june 2003 Suffering

Donald Carson • Ian Smith • Carl Trueman The Certificate of Christian Studies GAA Old Testament (G.Goswell), New Testament (K. Martin), Christian Church History (P. Barnes), Education Biblical Theology (D. Geddes) Presbyterian Church of Victoria Resource being offered in 2002 at $60 ea. The position of Centre The best selling Westminster Accountant/Office Manager Confession is now vacant, and applications are invited. of Faith for the 621 Punt Road 21st Century — The position is based in the Church’s Office, South Yarra 3141 03 9867 4637 Study Edition Assembly Hall Building, [email protected] $15 + $3 pp — 156 Collins Street, Melbourne. prepared by DJW Milne, Principal Applicants should have appropriate qualifications (Please make all of the PTC Melbourne. cheques payable The Six Pack: for and experience, and have empathy with the to GAA Christian Sessions/Bible study groups Church’s ethos and vision. Education Committee) 6 copies of the WCF-21C For a full position description for $92 posted! and details of application, contact: Walk With The Lord The Clerk of Assembly Daily Bible Reading Notes, 156 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 currently written by Rev Dr Greg Telephone: (03) 9650 9311 Goswell, Old Testament lecturer E-mail: at the PTC, Victoria. [email protected]

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SUFFERING The problem of pain: Donald Carson ...... 4 God knows: Ian Smith ...... 9 editorial Now and not yet: Tracy Gordon ...... 11 et me tell you about a recent story of suffering. It con- BIBLE STUDY cerns a modern-day Joseph. I cannot mention his name because it will probably prejudice any likelihood 13 Happy families: Bruce Christian ...... he will receive a fair trial. He holds a PhD from a LWestern university and is a senior academic in China. I met CHURCH DIRECTORY him six years ago when he came to one of our church services Presbyterian churches, state by state ...... 15 in Sydney. He was an atheist then but was sufficiently curious to attend weekly services for a couple of years. NEWS Shortly before he left Australia, he told me he had become a Christian. Both he and his family professed their faith and Across Australia ...... 21 were baptized on Good Friday in 2000. I have never heard Around the World ...... 22 him raise issues of politics or express opposition to the gov- ernment of China. On the Agenda ...... 23 However, in early April this year he was arrested by the REFLECTION Chinese police on allegations of political crimes and impris- oned. He was not charged for several weeks because of the A good start: Matthew Henry ...... 25 paucity of evidence. Further, he has not been allowed to see his wife. He has been placed in a cell four metres by four CULTURE WATCH metres with 15 other men. He has not been allowed to change his clothes in nearly 40 days despite the fact that his wife has The Practice: Phil Campbell ...... 26 tried to get him a fresh set. Understandably, my friend’s wife is deeply distressed. APOLOGETICS While she is trusting that God will bring good out of her hus- The Marcions have landed: Carl R. Trueman ...... 27 band’s suffering, she is fearful for his health and well-being at the hands of the Chinese authorities. LETTERS ...... 29 All of us know others who face seemingly inexplicable bouts of suffering, some of which are related to the profes- PRAYER ...... 30 sion of their Christian faith – like my Chinese friend – and others who face it as a result of natural causes. BOOKS The question is: do we have an explanation for suffering? Does the Bible provide us with answers when we have to face Religion is for Fools ...... 31 it ourselves? The contributors in this issue have experienced suffering in acute ways for significant periods of time. As they The Man from Oodnadatta ...... 31 have searched the Scriptures, they have discovered answers My Soul Finds Rest ...... 31 that provide them with explanations which, although not LITHOGRAPH BY MARC CHAGALL, 1960. complete, at least enable them to move forward with an Summing Up ...... 31 unquestioning faith in the goodness and sovereignty of God. ESTHER. ESTHER. We trust that you will profit from their insights. BACK PAGE

ap No place like home: Peter Barnes ...... 32 Peter Hastie COVER IMAGE: THE AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN (ABN 81 498 399 755): The national magazine of the Presbyterian Church of Australia. Editorial committee: Peter Hastie (NSW) Themes Editor; Barney Zwartz (Victoria) Production; Stuart Bonnington (Victoria) News Editor; Tracy Gordon (NSW), World News Editor. Graphic Design: Sandra Joynt for A&J Moody Design: www.ajmd.com.au. Advertising and subscription inquiries: Walter Bruining, PO Box 375, Kilsyth 3137; Phone: (03) 9723 9684. Subscription: $35.20 a year inc. GST; bulk (etc) $31.90 each inc. GST. Office: PO Box 375, Kilsyth 3137. Phone: (03) 9723 9684. Fax: (03) 9723 9685. Email: [email protected] Printed: PostScript Printing, Eltham Vic. (03) 9431 3414. Published: Monthly except January by the National Journal Committee of the Presbyterian Church of Australia; Convener Peter Hastie. Opinions expressed are those of the contributor and not necessarily those of the PCA, the editor or the committee. Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement. Contributions: Submitted articles are welcome. The deadline is the first of the previous month. Donations are always welcome. Print Post approved 34918100384. www.ap.presbyterian.org.au

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 3 SUFFERING The problem of pain Many have drifted far from the biblical perspective on suffering.

r Donald A. Carson is research die. /Lord, have mercy on us.” If you live professor of New Testament at Donald Carson in a world where you are vulnerable, you Trinity Evangelical Divinity talks to tend to look at life rather differently than School in Deerfield (a suburb in if you expect excellent medical care. Dthe north of Chicago), Illinois. He has Peter Hastie I would have died three times in my life been teaching at Trinity since 1978. so far had it not been for first-class med- Dr Carson is well-known for his exper- themselves? ical help. If you or I belonged to a family tise in the areas of New Testament and Christians have become especially vul- anywhere in the western world in the biblical theology. He has several areas of nerable to broader western cultural mis- 1800s we would have automatically special interest including Matthew and perceptions. For instance, so much of our assumed that we would lose a certain per- John’s Gospel, Pauline theology, biblical life in the West is relatively comfortable. centage of our children. So one of our theology, postmodernism, pluralism and Consequently, we are much farther most serious misperceptions in the the problems associated with suffering removed from suffering and death than, “Christian” West is the idea that we are and evil. He is also a well-known confer- say, Christians in the southern Sudan or in entitled to a high level of security and ence speaker in the USA, Canada, UK and other countries where believers face anxi- comfort. Australia. eties like famine or persecution. This misperception is compounded in Dr Carson has written or edited more Our problem is that we have come to some Christian circles by a fairly senti- than 45 books including How Long, O expect comfort even at the level of health- mentalised view of the love and goodness Lord? – Reflections on Suffering and Evil care. We believe that the national health of God. If people focus almost exclu- (Baker 1990). He spoke to Peter Hastie service should fix us, and if they don’t sively on these attributes of God, then recently in Chicago about the Christian’s then we’re quite ready to sue. By contrast, when something bad happens, they can’t approach to suffering. at the end of the plague in England there relate it to a broader theology that is more was a Christian in England, Thomas biblically balanced and includes other rel- What are some of the common mis- Nashe, who contracted the deadly disease. evant doctrines, such as God’s provi- perceptions that Christians have He knew that he had a very short time to dence, the pervasiveness of iniquity, and about suffering that makes them vul- live. So he wrote a lengthy poem with a the entailments of the fall. nerable when they experience it recurring final couplet: “I am sick, I must The problem people face when they

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 4 focus exclusively on the goodness and love How do we deal with the problem of Sometimes the husband’s questions of of God is that they have no theological or evil and suffering? anguish turn on things that some people biblical categories for thinking through It is important to distinguish two might see as almost silly. “Would it be such matters as suffering and death. This approaches. One is essentially an intellec- wrong of me as a Christian sometimes to means that they must face not only the tual problem and the other is an existential leave a church service before it ends so suffering itself, but the additional suffer- one. The two can be related, that is, the that I don’t have to talk to people?” I ing of wondering what God is doing with pain that someone feels at losing a son or know that it seems such a silly little thing them. Sadly, this can breed a kind of suf- daughter may be tied to a number of to be upset over, but for him it is a major fering in their own faith. philosophical preconceptions that he or existential factor. Christians who hold one common she may not even recognise. Sometimes, It is important for us to realise that the kind of charismatic theology are especially however, the pain is not really tied to any- way such anguish bubbles over is highly vulnerable here. According to this theol- thing deeply intellectual; it’s just the sheer varied. It involves many different issues, ogy, God is bound to heal believers anguish of loss. When this is so, even including the man’s self-perception, his because there is healing in the atonement. when there is no loss of faith, or some loyalty to his wife in a marriage of 40 Those who believe this teaching think that deep doubt of God, it still hurts. So, yes, it years, the threat of loneliness and the if you claim healing by faith you will be is worth distinguishing between the two. experience of pain. Some people do not healed: God must heal you. Conversely, if Of course, if a appear to fear death as much as the pain you are not healed, then the only explana- person’s grief they feel on the way there. They fear loss tion can be that you really don’t have and hurt are This mispercep- of control and looking stupid. They are faith. Naturally, this can breed its own engendered by tion is com- scared of moving on to the next level of kind of suffering. false views of pounded by a Alzheimer’s disease. We should be pre- God, then, to fairly sentimen- pared to mediate God’s own comfort to Why is it that believers can remain become stable, people in situations such as these. It is an untroubled by the issues of suffering sooner or later talised view of enormously important ministry. and evil for long periods and then that person must the love and suddenly become deeply disturbed by build up a gen- goodness of Do you think people are more afraid them? uinely biblical God. of old age which can go on for many Some people become troubled by the view of the years rather than death? existence of evil in the world because at world, which We are afraid of both, but old age has some point they have been exposed to a involves the place of suffering, evil and the special fears for many of us. In old age we more philosophical approach to things. goodness of God as well as the unknowns face many disabilities. People are often Perhaps they have taken a first-year and mysteries of life. This is where we cursed with loneliness, especially if people course in philosophy at university where have to walk humbly and trust God. have outlived their friends, in some cases they’ve studied the problem of evil. As a But sometimes the most important outlived their own children, or in this result, they see it as major obstacle to immediate help for someone in grief and mobile age, live far away from their chil- believing in either the love or the good- pain is not a structural argument at all, but dren. ness of God. presence and tears, or offering to cut their I’m thinking of an old couple that we Alternatively, many Christians think grass. Often simple acts of kindness, such go and see. He is 91 and not able to walk that they have the problem of evil and suf- as driving them to the hospital to get their any more. He is taking so many pain fering sorted out until suffering afflicts next dose of chemotherapy, or getting killers his mind is not always sharp. His them personally. They may be well- their groceries, or making sure the kids’ wife is 89. They are in sheltered care, and equipped with formulaic answers to the nappies are changed, speak most tellingly in many ways they are well provided for, problems caused by the entailments of the and offer the most help. In that frame of but they have outlived their son, and their fall, by sin in the believer’s life, by death reference, careful intercessory prayer, daughter lives 1600 miles away. The lone- itself. In fact, they can have fairly wise and knowing when to keep your mouth shut, liness for them is pretty profound, espe- perceptive insights – until suffering actu- knowing when people want help and when cially for people who have been in active, ally hits them. Then, perhaps for the first they want privacy, and reading the situa- influential ministry for decades. time, they feel the sheer awfulness and tion with sensitivity can be enormously Sometimes what the church can do loneliness of suffering. healing. A person going through hellish best is provide companionship. This Again, the threat of imminent death times may not really be in any position to means that for people who are shut in, we when you are a mother or father of three accept more than compassionate help. need to show up quite often, bring flow- children all under the age of 15 can be dev- I could give you a lot of examples. At ers or a box of chocolates, make sure they astating. At times like these, questions the moment, I am trying to help a couple have your phone number, be prepared to that were merely theoretical and remote who face intense suffering. She has termi- listen to the same story many times and now become intensely personal and prac- nal cancer and probably does not have still listen respectfully. tical. That’s why it’s the personal dimen- more than a few months to live. The hus- sion that raises questions in the minds of band is really broken up. These people are Is it possible to maintain a rational those Christians who have thought in a really mature Christians who have walked faith in a God of love in view of the formulaic fashion about these matters. If with the Lord for a long time and have existence of evil and the reality of you haven’t really imbibed a deep scrip- been heavily involved with mission in their human suffering? tural understanding of how to deal with own church. It is not as if they are ready to Everything really depends on what you suffering, then you’ll be vulnerable when reject God; they are not even asking, mean by “rational faith in God”. Do you it comes along and touches you. “What is God doing to me?” It just hurts. mean that there are means of explaining it

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 5 SUFFERING

to perfection? Case closed, now we can go to be a bit humbled by all this, God comes be assured that that sort of thing will only home, we’ve solved that one? Obviously, in for round two. He summons Job: be seen in the new heavens and earth. in this case, the answer is “No”. “Stand up like a man, I have not finished Christians must always remember that On the other hand, if we acknowledge talking to you yet!” God is bigger than our imaginings, and that there is mystery in the notion of evil The point of this whole exercise is not the final proof of God’s love is already on under God’s gracious providence, it is to duck tough questions, but to get Job to spectacular display in the cross. nonetheless important not to appeal to recognise how small his understanding is. mystery too soon. There are a lot of We live in an age where we have large If God is the creator, is He not ulti- things we can know, a lot of givens that thoughts of human understanding and mately responsible for evil? must be adopted and placed into the right small thoughts of God. But God wants us If you interpret “responsible for evil” picture, as it were. to see how small our grasp really is. That’s as meaning that God is chargeable for evil the first thing we have to come to grips then I would say “No” in the strongest So what sort of bearings do you need with in this area of mystery. possible terms. However, if you mean that to keep in mind so that you still have The second thing of enormous pastoral evil cannot fall outside the outermost a certain element of mystery, but also comfort, for Christians at least, is taking sweep of the bounds of God’s sover- feel that you are not lost in your suf- people back to the cross. “Remember that eignty, then I would say “Yes”; of course it fering? although you have lost your best friend to falls within those bounds. I think it is You must affirm the goodness of God cancer, God lost His own Son. In fact, He important to say both of those things. without question. You must affirm the gave His Son. He didn’t have to give Him God is so sovereign and so knowing sovereignty of God without question. at all.” So the ultimate measure of God’s that He was perfectly aware of what was And that often engenders mystery, in part love for us is not in terms of our existen- going to take place in the fall. That is pre- because there are some demonstrable tial experience today or yesterday; rather, cisely why the Bible can speak of Christ as unknowns. For instance, we do not the Lamb slain before the foundation of understand the precise relationship the earth: in God’s mind, the purpose was between time and eternity; nor can we The point already established. None of the events in explain exactly how the end will bring is not to Genesis 3 took God by surprise. On the about the vindication of God. However, duck tough other hand, the Bible keeps insisting that we do know that eventually every knee questions, but where sin does break out, there are sec- will bow and every tongue will confess to get Job to ondary causalities. that Jesus is Lord. recognise In fact, Christian philosophers main- Further, in the end right will not only tain that sin is chargeable finally to the be done, but will be seen to be done. So in how small his secondary causalities and not to God him- part we are living by faith in God’s understanding self. By contrast, goodness is always promises of what will be seen, even if we is. chargeable to God himself: he is the do not grasp it all now. source and author of it all. It is important I’ve sometimes said to people that to maintain that tension, otherwise you there are two things that will stabilise it is in terms of a little hill outside will start to abandon the givens of them enormously when they feel that Jerusalem where the Son of God hung on Scripture. God is unjust, when they’ve just lost their a cross. best friend to cancer, or when the pain of Sometimes when you do not have How does knowing the story-line of something has been unbearable. First, detailed answers, the most important the Bible, beginning with a perfect they have to decide whether the Bible pre- place to concentrate your faith is in the creation, our fall into sin, and the sents a God who is a bit like the genie in immutable certainty of the character of renewal of the universe at the coming Aladdin’s lamp – extraordinarily power- God, as evidenced by the historical reality of Christ, help us to face evil and suf- ful, but finally under the control of who- of the cross and resurrection of Christ. fering in the present? ever holds the lamp. The problem with This means that sometimes the wise thing It is very easy for us who are locked this view is that if the genie does not obey to do is to shut one’s mouth, bow in wor- into a narrow little slice of history to view when we rub the lamp, then he is a dis- ship and cling yet again to the cross. everything from our own small vantage grace and not living up to his part of the I could say all sorts of things beyond point. But if we want to think biblically bargain. However, the God of the Bible is this, particularly about how in the provi- we cannot be satisfied with that. Our own not like that. Somewhere along the line, dential purposes of God suffering can small vantage-point does not tell us you have to decide whether the God of purify us and prepare us for heaven. enough of how our understanding has the Bible includes some mysterious ele- Likewise, I could mention how it enables been coloured by sin, intellectually, ments in Him. us to see through other people’s pain, morally, emotionally, spiritually. At this point one is driven to Job. Job makes us wiser counselors, and teaches us Our vantage point is tarnished and starts with enormous self-restraint and humility in a fallen and broken world. But twisted in all kinds of ways. In particular, trust in God, but by the end of his trials he always we must focus on the cross. it does not take into account that death is is on the very edge of accusing God of Sometimes we can also look back, as not the last word. Death may be the last unfairness. When the book ends, God Joseph did after being thrown into prison, enemy, but it does not have the last word. responds with a list of rhetorical questions and see how God’s mysterious providence This means that Christians can sorrow, such as “Can you make a snowflake?”, can bring blessing out of our experience but “not as those who have no hope”, to “Did you scatter the Orion constellation of suffering. But sometimes we cannot see use Paul’s expression. across the sky?” etc. As Job is beginning the happy results; sometimes we have to Of course, this means that Christians

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 6 need to have the Bible story-line in mind should not breed within us a kind of lais- analysis of history is far more realistic all the time. We need to think pre-histori- sez-faire skepticism – “The poor we’re than the utopian nonsense that is parroted cally, pre-creationally, of a good God who always going to have, so let’s not do any- out of various corners. So I do not think existed before there was evil. And we thing about them.” If you take that that an informed Christian will be horri- must also remember that at the other end approach, you could argue similarly that bly shocked by wars and rumours of wars. of history there is the prospect of a new until the Lord comes the unconverted are They may be personally shocked; it may heaven and a new earth, the home of going to be with us, so let’s not do any- be personally ugly. Many of us have righteousness, where there will be no evil, thing about them either. fought in wars, been affected by them, death, sorrow or tears. We eagerly antici- The point is that it’s always the and know through bitter experience that pate what Christians in past times have Christian’s job to war is an ugly thing. But that is a little dif- called “the beatific vision” – the vision of do good to all ferent from being surprised when wars God Himself, world without end. It is people, especially break out. within that framework that suffering to those who are The final proof It really doesn’t matter whether war Christians across the centuries have of the household of God’s love involves nation-states fighting each other learned to say with brothers and sisters in of faith. or it’s an ongoing struggle against terror- every time and place, “Even so, come is already on ist bodies – it is still suffering, war, and Lord Jesus”. How should spectacular death. When you have your arm blown I suspect that where the church does Christians display in the off, whether it is done by a terrorist or a not have a deep hunger for, and an expec- think of suffer- cross. nation-state doesn’t matter an awful lot. tation of the Lord’s return, it is com- ing and evil as Your arm is still gone. It requires great monly a reflection of the church being too caused by war thought to know how to respond in these comfortable with this age. If the problems and terrorism? situations. But we should not be surprised get bad enough, if the suffering hurts Jesus himself said: “You will hear of by the evil itself. enough, if the culture starts going down wars and rumours of wars. Be not dis- People who are surprised by evil have fast enough, only then do more of us start mayed; the end is not yet.” This means not read the Bible seriously. They have saying, “Even so, come Lord Jesus”. that the presence of war and its aftermath swallowed a kind of utopianism that is It is the prospect of the end that keeps are not themselves a sign of the end. It is undermined by Scripture on every page. us going. I doubt that it is possible to a sign of the “not-end”, as it were. maintain genuinely Christian spirituality Think of the 20th century. We’ve had Some evangelicals have called 9/11 a for very long without an active, vibrant literally hundreds of small wars as well as signal from God that he was unhappy expectation of the end. big ones: the Boer War, World Wars I and with America. What do you think? II, the Cold War, Israeli-Arab wars, wars In part these evangelicals were right, Jesus said “The poor you will have in Africa, Vietnam, Asia, the genocide of but in another sense they were quite with you always.” Does that mean Cambodia, the break-up of British imper- wrong. In the USA we had two or three that we must always regard poverty as ial power in India and wars between the media preachers who said that the towers an evil? Muslims and Hindus, etc. Apart from came down primarily because of abortion, Poverty is always an evil in the sense war, we’ve managed to butcher six million the rise of homosexuality and other sorts that it is always the product, directly or Jews, 1.5 million gypsies, 1.5 million of moral sins. Of course, this hit the press indirectly, of either personal failure or Armenians, 20 million Ukrainians, 50 mil- big-time and they were eventually forced injustice (including a want of compas- lion Chinese, and the list could go on. If to back down and apologize. sion). It is not the way it ought to be. you add them all up you get approxi- But at one level they were right, even if There is a wonderfully perceptive book on mately 100 million people killed apart at another level they were quite wrong. sin by Cornelius Plantinga that’s simply from the wars. They were right in seeing that God is a titled Not the Way It’s Supposed to Be: A Now here is something remarkable: at God of justice. “Righteousness exalts a Breviary of Sin. It is important to see that the end of this bloodiest of all centuries nation, but sin is a reproach to any peo- poverty falls within that broad arc. we come to the extraordinary conclusion ple.” God is still the providential Lord of Poverty will have no place in the new in the Western world that there is no such history. This means that a thinking heavens and the new earth; in that sense it thing as evil. It is staggering how a culture Christian could look at WW2 in some is part of the blight of sin. On the other could be so blind. Postmodernism is ways as a deep rebuke to Western pride. It hand, this does not mean that every poor morally bankrupt in its moral presenti- involved countries that were the most person is guilty of more sin than every ments. educated and technologically advanced in rich person. Sometimes poverty is caused But if you ask a thinking Christian the world, steeped in privilege and refor- by exploitation or misfortune, elements what will take place in the 21st century mation history. This was true not only for that are part of our broken world. We unless Christ returns first, then the Germany but for much of the British need to realise that the Bible gives us dif- answer will be quite simple. There will be Empire as well. The latter, which had done ferent perspectives on poverty. For more evangelism, more persecution, more a lot of good in all sorts of ways, still had instance, the book of Proverbs can depict church-planting, more suffering, as well as a tarnished history that involved a couple poverty as the result of personal failure, of wars, rumours of wars, plagues, and times of centuries of slavery. And Australia itself laziness, of drunkenness, and that sort of of peace. “But the end is not yet.” wasn’t exactly founded on principles of thing. However, Amos and Isaiah can Only a kind of utopian head-in-the- generosity and good will, was it? Does depict it as the fruit of exploitation and sand ostrich position fails to see that his- God take all these things into account? injustice. tory is full of the violence that the Bible Yes, of course. The widespread nature of poverty predicts will, in fact, happen. The biblical The Bible also clearly says that some-

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 7 SUFFERING

times God uses more wicked nations to itself equally evil and shocking, equally and are prepared to accept it, then some chasten and rebuke less wicked nations. reprehensible, and equally attracting the other options open up. For instance, we This is certainly the case in the book of judgment of God. This is a time for can make good use of the time by passing Habakkuk, for example. It is clearly what humility, brokenness, and care. It is cer- on our spiritual heritage to our children. is going on in Isaiah 10, where God uses tainly no time for cheap shots or cruel We can thank God for the weeks or the Assyrians as the battle axe of his wrath sloganeering. months when we can talk about such mat- to chasten his covenant community. What Further, the fact that God may be ters bluntly with our children, spouses we find so unsettling is that by all social using these tragedies to draw us to and loved ones. We can say goodbye and reckoning Assyria was more wicked than Himself does not prevent those in author- pray together and weep together. In some Israel. ity, if you believe that God gives the sword sense, this is surely much healthier than When we apply this to the modern sit- to the state, to exercise their God-given treating death as the last taboo subject we uation it should give us pause. If we think power to try to stop this sort of thing cannot talk about in polite company. that the al Qaeda terrorists, by their bar- from happening again. The state is oblig- In this sense, I believe that mature baric attacks on civilian sites and so on, are ated to protect its citizens. Christians should be prepared to talk acting with enormous evil – and I do think about death, think it over, and figure out that – it does not follow that all of those what it means. We ought to be able to being attacked are perfectly good. Nor Where the weep about it rather than pretend it is not does it mean that the victims in the tow- church does there. Tragically, our culture treats death ers are necessarily more evil than those not have a as a taboo subject because it does not have who were not there. any real answers to it. Christians should We should remember what Jesus said deep hunger see death as the last enemy, as the apostle in his own day when towers fell and some for the Lord’s Paul himself did. But we must also reiter- people were killed. He said: “Do you return, it may ate, again and again, that to be absent from think they were more evil than others?”, be that it is the body is to be present with the Lord, and his answer was, “No, but unless you too comfort- which is far better. And our ultimate repent you will all likewise perish.” By able with expectation is a resurrection body in a ‘likewise’ he does not mean that they will this age. renewed universe. Those who hold such all come down in towers. The point, things to be true cannot possibly view rather, is that every mark of death, every death in exactly the same way as do the perishing, every dying, is part and parcel Is there a distinctive way a Christian dominant voices in western culture. of God saying “No” to the hubris of sin, should meet sickness and death? And to the awfulness of rebellion. should we regard those realities as an How would developing a homesick- In the western world we have received unmitigated evil? ness for heaven help us in facing the a heritage of Christian literature that no There are certain commonalities to inevitable sufferings that each of us is other language group in the world has. human life. Death is the last enemy for us going to meet in life? English speakers have more commen- all. Being a Christian does not give us If you are homesick for heaven, you taries, books, theological works, encour- immunity from all the indignities, loneli- cannot be seduced by the view that this agements to piety, than any other lan- ness and pain of death. It would be wrong, life is the last word, the best part, the guage group on God’s green earth. We therefore, to encourage a kind of Gnostic chief value to hold on to. Everything is also have a history of at least some revivals approach to death in which death is seen measured instead by the glories that are in the western world. In the West we like- as a nice and pleasant escape. On the other yet to be revealed. These glories include wise cherish the freedom of religion that hand, we must avoid thinking of death as the prospect of a new heaven and a new is denied to so many elsewhere. the kind of unmitigated end that a pure earth, resurrection bodies, an utterly Instead of using all of these great gifts, secularist will have to espouse. righteous and God-centred society, and however, we have so often squandered I remember when I was in first year of the unshielded glory of the presence of them. Let me be quite frank here: in terms university my grandmother died. I was God. of moral conduct in the sexual arena, the telling the guy in the next room that I had Having this configuration of the future western world is by and large a great deal to leave the university for a few days to go changes everything in this life. It means more immoral than most Muslim coun- to the funeral. He was an atheist. we cannot assign to the sufferings of this tries. That should not be the only axis for Interestingly, he said to me: “Don, I’m so life the ultimate significance that the comparison, but it is at least a valid one. sorry for you; please accept my deepest philosophical materialist does. We are pre- So there is a sense in which we ought to sympathies. But then, of course, it’s not pared to wait for the coming of the Lord. see God’s judgment in 9/11 or the Bali quite the same for you, is it?” We look forward to being clothed with massacre. We should see them as calls He recognised intuitively that the loss immortality. On the other hand, if heaven from God to the West to examine our- of his grandmother, which had happened a is merely a credal point for us but we have selves, repent, and ask him for mercy. few months earlier, could not be viewed in no real longing or homesickness for it, But this does not mean that the attacks quite the same way as the loss of my grand- then the credal point itself will not be were justified, or that the acts of the ter- mother. Christians never say their last strong enough to carry us through the rorists were somehow good, or that we goodbye. We sorrow, but not like those sufferings, indignities and sins that we had no moral obligation to stop them. who have no hope. So death in a sense is to have to face in life and in death. It is only The biblical analysis of such matters is far be feared; it is the last enemy. But God’s when the credal truth of heaven’s exis- more complex than that. When some promises sustain us as we face it. tence actually becomes a longing for people say “America had it coming”, I As Christians there may be another heaven itself that we can live with vibrant sometimes detect a note of glee that is way. If we see the handwriting on the wall hope. ap

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 8 SUFFERING God knows How understanding providence provided comfort in the face of a death sentence.

his is the article I did not want to the malignant and the benign. God had write. Having been in remission not lost control and nor should I. His for more than a year, it re-opens Ian providential care meant that nothing the door to a phase of my life that could separate me from his love. His Tis strangely painful yet rewarding. The Smith providential care meant that he was the days are starting to fade when every con- God of my wife and my children and my versation began with a discussion of my maximum of six months; if lymphoma, parents. health – and an article like this might start my prognosis was better. He is a surgeon, My prayer was simple, “Lord, let me that unwelcome cycle of conversations all and surgeons like to cut, so I asked about die well.” My mind went to others I had over again. Yet having met so many people surgical removal. He told me that it was seen die of cancer, how they had died in who have walked the path of the medical so extensive that it was inoperable. He the Lord and died well. I was reminded of and emotional intrusion that cancer forces then proceeded to organise an immediate what a strong testimony this is to the upon us, I write this in the hope that it biopsy under local anaesthetic. grace of God and prayed that, should my may be of some use to others. As I left the hospital so many thoughts ministry be in death rather than in life, it The insidious thing about cancer is that raced through my mind. There was noth- might still resound to God’s glory. I it can be growing within you and you do ing new in being told I had a terminal ill- reminded myself of the importance of not know it. I did not experience any sick- ness – after all – such is life. The thought rejoicing in God’s sovereignty. ness – just a pain in my left pectoral mus- of my own death did not worry me, but When I arrived home, my wife, Jenni, cle, just below the collarbone. A lump not being there for my family was an was cooking dinner and the kids were had developed in the muscle, but I immediate con- busy in preparation for Friday night activ- thought nothing of it. I know there are cern. I tried to ities. The inevitable “how was your day?” parts of my anatomy that should be pray, but I did question arose. What answer do I give? checked for lumps, and my pectoral mus- not know what Much harder than being told you have cle is certainly not one of them. to pray. I had You don’t hear cancer is the need to tell others. So on that Eventually, however, as this lump was spent my life much in a con- Friday night I sat and told Jenni that I had growing, I did the sensible thing and saw praying for peo- versation with a cancer, and the doctor expected I would my GP who asked me to have an ultra- ple who had doctor after he live for a maximum of six months. That sound. walked through has mentioned was not easy. Many doctors told me many The ultrasound led to a CT scan. The such difficult things, and as I sat and listened I was emo- the “c” word. CT scan led to a visit to a surgeon and times, but I was tionally numb. But telling was a different before any surgical procedure was per- not experienced story. formed the surgeon said to me the unfor- at praying for The only times that tears came to my gettable words, “There is no need to do a myself. There is eyes were when sharing the news with fine needle biopsy, we know this is malig- a certain “otherness” about praying; we those I loved. nant … this is serious, this is very serious.” do not wish to focus upon ourselves in The hopes that this was a benign growth, a our prayers. There is a point when we enni and I decided that we would not bad dream or a curable infection were all must depend upon the prayers of others. Jtell anyone else until we had all the dashed in a startling dose of reality. Questions raced through my mind. details from the biopsy. So began the long How do I tell my wife? My children? My wait. though this surgeon was very direct, parents? We long to protect our loved That Sunday morning I went to Ain a strange way I appreciated his can- ones from pain, not to inflict it. All I church. My understanding of the dynamic dour. You don’t hear much in a conversa- could hear were the words “muscular sar- of worship became very real. I knew that tion with a doctor after he has mentioned coma” and “six months”. Should I pray the “c” word – but we went on chatting. for a miracle cure? After all, surely God He told me that it was either lymphoma was capable of such things. or a muscular sarcoma and a biopsy would It was a strange and unforgettable time give us the answer. I asked his opinion, as I paused on the hospital steps. The real- Update your and he told me that the presence of the ity of God’s presence in the midst of this largest of the tumours in the pectoral was undeniable. I was convinced that I records! muscle was relatively conclusive that it was dying, and yet it was not the hope of AP’s new email address: was a muscular sarcoma. some miraculous cure that sustained me. I used that “prognosis” word (which The great confidence came from the doc- [email protected] everyone uses as a euphemism for “will trine of providence. I was reminded that and website: this kill me?”). He told me that if it were God was not just the creator of every cell a muscular sarcoma, he would give me a in my body, but he sustained each one, www.ap.presbyterian.org.au

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 9 SUFFERING

church was a heavenly activity of God’s more pressure to perform. There is some- It was in such a situation of weakness, people gathering around the glorified thing deeply personal about illness that in a place of public crucifixion, that Jesus Jesus, but that morning the truth of this makes comparison with others unwel- showed his ultimate power. I met termi- dawned upon me in fresh vigour. come. nally ill Christians whose preaching was Surrounded by the people I saw every Others treated me as someone who more powerful than the most eloquent Sunday, none of whom knew of my cur- was emotionally fragile, and yet the pres- sermons I had ever heard. People pity rent predicament, it was a rare privilege to ence of God in the midst of all this made those who have terminal illnesses, but be led into God’s presence through prayer some people in this situation want to and singing. The God whom we worship rejoice in every day that the Lord gives is faithful and that Sunday morning was a them. It is good to rejoice with them. reminder of the certainty of heaven, in a As I look back on that time, it is a bit world that was full of uncertainty. My prayer of a dream and a nightmare. God in His The wait for the results was over and was simple: providence decided to heal me – but Jenni and I returned to the hospital. Why “Lord, let me through it all He has taught me so many is it that on such occasions the doctor is things. I have learnt afresh what it means die well.” always running late – delayed in surgery, to walk with Him. then delayed in traffic? Imagine our frus- For the six months I was on chemo, I tration when he told us that the results of was also taking large doses of steroids, the biopsy were inconclusive! Yet there which meant I slept for less than two was good news – although the results hours a day – normally between 3am and were inconclusive, they were highly sug- me feel more emotionally resilient than 5am. I would sit awake at night and read gestive of lymphoma – a result that was ever. At times I longed for normal con- large portions of the Old Testament. It confirmed a few days later by a subse- versations with people – if my days were was such an encouragement to see how quent biopsy. numbered, I certainly did not want to from generation to generation, through I could not believe it. I know that lym- spend them talking about cancer! death as in life, God was working out his phoma is serious, but for the first time in But amid all this, what was so encour- purposes. To think that my current a week the reality dawned on me that I aging was that people tried to help. They predicament, whether in death or life, might be around for a bit longer. At this didn’t all get it right, but that didn’t mat- could be part of the purposes of God was stage we were happy to share the good ter. Some prayed with me. Others wrote. both comforting and encouraging. news with our family and friends – who Some helped in practical ways – and it was did not necessarily share in our joy. all appreciated. The ones who avoided me s time went on, I did not have the seemed cowardly by comparison. Aenergy to do much, but the one eople’s responses to the news were as The six months of chemotherapy excursion I really looked forward to was Pvaried as their personalities. Many began. What a great opportunity exists in attending church on Sunday morning. I did not know how to deal with it and so a chemo ward for witnessing to the power wanted this little piece of heaven – and withdrew. Everyone seemed to have a of the Gospel. The every day life for the still do. My perspective has changed. story about their great-aunt Sally who had medical staff, the patients and their carers Instead of being a person who is “con- survived cancer and gone on to become an is one of life and death. For the first time stantly becoming” – thinking of what I Olympic triathlon champion. Those sto- I really understood the whole concept of will do next – I have learnt what it means ries really do not help. I didn’t need any power in weakness. to “be still and know that I am God”. Christian ministry has become far more about relationships and much less about ST ANDREWS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE performance. I do not see myself as the centre of God’s universe and I certainly ENROL NOW FOR 2004, PREP –YEAR 10 do not see myself as offering anything Are you looking for a school that will support you in your God given duty as a par- irreplaceable to His church. My life is in ent? Our ethos is to support parents by offering a sound, traditional, academic His hands and His faithfulness is sure, education within a Christian framework. whether in sickness or in health – and At St Andrews Christian College we want to grow God’s kids, God’s way! amazingly whether in life or in death. If you are looking for a Christian education for your children, come along and see

Email: [email protected] Tel: 9808 9911 Fax: 9933 333 Burwood Highway, Burwood 3125 St Andrews Christian College, St Andrews Christian College — Melbourne’s best kept secret! Our aim is to pro- Now I am learning what it means to be vide a traditional, academic education within a Christian framework. a “cancer survivor”. In many ways surviv- Find out about our special Primary/Secondary transition programme in the Middle ing survival has been one of the hardest School, the new computing laboratory, Accelerated Reading Programme and our battles. It is not easy to just slot back in LEM phonics scheme. where things left off. But one thing I For further information, application forms or an appointment with the Principal, Mr. know for sure: God’s grace is sufficient for Bob Speck, please telephone (03) 9808 9911. me. The Christian has great joy and con- SPECIAL BENEFITS OF ST ANDREWS fidence in facing death and disease. I do Comprehensive curriculum & consistently excellent academic results not wish the suffering of cancer on any- Junior and Middle School organization one, including myself, but I thank God for Strong Creative Arts programme His sustaining power and for His healing Parental involvement program that ensures a working partnership between staff, stu- which extends beyond the physical. dents & parents. Before and After School Care Ian Smith lectures in New Testament at the Easy access via public transport Presbyterian Theological Centre, Sydney. ap

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 10 SUFFERING Now and not yet There’s one certain answer: that given to Job.

or 37 years during the early 1900s, complete restoration. The New a nondescript man named Arthur Testament book of James implores Stace wandered the streets of Tracy Christians to patiently endure all things, Sydney, chalk in hand, writing the waiting for the coming of the Lord. James Fword “Eternity” in an elegant copper- Gordon interprets the book of Job in the light of plate. This one word, repeated over and its last act. over, led a generation of people to wonder their, and our, response to that suffer- James claims, in effect, that we are all in exactly what Stace meant. ing. the same situation as Job before his Why the word “eternity”, when eter- As George Schwab writes, “The way restoration. We are called to endure vari- nity is so far away? Why not a word we that any sufferer emotionally and spirit- ous trials in this life, looking forward to can experience in the present, like “love” ually deals with his or her situation is the day of our complete and satisfying or “peace”? What does eternity have to do more significant than the precipitating restoration at the coming of the Lord. with us today? cause”. We certainly see this in the book What is the ultimate solution to the Plenty. While for many people eternity of Job. While the writer says little about problem of pain and suffering? is more a sentimental concept than a real- the various calamities that befall Job Restoration. Through Job’s restoration, ity to be dealt with here and now, for the (though the sketchy details of the deaths God’s purposes are most clearly seen. Christian it is of crucial importance if we of his children, abandonment by his Pain is not to be philosophised away are to have a biblical understanding of friends, and through rational thinking, talked out, ven- how to live in the two worlds we occupy debilitating and tilated through catharsis, marginalised, – the now and the not yet. The world painful illness are medicated into oblivion, ignored, given a which is seen and the world which is enough to make silver lining or explained. Only the hope unseen, as Paul writes. The Bible me shudder), we of restoration, and the knowledge that At every turn we are painfully aware doesn’t dwell are given a full God has a purpose behind and beyond the that we live in a fallen world. And part of on their pain, account of Job’s living in that world means that we endure but the impor- responses to his suffering and pain and trials. Suffering tance of their circumstances. causes us to sit up and take notice because response to Two aspects CHRISTIAN it is a very real part of the present world. that suffering. of God’s dealings Eternity seems so far away. The pain is with Job serve as BOOKS here and very present. Our natural human a pattern for response to suffering is to focus on the helping anyone For Sale/Wanted microcosm of our lives, while God wants who is suffering and in pain. First, Job We stock a wide range of to paint a much grander, larger picture of needed personal contact with God. new& secondhand His redemptive purposes. “Before, I had only heard about you, but Evangelical& Reformed titles now I see you,” he says (Job 42:5). It is Catalogues available o, how is the Christian to make sense not enough for us to merely acknowledge Sof the suffering we do and will certain theological truths. The cure for Hours: inevitably face? And how can the Job lay not in getting answers to the Open Tue-Fri 2:00pm-5:30pm promises of God regarding eternity bring question of why it all happened to him; it & Sat 10:00am-1:00pm us hope and comfort in the midst of trials was in encountering God in the midst of and suffering? the “whirlwind” of life. When we suffer, Rockdale Throughout the Scriptures we are we need to have a sense of God’s pres- Christian Books shown portraits of individuals who suf- ence. fered in various ways – Job, Joseph, Mary, As Warren Wiersbe recounts, “People 11 Watkin Street Noah, David, to name but a few. write to me and say, ‘I am going through Rockdale NSW 2216 As I read these accounts slowly and try this circumstance and I don’t understand to put myself in their shoes, I am stag- it’. I write back and say, ‘I don’t under- Tel (02) 4887 7024 gered by the ordeals they were called to stand it either, but I don’t have to under- Fax (02) 9599 5371 endure – loneliness, physical beatings, stand it. We don’t live by explanations, we Email [email protected] abandonment, ridicule, carrying a child live by promises’.” or visit our web site at: out of wedlock, imprisonment, losing The promises of God revealed in His children through disasters, sickness, isola- Word point to His very real, ever constant www.rcb.com.au tion. nearness to us. RCB is supported by Bexley-Rockdale But the Bible doesn’t dwell on their Second, when we are going through presbyterian Church pain. It focuses on the importance of suffering we need what God gave to Job –

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 11 SUFFERING

pain, enables the suffering Christian to what fruit we bear. This is the redemptive Job’s bones, and he cried for a personal endure the pain faithfully, in hope of good that He is doing. And He has given hearing before God to vindicate himself Christ’s return. As the Apostle Paul us everything we need to live a godly life and ask why, he received one answer, and writes, “I consider that our present suffer- in the midst of the situation in which He one alone. From out of the whirlwind ings are not worth comparing with the has placed us. God’s focus is redemptive, came the final unequivocal word to be glory that will be revealed in us” (Rom. eternal and spiritual. To the degree that spoken concerning human suffering: “I 8:18). our focus is individual, temporal and do in all the world according to my own physical, we are at cross-purposes with good pleasure. I scattered the stars in the espite the pain of suffering, there can God. sky as I saw fit, and I created the beasts Dbe a purpose in it, if we respond cor- of the field and stream according to my rectly. For what purpose does God allow desires. Job – where were you when all believers to suffer? There is not one main this took place? And who are you to purpose in suffering, but rather several Job gained question what I do with my own? I am reasons why God allows believers to expe- sovereign.” rience times of pain and suffering. These wisdom include the greater sanctification in the through his od governs even the tumultuous and life of the believer; for the benefit of oth- suffering and Gchaotic aspects of life, even evil. ers in the body of Christ; to be able to encounter Job, Joseph, Moses, Shadrach, identify with unbelievers; and for God with God. Meshach and Abednego, to name but a Himself and His glory. few among a host recorded in the Bible, Suffering also can take the believer attest to the sovereignty of God through through the refining fires of holiness. If all the circumstances and situations of life. life was always good, and we never faced His sovereignty is the ultimate truth that pain, we would never see a need for our Job gained wisdom through his suffer- meets human need. And nothing less than character to be conformed into the image ing and encounter with God. He put him- this truth can satisfy the longing heart or of Christ’s. self, rightly, in the position of dependence calm the troubled soul. We can often too easily privatise and upon God for wisdom. We have a God who rules the now and temporalise the gospel. We reduce its pur- Sufferings enable us to grow in faith. the not yet. The present and eternity. pose and promises to whether or not we As James states, trials are an occasion for “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a currently experience individual happiness. joy because they produce perseverance, mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now We lose sight of the grand agenda of the bringing maturity and spiritual wholeness I know in part, then I shall know fully…” gospel that is more about the coming of to the believer. However, in order for pain (1 Cor 13:12). Christ’s kingdom than it is about my indi- to have its way in the Christian, we must vidual happiness. be wise (James 1:2-5). Tracy Gordon is a Sydney journalist. She God is at work to radically change us at When the problem of suffering worships at Ashfield Presbyterian the level of our heart – how we live and burned like an inextinguishable fire in Church. ap COUNTRY & TERTIARY STUDENTS ACCOMMODATION

We aim at not only providing first class accommodation but an atmosphere where young people can grow through pastoral care and the opportunity to study God’s word. These units are under direct on-site management.

APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER INFORMATION FROM: Mrs. J. Baldwin, Honorary Secretary Presbyterian Council for Students’ Residences 1 Rosemeadow Drive Cape Cabarita, 2137. Phone: (02) 8765 1642 I Managers’ Phone: (02) 9569 7613

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 12 BIBLE STUDY

aul’s letter to the Church at Ephesus contains some specific instructions about the impor- tant matter of parenting (6:4), Pand how to be godly husbands and wives (5:21-33) and children (6:1-3). Happy While all this occupies little more than 10% of the whole letter, it would still be true to say that the ‘family’ is its dominant theme. The Church is God’s families family. As Christians, we were chosen by God even before creation to be adopted as children into this family. Because this is the gift of God’s grace alone we have no basis for boasting, for claiming privelege, precedence or superiority over one another. Even the Gentiles are on a par with the Jews! The Church is called to be a model of every aspect of life as God intended it to be in his Kingdom. We are required to do this in the very hostile environ- ment of a world that hates God’s ways, and therefore hates us. Ephesians will challenge many aspects of our life today: Is it possible to be a Christian and have nothing to do with the Church? How much have we been lured into the world’s way of thinking without realising it? Are we adequately equipped for the spiritual 20 daily bible studies battle in which we are engaged? I in Ephesians hope these studies will help us look honestly at these things. Bruce Christian

DAY 1 Christ the key to creation. DAY 2 Saved by grace alone.

THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 1:1-10 THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 1:11-14 THE POINT God had one purpose in Creation: to make a cho- THE POINT God chooses us unconditionally on the basis of his sen people for himself, then to adopt them as children into his fam- own will and for his own glory; we come to participate in his plan ily by an act of his grace through the death of his own dear Son, to when we hear and respond to the truth of the Gospel by believing in delight them with his love and blessing, and to demonstrate this Jesus; and until the final fulfilment of all things in Christ at the end clearly to all. of the age the Holy Spirit secures the promised inheritance in us. THE PARTICULARS THE PARTICULARS • Paul, as God’s appointed messenger, was writing to the faithful • God is absolute sovereign; he chooses us – we don’t choose him; saints (believers set apart for God) in Ephesus to reaffirm them. nothing can ever prevent him from fulfilling all his purposes. • Jesus, God’s Son, is both Lord (Jehovah= I AM , cf John 8:58-59, • That all will praise God’s glory is the primary purpose behind our Isaiah 44:6+Revelation 1:17-18) and Christ (promised Messiah), in coming to put our hope in Christ; it is not for our glory. whom we are assured of all the spiritual blessings of heaven. • Salvation is experienced by those who both hear the word of truth • As an integral part of his original Plan for Creation God chose us, in the Gospel and respond to it by believing in Christ. predestined us, and adopted us as his children in Christ to: • Believers are sealed forever in Christ by the work of the Holy – be made holy and blameless (set apart in purity just for him); Spirit in them, as Jesus himself had promised (John 14:16-17). – give him pleasure, praise and glory because of such love and grace. TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY • We have redemption and forgiveness through Christ’s shed blood. My name from the palms of his hands, eternity will not erase; • Everything in all Creation will eventually have its meaning and impressed on his heart it remains, in marks of indelible grace. purpose made clear in Christ alone – and we are part of this! Yes, I to the end shall endure, as sure as the promise is given; TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY more happy, but not more secure, the glorified spirits in heaven. • Whom did God have in mind when Jesus died on the cross? • Can you sing these words with Augustus Toplady?

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 13 BIBLE STUDY

DAY 3 Prayer for spiritual growth. DAY 6 Strangers, in from the cold. THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 1:15-19A THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 2:11-13 THE POINT We can never overestimate what God has done, and is THE POINT The message of ‘salvation by grace alone’ is espe- doing, in us. All glory and power belong to him. Therefore let us pray. cially relevant to non-Jewish believers. We were not only brought THE PARTICULARS to a living relationship with the living God through the blood of • Because the whole work of salvation is God’s work from start to Christ, we were brought from a situation where God had no rela- finish and is for his glory, and because Paul had heard that the tionship with us at all, no covenant promises like Israel had had. believers at Ephesus were showing clear evidence of this work THE PARTICULARS among them, the proper response for him was to give thanks to • Circumcision was a physical covenant sign that divided Israel, God continually for them in his prayers. God’s chosen people and race, from every other nation. • Paul’s on-going basic prayer for the Ephesians was that they • Israel was in a very privileged position before God. God had would all come to know God better – the Triune God: Father, Son promised, with binding covenant oaths, to send them a Messiah and Holy Spirit – through the Spirit’s work of showing them and (‘Christ’ in Greek) who would be their deliverer. Gentiles had no enabling them to understand spiritual realities. such promise, no future hope to encourage them in the world. • Paul knew that the Holy Spirit’s ministry was essential to give • Because Jesus’ blood-sacrifice of himself on the cross (as the them spiritual eyes with which to see spiritual truths, such as: means of atoning for man’s sin and reuniting him with a holy God) – the positive sense of future hope of which they could be confi- was a demonstration of God’s mercy and an act of his uncondi- dent because it was God himself who had called them to it; tional grace, it meets the needs of all – Gentiles included! – the rich and glorious inheritance they were to share together; TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY – the immeasurably great power available to believers. • Read Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard in Matthew TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY 20:1-16. How does this help us understand the nature of grace and • Do we see this sort of praying throughout the Church today? the significance of the salvation of Gentiles along with Jews? DAY 4 The Church – His body. DAY 7 One Way for all. THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 1:19B-23 THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 2:14-18 THE POINT Whatever men might think about the Church, THE POINT There is only one access route to God the Father: whether from the inside looking out or from the outside looking in, through Jesus the Son by the ministry of the one Holy Spirit. If the with all its seeming weakness and ineffectiveness, it is nevertheless as way to God was by obedience to the Law (of Moses) then the dis- powerful and invincible as its Head, the risen, reigning Lord himself. tinction between Jew and Gentile would remain. But since Jesus THE PARTICULARS died in the place of sinful man as a blood-sacrifice for sin, the way • The power God desires his Church to have is that same power by of Law-keeping is abolished and access to God through faith in him which Christ was raised from the dead and was established in the is exactly the same for Jew and Gentile; all divisions are removed. corridors of heaven from which the whole universe is ruled. THE PARTICULARS • Christ is now seated at God’s right hand in heaven. There does • Jews, because they were God’s special, chosen people, could never not exist, or ever will exist, any higher power over him. have a close relationship with non-Jews. The division was decisive • Christ is the only King and Head of the Church. Christ cannot and was therefore the cause of ongoing hostility. be separated from the Church; as Christ’s Body, the Church is • Jesus’ death on the cross does away with any division between therefore absolutely central to all God’s dealings in time and space. Jew and Gentile. Faith in Jesus unites all people into one because God has no plans apart from his Church. access to God is now the same for all – there is no distinction. • It is Christ who holds the whole universe together and gives it • Jesus came as Prince of Peace to bring peace to all: to those who meaning and purpose; it is through his Church that he operates. were already close to him (the Jews), and to those far removed. TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY • How should we respond to statements like: “The Church is no • Peace in the Middle East seems to be an unachievable dream. longer relevant.”; “I can be a good Christian without having any- Why is this so? What must happen first if peace is to be gained? thing to do with the Church.”; “The Church won’t last.”? • What evidence is there of broken-down walls in your Church? DAY 5 Even when we were dead!. DAY 8 Third Temple being built!. THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 2:1-10 THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 2:19-22 THE POINT It is only God’s grace that can save us for eternal life THE POINT God has already begun construction on the Third with him. We receive the results of God’s work of grace through Temple. It’s us! It is no surprise that no work has been started at the faith, but God must make the first step because until he does we are Dome of the Rock site in Jerusalem – there never will be. The dead in our sins and dead people can’t make decisions! Eternal life Second Temple was destroyed in 70AD because God has finished is God’s unmerited gift – we can’t even earn it by our faith! The for ever with an earthly temple. His temple now has a better corner- purpose of God’s work in us is to join us to Christ in heaven as tro- stone, Jesus Christ. It has better foundations, the apostles and phies of his grace, and to enable us to do his good works. prophets (the Scriptures). It is made of better materials, believers THE PARTICULARS from every age and every ethnic background, joined together in one household as one people, and inhabited by the one Spirit. • In our natural state all of us are dead in sin, totally helpless and unable to do anything about our condition. Unaided we do not THE PARTICULARS even have ‘freewill’ to put our faith in Jesus to be our Saviour. • All true believers are part of one family, one household, citzens of • Without God’s saving grace we can only keep on following our one nation, the Kingdom of Heaven. natural, self-serving desires and so remain under God’s wrath. • The Church is founded firmly on Jesus the Messiah (cf Matthew • It is only God’s abundant mercy that can deliver us from this lost 16:18 where ‘this rock’ is Peter’s confession that Jesus is ‘the condition and give us new life in Christ. We cannot boast of con- Christ’), and on the Spirit-inspired Scriptures of the Old and New tributing anything to our salvation – even our faith is given to us as Testaments (‘prophets’ and ‘apostles’) that point to Christ. a gracious gift from God. • There should be no divisions in the Church based on race, etc. • We are not saved by good deeds – we are saved for good deeds. TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY • Are there any divisions in your Church that ought not to be there • Have you been humbled by discovering these important truths? – eg worship services for different tastes in music etc?

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 14 CHURCH DIRECTORY

Come worship with us! If you are passing through or moving nearby, feel free to ring the Minister, Clerk or Elder.

S.Clerk: Stanley Chen (02) 9753 2073 FORSTER/TUNCURRY australian BOWRAL — MITTAGONG Bruce St. Forster, 9.30am. Bowral: 20 Bendooley St. 10.30am. Rev. John Thompson (02) 6552 1082 capital territory Kid’s Church: 9.30 am. 1st & 3rd Sunday GILGANDRA (St Stephens) Mittagong: Cr Alice & Edwards Sts. 9.00am. 14 Myrtle St. 11.00am. & 9.00am. (4th Sun). CANBERRA, BELCONNEN Rev. Doug McPherson: (02) 4872 4052. Rev. Tony Adams (02) 6847 2036 Cnr Gatty St. & Ross Smith Cres, Scullin. BURWOOD GOSFORD Sunday Service 10:00 am 46-48 Belmore St. 9.15am (English) 14-16 Young St. West Gosford. 8.00am. Elder: Mr R Howe (02) 6247 9586 Session Clerk (02) 9745 3935 9.45am. 6.30 pm. Office: Ph (02) 4323 2490. CANBERRA, FORREST (St Andrew’s) Burwood: 11.00 am (Cantonese) GRIFFITH 1 State Circle (opp Parliament House). Rev. Dennis Law (02) 9715 3889 Opp. Collina Oval, Blumer Ave. 9.30 am. Service Times: 9.30am. & 7.00pm. 5.00 pm (English). Rev. Peter Gobbo (02) 6962 4827. Church Office: (02) 6295 3457 Rev Eugene Hor (02) 9715 3889. Dr L. Thorpe (02) 6962 1934 CANBERRA, TUGGERANONG CAMPBELLTOWN GUNNEDAH Isabella Plains: Isabella Plains Primary School, 34 Lithgow St. 8.30 am. 10.00 am. 6.30 pm. Marquis & Barber Sts. Boggabri: Court Ellerstone Ave. CARINGBAH House (02) 6742 0551 Worship Service & Sunday School 10.00am. 393 Port Hacking Rd. HURSTVILLE (02) 6292 6772 Rev Graham Flick (02) 9524 6406 (O). Cnr. Park Rd. & McMahon St. English: CHATSWOOD 9.30am. & 6.30pm. Indonesian: 4.00pm. St Andrew’s, Anderson St. Rev Kevin Murray (02) 9153 8176. new south wales 9.00am.& 7.00 pm. KIAMA Lane Cove, St James, Farran St. 11.00am. Terralong St. 9.00am & 5.30pm. Rev. Jeff Read (02) 9419 5932 (W) 2077 (H) Pastor: Noel Creighton (02) 4233 1554 ABBOTSFORD-FIVE DOCK CHERRYBROOK KOGARAH 443 Great North Rd., Abbotsford. 9.00am. John Purchase Public School Hall, Purchase Cnr Kensingrton & Derby Sts. Rev. Moses Hahn (02) 9713 2939. Road, Cherrybrook 9.30 am 9.30am. & 7.00pm. (02) 9587 5577. ANNANDALE Rev John Irvin (Minister) (02) 9875 4894 KOREAN, SYDNEY (Young Nak) Hunter Baillie, Johnston & Collins Sts. CHINESE CHURCH 7-9 Manson St, Telopea. 9.30am. 11.00am. 10.00am, 6.30pm. 2nd & 4th Sunday. Cnr Crown & Albion Sts. Surry Hills. 3.00pm. S.Clerk (02) 9816 3807 I.M. Rev. A. Van Ash (02) 9817 0587. English/Cantonese/Mandarin/Bilingual LEETON Welsh Church: Chalmers St, Surry Hills. Services. Office (02) 9331 4459. Cnr. Sycamore & Cypress Sts. 10.00 am. 3.00pm. each Sunday. Rev Joe Mock (02) 9642 8861(H). Rev. Richard Keith (02) 4272 9407 ARMIDALE Rev Daniel Ng (02) 9797 2342(H). LISMORE (St Paul’s) Faulkner St, 9.30am. & 7.00pm. Rev Ezra Tseng (02) 9500 1259(H). 188 Keen St. 9.00 am. & 7.00 pm. Rev. Richard O’Brien (02) 6772 3093 COFFS HARBOUR (St Andrew’s) ASHFIELD Rev Peter Playsted (02) 6624 7050 Liverpool Rd. & Knox St. 10.15am & 6.00pm 187 High St. 8.00am. 9.45am. & 6.30pm. MACQUARIE Rev Peter Hastie (02) 9798 6572. Rev Peter Moore (02) 6652 3183(O). Herring &Abuklea Rds, Marsfield BEACON HILL-NARRAWEENA CONCORD Rev. Rex Swavley (02) 9878 4202 244 Warringah Rd. 9.30am. & 7.00pm. Cornerstone Presbyterian Community Church MANLY (St Andrew’s) Rev. Trevor Cheetham (02) 9521 2361. Meets Concord Public School 9.30 am. Raglan St. & Augusta Lane. 9.45am. BEECROFT Cnr Burwood Rd. & Stanley St. Concord Quarterly (Communion) 5.30pm. Mary St., 8.45am. 10.30am. & 6.30pm. Rev. C S Tang (02) 9688 7880 (H) Rev. Derek Bullen (02) 9976 2801 Rev Martin Levine (02) 9876 2478. COOTAMUNDRA (Scots) MAROUBRA, Kingsford BEGA — EDEN Cnr Parker & Francis Sts 11.00 am. 8 Robey St, Maroubra. 9.30 am. 7.15 pm. Bega -Upper St; Eden — CWA Rooms, I.M. Rev F. Monckton (02) 6977 1642 94 Houston Rd, Kingsford 11.15am Imlay St. Clerk: Mrs J Gill (02) 6495 6062 COWRA Chinese Service, Maroubra 4 pm. BLACKTOWN (EAST) 46 Macquarie St. Also Gooloogong, Rev Johnnie Li (02) 9349 1312 Gallop Grv. & Heffron Rd. Lalor Park, Morongla. Ph (02) 6342 1467. MOREE (St Andrew’s) Service Times: 10.30am. & 6.00pm. CRONULLA Cnr Albert & Auburn Sts, 10.00am. S.Clerk: Mr B. Clark (02) 9624 5027. 13 Croydon St. 9.30am. Rev. L. Fowler (02) 6752 1083 BONDI Rev. Russell Stark (02) 9523 5875. MOSMAN (Scots Kirk) Cnr. Castlefield & Miller Sts. EAST MAITLAND Belmont Rd. (nr Military Rd), 9.00am. 10.00am & 7.00pm. George St. Beresfield: Beresford Ave. Rev R J McCracken (02) 9969 6101. Rev John Graham: (02) 9597 5214 Raymond Terrace: Irrawang St. MOSS VALE (St Andrew’s) BONNYRIGG I.M. Rev. David J Campbell (02) 4943 0284. Browley St., 10.30am. Kids Club: 5pm, Western Regions Chinese Church EPPING 1st & 3rd Sunday (School Term Only). 14-16 Bibbys Place. 9.30 am. (English) & Bridge & Rawson Sts. S.Clerk: Mrs Flora Walker (02) 4883 6557. 11.00 am. (Mandarin) Rev David Tsai (02) 9876 1188.

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 15 CHURCHEVANGELISM DIRECTORY

NEWCASTLE (St Andrews) WEE WAA Jambin: Three Ways 8.30am. Cnr. Laman & Auckland Sts 9.15am & 7.00pm. Mitchell St. Rev. Mark Powell (02) 6795 4259 Pastor Walter Posthuma (07) 4992 1441 Office: (02) 4929 2857 WENTWORTH FALLS (St Andrew’s) CALOUNDRA NORTH SYDNEY-GREENWICH Falls Rd. 9.00 am. Session Clerk: Mr Bernie Cnr Kalinga & Ormutz Sts. 9.30am. & (St Peter’s) 234 Blues Point Rd. 10.00am. Tucker (02) 4757 3518 7.00pm. Rev N. Thomason (07) 5493 3594 & 6.45pm. Wednesday 1.15pm. WENTWORTHVILLE CAPALABA Greenwich: (Taylor’s Memorial) 7 McKem St. 9.45am & 6.00pm. 74 Lyndon Rd. 8.30am 86A Greenwich Rd. 10.00am. Girraween: 15 Tungarra Rd. 8.15am. Rev B Enchelmaier (07) 3824 0958 Rev Dr Paul Logan (02) 9955 1662. Ghana Congregation (Girraween) 10.30am. CHARLEVILLE/BLACKALL ORANGE (St James) Rev. David Griffin Phone: (02) 9896 3297. 78 Galatea St. 9.00am. Cnr Anson St. & Matthews Ave. 10.00am. WESTLAKES Pastor Alan Grant (07) 4654 3100. Rev. William Stewart (02) 6362 6304 Warnervale Community Hall, Warnervale Rd CHARTERSTOWERS PARRAMATTA CITY S.School 8.30 am. Service 9.30 am. Blackthorn Hall, Thornburgh College, Cumberland High School, Dunmore Ave. Rev. Esa Hukkinen (02) 4393 5530 King St. Mr. S. Mcdonald (07)4787 3395 Carlingford. Rev. Luke Tattersall. WEST WYALONG CLAYFIELD (Scots Memorial) S. Clerk: Mike Whiteman (02) 9484 1240. Pioneer Memorial, Court St. 9.00am. & 29 Bellevue Terrace, 9.30am. PENRITH (St Andrew’s) 11.00am. Also at Barmedman, Mahda, I.M. Rev. Robert Herrgott (07) 3300 6158 Doonmore St. near High St, 9.00am. & Talimba & Weethalle. CLEVELAND 7.00pm. Rev William Morrow (02) 4721 2440. Mr. Lance Jackson (02) 6972 2143. Cnr Bloomfield & Ocean Sts. PORT MACQUARIE (St Andrew’s) WOLLONGONG (St Andrew’s) 10.15am & 6.30pm. Cnr William/Munster Sts, 9.00am., 10.30am Cnr Kembla & Burelli Sts. 9.45am. & Rev Brian Enchelmaier (07) 3824 0958 Rev S Donnellan (02) 6582 2505 6.00pm. Rev Bruce Hammonds COORPAROO RANDWICK (02) 4271 1545(H) (02) 4226 1725(O). Emlyn St. 10.00am. & 7.00pm. Alison Rd. & Cook St. 10.00am. & 5.00pm. WOOLGOOLGA I.M. Rev D. Mihailovic (07)3800 3799 Rev. Grant Thorpe (02) 9399 3183. Cnr Scarborough St. & Landrigan Cl. CREEK ROAD ROSE BAY (St Andrew’s) 9.00am. Rev. Peter Moore (02) 6651 2301. Presbyterian Ministry Centre, Cnr. Creek & Cnr Dover Rd.&Carlisle St. WOONONA Fursden Rds. Carina 9.00 am & 5.30 pm. 10.00am& 6.00pm. 7 Gray St. Rev Peter Currie (02) 4284 4057. Phone Centre: (07) 3398 4333. Rev Bruce Christian (02) 9388 1206(O). WOY WOY Rev Peter Barson (07) 3398 3607. SOUTHERN CROSS 120 Blackwall Rd. 9.00 & 10.30 am. DALBY Park Ave. East Lismore Rev. Jamie Newans (02) 4342 2856 Condamine St. (cnr. Patrick St). Rev. Stephen Cree (02) 6621 3655 Rev Roland Lowther (07) 4669 7074 SPRlNGWOOD EUMUNDI 160 Macquarie Rd. 10.30am. & 6.00pm. Memorial Drive, 10.45am. (weekly) & Winmalee : 481 Hawkesbury Rd. 9.00am. queensland 6.30pm. (2nd & 4th Sunday). (02) 4751 1188(O). I.M. Rev. Noel C. Thomason (07) 5493 3594 Rev. Robert Benn (02)4751 9968 GAYNDAH STRATHFIELD (St David’s) ACACIA RIDGE Warton St. 10.00am. Barker Rd. & Marion St. 10.00am. & 6.30pm. Cnr. Mortimer & Beaudesert Rds. I.M. Rev. Noel C. Thomason (07) 5493 3594 Rev Robert McKean (02) 9746 8123. 9.00am. & 6.00pm. Pastor Stephen Teale, GLADSTONE (St Andrew’s) SUTHERLAND (07) 3277 0010, (07) 3711 3022 (H). Goondoon & Bramston Sts. 10.00am. & Cnr Flora & Glencoe Sts. 9.30am & 5.30pm ASCOT 7.00pm. Benaraby: O’Connor Rd. 8.00am. Rev Andrew Clausen (02) 9521 2361 68 Charlton St. (Near Airport). Also Calliope. SYDNEY (Scots Church) Nundah: 14 Rode Rd Rev. David Secomb (07)4972 1058 St Patrick’s Hall, 20 Grosvenor St. (tempo- Rev Guido Kettniss (07) 3216 4151. GOLD COAST (I) rary). Service Time: 10.30 am. Rev Les Hall (07) 3267 0558 Arundel: 132 Allied Drive 9.15am. Rev. Adrian Van Ash (02) 9817 0587. ATHERTON I.M. Rev. John Morrow (07) 5571 5676 TAMWORTH (St Stephen’s) Cnr. Alice & Jack Sts. 10.00am & 6.00pm. Robina: Cnr University & Cottesloe Drives Cnr Matthews & Crown St. 9.30am & Rev. John Trappett (07) 4091 1375. 10.00 am. & 6.30 pm. 6.30pm. Moonbi 9.00am. BALD HILLS Rev. Kevin Ridley (07) 5571 1416 Rev Stuart Andrews (02) 6765 8754. 58 Strathpine Rd. 8.30am. & 7.00pm. GOLD COAST (II) Tamworth Community Presb Church, Rev Peter Bloomfield (07) 3261 4305. Mudgeeraba: Cnr Mudgeeraba Rd & Oxley High School Piper St Nth T’worth BRISBANE KOREAN Regency Pde. 9.00am. & 6.30 pm. 10 am. Rev Keith Walker (02) 6762 5759 145 Ann St. 8.00am. 12.00 noon, 7.30pm. Rev. Glenn Samuel (07) 5530 7003 Manilla: Court St. Rev Dr M. M. Y. Kim (07) 3300 3132 Mudgeeraba Korean Congregation: Rev. Vic Johnson (02) 6785 1627. BRISBANE (St Paul’s) 11.30 am. Rev. Jo Kim (07) 5574 4001 TAREE 53 St Pauls Tce. Spring Hill. GOLD COAST (III) Albert St. 9.00am. Rev A. Gardiner (07) 3831 7458(O). Palm Beach:/Elanora: ‘The Meeting Place’ Rev John Thompson (02) 6552 1082(O). BUNDABERG (Scots’) Cnr. Coolgardie & Guineas Creek Rds. TENTERFIELD Cnr. Water & Alice Sts. 9.00am & 7.00pm. (cnr. Pines Shopping Ctre) 9.00 am. 117 Logan St. (07) 6977 1642 Rev David Newman (07) 4153 2954 Rev. Donald Geddes (07) 5522 8982. TERRIGAL (Scots Kirk) CABOOLTURE GYMPIE 2 Willoughby Rd. S. Clerk (02) 4384 3018. 24 Cottrill Road. 9.00am & 6.00pm. 11 Crown St. 9.30am. Woolooga 11.00am. WAHROONGA Rev. G. Watt (07) 5494 1181 Rev. D Cranney (07) 5482 7629(O). Wahroonga Presbyterian Church, CAIRNS HERVEY BAY (St David’s) Cnr. Illoura Ave. & Stuart St. 9.30am. 85 Sheridan St. 9.15 am. & 6.30 pm. Denmans Rd, Scarness, 9.30am. & 7.00pm. Rev. Murray Fraser (02) 9489 3690 Rev Donald Broadwater, (07) 4036 0421(H). Rev. John T Roth (07) 4124 7018. WAGGA WAGGA SOUTH Rev Russell van Delden, (07) 4054 3241 (H). IPSWICH 60-62 Coleman St. Turvey Park CALLIDE VALLEY Cnr Limestone & Gordon Sts. 8.20am. 9.00am & 10.30am. Biloela: Cnr. Kariboe & Melton Sts. 10.00am. 6.30pm. Rev. Sandy McMillan (02) 6925 1228. 10.00am. & 6.00pm. Coominya: 8.00am.

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 16 CHURCH DIRECTORY

Forest Hill: Church St, 9.00am. SPRINGSURE PORT AUGUSTA Rev John Langbridge (07) 3294 7999. Charles St. 10.30am. Jervois St. 11.00 am. Rev Wesley Redgen (07) 3282 9829. Emerald: High School Frazer St., 8.30am. Barry Rossiter PIM Padre (08) 8642 2059. ITHACA Rev B J Harrison Phone (07) 4984 1550. SEACLIFF 100 Enogerra Tce, Paddington. TEWANTIN Kauri Pde. Seacliff. 9.30am. I.M. Rev. John Campbell (08) 8261 3045. Service: 9.30 am. 6.30pm. Anglican Church, William St. 11.45am. Rev Keith L. Mayers (07) 5445 9209. WHYALLA Rev. Robert Herrgott (07) 3300 6158 THE GAP 28 Ramsay St. 9.00 am. MACGREGOR 1195 Waterworks Rd., 9.00am. S/ Clerk: Helen Mashford 268 Padstow Rd. Eight Mile Plains 8.30am. Rev David Niven (07) 3300 2987. (08) 8645 0818 I.M. Rev. Dan Mihailovic (07) 3800 3799 THURINGOWA -TOWNSVILLE MACKAY John Calvin, Carthew St. Kirwan. Condon: Cnr Harvey St. & Evans Ave. Nth Mackay. I.M. Rev. Colin Barwise (07) 4728 4224. tasmania 7.30am; 9.30am & 7pm. TOOWOOMBA NORTH (St David’s) Sarina: Sarina Beach Rd. 9.00am. Mary St. Also at Geham Gargett: Anglican Church, 4.00pm (1st & TOWNSVILLE (St Andrew’s) CORNERSTONE (Hobart) 10.00am. 3rd Sunday).Rev. Jim Brown (07) 4955 3829. 113 Wills St. City. 9.30am. & 6.30pm. 50’s & Better Ctre, 108 Bathurst St. CROSSROADS 6.30pm. MALENY Rev. Rudi Schwartz (07) 4771 2460 Ass. Min. Rev. Walter Jones (07) 4778 3823. Underground at 86 Murray St. Cedar St. 9.00am. Rev David Jones (03) 6223 4701 Rev. Noel Thomason (07) 5493 3594 VICTORIA POINT 164 Colburn Ave. 8.30am. DEVONPORT (St Columba’s) MARANOA Rev Brian Enchelmaier (07) 3824 0958 Edward St. 10.00am. Don: Waverley Rd. Roma: Queen Street 9.00am. WEST TOOWOOMBA Rev. Steve Warwick (02) 6424 6066 Surat: (1st Sunday) 11.15am. Cnr Greenwattle & South Sts. 8.00am, HOBART Pastor Walter Posthuma (07) 4622 1158 10.00am & 6.00pm. (St John’s) 10.00 am & 7.00 pm MAROOCHYDORE Rev R. Sondergeld (07) 4633 4188. 188 Macquarie St. (03) 6223 7213 Okinja Rd. Alexandra Headland. Mr Ross Turner (07) 4634 6053 Rev. Robert White (03) 6229 7657 9.00am. & 7.00pm. WYNNUM LAUNCESTON (St Andrew’s) Civic Square. 9.30 & 11.00 am. & 5.00 pm. Rev Keith Mayers (07) 5445 9209. Cnr Bay Tce & Cedar St. 9.00 am & 6.00 pm. (Dec/Jan 10.00 am. & 5.00 pm.) MARYBOROUGH Rev Dr George Logan (07) 3893 1712 Church Office: (03) 6331 5412 523 Alice St. 9.00am. Rev. Peter Thorneycroft 0438 315 412 Pastor John Tucker (07) 4123 5920. MONTROSE MONTO Cnr. Islington Rd. & Walker St. 10.00 am. Bell St. 10.00am. & 7.00pm. (2nd & 4th south australia Mod. Rev. Robert White (03) 6278 1370. Sunday). Abercorn 11.45am. (1st Sunday). RIVERSIDE Eden St. 10.45am. Kalpowar: 7.30pm. (3rd Sunday). ADELAIDE (St Andrew’s) Glengarry: 9.15am. Frankford H’way. Pastor Elton Wiltshire (07) 4166 1441. 92-98 Archer St. North Adelaide. 10.30 am. Winkleigh: 2.00pm, 2nd Sunday. NAMBOUR S.Clerk: Mr. David Niven (08) 8381 4615. Ps. Norman Shellard (03) 6327 2967 21 Solanda St. 8.45am Largs North, Brenda Terrace. 11.00 am. ROKEBY I.M. Rev. Noel C. Thomason (07) 5493 3594. Mod. Rev. R. Matthews (08) 8395 7841. Presby. Community Church,Tollard Dr. NORTH PINE ELIZABETH Mod. Rev Dr. D. Mitchell (03) 6223 4860. 57 Old Dayboro Rd. Petrie.10.00am. & 106 Goodman Rd, Elizabeth South. 9.30 am SCOTTSDALE 6.30pm. Rev Neil McKinlay (07) 3285 2104. Session Clerk: Mr Bob Arstall (08) 8825 5226. George St. Bridport: Westwood St. PEACE PRESBYTERIAN MILLICENT Mod.Ps. Bryan Crawford (03) 6352 4024 Student Centre, Deception Bay State High Cnr Fifth & Sixth Sts. 10.30 am. STANLEY (St James) School 9.30am. I.M. Rev. R. Schwartz (08) 8762 1035. Fletcher St. Rocky Cape, Mawbanna MT BARKER Rev. John Gilmour (07) 3261 7804 Mod. Mr I Bessell (03) 6443 4299 Hutchison St. 10.30 am. REDCLIFFE PENINSULA ULVERSTONE (St Andrew’s) Pastor Rupert Hanna (08) 8391 3151. 65 Main Rd. 10.00am. WoodyPoint, Cnr. Ellen & Hawthorne Sts. Mod. Rev. John Campbell (08) 8261 3045. 9.30am. & 6.00pm. Rev Daniel Combridge (03) 6425 9525. MT GAMBIER WEST TAMAR Scarborough: Jeays St. 8.00am. Allison St. 10.00 am. 6.30 pm. Also Allendale, Auld Kirk, Sidmouth and Mole Creek Rev. Peter Whitney (07) 3284 2578. Glenburnie, Nelson (Vic), OB Flat. Mod: Rev. John Britton (03) 6339 4480 ROCKHAMPTON (St Andrew’s) Rev R. Waterhouse Ph/Fx (08) 8723 9028 Cnr. Bolsover & Derby Sts. 10.00am. & MURRAY BRIDGE 6.00pm. St John’s: Parnell St. 8.30am. Masonic Hall 5.00pm. (1st, 3rd & 5th S’day) Rev Charlie Kennedy (07) 4922 8241. I.M. Pastor Rupert Hanna (08) 8391 3151. victoria ROCKHAMPTON (John Knox) NARACOORTE Rundle St. 10.00 am. & 7.30 pm. Church St. 10.00am. ARARAT Rev. Jon Chandler (07) 4922 1825 Rev Rudi Schwartz (08) 8762 1035 Cnr. Campbell St. (Pyrenees H’way) and NORWOOD (St Giles) ROCKHAMPTON ( St Stephen’s) Queen St. 10 am. Mr Norman Sharp 79 The Parade. 9.15am & 7.00pm. O.(03) 5334 3747 H. (03) 5352 4054 Burnett St. Nth Rockhampton, 8.30am. Rev Dr Reg Mathews (08) 8395 7841 ASHBURTON Rev Jon Chandler (07) 4922 1825 PARA HILLS Junction of High St. and High Street Rd. Mt Morgan: St Enoch’s, East St. 9.00am. 174 Maxwell Rd. 10.45 am. near Warrigal Rd. 10.15am. Rev Gilbert Jansen (07) 4938 2485. Rev Dr Reg Mathews (08) 8395 7841 Rev Peter Orchard (03) 9889 6034. SANDGATE PENOLA ASPENDALE Loudon St. 9.00am. & 6.00pm. Portland St. 10.45 am. Rev. Alan Clarkson Cnr Station St. & Lyle Grv. 9.00am. & I.M. Rev. D. Todd (Em.) (07) 3269 9359 (08) 8737 2984 Also Dergholm, Kalangadoo 6.00pm. Rev A. Campbell (03) 9580 0530.

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 17 CHURCHEVANGELISM DIRECTORY

AUBURN FRANKSTON 7.00pm. Also Stanhope, Kyabram. Cnr Rathmines & Station Sts 30 Radiata St. 10.30am. & 6.00pm. Rev Kyung Ee (03) 5831 6494. Hawthorn East 10.00 am. (03) 9882 5256 Rev David Kumnick (03) 9786 2976. SOMERVILLE BAIRNSDALE GEELONG WEST (Scots) Cnr Jones Rd. & Park Lane. 7th Day Adventist Church, 149 Nicholson Cnr. Pakington & Waratah Sts. 10.00am. Rev. Ian Brown (03) 5977 5469. St. 10.00 am. 1st of Month 5.00pm. I.M. Dr. Allan Harman (03) 5256 2134. SOUTH YARRA S/school 9.00 am. GLEN WAVERLEY–KNOXFIELD 621 Punt Rd. 10.00 am. & 6.30 pm. Past. Laurie Leighton (03) 5153 1669 Highvale Primary School, Rev. Stuart Bonnington (03) 9867 4637 BALACLAVA Ashton St. Glen Waverley 9.30am. SORRENTO-RYE Rev. Trevor Cox (03) 9764 9141. Hotham St. & Denman Ave.10.00am. Rye: St David’s, Col’wood & Lyons Sts.9.30am. HAMILTON Rev Mike Wharton (03) 9527 3270. Sorrento: St Andrew’s, Kerferd Rd. 11.00am. BENDIGO (St John’s) St Andrew’s, Gray & McIntyre Sts. 10.00am. & 5.00pm. (last Sunday of month) SUNSHINE Forest St. 10.30am. McKay Memorial, Anderson Rd. 10.00am. & Rev Andrew Clarke (03) 5443 6189. Rev Keith Bell (03) 5572 1009 HAWTHORN 7.00pm. Rev Cor Vanderhorn (03) 9311 1661 BLACKBURN SURREY HILLS (St Stephen’s) 53 Gardenia St. 11.00am. 580 Glenferrie Rd. 11.00 am. & 7.00 pm. Canterbury & Warrigal Rds. 10.15am & Rev P Locke (03) 9725 6417 Rev. Graham Nicholson (03) 9819 5347. 7.00pm. Family Services 6.00pm (2nd & 4th BUNDOORA KANGAROO GROUND Sunday). Deaf Christian Fellowship 2.30pm. Bundoora Hall, Noorong Ave. 10.00am. 265 Eltham-Yarra Glen Rd. 9.30am. Admin: Mrs M. Goodson (03) 9431 4980. S. Clerk: Dr R.Baldock. (03) 9437 1265 Rev. Chris Siriweera (03) 9833 3306. BURWOOD KOREAN UPPER YARRA – WARBURTON (Chinese Presbyterian Church) 11.00am. 16 Walnut Rd. North Balwyn. 3471 Warburton H’way. 10.00am. & 6.00pm. Cnr. Greenwood &Tennyson Sts. English language service. 11.00 am Mr. Tony Archer (03) 5966 2309. LEONGATHA Rev Dr John Elnatan (03) 9801 7645. WANGARATTA — REGIONAL Cnr. Bent & Turner Sts. 10.00am. CAMBERWELL- Trinity PARISH Session Clerk: (03) 5662 4734 cnr Riversdale & Waterloo Sts. 10.00am. Wangaratta, 158 Rowan St. Yarrawonga, MALVERN Rev. Philip Mercer (03) 9882 8102 47 Orr St. Myrtleford , 78 Standish St 161-163 Wattletree Rd. 10.30am. & 5.00 pm. CAMPERDOWN-TERANG-GARVOC Rev. Neil Harvey (03) 5721 6444 Rev John S Woodward (03) 9509 7373. 9.30 am Aug — Jan. 11am Feb — July WARRNAMBOOL (St John’s) MELBOURNE Terang: 1 Warrnambool Rd. Warrnambool: Cnr Spence & Manifold Sts. The Scots’ Church, Cnr. Russell & Collins 10.00am & 7.00 pm. Sunday Night Life 5.30 Camperdown: Campbell & Brooke Sts. Sts. 11am & 7pm. Wed. 1.00pm. Garvoc: 2:30pm. 2nd & 4th Sunday. Rev. Douglas Robertson (03) 9650 9903. South Warrnambool: McDonald St. 9.30 Pastor Bernie Thomas (03)5592 1041 MELTON Woodford: Mill St. 11.00 am CANTERBURY Mowbray College, Centenary Ave. Warrnambool Office: (03) 5562 2029 146 Canterbury Rd. 10.30am. & 7 pm. Rev Peter Owen (03) 9747 8195. Rev Chris ten Broeke (03) 5561 5373 Rev. Grant Lawry (03) 9836 4601. MOE — YARRAM Rev. Philip Burns (03) 5561 7899. CANTERBURY JAPANESE Moe: 34 Fowler St. 10.00am. WEST FOOTSCRAY 146 Canterbury Rd. 10.30 am Yarram: Cnr. Dougherty & Montgomery 141 Essex St. (Scots) 10.00 am. Rev. Hugh Price (03) 9894 2384 Sts. 2.00pm. Rev Jared Hood (03) 5127 1296. Session Clerk: Ms J Swift (03) 9687 5701 CAULFIELD-ELWOOD NOORAT-DARLINGTON WILLIAMSTOWN (St Andrew’s) Caulfield: Neerim/Bambra Rds. 11.15am. Noorat: Cnr Mc Kinnons Bridge & 87 Cecil St. 10.00am. Elwood: Scott/Tennyson Sts. 9.15am & Glenormiston Rds. 10.30 am. Rev. Bruce Riding (03) 9397 5338 4.00pm. Rev Stephen Tay (03) 9505 3013. Darlington: Hall St. 8.45 am. (1st & 3rd WOORI YALLOCK CHELTENHAM Pioneers’ Presbyterian Sundays) Rev. Barry Oakes (03) 5592 5220 Healesville Rd. 9.15am & 5 pm, (7pm DLS) 8 Park Rd. Cnr. Charman Rd. 9.30am. NORTH GEELONG-NORTH SHORE Rev David Brown (03) 5964 6014. Rev. David Palmer (03) 9583 2785 Nth Geelong: Cnr Victoria St. & Balmoral CLIFTON HILL Cr. 10.00 am (alt. Sundays) & 5.00pm (2nd Cnr Michael & McKean Sts Sunday of month). North Fitzroy. 10.30 am North Shore: Cnr Seabeach Pde & Myrtle Rev Peter Phillips (03) 9481 4642. Gv. 10.00 am. (alt. Sundays) western australia CROYDON HILLS Rev. Allan Lendon (03) 5278 1887. Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School NUMURKAH 57 Plymouth Rd. Croydon. 10.00am. 58 Saxton St. 11.15am. BICTON (03) 9725 5370 Tallygaroopna: Victoria St. 9.30am. Harris St. & View Tce. 9.00am & 7.00pm. DANDENONG Cobram: Cnr High and Pine Sts. (Anglican Rev. Andrew Robinson (08) 9339 3542 51 Potter St. 10.00am. Church) 2.30pm. FREMANTLE (Scots) Ses. Clerk. (03) 9793 1423 Rev. John Rickard (03) 5862 1621. Cnr South Tce & Parry St. 10.00 am DONVALE RESERVOIR Cnr. Springvale & McGowan’s Rds. 8.30am, 81 Edwardes St. 10.00 am. & 7.00 pm. Chinese Worship & Sunday School. 3.00 pm. 10.30 am & 6.30pm. Rev Gerald Vanderwert I.M. Rev. N. Chambers (03) 9455 3369 Rev James Nocher (08) 9319 2208. (03) 9842 9493. (03) 9841 7020 (O) RINGWOOD-HEATHMONT WHITFORDS (St Mark’s) DROMANA — MORNINGTON Cnr. Waterloo St. & Canterbury Rd. Anglican School, St Marks Dr Hilarys. Dromana: St Andrew’s, Gibson St. 9.00am. Heathmont 10.00am. 9.00am. Rev Alan Perrie (08) 9447 1074. Mornington (TheChapel) Cnr Strachans Rev. Andrew Venn (03) 9870 5182. Rd. & Nepean Hwy. 11.00am. ROCHESTER To register your church in this section of the I.M. Rev. A Campbell (03) 9580 6161. Cnr. Victoria St. & Echuca Rd. 11.00am. & Australian Presbyterian is an easy, low cost DROUIN 7.30pm. Timmering 9.30 am exercise. Facsimile the AP office on: Church St. 9am. 10.30am. 7.30pm. Rev. A. Perona (03) 5484 1927. (03) 9723 9685 or E-mail us at: Sept-April; 7.00pm. May-Aug. ST KILDA [email protected] Rev. Ken Brown (03) 5625 1126. Cnr Alma Rd. & Barkly St. 11.00am & The Annual Fees are: ELTHAM 7.00pm. Rev Bob Thomas (03) 9537 1642 (O) Congregations under 50 $45.00 plus GST 23 Batman Rd. 10.00 am SHEPPARTON Congregations 51 -99 $55.00 plus GST Rev. Don Elliott (03) 9439 9720 Cnr. Hayes & Leithen Sts. 9.00am. & Congregations 100 or more $65.00 plus GST

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 18 BIBLE STUDY

DAY 9 Awesome breakthrough. DAY 12 Unity enhanced by diversity. THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 3:1-13 THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 4:7-11 THE POINT Paul wanted the (mostly Gentile) Ephesian believers THE POINT To enable his Church to operate smoothly and well to realise the magnitude and significance of what the God of Christ has dealt out to each of us different gifts of his grace. It is Creation was doing as the one Jewish-Gentile Church of Christ important to remember, therefore, his qualifications for doing this: came to life. he is none other than the Eternal Son of God who came to earth, THE PARTICULARS won a decisive victory over Satan, and returned to heaven with the • ‘Insignificant’ Paul was given a special task of making known to spoils which he now distributes to his Church. Accordingly we Gentiles the mystery of the Gospel of God’s grace in Christ. must recognise these gifts in each other and ourselves, using them only, not for self gain or glory, but for the good of his Church. • To be able to do this he was given a direct revelation from God. • A written New Testament, to be added to the canon of the Old THE PARTICULARS Testament, was inevitable because of the new revelation given by the • Anything we are or have is a gift from Christ, not a gold medal. Holy Spirit to apostles and prophets appointed by Christ. • Psalm 68:18 was anticipating the work of Christ for his Church – • A significant aspect of this new revelation is that Gentiles now his incarnation, his humiliation all the way to the hell of the cross, stand with Israel as heirs of all God’s Messianic promises. his atonement, his victorious resurrection and ascension (see • By God’s gracious gift and power Paul became a slave to his task, Philippians 2:5-11 for a fuller explanation of this process). even to the point of imprisonment, a suffering that by association • Christ is fully qualified to allocate gifts throughout his Church. would be glory for the Church at Ephesus (cf Acts 5:41). • The different gifts include: apostolic authority (The Twelve and • Not even the angels could foresee the brightness of God’s glory Paul); the ability to declare God’s Word; the ability to take the that would be shown in the establishment of Christ’s Church. Gospel to the lost; the task of nurturing and feeding God’s flock. TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY • Reflect on what it means to to you to be part of God’s Church. • What is really wrong if diversity starts undermining unity? DAY 13 DAY 10 What is ‘Church’ to you?. Church is not a game. THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 4:11-16 THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 3:14-21 THE POINT Christ is serious about his Church working in total THE POINT Paul does not see the part of our lives we label harmony and is providing all the necessary gifts. We must not settle ‘Church’ as just an attachment but rather as forming the very essence for less. of who we are in Christ – everything else must fit in around it. It is through his Church, of which Christ is the Head, that God displays THE PARTICULARS his glory to the world. He is able to do this more than we realise. • In our post-Apostolic Church today the functionaries of v. 11 are modified by the fact that the New as well as the Old Testament THE PARTICULARS Scriptures are our infallible Supreme Authority. • The Church Universal, comprising the Church Triumphant in • The fundamental task of those gifted to have special leadership heaven and the Church Militant on earth, is all one big family roles in the Church is to equip all members to be more effective. (patria) bearing the ‘family’ name of God the Father (patera). • Christ’s aim is for his Body to grow in every way until fully • This encourages Paul to bow in prayer before God, asking that: united with him as its Head. This will be achieved when: – the Holy Spirit would ‘genetically’ strengthen them from the – we become mature, united in our understanding and practice of overwhelmingly wonderful resources of his power; what we believe, and in our relationship to him as Son of God; – their faith in Christ would be at the very centre of their lives; – we stop acting like naive babies, sucked in by everything we are – individually and collectively they would have a full experience of attracted to, showing no discernment as to its helpfulness; the measure of Christ’s love and of God himself, even to the point – we get the balance right between sticking to the truth of what of knowing the unknowable, sustaining their life by it. God has revealed in his Word and living out his selfless love! • God can do much more in us than we realise (or even ask)! • When a body functions as it should each part helps not hinders. TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY • Do you think of the Church the way Paul does? Is membership • What aspects of your thinking/life/relationships does this passage in God’s family, and therefore of his Church, your first priority? require you to modify? Will it matter if you don’t? DAY 11 Unity doesn’t just happen. DAY 14 Old me, new me. THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 4:1-6 THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 4:17-28 THE POINT Paul knows that by its very nature the Gospel brings THE POINT Living for Christ is not about making a few appro- into one family people of totally different backgrounds, cultures, priate adjustments to our lifestyle; it involves a U-turn, a whole new gifts and personalities. Given this, peace and harmony are not going mindset; it is a requirement for all Christians, not just a pious few. to just happen automatically. But unity is so basic to our identity as THE PARTICULARS God’s chosen people that we must not settle for anything less. • Because of the emphasis Paul has given to the unity of Gentiles THE PARTICULARS and Jews in Jesus he can now use ‘Gentile’ to refer to unbelievers. • Following Jesus is serious business. Paul is in prison for it. So he • Unbelievers cannot think clearly since they do not know God, urges us to use our freedom to live lives that reflect truly our high the source of true wisdom. Their spiritual blindness comes from a calling in Christ, by God’s grace, as he has described it. hard heart and leads to behaviour motivated by animal appetite • The first step in doing this concerns our attitude to ourselves and rather than a sensitive conscience. We must quit all such living. to each other – knowing we are saved by grace humbles us and leads • Jesus displayed the true life that pleases God. Knowing Christ to a gentle attitude towards others; God’s patient mercy, raising us involves discarding everything to do with the old life with its desires to life when we were dead in sin, should inspire in us a response that can never be truly satisfied and dressing in righteousness and where we patiently put up with others’ failings. holiness with a mindset towards being like God. • No matter which way you look at it, the Gospel is about unity: • Such a mindset involves: honest speech; brotherly love; dealing we are all given the same confidence, made children of the same with anger quickly; confronting Satan; honest work; sharing. Father by the same means through the same Saviour. We are TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY obliged therefore to prove the Spirit’s work by maintaining peace. • How is a Christian different from someone who just wants to live TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY a good, morally upright life? Is an unbeliever able to please God? • Whom don’t you get on with at Church? So what must you do? How does who we are in Christ make such a difference?

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 19 BIBLE STUDY

DAY 15 In the world, but not of it. DAY 18 Happy families. THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 4:29-5:7 THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 6:1-4 THE POINT Becoming a Christian is a radical change. Once, we THE POINT The breakdown of authority in society is directly were on our own where bad behaviour hardly even attracted atten- related to the breakdown of authority in the home. God’s com- tion. Now, we are children belonging to a God who is perfectly holy mands are clear. It is easy to blame the children but, in a way that’s and pure – and sin stands out like a sore thumb. We must be rid of closely parallel to the point made yesterday, the source of the prob- every trace of it. Instead, Christ-like love must be our standard. lem is often parents who have failed in their love and instruction. THE PARTICULARS THE PARTICULARS • The aspects of our old nature that must be eradicated include: • God’s clear, unambiguous requirement of children is obedience. – talk that is obscene, frivolous, slanderous or at all offensive • The Fifth Commandment to ‘Honour your father and mother ...’ (especially to the Holy Spirit who is always there for us); leaves no doubt that God’s continued patience and blessing cannot – attitudes of bitterness, malice, anger, envy, greed or idolatry; be relied on by any who choose to disregard this directive. – (sexually) immoral actions (or even the thoughts or leanings • Parents (and the buck stops with fathers as the head of the house) that lead to them – like TV, www.porn, ‘harmless’ flirtation); are to encourage obedience from their children by setting a good – on-going associations that aid and abet any of the above. example and by avoiding doing anything that may make it harder • Signs of our new nature that should continue to grow include: for their children (who still have Adam’s fallen, rebellious nature – encouraging and personally affirming interaction with others; with which they were born – and their parents’ genes!) to keep the – actions inspired by compassion, forgiveness, sacrificial love. commandment. This warrants careful self-examination. • Christ’s sacrificial love must always be our model and standard. • Parents must also provide constant, consistent, godly teaching. TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY • How can we keep in touch with our ungodly world for the sake • The old baptismal promise required parents ‘by prayer, precept of evangelism yet still avoid being tainted by its evil influence? and example’ to bring up their children. Why are all 3 important? DAY 16 Switched-on for Christ. DAY 19 Workplace relations. THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 5:8-20 THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 6:5-9 THE POINT What Paul writes here is especially relevant to us THE POINT For Christians, all relationships (husband-wife, par- today. Our society is drifting into increasing moral darkness without ent-child, master-slave – or, for us, employer-employee) must be being aware of the danger, and in many ways the Church seems to modelled on his supreme example: submission/obedience upwards, be asleep. It’s time to wake up, turn on the light of Christ, and shine! love and consideration downwards. THE PARTICULARS THE PARTICULARS • Christ has brought us from darkness to light – we must live as • Christian slaves (employees) are instructed to submit to their children of light. This is a direction, not just a suggestion and ‘calling’ and give it their best shot as if their master (employer) was involves reading God’s Word to find out what pleases him. the Lord himself, ie with sincerity, honour and respect. Peter takes • We need to test our lives by the light (Is it good/right/true?) and this still further and says it applies even if the master is a tyrant (1 not only refuse to participate in anything that fails the test but Peter 2:18-21). We may find this hard in the modern context of expose it for what it is. (What about your TV/Net habits?) workplace relations but it’s the example set by Jesus. • As then, these are hard and desperate days for a clear, Christian • At the end of the day, the only rewards that really matter are the witness. We need to be wise, alert, in touch with God’s leading, Lord’s. He’s the one to whom we’re ultimately accountable. intoxicated with nothing other than the Holy Spirit, and ever ready • Christian masters (employers) must always exercise their author- to use every chance we can get to speak up for Christ. ity as if their own Master and Judge, Jesus, were looking over their • Spirit-inspired singing is a great way to encourage each other and shoulder. He himself once said, ‘From everyone who has been express our united praise and gratitude in Christ to the Father. given much, much will be demanded ...’ (Luke 12:48). TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY • Think about how essential your fellowship in the Church with • Do you find it easy to apply these things consistently at work? other believers is for keeping your own witness alive and bright. • What should we do as Christians if our Union goes on strike? DAY 17 God’s view of Marriage. DAY 20 Spiritual warfare. THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 5:21-33 THE PASSAGE EPHESIANS 6:10-24 THE POINT Paul sees the marriage relationship as absolutely vital THE POINT The Church is the expression of God’s Kingdom on to the health of the Church. If we don’t get this right we cannot be earth. All the practical issues raised from 4:17 on are concerned the children of light we’re called to be. Is this why Satan is putting with the ongoing struggle the Church will have in the world until so much effort into undermining the Biblical view of marriage? Jesus’ return. The world will oppose us. It will put constant pres- THE PARTICULARS sure on us to adopt its value system.. This is Spiritual Warfare. In many ways, especially when we look at the Church in the West, the • A healthy marriage relationship is one based on mutual submis- world seems to be winning. We need to reassess our armour. sion to Christ, recognising him as the true Head of the house. • Relationships in Christian marriage must serve as a true model for THE PARTICULARS the Church: Wife is to Husband as the Church is to Christ. • The battle is spiritual, not physical; it needs spiritual weapons. • Therefore, the instruction to the wife (stop reading, husbands, it • The prince of this world, the devil, is an aggressor. With our is not addressed to you!) is to submit to her husband as head. strength in the Lord, we must take a positive stand against him. • We might expect the equivalent instruction to the husband to be • Our spiritual armour consists of truth, righteousness, peace ema- to rule, but it is NOT there! The only instruction to husbands is to nating from the Gospel and its proclamation, faith, salvation, and love with the same sacrificial love Christ had for the Church (see the Scriptures. Each is likened to a part of a soldier’s armour. Mark 10:35-45 for Jesus’ instruction on servant headship). • Constant, alert prayer is the principal weapon behind it all. • Leaving and cleaving is for keeps; settling for less isn’t an option. • Paul knew that the battle is never fought alone. He was aware of, concerned for, and grateful to all his fellow soldiers. Are you? TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY • I think the reaction of the world (and even many Christians) TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY against God’s view of marriage stems from a time when men read • Review your spiritual armoury. Which of your weapons need the RULE where God wrote LOVE. What do you think? most urgent attention? What will you do about it today?

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 20 NEWS

Cambodian ministry Across John Baillie Australia Andrew Bell of Bundoora (Vic) is cur- rently working along with workers from 1920 – 2003 Wycliffe Bible Translators in the transla- Still flying tion of the New Testament in the Monodukiri region of Cambodia near the John Baillie was born at border with Vietnam. Cambuslang, Lanarkshire, in Scotland Last month marked the 75th anniversary and died at Canberra on 29 January of the first experimental flight of the Easter convention 2003. He served in the Royal Australian Inland Mission Aerial Engineers and was a veteran of Medical Service. This organisation, after Rev. Peter Owen of Melton (Vic) trav- Dunkirk. In 1948 Mr Baillie became a it had been transferred from being under elled to Auckland to join Rev. Victor Salvation Army Officer. From 1954 the direct control of the General Attalah of the Middle East Reformed he associated himself with the Church Assembly of Australia, became famous Fellowship as speakers at the Easter con- of Scotland and began preparing for world-wide as the Royal Flying Doctor vention of the Covenant congregation of ordination. Service. The first flying doctor was K. St. the Grace Presbyterian Church of NZ. In 1960 the Baillie family migrated Vincent Welsh and the first plane was a to Australia under sponsorship of the De Havilland DH 50 named Victory. The Prayerful start Presbyterian Church of Victoria by flight was from Cloncurry in Queensland whom he had been accepted as a can- to Julia Ceek 85 miles away. The service To start the new 2003 semester off, the didate for the ministry. Mr Baillie was was an immediate success and eventually faculty and many of the students of the ordained in 1965. He served in brought great hope and comfort to the Presbyterian Theological College in parishes at Glenorchy (Tas), Outback. Melbourne gathered together for a prayer Caringbah, Hamilton (NSW), and morning. The focus was on various aspects from 1979 at the Church of St Kilnoorat gathering of the work of the Presbyterian Church, Andrew in Canberra and remained including theological education overseas in there until ill health forced him to Twenty-eight women from India, Vanuatu, Malawi and Bangladesh. become a Minister Emeritus in 1985. Camperdown, Hamilton, Noorat, Terang As his health allowed Mr Baillie and Warnambool came to the Kilnoorat Moving pictures continued doing supply work, includ- Presbyterial Association’s half-yearly ing in Darwin, and from 1994 to his meeting at Woolsthorpe on 27 March. Victorian Moderator Rev. John Wilson death he was moderator of the Mrs Joy Hill spoke and showed slides of opened a new cinema in the church hall of Belconnen Home Mission Station. Bosnia and the people she hopes to work St. John’s, Bendigo, on 23 May. It is Throughout his service to the church with. Mrs Florence Laidlaw was the hoped that the cinema will be of use in he exercised a powerful evangelical soloist, accompanied by Mrs Mary sharing the gospel with the general com- pulpit ministry and a wide pastorate. Bennett. Treasurer Mrs Val Murfitt munity in Bendigo as well as a means of He cherished the traditional worship reported that $2275 had been sent for encouraging Christian growth within the and customs of the church as giving missionary support to date. Christian community. The first feature expression to her order and evangeli- film shown was Jesus. cal heritage. Mr Baillie had a keen and Persevering Presbyterians alert mind and with this, and drawing Behind paganism on his wide experience, he served the Two former students of PLC Presbytery actively in many roles Melbourne, Kate Milner (Bradbeer) and In the past couple of months a leading until only days before his death. her sister Kirsty Bradbeer, braved choppy New Testament scholar, Dr Peter Jones, waters to complete the annual 22-kilome- has been addressing large numbers at pub- tre swim between Cottesloe Beach, Perth, lic meetings in Australia and New Zealand. and Rottnest Island, in eight hours and 30 Dr Jones, professor of New Testament at Dayspring minutes. Conditions this year were so the Westminster Theological Seminary rough that only 66 of the 160 solo swim- in California, is author of several books on mers finished in the given time. The pair pagan spirituality. Mrs Rebecca Jones also The PWMU every month publishes a were raising money for the Christian aid spoke, discussing such subjects as Woman: children’s magazine, Dayspring, named agency TEAR Australia’s “Water Matters” Image of God, Glory of Man and the after the ship used to visit isolated mis- campaign. Christian Woman’s Credo. sionaries in the Pacific during the 19th

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AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 21 NEWS

century. Dayspring is available for a nomi- The books banned include translated nal cost and each issue includes many works by J.I. Packer, John Stott and oth- interesting articles for children designed ers, which are not banned in their original Stephen Tay to inform them concerning world mission English form. Such a ban discriminates 1944 – 2003 and the Christian faith. For more details, against non-English-speaking Malaysian contact the PWMU, 156 Collins Street, Christians. Melbourne 3000, fax 03 9654 5018 or The Barnabas Fund After a long struggle with cancer [email protected] Rev. Stephen Kian Tay died on 17 Muslims rampage in Nigeria April 2003. Originally from Singapore, Mr Tay studied at the Violence in predominantly Christian WEC College in Tamania and subse- Plateau State in Nigeria is continuing quently at the Presbyterian Around unabated since the first major outbreak Theological College, was ordained in the World in Jos, in 2001 when more than 2000 1993 and served from then until his died in orchestrated inter-religious vio- death at the Caulfield-Elwood (Vic) lence. charge. Arabs seek Bibles Non-Muslim settlements now suffer Under his ministry the charge attacks on an almost weekly basis in what greatly strengthened. Mr Tay saw Increasing numbers of Arabs, including appears to be part of a deliberate attempt himself by the grace of God primarily in Iraq, are requesting Bibles and informa- to alter the ethno-religious make up of the as an evangelist, a role in which God tion about Christianity, according to state in order to facilitate the institution chose to use him. World Bible Translation Centre’s Roger of Shari’ah Law in this key state in the Mr Tay is survived by his wife Ai- Massey. Middle Belt. Ling, his daughter Rebecca, son-in- “There’s a rise, especially among young The attackers are described as heavily law Sam and their daughter Eunice. people, of interest in Christianity and armed, numbering up to 2000 and wearing willingness to look at it and listen to what the white headbands favoured by it really is,” he said. This sets the stage for Jihadists. In an indication of the interna- distributing the easy-to-read Arabic por- tional dimensions of the violence, they are tions of Scripture throughout the area. accompanied by militants from the Massey says with the plight facing the republics of Chad and Niger. Robert Caldwell Arab regions, prayer is needed for contin- The recent intensification of violence ued openness so that, “when the Gospel, in the Wase and Langtang areas occurred 1922 – 2003 or even a portion of it comes into their in the aftermath of vehement protests by hands, that they’d be able to read it and Hausa Fulani Muslims against plans by understand it for what it truly is; not a the state government to create a new local The funeral service for Rev. Robert propaganda piece, but a way to eternal life government area with the town of Anderson Caldwell was held on 22 with the creator of their souls”. Kadarko as its headquarters. In July 2002 April 2003 at the historic Hunter World Bible Translation Centre Muslims attempted to ethnically cleanse Baillie Church in Annandale. Mr the predominantly Christian Taroh tribe Caldwell was born at Merewether Malaysia bans books from Wase, killing more than 5000 peo- (Newcastle) in 1922. ple, displacing at least 100,000 and He served as a home missionary at The Malaysian Home Ministry (KDN) destroying more than 80 Christian vil- Patterson, Stockton and Dee Why, has banned 35 books it considers detri- lages. then was ordained and inducted into mental to public peace. Twelve of these are Christian Solidarity Worldwide Narrabri / Wee Waa, where he became Christian books, 11 of them in the mayor. He was translated to East national language, Bahasa Malaysia. The Persecution in Eritrea Maitland, then to St Andrews 12th is a translation of the Bible in Iban, Wollongong and finally to Drumoyne the language of the Iban people of A total of 170 Protestant Christians have Presbyterian Church from where he Sarawak, which has been freely available in been jailed, beaten and threatened with retired in 1987. the country for more than five years. death by Eritrean security forces in a Mr Caldwell served as the The statement issued by the KDN harsh crackdown during February and Moderator of the PCNSW in 1976. stated that the “printing, import, produc- March. In five separate incidents, police He was actively involved in social ser- tion, reproduction, sale, circulation, dis- barged into worship services and a wed- vices, a part time Superintendent of tribution and possession of books listed ding ceremony to jail men, women and Ministry and Mission, and he became under the schedule are banned in the children for practising what government a leading figure in the organisation country”. A jail sentence of up to three officials called “a new religion”. Although which led to the continuing years and/or a maximum fine of 20,000 no formal charges were filed against Presbyterian Church after Church Malaysian ringgits (nearly $10,000) will them, the jailed Protestants were held in union in 1977. He also served as a be given to anyone found guilty of cramped, suffocating cells for up to two Trustee of the PCNSW. He is sur- breaking this ban. Thus, the Iban weeks for refusing to return to the his- vived by a son Alan and a daughter Christians of Sarawak could face such torically dominant Orthodox Church Janet. consequences simply for possessing an faith. Iban Bible. Compass

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 22 NEWS

Russians form alliance down Christians’ homes; intimidation on 1 April. At this latter meeting the and brutal torture. authorities threatened to confiscate from The refounding of the Russian The observer said the clamp down fol- the owner the flat where they met for Evangelical Alliance took place in lowed evangelical boasts that they were worship. Rumyantsevo near Moscow on April 2. partly responsible for the overthrow of The Barnabas Fund The step was supported by the vast major- some governments in Eastern Europe, ity of the more than 150 participants from and authorities fear evangelicals will do more than 40 churches, organisations, the same in Vietnam if given the chance. associations, missions and local alliances. Also, Vietnamese authorities equate being A final constitution is to be passed at the a Christian with being an American, and On the next national conference in one year. America is their number one enemy. Agenda Gordon Showell-Rogers, general sec- Intercessors Network retary of the European Evangelical Alliance, was impressed by the strong Children intimidated Holy high roller desire for the creation of an alliance. Dr Vladimir Ryagusov, rector of Turkmenistan’s secret police, the William J. Bennett, author of The Book Moscow’s Baptist seminary and chairman National Security Committee, have been of Virtues and one of America’s most of the founding committee, said: “I was taking Christian children from their class- relentless moral crusaders, is a high- surprised by the unity of spirit among the rooms and interrogating them about rolling gambler who has lost more than $8 delegates. They clearly understand the “internal church life and their Christian million at casinos in the last decade, implications of an Evangelical Alliance for education in their families” in the city of according to online reports from two Russia and the tasks with which they will Balkanabad, western Turkmenistan magazines. be confronted.” according to Forum 18 News Service. The Washington Monthly said on its Russian Evangelical Alliance Following their interrogation the chil- website that “over the last decade Bennett dren were banned from attending church has made dozens of trips to casinos in Police murder Christian services and the older ones threatened Atlantic City and Las Vegas, where he is a with prison. Despite the services being “preferred customer” at several of them, Human rights group International unregistered with the government, which and sources and documents provided to Christian Concern reports that police in requires all religious groups of 500 adults The Washington Monthly put his total Lahore, Pakistan, murdered a Christian or more to register, their attendance is not losses at more than $8 million.” father of five who was falsely accused of technically illegal. Therefore, this is a Newsweek reported that 40 pages of stealing 3000 law books. Rehmat Masih, worrying incident for Christians in west- internal casino documents show that father of five, was accused with the com- ern Turkmenistan. Bennett received treatment typical of pany’s only other Christian, although 10 The interrogations followed a raid on high-stakes gamblers, including limou- Muslim employees had access. the children’s local church on 16 March sines and “tens of thousands of dollars in Rehmat’s wife stated, “My husband by police and officials. Another raid took complimentary hotel rooms and other was innocent and was arrested only place on a church service in a private flat amenities”. because he was a bold Christian. My hus- band was uneducated and his means of transport was a bicycle. Why would he steal 300 books and how could he trans- port them on a bicycle?” The two Christians were taken into K. M. SMITH custody without charges being filed on Funeral Directors — since 1877 March 2nd. 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AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 23 NEWS

The fact of Bennett’s gambling is not “I view it as drinking,” he said. “If you Christian broadcaster dies new. He has said over the years that he can’t handle it, don’t do it.” likes to gamble and that it relaxes him. Mr. Bennett is popular among social Clifford Warne, well known as one of What is unusual is the apparent extent of conservatives, but many of them con- Australia’s most gifted Christian commu- his losses; neither magazine reported his sider gambling a serious problem. James nicators – particularly through his long winnings. C. Dobson, the president of Focus on association with Anglican Television – has Bennett told the magazines that he has the Family and a member of a federal died, aged 73. basically broken even over the years. “I commission that studied gambling, said Warne died of a heart attack in his play fairly high stakes,” he said, adding, “I in 1999: “Gambling fever now threatens Sydney home on 14 May. Clifford had a don’t put my family at risk, and I don’t the work ethic and the very foundation known heart condition which required owe anyone anything.” of the family. Thirty years ago, gambling by-pass surgery almost two decades ago. The magazines said they had no docu- was widely understood in the culture to However, he had made a superb recovery mentation that he was in debt but sug- be addictive, progressive and danger- and was working as a public speaker, lec- gested that he had lost more than he had ous.” turer, television producer, radio won. Bennett replied: “You don’t see what In the 1990s, leaders of the conserva- announcer, author, puppeteer and magi- I walk away with.” He said he gave some tive Christian Coalition joined other reli- cian right up until his death. of his winnings to charity and reported gious leaders to create the National A tireless worker for the gospel in everything to the Internal Revenue Coalition Against Legalised Gambling. almost every form of media imaginable Service. Ralph Reed, former executive director of and an acclaimed expert in communica- The magazines said that in one two- the Christian Coalition, called gambling tion, his publications include How to month period, Mr Bennett wired one “a cancer on the American body politic” Hold an Audience Without a Rope, Reading casino more than $1.4 million to cover his that was “stealing food from the mouths the Bible Aloud, The Polar Parables and losses. of children”. Tales of Jesus, as well as numerous record- The magazines say he earns $50,000 for Bennett’s friends are reluctant to criti- ings. each appearance in speaking fees on the cise him. “It’s his own money and his own Warne is probably best known for his lecture circuit, where he inveighs against business,” said Grover G. Norquist, pres- contributions to Australian television, various sins, weaknesses and vices of ident of Americans for Tax Reform, a particularly Christian programming. The modern culture. But he exempts gambling conservative advocacy group. “The down- first director of the Church of England from this list. side of gambling losses is that the govern- Television Society (now Anglican He has said in the past that he does ment gets a third of the money, which is Media) in 1957, he produced thousands not consider gambling a moral issue. unfortunate and probably a sin in and of of hours of television programs for the When his interviewers reminded him of itself.” Seven, Nine and Ten networks for more studies that link heavy gambling with a William Kristol, editor of The Weekly than 40 years. variety of societal and family ills, Mr Standard and another conservative ally, His career on the Seven Network Bennett said he did not have a problem agreed that this was a matter between Mr spanned 37 years. He eventually received himself and likened gambling to drinking Bennett, his wife and his accountant. the Order of Australia for his services to alcohol. New York Times children’s television.

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AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 24 REFLECTION A good start The secret to beginning the day the right way.

avid, the royal psalmist of Israel, Since the fellowship of believers is said has set an example worthy of uni- to be with the Father and with his Son versal imitation in respect to the Jesus Christ, have we nothing, then, to proper method of entering upon Matthew say to the Father and to the Son? Is there Deach day. In Psalm 5, after declaring to Henry not occasion to express our adoration of God the pious purpose, “For to you I the divine attributes, and our praise of the pray,” he adds, “In the morning, O Lord, divine works in creation, providence, and you hear my voice; in the morning I lay ness to the feelings of devotion. redemption? Have we not much to say in my requests before you and wait in expec- Therefore, it should, for the most part, be acknowledgment of His amazing grace tation.” employed when we seek to draw near to and bounteousness to us? Is it not proper We are not to suppose, however, that God. Of course, God does not need any to express our affection and our submis- the morning was the only time David verbal utterances from us to understand sion to Him, saying, as did the apostle, prayed. In another psalm he writes, the desires and the affections of our “Lord, you know all things; you know “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in hearts. that I love you”? distress” (Ps. 55:17). Again he writes, It should be our purpose, also, daily to “Seven times a day I praise you” (Ps. approach our God in prayer and in od has something to say to us, as a 119:164). praise. This He expects and requires – GFriend, every day, by the holy It would appear that prayer and praise not because He needs our religious ser- Scriptures, by His providences, and by entered largely into the daily life and vices or can be benefited by them – but our consciences; and if we have nothing occupation of this good man – a man to to say by way of response, do we not whose inspired psalms the Christian prove ourselves to be altogether wanting world is indebted. in friendship and love to Him? When he From his example, we are to learn that We have, or says to us “Seek me”, should not our it is our wisdom and duty to begin every ought to have, hearts answer as to one we love, “We will day with God. something to seek You”? The expression “you hear my voice” So when He says to us, “Return, my may be understood in either of two say to God backsliding children,” should we not read- senses. God will hear, attend to, or regard every day. ily reply, “We’re coming, for You are the the prayer which I address to Him in the Lord our God”? If He speaks to us in the morning. Or, every morning I will way of reproof, and charges us with our address God in the language of supplica- sins, should we not answer by a penitent tion and of praise. because He seeks to maintain a proper confession of them? If He speaks in the In regard to the first of these senses, it sense of His sovereign authority over us language of comfort and of encourage- is important to believe fully that God is a and to remind us continually of our ment, should we not reply in the language prayer-hearing God; whatever we ask of entire dependence upon Him, and of our of grateful praise? Him as Father, in the name of Jesus obligations to honour, obey, and serve Christ the Mediator, according to His will Him. This is an edited excerpt from The Bible revealed in the Scriptures, shall be granted We have, or ought to have, something Method of Daily Living based on lectures by us according to the experience of the to say to God every day. There are multi- Matthew Henry, edited by James R Boyd saints in all ages. God never said to the tudes, however, who do not seem to (Navpress, 1998). ap seed of Jacob, “Seek me,” in vain, but He understand, or they never act upon this “rewards those who earnestly seek Him” sentiment. Their sin and their misery is (Heb. 11:6). that they live without intercourse with God; they are not sensible of their n regard to the second of the above dependence upon Him, nor of their Isenses, David declares that every day – obligations, and hence they have nothing every morning – God should hear the to say to Him. He never hears from voice of his prayer. We may speak to our them just as the father of the prodigal God either with or without the use of the son heard nothing from him for months voice; for the substance of prayer consists and years. They ignore His presence, His in the lifting up of the soul to God and rightful authority and His unceasing pouring out the sentiments of our hearts benefactions. But all right-minded per- before him. sons will feel and acknowledge that The use of the voice greatly aids us in everyone should have something to say fixing our thoughts and giving distinct- to God daily.

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 25 CULTURE WATCH

sic case of the separation between the involved with protecting them, conceal- TV Watch “public” and “private” domains we’ve ing them … there’s been no true The Practice perfected in the modern world. The penance.” issue of paedophile priests is cause for Point taken. And, with the series set in Reviewed by Phil Campbell an exception. Boston, which is still in turmoil over the As usual, Jimmy Berluti is different. actions of real-life Cardinal Bernard F. Long the butt of “crisis of conscience” Law’s handling of offending priests, you plotlines, he’s a committed Catholic who can only wonder at the number of real-life sees the world in black and white. “I’m Catholics who have been inspired by not an abstract thinker. When I see a Bobby Donnell’s fictional example. priest, I see God. But when I think of “Eugene is right,” says Bobby. “Nobody is what some of those guys have done...” angry enough.” Phew. It’s a great reminder of the benefits While David E. Kelley claims Donnell of the reformation, but at the same time is not simply a convenient mouthpiece for we can sympathise with the crisis of faith his own views, Kelley’s view of the scan- that comes with the fall of spiritual lead- dal is not dissimilar. “I think what the ers. church did was an outrage,” he said. “We The real sparks fly in an exchange should invent a better word than out- between Eugene (a black Christian who rage.” apparently goes to a church with “much So where does an episode like this better music” than the Catholics) and one – and our own local church sex senior partner Bobby. Eugene is vehe- scandals – affect the public perception ment. The Catholic Church, he says, of Presbyterians? My guess is, while we may like to claim we walked away from “What many of the problems of Catholicism at the church the reformation, in the eyes of the Cast of The Practice did was an casual non-Christian, we’re all tarred with the same brush. While our theol- outrage. We ogy and church practice need to be hey say life imitates art. But in should invent clearly different, it’s even more impor- The Practice (Network 7, a better word tant that we don’t close our eyes to the Monday nights), it’s very much a than outrage.” existence of the same problems in our case of art imitating life. Within own denomination. Insist on account- Tseconds of a complex legal or ethical issue ability. After all, we don’t need the plat- Eugene Young hitting the news pages, it’s work-shopped itudes of a script writer to remind us we into 50-minute format by David E. sometimes need “a better word than Kelley’s crack scriptwriting team. Or so it has got to go. “Close ’em down,” he outrage”. seems. fumes. “Maybe start again, without the Take the vexed issue of child abuse by money and power. I might even join.” Culture Watch editor Phil Campbell serves clergy – and the bishops who protect Mmm. If no money and no power are on the ministry team at Mitchelton them. While our local version of the prob- the prerequisites, our service starts at Presbyterian Church. ap lem continues to play itself out on the 9.30am. front pages, the situation in the United Bobby is taken aback. He hasn’t States is even more tragic. thought through the consequences of Producer Kelley says he was convinced remaining part of an institution that has he could not follow the standard televi- done so little to stem the tide of sexual sion formula of walking a line to steer abuse. At first offended by Eugene’s sug- clear of controversy. With this issue, says gestion, he becomes uncomfortable with Kelley, “there is no balance – it’s just an his ongoing church membership. atrocity.” The climax of this episode, aired mid- The story line he chooses is a little off May, sees Bobby Donnell quit the church. centre. A victim of an abusing priest takes In a moving exchange with his local priest legal action against a prior victim for fail- (sympathetically portrayed, for the sake ing to warn him of the danger. The real of balance), a tearful Bobby breaks the debate, though, is echoing through the news. “Father, I’m leaving the church. I’m office corridors of Donnell, Young, Dole not leaving the faith. I’m leaving the and Frut. church.” The surprise for most regular viewers Time for some more pre-reformation is that lawyers Eugene Young and theology. “Bobby, you can’t just leave the Bobby Donnell have suddenly devel- church. If you leave the church then you oped deep-seated religious convictions. are leaving the faith.” As “professionals”, they don’t usually But Donnell is adamant. “Until you bring their beliefs to the office – a clas- expel every offending priest and everyone Bobby Donnell

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 26 APOLOGETICS The Marcions have landed! A second-century heretic is dominating worship and theology.

hen one asks who are the most dead for cheating the church actually ther- influential thinkers in the mod- apeutic techniques intended to restore the ern evangelical church, one individuals concerned? might find names such as Jim Carl R. And when leading evangelicals tell me WPacker, John Stott, and Don Carson. I Trueman that penal substitution is tantamount to would like to suggest, however, that there cosmic child abuse (don’t laugh – this is is one whose influence is perhaps much seriously argued by some leading evangel- greater than we are aware of, yet whose First, the emphasis upon God’s love to ical theologians), I’m left wondering thinking all but pervades the modern the utter exclusion of everything else has whether I should sit down and explain the evangelical church: Marcion. become something of a commonplace. doctrine to them, or whether I should He’s the man who gets my vote for We see this in the collapse of the notion of merely tell them to go away and grow up. most profound influence on evangelical- penal substitution as an evangelical doc- Do they really expect the church to take ism, from canon to theology to worship trine. Now, maybe I’m missing some- such claims as serious theological reflec- practices. You never see his books on the thing, but of all the things taught in the tion? shelves in your high street Christian Bible, the terrifying wrath of God would Then, there is the constant tendency to bookshop; you never see him advertised seem to be among the most self-evident neglect the Old Testament in particular in as preaching in your local church; but, rest of all. our theological reflections. Our devo- assured, his spirit stalks those bookshops tional lives also need to take full account and pulpits. of the Old Testament. We need to read the Marcion is – or, rather, was – a some- The average Bible as a whole, to understand each pas- what shadowy figure, with most of what evangelical’s sage, each verse, within the theological we know about him coming from the life would be and narrative structure of the canon as a hostile pen of Tertullian. Apparently, he unaffected if whole. was a native of Pontus (in modern times, the whole the area by the Black Sea), who flourished Bible, except s evangelicals we can often err by in the middle of the second century, dying John and Afocusing purely on the straight doctri- circa 160. nal teaching of the letters in the New Romans, dis- Testament and the great passages in John’s is major distinctive was his insistence appeared. Gospel. A New Testament scholar and Hon the Christian gospel as exclusively friend once said to me that he thought the one of love to the extent that he came to a average evangelical’s life would be pretty complete rejection of the Old Testament Thus, when I hear statements from much unaffected if the whole Bible, and only a qualified acceptance of those evangelical theologians such as “God’s except for the Gospel of John and the parts of the New Testament which he wrath is always restorative,” my mind Letter to the Romans, simply disappeared. considered to be consistent with his cen- goes straight to countless Old Testament Hyperbole maybe, but probably not by tral thesis (i.e., 10 letters of Paul and an passages, the Bible’s teaching about Satan, much. edition of the Gospel of Luke). and New Testament characters such as We need a solid biblical theology – not So how does Marcion influence mod- Ananias and Sapphira. There was not one which downgrades everything to the ern evangelicalism? Well, I think evangeli- much restoration for any of these folk – level of economy at the expense of ontol- calism has become practically Marcionite or are being swallowed alive by the earth, ogy but one which takes full account of at a number of levels. consumed by holy fire and being struck the central narrative of the Bible and seeks

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AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 27 APOLOGETICS

to do justice even to those bits of the services. How terrifying a prospect that the neglect of Old Testament leaves the Bible we don’t like. would be! Imagine: people actually New Testament as more or less meaning- Then, in our church practice, we need singing songs that express the full range of less. to take the Old Testament more seriously. human emotion in their worship using As our reading, our sermons, and our It astounds me, given the overwhelming words of which God has explicitly said times of corporate worship neglect and, use of psalms as central to gathered wor- “These are mine!” sometimes, simply ignore the Old ship in the first four centuries, the Back here on Planet Earth, however, Testament, we can expect a general absolute importance given to psalmody there is generally precious little chance of impoverishment of church life and, finally, for the first two centuries of the post- overloading on sound theology in song in a total collapse of evangelical Reformation Reformed churches, and the most evangelical churches, as the Marcion Christendom. Indeed, there are mornings fact that the Book of Psalms is the only when I wake up and think it’s already all hymn book which can claim to be univer- over, and that the church in the West sur- sal in its acceptance by the whole of vives more by sheer force of personality, Christendom and utterly inspired in all of Think by hype and by marketing ploys rather its statements – it astounds me, I say, that truncated than by any higher power. so few psalms are sung in our worship ser- thoughts about vices today. God and e need to grasp once again who God Moreover, often nothing seems to earn you’ll get a Wis in His fullness; we need to grasp the scorn and derision of others more truncated God. who we are in relation to Him; and we than the suggestion that more psalms need teaching and worship which gives should be sung in worship. Indeed, the full-orbed expression to these things – last few years have seen a number of writ- and this will only come when we in the ers strike out against exclusive psalmody. invasion is pretty much total and unop- West grow up, ditch the designer gods we posed in the sphere of worship. build from our pick-n-mix Bible where iven that life is too short to engage in Yet I for one prefer Athanasius to consumer, not Creator, is king, and give Gpointless polemics, I am left wonder- Marcion as a patristic thinker and, in his the whole Bible its proper place in our ing which parallel universe these guys letter to Marcellinus, he gives one of the lives, thinking and worship. come from, where the most pressing and most beautiful and moving arguments for Think truncated thoughts about God dangerous worship issue is clearly that psalms in worship ever penned (available at and you’ll get a truncated God; read an people sing too much of the Bible in their www.athanasius.com/psalms/aletterm.htm). expurgated Bible and you get an expur- It is a pity more have not taken his words gated theology; sing mindless, superficial to heart. rubbish instead of deep, truly emotional Applications are invited So what will be the long-term conse- praise and you will eventually become quences of this Marcionite approach to what you sing. the Bible? Ultimately, I think it will push from a self-supporting, retired “the God who is there” back into the Carl R. Trueman is Associate Professor ordained or lay person, for the realm of the unknowable. It will make our of Church History and Historical position to minister in god a mere projection of our own psy- Theology at Westminster Theological chology and our worship simply into Seminary in Philadelphia, and editor of group therapy sessions where we all come Themelios. He holds a PhD from the St Stephen’s together to pretend we are feeling great. University of Aberdeen and served as an Presbyterian Church, God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and elder in Aberdeen Free Church of Warialda Jacob – take that identity away and what Scotland. This article appeared in the do we have left? As the Old Testament is PCEA magazine, The Presbyterian the context for the New Testament, so Banner, March 2003. ap Duties include preaching at one service every Sunday, conducting a quarterly nursing home service plus O Worship the King! hospital visitation. Historic 3BR manse, plus Visiting St John’ s wood heater and white goods Forest Street available in a friendly, Melbourne? Bendigo quiet country town in northern NSW. Worship with us at invites you to South Yarra Presbyterian Church Further details worship when 621 Punt Road visiting Victoria available from: Every Sunday 10 am. & 6.30 pm. The Lord’s Day Mrs Dot Smith Minister: Rev Stuart Bonnington 100 Stephen Street, Warialda Phone: (03) 9867 4637 10:30 am NSW 2402 (Less than 3 kms from CBD) Minister: Rev Andrew M Clarke Phone: (02) 6729 1159 (03) 5443 6189

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 28 LETTERS

Esther is the story of a kill or be killed conformity. So did He in fact decree political power struggle. This is the logical something because of what He foresaw ? Letters conclusion considering the rivalries and I am wondering if anyone else has been jealousies that would have existed at the pondering this matter? What is the expla- time and under the circumstances. nation? Elevating, but . . . Political feuding right down to our time is never conducive to scrupulous Phillip Storrs morality, and sexual liaisons often are an Eumundi, Qld Thank you for an excellent collection of aspect of intrigue. For my part I believe most instructive articles on worship, fol- there is more significance for our time in Casting out demons lowed so appropriately by studies in the the mention of Babylon in Revelation and Songs of Ascent. the connection with trade and commerce. There I was, on my way home from I am sorry that two writers allowed Revelation was written by one who had work, doing my usual thing. And there he personal prejudices to sully their good a greater understanding of the relation- was – ranting and raving, cursing and work. ship of ancient historical and religious swearing. If I were not a Christian, I prob- The Rev. Dr. Michael Horton states events than we have in the present intel- ably would have walked past, deemed this that he is “neither a musician nor the son lectual climate where Judaised American poor soul mad and not thought much of a musician” yet seeks to pontificate evangelism exercises considerable influ- more about it. I stopped, stared at this about rock music. I believe the variety of ence on Christianity. miserable wretch and concluded without musical genre shows the puniness of man One lesson we can learn from the doubt that this person was demon-pos- in the face of an eternal God. And he author of Esther is never invoke God in sessed! I just knew and I am not sure how churlishly allows Charles Wesley only 10 political intrigue, even if the outcome is I knew, and knowing, I had a compunc- hymns sung today (Rejoice! has 25 of considered desirable from a Godly per- tion to “call the thing out”! them). Surely it is the wealth of hymnody spective. I quickly scanned the reserves of my that restricts what we still sing, not its memory, searching for scenes in Exorcist- poverty. Sankeys has 1200 “Sacred Songs Robert Bell, type films I had seen over the years. Then and Solos”. If we sang five each Sunday it Horsham, Vic of course, doubt kicked in. It may get into would take us almost five years to sing me, and there were so many people them all! In the know around – what would they think of me, T.P. Moore has a problem with taking shouting “Come out of this man and go an offering after the sermon instead of I was thinking about the Westminster to…to…to…?” before it. I have always seen this positively, Confession 3.2 which says: “Although That was just it, go where? Hades? as listeners may be challenged through the God knows whatsoever may or can come Hell? “The place that Jesus would have proclaimed Word or through hearing of a to pass upon all supposed conditions; yet you go?” Or just simply “Go!” As I special need to give over and above what hath he not decreed anything because he walked past this tortured man, I won- they would have normally given. Why not foresaw it as future, or as that which dered, what does a Christian do when discuss, when our giving is via direct debit would come to pass upon certain condi- confronted by a person they believe needs from our bank account (surely an act of tions.” exorcism? Who takes the responsibility? faith when our income is not assured), I wondered how it can be reconciled Does one phone the nearest minister? Are whether we have brought worship to our with Roman 8:29: “For whom he did all ministers equipped to deal with this financial transactions or we have removed foreknow, he also did predestinate to be evil? Can ordinary Christians perform an something from our corporate worship? conformed to the image of his Son, that exorcism? he might be the firstborn among many Weeks later I mentioned this at a Bible John Yeo brethren.” study only to discover two women at this Glen Waverley, Vic For sure God foreknew everybody that study had seen this same man and had has, is or ever will live and, as He has not both discerned that he was not insane but A bit rich predestined everybody to be conformed possessed. to the image of his Son, it must be what The attitude of Martin Luther to the He foreknew about certain individuals Cheryl Willis book of Esther is the type of reaction dis- that caused Him to predestinate them to Ashfield, NSW played by a religious person sensing something offensive rather than that of a scholar seeking understanding. Esther is part of our Judaic heritage ' ( and is included in the Canon as such. It is ORGAN AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE important to Jews but I doubt the validity of Christians drawing the type of conclu- A Lowery Electronic Organ with 2 Manuals and an abbreviated sions indicated in the articles in the April foot manual is available to any congregation which may require it AP. There is enough evidence to show and can arrange removal. The organ can be inspected in Jews were privileged and prospered under St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, Hampden St. Kuri Kurri, NSW, Persian rule. Only a minority returned to by contacting Mr David Sharp (02) 4937 2049 Jerusalem, the rest claimed Babylon as or Mrs Mary McIntyre (02) 4932 7796. their commercial and spiritual home.

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 29 PRAYER

JUNE 2003 the kids (10-12 years) and leaders. 11 Keith and Norma Briggs APWM / 21 Ian and Christine Case, APWM / Pioneers workers from Dalby, Qld WEC workers from Mitchelton, JULY serving in PNG since 1965 and their Brisbane serving in Information 1 Ian and Jan Smith as they seek in sons Douglas and Campbell with Technology coordination for WEC. Seaford Rise, southern Adelaide to MAF. 22 David Hopper, recently set apart as replant a congregation where one 12 Abbotsford-Five Dock parish Sydney; Assistant to the Qld Christian closed a few years ago. with about 85 c&a, 5 yf and 10 e Education Director based in 2 The cessation of violence and hatred where Moses Hahn recently took up Townsville to serve the NQ area. between Israelis and Palestinians, the work. 23 Brighton parish, Melbourne; (about setting up of mutual security and the 13 Christine Platt APWM / SIM radio 60 c&a (communicants and adher- spreading of the true knowledge of engineer from Orange, now serving in ents), no yf (younger folk – Sunday Christ among both. Loja, Ecuador. School and youth) and 6 e (elders). 3 Len and Wendy from Melbourne and 14 Walcha parish northern NSW includ- Fred and Yvonne Barclay. Matthew from Adelaide APWM / ing Nowendoc and Woolbrook; with 24 Praise God for 50 years work of RSTI workers in the volatile Middle about 210 c&a, 6 yf and 12 e. Lyle and Language Recordings (previously East. Kathie Sims. Gospel Recordings ) in Australia and 4 Beacon Hill parish, northern Sydney; 15 John Knox parish Rockhampton Qld the work of Alex and Sybil Shaw for with about 55 c&a, 7 yf and 7 e. including Morinish, Mt Morgan and 34 of those years, and pray for his Trevor and Penny Cheetham. Morrison Park Aged Peoples’ work in training recordists. 5 Maryborough home mission station Complex; with about 55 c&a, 15 yf 25 Wandoan home mission station Qld; Qld; David Newman, the leaders and and 5 e. Jon and Nancy Chandler. with about 20 c&a, 10 yf and 2 e and members of the congregation. 16 The home mission directors of Qld Laurie and Gwen Peake serving in an 6 Presbytery of Melbourne North; 8 (John Nicol), NSW (Bruce Meller) honorary capacity. parishes and 3 home mission station and Vic. as they seek to coordinate 26 Belgrave Heights Christian School, totalling about 13 congregations with this area of ministry. Melbourne – the pupils, Principal 675 communicants and adherents; 1 17 Tatura Regional parish Vic. including (Leigh Murray), teaching and other theological lecturer, 1 hospital chap- Rushworth and Girgarre East; with staff and council. lain, 1 missionary, 1 retired minister, 1 about 125 c&a, 40 yf and 12 e. David 27 Bairnsdale home mission station Vic; under jurisdiction; Reg. Butcher clerk. and Isabel Schulz. with about 35 c&a, 12 yf and 3 e. 7 The NSW General Assembly meeting 18 Presbytery of Wagga Wagga NSW; 9 Laurie Leighton. at PLC Croydon. Stewart Andrews parishes and 3 home mission station 28 The establishment of a stable and just moderator, Paul Logan clerk, all offi- totalling 35 congregations with 1600 government in Iraq and maintenance cers of Assembly and Conveners of communicants and adherents; 1 dea- of liberty for Christians to worship committees. coness,1 Defense chaplain, 2 retired and spread the Gospel. 8 Springwood Winmalee parish in the ministers, 1 under jurisdiction, 1 theo- 29 Presbytery of Northern Rivers NSW; NSW Blue Mountains; with about 210 logical candidate; Peter Greiner clerk. 12 parishes totalling 33 congregations c&a, 55 yf and 10 e. Robert and Laurel 19 John and Lynette Ellis APWM work- with 2110 communicants and adher- Benn; Mark and Janette Armstrong. ers from Clarinda, Melbourne who ents; 2 retired ministers, 1 under juris- 9 The debates, devotional times and fel- have been serving in educational min- diction, 1 theological candidate; lowship as the NSW General istry in South Asia. George Ayoub clerk. Assembly continues. 20 Chester Hill parish western Sydney 30 “Mega Sportz” camps at Camp 10 Coonabarabran parish northern NSW including Vietnamese and Burmese Moogerah, near Boonah S E Qld this including Baradine; with about 165 work; with about 80 c&a and 8 e. Jeff week (Netball) and next (Soccer) – c&a, 25 yf and 11 e. Vacant. and Cover, Steven and Lan Coxhead.

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patrol area once) he retired. Summing Up: Eventually as part of his rehabilitation John Harold McCracken Books he began to write about his experiences in Heather and Paul Shelley ‘Centralia’ and so were produced his Reviewed by David Innes famous three books – The Man from Religion is for Fools Oodnadatta, Camel Pads (both 1933) and The Boundary Rider (1935). This book has been edited and produced Bill Medley In 1991 Mr. Plowman’s daughter by Heather and Paul Shelley of Canberra, VIVA Press, reprinted 2001. Jean Whitla produced a “digest” of the and published privately. The basic con- Reviewed by Peter Barnes three original books, arranging some of tents were written by Harold McCracken their stories around the two localities after his retirement from the Melbourne associated with the original Smith of law firm of McCracken and McCracken. Bill Medley is a stand-up comic, trying Dunesk Mission and the AIM Central Heather Shelley is the youngest of to eke a living and a laugh out of Australian Patrol, Beltana and McCracken’s three daughters, and Melbourne audiences. He is also a Oodnadatta. acknowledges the asistance of her mother Christian with a quip for every subject The book gives a facinating insight into Beth and sister Elspeth. and a genuine mastery of the case for the life and labours of the original AIM In addition to his busy legal practice Christ. The result is this little work of less patrol padres as well as the harshness of and his family commitments, Harold than 100 pages, which still managed to the Outback of yesterday. It is highly rec- McCracken gave himself unstintingly to dramatically change the attitude of Diana ommended to a new generation of read- the cause of Christ and the work of the Medley (Bill’s wife) to typing. ers. gospel throughout a long and fruitful Religion is for Fools is no lightweight life. effort. It is not exactly a treatise on com- Stuart Bonnington is minister of South In his earlier days he was involved with parative religion from the Christian per- Yarra Presbyterian Church, Vic. the Upwey Convention, the Melbourne spective, but it does present the Christian University Evangelical Union and the case with clear logic as well as good Crusader Union. Later he added to these humour. Some salient points are made, My Soul Finds Rest: the Melbourne City Mission, the Borneo notably the full implications of belief in Reflections on the Psalms Evangelical Mission, the Zenana Bible and reincarnation. A couple of points might Medical Fellowship and the Wycliffe Bible be questioned. Does Ezekiel 11:16-17 Dietrich Bonhoeffer Translators. Some of the most interesting really refer to Israel’s restoration in 1948? Ed. and trans. Edwin Robertson, chapters in the book deal with his visits to And is the “skin of my teeth” reference Michigan: Zondervan, 2002. Borneo, to India and to PNG, as well as (Job 19:20) good evidence in seeking to Reviewed by Peter Barnes his travels to the UK and Europe. demonstrate the trustworthiness of the After many years at the Hawthorn Bible? congregation under the ministry of the Overall, this should prove a useful tool During the tragedy of the Nazi rule over Rev. Robert Swanton, Harold and Beth in evangelism. There are people who may Germany (1933-45), there were those in transferred to St. Stephen’s in Surrey Hills read this who would not read Schaeffer or the Confessing Church who tried to in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. One of Van Til. And, as C. S. Lewis said, an athe- maintain a Christian witness in appalling his favorite sayings was “Hats off to the ist can never be too careful about what he circumstances. One of these was the past: sleeves up for the present”. He was reads. Lutheran theologian Dietrich long remembered for his prayers in the The cost is $5, with considerable dis- Bonhoeffer, who was hanged by the vestry which were an inspiration and chal- counts for larger orders. Bill’s email is: Nazis about a month before the war lenge to many. [email protected] ended in 1945. (Available from 12 Bindel Place Aranda Edwin Robertson has put together ACT 2614) Peter Barnes is AP books editor. some of Bonhoeffer’s meditations on the Psalms. According to Bonhoeffer, “the David Innes was the minister of St.

✃ only way to read the Psalms is on your Stephen’s Surrey Hills from 1982-1999. The Man from knees in prayer”. Oodnadatta This is a most moving book. Bonhoeffer himself had said that “there is R. Bruce Plowman not a single detail of the piety and impiety Collected and abridged by Jean Whitla of the Christian church that is not found Shoestring Press, 1996. in the Psalms, and to study them is to Reviewed by Stuart Bonnington make a strange journey of ups and downs, falling and rising, despair and exaltation, the experience of those who pray their The Rev. Bruce Plowman was the first way through the Psalms, one after the patrol padre of the Australian Inland other.” Mission, the ‘mother’ mission of the I hope this work was read to my spiri- Presbyterian Inland Mission. After five tual profit, and I warmly commend it to years of exhausting work from 1912 (it those who wish to follow Bonhoeffer in took him six months to go around his praying the Psalms.

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 31 BACK PAGE No place like home Heaven is where the (Christian) heart is.

he word “heaven” is found some and they shall sing the new song of praise 244 times in the New Testament. to the Father and the Son (Rev. 4-5). Yet many people hold to vague Peter They will serve God day and night (Rev. views of what heaven is, and how 7:15). Talents will evidently be used and Twe can arrive there. Barnes enhanced (Mt. 25:21, 23). Love and fel- For example, one often hears that lowship with God and His people will be heaven is only a state of mind. No doubt, and happy thought than that of seeing one perfected. heaven is a state of blessedness. But another.” David said of his week-old son Adoniram Judson, the Calvinistic Solomon in his prayer of dedication of the who died: “I shall go to him, but he will Baptist missionary to Burma in the early temple in Jerusalem refers to heaven as not return to me” (2 Sam. 12:23). Martha 19th century, knew much about suffering, God’s dwelling place (1 Kings 8:30). The told Jesus that she believed that her including imprisonment and illness. Psalmist says that God looks down from brother Lazarus would rise again in the Regarding heaven, he wrote this: “when heaven (Ps. 33:13), and Jesus says that He resurrection at the last day (John 11:24). Christ calls me home, I shall go with the came down to earth from heaven (John As it was, Christ did more than she con- gladness of a boy bounding away from his 6:38). It hardly makes sense to say that fessed, and raised Lazarus that very day. school.” From Judson, we ought to learn God dwells in a state of mind or that not how we should regard school but how Christ descended from a state of mind! we should regard heaven. In John 14 Jesus describes heaven as When Christ like a house with many rooms. Twice He calls me t the end of his magisterial City of says that He goes to prepare a place for home, I shall AGod, Augustine asked: “For what is His people (John 14:2-3). go with the our end but to reach that kingdom which So heaven is a real place. And it is a has no end?” What indeed? It has been place where the Lord is seen in the glory gladness of a said that “A person may go to heaven of His holiness. Christ prayed: “Father, I boy bounding without health, without wealth, without desire that they also, whom You have away from his fame, without a great name, without given Me, may be with Me where I am, to school. learning, without a job, without culture, see My glory that You have given Me without beauty, without friends, without because You loved Me before the founda- 10,000 other things. But he can never go tion of the world” (John 17:24). Thomas But in heaven Christians shall meet one to heaven without Christ.” That is the Boston called this ‘the chief happiness of another again, or for the first time. point: no Christ, no life, no heaven. the saints in heaven’. This means that there will be plenty to But the goal of the Christian life is to It is as Anne Ross Cousin put it: do in heaven. George Bernard Shaw, an glorify God and enjoy Him forever. No The bride eyes not her garment, atheist who came to believe in two miser- wonder the ageing William Romaine used But her dear bridegroom’s face; able substitutes in the Life force and to reply when asked how he was: “As well I will not gaze at glory, Soviet communism, once declared that as I can be out of heaven”! But on my King of grace; heaven sounded inane, dull, useless, and Not at the crown He giveth, miserable. Not so. In heaven all of God’s Peter Barnes is minister of Revesby But on His piercèd hand: people will worship God and the Lamb, Presbyterian Church, Sydney ap The Lamb is all the glory Of Immanuel’s land.

esus promised that the pure in heart Jwould see God (Mt. 5:8), while the Coming up in AP apostle John wrote most movingly: “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and • Shepherding a child’s heart what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we will be • Living ethically in a postmodern world like Him, because we shall see Him as He • The book of Revelation unfolded is” (1 John 3:2). Yet not only shall Christians be with • Presbyterians and the Bible Christ and be made like Christ, but they shall see each other. J. C. Ryle wrote that • Money, money, money “Surely next to the thought of seeing Christ in heaven, there is no more blessed • Strengthening your marriage

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 32