Vol 83 No 10 15 November 2020

Free On Request: [email protected] TELLING THE GREAT WORKS OF CHRIST IN THE WORLD TODAY Australian Icon Colin Buchanan Records New Project During COVID 19 Pandemic ‘Sometimes it sounds like a kid’s album for grown ups, sometimes it’s like a grown up’s album for kids!’ says Colin Buchanan of his latest album. 2020 has been a season of landmarks for Colin Buchanan, Australia’s #1 kid’s Christian artist, the latest being his all-new album Colin Buchanan’s Old Testament Sing‐ a‐long released on 6 November, the 20th album in his remark- able series of Aussie Praise projects which have become beloved classics to generations of kids across the globe. As 2021 marks the 25th anniversary of his breakout kids Christian debut album, Remember The Lord, Colin clearly shows no signs of slowing down. The former ABC TV Playschool presenter and ber The Lord and Follow The Saviour,’ Colin ex- ten times Golden Guitar country music award plains. Working with Fell in a different studio winner says he’s popped aside all the Old Testa- with different musicians in the midst of a season ment songs he’s written along the way, ‘waiting unlike any other, meant the process of making Old for the shoebox to fill up’. ‘I headed away on a Testament Singalong wasn’t without its chal- songwriting retreat earlier this year and was lenges. ‘I’m really grateful that my long-time amazed just how many songs were in the box recording collaborator, Terry Cox, was able to be waiting to be recorded! The time had come.’ involved too. Terry’s talent, enthusiasm and en- As COVID‐19 put an end to touring and live per- couragement have found their way into every kids formances (a UK tour, Colin’s annual national album I’ve made,’ he says. And singing the mes- tour and other events falling victim to sage with Colin was a lively and talented group of restrictions), he turned his creative attention to Old Testament sing-a-long singers! ‘After the in- recording. ‘There was a lot of adjustment to make. credible success of my collaboration with the The uncertainty of 2020 hit in a multitude of group, CityAlight on Jesus Strong And Kind last ways. Heading into the studio was a challenge to year, it was such a delight to have them add their put the situation to the back of my mind and just voices to these songs. I love the sound of big peo- focus on the songs and the truths behind them.’ ple participating in the tunes. The backing vocals Colin enlisted the services of award-winning are like an invitation to everyone to join in, re- producer Matt Fell for his 2016 Calvary Road gardless of age!’ album. This time, the duo worked in a different Then, his young friends from Covenant Chris- creative space, crafting songs for kids. ‘Matt is a tian School added their vocals. ‘That totally blew remarkable, talented, and unique record pro- me away! They sang so well!’ Colin said ‘It can be ducer. He wanted to capture the live feel of the hard work learning the songs, recording them performances, a more acoustic sound, something over and over, making each performance some- that has echoes of my early records, like Remem‐ thing special. But that’s just what they did!’

‘Tell the people the full message of this new life’ – Acts 5.20b www.nlife.com.au VOLUME 83 NUMBER 10 ISSUE DATE: 15 November 2020 FILE NO: NL 2020-11-15 ISSN: 1033-7903 TELLING THE GREAT WORKS OF CHRIST IN THE WORLD TODAY Whatever Happens … FOUNDER: Eric J. Daley (1910-1992) Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ. – Philippians 1.27a. 2020 has turned out to be to be a ‘whatever happens’ kind of year and EDITOR: we’ve needed all the fullness of faith, all the strengthening power of the Holy Rev Bob Thomas Spirit, all the promise the Gospel holds out to us to persevere through and be- Phone: 0417 592 646 yond it, so we ask what kind of things happened to Paul, most likely in 62AD Email: [email protected] or thereabouts, which gave him the right to call his fellow Christians to live in Postal Address: a manner worthy of the Gospel ‘whatever happens’? PO Box 457, Mitcham VIC 3132 He was in prison, even ‘in chains’, most likely in Rome, with the Neronian Persecution looming as he wrote to the Philippians (1.7). He was a perceptive OFFICE MANAGER: man, and could see the need for clear teaching and practice, Gospel faith lead- Rachael Maskell ing to Gospel living (1.9). He had to cope with false teachers as their wrong Phone: 0415 612 646 teaching led to wrong living (1.15). He was in a life or death situation. (1.21). Email: [email protected] And he wanted to persevere (1.28). So, How Could Paul Persevere? Because he was a Gospel man through and WEB-SITE: through (Romans 1.16,17), a man in Christ who had complete confidence in www.nlife.com.au Christ to bring him through (Romans 8.28-39). Yes, it’s the Gospel! The power of ‘Christ, who is God over all, forever blessed’! (Romans 9.5). SUBSCRIPTION: So, what Is The Gospel? This Earth, in fact the whole Universe, did not just Free On Request happen. Nothing exists on account of a stupendous number of incredible ran- dom events felicitously coming together over an infinite period of time. No! Everything exists because ‘In the beginning God created the Heavens and the ACCEPTANCE OF Earth.’ (Genesis 1.1) ADVERTISING Although mankind sinned through disobedience against God’s command, DOES NOT IMPLY alienating himself from God and bringing death and suffering into this world; ENDORSEMENT. God promised a Redeemer who would conquer evil and all its consequences. (Genesis 3.15) NEW LIFE RESERVES ‘In the fullness of time’ Christ was born in fulfilment of all the promises of THE RIGHT TO REJECT God; to live His sinless life, to offer that life on the Cross to pay the penalty due ADVERTISING DEEMED to us for our sins; to conquer death by rising again through God’s almighty UNSUITABLE. power; to ascend into Heaven and plead our cause at the Throne of Grace; to return to Earth in power and glory; to judge the living and the dead, to bring PUBLISHED BY: about the New Heavens and the new Earth, and to gather God’s people into the New Life Australia Ltd New Jerusalem while consigning the unrepentant and unbelieving to eternal ABN: 15 005 035 138 damnation. Christ’s wondrous work of redemption is made all the more wonderful by His close identification with us as He lived His life on Earth, bearing our griefs NOTE TO CONTRIBUTORS: and carrying our sorrows, stricken and afflicted, pierced and crushed in fulfil- New Life is archived by the ment of Isaiah’s prophecy. The Gospel record shows us One born in the hum- National Library of Australia. blest of circumstances, growing up in a typical home, living, laughing, loving, It is assumed that contributors compassionate, caring, consoling, giving, gracious, grieving, deserted, derided, agree with this arrangement and dying ... and so we are told in Hebrews 4.15 that ‘we have not a high priest so are willing to be published on who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points this basis. tempted as we are, yet without sin.’ So God is with us ‘through all the changing scenes of life’, (Psalm 46.1-3,11). VIEWS EXPRESSED in articles As we begin to look back over 2020 and brace ourselves to move on to 2021, are those of the contributor and we can face it, whatever it may bring, as we face it with the Triune God, Father, not necessarily those of New Life. Son and Holy Spirit, standing firm, standing together, standing fearlessly, living our lives IN Christ, FOR Christ, BY the power of Christ, knowing that ‘whatever happens’ we will persevere and overcome THROUGH Christ. – Bob Thomas NEW LIFE – 15 November 2020 – Page Two MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF THE DAY Work Begins On Billy Graham Archive And Research Centre The Billy Graham Archive and Research Centre will be built within view of the Billy Graham Library entrance off Billy Graham Parkway in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Centre will be a state-of-the-art, two-story building by the first part of 2022. Billy Gra- ham’s legacy lives on in millions of lives around the world, and in just over a year, From left to right: David Bruce, the centre’s executive vice president; Billy his impact for the Gospel will become even Graham’s nephew Mel Graham; Franklin Graham’s uncle Leighton Ford; Franklin Graham; Edward Graham and Liam; Charlotte land developer more tangible through the new Billy Gra- Graeme Keith; and Roy Graham. ham Archive And Research Centre. The centre will house seven decades of sermon on Christ throughout his 70-plus years of ministry and notes, photos, audio and video recordings, personal how he took an ‘unapologetic stand upon the Word of journals and correspondence with presidents, royalty, God.’ ‘He was a man of uncommon humility who and celebrities, along with everyday men and women. showed the world what it means to be a true servant ‘They will be available for researchers and students of the Lord Jesus Christ,’ Wilton said. He sees the who are coming to study the history of evangelism,’ Archive And Research Centre becoming ‘a place where Franklin Graham said. David Bruce, who served as Mr men and women can come from all over the world and Graham’s executive assistant for many years, will be feast upon the reality of what it means to be immersed executive vice president of the Billy Graham Archive as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.’ And Research Centre, as well as the Billy Graham Li- The archives that will be housed in the new centre brary. ‘Dusty records in general don’t serve much good were previously at Wheaton College before the Billy just sitting around’, he said, ‘especially when they Graham Library was built in 2007. Now, the Library could be used to inspire others for leadership, to do and Archive And Research Centre can work in tandem the work of evangelism’. He sees the new centre as – the Library showing visitors how God can use a life motivating others in ministry as they seek to effec- surrendered to God, and the archive centre allowing tively share the Good News in their communities. ‘It’s people to get their hands on actual artifacts from Mr a transfer of the God-call on one man’s life so that Graham’s life. someone can see reflected in that call the strength and Before the groundbreaking ceremony ended, Pas- energy that God provided, the vision, the specific di- tor Wilton prayed over this new endeavor and all who rection for one’s life,’ Bruce said. will visit the centre once it opens. ‘They’re going to While Billy Graham’s name will be on the building, find the heartbeat of the essential, deep conviction the crowd who gathered for the groundbreaking heard that drove Mr Graham in everything that he did during another name repeated over and over: Jesus Christ. his lifetime,’ he said. ‘Every message he preached, ‘My father would not want future generations to study every book he wrote, every meeting he attended, Billy Graham. He would want them to study the Lord every speech he gave, every friend he made, every Jesus Christ,’ Franklin Graham said. president he advised heard the same message. And the Don Wilton, Pastor of First Baptist, Spartanburg in same message found its core in the person and work South Carolina, spoke about Mr Graham’s laser focus of the Lord Jesus Christ.’ – Tiffany Jothen Samaritan’s Purse Responds To Super Typhoon Goni In The Philippines And Deadly Flooding In Vietnam Samaritan’s Purse is providing emergency relief to thousands of displaced families after Super Ty- phoon Goni devastated the Philippines with wind speeds reaching more than 220kph, and is providing emergency relief to suffering Vietnamese communities after a month of heavy rainfall devastated the Quang Binh province. The storms caused widespread destruction, triggering disastrous landslides and flash flooding in both countries. Tens of thousands of families have taken refuge in evacuation centres and access to food and relief supplies is a critical concern. The international relief organisation, headed up by Franklin Graham, is working through local church partners to distribute shelter kits, family kits, hygiene and COVID-19 preventative kits – including washable face masks, face shields and soap – to families in both countries. Samaritan’s Purse will help hurting families recover while remind- ing them that they are not alone or forgotten. – http://www.samaritanspurse.org.au/ NEW LIFE – 15 November 2020 – Page Three MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF THE DAY GROWING IN IRAN AS PEOPLE LOSE FAITH IN ISLAM For years, mission groups have been talking about sage of love that appeals to the population and it’s the rapid growth of Christianity in Iran and now a sur- spreading organically from person to person, resulting vey of Iranian citizens is backing up those claims. The in a huge explosion of the underground house church non-profit Group For Analyzing And Measuring Atti- movement. ‘The majority of the movement is happen- tudes in Iran questioned 50,000 Irani- ing underground and it’s growing ans, 90% of whom live in the country. very, very fast,’ Ansari said. However, The results showed that 1.5% of rapid growth also presents a risk to those surveyed identified themselves the church because of a lack of Bibli- as Christian. Those numbers suggest cal teaching and discipleship. there are probably hundreds of thou- Many Muslim‐background believ‐ sands of Christians in Iran and could ers come to Christ through the radio quickly be approaching one million. or TV and that isn’t the best way to Mike Ansari of Mohabat TV, a ministry grow in faith. ‘The church could be that broadcasts the Gospel into Iran, very vast, but it could be extremely said the survey is significant because it lends credence shallow, theologically. There’s no access to the Bible. to what mission groups have been saying for years. There’s no access to church,’ he said. ‘The church in ‘Iranians are turning their back on their Islamic faith, Iran is scattered, it’s very fragile and it really does and receiving Christianity as their new faith,’ he said. need to come out of isolation. That’s one of the major ‘1.5% becoming Christian may not seem a big num- challenges the church in Iran is facing. ber, but for a country that is closed and where Chris- The survey also revealed that Iranians are turning tians are persecuted, that number is a huge indication from Islam. While the government claims 95% of the of the Gospel growth.’ Until now, the number had been population is Shiite Muslim, only 32% of those sur- less than 1% of the population, but reports suggested veyed identified themselves as such. And 47% said waves of people were turning to Christ in recent years. they used to be religious, but are no longer. According Those numbers are hard to verify, since Iran is offi- to a 2019 survey by GAMAAN, 79% of the population cially a Muslim nation and the church is persecuted. said they would vote against the Islamic Republic. Satellite TV and other ministries are sending a mes- – CBN News via Australian Prayer Network Pfizer Vaccine Does Not Utilise books has arrived in Albania. Mission Cry donated Foetal Cell Lines more than $500,000 worth of free Christian liter- The Christian Medical Fellowship has welcomed ature to an Albanian ministry. The shipment is the announcement of a vaccine which research providing Christians with access to the Word of suggests could have a 90% success rate against God and other faith-based resources, including a COVID-19. CMF's chief executive Dr Mark Picker- pallet of Mission Cry’s New Testament disciple- ing says that people can be thankful to God for ship program, are now being distributed. Because such significant progress. The vaccine, developed Islam is a prominent religion in Albania, Muslims by pharmaceutical firms Pfizer and BioNTech, has try to keep Christian materials from entering the been tested on 43,500 people in six countries country. Jason Woolford with the mission told without raising any safety concerns. Mission Network News they have a missionary in Dr Pickering says a 90% efficacy rate is pretty Albania who was able to clear the container good, considering the flu vaccine is only ‘between through customs. Mission Cry requests prayer 70 and 80% effective each year.’ that distribution won’t be hindered, and that the Ethical questions relating to vaccines utilising materials will reach those who don’t know Jesus cells from aborted foetuses have been raised by as well as Christians. – Mission Network News Australian church leaders. The Pfizer vaccine, The Flip‐Side Of The COVID‐19 Crisis however, does not utilise foetal cell lines. International Christian Concern is urgently pro- It could be rolled out across the world probably claiming the Gospel in some of the most danger- sometime in the first quarter of next year. ous places on the frontlines of persecution, – Premier News believing that a window of opportunity is being Bibles Get Through To Albania pried open by the pain and destruction that A shipping container of Bibles and used Christian COVID-19 has brought to the world. NEW LIFE – 15 November 2020 – Page Four SPREADING THE WORD The Bible Comes Into Its Own During COVID-19 New research has revealed how vital the Bible has been for Christians during the coronavirus pandemic. According to a poll commissioned by Bible study app WordGo, 63% of church-going Christian adults say the Bible has been crucial in helping them deal with life's challenges in the COVID-19 pandemic. Simon Lennox, Director of WordGo, says the survey shows that in times of great uncertainty we need the timeless wisdom and genuine peace that only the Word of God can bring. He says that if we are going to face the uncertainties of life, such as death and disease, we need to start the day with our certainties in Christ. The study also concluded that around 74% of churchgoers believe the Bible is important to them for a personal relationship with God. The study surveyed almost 2000 people in the UK and Ireland. – Premier News Bibles Now Being Shipped To Nigeria Again Mission Cry has sent three shipping containers of Bibles and Christian books to persecuted Christians in Nigeria. For around seven years, Mission Cry hasn’t sent materials to Nigeria because corruption blocked them from entering. But now, containers can safely arrive, and after clearing customs they are trucked to Mission Cry’s facility. Bibles and books are then distributed to as many people as want them. Jason Woolford with Mission Cry told Mission Network News that these materials are vital for encouraging Christians who live in fear of terrorist groups. He says Boko Haram terrorists are doing the most grotesque things to Christians just because of their faith. One container has arrived in the country and the other two should be there soon. – Mission Network News

NEW LIFE – 15 November 2020 – Page Five FAITH NEWS WORLD-WIDE with Stan Hunt Baby-Boomers Could Be a Boon For The Church The escalating retirement rate of Baby Boomers could provide a boost to churches according to Bill Wilson, founder and director of the Centre For Healthy Churches. Mr Wilson says as Boomers re- tire, many of them are going to go from working at a job they felt they had to do, to having more time to give to the things they care deeply about. ‘For Christians’, he says, ‘the focus of that energy will often be on the Church, as many are eager to get involved in impactful ministry in their retirement years.’ He told Baptist News Global that this is a chance to offer Boomers a meaningful way to invest their time and money into ministry and Gospel mission. Baby Boomers are those born between 1946 and 1964. Pew Research has found a higher rate of Boomers are entering retirement this year than in previous years. – Baptist News Global Quick Response To Persecution In Mozambique A Christian charity, Aid To The Church In Need, has sent an emergency aid package to Mozambique after extremists linked to ISIS beheaded more than 50 people. (See page 12.) ACN said the violence is the latest in a string of more than 600 attacks in the Cabo Delgado province, where up to 2,000 peo- ple have died and 310,000 have been made homeless. Witnesses to the attack over the weekend told local media that the perpetrators herded residents onto a local soccer field, where they were killed. ACN’s emergency aid includes blankets, clothing, food, basic hygiene products and counselling for trauma victims. A spokeswoman for ACN says that it seems as though the terrorists are trying to evict the entire population by expelling Christians and others without the slightest vestige of com- passion. Mozambique’s government has called for help in its battle against the Islamic extremists. – Premier News

Sacked Magistrate Claims Discrimination photographer for a new campaign sharing the hope, The UK Court of Appeal is hearing a legal challenge peace, and rest found in Jesus. Global Media Outreach, against the removal of Christian magistrate Richard which has made two billion online Gospel presenta- Page who lost his position in the Family Court after 15 tions since 2004, has collaborated with photographer years in the judiciary. The actions against him came Michael Belk. Mr Belk, a fashion photographer, is cre- after he said children do best when raised by a mother ator of the photo series Journeys With The Messiah For and father. He is being represented by the Christian Something Better. Randy Valentine, with GMA, says the Legal Centre, which says his sacking was discrimina- new campaign combines the Gospel message with tory and an infringement of his freedom of speech. photos depicting a 1st Century Jesus interacting with Christians are increasingly unable to express their be- 21st Century people. He told The Christian Post the liefs in public. Mr Page's Christian understanding of presentation causes you to stop and ask ‘how does the family is being treated as so offensive that those this apply to me?’ Since COVID-19 hit, GMO has seen a who express it are excluded from public life. steady increase in Google searches about fear of the Mr Page mounted the legal challenge because he did virus, uncertain finances, anxiety, and discourage- not want other Christians to lose their jobs over their ment. The Something Better platform deploys multiple beliefs. – Christian Today websites, mobile phone networks, the internet, and Ministry Points The Way To Something Better social media. A digital ministry has partnered with a world-class – The Christian Post

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NEW LIFE – 15 November 2020 – Page Six FAITH NEWS FROM AROUND AUSTRALIA with Stan Hunt Mobile Community VALE: Helen Woodall, 1953-2020 Pantry Meets Real Need HELEN WOODALL, who was called Home on 12 During COVID‐19 Crisis October 2020, was the Editor of New Life, from Services like 's November 2002 – June 2006. Prior to that period, Mobile Community Pantry are she served at the Baptist Union of Victoria and as crucial to helping hundreds of sub-editor of the Victorian Baptist Witness from people stretch their budget fur- 1995 to 2002. During her time at New Life, Helen ther. Anglicare's Mobile Commu- encouraged others to submit articles by acknowl- nity Pantry vans provide grocery edging them by name, in print, as the author or re- items at low cost to the needy. The Pantry is run in partner‐ porter. Not content to let others do all the work, though, she often ship with local churches and vis- went out and covered events herself. Helen was married to Philip its each location on a fortnightly and they had four children and nine grandchildren). She travelled to basis. The program has been run- locations when necessary, indicating something of her dedication to ning for about three years in the her position. Illawarra district, south of Syd- Following her time with New Life Helen worked as a contract edi- ney, and visits suburbs such as tor for publisher Jasmine Jade, encouraging other writers by correct- Shellharbour, Oak Flats, Berkeley, ing their articles so as to have them printed in book form. West Wollongong and Corrimal. From 2006 to 2008 she co-ordinated Partners In Prayer in Mel- Oak Flats Anglican Church's se- bourne. Helen had been editing professionally and full-time for over nior , Rev Sam Pursell, 20 years, first for an Australian company with newspapers, maga- says the Mobile Pantry's visits to Oak Flats typically draw 30 to 40 zines and books in their stable; then for an Australia-wide newspa- people each time. per; and finally for a romance publisher from 2006 until October ‘Anyone can come for gro‐ 2011. ceries’, he says, and a good num- As Helen said on her internet blog: ‘Freelance Editor Helen ber of them aren't part of the Woodall offers advice, help and information to aspiring and exisiting church. For a $10 donation, par- authors, and anyone interested in writing.’ Many prospective au- ticipants can fill their bag with thors were grateful for her help and encouragement. groceries. – Illawarra Mercury – Ramon Williams

CHRISTMAS VIDEO TO HELP IN KIDS’ MINISTRIES struction. There’s an AUSLAN translation through the The main providers of Religious Instruction mate‐ video, which means the Deaf community are included rial for schools have endorsed a Quiz Worx Christmas in the audience. Quiz Worx says the Peace of Christmas video. Classrooms can see the lively and Gospel fo- also can be used by Non-Government Schools, in cussed puppets in the production of a 15 minute video church and Carol events, or even at home. ‘The Peace Of Christmas. Sally, the lead writer at Quiz Worx is a full‐time ministry with a team of 20 GodSpace, a lesson provider, says ‘It’s brilliant!’ She staff and many volunteers and a lot of puppet charac- says it’s totally appropriate for government schools, ters. They train people for work with children in and a very good conclusion to what students have churches and school ministries. – Eternity News at been learning in a disrupted year for Religious In- biblesociety.org.au

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VISITING MELBOURNE? ST KILDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Cnr Alma Rd/Barkly St. BALACLAVA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Cnr Hotham St/Denman Rd. MINISTER: Rev Luke Isham 0437 672 530 You’re Welcome to gather with us online on Sundays first on YouTube premiere at 11am followed by a question time on Zoom. – A Friendly, Caring, Bible-Believing Christian Fellowship –

NEW LIFE – 15 November 2020 – Page Seven MATTERS FOR PRAYER with Elizabeth Kendal PAKISTAN: A Cry For Justice Once again a Pakistani High Court has validated the 'marriage' of an abducted Christian minor girl to her Muslim abductor, despite child marriage being illegal in Pakistan. The High Court has rejected proof-of-age doc- uments submitted by the victim's Christian parents (birth certificates, baptismal records, school records etc) in favour of fraudulent documents submitted by the Muslim captor. Once again a High Court has accepted a certifi- cate of religious conversion to Islam, something easily obtained through any fundamentalist mosque, without question and accepted the testimony of a captive given in the presence of her captors, without concern as to whether this testimony was made under duress. This time, however, it seems Pakistanis of conscience have had enough. Recognising the shame and disgrace this injustice brings to their nation, liberal Pakistanis are raising their voice. On 13 October Arzoo Raja (a Christian aged 13) was abducted from her home in Karachi, Sindh Province, forcibly converted to Islam and married to her abductor, a Muslim neighbour named Ali Azhar. On 28 October, when the case came before the Sindh High Court, Arzoo's captors prevented her from accessing her parents who were not even permitted to enter the court. At the end of the hearing, Sindh High Court Justice K.K. Agha ruled the 'marriage' valid and instructed police not to 'harass the newlywed couple'. In February the same court validated the 'marriage' of Huma Younus (a Christian, then 14) who had been abducted and forcibly converted to Islam, to her Muslim abductor, Abdul Jabbar of Punjab Province. Now pregnant, Huma is reportedly being kept as a captive, confined to one room of the house. Courageous Christian lawyer, Ms Tabassum Yousaf has rep- resented both girls before the Sindh High Court. As Pakistani commentator Hammad Saleem observed (31 October), 'The trend of forced marriages has in- creased with high speed in Pakistan.' This trend, which is driven by impunity, is not limited to Sindh Province. On 4 August Lahore's High Court validated the 'marriage' of Maira Shahbaz (a Christian, 13), who had been ab- ducted and forcibly converted to Islam, to her Muslim abductor, the already-married and reputedly wealthy Mr Mohamad Nakash. Maira has since escaped and is currently in hiding with her mother and siblings. Human rights groups in Pakistan estimate that up to 1,000 religious-minority girls are victims of forced conversion and marriage every year; up to 300 Hindus and up to 700 Christians. Not all are minors and not all are abducted. Some girls and parents are groomed, until they reluctantly become convinced it is the only way to escape poverty and persecution. By this means Christian and Hindu girls are either lured or trafficked from their own community into the Muslim community where they are exploited, abused and forced to produce Muslim babies. Various Pakistani politicians have attempted to introduce legislation banning forced conversions and child marriages. However their efforts are denounced by Islamic organisations, including the Council of Islamic Ideol- ogy (a constitutional body that advises the legislature), May Our Sovereign God and doomed by radical Islamist outfits that threaten to mobilise their members and paralyse whole cities in de- Intervene In Pakistan ... fence of Islam. On 24 October Christians, Hindus and Muslims raised awareness of Arzoo's case when they • to protect and deliver every Christian (and Hindu) girl who rallied together outside the Karachi Press Club. Subse- has been groomed or trafficked into the Muslim community quently, the 28 October ruling sent social media through forced conversion and marriage; may the Lord roar buzzing. Protests proliferated as high-profile activists from Zion (Amos 1.2a) and may 'justice roll down like waters' and celebrities took up the cause of Justice for Arzoo (Amos 5.24a ESV); Raja. On Monday 2 November the Sindh High Court or- • to protect Arzoo Raja, Maira Shahbaz and their families, dered that police recover Arzoo and move her to a shel- along with all Christians who are at risk of Islamist retribution ter where she will undergo medical testing to for having challenged their subjugation (Psalm 57); determine her age before returning to court on Thurs- • to protect, embolden and amplify the voice of every coura- day 5 November. Police from the Anti-Violent Crime Cell geous lawyer, activist, journalist and politician prepared to risk then rescued Arzoo and arrested her abductor, Ali Islamist retribution by challenging the Islamists, insisting on Azhar. The court had been shamed into action. It is im- justice, and demanding an end to shameful persecution; perative that we pray that this indignation not fade (as • to stir up indignation among Pakistanis of conscience; may indignation is wont to do) and that change be achieved, Pakistan's moral crisis be redeemed for the awakening of for the sake of Pakistan's vulnerable, long-persecuted many! religious minorities and their precious daughters. Elizabeth Kendal is the author of Turn Back The Battle: Isaiah Speaks To Christians Today (Deror Books, Melbourne, Australia, Dec 2012) which offers a Biblical response to persecution and existential threat; and After Saturday Comes Sunday: Understanding The Christian Crisis In The Middle East (Wipf and Stock, Eugene, OR, USA, June 2016). See www.ElizabethKendal.com NEW LIFE – 15 November 2020 – Page Eight FROM ALL QUARTERS When The Air We Breathe Is Toxic The thing about the air we breathe is that we don't notice it. It is invisible and odourless. Most of the time we are completely unaware of it. The same is true even if your heater leaks carbon monoxide in your house. You won't see or smell it. You'll be completely unaware. You'll feel tired at first. You might get a headache. Then nausea. But you won't know the that the air you are breathing is toxic. This will only become clear if you collapse, are rushed to hospital, and undergo tests. By that stage it may be too late. Carbon monoxide poisoning is an apt metaphor for beliefs and assumptions about sexuality and gender that have been part of the ideological air we breathe for decades – the idea for instance that certain people experience same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria because they are ‘born that way’, or that sexual orientation is fixed. Research has proven that both these notions are false. Yet we have been imbibing these falsehoods for so long that the vast majority of our health professionals, media personalities and politicians believe them implicitly. You might too. Now it would be very wrong to suggest that all who experience same-sex attraction or gender dys- phoria choose to be this way. Plainly, most do not. It would also be presumptuous to imply that change is easy or even possible for everyone. The path to change, if it is possible at all, is often difficult. Yet as identical twin studies demonstrate, sexual orientation is not determined by genetics. And as longitudi- nal studies of sexual orientation and gender dysphoria show, it is common for a person who has expe- rienced same-sex attraction in their younger years to experience only heterosexual attraction as they mature (see researchgate.net/publication/264741928.Concepts_of_Female_Sexual_Orientation and hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674976382), and it is common for a child who believes they have been born in the wrong body to be reconciled to their biological sex and birth gender by the time they reach adulthood (see ncbi.nlm.gov/pmc/articles/pmc2697020/ ) So the ideological air that we have been breathing over the past two generations has been lies. And we may not have noticed it but we have been developing symptoms for some time: • When politicians say it is hateful and harmful to teach that there is something not quite right about homosexual relationships, we agree. That's the headache. • When they say it is only bigoted and cruel people who offer support to LGBTQ persons seeking change, we nod our heads. There's the nausea. • And when a government tells the public that we need to send parents to jail who won't support the sex change of their 16 year-old son, or a doctor to jail because they agreed with the parents, or a psy- chologist to jail because they helped the teenager explore their distress, and the public approves ... then Victoria has slumped to the floor unconscious. And if a ‘conversion therapy ban’ passes our Parliament, it may be too late to call the ambulance. – Rev Christopher Duke, Convener, Church and Nation Committee, Presbyterian Church of Australia. Genocide Postponed Or Averted In Artsakh? On 7 November Artsakh's mountaintop town of Shushi fell to Azerbaijani, Turkish and jihadist forces. Consequently, the Lachin Corridor was closed and the capital, Stepanakert, was cut off from Armenia, leaving remnant Artsakh Armenians trapped. With a humanitarian catastrophe looming, Russia and Turkey brokered an agreement to end the fighting. Armenia's Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, signed the deal which came into force at 1am Tuesday 10 November. Azerbaijan will retain all it has gained, and Armenia will withdraw from the seven districts around Nagorno-Karabakh which it seized during the 1988-94 war for the purpose of creating a buffer zone. Some 2,000 Russian peacekeepers have been deployed to uphold the ceasefire. Has genocide been averted or merely postponed? These are pivotal days for the Armenian people and the Armenian Church. Please pray that the Lord would inter- vene on behalf of the Armenian people; may God be their shield and defender, their advocate, and their provider; and may 'justice roll down like waters' (Amos 5.24 ESV). – Elizabeth Kendal NEW LIFE – 15 November 2020 – Page Nine FROM ALL QUARTERS EDWARD GRAHAM: Shoebox Gifts Reaching Millions With The Gospel Edward Graham, the grandson of the late evange‐ list Billy Graham, says shoeboxes filled with gifts are reaching more children and unreached people with the Gospel than the massive global evangelistic events his grandfather held over decades. ‘More kids have heard about Christ through these shoebox distributions than ever heard about Christ in stadiums with my grandfather,’ said Graham, vice president of programs and government relations at Operation Christmas Child, regarding the evangelistic opportunity shoebox gifts are creating around the world for the Gospel to spread like wildfire. Some might underestimate the impact of packing world, opening the door for the next generation to gift boxes during the holidays, but Operation Christmas hear the message of God. Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, has provided an If children want to continue to learn more about open door for people to be a part of evangelism efforts Jesus, Operation Christmas Child has a 12-lesson disci- around the world. Operation Christmas Child partici- pleship program, called The Greatest Journey, which pants fill shoe-sized gift boxes that are sent to over takes children further into discovering what it is to fol- 160 nations, including 50 hard to reach areas. low Jesus and how to share that with their family. In the spring of 2016, Samaritan’s Purse held an out- Himba children hear the Gospel through MP3 players reach event for the Himba people, an unreached peo- provided by Samaritans Purse. ple group in the village of Opuwo which sits on the The Himba people have been so impacted by these border of Angola and Namibia in Africa. Later that au- gifts that they participated in an oral version of The tumn, a ministry partner, Pastor Rizera, traveled the Greatest Journey. Their hunger to learn more about long distance across cow paths and over six dry river Jesus grew so large that the village elder had no other beds to bring Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts choice but to provide some land under a group of and the Gospel message to the Himba children. trees for the people to gather and be discipled by Pas- The Himba tribe consists of 50,000 semi-nomadic tor Rizera. Now, villagers have dedicated a church people who live in a region across Southern Angola to building, the first one ever built in Ombaka, Namibia. Northern Namibia. Before the shoebox distribution, Despite their history of being animists, which con- the people of Ombaka mostly practised ancestral wor- sist of worshiping their ancestors and tree spirits, ship and were resistant to the Gospel message, with nearly 100 Himba now gather at their new church less than 3% of people professing to be Christian. Fol- base to worship Lord Jesus Christ. lowing an Operation Christmas Child outreach event Samaritan's Purse has also teamed up with the that hosted 130 children in the village, 46 children Seed Company, an organization doing work in the area and six young adults wanted to continue to learn more of Bible translation for unreached people groups. Due about Jesus. to Operation Christmas Child’s great partnership with The gift boxes collected and distributed to children churches and pastors around the world, the Seed are often filled with toys, school supplies, hygiene Company has been able to record an oral translation items and always contain booklets with the Gospel of Scripture in the Himba language onto solar-pow- message. Samaritans Purse, along with ministry part- ered mp3 players. ners, delivers the boxes to children in need around the – Jeannie Law, Christian Post

• Samaritan’s Purse has sent its DC‐8 aircraft plummeting. Franklin Graham, President of packed with more than 10 tonnes of relief sup- Samaritan’s Purse says they are reminding hurt- plies for civilians displaced by ongoing fighting ing families that they are not alone and that God between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The evangelical loves them. The U.S. has called on both Azerbaijan humanitarian aid organization will deliver winter and Armenia to ‘implement their commitments to clothes and blankets, enough for 500 families in a ceasefire as agreed and cease targeting civilian need. The boots, coats, gloves, socks, and thermal areas. To date the ceasefire has not been unsuc- underwear included in the shipment will be espe- cessful. cially welcome now that winter temperatures are – The Christian Post NEW LIFE – 15 November 2020 – Page Ten FAITH NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD ... With STAN HUNT Tim Keller Cancer Update: ‘God Has Been Gracious In Answering Prayers’ New York pastor Tim Keller has given an encouraging update as he continues to fight prostate cancer. The 70 year-old pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church is also the Chairman and co-Founder of Redeemer City to City, which trains pastors for ministry in global cities, recently announced he has pancreatic cancer needing chemotherapy. Keller took to social media to update Christians around the globe of his progress. ‘Thank you all so much for continuing to pray for me during my treat- ment for pancreatic cancer,’ he said. ‘God has been very gracious in answering those prayers, and my most recent CT scans showed more improvement. My doc- tor is both surprised and delighted that I am able to tolerate the continued high level of chemotherapy with relatively few side effects (they are there, but not as debilitating as they could be) as well as hav- ing such a strong therapeutic response. Those, of course, are the two things we asked people to pray for! All praise belongs to God, who has been merciful and generous in caring for us both physically and spiritually.’ Keller is the author of The New York Times bestselling books The Prodigal God: Recovering The Heart Of The Christian Faith; Prayer: Experiencing Awe And Intimacy With God; And The Reason For God: Belief In An Age Of Skepticism. The prequel for the latter is Making Sense Of GOD: An Invitation To The Skeptical. Keller has been described as ‘C.S. Lewis For The 21st Century’, although he has dis- avowed comparisons to his hero. He frequently draws on secular or academic sources like The New York Times, and media coverage has treated him as an anomaly: a pastor who appeals to Manhattan yuppies and intellectuals. – Matthias Browning, My Christian Daily COVID-19 Brings New Opportunities For Bill Newman Ministries When COVID‐19 caused the Bill Newman evan- ing the Pacific Islands, New gelistic rallies in Fiji to be cancelled, little did the Zealand and Australia. Australian preacher know what was in store. Bill Telekom TV in the Newman Ministries was approached by Fiji One Solomon Islands is planning TV and asked to consider a television presenta- the telecast, and the Aus- tion. tralian Christian Channel will With the support of the Australian Christian soon air the program. public the Power For Living Gospel program was Dr Newman says the Lord has opened these op- born. Launched last Easter, the program has seen portunities to reach thousands of people with the continued interest and response to the Gospel Gospel. Pre-Covid, he says, he had no idea God message. Follow-up contact with people who re- was going to launch a TV ministry. spond helps establish them in the Christian faith. Though Power For Living doesn’t make financial Now the Power For Living weekly program is appeals for support on air, the future of the pro- being sought by other broadcasters. It is airing on gram relies on people committed to this ministry. The Trinity Broadcasting Network Pacific, reach- – Bill Newman Ministries RReeaadd 11 TThheessssaalloonniiaannss 55..2233 BBllaammeelleessss.. TURN BACK THE BATTLE: Isaiah Speaks To Christians Today.

With persecution escalating globally, Elizabeth Kendal calls us to revisit the prophecy of Isaiah, maintaining that Isaiah 1-39 provides an unambiguous treatise on how God's people are to respond to persecution, suffering and existential threat.

For purchasing options, visit: www.ElizabethKendal.com

NEW LIFE – 15 November 2020 – Page Eleven PERSECUTION WATCH MOZAMBIQUE: Jihadists Behead More Than 50 People Islamic militants turned a village football pitch in northern Mozam- bique into an execution ground where they beheaded more than 50 people during three days of savage violence between 6 and 8 November. Villagers who tried to flee were caught and taken to the sports ground in Muatide village where they were decapitated in a series of ferocious attacks in Muslim-majority Cabo Delgado province. In one attack, gunmen shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ stormed into Nanjaba village on 6 November, firing weapons and setting homes alight. Two villagers were beheaded and several women were abducted. Barnabas Fund’s contacts in the area report that anyone who refuses to support the jihadists and embrace their beliefs is attacked, and their property set on fire. Thus Christians who refuse to deny Christ are amongst the victims. The attacks are amongst the worst seen, in recent years in the brutal campaign by militant Islamists to establish an Islamist caliphate in the oil and gas-rich Cabo Delgado province. Desperate people are flooding in to the Christian mission stations for protection. In an upsurge of violence in April, Islamic fundamentalists murdered at least 57 people and smashed their way into a church in Cabo Delgado. At least 52 people were massacred in Xitaxi village when they refused to join the Islamic terrorist group. More than 2,000 people have been killed and about 430,000 left homeless in the region since 2017. The militant Islamist organisation called Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama, known locally as Al Shabaab (not the Somali-based group), is linked to Islamic State and has effectively gained control of an area of Cabo Del- gado. – Barnabas Fund Contacts And Other Sources Via My Christian Daily CUBA: Communist Regime Demolish A Church Alliance Defending Freedom is representing the Authorities in Cuba have demolished a church family. The school permits students to convey a that has long been a target of the communist multitude of messages concerning unlimited top- regime. They also arrested a pastor who streamed ics on their masks. Lawyers say Lydia deserves an the demolition on social media, according to the equal opportunity to peacefully express her be- human rights group Christian Solidarity World- liefs. The school, however, does have a policy pro- wide. CSW’s Scot Bower reports that Cuban State hibiting messages on masks that are ‘political, Security brought bulldozers to the Assemblies of religious, or inappropriate’. – Christian Headlines God Church and destroyed it. He says the denomi- UGANDA: Pastor Killed For Comparing Islam nation is one of the largest religious groups in And Christianity Cuba and is legally recognized by the government. Muslim extremists killed a pastor in northern Pastor Alain Toledano from another church de- Uganda late last month after he compared Chris- nomination recorded the government attack on tianity and Islam in a radio broadcast. David the church and broadcast it on Facebook Live Omara, pastor of Christian Church Centre and a through his mobile phone. He was arrested and well-known radio preacher in the area, was hasn’t been heard of since. Cuban authorities beaten and strangled after finishing his broadcast. claim the demolition was for the construction of Immediately after the broadcast, someone tele- train tracks, but CSW says the church was the phoned saying they appreciated his presentation only building in the neighbourhood that was de- and requested a meeting. When Pastor Omara ar- stroyed. CSW is calling for the immediate release rived for the meeting six people ambushed him Pastor Toledano. – The Christian Post and began beating him with blunt weapons. USA: Political Correctness In Excess Church members are fearful of further Islamist vi- A family is alleging religious discrimination olence and are mourning the loss of their spiritual against their daughter after her school forced her leader. Pastor Omara is survived by his wife and to remove her face mask with the phrase Jesus eight children. – Morning Star News Loves Me. All students at the school are required to wear masks to help slow the spread of COVID- PLEASE NOTE: 19. Lydia Booth, in third-grade, could be sus- New Life Australia Ltd greatly appreciates all donations, pended if she continues wearing her faith-themed but we respectfully ask that cheques be made out to mask. Lydia’s parents Matthew and Jennifer ‘New Life Australia Ltd’, otherwise the bank won’t accept them. Booth have filed against the school in Mississippi. NEW LIFE – 15 November 2020 – Page Twelve NEW LIFE ADVERTISING

PASTOR WANTED

Kurri Kurri Congregational Church welcomes expressions of interest from men who believe that God may be calling them to serve as Minister or As­ sociate Minister of our church.

The position is that of full­time pastor but consideration will be given to men who would prefer to begin in an associate role (assuming full pastoral responsibility later). Core responsibilities include preaching, Bible teaching and pastoral work. A stipend and allowances package will be offered, based on independently recommended denominational rates. Commencement and length of service are negotiable.

The man will be assumed to have a biblically conservative evangelical per­ spective. An appropriate bible or theological college qualification and pre­ vious pastoral experience would be desirable but not essential. A personal love for the Lord, the Bible, and the gospel is expected.

The Church is an autonomous evangelical church situated in the NSW Hunter Valley regional town of Kurri Kurri, about 1½ hours from Sydney. Its people come from a diverse range of ages, education, employment and backgrounds. Currently the church supports two Sunday services, bible study groups, Sunday school, women’s and children’s ministries, and special events. The church’s modernised property complex is centrally located in the town.

If you would like to know more please contact: Phill Graham ( [email protected] ) or Jon Van Vorst ( [email protected] ) Phone: (02) 4937 1049

NEW LIFE – 15 November 2020 – Page Thirteen BOOKS WORTH READING THE QUEST FOR MILLENNIAL HOPE, Richard Wilson, Xulon Press, Florida, 2020. ISBN Paperback: 13 9780994 195807. Ebook: 13 9781631 297410. THE BIBLE, God's wonderful Word, sets out for us the Being, Word and Work of the Triune God in Creation, Providence and Redemption. It is the narrative of His work from the moment He said 'Let there be light' and there was light, through the cen- turies when He displayed His Fatherly care over the created order despite the sin of man; it outlines His plan of Salvation, culminating in the life, birth, death, resurrec- tion and ascension of His only-begotten Son; it promises the culmination of all things and the return of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Father's good time to judge the living and the dead and to restore the created order to be as God intended it to be. In this book, Richard Wilson guides us through the variety of major interpreta- tions of those things which are revealed in the Book of Revelation, highlighting what is called the his- torical Postmillenial view. He does this with the skill of the accomplished teacher that he is and a sensitive understanding of other points of view while sustaining a convincing argument for the Post- millenial view. I warmly commend this book to the earnest enquirer after God's truth. Some will be more firmly grounded in their understanding of this important subject, while some may be drawn to it and find a more satisfying interpretation of the End Times. And in the good purposes of our Sovereign God, may all be helped in their quest to 'glorify God and enjoy Him forever’. – Bob Thomas PREACHER, PASTOR AND EVANGELIST Essays On The Work Of Ministry, In Honour Of Simon Manchester, Ed Gerard O’Brien, , Sydney, 2019. Available at Reformers Bookshop. Ten essayists have put together this most engaging tribute to the preaching, pastoring, and evan- gelistic work of Simon Manchester, who served as the senior minister at St Thomas’ Church, North Sydney for 30 years (1989-2019). If we were unaware, we are told early on that ‘Simon is in his ele- ment around a table of 15-20 people, leading them through different parts of the Gospel of Mark, and showing the majesty and mercy of Jesus.’ Collections of essays can differ in quality, but this one has a lot of stimulating material. Dick Lucas defends Paul as the author of 2 Timothy, contrary to received wisdom in liberal circles. Chase Kuhn points out that ‘big picture’ preaching need not be reductionistic and inappropriately textual. William Philip reminds us of a Reformation principle that Karl Barth mangled when he points out that in true preaching, we do not just hear about Christ, but Christ Himself preaches (Romans 10.14; Ephesians 2.17). The emphasis on repentance as a necessary part of the Gospel proclamation is welcome. David Robertson is helpful in pointing out that ‘In evangelism there are three main areas of activity: breaking up the ground, sowing the seed and reaping the harvest.’ Not all of the points made are equally convincing. Philip argues against Robert Murray McCheyne’s view that our hearers’ greatest need is our holiness, and asserts that what they need to see is our hu- manity and weakness. Perhaps too much of an either/or argument has been presented here. In this year of the death of J.I. Packer, it is appropriate to be reminded of his graphic description of John Owen’s literary style as possessing ‘a certain, clumsy dignity’, followed by the crushing addendum, ‘so has Stonehenge’. Read Owen out aloud, was Packer’s sage advice. This is a worthy tribute to a distinguished yet humble preacher, pastor and evangelist. It will surely help many as they seek to be more effective in their pastoral callings. – Peter Barnes, Editor, Australian Presbyterian GRACE AND GLORY, Sermons Preached At Princeton Seminary, Geerhardus Vos, Banner Of Truth, Edinburgh, 2020. ISBN Print: 978 1 84871 919 7; Epub: 978 1 84871 919 4. Dr Sinclair Ferguson writes: ‘In these pages the reader is invited, almost commanded and certainly de- manded, to become a spiritual mountaineer’. Vos taught Biblical at Princeton Theological Seminary. This book is a collection of sermons given at Princeton during his time there and serve as a fine introduction to his thought for those who are discovering his thought for the first time. NEW LIFE – 15 November 2020 – Page Fourteen NEW LIFE ADVERTISING CANCAN YOUYOU HELPHELP US?US? New Life Sincerely Thanks All Those Who So Generously Contributed To Our Re-equipment Program. This Has Met Our Present Needs. Donations For General Purposes Are Always Welcome, Though If You Can Join Us In Improving The Ministry Of New Life, Please Send Donations To: New Life Australia Ltd, PO Box 457, Mitcham 3132 or By Direct Deposit To: Account: New Life Australia Ltd. Bank: Westpac. BSB: 033-112. Account Number: 16-8239 PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO: ‘NEW LIFE AUSTRALIA LTD’.

Elizabeth Kendal’s New Book ... War! Destruction! Violent Persecution! Martyrdom! Forced Displacement! For hundreds of thousands of now destitute Christian families, this is the new reality. Yet contrary to all appearances, God is at work in the Middle East. ‘Kendal’s book is a godsend to anyone who is at a loss to understand what lies behind the suffering in the Middle East. Drawing on authoritative voices from the region, her clear-eyed analysis untangles the conflicts with the heart and insight of a prophet. – Jeff M. Sellers, Editor, Persecution News Service, Morning Star News. For more information go to: www.ElizabethKendal.com

Glorious Things – A Protestant’s Guide To London • Revised! • Updated! • Illustrated! • Now Available As An e-Book! Glorious Things will help visitors to London arrive well prepared to make the most of their time there. The guided tours will take you to places like Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral, but Glorious Things will take you to important sites linked to our Protestant heritage. COST: $10 for the PDF version, with the right to print two hard copies. PAYMENT OPTIONS: 1. Cheque for $10 payable to New Life Australia. Mail to: PO Box 457, Mitcham Vic 3132. (Please include a letter with your name and email address so that we can email the PDF to you.) 2. Direct deposit $10 to Bank: Westpac; A/c name: New Life Australia Ltd BSB: 033-112; A/c No: 16-8239 (Please also notify us by email).

We’reWe’re CountingCounting OnOn YOU!YOU! YOURYOUR DonationsDonations KeepKeep UsUs Going!Going! Through the generous donations of members of the New Life family, New Life is now available free on request by email to everyone, everywhere, who wants to receive it. PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION: • By Cheque To: New Life, PO Box 457, Mitcham 3132 Vic. (Please make cheques out to: ‘New Life Australia Ltd’.) • By Direct Deposit To: Account Name: New Life Australia Ltd. Bank: Westpac. BSB: 033-112. Account Number: 16-8239. (Please email offi[email protected] when you direct deposit). • From Our Web Site: (www.nlife.com.au) using the Make A Donation button.

NEW LIFE – 15 November 2020 – Page Fifteen JOURNEYING WITH JOHN with David Cook ‘Joyful, Joyful, Will The Meeting Be’ – Read John 20.19-23 This is the first appearance of Jesus to His dis- that their testimony would be ciples, the original twelve without Judas Iscariot matched by the Spirit’s testi- and Thomas, though there may have been others mony (15.26,27). present. Fear gives way to joy when they recog- Jesus reminds those com‐ nize Jesus (vv.19,20), and He greets them with the missioned that they have words, ‘Peace be with you!’ (v.19). authority (v.23) to preach ‘Peace’ is the normal greeting, but this time it the Gospel and that those carries added significance because the disciples who embrace the Gospel may have expected to be rebuked instead. But re- through repentance and assured that the crucified Christ lives, they are faith have their sin for- filled with joy. Jesus again reminds them that just given; unbelief will lead to as the Father had sent Him, He was sending them the retention of sin and its judg- (v.21). He has been sent, He has finished His ment. work, and He now commissions them to go. Throughout Scripture, we see this pattern re- God’s concern and peated. Isaiah was cleansed of sin in order to go love for the world to the world (Isaiah 6). Paul is converted on the is never in the back- road to Damascus and immediately commis- To Think ground. The disci- sioned as an apostle (Acts 9) to take the Gospel to ples have come to the Gentiles. Through: Christ in order to go Now, at the peak of their experience, face-to- Saved to serve! out into the world. face with the risen Lord Jesus, the disciples re- Being representatives of However, they are ceive the equipping of the Spirit and are the new creation in this not to go ill- commissioned as Gospel-bearers. crumbling old creation, equipped. Jesus has The lesson to the disciples here is similar: ser- how much does this truth told them that the vice is at the heart of worship. Jesus is God’s ser- Spirit would convict vant, carrying out the Father’s plan; and now the govern your lifestyle? the world of sin Christ-exalting Holy Spirit will energise the disci- (John 16.8) and ples as they serve the interests of God’s Kingdom.

Reprinted from Our Daily Bread Journey Through Series® – Journey Through John by David Cook (Copyright © 2017) published by Discovery House. Used with permission of Discovery House. All rights reserved. For further enquiries please visit: journeythrough.org or email: [email protected]

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NEW LIFE – 15 November 2020 – Page Sixteen AND FINALLY ... Cry Out To The One Who Hears And Answers Prayer ‘I cry to you, O LORD; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living”.’ (Psalm 142.5) There is perhaps a deeper (unintentional?) truth embedded in David’s cry for help – one that may not be apparent to us at first. It is only when we take refuge in the Lord Jesus Christ – the One to whom the Old Testament name ‘the LORD’ (‘Jehovah/Yahweh’) points – and throw in our ‘lot’, our ‘portion’, with Him, that we come into ‘the land of the living’. Without HIM, we are still only descendants of Adam, and are therefore in ‘the land of the dying’ (cf Romans 5.12, 1 Corinthians 15.22). As the Apostle Paul says: ‘If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation’ (2 Corinthians 5.17); and the Apostle John reports Jesus’ own words: ‘I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has [already] crossed over from death to life.’ (John 5.24). Towards the end of his own earthly pilgrimage, John also writes: ‘He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5.12). So, if we want to transfer our citizenship from the ‘land of the dying’ (into which we are all born naturally), into ‘the land of the living’, so that we start enjoying all the benefits of Eternal Life here and now, we need to cry out to the Lord Jesus Christ, in repentance-and-faith, ‘You are my refuge, my por- tion in the land of the living.’ – Bruce Christian Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly, while the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high; hide me, O my Saviour, hide till the storm of life is past; safe into the haven guide, O receive my soul at last!

Other refuge have I none; hangs my helpless soul on Thee; leave, Ah! leave me not alone; still support and comfort me. Plenteous grace with thee is found, grace to cover all my sin; let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within. Thou, of life, the fountain art, freely let me take of Thee; spring Thou up within my heart, rise to all eternity. (Charles Wesley)

NEW LIFE – 15 November 2020 – Page Seventeen