Down-under round-up: 22 April 2015

Issue of the week

Once again, the depravity of Islamic State was on view. I was very moved by this response from the Anglican Bishop for Ethiopia, Dr Grant Le Marquand, regarding the 28 Ethiopian Christians murdered in Libya by IS:

Personal details about the men who have died may emerge. For now we can note the most important things to be said about these victims. Their names are known to God and they are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev 13:8). Their denominational affiliation is no longer of any importance: they are among the unnumbered throng from every nation, tribe, people and language gathered before the throne and the Lamb (Rev 7:9) who have come out of the great persecution (Rev 7:14) and have had every tear wiped away from their eyes (Rev 7:17).

How are we Christians (those of us in Ethiopia as well as around the world) to react to this most recent atrocity? First, we must look up to God in thanksgiving for the lives of these brothers who loved not their own lives, but followed Jesus in the way of the cross. Second, we must ask for the Holy Spirit to strengthen us to abandon the temptation to hate. Instead we must follow Jesus, who not only suffered death on the cross, but also prayed for his executioners to be forgiven. If we are turned to hatred, the terrorists have won. Finally, we must continue to reach out to a world desperate for the love of Jesus.

This week in Australia and New Zealand is the centenary of the Gallipoli landing in Turkey on 25 April 1915. For northern hemisphere friends, you do not understand Australia until you understand the role played in our national psyche by the courageous, defeated ANZAC campaign of Gallipoli.

I’ll be looking for the best current Christian reflection on ANZAC Day this week—please send suggestions on Twitter or Facebook—but in the meantime, have a read of this portrait by the Vice Principal of Moore College of its impact on two Sydney Anglicans. One was a parish minister, Spencer Maxted, who served first as a stretcher-bearer at Gallipoli, and later as a chaplain when he was killed in France.

Making disciples of Jesus

Two articles on the importance of a pastor’s preparation and depth in ministry:

• Being an Iceberg Pastor by Andrew Haslam
• “Bring the books”  Spurgeon's reflection on Paul in 2 Tim 4:13

Peace With People Amidst a War of Ideas: a brief but brilliant Christian encouragement on tolerance.

A sad topic for Christians to think through: Fear no evil: being a woman in a frightening world.

Is it a sin to “moralise” the Old Testament? Wise answer from Peter Adam at the newly-launched Gospel Coalition Australia site.

A challenging, encouraging article on indigenous ministry among the descendants of the first Australians: Now You See It; Now You Don't.

Lessons on Christianity and Public Life from a Fifth-Century North African Theologian made me want to read Augustine!

And of course, make sure you have a look at the latest edition of Themelios!

Image of the week

This one’s rough and ready, since I made it myself from a photo from my old ministry apprentice, Steve Jones, just a couple of months into his first pastorate at Melton Presbyterian Church in Melbourne. I was so proud of the humour and perspective with which he faced the discouragement of a robbery: