Essentials
Closing the Gap Part 2
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- Written by: Jude Long
Last issue Jude Long identified important gaps between Indigenous Australians and the rest of
Australian society. Here she suggests some first steps for Christians who are keen to see those gaps closed.
Dr Jude Long is Principal of Nungalinya College, Darwin, NT
In my previous article I outlined the significant gap that exists between Indigenous Christians in remote communities, and mainstream English speaking Christians. This gap includes areas such as health, life expectancy, safety, literacy, and resourcing in Christian faith. Obviously this is a huge issue! This article attempts to explore some concrete things the church in Australia can be doing to help reduce this gap.
1. Awareness
Many people within the church are unaware of the reality of life for Indigenous people in remote communities. Few would have an understanding of the significant cultural and linguistic differences that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
This first step may seem obvious, but it is essential for the church to become aware of the diversity of Indigenous languages and cultures, of the history of engagement between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians and of the situation today. I think this is especially significant for our young people. There are a number of great resources available like “Australians Together” a four part DVD series that is suitable for small groups that can really help this.
Knowing the Truth of the Cross Produces a Thirst for Evangelism
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- Written by: Neil Bach
Neil Bach reminds us of the life and impact of the Australian New Testament scholar Leon Morris ahead of the publication of his biography of this man who loved the gospel of Christ crucified.
Neil Bach is the author of a recently published biography of Leon Morris entitled "Leon Morris: One Man’s Fight for Love and Truth."
Sixty-five years ago the embers of a spiritual battle burst into flame. After a lecture at Cambridge University a young Australian courageously stood in front of a very great churchman.
‘I don’t think you were right in that, sir.’
‘Oh’ he said. ‘Why?’
I said one or two things.
‘Would you write that out for me?’
Between one lecture and the next the young man had a session with the churchman Michael Ramsey. He tried to explain to Ramsey that the scholar C. H. Dodd was wrong in eliminating propitiation from the New Testament. He thought the old boy was most interested. We know that young man. He was Leon Morris. He remains the greatest New Testament scholar Australia has produced. He wrote extensively about the cross of Christ, with his book The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross still a fantastic read, summarizing the truths of propitiation, redemption, covenant and so on that he unearthed in his Cambridge studies. In a new biography, soon to be published by Paternoster, called Leon Morris: One Man’s Fight for Love and Truth, I tell his life story and the impact of his teaching ministry.
Read more: Knowing the Truth of the Cross Produces a Thirst for Evangelism
Editorial Summer 2015
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- Written by: Dale Appleby
Enjoying God's Work
What better thing to remember in the midst of our manifold concerns, than that God is at work?
Evangelicals seem to have their heads facing in lots of different directions. This could be seen as a bad thing, but this issue of Essentials shows it to be a good thing. We have reminders of great biblical scholars and leaders, and the way they helped strengthen the roots of our traditions. We have reflections on addictions, sexuality and holiness. And reports and recommendations about our Indigenous brothers and sisters and God's work in Africa.
Plus reviews of a wide variety of books for summer reading. Books that cover a wide range of issues and interests. Evangelicals are thinking and working on so many fronts.
Although, as the Bible Study this issue reminds us, “Far more important is the fundamental recollection that God is the one at work.” And that is cause for thanksgiving and encouragement. At a time when biblical Christians seem to be under pressure to conform to the beliefs and practices of the culture, we see that God is still at work in his church and through his word. Despite a culture that seems to have banded together against the Lord and his people, the Lord may still be laughing at their futile efforts (Psalm 2).
Is still laughing. And sending out his word and messengers. Building up his church. Strengthening and empowering his servants. Bringing his elect from all the nations into the body of his Son. How wonderful.
Essentials 2016
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- Written by: Chris Appleby
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Essentials - Autumn 2016
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- Written by: Chris Appleby
Essentials Autumn 2016
A New Bishop of Tasmania
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- Written by: Peter Greenwood
After 13 years at St Jude’s Carlton, as well as Ridley College and leadership in the Diocese of Melbourne, Rev Richard Condie will succeed John Harrower as Bishop of Tasmania. Peter Greenwood shares his perspective on this significant appointment.
Peter Greenwood pastors Inner West Church in Kensington, Vic, which is a plant from St Jude’s Carlton
Over many decades the Diocese of Melbourne has produced many gifted Christian leaders. These men and women have moved through our churches planting gospel seeds, watering them diligently and enjoying the fruit of their labours.
However, there is a cost to having such a wealth of competent leadership. It tends to draw the attention of other parts of the Australian and global church! And not only that, they sometimes our leaders follow the call to help build God’s kingdom in places other than our fair city. And so we rejoice, albeit without a little sadness, to send out one of our own–Rev. Richard Condie.
Bible Study – Matthew 10:32-36
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- Written by: Mark Calder
Mark Calder is Rector of the Anglican Church in Noosa, QLD
I invite you to read one of the very challenging statements of Jesus in Matthew 10:32-36. On first reading, this is so upsetting. It’s very provocative. The inference is that Jesus has come to divide the human family — the closest and most loving of relationships. But isn’t Jesus called the Prince of Peace? Surely he did come to bring peace! Didn’t the angels proclaim at his birth in Luke 2 – ‘Glory to God in the highest and peace to those on whom his favour rests’?
Of course, we understand from elsewhere in our Bibles, that Jesus came so that through his perfect life and sacrificial death we might have peace with God. We also take on board what else we know of God’s will for us and for families. He is responsible for what we could argue is the greatest of all divine inventions, and he commands us to honour our mother and father and to love and care for our children. So then, how do we understand Jesus’ teaching here? Let’s explore: