Each week at The Bible Talks we have an Old Testament and a New Testament Bible reading. This is because its a good thing to hear from both Testaments. It's a good thing to hear about the unfolding revelation of God and his will for us in the Scriptures.
Usually the Old Testament reading has some relation to the New Testament. However, for the next 7 weeks, we will be reading through the Book of Micah. This will give us a good opportunity to hear an Old Testament Book in its entirety. The readings for the next few weeks will have no direct correlation with Hebrews, but they will always add and supplement the New Testament reading, given that it's the same author. One advantage it has is that reading an OT book through will mean we don't only focus on our favourite or pet passages, but hear the whole counsel of God.
So it's a chapter of Micah per week for the next 7 weeks.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Prayer Points – Maiko Watanabe
Maiko writes from Japan (28 May 2008)
Dear Friends,
How are you? It is nice time of the year in beautiful spring here in Japan. We had ‘Golden Week’, public holidays from the end of April to the first week of May. I attended retreat of CMS missionaries in Japan for a couple of days in the week, when we had John and Cathryn Thew, Federal Secretary of CMS-A, for pastoral visit. It was blessing time of fellowship and learning from the word.
Praise God with me:
* For the pastoral visit by the Thews in Japan and their faithful service to God; they also came to have meetings with both Pastor Matsuda at Mukonoso Megumi church and with Takagi-san of KGK. Those meetings were very productive and Pastor Matsuda and Takagi-san appreciated so much of the partnership with CMS-A.
* Thanks for your prayers. My back pain is, now, so much better than last month.
* Those 20 students came to the KGK meeting for the first years on the 26th April. It was very good time of fellowship.
Please pray for:
* The partnership with CMS-A will finish in the end of February 2009. Please pray for my future path.
* My faithful service to God and being obedient to him both in church and KGK.
* Monthly meeting for uni students started at church in April. Please pray that those who come to the meeting would grow in their knowledge of God and in their faith and that this meeting might be good time of encouragement for them.
Thanks for your partnership with me in the gospel. I do appreciate your prayers and support.
Love in Christ,
Maiko Watanabe
Yet More Social Action
Yet more links on the importance of social action, following on from Sunday's sermon......here is a post from the Sola Panel, who we referenced earlier, about the importance of Social Action and the last day.
1 June @TBT
This week at TBT, we are beginning our series on Hebrews. Phillip Jensen will preach on Jesus Greater than the Prophets.
For preparation, please read: Hebrews 1:1-4 and Micah 1.
For preparation, please read: Hebrews 1:1-4 and Micah 1.
This week at TBT: 1 June
Since its the first Sunday of the month, after TBT this week we'll be sharing together in a meal. There will be no break and no supper. So, dont have dinner beforehand, and do have dinner together afterwards.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Phillip Jensen on World Youth Day & Catholicism in SMH
here is an op-ed piece by Phillip Jensen on World Youth Day and Catholicism.
It's a modified re-print of the recent "From the Dean", which you can read here.
It's a modified re-print of the recent "From the Dean", which you can read here.
TBT and St Andrew's Cathedral
We held our Big Church Day at St Andrew's Cathedral on the weekend just passed. We heard about the vision of the Cathedral, in that, as God builds his church, he will reach the city. In building up the church we will reach out to the city of Sydney.
We heard about all the ministries occurring at the Cathedral. It was great to hear what some of the other congregations are doing and how they were playing their part in reaching the city.
Please continue to pray for our role in reaching the city of Sydney, and that God may build us up for that purpose.
As something of a side issue, Jeremy F has accepted the Cathedral's nomination to represent St Andrew's at Synod. Grahame O will also represent TBT at the Cathedral Council, a body set up to organise Cathedral wide events, such as Conventions and the like. Please pray they will steward us in all Godliness.
We heard about all the ministries occurring at the Cathedral. It was great to hear what some of the other congregations are doing and how they were playing their part in reaching the city.
Please continue to pray for our role in reaching the city of Sydney, and that God may build us up for that purpose.
As something of a side issue, Jeremy F has accepted the Cathedral's nomination to represent St Andrew's at Synod. Grahame O will also represent TBT at the Cathedral Council, a body set up to organise Cathedral wide events, such as Conventions and the like. Please pray they will steward us in all Godliness.
Simply Christianity
Simply Christianity continues tonight. Week 2 (of 5 weeks) is a good time to join, because tonight we begin examining the Gospel of Luke. This is the last opportunity to join in this course.
6:30 at Upper Chapter House for dinner ($5 to cover costs)
7:00 at Upper Chapter House for Simply Christianity.
It's run by myself and Mandy.
Upper Chapter House is located next to St Andrew's Cathedral, entry of Bathurst Steet - just look for "The Bible Talks" sign.
6:30 at Upper Chapter House for dinner ($5 to cover costs)
7:00 at Upper Chapter House for Simply Christianity.
It's run by myself and Mandy.
Upper Chapter House is located next to St Andrew's Cathedral, entry of Bathurst Steet - just look for "The Bible Talks" sign.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Upcoming at TBT: Hebrews
This week at TBT we are beginning a new series on Hebrews. Phillip Jensen, the Dean of Sydney will open the Scriptures for us.
The series on Hebrews will look like this:
1 Jun Heb 1:1-4 Jesus Greater than Prophets
8 Jun Heb 1:4-14 Jesus Greater than Angels
15 Jun Heb 2:1-4 Jesus Greater Salvation
22 Jun Heb 2:5-9 Jesus the Greatest Man
29 Jun Heb 2:9-13 Jesus the Greatest Brother
6 Jul Heb 2:14-18 Jesus the Great High Priest
13 Jul Heb 3:1-6 Jesus Greater than Moses
The series on Hebrews will look like this:
1 Jun Heb 1:1-4 Jesus Greater than Prophets
8 Jun Heb 1:4-14 Jesus Greater than Angels
15 Jun Heb 2:1-4 Jesus Greater Salvation
22 Jun Heb 2:5-9 Jesus the Greatest Man
29 Jun Heb 2:9-13 Jesus the Greatest Brother
6 Jul Heb 2:14-18 Jesus the Great High Priest
13 Jul Heb 3:1-6 Jesus Greater than Moses
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Tomorrow is BIG CHURCH DAY!
Sunday 25th May is Big Church Day
* Lunch from noon with people from all congregations (optional)
* Big Church Meeting from 2-4pm
- Hear the great things God is doing through Christ at the Cathedral
- Meet with members of Morning Church, ABC, FIX and Healing Ministry
- Pray for the work God is doing in and through us here at the Cathedral
- Elect office holders to steward the ministry in the coming years
* Coffee/chat between AGM and TBT.
* TBT is on as usual at 6:30pm. We continue in our Matters that Matter series - this week: Church.
* Lunch from noon with people from all congregations (optional)
* Big Church Meeting from 2-4pm
- Hear the great things God is doing through Christ at the Cathedral
- Meet with members of Morning Church, ABC, FIX and Healing Ministry
- Pray for the work God is doing in and through us here at the Cathedral
- Elect office holders to steward the ministry in the coming years
* Coffee/chat between AGM and TBT.
* TBT is on as usual at 6:30pm. We continue in our Matters that Matter series - this week: Church.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Gillham's May Prayer Update
Dear Friends and supporters,
Thank you again for your prayers over the last month, we have been very aware of God's good answers to them.
Answered Prayers
Maddie's School
Madelon has started in her new school and already likes it a whole lot better than the first one. We feel very blessed by God at the positive turn around. She and Noah have just had a three week holiday and will start back at school next week. Please continue to pray for them as the form friendships.
Family trip to the north
Last month we asked for prayer too for our trip tot he north. We covered a couple of thousand kilometres driving and were kept safe with only a few scares. We travelled in areas affected by cholera and malaria and were kept healthy. We met many people from different cultural backgrounds ... learned much and feel greatly enriched. The trip gave us lots of time to fellowship with the Greeff family, to enjoy their company and to celebrate our partnership in the gospel with them.
Praise God for all these things that have come in answer to our prayers and yours!
April happenings
Our big news for April was the 10 days we spent in the north of the country with the Greeff family, (CMS Australia family working in the north of Namibia with the NETS Distance Education Department). Simon travelled with David to the north east corner of Namibia and Margie, Maddie and Noah stayed with Alisan, Etienne and Caris in the central north. We then all travelled together to the north west and spent time in Himba village before returning home.
Prayer Points
* Pray for Simon as he is now writing material to teach in an Old Testament course for next semester. This will be the first full academic course that he has written and taught
* Pray for Simon and a team of people from NETS who are planning to run a two day Bible Teachers conference ('Word Alive') in August. Nothing like this has happened in Windhoek in recent memory.
* Pray for Margie as she sorts though the myriad possibilities for ministry that have been laid before her, that she will choose wisely and find a ministry that she can pour her heart and energy into.
* Pray for Maddie and Noah as they go back to school, that they would make good friends and thrive in that environment.
For more details about the Gillhams, check out their blog.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Blue v. Maroon
Tonight, State of Origin. Blue v. Maroon. (I believe a number of our prayer and bible study groups are socialising together by watching the game tonight)
Blue, is kinda like white, and Maroon is kinda like red. White (burning, pure) is the colour of God. NSW, is therefore the correct team to barrack for.
Anyone who goes for Queensland, really supports the wrong team. (and that includes anyone who has parents in Queensland).
Blue, is kinda like white, and Maroon is kinda like red. White (burning, pure) is the colour of God. NSW, is therefore the correct team to barrack for.
Anyone who goes for Queensland, really supports the wrong team. (and that includes anyone who has parents in Queensland).
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The Dean and the Queen
Coming up obviously on the Queen's Birthday public holiday (long live the Queen!) is the Queen's Birthday Convention at the Cathedral.
The Dean of Sydney, (long live the Dean!) Phillip Jensen will expound the final 8 chapters of the Gospel of Mark. This is a follow up to the Australia Day Convention where the first 8 chapters of Mark were explained.
Set the date aside, go and listen to the free talk available at the Queen's Birthday Convention site. Register, and tell your friends.
Any blokes who want to help with registration, ushering and security, please speak or email David. The conference will be free (including parking, food etc) and you will receive the conference talks on CD.
The Dean of Sydney, (long live the Dean!) Phillip Jensen will expound the final 8 chapters of the Gospel of Mark. This is a follow up to the Australia Day Convention where the first 8 chapters of Mark were explained.
Set the date aside, go and listen to the free talk available at the Queen's Birthday Convention site. Register, and tell your friends.
Any blokes who want to help with registration, ushering and security, please speak or email David. The conference will be free (including parking, food etc) and you will receive the conference talks on CD.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Big Church Day
Big Church Day this week at the Cathedral. Parking is available in the Kent Street Parking all day as long as you obtain the vouchers which will be available after the meetings.
Diognetus Quote
In last nights sermon, we heard about how the 1st Century Christians were viewed. This is what Diognetus says about Christians:
Christians busy themselves on earth, but their citizenship is
in heaven…
They marry and have children but do not kill unwanted babies.They share their table with all, but not their bed with all.They love everyone, but are persecuted by all.They are poor and yet make many rich.They are short of everything and yet have plenty of all
things.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
From the Dean ... Big Church Day ... 18 May 08
From the Dean…
Next Sunday is our Big Church Day - the day when all our congregations get together. It is when we spend time with each other, thanking God for his past blessings and praying to him for our future.
God has been so kind to us in this last year. We have seen his hand at work in the lives of so many people. Our congregations and their ministries have continued to grow in spiritual strength and morale as well as numbers attending.
Yet the challenge before us to reach our city and world with the gospel of Jesus has never been greater. We need urgent prayer to our heavenly Father as we make our plans for the future.
So what happens on Big Church Day?
It is still a "Church Day" so we hear God's word read and expounded, and we pray and sing hymns as we encourage each other in the fellowship of God's family.
But it is the "Big" Church Day so we engage with more than our own congregation. We prayerfully consider our own congregation but we also engage with all the congregations and ministries of the Cathedral. And, even bigger, we hear of the Diocesan plans for the gospel outreach to our city and beyond.
It is the day when we hear from each of the congregations about their ministry - both their past year and their hopes for next year. This feeds our prayers for each other.
It is the day when we also hear about the Cathedral as a whole. Again, it is about last year and the plans for the coming months. There are so many exciting changes and developments in the Cathedral's ministry that it is sometimes hard to keep up with what is happening amongst us. Next Sunday at the Big Church Day we get to see the big picture.
It is the day where we see how our own personal ministry fits into the picture. We are all to serve Christ and his people - using the gifts that he has given us. The Big Church Day shows how our many partners in the gospel at the Cathedral are working together to build Christ's church and to make Christ known.
“… speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Ephesians. 4:15-16
How is the Big Church Day Organised?
Each of the congregations meets at their usual time. Some time will be given to talk and pray about the particular plans of that congregation.
From 2-4pm we all meet together to hear from each other and of our Cathedral plans.
Most of the congregations will be organising some meal break to assist people who have been in church in the morning or staying on to the evening.
The Big Church Day and Organizing the Cathedral
For those interested in the organization and administration of the Cathedral, the Big Church Day is also the day when we report on last year and plan for the future.
In the last year we have been introducing the new Constitution of the Cathedral. This will be explained briefly (full copies are available for any who want the details.) More importantly, some new elements of the constitution will be implemented.
For the first time we will be electing representatives of the new Cathedral Council. This Council will be comprised of representatives from each of the congregations to take some key responsibilities for the Cathedral's ministries. One representative will be elected at each congregational meeting on the day.
We will also be electing two members of our congregations to represent us in the diocesan Synod and one member to represent us on the Cathedral Chapter, at the combined meeting at 2pm.
The audited accounts for last year are available this week at the back of the Cathedral, and on the Big Church Day the treasurer will answer any questions you may have.
We also have time for discussion and input of ideas
Looking Forward to the Big Church Day
Next Sunday will be a great day for our life together as the Cathedral church. It is a big commitment from us all, as we come in the morning and stay onto the afternoon or as we come early in the afternoon and stay on for our evening congregation. But we can look forward to a spiritually exciting day together as we praise our God and pray for each other.
Next Sunday is our Big Church Day - the day when all our congregations get together. It is when we spend time with each other, thanking God for his past blessings and praying to him for our future.
God has been so kind to us in this last year. We have seen his hand at work in the lives of so many people. Our congregations and their ministries have continued to grow in spiritual strength and morale as well as numbers attending.
Yet the challenge before us to reach our city and world with the gospel of Jesus has never been greater. We need urgent prayer to our heavenly Father as we make our plans for the future.
So what happens on Big Church Day?
It is still a "Church Day" so we hear God's word read and expounded, and we pray and sing hymns as we encourage each other in the fellowship of God's family.
But it is the "Big" Church Day so we engage with more than our own congregation. We prayerfully consider our own congregation but we also engage with all the congregations and ministries of the Cathedral. And, even bigger, we hear of the Diocesan plans for the gospel outreach to our city and beyond.
It is the day when we hear from each of the congregations about their ministry - both their past year and their hopes for next year. This feeds our prayers for each other.
It is the day when we also hear about the Cathedral as a whole. Again, it is about last year and the plans for the coming months. There are so many exciting changes and developments in the Cathedral's ministry that it is sometimes hard to keep up with what is happening amongst us. Next Sunday at the Big Church Day we get to see the big picture.
It is the day where we see how our own personal ministry fits into the picture. We are all to serve Christ and his people - using the gifts that he has given us. The Big Church Day shows how our many partners in the gospel at the Cathedral are working together to build Christ's church and to make Christ known.
“… speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Ephesians. 4:15-16
How is the Big Church Day Organised?
Each of the congregations meets at their usual time. Some time will be given to talk and pray about the particular plans of that congregation.
From 2-4pm we all meet together to hear from each other and of our Cathedral plans.
Most of the congregations will be organising some meal break to assist people who have been in church in the morning or staying on to the evening.
The Big Church Day and Organizing the Cathedral
For those interested in the organization and administration of the Cathedral, the Big Church Day is also the day when we report on last year and plan for the future.
In the last year we have been introducing the new Constitution of the Cathedral. This will be explained briefly (full copies are available for any who want the details.) More importantly, some new elements of the constitution will be implemented.
For the first time we will be electing representatives of the new Cathedral Council. This Council will be comprised of representatives from each of the congregations to take some key responsibilities for the Cathedral's ministries. One representative will be elected at each congregational meeting on the day.
We will also be electing two members of our congregations to represent us in the diocesan Synod and one member to represent us on the Cathedral Chapter, at the combined meeting at 2pm.
The audited accounts for last year are available this week at the back of the Cathedral, and on the Big Church Day the treasurer will answer any questions you may have.
We also have time for discussion and input of ideas
Looking Forward to the Big Church Day
Next Sunday will be a great day for our life together as the Cathedral church. It is a big commitment from us all, as we come in the morning and stay onto the afternoon or as we come early in the afternoon and stay on for our evening congregation. But we can look forward to a spiritually exciting day together as we praise our God and pray for each other.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Audited Accounts
If you wish to obtain a copy of the audited Financial Statements of the Cathedral, they will be available from this weekend. Bed time reading is all yours.
TWIST 08
Please join with Youthworks as they partner with Emu Music, Australia's leaders in evangelical music, for a special weekend of music training, teaching and fellowship. Now in its fifth year, the TWIST music conference has moved to the June Long Weekend, which is only a few weeks away.
But there's still time to register.
Don't miss out on the powerful preaching from Dominic Steele as he confronts issues with Pentecostalism and the Charismatic movement head-on.
Don't miss out on hands-on training (bring your ukelele!) with skilled, professional music teachers and trainers.
Don't miss out on the world premiere of some great new songs from Emu Music, and top-notch music from one music team.
Don't miss out on the kids program, and the free 'J is for Jesus' concert for the young and young-at-heart.
Registrations close in a few weeks so be quick!
This year's conference is shaping up to be a very significant long-weekend for gospel-centred music ministry.
Will you come and share our passion for Christian music?
When?
The June Long Weekend
Saturday 7th to Monday 9th June, 2008
Where?
The Kings School
Parramatta, Sydney
Who/ what/ where/ how/ and everything else...
Visit our website for further details
Click here to register now!
But there's still time to register.
Don't miss out on the powerful preaching from Dominic Steele as he confronts issues with Pentecostalism and the Charismatic movement head-on.
Don't miss out on hands-on training (bring your ukelele!) with skilled, professional music teachers and trainers.
Don't miss out on the world premiere of some great new songs from Emu Music, and top-notch music from one music team.
Don't miss out on the kids program, and the free 'J is for Jesus' concert for the young and young-at-heart.
Registrations close in a few weeks so be quick!
This year's conference is shaping up to be a very significant long-weekend for gospel-centred music ministry.
Will you come and share our passion for Christian music?
When?
The June Long Weekend
Saturday 7th to Monday 9th June, 2008
Where?
The Kings School
Parramatta, Sydney
Who/ what/ where/ how/ and everything else...
Visit our website for further details
Click here to register now!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Big Church Day: 25 May
Big Church Day is coming ! Sunday 25th May.
* Lunch from noon with people from all congregations (optional)
* Share in the AGM from 2-4pm (Hear the great things God is doing through Christ at the Cathedral, and elect office holders to steward the ministry in the coming years).
* Coffee/chat between AGM and TBT.
* TBT at 6:30 on the TBT Vision !
* Lunch from noon with people from all congregations (optional)
* Share in the AGM from 2-4pm (Hear the great things God is doing through Christ at the Cathedral, and elect office holders to steward the ministry in the coming years).
* Coffee/chat between AGM and TBT.
* TBT at 6:30 on the TBT Vision !
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Last Sunday at TBT (11 May)
Last Sunday at TBT we heard from the Sermon on the Mount, specifically about Prayer. We examined the prerequisites before prayer (knowing the God for God, knowing grace and knowing service), during prayer (to "our father", praising God as God, and petitioning for our physical and spiritual needs, and also for protection), and after prayer (fasting, forgiveness, does prayer work, and what about when God says NO to our prayers).
If you would like to read some more on prayer, you might like to consider these books.
Praying with your eyes open (Richard Pratt Jr).
A Call to Spiritual Reformation (Don Carson).
A good place to get books is Moore Books.
If you would like to read some more on prayer, you might like to consider these books.
Praying with your eyes open (Richard Pratt Jr).
A Call to Spiritual Reformation (Don Carson).
A good place to get books is Moore Books.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Saturday Social Event
TBT social event is on this Saturday.
It's at the Turner's house. RSVP to this email for the address.
It starts at 4pm, and concludes at 9pm.
There is a full gas bottle for the BBQ, so we wont run out of steam. BYO meat for the BBQ, and something to share (drink, desert, chips, etc).
It's at the Turner's house. RSVP to this email for the address.
It starts at 4pm, and concludes at 9pm.
There is a full gas bottle for the BBQ, so we wont run out of steam. BYO meat for the BBQ, and something to share (drink, desert, chips, etc).
Aid to Myanmar
As we've been hearing in the news, the Cyclone in Burma as devestated hundreds of thousands, while the Burmese Government has stood on its heels in accepting foreign aid. Many people think that its because they dont want to accept aid from other countries, because it would make the Government look bad.
However, I heard yesterday, the real reason is because the majority of people in Myanmar are Buddhists. Buddhists believe that suffering is a result of karma, and any suffering is because people deserve it. That's why you wont find any Buddhist Aid agencies. Most are Christian. Something to ponder.
If you'd like to pray and help see here for one way you can do that.
However, I heard yesterday, the real reason is because the majority of people in Myanmar are Buddhists. Buddhists believe that suffering is a result of karma, and any suffering is because people deserve it. That's why you wont find any Buddhist Aid agencies. Most are Christian. Something to ponder.
If you'd like to pray and help see here for one way you can do that.
Tuesday's City Bible Fellowship
Today is Tuesday, and obviously our regular City Bible Fellowship is on as per usual. We meet in groups to study the bible and pray, whilst encouraing one another as disciples of Christ.
Mandy has cooked up a nice (and hot ... but not too hot) curry - $5 for dinner on the night or $20 for 5 weeks.
Chapter House at 6:30 for dinner, 7pm for Bible Study. See you there.
Mandy has cooked up a nice (and hot ... but not too hot) curry - $5 for dinner on the night or $20 for 5 weeks.
Chapter House at 6:30 for dinner, 7pm for Bible Study. See you there.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Engaging with Catholics
With World Youth Day looming, its a good thing to think about how to speak to Catholics. Thankfully we have just the thing!
Mark Gilbert (Assistant Minister at Holy Trinity Kingsford) will run a seminar on Understanding Catholics this Wednesday night at 7:15-9:15pm in the Chapter House.
He will be running a seminar that really enables you to understand how Catholics think and the best way to relate to them and explain the gospel to them. Mark has spent a significant portion of his life in the Catholic church, relating to Catholics and explaining the gospel to Catholics and is worth listening to.
This is run by FIX Church, but all from TBT are welcome to attend.
Mark Gilbert (Assistant Minister at Holy Trinity Kingsford) will run a seminar on Understanding Catholics this Wednesday night at 7:15-9:15pm in the Chapter House.
He will be running a seminar that really enables you to understand how Catholics think and the best way to relate to them and explain the gospel to them. Mark has spent a significant portion of his life in the Catholic church, relating to Catholics and explaining the gospel to Catholics and is worth listening to.
This is run by FIX Church, but all from TBT are welcome to attend.
Escape ... 23 May 2008
A group of people from a few different churches thought it would be a good idea to do some stuff together, so this year we are hoping to combine for a few social events, the first being a simple friday evening, upstairs at the Paddington Arms (Oxford Street). We're calling the group ESC, as in 'escape', and we are pulling together young workers from churches in the eastern suburbs and city. Jess Green is the organising representative from TBT. No need to buy a ticket or anything, but if you let Jess know you might be coming over the next few weeks, it will help us know what kind of numbers to expect. Friday 23 May, 7pm onwards.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
From the Dean ... 11 May 2008
Most people believe in discrimination. You need to in order to be just and fair, to say nothing of merciful and kind.
We discriminate in the sense of having taste and discernment. But we should also discriminate by treating people differently. It is important that we give extra help to some people. We should support the weak and vulnerable - the blind, the lame, the widow and fatherless.
Even within the family parents treat different children differently. They have to, in order to be just and fair.
This discrimination must not be based on favouritism. It must not be based on irrelevant considerations like race or good looks. But discrimination is normal. It is an important part of a just and civilised society.
Inevitably to support one group means to disadvantage others. Even to support one person means others miss out. But if the reason for the support is right: the discrimination is just. And if any person in a similar situation would be given the same support then there is no favouritism. This is discriminatory justice.
In this world it is impossible to treat all sin as criminal. If we did, then we would all be in prison. We choose to accept some sins as tolerable and punish other sins as intolerable.
So we do not tolerate theft but we tolerate adultery. We tolerate dishonouring parents but we will not accept murder. We tolerate lies except when given on oath.
There are bad consequences to these sins that we accept. But in general we see the consequences as punishment enough. There is no reason for the police or courts to get involved.
Some of the things we tolerate create misery. They also cost the people involved and the society enormously in money, emotion and psychiatric turmoil. But we think that making sin a crime will cost us more. The classic illustrations of this are drunkenness, adultery and gambling. They are all sin, they all create misery but they are not crimes.
So our society has become “permissive”. We do not approve of pornography but we permit it. We decriminalised it. There is no agreement whether such a choice was wise. In the later half of the twentieth century many sins were permitted.
But decriminalisation should not mean approval let alone promotion. We may not treat adultery as a crime but we should not encourage it or teach it in our schools. Society is benefited by people remaining faithful to their spouse. Parents staying together is basic to good child raising. The cost to society of family break up is enormous.
Society is built upon stable families. Governments do not create society. Families build nations and culture. It takes more than one generation. It is from the members of society reproducing and raising their children that a culture is built and maintained. The way we help families is a sign of the value that society places upon its own culture and future and indeed life itself.
This is why we must discriminate in favour of mothers. Especially those mothers with small children. For mothers are very vulnerable because of their huge responsibility.
This discrimination must be for more than the childbearing years. The great sacrifice of those years does not end when the children leave home. It takes so long to raise a family that the mother's life remains economically disadvantaged, long after the children leave. This is especially true of widows.
Yet we cannot discriminate in favour of families and, especially mothers, without discriminating against single people and couples who have no children, and men. To discriminate against us is just and fair if it is discrimination in favour of mothers.
The blessing of God on the Israelites was twofold: the provision of children and remaining in the Promised Land. These two things were linked together as the apostle Paul reminds us: “Honour your father and your mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” (Ephesians 6:2-3)
Phillip Jensen
11 May 2008
We discriminate in the sense of having taste and discernment. But we should also discriminate by treating people differently. It is important that we give extra help to some people. We should support the weak and vulnerable - the blind, the lame, the widow and fatherless.
Even within the family parents treat different children differently. They have to, in order to be just and fair.
This discrimination must not be based on favouritism. It must not be based on irrelevant considerations like race or good looks. But discrimination is normal. It is an important part of a just and civilised society.
Inevitably to support one group means to disadvantage others. Even to support one person means others miss out. But if the reason for the support is right: the discrimination is just. And if any person in a similar situation would be given the same support then there is no favouritism. This is discriminatory justice.
In this world it is impossible to treat all sin as criminal. If we did, then we would all be in prison. We choose to accept some sins as tolerable and punish other sins as intolerable.
So we do not tolerate theft but we tolerate adultery. We tolerate dishonouring parents but we will not accept murder. We tolerate lies except when given on oath.
There are bad consequences to these sins that we accept. But in general we see the consequences as punishment enough. There is no reason for the police or courts to get involved.
Some of the things we tolerate create misery. They also cost the people involved and the society enormously in money, emotion and psychiatric turmoil. But we think that making sin a crime will cost us more. The classic illustrations of this are drunkenness, adultery and gambling. They are all sin, they all create misery but they are not crimes.
So our society has become “permissive”. We do not approve of pornography but we permit it. We decriminalised it. There is no agreement whether such a choice was wise. In the later half of the twentieth century many sins were permitted.
But decriminalisation should not mean approval let alone promotion. We may not treat adultery as a crime but we should not encourage it or teach it in our schools. Society is benefited by people remaining faithful to their spouse. Parents staying together is basic to good child raising. The cost to society of family break up is enormous.
Society is built upon stable families. Governments do not create society. Families build nations and culture. It takes more than one generation. It is from the members of society reproducing and raising their children that a culture is built and maintained. The way we help families is a sign of the value that society places upon its own culture and future and indeed life itself.
This is why we must discriminate in favour of mothers. Especially those mothers with small children. For mothers are very vulnerable because of their huge responsibility.
This discrimination must be for more than the childbearing years. The great sacrifice of those years does not end when the children leave home. It takes so long to raise a family that the mother's life remains economically disadvantaged, long after the children leave. This is especially true of widows.
Yet we cannot discriminate in favour of families and, especially mothers, without discriminating against single people and couples who have no children, and men. To discriminate against us is just and fair if it is discrimination in favour of mothers.
The blessing of God on the Israelites was twofold: the provision of children and remaining in the Promised Land. These two things were linked together as the apostle Paul reminds us: “Honour your father and your mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” (Ephesians 6:2-3)
Phillip Jensen
11 May 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Comments
Comments now no longer require a Google account, but are still moderated. That is, they wont be published until approved, because we really dont need cheap meds, nor do we need 60 million US from Nigeria.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Maiko in Japan
Maiko writes:
Thanks for remembering me in your prayers and for supporting me. It was 'spring camp month' in March before the school year started in April. I went on two different KGK students camps and a camp for high school kids. The word of God was faithfully and clearly taught.
It is good and great encouragement for students to spend time together with other christian friends, as many of them do not see much young people at their own church. It is also good opportunity for them to soak in the word of God.
Give thanks with me:
* for God's grace and blessing in spring camps
* for many who came to Easter Kids meeting at our church and heard the message of Easter.
Please pray:
* for those who went on the camps, they might be a good witness in campus or school and might continue to grow in their faith as they love and obey the Lord Jesus.
* for children who came to our Easter Kids meeting, they would remember the message of Easter.
* I have back pain. Please pray for healing and for good rest.
Thanks for walking with me in this way.
Maiko
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Would Jesus bleed for this new Creed?
In Canada, where the church has little gospel focus, comes a new creed:
“We believe in Jesus of Nazareth, who is our brother, who wants not to be idolized but to be followed. We believe that we dwell in the presence of the Holy Spirit; without her we are nothing;…”
– a prayer used as a creed at the recent Anglican Church of Canada’s Toronto Youth Synod.
In the Comments section, tell us what is wrong with the Creed, what is missing, what is lacking? Start with the obvious!
“We believe in Jesus of Nazareth, who is our brother, who wants not to be idolized but to be followed. We believe that we dwell in the presence of the Holy Spirit; without her we are nothing;…”
– a prayer used as a creed at the recent Anglican Church of Canada’s Toronto Youth Synod.
In the Comments section, tell us what is wrong with the Creed, what is missing, what is lacking? Start with the obvious!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Calling TBT Men
This Saturday, 10am till lunch time, we are going to do some men stuff together, in TBT's new offices.
We're having a TBT working bee, in the new TBT offices! Followed by lunch in the city (for the Men at the working bee).
It's at the Seafarer's Centre, 320-334 Sussex St Sydney, NSW. It's just down the road from the Cathedral, and we'd love to see you there for some chat and work.
The fairer sex will all be at Equip, so there's nothing better to do anyways!
For further details, call Mike on 9265 1673.
We're having a TBT working bee, in the new TBT offices! Followed by lunch in the city (for the Men at the working bee).
It's at the Seafarer's Centre, 320-334 Sussex St Sydney, NSW. It's just down the road from the Cathedral, and we'd love to see you there for some chat and work.
The fairer sex will all be at Equip, so there's nothing better to do anyways!
For further details, call Mike on 9265 1673.
A new blog
This is worth reading!
A blog that is self consciously designed to be:
Check it out.
A blog that is self consciously designed to be:
* thoughtful (offering a considered, crafted piece of writing rather than a dashed-off and/or rabid paragraph in reaction to the latest thing)
* non-trivial (wouldn't feature pictures of the dog, or what the author saw at the movies last night)
* Bible-driven (in other words, it kept “What does the Bible say?” as the foundational question)
* unashamedly Reformed and Evangelical (didn't apologize for or seek to move on from classic Reformed Evangelical theology)
* ministry-hearted (focused me back on evangelism, people and the daily work of ministering God's word to others)
* proactive (didn't just react to the latest controversy, fad or someone else's blog, but drew me back to what was important)
* godly (in the way it dealt with issues, and in the way discussion and comments were handled)
* of a consistently high standard in all of the above!
Check it out.
Monday, May 5, 2008
From the Dean ... 4 May 2008
I think it was the early Easter that has thrown me but I am not yet ready for Mother’s Day. I know Christmas comes around quicker each year but Mother’s Day seems to have snuck up faster still.
Mothers are the conveyors of culture. They are the ones, more than any other, who teach us the way of life. They are the ones who often introduce little children to the gospel truths of God. Their sacrifice in raising children is usually more tangible and, sadly, more real than fathers.
So what are your plans for next week? Let me help you – for it is really simple – bring your mother to the Cathedral and then take her out to lunch afterwards. This is a fairly easy tradition to get into. It is a no fuss, easy day for all concerned.
There are many variations on the theme.
For some of us Mother’s Day is a little sad, for our mother has died. If she died recently it is more than a little sad. After more than thirty years I still feel the sadness of my own mother’s death and am quite pained about my wonderful mother-in-law who died eleven years ago. Still, coming to church on Mother’s Day gives me opportunity to thank God for the two women who “mothered” me. It also gives me the opportunity to support other mothers in their joyful day.
Some of us are mothers. It is not so much what are we going to do for our mother as what do I organise the family to do spontaneously for me? Again, tell them that you want them to come with you to the Cathedral and then take you out for lunch. Who can resist a mother’s request on Mother’s Day?
For some of us it is not so much Mother’s Day as Grandmother’s Day. The principle is the same. Grandmothers and grandchildren should come to the Cathedral to celebrate the great gift of life that God has given us through the creation of Eve.
When we celebrate Mothers and Grandmothers we are celebrating God’s good gift of creation. It is a time to rejoice and to honour our mothers as the scriptures command us.
But for some of us, the whole Mother’s Day is much more bitter and sad. It can be such a sad day for those whose children have died, or are alienated from us. It can be equally sad for those whose mother was cruel or neglectful and with whom we are alienated. It can be such a sad day for those who have struggled with infertility – longing to be mothers but unable. Sometimes this is the social problem of the relationship that never happened. Sometimes it is the physical problems of not being able to have children. The reason does not vary the sadness. It can be really sad for those who were adopted and feel the pain of not knowing their mother.
Yet we know that God is sovereign. He is working his purpose out in each of our lives. So this is not the day to hide from our sadness and disappointments but the very day to bring them to Him in prayer. Certainly in the Cathedral this element of the day will be remembered in prayer.
The Scriptures say that we should rejoice with others who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). Mother’s Day is that kind of time. Do not let your weeping hold you back from rejoicing with others. Do not let your rejoicing hold you back from weeping with others.
Let us share with each other the wonderful kindness of God in giving us mothers.
Phillip Jensen
4 May 2008
Mothers are the conveyors of culture. They are the ones, more than any other, who teach us the way of life. They are the ones who often introduce little children to the gospel truths of God. Their sacrifice in raising children is usually more tangible and, sadly, more real than fathers.
So what are your plans for next week? Let me help you – for it is really simple – bring your mother to the Cathedral and then take her out to lunch afterwards. This is a fairly easy tradition to get into. It is a no fuss, easy day for all concerned.
There are many variations on the theme.
For some of us Mother’s Day is a little sad, for our mother has died. If she died recently it is more than a little sad. After more than thirty years I still feel the sadness of my own mother’s death and am quite pained about my wonderful mother-in-law who died eleven years ago. Still, coming to church on Mother’s Day gives me opportunity to thank God for the two women who “mothered” me. It also gives me the opportunity to support other mothers in their joyful day.
Some of us are mothers. It is not so much what are we going to do for our mother as what do I organise the family to do spontaneously for me? Again, tell them that you want them to come with you to the Cathedral and then take you out for lunch. Who can resist a mother’s request on Mother’s Day?
For some of us it is not so much Mother’s Day as Grandmother’s Day. The principle is the same. Grandmothers and grandchildren should come to the Cathedral to celebrate the great gift of life that God has given us through the creation of Eve.
When we celebrate Mothers and Grandmothers we are celebrating God’s good gift of creation. It is a time to rejoice and to honour our mothers as the scriptures command us.
But for some of us, the whole Mother’s Day is much more bitter and sad. It can be such a sad day for those whose children have died, or are alienated from us. It can be equally sad for those whose mother was cruel or neglectful and with whom we are alienated. It can be such a sad day for those who have struggled with infertility – longing to be mothers but unable. Sometimes this is the social problem of the relationship that never happened. Sometimes it is the physical problems of not being able to have children. The reason does not vary the sadness. It can be really sad for those who were adopted and feel the pain of not knowing their mother.
Yet we know that God is sovereign. He is working his purpose out in each of our lives. So this is not the day to hide from our sadness and disappointments but the very day to bring them to Him in prayer. Certainly in the Cathedral this element of the day will be remembered in prayer.
The Scriptures say that we should rejoice with others who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). Mother’s Day is that kind of time. Do not let your weeping hold you back from rejoicing with others. Do not let your rejoicing hold you back from weeping with others.
Let us share with each other the wonderful kindness of God in giving us mothers.
Phillip Jensen
4 May 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Scripture Teaching
In NSW, the Anglican Church has the privlege of teaching School Scripture in our State Schools. This is indeed an honour and a privledge, and not something that we should take for granted. Please pray that this is not changed by leglislation.
The Cathedral teaches Scripture in only one school - in Pyrmont. A couple of vacancies have recently opened up. Please consider if you ought to be involved. Most classes are taught with another teacher.
It's on Thursday's between 1:45 and 2:30, so city workers could even manage it in their lunch hour (albeit a late lunch hour). One of the current Scripture teachers indicated that the kids range from Christians who know the Gospel to those whom Jesus and grace are new concepts.
Please pray for School Scripture generally, and specifically in Pyrmont, and whether you can be involved.
The Cathedral teaches Scripture in only one school - in Pyrmont. A couple of vacancies have recently opened up. Please consider if you ought to be involved. Most classes are taught with another teacher.
It's on Thursday's between 1:45 and 2:30, so city workers could even manage it in their lunch hour (albeit a late lunch hour). One of the current Scripture teachers indicated that the kids range from Christians who know the Gospel to those whom Jesus and grace are new concepts.
Please pray for School Scripture generally, and specifically in Pyrmont, and whether you can be involved.
TBT 4th May
This week at TBT, Chris Moroney (Senior Minister at the Cathedral) will speak to us from God's word. The relevant pasages are Matthew 28:1-20 and Acts 17:16-34. Read up, think, dwell, be prepared.
We will share dinner together after church concludes, so come prepared for a feast. Gold coin donation to cover costs.
We will share dinner together after church concludes, so come prepared for a feast. Gold coin donation to cover costs.
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