City Night Church

Old and dead

2010-05-18T11:28:00.000+10:00

This website is now finished.

Go here for the new edition.

This is for everyone who uses RSS feeds. A new feed is available on the new site.

Prayer points from the Gillham Family in Namibia

2010-02-26T10:17:00.000+11:00

Simon writes: we really value your prayers and would love for your to be praying about the following things.

• Give thanks for the start of the year and for the students that God has brought to NETS. We have had three new students pull out at the last minute which is disappointing, but God has been very generous in drawing 9 new first year students to NETS. We now have 29 full-time students (up from 24 this time last year) and about 15 active part-time students in the residential programs.

• Praise God for the two new staff who were employed at the end of last year and began work in January. Basilius Kasera is a bright young Namibian who has been heading up of small, low level Bible school in the north-east of Namibia and is joining us as a junior lecturer. Pastor Paul Makai is a Zambian man in his early 60s who has come with 25 years experience of training pastors in Africa. They are both fitting in really well and already making a great contribution to NETS.

• Continue to pray for our staffing situation.
o We are interviewing to fill our receptionist position this week.
o We need to find an administrative co-ordinator to take up this important job by the end of April (and we haven’t any money to pay them!)
o In the second half of this year the Acting Principal, Josh Hooker, will return to the UK for 6 months. When he comes back to Namibia we will be leaving for the next 6 months. This means that we really need to find another senior lecturer to cover this 12 month period. (There is no money to pay this person either)

• Continue to pray for the NETS accreditation process. We have received lots of positive informal feedback, but no official response. A report should’ve been completed and sent to us by the end of December, and we then must write a response to that report and present our case to a Board meeting. Please pray for greater efficiency on the part of the government officials and greater patience for us at NETS.

• Pray for me (Simon) as I lead a delegation to the Ministry of Home Affairs to negotiate the granting of a number of work permit renewals. Many foreigners are being denied entry for work purposes or being forced to leave Namibia at present.

• Give thanks that Margie and I are enjoying teaching so much at NETS. Margie’s English class this year is double to size of last year’s class and she has gathered many wonderful new resources to help her. I am teaching Biblical Theology, Preaching and Church History.

• Give thanks that Maddie and Noah are settled well into school again and that they are enjoying friendships and learning. This is a wonderful answer to prayer!

• Give thanks that God is so richly blessing our marriage and family. Margie and I just celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary and were struck by how lovingly God has cared for us in our closest relationships.

I am really sorry that this has appeared as a list without much colour or character. We will do our best to do a ‘proper job’ very soon.

Thank you again for your wonderful support in prayer. God bless,

Simon Gillham
NAMIBIA EVANGELICAL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

News from the Sholl family

2010-02-25T10:15:00.001+11:00

Pete writes: I’ve started work

What it’s all about!
God has opened the doors and opportunities to be teaching the Bible are rolling. After spending the last two years in dedicated preparation for this job - time at St Andrew’s in Melbourne, deputation in Sydney and language learning here - it’s great to be finally working! (Yes, language learning is work, but you know what I mean.)

Currently I am teaching ‘Creation to New Creation’ (‘Introduction to the Bible’ in the Moore College course) to two groups each week here in Monterrey. The first is three university students (Daniel from Costa Rica, Juan from Mexico and Esteban from Costa Rica) plus Omar (a ‘grown up’) from Mexico. They are all very keen, coming each week with their preparation complete and thoughtful comments. They are enjoying the challenge of working out the application of a passage by looking at the context, and always have lots of good questions that show they are starting to think theologically about life issues. These men are also very helpful in correcting my Spanish (which feels very inadequate for the task, but I’m making progress).

The second group is the Friday night men’s Bible study that I have been part of for a year. All of the regular group, plus lots of extras, have enrolled in the course, and are working well. I was uncertain how some of the older men would feel about doing a structured course that is completely unfamiliar, but I have received positive comments from several. One member of this group, Miguel, has been so enthusiastic that he encouraged 15 of his friends to do the course! Some of them live in other states and will do the course independently using the online material. It’s a great blessing that Adrian and Anita Lovell (who will be going to Bolivia to do MOCLAM work) have been working with Grahame and Patty and getting the online resources more functional.

My big pressure, and need for urgent prayer, is my trip to Cuba next week. I’ll be sharing the with a group of pastors in a local seminary and a Cuban pastor will teach Old Testament 1 in the same intensive week. I’m feeling that time is very short to get the remaining classes prepared before I go! Thankfully, God has organised the timing such that I have taught half of the course in Spanish twice before. So third time lucky – or more accurately… third time can benefit more from the fruit of hard labour!

I’ve also preached my first sermon in Spanish to our church. I think they understood … and they definitely liked getting chocolate prizes!

Please Pray
• Thanks that God can use me in my weakness and that I can teach in Spanish
• Pray for ongoing fluency in Spanish
• Thanks for the enthusiasm and desire to learn and grow in godliness of Omar, Daniel, Juan and Esteban.
• Thanks that the men’s group are studying the course and pray that there will be a flow on effect throughout the church with people hungry to read and understand God’s word in context, and grow in godliness as a result of what they learn.
• Thanks for the opportunity to teach and equip pastors in Cuba, who in turn will train others.
• Pray for safety and good health for Pete.
• Pray for Sarah and the girls at home in Pete’s absence.
• Pray for the Cubans who face political oppression because of their faith, and pray for their perseverance amidst poverty and hardships.

Men's Convention - Sat 6 Mar

2010-02-09T17:35:00.005+11:00

We're driving up to Katoomba on Sat 6 Mar for Katoomba Men's Convention. The theme of Men's Convention is Men of Service. The speakers are Gary Millar and John Dickson. You can read more about it here.

Tickets are $70, and $5 for petrol up and back. We leave at 6am promptly, from the Cathedral forecourt, and will return late Saturday night. It's a great day of teaching from God's Word, encouragement in the car and good food.

Please indicate below if you would like to come.

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Julia's Album Launch - Saturday 6th March

2010-02-07T11:35:00.002+11:00

Join us on the 6th March in the Chapter House to hear Julia's Album launch, hear about the ministry work at the Conservatorium and enjoy supper together.

Tickets are $20 (at the door). Money raised will go to support Julia on MTS this year. Julia's album will also be available to purchase on the night.

Check out one of Julia's songs here:

CNC Calendar

2010-02-04T12:34:00.001+11:00

Cathedral Cross Training Term 1 2010

2010-01-26T16:12:00.009+11:00

The Cathedral Cross Training for Term 1 2010 has been finalised.

It begins Wednesday 10 Feb for 6 weeks, between 7pm and 9pm.

At 7pm, everyone will join together for a Question and Answer session with Phillip Jensen, on a hot issue. Sometimes Phillip will present a paper, other times he'll begin with some provoking questions.

Then at 7:45pm, we'll break up into Strand Time. This term we are offering 4 Strands, and you graduate up through the strands. Once you have completed Strand 1 (this term), next term you can attend Strand 2, etc.

The strands on offer are:
Strand 1: Two Ways to Live and One-2-One Ministry
Strand 2: Bible Study Leadership.
Strand 3: Theology of Ministry

The one exception is our PTC Strand. This is the option to do a Moore College Preliminary Theological Certificate subject over 10 weeks. This term we have the option of studying Old Testament 1 or Doctrine 1. Both subjects are on offer.

The dates are: Feb 17, 24, Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, 31,
April - none (revision and Catch-up time)
May 5, 12, 19 and and exam on May 26.

It will run from 6pm till 7:15, except where these dates coincide with Strands 1, 2 and 3 above where we'll finish our PTC study by 7 and join with Phillip's Question and Answer session until 7:45pm.

The cost for this strand is listed below. This is due to the course material and the exam.

Standard $80
Concession $50

Husband and Wife $ 125
Husband and Wife Concession $65

If you have any quesions, please speak or email Mike.

Sign up here.

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Shola! News and prayer points from the Sholl's

2010-01-25T07:30:00.000+11:00

Shola - Issue 12 Dec 2009/Jan 2010

News from Peter, Sarah, Karina, Lucy and Miriam in Monterrey, Mexico

MOCLAM update
๏ With increasing Spanish, Pete has been able to take up some MOCLAM teaching opportunities. In February he’ll begin teaching ‘Creación de la nueva creación’ to the Men’s Bible study group at our church, as well as meeting with two individuals to work through the material.
๏ Between Christmas and New Year Pete manned a MOCLAM stall at Urbana09, the InterVaristy (IFES-USA) missions conference in St Louis, USA. With 20,000 participants (mainly students) it was a good time for meeting people interested in theological education in the Spanish speaking world.
๏ This isn’t really MOCLAM work, but the kids club Pete runs while Sarah does Bible study has been a hoot! (and the
kids love it too)

Please Pray
๏ Thanks for the gift of Jesus.
๏ Thanks for the friendships that God has blessed us with here.
๏ Thanks for the generous love and support from Australia.
๏ Thanks for a good and restful holiday for Sarah and the girls.
๏ Thanks for more students who want to study MOCLAM courses with Pete.
๏ Pray for more people to know why Jesus is worth celebrating.
๏ Pray for perseverance and diligence as Pete and Sarah approach the end of intensive language learning (the process will continue for many years, but with less hours of formal tutoring).
๏ Pray for greater competency in communicating in Spanish.
๏ Pray for Pete as he prepares to teach Introduction to the Bible to the Men’s group and a smaller group in Spanish.

Bible Verse
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

For more details and lots of photos of the last few months, go to http://www.cms.org.au/get-involved/subscribe and get regular email updates from the Sholl Family

Update from the Gillham Family in Namibia

2010-01-22T17:34:00.001+11:00

THE GILLHAM GAZETTE
January 2010 Edition

Madelon and Noah went back to school this morning, Simon has already started at N ET S and today I start lesson preparations, but first let me fill you in a little on life since we last talked.

God saw all that he had made
and it was very good

W e w ere blessed in December with a visit from 4 gorgeous friends
from home. Simon finished work for 2009 2 hours before they arrived,
and the next day w e headed off on a holiday together. T he ultimate
destination w as Victoria Falls, but as with any African holiday, there were many adventures to be had along the w ay.

AME CONFERENCE IN KEETMANSHOOP
We had to be back from our African adventure by m id December so that Simon could speak at a church leadership conference for the African Methodist Episcopal(A M E) Church in the south of Namibia. T he Conference was an enthusiastic gathering of clergy and church leaders from Namibia, South Africa and Angola. In the Namibian A M E there are a few pastors who have completed the N ET S lower level Certificate program by distance, the rest have had almost no formal training at all. A s a result of this time spent together the A M E church has enrolled its first full-tim e student at N ET S for this coming year, and others have enrolled in Distance program s

T he A M E church is like so m any other denominations and church groups in Namibia, w here thousands of believers are led by m en and women who are not trained, equipped or encouraged well for the vital ministries they fulfill. Please pray that God would use N ET S to bring blessing to his church, as her leaders are trained, equipped and encouraged for ministry.

Thank you and Blessings for 2010

Thank you to all of you w ho sent Christmas letters/ cards/ greetings and parcels. W e received 10 cards this w eek – it is good to make the festive season last longer! W e really do feel well supported/ cared for and prayed for as w e continue in the Namibian part of our partnership. We thank you for your continued prayer and support for 2010 and pray that God will bless you and all that you do this year

Updates;
• The election cam e and went without violence or unrest. Politics here are very interesting, complicated and so different from Australia. Please pray that Namibia would be a truly free and democratic country.
• The NETS Accreditation inspection seemed to go w ell, but now w e wait for the government body to w rite and send their report. Please continue to pray that NETS would be granted accreditation soon.
• NETS has employed 5 new staff members. Three in the Distance Ed department (One is a 2009 NETS graduate Tuhafeni Hailonga). Please pray for these people as they are trained up, that they will fit in well to the NETS community and train leaders for the future
• The student numbers for 2010 are looking good. T here are still people applying, please pray that all the admin gets done on time
• Simon is teaching new subjects again this year. Aside from his Academic Dean work, he will be teaching Church History, Preaching, and Biblical Theology.
• The new NETS Library is finished and the books have been moved in. T he official opening will be 23rd April. Books have been arriving from allover the world, keeping David –our librarian- very busy. Praise God for the financial support that has made this building and resourcing possible, and pray that it will be a blessing for NETS students and pastors throughout Namibia.
• Staff are returning to NETS this w eek. Simon will be conducting a staff training and development workshop from 25th -29th. This is a new initiative which with God’s blessing will keep the staff keen to continually improve their teaching skills

Simon, Margie, Maddie and Noah

To get regular updates from the Gillham family, go to http://www.cms.org.au/get-involved/subscribe and subscribe.

City Night Church Calendar

2010-01-18T10:19:00.001+11:00

9 Marks Journal

2010-01-14T11:00:00.001+11:00

Need some light reading on the danger of liberalism.

Here is 60 pages on that very subject. A good read.

Source: 9Marks and Mark Dever.

Link Missionary of the Month: Sholls

2010-01-13T11:27:00.003+11:00

Our link missionaries Peter and Sarah Sholl have now been in Mexico for 10 months.

We are partnering with them in the work of the Gospel as they help take the gospel via the Moore College Correspondence course to South and Latin America.

Today would be a great day to email them, encouraging them in the work of the gospel, and letting them know that you are praying for them.

Their email address is here: petesholl@gmail.com or you can find them on Facebook.

Rare Praise

2010-01-11T21:26:00.002+11:00

Rare praise for The Trellis and the Vine.

Challies, one of the biggest Christian web sites say it will be the best book of 2010.

Summer Series Bible Studies Begin Tuesday 12th January

2010-01-11T17:52:00.002+11:00

City Night Church Bible Studies for 2010 commence tomorrow night.

We'll spend 4 weeks looking at the book of Titus together.

Where? Upper Chapter House (entry via Bathurst St ... NOT the glass door)
When? Tuesday 12th and 19th Jan and Tuesday 2nd and 9th Feb
What time? 7pm - 8.30pm
What do I bring? A Bible (if you can) and a pen. Study booklets will be provided.

Whether or not you have been involved in prayer and Bible study groups before, why not come along tomorrow night and study God's word with some like minded people.

Over the next 4 weeks there will also be opportunities to sign up for our regular groups for the rest of the year that meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the city, in city lounge rooms and suburban lounge rooms.

Christmas 2009 at St Andrew's Cathedral - Video

2009-12-29T15:53:00.001+11:00

Video from Christmas Eve

2009-12-28T18:28:00.000+11:00

Evangelical Christianity on the rise in the UK

2009-12-17T11:57:00.002+11:00

Evangelical Christianity (people who believe the bible - that Jesus died for our sins, and rose to life for our justification) is on the rise in the UK.

This article here is a good article speaking about this odd rise in a secular nation. Note though: by and large, Evangelical Christianity does not equal the Church of England. There are exceptions, but by and large, it's not the case.

Serving at City Night Chuch in 2010

2009-12-16T11:16:00.002+11:00

A big thank you to all who have served this year. Church couldn't run without you getting involved in all aspects of church. Please let us know how you would like to be involved in 2010.

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Parking in the Cathedral Forecourt

2009-12-14T09:47:00.002+11:00

Some of us park in the Cathedral forecourt (upstairs). Some of us have laminated vouchers with our number plates so we don't get booked by Sydney Council. These vouchers are due to expire at the end of 2009. Fill in the form below, and request a replacement.

Just as a reminder, we don't need a voucher for parking on the forecourt any time on Sunday, or on Thursday mornings.

We don't give vouchers without reason, so please specify which ministry you are involved in that required you to park on the forecourt.

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Thanks, Mike.

In the news

2009-12-13T14:38:00.004+11:00

Over here at the smh they have an interesting article about Phillip. Can't say I agree with her assessment that he is

renowned for his fire-and-brimstone sermons and his distaste for traditional sacred music and vestments

But I am glad that Phillip will be leading us at the Cathedral until 2015.

Christmas Party

2009-12-07T11:39:00.000+11:00

2009 is almost over and Jesus' return is one year closer! We thought it would be a great idea to have a party to celebrate. RSVP here

When? Sat 12th December
What time? 5pm til 10pm
Where? TBA closer to the party.
What will we do? BBQ dinner, plenty of time to chat and catch up
What will it cost? $5 to pay for BBQ, softdrinks and dessert

If you want to come, please let us know here.

P A R T Y (because we want to)

2009-12-02T11:30:00.001+11:00

(With apologies to Jim Carey).

2009 is almost over and Jesus' return is one year closer! We thought it would be a great idea to have a party to celebrate.

When? Sat 12th December
What time? 5pm til 10pm
Where? TBA closer to the party.
What will we do? BBQ dinner, plenty of time to chat and catch up
What will it cost? $5 to pay for BBQ, softdrinks and dessert

If you want to come, please let us know here.

Week 4: Diversity in Marriage

2009-11-28T14:48:00.001+11:00

Here is the final talk in the You, Sex and Society Series.

Phillip Jensen - Six in the City Talk #4 from Audio Advice on Vimeo.

Sholla: Novermber 2009

2009-11-28T14:29:00.006+11:00

News from our CMS link missionaries Peter and Sarah Sholl, with Karina, Miriam and Lucy in Monteray, Mexico.

The joy of partnership
We are very appreciative of your partnership with us in the gospel. We feel well loved by your emails, prayers, interest and giving to CMS.

In this Sholla we want to tell you about Adriana so that you can know not just our partnership with her, but feel your partnership with her as well.

We met Adriana and Vicente when we visited Monterrey in 2007. They have been very supportive of us and we attend the same church and school. We gave them some books in Spanish including Two Ways to Live. Then for Halloween, Adriana translated the children’s version of 2WTL and used it to evangelise her neighbours as they came past her garage.

Now Grahame and Patty Scarratt are going to publish her translation so it will be widely available throughout Latin America. Our pastor already is keen to use it in our church.

Our church has also been using Christianity Explored (introduced in Mexico by Rico Tice and the Scarratts in May). Sarah asked Adriana to invite some of her school friends to do the course but they could not do it at that time.

Now Adriana has decided that she can run a course for women from school.

Sarah and Adriana have invited about 12 women to meet together to read Mark and discuss who Jesus is, what his mission is and how he wants us to respond. It looks like 2 or 3 guests will join Sarah and Adriana in our house on Wednesday afternoons. Pete will run a kids club downstairs (with 8 or 9 primary age kids) and another lady will mind the pre-schoolers. We think Pete will certainly have the most difficult task!

We are excited to see the way God is working in our relationships with people here, and the doors that God is opening at just the right time.

Church update
We have been able to make the Scarratt’s books available to people here. (Spanish translations of ‘Nothing in my hand I bring’ by Ray Galea and ‘God’s Big Picture’ by Vaughan Roberts). People are appreciative and interest is growing. Thanks for your prayers about church. Pete has had more opportunity to get to know the young adults. He has joined a course that Augustine leads and he has run an evening to teach them the Swedish Bible reading method.

Please Pray
๏ Thanks that God prepares our good works.
๏ Thanks for the joy of partnership with brothers and sisters in Mexico and Australia.
๏ Thanks for Adriana’s enthusiasm to proclaim Jesus.
๏ Pray for Adriana as she leads the Mark group. Also pray for her as she is very pressured by her work at the moment.
๏ Pray for the women to have soft hearts to see the truth about Jesus, and that they will all keep coming.
๏ Pray for Pete as he runs the kids club (in Spanish)
๏ Pray for the kids to have fun learning about Jesus.
๏ Pray for ongoing gospel conversations Sarah is having with friends.
๏ Pray for Grahame and Patty in the publishing work (and MOCLAM).

Bible Verse - Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

You, Sex and Society - Week 3: Unity in Marriage

2009-11-14T12:06:00.001+11:00

Phillip Jensen - Six in the City Talk #3 from Audio Advice on Vimeo.

If you missed last Sunday, or would like to revisit it before tomorrow night, here it is!

THE GILLHAM GAZETTE

2009-11-12T16:55:00.002+11:00

November 2009 Edition

If you would like to support us financially, please give to CMS. You can find out more details about how to do this at http://www.cms.org.au/give/money .

Our contact details:

Post:

c/- NETS, P.O. Box 158, Windhoek, Namibia

Blog:

www.gillhamgazette.blogspot.com

Dear friends and supporters,

A s the 2009 year draw s to a close, w e are very aware that we would not be here, and could not have endured without your prayers and support. Thank you!

This month it’s my (Simon) turn to w rite and tell you a little of what we are up to and what we would like you to pray for.

Yet will I rejoice in the LORD!

Last month I led a mission team including nine students and one other lecturer from N ET S to the Osire Refugee Cam p about 3 hours drive north east of Windhoek. We stayed for two nights and spent the three days meeting with Christian people from some of the most war ravaged countries in Africa. On the Saturday w e repeated the ‘Word Alive’ program that w e had run in September in Windhoek. More than 140 people cam e for the w hole day as we explored the book of Habakkuk and its implication for our lives together. If you and I can resonate with Habakkuk’s complaint that the LORD seem to be allowing injustice and godlessness go unpunished in the world (Hab. 1:1-4)– imagine how powerfully that com plaint connects with those w ho have watched their loved ones slaughtered and have been driven from their homes! More powerfully still comes the assurance that God will bring about justice and righteousness and that one day the know ledge of his glory w ill cover the earth as the waters cover the sea (Hab. 2:14). In the midst of terrible pain and deprivation, the love and joy that these Christian brothers and sisters demonstrate in their lives (not to mention their singing and dancing), is clear evidence that they are prepared to rejoice in the LORD even when ‘the fig tree does not blossom ’(H ab. 3:17). We went to teach and bless, and returned having been taught and blessed by the faithfulness of God’s people. Osire Refugee Camp currently holds 8000 people, and they

have no formally trained pastors or Bible teachers. There are allsorts of problems within the churches – but still there is a joy and trust in the LO RD that we could all do w ell to learn from.

Old Testament Theology under the bright African sun

Of all the subjects which I have been teaching this year, perhaps the one that has stretched me most has been teaching Old Testament Theology and Themes to the 4th year students. Southern African society and culture bears terrible scars from misunderstandings and misapplication of the Old Testament. From the time that the Calvinist Voertrekkers marched into their ‘new Promised Land’ driving out the nations before them and guarding their national racial purity, until the present day, the Old Testament has been used to justify all sorts of terrible abuses of power. Today one of only three free to air television channels broadcasts false promises of prosperity and ease for the faithful, to some of the world’s poorest and most desperate people, 24 hours a day!

Understanding that Jesus is the goal, climax and fulfillment of the Old Testament is a reality that has the potential to change whole societies in this part of the world.

National Accreditation for NETS

More than a year after submitting our application to the Namibian Government for official accreditation of NETS and its courses, we have just been given two weeks to get ready for a comprehensive inspection and audit. This is due to take place in the week immediately following exams, which makes it very difficult to find the time needed to prepare properly. The inspection will cover everything from the buildings and infrastructure, to the finances and administration, and of course the academic programs and staff.

Please pray for me (Simon) as I head up the team in preparation for this inspection and audit. Pray that God would enable us to be well prepared and to respond well to the extra demands at this time of year. Pray that NETS would be granted accreditation as an institution in its own right, and that our various courses (from certificate to degree level) would be officially recognized.

Looking ahead to the New Year

How will you begin 2010? As a family it has been our happy habit to start every New Year at the CMS Summer School in Katoomba. This will be the second one in a row that we will be missing, and it is honestly one of the hardest things for us about living in Namibia. We would like to take this chance to encourage you to be there if it is at all possible.

NATIONAL ELECTIONS

Please pray for the national elections to be held in Namibia on November 27^th and 28^th. Pray that the ‘hate speech’ of some politicians would not incite more people to violence. Pray that the elections would be free, fair, transparent and peaceful.

For your prayers

° Please pray for students as they sit for exams from November 16. Pray that the exams will continue to be a time of learning and preparation for ministry.

° Pray for the employment of five new Namibian staff for NETS. Pray for wisdom for Simon and the others involved in interviews, that we would choose the people that God has raised for these positions.

° Thank God for applications received already for new students for 2010. Pray that God would draw many more of the right people to study at NETS.

Diversity in Humanity - Phillip Jensen

2009-11-08T17:14:00.000+11:00

Phillip Jensen - Six in the City Talk #2 from Audio Advice on Vimeo.

Phillip's talk from last week.

Walk by the Spirit

2009-11-08T13:02:00.001+11:00

James M has penned this poem, a reflection of the recent series on The Spirit and the current You, Sex and Society.

Swift as a blink of an eye
It may have been overlooked
Has it sneaked in recently
Surely left unnoticed it will dominate you shortly
And any reflection of this being in the mirror is now ugly
If necessary, search deep in the peace of night within
And thoroughly if you must find this subtle sin
Before it finds you shamefully, spectacularly
It is surely there waiting to be found
Before it festers into rage, anger to cause greater wounds
A hint of pride is like a foot in the door
That opens up a passage to only invite trouble
Careful lest it takes root and harvests bitterness
And the genesis of grieving the Holy Spirit of God
But the blood of Christ can overcome against all odds
Swiftly in forgiving prayers bring to Him again, and no other
Therefore, in your privileged allegiance to the Creator
Stand down any hints of pride, arrogance and bitterness
And show its value is no less than genuine and worthless
It’s no loss for His sakes, the great humble Prince of Peace
To stand down any poisonous traits of sinful nature
Before any of it takes residence within and matures
Remember in nakedness you were once lost in the beneath
But now clothed with Christ and rescued from the jaws of eternal death
Rise to live and walk by the Spirit as a result of being saved by faithfulness

By James M.

Unity in Humanity - Phillip Jensen

2009-11-06T12:11:00.001+11:00

Phillip Jensen - Six in the City Talk #1 from Audio Advice on Vimeo.

Big Church Week 3

2009-11-05T08:00:00.000+11:00

This Sunday is week 3 of You, Sex and Society.

Phillip will be opening God's word and helping us to understand Unity in Marriage.

Big Church starts at 6pm, with coffee and hot chocolate on the George St side (weather permitting) from 5.30pm. We'll be having dinner together after church as well, in the Upper Chapter House from about 7.45pm for just $5.

So why not join us for church, and then continue conversations over pizza and pasta in the Chapter House?

No Soup for you!

2009-11-03T08:00:00.001+11:00

We've all eaten and enjoyed Emma's Lentil, Bean and Bacon Soup ... now you can make it at home.

Ingredients:

2 tspns olive oil

1/2 onion finely chopped

1/2 tspn minced garlic

1 carrot peeled and finely chopped

1 stick celery finely chopped

1 cup canned chopped tomatoes

1 cup chicken stock

1/4 cup brown lentils*

150g canned cannellini beans

salt and pepper to taste

2 tblspns grated parmesan

2 rashers bacon (or equiv. ham)†

Method:

Rinse and drain cannellini beans. Heat oil in a large saucepan and add the onion and bacon/ham (if using). Cook, while stirring, for 4 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic, carrot and celery and cook for 2 minutes while stirring. Stir in the tomato and chicken stock and bring to the boil. Add the lentils, reduce the heat and simmer for 40 minutes or until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir through the beans, season with salt and pepper and heat through. Spoon into warm bowls, sprinkle with parmesan and serve with bread rolls. Serves 3

* I actually use red lentils and simmer for less time.

† Optional.

To modify it for vegetarians, you just use a vegetarian stock and omit the bacon.

Big church continues

2009-10-30T14:42:00.004+11:00

This Sunday is week 2 of You, Sex and Society. Phillip will be opening God's word and helping us to understand Humanity in Diversity.

Big Church starts at 6pm, with coffee and hot chocolate on the George St side (weather permitting) from 5.30pm.

House in Greenwich (Christian women only)

2009-10-15T00:50:00.002+11:00

2 rooms to rent (for young Christian women) with a young Christian woman in Greenwich from about mid-December. House with nice little backyard, big bedrooms and a great new kitchen. About $220 a week (includes bills).

Email to get Roz's phone number if interested.

St Andrew's Cathedral Square was pumping yesterday ...

2009-10-13T21:42:00.002+11:00

Check out the forecourt full of teenagers and workers at the Jesus all about life event featuring a special live performance by the Lukas band.

Behold I am alive for ever and ever!

2009-10-08T19:19:00.002+11:00

Budding poet James M has penned another poem.

Behold I am alove for ever and ever!

Tragically they did not make it alive
From the Tsunamis or the earthquakes
Survivors’ stories recounted the destructive paths
And images of devastated landscapes
Confirmed the abrupt end to any peaceful world
A sight that epitomizes their plights and grieves my soul
Is the sight of tears streaming heavily from a surviving old woman
Crying from her wrinkled face touches my heart
It appears that she has lost much in the aftermath
Images of her sad expression flash again in my mind
Painful is the suffering from any tragic loss of life
It penetrates deep into the hearts of the survivors
The wrath of this Mother Nature is indeed merciless
She wounds deep at the least and brings death at her worst
Leaving damaged survivors only to mourn in endless days
Let's bury the dead, live for now and live for another day
My world is ruined as they cry helplessly
And may ponder 'what now, where now and where is hope'
Our days are truly numbered and brief are our glories
For our days are like grass and our glories are like flowers
Say Isaiah and the Psalmist in the Holy Bible
Here today and perhaps gone in a flash tomorrow
How does one quench the poor souls' sorrows
Is there hope beyond all hope on earth
There is but One who has conquered death
The only One in history to have lived out these words of His
"I WAS DEAD, AND BEHOLD I AM ALIVE FOR EVER AND EVER!"
He is described as the Wonderful Counselor, Comforter
And His kingdom is not of this world with an end in sight
His kingdom is one that is forever eternal
Where death, tears and suffering will forever be no more

From the Dean: Labour Day, A Sad Celebration

2009-10-01T11:30:00.001+10:00

Labour Day: A sad celebration

This weekend is a sad celebration. Sad because it is a holiday that has lost its meaning. Sad because the victory it celebrates has been lost in our affluence.

It was called ‘Eight Hour Day’ because it marked the historic nineteenth century battle to reduce working hours. The cry was for eight hours work, eight hours rest and eight hours recreation. The unionists’ plea was not for more money but for more time. This was to create some balance in work and life. It led to the forty-hour week. Over time it has come to be known as ‘Labour Day’.

Australia and New Zealand led the world in the victory of workers’ rights to rest and recreation. Sydney was at the forefront of this campaign. In 1855 stonemasons were in great demand, as major building programmes were undertaken using the newly found wealth of the gold rushes. Two church buildings, Holy Trinity Millers Point (the Garrison church) and the Mariners’ Church (the Seafarers Centre) were the scene of a two-week strike that initiated the change in work-rest balance. Up until then workers were usually required to work ten hour days Monday to Friday, and eight hours on Saturday (fifty-eight hours a week).

An annual march and picnic on the first weekend in October to celebrate the initial victory and promote the ongoing eight-hour campaign commenced in 1871. It was not till the 1890s that the eight-hour day became widely accepted across most industries. The forty-hour week did not come into effect until the mid-twentieth century.

In 1885 the first public holiday to celebrate Eight Hour Day was held. The man responsible for establishing this public holiday was the trade unionist and member for Balmain, Jacob Garrard. Mr Garrard was a keen Methodist who joined the Salvation Army in 1896. He is another example of the Evangelical influence that lies behind the labour movement of our society. Historians and subsequent generations have routinely ignored this influence, though Kevin Rudd pointed to it on his way to becoming a Labor Leader who professes Christian belief.

Christians are, and should be, concerned about the working conditions of our society, especially the plight of the economically and politically weaker members of our community. This is not a breach of state-church relationship. This is the active participation of Christians in a democratic society. Today the battle to establish a work-life balance has returned for many people, though it is a different battle to the mid-nineteenth century.

In 2007 the Relationship Forum of Australia reported the shifting pressure in work-life balance. 22% of the workforce are working more than 50 hours a week. 30% of the workforce are working on weekends – a percentage only exceeded by Italy! Over 60% work after 6pm or before 8am on weekdays. The proportion of two-income families has increased from 42% in 1981 to 60% in 2007. While the majority of people may be working less than forty hours a week, families are working longer and many are working at more unsocial and unpredictable times.

There has also developed three different kinds of employees, who have quite different reasons for working long hours.

Some people make a living out of their hobby and pleasure. The sports professionals and musicians, the artists and academics and, yes, the ministers of the gospel. These people do not work according to hours or for money but because of their passion. Many people in professional life have a passion that leads to imbalance in work-rest patterns. Many teachers, doctors and farmers live for their work and ignore the hours that it takes them. That is their choice, though wisdom should remind them that the graveyard is full of indispensible people and God himself rested on the seventh day.

There are also some people who do not work but rather have a career. Work for them is the principal place for personal development. Their primary motivation is career advancement. They are not committed to the work itself – they will easily move from one industry to another. Nor are they principally committed either to serve their employer or to provide for their customers/clients – these ultimately are only a means to an end. Nor are they committed to their family or community – they will jump at the chance of advancement overseas or interstate irrespective of the dislocation it causes their family and friends. These people will work whatever hours are required for their personal advancement. Their own ambition is their bondage to long hours.

There are also some people who still work for money to live on. This is not a bad or unworthy motive for work. The Bible lays upon us the responsibility to provide for ourselves and our families (2 Thessalonians 3, 1 Timothy 5). The person who labours to provide for their family, and is not a burden on other people, is to be commended and encouraged. But unfortunately the desire of an affluent, hedonistic and materialistic society is to have these people available to work for us seven days a week and twenty-four hours a day. Limiting the hours to forty makes no difference in the inconvenience that is laid upon them. If the only jobs available are at night or on weekends, the poor have little choice but to leave their families and friends in order to work. Often these people live furthest from their workplace and their unsociable time of work means very long hours from home. Too often they have to rely upon overtime pay to make a decent living – again adding to the hours away from home, rest and recreation. Add to this the rising house prices that have been fed by and led to the need for two incomes in a family to pay the mortgage, and the ‘working family’ finds real tension in the work-life balance. The steady encroachment of work on weekends has not been sufficiently resisted by the present Labor movement.

So this weekend is a sad celebration. We have largely forgotten the costly battle won by our forbears, and in our pursuit of wealth we are voluntarily putting ourselves back into the bondage that they worked so hard to liberate us from.

Worth 2 minutes of your time.....

2009-09-30T10:57:00.000+10:00

Daylight saving starts Sunday Oct 4

2009-09-30T07:00:00.000+10:00

The heading says it all.

CMS: Online magazine

2009-09-29T07:00:00.000+10:00

CMS has launched their online magazine: Landscape.

CMS Summer School 2010

2009-09-28T11:19:00.000+10:00

We can become so involved in our parish concerns, work concerns and our individual troubles that we forget the big things God is doing.

Start 2010 with God's people and find out what God is doing in his world. It's a great way to start the year.

No Detours. No Distractions. No Turning Back. CMS Summer School 2010.

CMS Summer School 2010: Peter Jensen from CMS NSW on Vimeo.

Peter Jensen on Channel 7's Sunrise

2009-09-25T07:00:00.000+10:00

Archbishop Peter Jensen recently appeared on Channen 7's Sunrise program to talk about the Jesus all about life advertising campaign that is about to start.

Watch the segment here. 30 second commercial beforehand.

Jesus: All About Life

2009-09-24T11:37:00.001+10:00

Accomodation in Clovelly

2009-09-24T11:20:00.001+10:00

Room vacant in a sun drenched quiet 2 bedroom flat in Clovelly.

10 min walk to the beach, 5 min walk to bus station
glimpses of the sea and beautiful views
double brick, great insulation
to share with a male christian
$205/week

Speak to or email Mike for further details.

The Dust

2009-09-24T11:09:00.002+10:00

By James M.

Red dawn greeted our awakening this morning
Have we been carried off to the sand dunes of Mars
During our deep slumber
Where is our Opera House and the famous Coat hanger
As briefly they appear quickly they disappear again
Dust everywhere this Wednesday
All around is coloured by orange or red spectrum
News of 'red blood sky causing havoc in Sydney' was ringing in my eardrums
As well as remarks that likened this day to the end of the world
But even if the end is nigh and all around is dust
I remember in Genesis from the Lord of hosts
"You were made from dust and to dust you will return"

James M

The Beast in me

2009-09-21T12:13:00.002+10:00

The beast in me
Is caged by frail and fragile bars
Restless by day
And by night rants and rages at the stars
God help the beast in me

The beast in me
Has had to learn to live with pain
And how to shelter from the rain
And in the twinkling of an eye
Might have to be restrained
God help the beast in me

Sometimes it tries to kid me
That it's just a teddy bear
And even somehow manage to vanish in the air
And that is when I must beware
Of the beast in me

That everybody knows
They've seen him out dressed in my clothes
Patently unclear
It it's New York or New Year
God help the beast in me

The beast in me

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

2009-09-15T16:44:00.004+10:00

Dont forget that this week it would be helpful to read (but not essential) to read Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Link below. If you cant do that, here is a summary of the book by James M.

Summary assessment by James M. of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson.

The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien was a great read. However, when it was made into a circa nine hour movie length feature for that trilogy the movie had lost a lot of the beauties that were within the book and which cannot be provided in the entirety of a movie. It is with this in mind that whilst readers may benefit from a shortened version of the Jekyll and Hyde story as provided below, they should note that the commensurate downside is the readers’ loss of appreciation in the beauty of the story, particularly with regards the descriptive language.

Five key characters stood out in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde but only two were consistently the focus throughout the story line. One was Mr Utterson who was a trusted lawyer, whom I initially thought was probably the central character, especially when I had some prior knowledge about the beast within the story through some animation that I saw a while ago. For examples, Utterson was described as one who was “never lighted by a smile”, a “man of rugged countenance”, or who is “undemonstrative at his best” and again “his friends were those of own blood”. How prejudiced is the mind when exposed to texts with such descriptions.

The second key character was Dr. Jekyll. Further reading of this short novel confirmed that it was Dr. Jekyll who turned out to be also the principal character of the story.

You may be wondering as to who were the other three characters in this novel. The long distant kinsman of Mr. Utterson was Mr. Richard Endfield whom I thought was responsible (with the help of Utterson) for introducing us to the character of Mr. Hyde. In one of Enfield and Utterson’s Sunday walks on the streets of London and in a backdrop of an era in the 1800s they came across a lane, which by contrast to the weekends was very busy on weekdays with its colorful shop fronts that carried an aura with an “air of invitation, like rows of smiling saleswomen”. I thought the contrasting description of the street on the various days of the week was similar to the contrasting nature of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde that the reader was exposed to later on as the story unfolded. Mr. Enfield was the third key character.

The lane was the location of Mr. Hyde’s domicile. It was Mr. Enfield who came across an eerie looking two-storey building which appeared to show no window but a strange looking door at the lower storey. The door reminded Mr. Enfield that this was the exact place where Mr. Hyde had taken him after the latter was detained by the former for trampling calmly and without guilt over a girl whom Mr. Hyde had felled from a collision. Mr. Hyde was a beastly looking dwarf with a hateful looking face. His appearance appeared to represent the very nature of evil. Witnesses generally confirmed his looks as revolting and extremely odd in stature.

It was Mr. Utterson’s probing of Mr. Enfield’s recount of the story at this juncture that finally introduced Mr. Utterson and the reader to the character of Mr. Edward Hyde.

The name Hyde triggered the lawyer to re-review a will that he had in his possession on behalf of Dr. Jekyll. It was an unusual will which contained clauses that provide for Dr. Jekyll to transfer his possessions without delay to Mr. Edward Hyde if there was an unexplained absence of the doctor for any period exceeding three calendar months.

Curiosity led Mr. Utterson to his old time school and college friend the great Dr. Lanyon’s home. Lanyon knew of Dr. Jekyll for as long as the lawyer but he had since lost touch with the other doctor. When Lanyon was questioned as to who this Hyde was – the protégé of Dr.
Jekyll –Mr. Lanyon replied that he never heard of him. Lanyon was the fourth key character.

Mr. Utterson, whose extreme curiousity at this point in time led him to stalk Mr. Hyde patiently near his place of abode for a long while.
Utterson wanted to meet Hyde. The lawyer’s perseverance rewarded him finally one evening when Mr. Hyde finally appeared. As Hyde approached his weird looking door, Mr. Utterson stepped out of the dark corner and forced his introduction onto Hyde. Mr. Hyde asked Utterson how he knew of him. Mr. Utterson was not entirely truthful with his answer.
Utterson confirmed that it was their mutual friend Dr. Jekyll whom had referred him. Hyde’s response was mixed with a tinge of anger and a coarse voice. He rejected Utterson’s answer and stated categorically that his response was false. In an ‘extraordinary quickness” Hyde “unlocked the door and disappeared into the house”.

A few weeks later, Mr. Utterson was invited to a dinner with some of Dr. Jekyll’s cronies at the doctor’s home. Mr. Utterson deliberately stayed long after the dinner had ended its normal expiry time to give him an opportune moment to question the doctor further about Mr. Hyde who was the benefactor to his Will. At this point of the story, the lawyer still did not know of Mr. Hyde. When the subject of Hyde came up, the doctor became annoyed and started dismissing Utterson’s queries. He begged Utterson to let this topic rest.

The story took an acute turn when Hyde was identified as the prime suspect in the murder of a prominent character in Sir Danvers Carew circa a year later. The lawyer took flight to the doctor’s house due to his strong link to Mr. Hyde and because Carew was also the lawyer’s client. Utterson was taken into the house by Jekyll’s butler Poole.
Dr. Jekyll confirmed that he would have nothing to do with Mr. Hyde after the murder incident. Jekyll also provided to the lawyer a supposed letter from Mr. Hyde in which its brief content gave the doctor’s assurance of his safety. It must have been the lawyer’s natural instinct to perform like a detective when he asked the doctor some brilliant questions, like the locality of the envelope and how it arrived at his address. The doctor’s responses were damning and incriminating. He said he had burned the envelope and the letter was hand delivered on the day of receipt. On his exit of the house alone with Poole, the lawyer asked what he thought of the person whom had handed in the letter on that day. Poole was absolutely certain that nothing had come in except by post on that day. Mr Utterson’s “fear was renewed” further when he asked his clerk Mr. Guest to check the style of the hand written letter. It bore great resemblance to an invitation letter from Dr. Jekyll that the lawyer had kept. The point of difference between the two writings was that that they “only sloped differently”.

A number of letters were introduced in the story line and two of these were that of Lanyon’s narrative and Jekyll’s statement of the case.
Lanyon was revealed as the only character that had the unfortunate experience of witnessing the transformation of Mr. Hyde to Dr. Jekyll on an evening in Lanyon’s home. This event occurred as a result of Lanyon’s agreement to attend to Jekyll’s earnest request for help under their “seal of profession”. Lanyon’s narrative and Jekyll’s letters confirmed the revelations provided below.

Dr Jekyll turned out to be the central character that literally carried the dual identity of man and beast like creature known as Mr Edward Hyde. As noted earlier, because of my previous encounter of this story of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, I was never certain as to which character was the beast. My initial impression was that it had to be Dr Jekyll simply by the mere pronunciation of this name, which co-incidentally rhymes with the animal called the jackal and so the mind was inclined to believe.

Hyde and Jekyll, although in one body shared a dual identity which on one hand appeared to represent evil and on the other a normal man in the form of a doctor. This duality was possible as a result of the doctor’s scientific discovery of a potion that carried the power to transform a man’s natural state from that of normality to that of deformability as represented by Mr. Hyde. Hyde was noted by many whom have seen him as a dwarf with the “haunting sense of unexpressed deformity”. At the height of Poole’s suspicion that something was seriously wrong with Jekyll, whom had locked himself in his room the butler desperately sought Mr. Utterson’s help. At the final moment of Utterson’s imminent discovery of Jekyll’s dual identity at his home as the two gentlemen tried to force their way into Jekyll’s room, it was all too late. Dr. Jekyll in the state of the being of Mr. Hyde had ended his life.

Lastly and for your information in case you were still wondering is that the fifth character was of course Mr. Edward Hyde.

Perhaps, what Robert Louis Stevenson tried to reveal was that there is a sense of Mr. Hyde in all of us. At our best, the world can gather together to help the victims of natural disasters for examples like the recent earthquakes in Italy and Indonesia or the typhoon disaster in Taiwan. At our worst, the world can commit atrocities towards each other, like those in Auschwitz in World War II as well as many similar examples which are being committed to this present day. It is little wonder Jesus who was nothing like us in our sinful state saw the world as evil as recounted in the Bible under John 7:7. Hence, the world needed a great Savior to redeem it from the face of eternal destruction. Step forth Jesus Christ around 30 AD who was sent by God to redeem his people through his death and resurrection.

Inspiring People

2009-08-31T11:23:00.001+10:00

Today the Inspiring People campaign was launched.

It is a series of events planned for September and October in Sydney, as part of the strategy to reach the Central Business districts. It is organised by Connect 09, the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, (And JAAL, CBF and CPX). We are one of the key link churches in supporting the events and providing follow up afterwards. You can find out more from Peter Jensen about the campaign here.

We'd love you to do 2 things:

1. Pray. Pray for the impact of these events. That many who don't know Jesus would recieve information about the events and would decided to come along and find out more. Pray for the people who will be speaking and sharing about their faith and the impact Jesus has on them. Pray that those who come along and are interested in finding out more would sign up to the Life of Jesus follow-up course.

2. If you are a city worker, get involved. We need prayer support, help with promotion and of course, people to invite their friends. All the event details are on the website Inspiring People. Decide which event to go along to and ask someone to go with you. Please promote these events on your blogs, facebook pages, websites, everywhere!

____________________

This Sunday at City Night Church

2009-08-31T06:00:00.000+10:00

This Sunday at City Night Church, we are looking at the 10th and final commandment - coveting.

Please read beforehand the 10 Commandments, and Romans 7.

We'll also be sharing in a meal after church. See you at 6pm out the front of the Cathedral for coffee.

A sad reflection ...

2009-08-27T06:27:00.004+10:00

One of our partners in the gospel emailled me a link to this picture. They commented that they were not sure whether to laugh or cry, especially at the caption.

On first glance, I didn't realise that it was St Andrew's Cathedral in the picture! My response was that I was sad but unsurprised and wished that we could post a picture of our cathedral with people walking in to show that real people do go to church and Jesus is not irrelevant.

What are your thoughts?

Women's Evangelistic Prayer Meeting - Thursday 27th August 2009

2009-08-24T09:44:00.001+10:00

Taking Chappo at his word, just a quick reminder that some of the women from City Night Church will be gathering together on Thursday morning at 8am at Cafe Rush (263 Clarence St, Sydney) to pray for our non-Christian friends, family and work colleagues, asking that our gracious Father might give us opportunities to talk with them about Jesus and that we may have the joy of seeing them brought from death to life as they come into relationship with him.

If you can be in the city at 8am on Thursday, we'd love to see you there. I understand that this isn't possible for everyone - no fear, you can pray wherever you are! Why not come along if you can, or otherwise spend some time on Thursday praying for your friends and family who don't yet know Jesus.

Other dates for your diary: Sept 24, Oct 29, Nov 26.

This week at CIty Night Church

2009-08-24T06:00:00.000+10:00

This Sunday at City Night church we are heading back to Deuteronomy.

We'll be looking at the 10 Commandments (or the 10 Words as they are often called).

Please read: Deuteronomy 5:1-31 and Matthew 5:17-20.

Coffee out the front from 6pm and church from 6:30.

Praying for your unsaved friends

2009-08-24T00:30:00.000+10:00

Much loved evangelist John Chapman has recorded a two minute video to encourage you to pray for your unsaved friends, and to use the resources available for Connect09.

As always, Chappo reminds us what it is really all about: “People who are apart from Christ are lost. Their plight is desperate. They need to be forgiven. And they need to find Jesus as a Friend – as a Saviour. They need to know that he’s died so their sins can be forgiven.”

Tip: You can download the video files from SydneyAnglicans.net, but if you have problems playing them, the 76MB mpeg4 file can be downloaded from Vimeo. You’ll need to register with Vimeo if you haven’t already, and then on this page, the download option is on the very bottom right (“Download Quicktime version”).

Social Networking

2009-08-22T00:24:00.001+10:00

Isaiah summarised in 10 words (+-10% tolerance)

2009-08-21T10:27:00.003+10:00

On Tuesday night past, one of our Tuesday night bible studies concluded a mammoth series of studies on the book of Isaiah. At the conclusion of the last study on Tuesday night, I approached the table and asked the group to summarise the entire book of the Isaiah in 10 words or less, with a +-10% tolerance. It captured the groups attention. They took to it like a Aussie cricketer in London - with great gusto! Herewith are the results, for posterity.

Guest Post from James M.

Studying the Book of Isaiah proper was finally completed around 9pm on the 18th of August 2009 at the Chapter House of St Andy’s. At the conclusion of the Tuesday night Bible study session, the minister approached our table and invited himself to our accompaniment. After the niceties, he put forward a challenge “summarize Isaiah in 10 words with a 10% tolerance”. His look around the table for challengers was returned with blank faces, including that of mine.

I felt uneasy and did not want to be deterred by the contest and took up the challenge and started inscribing on the paper table cloth, which had already been written (if I may use this word) with the major themes of the Book of Isaiah that we had studied over the many winter weeks.

‘In 10 or 11 words what can I write? I must overcome the challenge and think hard’ were all my initial thoughts against the backdrop of an ensuing conversation that followed between the minister and the teacher (bible study leader, hereafter known as teacher or Prime Minister) about the themes that were written on the disposable paper table cloth.

I did think hard I and the below was essentially the outcome of the first draft that was put forward to the gatherings at the table, which was subsequently and figuratively described as the House of Representatives.

“The Sovereign God establishes His kingdom and saves His people” was the first draft.

I must add that in the figure of speech manner, there was also an one man steering committee in the minister who subsequently asked the parliament as to whether the first draft is able to be passed in the upper house. In the figure of speech manner, let’s also say there was a Prime Minister in the teacher and another parliamentarian, besides myself called Willem. The rest of the other parliamentarians decided to call the night and headed off in the distance and so there remained in the house the so call ‘diehards’ or 'remnants' (if I may use lovingly).

Willem saw the first draft and rejected it point blank. His argument was simple but valid – there was no element of the fear of God in it, which was a key application point in Isaiah 66.

Now, as a side issue for those critics who may read this and cast their judgment secretly, let me say that my exclusion of the fear of God does not mean that this quality is lacking on my part and besides only God knows where I stand and that is ultimately what matters most! So thanks for your kind thoughts

Anyways, back to the parliament house for the second amendment, which was essentially “Yahweh establishes His kingdom and saves those who fear him”

This time I managed to secure Willem’s vote and it was then up to the PM to cast his ballot and pass this Bill what I called “Book of Isaiah summarized in 10 words plus 10% tolerance”.

The verdict was “rejected” on the premise that the ‘judgment’ theme was not found in the summary. PM’s view was valid, and I won’t go into another diversion as I did earlier – I believe the point has been made clear.

Third amendment essentially reads “Yahweh saves those who fear him and judges the world”

If I recall correctly, the steering committee commented that “those who fear him” part could be shortened to provide room for the theme of God’s ‘servant’ into the Bill.

And so the third amendment was rejected and the night was getting on. And after short debates and discussions the fourth amendment was produced and put forward to the parliament house for her consideration again.

The house has now attracted many interested observers and the question was then put by the steering committee “do we have a vote”?

Despite pushing forward favorably on all previous amendments, I decided to cast my “no” vote on the grounds that the ordering of the phrases had to be changed to take into account the PM’s point that the chronological order of the themes in Isaiah had to be corrected in the Bill. Immediately after my interjection, one interested observer bursts out with a frustrated laughter. He decided that he had enough and that it was probably too late and so he called off the night.

By this time, the Fifth Amendment was beckoning. Whilst it was being drafted out, we had what I jokingly described as an intruder in the parliament house who decided on his own accord to turn off the lights. This was despite the presence of key interested parties including the steering committee, the PM, the two parliamentarians and remnants of interested observers!

The PM took the matter to his own hand and turned the lights back on, even though it was mysteriously much dimmer than it was initially but nevertheless we managed to produce the Fifth Amendment called the Bill of “Book of Isaiah summarized in 10 words plus a 10% tolerance”.

The Bill was finally passed unanimously in the upper house at precisely 9.49pm on the night of the 18th of August 2009 in the Chapter House of St Andy’s. Needless to say, the Bill sailed through the Senate with ease and the Bill was enacted!

The book of Isaiah summaried in 10 words (+-10% tolerance), fifth amendment, as passed by the Parliament:

Yahwweh judes his world, saving the humble, through his chosen servant.

It was I must add a beautiful exercise - thanks guys.

James M.

Mark Dever at City Night Church

2009-08-17T09:32:00.003+10:00

This coming Sunday, 23rd August Mark Dever will be joining us at City Night Church.

Mark will be preaching from 2 Samuel 12:1-10.

Mark will be preaching in a clear and accessible way about our Lord and saviour - it will be a great night to invite people who don't yet know Jesus to come along and hear about him.

Revolutionary Jesus: Revolutionary Followers

2009-08-10T16:39:00.003+10:00

While we didn't record the talks from the weekend away, if you missed out or would like to hear the gist of what was said, a version of the talks that Simon delivered earlier in the year are available here:

Introduction
Talk 1 - A love like no other
Talk 2 - A Kingdom like no other & Question Time
Talk 3 - A forgiveness like no other & Question Time
Talk 4 - A lord like no other

Why not check them out?

Prayer Morning

2009-08-10T15:28:00.001+10:00

Saturday 12th September we'll be gathering at the Cathedral for a time of prayer to pray to our great God about the city of Sydney, Australia, and the wider world.

10am until 11am, meet at the Cathedral.

Marriage & The Mid Life Crisis

2009-08-10T12:51:00.003+10:00

Really good article here about how a mid life crisis often turns into marriage problmes. Read it here at the New York Times.

The punchline:

I simply had come to understand that I was not at the root of my husband’s
problem. He was. If he could turn his problem into a marital fight, he could
make it about us. I needed to get out of the way so that wouldn’t happen.

From the Dean: Materialism

2009-08-10T12:12:00.001+10:00

Click here for another insightful From the Dean, on materialism.

Links to check at your leisure

2009-08-07T16:24:00.002+10:00

Interesting links:

Here are my hands. A cool concept for a video clip for a new Christian song.
John 3:16 in Pop Culture. A photo gallery by TIME magazine.

Are we confusing?

2009-08-04T16:49:00.003+10:00

Here an article of an atheist who visited a Pentecostal church and felt it was all show.

Are we showy at City Night Church? Do we have jargon? Where do we fall down at City Night Church? Are we incomprehensible?

I value your thoughts, either by email or posting a comment.

Last Night at City Night Church

2009-08-03T11:10:00.002+10:00

Last night at City Night Church, we had a great night. Apart from the coffee machine failing to work, it was a good night all round.

Phillip spoke on 1 Cor 14, and the importance of using love as we serve one another.

We also heard how we ought to prophesy over speaking in tongues.

The key is the end of verse 5: So that the church may be built up.

This Sunday we conclude the series True Spirituality, when we look at the last half of 1 Corinthians 14.

Discipleship

2009-07-16T13:49:00.002+10:00

I recently returned from a few days away with my Moore College year. We had a couple of days away to reflect on keeping the centre at the centre. That is, making sure the gospel is at the centre of what we are doing. Or, making sure that everything we do is founded on the preaching of the Word. We opened God's Word -2 Peter, and were greatly encouraged by Bruce and Rose Hall from St Paul's Carlingford.

It was an encouraging time. There was much prayer and catching up, speaking about some of the joys and heartaches of ministry. This kind of camp is a good thing to encourage your pastors to go on, for it keeps them fresh for ministry and the task of proclaiming the gospel. In that, many of the camps/conferences are a very busy time for pastors/ministers as they talk and pastor those who are away with them.

This week at City Night Church: 19 July

2009-07-16T13:19:00.002+10:00

This week we continue our True Spirituality series, by Phillip Jensen. There will be an opportunity for questions, so put on your thinking caps, and come prepared.

We will do coffee in the square from 6pm, and church from 6:30.

The bible readings are: Leviticus 19:9-18 & 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.

True Spirituality

2009-07-13T11:47:00.002+10:00

Great sermon last night by Phillip Jensen on True Spirituality: Manifesting the Spirit, from 1 Cor 12:1-13.

The gifts of the Spirit really are different to the way the rest of the world (and Christians) think.

Remember, gifts are for the common good (1 Cor 12:7).

A summary of last night.

1. Spirituality is something to be well informed about.
2. The real mark of the Spirit is that Jesus is our Lord.
3. Our varied gifts/service/activity all come from the triune God.
4. The Spirit is shown by each using our gifts for the common good, for all Christians are Spirit baptised into one body.
5. It is by our loving service of each other that the members are seen as Christ's and that the Spirit is demonstrated.

Weekend Away

2009-06-25T12:23:00.002+10:00

The weekend away is fast approaching. It's on at the Collaroy Conference Centre.

We will be thinking about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. And to help us think it though, we'll be looking at Matthew's Gospel. Simon Flinders will be bringing us God's word. Simon is an assistant minister at St Thomas' North Sydney, and well known to many people from City Night Church.

Please sign up now if you have not already. You can do so here.

Tuesday Bible Studies in Chapter House

2009-06-22T19:17:00.002+10:00

This Tuesday night (tomorrow), the Bible studies in Upper Chapter House are all doing socials. This means there won't be any groups on in Upper Chapter House tomorrow night. They'll be elsewhere. Just a warning in case you forget and turn up.

The Great Lasagna Bake-Off

2009-06-20T22:34:00.003+10:00

Paul has issued the challenge: he thinks he makes the best lasagna in the land. Mike thinks his bolognese is something special, so he's ready to step up to the mark. What about you? Do you think you make a pretty mean lasagna?

For dinner after church on Sunday 5th July we're going to have The Great Lasagna Bake-Off. Make a lasagna that will feed 8 people and bring it along with you to church by 6pm on Sunday 5th. We'll make some salad and have some garlic bread to go with the lasagna, and we’ll declare a winner on the night.

Please let Mike know whether you will be bringing a lasagna with you so we can ensure that there is enough lasagna for everyone for dinner that night (we'll need at least 10, but the more the merrier).

Happy cooking!

Prayer Breakfast

2009-06-17T16:06:00.005+10:00

The City Night Church Prayer Breakfast is on this Saturday at 9am.

RSVP by emailing Mike if you want to come and get the address.

9am Breakfast
10am Prayer
11am Finish

The Archbishops

2009-06-15T07:00:00.001+10:00

This week we have the privilege of having two archbishops visiting us at City Night Church.

Our Archbishop Peter Jensen will preach. The Most Revd Stephen Than Myint Oo, Archbishop of Myanmar and Bishop of Yangon (pictured), will be welcomed to our diocese and into our fellowship as he joins us at City Night Church this Sunday night.

Deuteronomy 6

2009-06-06T21:33:00.009+10:00

We’re up to chapter 6 in our Deuteronomy in June series.

Things to ponder and consider:
* This point (6:1) is where the history lesson ends and the exhortation begins.
* Obedience on behalf of Israel is how she is to express genuine loyalty to or fear of Yahweh. ‘Fear’ of Yahweh is a recurring motif in the book: Deut 4:10; 5:29; 6:2, 13, 24; 8:6; 10:12, 20; 11:25; 13:4; 14:23; 17:19; 25:18; 28:58; 31:12-13; cf. also Deut 5:5; 7:21; 10:17, 21; 13:11; 17:13; 19:20; 21:21; 25:18.
* How to interpret the Bible is a big question today. Should we interpret it literally or not? Well, Deut 6:3 says the Promised Land is a land "flowing with milk and honey". And, when we read the accounts of the spies in Num 13:23 and 27, we read that they brought back figs, grapes and pomegrantes. This is confirmation that the land is flowing with milk and honey: Num 13:27.
* In Deut 6:4-5 we have the greatest commandment! Remember, in contrast to the English idiom where the ‘heart’ signifies the seat of the emotions and feelings, in Hebrew the ‘heart’ primarily signifies the seat of the intellect, will, and intention. That's why ‘mind’ is added to the list in the New Testament.
* What do verses 6-9 say about who this is applies to? These verses show us that it was not just for the priests, and it’s not just a legalistic code. It is for everyone in everyday life.
* In verses 20-25, we read about how the family is to teach its children the meaning of these commandments. Presumably the child was already familiar with them, having witnessed their observation; he now wants to know the reason for keeping them. So the question really is: ‘Why do we keep these laws?’ The father’s explanation (vv. 21-25) is a summary of the Israelite faith:
- Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt (vv. 21-22)
- Israel’s divine gift of the Promised Land (v. 23)
- the covenant obligation to obey and fear Yahweh (v. 24a)
- the associated promises of blessing and security (v. 24b)
- the assured result: a true and personal relationship with God that would express itself in the lives of his people (v. 25).

Deuteronomy 5

2009-06-05T02:04:00.005+10:00

Continuing our reading of Deuteronomy, today it is chapter 5. Big day today. Today we get the decalogue - the Ten Commandments.

Questions to come later today.

Deuteronomy 4

2009-06-04T07:00:00.004+10:00

A chapter a day means you get through the whole book of Deuteronomy in just over a month.

Today, in our reading of Deuteronomy together, we are reading Deuteronomy 4. Click to read here. Or read in your own Bible.

Comments and questions to ponder:
* In Deuteronomy 4, the historical reflection gives way to exhortation: see verse 1. In the light of their collective experience thus far (as illustrated in Deut 1:6-3:29), Moses now spells out to the new generation of Israel the fundamental importance of obeying such a God as Yahweh in the Promised Land. Not only does their future in the land depend upon such obedience, but so also does the fulfilment of their responsibility as Yahweh’s chosen people in relation to the surrounding nations.
* In verses 5-8, what allusions do you see? (Gen 12:1-3)
* What are the two major motivations for obeying the covenant that Yahweh is just about to make with Israel? (Verses 1-4 and 5-8.)
* What would you say is the main theme for this chapter?
* What strikes you from this passage?
* This marks the end of Moses’ first of three speeches in the book of Deuteronomy. The next speech begins with the Ten Commandments. Why stop the first speech here?
* What aspect of God's character does Moses remind Israel of in verses 3-4? (See Numbers 25:1-9.) And in verses 10-14?

What is Deuteronomy all about?

2009-06-03T12:38:00.005+10:00

So, you’ve been reading through Deuteronomy for a few days now. What is it all about?

This picture shows the top 200 words. The bigger they are, the more often they are repeated. This is only the top 200. Deuteronomy is about the LORD. Click for larger image.

Deuteronomy 3

2009-06-03T09:33:00.006+10:00

We are reading through the book of Deuteronomy in the month of June. Today we’re up to Deuteronomy chapter 3.

It is not too late to begin reading. It will only take you 5 minutes to catch up.

You can read Deuteronomy 3 online here.

Questions and comments to ponder:
* Unless you are an expert in Google maps, you may find this is a geography lesson.
* Note the foretaste of victories (in verse 21).
* Why are the war scenes not elaborated upon? Why are they only reports of victories?
* Note that even the giants are no match for Yahweh! And who has a 13-foot-long bed (and six foot wide)?
* If you have any, place questions in comments.

Deuteronomy 2

2009-06-02T11:21:00.006+10:00

We are reading through the book of Deuteronomy in the month of June. Today we're up to Deuteronomy chapter 2.

It's not too late to begin reading. It will only take you 5 minutes to catch up.

You can read Deuteronomy 2 online here.

Questions to ponder:
* How is it that Yahweh, the God of Israel, has sovereignty over more than Israel's borders (Deut 2:5)?
* What is the rationale for non-aggression?
* Note how the other nations listen to Yahweh. How does this serve as a warning to Israel?
* Any other questions, put them in comments.

Mike.

Deuteronomy 1

2009-06-02T11:05:00.006+10:00

We’re reading Deuteronomy in the month of June, and we’re starting with Deuteronomy 1.

Click here to read it online.

Questions to ponder:
* When was Deuteronomy written?
* An eleven-day journey (verse 2) took 40 years!! What’s up with that?
* Why is Israel called Israel before the Israelites have obtained possession of the land?
* Who is speaking in verses 9-18? God or Moses?

Band Names

2009-05-26T10:07:00.002+10:00

On Sunday night we had our first all male band lead the music. And what a great job they did! Mike challenged us to come up with a name for the band.

Here are some of the suggestions from Sunday night:
* Good Night Band
* Band of Brothers
* Mike and the Rockers (because we all know Mike wants to be leading the singing)
* No Girl Germs
* The Chapter Boys
* Back Church Boys
* Old Boys On The Block
* Old Men On The Block

Anyone else have some ideas? What is your favourite?

.

Women's Evangelistic Prayer Meeting - Thursday 28th May 2009

2009-05-24T08:00:00.001+10:00

A quick reminder that some of the women from City Night Church will be gathering together on Thursday morning at 8am at Cafe Rush (263 Clarence St, Sydney) to pray for our non-Christian friends, family and work colleagues, asking that our gracious Father might give us opportunities to talk with them about Jesus and that we may have the joy of seeing them brought from death to life as they come into relationship with him.

If you can be in the city at 8am on Thursday, we'd love to see you there. I understand that this isn't possible for everyone - no fear, you can pray wherever you are! Why not come along if you can, or otherwise spend some time on Thursday praying for your friends and family who don't yet know Jesus.

Other dates for your diary: June 25, July 30, August 27, Sept 24, Oct 29, Nov 26.

Wise words from John Piper

2009-05-21T00:33:00.002+10:00

Over here Tim Challies blogs about the refocus conference, including his notes from John Piper's sermon on new birth. This quote from Piper stood out for me in particular:

"The longer I live the less optimistic I am that I will end without sin and the more grateful I become for the blood of Christ imputed to me. As I grow older I do not feel myself becoming gloriously holy but I find myself feeling great love for the gospel."

May we all grow, like Piper, in a greater love for the gospel!

Baptised by the Spirit

2009-05-09T14:59:00.003+10:00

It was either last week or the week before that someone on a comment card asked what being baptised by the Spirit means. Phillip answers the question here.

phillipjensen.com has a lot of great material that is updated regularly. I highly recommend it!

Men's Breakfast

2009-05-08T10:37:00.002+10:00

Men's breaky is on Saturday May 30. 8am, followed by a working bee at the Cathedral. Both are optional. Sign up here.

Mother's Day

2009-05-06T15:36:00.003+10:00

Last week in From the Dean, Phillip wrote about the opportunities that Mother's Day brings to invite our mums and/or children along to church.

I've been thinking and praying for the last few weeks about how to invite my unbelieving Mum and Dad along, who will be down from Queensland. In God's kindness, I didn't even get to invite them before Mum asked whether they could come along to morning church with me this Sunday. What a fantastic, yet (to be completely honest) unexpected, answer to prayer!

Have you invited your Mum or your children to come to church on Sunday? Why not give it a go? They might just surprise you and say yes!

Phillip will be preaching evangelistically at morning church at 10.30am, and Chris Nicholls will be preaching evangelistically at City Night Church at 6.30pm. Let's pray that lots of mums do come along and hear God's word taught.

Living Christianly

2009-05-06T08:20:00.002+10:00

Jonathan Dodson has some great tips on living Christianly and connecting with the people around us.

Sometimes the task of reaching the city with the gospel of Jesus can be overwhelming! Where to start, what to do? His tips remind us to make the most of the opportunities we already have, to connect with the people around us and deepen those relationships.

And pray. Pray and ask that we'd have a real love for those who don't know Jesus. Pray that our gracious Father would be changing us to be more and more like his Son as he works through his spirit to bring us to obedience. Pray that we'd be living Christian lives so that people can see the difference that Jesus is making in our life. Pray that we'd have opportunities to speak of Jesus and all that he has done.

Marriage Enrichment

2009-05-05T07:00:00.001+10:00

For all married and engaged couples of the Cathedral, here is the online booking form.

Thanks.

Simply Christianity

2009-05-04T18:30:00.000+10:00

On Tuesday May 19 we commence our 5-week Simply Christianity course.
The group will start at 7.15pm in the Upper Chapter House (enter via Bathurst St gate). You are also welcome to join us for dinner from 6.30pm (for a small charge of $5).
Simply Christianity is a great way of helping people to find out about Jesus.

Weekend Away: 24-26 July

2009-05-04T10:33:00.005+10:00

Easy options for sign up to to the weekend away. Just fill in the details here.

Thanks

City Night Church - 3 May 2009

2009-04-30T15:59:00.003+10:00

This week at City Night Church we conclude our 1 Thessalonian series. Mike Turner will be preaching from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:28. The OT reading is Daniel 12:1-4.

Join us for coffee in the square at 6pm, before church at 6:30pm. We'll be joining together for dinner in the Cathedral after church.

See you there.

Shola! News and prayer points from the Sholls

2009-04-28T11:06:00.006+10:00

Peter and Sarah Sholl with Karina, Lucy and Miriam
In Monterrey, Mexico

An Easter road trip
During the Easter week we made a 2000km round trip to Guadalajara for VIVE09, a once-every-four-years mission conference run by the Mexican student group COMPA. It was a great way to meet some COMPA students and staff and see how they do things. We also met several people from around Latin America who are interested in further study using the Moore courses. We got to see some of the Mexican countryside and enjoyed the huge open spaces, mountains and cacti.

We went to several Catholic cathedrals during our trip. In Guadalajara and Zacatecas, the cathedrals were packed with people doing their Santa Semaña (Holy Week) business - long prayers to saints, queues for confession and extra petitions. However, we were surprised to find that the ‘big day’ is Friday, not Sunday. On Friday there were huge processions and masses requiring crowd control etc., while on Sunday it was very quiet. On Easter Sunday we went to the Catholic cathedral in Monterrey to see what was on. We found things running like any other Sunday. Perhaps this reflects the dominant focus here on a dead or suffering Jesus, rather than a risen, ruling Jesus. We’ve also noticed this emphasis in the art that decorated the cathedrals. We have much to rejoice in following our living Lord.

In brief
๏ Our house is great - light and spacious, and it will suit our family needs well. We’ve bought furniture and are well on the way to getting ourselves set up.
๏ Our car is comfortable and a great blessing.
๏ The girls have started well at school and are making friends and slowly picking up Spanish.
๏ Pete has completed a one-month Spanish intensive and Sarah has been working steadily
with a language helper. Both were due to start a new course yesterday, but due to the outbreak of swine flu, all schools in Mexico are closed for two weeks.
๏ Our boxes from Australia have arrived and most have been unpacked. The library is brilliant!

Please pray
๏ Thanks for the celebration of Miriam’s birthday with friends.
๏ Thanks for a safe and productive trip to Guadalajara, and for the enjoyment we got from time with people and exploring some of Mexico.
๏ Thanks that we are comfortable in our home and feeling quite settled in Monterrey.
๏ Thanks that we feel we have made some progress in Spanish, but pray for more.
๏ Pray that we would be feeding ourselves from the Bible.
๏ Pray that we will manage as the weather begins to get very hot.
๏ Pray that we’ll continue to learn more about Mexican culture and how to love people well.
๏ Pray for the authorities and people as they deal with the outbreak of swine flu.

Bible verse
“You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.” (Mark 16:6, NIV)

Check out the Sholls' blog.

Women's Evangelistic Prayer Meeting - Thursday 30th April 2009

2009-04-26T07:00:00.000+10:00

A quick reminder that some of the women from City Night Church will be gathering together on Thursday morning at 8am at Cafe Rush (263 Clarence St, Sydney) to pray for our non-Christian friends, family and work colleagues, asking that our gracious Father might give us opportunities to talk with them about Jesus and that we may have the joy of seeing them brought from death to life as they come into relationship with him.

If you can be in the city at 8am on Thursday, we'd love to see you there. I understand that this isn't possible for everyone - no fear, you can pray wherever you are! Why not come along if you can, or otherwise spend some time on Thursday praying for your friends and family who don't yet know Jesus.

Other dates for your diary: May 28; June 25; July 30; August 27; Sept 24; Oct 29; Nov 26.

Yesterday morning at the Cathedral

2009-04-20T10:33:00.004+10:00

Governor-General joins ANZAC prayers | News stories | Sydneyanglicans.net

Posted using ShareThis

What a great way for us at the Cathedral to be leading our nation, as we lead in prayer for defence force personnel and their families and clearly and boldly speak the word of God.

Bowls & BBQ Today

2009-04-18T13:37:00.001+10:00

The address is Malabar Rd & Mons Ave, Maroubra.

3pm-5pm. See ya there.

City Night Church: 19 Apr 2009

2009-04-17T16:56:00.002+10:00

This week, we are resuming our 1 Thessalonians series. Mike Turner will be preaching from 1 Thessalonians 3. The OT reading is Jeremiah 37:6-38:6.

Join us for coffee in the square at 6pm, before church at 6:30pm.

There is an optional dinner in the city (at your own cost) after supper.

From the Dean: 19 Apr 2009

2009-04-17T16:55:00.002+10:00

How strange is the death of one of God's people. The Psalmist says, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints" (Ps 116:15).

The Psalmist was rejoicing in thanksgiving for being spared by God from death. "The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; … Then I called on the name of the LORD: … you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living" (Ps 116:3-4, 8-9). But then he makes this extraordinary claim in verse 15, that the death of his saints is precious in his sight. The verse speaks of our great value to God. A great value that is seen in particular in our death.

We matter to God. Death matters to God. Our death never goes unnoticed by him. Our 'passing' is never a matter of indifference to him. The cemeteries may be full but God still values the death of his people.

It is why he sent his Son into the world: to pay the price for sin. He died our death and rose to give us new life - but we still die.

Even though we die, death has not defeated us. For "neither death nor life … can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom 8:38-39). So Christians do "not grieve as others who have no hope" (1 Thess 4:13). We do grieve, for death is horrible, but we grieve in the certainty of the resurrection.

That is why we greet this week's news of the death of Sir Marcus Loane with the mixed emotions of joyful sorrow.

Sorrow because we have lost one of Australia's greatest sons, and one of Sydney's greatest leaders. Joy, because our brother in Christ has finally come to rest from his labours and to enjoy the presence of his beloved Lord and Saviour.

Sir Marcus' 97 crowded years can be summarised as: child of God, husband, father of four, grandfather of 17, great grandfather of 23, minister of the gospel, pastor, army chaplain, scholar, lecturer, college principal, archbishop, primate, historian, theologian, author, and preacher. He preached in every parish of our diocese and every diocese of our nation. He was a great ambassador for Christ, often representing our diocese around the world. But apart from telling of a full and active life in the service of other people, such a summary does not really remind us of the man.

He was, for most of his working life, quite simply the leader of Sydney Anglicans. A Christian of deep Protestant and Evangelical convictions, he stood for all that Sydney Anglicans hold dear. He was a man in Christ. Reverently, carefully and faithfully committed to the exposition of the Scriptures. He loved the sovereign ways of God's action in the salvation of people - especially in the Reformation of the 16th century, the Evangelical Awakening of the 18th century and in the history of Australia. In his own tumultuous times, he stood firmly for the evangelization of the city and nation, while being deeply involved in the promotion of world mission. Consistent with the tradition of evangelicals, he carried a deep social conscience for the poor, the addicted and the marginalised of our society, the "widows and orphans" of our day.

He was a humble man of great personal integrity, strength and resolve; physically powerful, but quiet and gentle. There was a meekness about him that came from strength of mind, body and - most of all - spirit. He was a man of great gravitas who enjoyed a lively sense of humour. He was a public figure who disliked publicity; after one interview, a journalist described him as the only man she had met who was able to smile and look pained simultaneously.

His use of words was very precise and poetic. Celebrating 71 years of marriage, he said: “The greatest prize I ever won was the heart of the noblest girl I ever knew”. His careful crafting of words gave great power to both his preaching and his writing. There was an emotional intensity carried in the content of his communication, without any use of emotionalism. It was a matter of passionately held truth clearly expressed.

The clergy of my generation had an unreserved admiration of him. His very distinctive manner of speech was often impersonated. His memory for details was legendary. But it was his willingness to courageously stand for the truth, without fear or favour, which won our deep veneration.

Archbishop Loane had a reputation for being conservative and resistant to change. I only ever found him personally encouraging as I tried to adapt church life to the changing culture of the day. Every time I met with him, his concern was for saving souls and encouraging people into ministry, especially to the overseas mission field. This concern for the personal and pastoral work of the gospel overwhelmed any concern about change or conservation. It is not surprising that he spent his final 27 years faithfully engaged in pastoral and personal ministry amongst the people of his local parish. It says a lot about him as the humble man of God.

But now is the time of his death. It time to thank God for the gift of this great leader who faithfully fulfilled his ministry. "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith" (Heb 13:7).

His death will not pass unnoticed by us. But as the Psalmist reminds us, it will not pass unnoticed by God either, for "precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints".

Certainty: Atheism & Christianity

2009-04-16T11:38:00.003+10:00

Really good post here by Michael Jensen. Go read it.

If you are not sure about the bloke who converted back to Christianity, you can read about it here, not that it is all that important for the MJ post.

Baptism and Confirmation

2009-04-14T12:33:00.005+10:00

What is baptism?
In Acts 2:38 we read:

And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit". (ESV)

Baptism is a symbol. It's a symbol of the new life that a person receives in Jesus Christ. It is an identification with Jesus, and an opportunity to declare what we believe and be publicly identified as a Christian believer.

Baptism is a picture representing profound spiritual truths: death, resurrection and cleansing.

Death
The Christian has died with Christ:

I have been crucified with Christ. it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20, ESV)

Resurrection
We have been raised with Christ:

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. (Romans 6:4-5, ESV)

Cleansing
Our sins are forgiven and we are now clean in his sight:

Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ ... (1 Peter 3:21, ESV)

It is not the water in baptism that is magical or that saves people, in the same way that it is not a wedding ring that makes people married or that is the marriage. But as the wedding ring points to the reality of the marriage, so water baptism points to the greater reality that underlies it: the change in life that God works in us by his Spirit as we come to trust in Jesus' death and resurrection for our salvation.

Why should I be baptised?
If you trust in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, it is right and appropriate to be baptised publicly and to declare your repentance of your former way of life and your trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.

Being baptised won't make you a Christian person (in fact, there have been people in the Bible who were baptised but then later abandoned the faith, such as Ananias and Sapphira). But baptism is the appropriate response of those who have been made alive in Christ. It is more a sign to others than ourselves, and it is a great way to proclaim the gospel with our very lives to our friends and family.

Baptism is a profound symbolic act that mirrors the spiritual reality that happens when you accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour: he cleanses you from sin and you receive new life in the Holy Spirit.

If you trust in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour and have not been baptised before, why not be baptised before your Christian family here at City Night Church?

What is Confirmation?
Within the Anglican Church, there is a service of confirmation that enables people to affirm their faith in God and their desire to serve him throughout their lives. In the confirmation service, the bishop lays hands on those who have been baptised and instructed in the Christian faith, praying over them that God's indwelling Spirit will strengthen and guide them.

For those who have been baptised as infants, the service of confirmation allows them to openly, before the whole church, take upon themselves and confirm the promises made on their behalf by their parents and godparents. It is a fantastic opportunity for them to declare their faith in Jesus Christ and give testimony to his work in them by his Holy Spirit.

Interested?
Talk to Mike or Mandy to find out more.

We are happy to baptise people any week (by arrangement) at City Night Church. We have Bishop Rob Forsyth coming on 24 May 2009 for a confirmation service, and we would be happy to include others on this night as well.

A surprising opportunity

2009-04-13T14:59:00.005+10:00

On my day off today, I went to buy some furniture. I'm feeling pretty ordinary, and really wanted to go, get what I wanted and come home to the couch. I wasn't thinking about an opportunity to share the gospel; I wasn't looking out for doors that might open in conversation.

But God had other ideas.

As I went to pay, the shop owner saw the Bible in my bag and the conversation started something like this:

Him: "Not meaning to be rude for looking in your bag, but is that a Holy Bible in there? Do you read it?"

Me: "Yes, it is a Bible. And yes, I do read it."

Him: "Wow. I didn't think anyone read it any more. I'm really worried about my kids - they have nothing, no hope, no belief in something bigger than they are, nothing that makes them afraid so they will do the right thing."

Me (a little stunned at how the conversation had opened up, mumbled something like): "So what do you believe?"

The conversation continued - we talked a little about his fear of militant Islam, his desire for his kids to have something to hope in and his recognition that there is something wrong in the world, and that we fail to live the right way. I got to mention Jesus and the hope that we can have in him, and I pulled out the copy of The Essential Jesus (which I carry in my handbag in the hope of being able to give it away to people when the opportunity arises). It wasn't the clearest explanation I've ever given, but he seemed really eager and was keen to take the book and read it.

I'm giving thanks to our gracious Father for this opportunity, and praying that as this mean reads Luke's Gospel he will understand who Jesus is and put his faith in him. Now to get a new copy of The Essential Jesus from church to put in my handbag.

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

2009-04-12T13:44:00.004+10:00

Christianity stands or falls on the resurrection. As Paul says in 1 Cor 15:12-18, if Jesus has not been raised from the dead, then Christians should be pitied, for we are still dead in our sins and our faith is in futile.

Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. (1 Cor 15:12-18, ESV)

But the good news of today is that the tomb was empty because Jesus is alive. The risen Jesus appeared to many and then ascended into heaven, where he now sits at the right hand of our Father, interceding for our sins. Death is defeated and in him we have new life.

What a glorious day!

In my place, condemned he stood

2009-04-10T06:00:00.003+10:00

Today is GOOD Friday.

As we remember the death of Jesus, we celebrate. It is a good day.

How can death be good?

Jesus' death is good because he is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Jesus' death is good because it ransoms us from futility (1 Peter 1:18-19).
Jesus' death is good because it shows us God's love, justifies us, saves us from God's wrath and reconciles us to God (Romans 5:6-10).

Jesus' death is good!

Jane Austen High Tea

2009-04-08T13:13:00.002+10:00