to evangelicals around the world. Vaughan particularly enjoyed England’s recent Ashes victory over Australia thus any discussion of cricket - [Christian in a Muslim Culture: The Intriguing Insights of an Egyptian Bishop](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/christian-in-a-muslim-culture-the-intriguing-insights-of-an-egyptian-bishop/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Bishop Mouneer Anis, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egypt, and Presiding Bishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East, delivered the ninth annual ‘Moule Memorial Lecture’ on 8 June 2016 in Cambridge. These annual lectures were established in 2008 in honour of Professor C.F.D. ‘Charlie’ Moule, former Vice-Principal of Ridley Hall, - [Articulate 4 - Risen](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/articulate-4-risen/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]CHRIST DID TRULY ARISE – T.C Hammond 39 Articles: Article 4 By Archdeacon T. C. Hammond “Christ did truly arise again from death, and took again his body with flesh, bones and all things appertaining to the perfection of Man’s nature. Wherewith he ascended into heaven, and there sitieth, until he - [Craig & Susan @ St. Augustine's](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/craig-susan-st-augustines/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Welcome to the first in our series of interviews unpacking what complementarian ministry looks like ‘in the wild’. Here we meet Susan An & Craig Roberts of St Augustine’s Anglican, Neutral Bay. Craig is the senior minister and Susan joined the team at the start of 2016. So, to kick off, - [The ACR - Revisiting our Roots](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-acr-revisiting-our-roots/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]To celebrate the start of The ACR Online we’ve been glancing back at our previous launch editions, beginning with our very first in 1880. Since then, The ACR has had five different reincarnations (or should we say resurrections?). Yet, it is striking how each new version has stood squarely on the - [Articulate #2 - Our Faith in the Son of God - T.C. Hammond](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/articulate-2-our-faith-in-the-son-of-god-t-c-hammond/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Welcome to the second in our Articulate series where we’re listening in on the great T.C. Hammond as he unpacks some of the deep truths of the Christian faith by reflecting on the 39 Articles. This week we focus on: Article 2: Of the Word or Son of God, which was - [How to Grow a Family Ministry Part 2: Theological Convictions](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/how-to-grow-a-family-ministry-part-2-theological-convictions/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Right thinking fuels right practice. Having set the vision in Part 1, here are 5 theological principles to help lay the foundation for a family ministry in your church. They may not be new, but they are fundamental. 1. Children need the Gospel Surely I was sinful at birth, writes David, - [Family Ministry #3](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/family-ministry-3/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]A danger in children’s ministry is that it becomes disconnected – children are disconnected from ministry to adults on Sundays and Sundays are disconnected from any wider ministry during the week. Here are a few key ways to help a children’s ministry grow to be an integrated family ministry. 1. Train - [Pornography: still an issue?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/pornography-still-an-issue/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]There has been much talk of pornography over the last few years, but is it still an issue? The millions of dollars the pornography industry makes (US$57 billion/year) answers that question resoundingly. Is then pornography still an issue for Christians? Statistics suggest that around 50% of Christian men use pornography. So - [I cannot wait for heaven ... and that's the problem](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/i-cannot-wait-for-heaven-and-thats-the-problem/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Here’s the thing. I cannot wait for the New Creation. But not in a good way. Not like a patient child waiting for Christmas morning to come. I’m more like the child who sneaks into mum and dad’s room to open the presents early. In my sin and impatience, I want - [Articulate #1 - What God is Like](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/articulate-1-what-god-is-like/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]It is one thing to have a sense of what you know. It is another to articulate it. Welcome to the first in our Articulate series where we open the vault on an extraordinary series of articles from The ACR. From 1955 until his death in 1961, T. C. Hammond wrote - [Is Gospel Outreach concerned with presenting a worldview or a person?](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/is-gospel-outreach-concerned-with-presenting-a-worldview-or-a-person/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I once overheard one person say to another: “What’s that plus sign on your necklace?” There can be no doubt that modern Australia is a ‘post-Christian’ society, in which many ideas which give the Christian message context and meaning, aren’t even understood anymore. How do we reach out with the gospel - [Where it all began - the ACR in 1880](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/where-it-all-began-the-acr-in-1880/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]1880 was a big year for Australia. Ned Kelly was hanged at Melbourne Gaol. We first played test cricket against England at The Oval. And the first shipment of frozen Australian mutton reached British shores (who knew!).[i] But amidst these big events, on 1 July 1880 a humble publication was begun. - [The ACR (Version 4.1)](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/the-acr-version-4-1/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Welcome to the new website! Since 1880 The ACR has communicated with its readers via a newspaper, or newspaper-like, medium. With over 2300 issues produced, The ACR has a rich history on paper – a history we now continue online. Not only do we have a new website, we’ve also restructured ## Pages - [Subscribe to the ACR](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/subscribe/) - Sign up for monthly emails Sign up here for monthly emails with the latest from the ACR blog, and be the first to know when our journals are out. Sign up for the ACR Journal (printed) Follow us on social media Facebook - [About Us](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/about-us-2/) - The Australian Church Record is an evangelical newspaper in the Reformed Anglican tradition of the historic creeds and the 39 Articles of Faith, and the standard of teaching and practice in the Book of Common Prayer. We accept the Scriptures as God’s word written, and as containing all things necessary for salvation and the final - [ACR Archive](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/acr-archive/) - The ACR has been around, in one form or another, since 1880. Below, you'll find our expanding archive, where you can currently download searchable issues from 1967 onwards. 2020s 2026 Autumn 2025 Spring 2025 Autumn 2024 Spring 2024 Autumn 2023 Synod 2023 Autumn 2021 Autumn 2020 2010s 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 - [Contact the editor](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/contact-editor/) - [1976](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/acr-archive/1976-2/) - Here you’ll find past issues of the Australian Church Record, as easily downloadable, searchable, PDFs. 22nd January 1976Download 19th February 1976Download 5th February 1976Download 4th March 1976Download 18th March 1976Download 1st April 1976Download 15th April 1976Download 29th April 1976Download 13th May 1976Download 27th May 1976Download 10th June 1976Download 26th June 1976Download 22nd July 1976Download 19th - [2020](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/acr-archive/2020-2/) - Here you’ll find 2020’s issue of the Australian Church Record Journal, as an easily downloadable, searchable, PDF. 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From ‘The Great Need of the Hour‘ by Kanishka Raffel “We can no longer assume, as Billy Graham could, that people know what we mean when we use words like “God” and “Jesus”, or speak of “the Bible” or “the church” … - [Australian Church Record - Issue October 2017](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-issue-october-2017/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The latest issue of The Australian Church Record, number 1918, October 2017, has been released. From ‘Faithful Fellowship‘ by Kanishka Raffel “… General Synod did express its view that the decision of the SEC ‘is contrary to the doctrine of our Church and the teaching of Christ’; expressed support for those ‘who have left or will need to - [Australian Church Record - Issue October 2015](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/october-2015/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The latest issue of The Australian Church Record, number 1915, October 2015, has been released. From ‘Mere Protestant Christianity’ – “to retrieve the gospel we have to retrieve the church because it is not only an implication of the gospel, but it is also the God-given place where the gospel is grasped, celebrated, understood and enacted … of vital - [Australian Church Record - Issue April 2014](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/new-issue-april-2014/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The latest issue of The Australian Church Record, number 1913, April 2014, has been released. From ‘Noah Starts a Deluge for Holy-Wood‘ “Although the brevity of the biblical account requires some creative adaptations to deliver a film-length portrayal, the important details of the Genesis version come through: humanity is wicked—every human being, including Noah; our rebellion against the Creator has ruined - [Australian Church Record – Issue April 2009](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-april-2009/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1896, April 2009, has been released. Your can be sure that if someone says, “You are a gentleman and a scholar”, they don’t really mean either; they are pleased with something we have done. The word “Christian” is a bit like that; people use it to mean different - [Preferred Age and Length of Service of an Archbishop](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/preferred-age-and-length-of-service-of-an-archbishop/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record Special Report, December 2012, has been released. This is a special report that contains the responses to a survey asking Sydney Anglicans about the preferred age and tenure of an Archbishop. The PDF contains the raw data from the survey and draws no conclusions on it’s own but - [Age and Length of Service Survey - Extended](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/age-and-length-of-service-survey-extended/) - [vc_row][vc_column] [/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Supplementary Report, 19 Dec 2012 (to be read in conjunction with ACR published Dec 2012) This report provides analysis and conclusions drawn from the survey entitled ‘Preferred Age and Length of Service of an Archbishop’. The ACR has been discussing the potential age and length of service for the Archbishop - [Australian Church Record - Issue August 2013](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/new-issue-october-2015/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The latest issue of The Australian Church Record, number 1910, August 2013, has been released. From the cover story – So, How Will The Two Become One? “In the end, a choice has to be made and the best choice will be made not through being moved by enthusiastic rhetoric, but only after careful evaluation of the candidates.” Important note: This - [Australian Church Record - Issue December 2013](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/new-issue-december-2013/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The latest issue of The Australian Church Record, number 1912, December 2013, has been released. From the editorial – Christmas Again? The Appearance Beyond All Appearances “Those who love to celebrate love to celebrate Christmas. For all kinds of reasons, but all of them good: family, food, fun, gift giving – or gift receiving. The Scrooges among us - [Australian Church Record - Journal Issue May 2013](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/new-issue-may-2013/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The latest issue of The Australian Church Record, number 1909, May 2013, has been released. From the cover story –Synod: The Archiepiscopal Board of Selectors “Over the summer, the Australian selectors copped flak for their rotation system of player selection. This election Synod will not have the luxury of a ‘rotation’ - [Australian Church Record - Issue October 2013](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/new-issue-october-2013/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The latest issue of The Australian Church Record, number 1911, October 2013, has been released. From the cover story – Two New Starts for Sydney “2013 is a very significant year for the Diocese of Sydney with new men in two of our most influential positions. These are early days as they both take their first steps to - [Australian Church Record - Issue October 2014](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/october-2014/) - [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1914, October 2014, has been released. From ‘Faith Under Attack‘ “So Protestants should be alarmed at recent trends in scholarship presenting fine-sounding arguments for faith + something else. And Anglicans need to be alarmed at even small additions to their liturgy that confuse those praying it in this same direction.” From - [Australian Church Record – General Synod 2007](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-general-synod-2007/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, SPECIAL REPORT, October 2007, has been released. The latin word primas means, “one of the first, excellent, noble”. On the first day of synod we had the opportunity to listen to our Primate and then decide on how long we wanted him to act as such. That is, - [Australian Church Record – General Synod 2007](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-general-synod-2007-2/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, SPECIAL REPORT, October 2007, has been released. WOMEN AS BISHOPS AND THE APPELLATE TRIBUNAL‘ In 2004, the General Synod of The Anglican Church of Australia, meeting in Fremantle, attempted for the second time to make a canon authorizing the consecration of women in priest’s orders as bishops of - [Australian Church Record – Issue April 2005](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-april-2005/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1914, October 2014, has been released. Whose court is the ball in now? The game of words continues as the Anglican world waits to see the eventual relationship between ECUSA and the Anglican Communion. The Primates gave a strong serve into ECUSA’s court in the communiqué released - [Australian Church Record – Issue April 2006](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-april-2006/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1889, April 2006, has been released. Four hundred and fifty years ago this year, Thomas Cranmer, the 67-year-old Archbishop of Canterbury, was taken through the north gate of the city of Oxford, tied to a pile of wood and burnt to death. It was one of those moments - [Australian Church Record – Issue December 2006](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/497-2/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1891, December 2006, has been released. A passion for fitness, Sydney-wide parish experience, country-born, proven record in youth-ministry, good-humoured, an interesting and compelling preacher, likes swimming (but not with sharks), excellent public evangelist, loves a good bit of meat, long-standing contributor to team ministry, winning smile (but no - [Australian Church Record – Issue December 2008](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-december-2008/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1895, December 2008, has been released. His direct speaking hailed by some as prophet-like, Mark Driscoll’s visit to Sydney was certainly one of the most talked about events of 2008. The year before Sydney’s major evangelistic enterprise, Connect 09, it was no doubt timely to have the visitor - [Australian Church Record – Issue December 2009](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-june-2010-2/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1898, December 2009, has been released. International Men’s Day probably went unnoticed by most people—just like a social problem that has been overlooked, or ignored, or deliberately suppressed for far too long, by both secular and Christian segments of society. 19 November 2009 saw the quiet launch of - [Australian Church Record – Issue December 2010](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-december-2010/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1901, December 2010, has been released. It will happen quietly on 1 January 2011: the revolutionaries of the sixties will start to go out with a whimper. That is the date that the first baby boomers officially retire. Baby Boomers entered the world in 1946, then blew out - [Australian Church Record – Issue December 2011](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-december-2011/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1904, December 2011, has been released. The Archbishop informed the November meeting of the Standing Committee that he had withheld his assent to two Ordinances, which Synod passed narrowly on the final night of sitting. The Authorised Services Ordinance 2011, promoted by the Bishop of North Sydney, attempted - [Australian Church Record – Issue December 2012](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-december-2012/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1908, December 2012, has been released. From 9.45 am on Friday 7th December, the ACR invited Synod Reps to participate in a survey on the Preferred Age and Length of Service of an Archbishop, in order to elicit information for the common good. At 6.20 pm, our analyst - [Australian Church Record – Issue June 2007](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-june-2007/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1892, June 2007, has been released. Public Bible reading has always been at the heart of Christianity. Given the commitments of Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury during the Reformation period, this has especially been true for Anglican Christianity. On 16 April 2007, at a joint convocation of Trinity - [Australian Church Record – Issue June 2008](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-june-2008/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1894, June 2008, has been released. In a courageous move the Bishops of the Sydney diocese have responded to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s invitation to Lambeth with a “regret unable”. Instead they will be attending GAFCON (Global Anglican Future Conference) in Jerusalem during June this year. A special - [Australian Church Record – Issue June 2010](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-june-2010/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1899, June 2010, has been released. O n Tuesday 13th April, Peter Hayward was consecrated as the new Bishop of Wollongong. In the current church-planting environment, Peter brings a great deal of experience to his new role. While Assistant Minister at Penrith Anglican Church (1992–96), Peter had primary - [Australian Church Record – Issue June 2012](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-june-2012/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1905, June 2012, has been released. On Tuesday 15 May, Rev Dr John Woodhouse gave notice to the Governing Board that he would be retiring as Principal of the College early in 2013. As the news was made public, students and faculty of the College were saddened at - [Australian Church Record – Issue May 2011](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-may-2011/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1902, May 2011, has been released. The Oxygen 11 conference in late August may not be the only sign of leadership coming up for air in Sydney in 2011. Katoomba Christian Convention has built the conference around John Piper, advertised as a ‘recognized leader of world evangelicalism’, and - [Australian Church Record – Issue November 2004](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-november-2004/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1885, October 2004, has been released. The first African Anglican Bishops’ Conference (AABC) was held in Lagos, Nigeria, from 26 October to 1 November. The chairman of the conference, the Most Rev. Peter Akinola, Primate of All Nigeria, said in his opening address that Africa and the - [Australian Church Record – Issue November 2005](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-november-2005/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1888, November 2005, has been released. Another page in English Church history was turned on the 2nd November 2005. A series of controversies between a group of growing churches in South-West London and the Bishop of Southwark has resulted in three of their staff being ordained by Martin - [Australian Church Record – Issue November 2012](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-november-2012/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1907, November 2012, has been released. Archbishop Jensen’s final Sydney Synod heard of advances made under the diocesan mission which has been the defining feature of his episcopate. The diocese has seen a 7% growth, a nett increase of 109 churches; 26% increase in ordained clergy, as well - [Australian Church Record – Issue October 2004](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-october-2004/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1884, October 2004, has been released. The ‘Eames Commission’, or more correctly, ‘the Lambeth Commission on Communion’, will soon deliver its recommendations. The report was called for by the Archbishop of Canterbury in October 2003 in response to (a) the consecration of a practicing homosexual priest as - [Australian Church Record – Journal Issue October 2006](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-october-2006/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1890, October 2006, has been released. Just over 150 years ago, Sydney Anglicans received their first evangelical Bishop. After being consecrated at Lambeth earlier, Frederick Barker arrived 25th May 1855, and immediately began to consolidate the work of the gospel for the sake of Australia’s future. But, - [Australian Church Record – Issue October 2009](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-october-2009/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1897, October 2009, has been released. No one can be in any doubt that the impact of the Global Financial Crisis upon the Diocesan coffers necessitates focused spending according to clear priorities. On 21st October Sydney Synod will have the opportunity to discuss the Strategic Directions 2010-2012 - [Australian Church Record – Issue October 2010](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-october-2010/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1900, October 2010, has been released. Reports from all camps seem to indicate a mood change in General Synod processes. Representatives of Australia’s twenty-three dioceses met at Melbourne Grammar school from September 18-23 under the excellent chairmanship of Archbishop Phillip Aspinall. As usual in its daytime business, the - [Australian Church Record – Issue October 2011](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-october-2011/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1903, October 2011, has been released. Last month, around two and a half thousand Christian leaders entered the hyperbaric chamber of Oxygen ‘11. Twitter and Facebook were abuzz, theological colleges stood still, and the official conference website declared it the ‘largest gathering of Christian leaders in Australia’s - [Australian Church Record – Issue October 2012](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-october-2012/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1906, October 2012, has been released. On 19 September, Parliament defeated a bill attempting to change the definition of marriage to include same-sex partnerships. The bill was soundly defeated, 98-42, with the Liberals honoring their election promise to stand against such changes, and some 40% of voting - [Australian Church Record – Issue September 2005](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-september-2005/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1914, October 2014, has been released. As his first response to being elected Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia on 9 July 2005, Phillip Aspinall prayed. Initially daunted and increasingly aware of ‘the great trust and responsibility committed’ to him, prayer remains his constant ally. Phillip - [Australian Church Record – Issue September 2007](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-quarterly-issue-september-2007/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, number 1883, September 2007, has been released. A s you read through the book of Joshua and we come to Chapter 5 we see Israel coming to terms with life in the new Promised land. They have circumcised the males, they have celebrated the Passover and then you come - [Australian Church Record – Special Edition January 2011](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-special-edition-january-2011/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Australian Church Record, SPECIAL EDITION, January 2011, has been released. Our Synod meets over three years, a Triennium. Each year the Synod meets is called a Session. In 2011, the First session of the 49th Synod will meet. This will be a significant Triennium for the Sydney Synod. Amongst the issues to - [Australian Church Record Special Report #1: 13TH General Synod](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-special-report-1-13th-general-synod/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]DAY 1 & 2: Saturday & Sunday Hi, my name is Jenny A General Synod novice I, To sum up days both one and two, My best I will but try … The Sun shone down on Fremantle, But inside I had to go To represent my diocese (Sydney, I’ll have - [Australian Church Record Special Report #2: The Windsor Report](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/journal/australian-church-record-special-report-2-the-windsor-report/) - [vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Windsor Report Released On the 18th October, the Windsor Report was made public. Although responses had already begun to be aired on the basis of prior leaks, these have multiplied following its. The response from conservatives has been, on the whole, rather negative. The recommendations of this document contain many very ## Categories - [Youth & Kids](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/category/youth-kids/) - [Doctrine](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/category/doctrine/) - [Ministry](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/category/ministry/) - [Christian Living](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/category/christian-living/) - [Complementarianism](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/category/complementarianism/) - [International](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/category/international/) - [Church History](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/category/church-history/) - [ACR Journal](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/category/acr-journal/) - [The Vault](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/category/the-vault/) - [Evangelism](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/category/evangelism/) ## Tags - [Art](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/tag/art/) - [Books](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/tag/books/) - [Digital](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/tag/digital/) - [Life](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/tag/life/) - [Journal](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/tag/journal/) - [ACR Quarterly](https://www.australianchurchrecord.net/tag/acr-quarterly/) - [C.S. 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