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 people to hear than God’s declaration about his Son.
But of course, this isn’t an ‘Easter only’ thing. As Paul charges Timothy in 2 Timothy 4, the preaching task is a continuous task. It’s in season and out of season. That is why with this edition of the ACR we’ve concentrated our efforts around the preaching task. The day has most certainly come when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions. And whilst that day has been around for centuries, our day is somewhat unique in that itching ears can easily accumulate any teacher they want online. You’ve got a ‘passion’ you want to fulfil and justify as a Christian, even if you’ve previously been taught it’s unwise, or worse, ungodly? Easy! Find them online. More than ever, the pastors of our local churches need to proclaim and declare the word of God to the sheep to which God’s Spirit has appointed them as overseers (Acts 20:28). They are to reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching so that the sheep will not turn away from hearing the truth and turn aside to myths. Our presbyters in particular should also remember their ordination vows.
In light of such exhortations and reminders, within this edition of the ACR we share some results from a survey that was sent to all rectors in Sydney Anglican Diocese in relation to their Sunday preaching frequency. Charles Cleworth then provides some observations and biblical thoughts in light of that survey and the preaching task. Additionally, Nathan Walter writes on the good necessity of the expository sermon, which is a great complement to James Russell’s essay on John Stott and his influence on Sydney preaching. We then have an interview with Alistair Begg and his preaching ministry given his recent sermons at CMS Summer School, followed by an inspiring historical piece by Andrew Atherstone on J. C. Ryle and his preaching ministry.
We do hope that you are encouraged, challenged, and spurred on to preach the word in light of this edition of the ACR.
In Him,
Mike Leite – ACR Editorial Director
On behalf of the editorial panel – Meagan Bartlett, Matt Capel, Renee Capel, Charles Cleworth, Jocelyn Loane, Stephen Tong, Bronwyn Windsor and Lionel Windsor