October 2002

october 2002

Colossians Shadows and reality

The great debate • Philip Yancey • Balancing act youth pastor The Certificate of part time GAA Christian Studies Christian Old Testament (G.Goswell), epping presbyterian church New Testament (K. Martin), Epping Presbyterian Church invites applications from men and women for the posi- Education Church History (P. Barnes), tion of part-time Youth Pastor (approximately 20 hours per week). Biblical Theology (D. Geddes) The position’s mission is twofold: Resource • To lead, coordinate, counsel and nurture the volunteer and part-time leaders of being offered in 2002 at $60 ea. the Church’s youth groups Centre • To reach out into the community via scripture classes in high schools The best selling youth groups Westminster The existing youth groups are Fellowship, PYE (Presbyterian Youth Epping), Ground 621 Punt Road Zero, Mustard Seed, Keziah (young women’s Bible study) and Hyrax (young men’s Confession Bible study). South Yarra 3141 of Faith for the 21st high school outreach 03 9867 4637 [email protected] Century — Study Scripture teaching and outreach at Epping Boys’ High and Cheltenham Girls’ High. Edition youth strategy (Please make all $15 + $3 pp — To strengthen the Church’s outreach to youth and encouragement of Christian growth. cheques payable prepared by DJW Milne, Principal To encourage the transition from Ground Zero to PYE and Fellowship and on to to GAA Christian regular Church attendance. Education Committee) of the PTC Melbourne. conditions of employment The Six Pack: for • Theologically trained, with diploma or degree Sessions/Bible study groups • Able to communicate effectively with youth of high school age and upwards • Able to lead and inspire youth leaders 6 copies of the WCF-21C • Emotionally mature for $92 posted! • Able to plan youth activities • Able to attend youth activities Remuneration will be negotiated accordingly. Walk With The Lord The Youth Pastor will be a member of our Ministry team, consisting of our Minister Rev David Tsai, Pastoral Associate Deaconess Pam Vaughan and Family Daily Bible Reading Notes, cur- Worker Al Burke. rently written by Rev Dr Greg for further enquiries Goswell, Old Testament lecturer Please contact Al Burke Tel: 02 9868 2210 or Ross Ferrier Tel: 02 9869 2875. at the PTC, Victoria. Please send applications addressed: Youth Pastor application, Epping Presbyterian Church, Bridge St, Epping NSW 2121. Closing date 6 November 2002 CHRISTIAN BOOKS For Sale/Wanted We stock a wide range of new& secondhand Evangelical& Reformed titles Catalogues available Hours: Open Mon-Fri 2:00pm-5:30pm & Sat 10:00am-1:00pm Rockdale Christian Books 11 Watkin Street Rockdale NSW 2216 Tel (02) 9568 2813 Fax (02) 9590 3268 Email [email protected] or visit our web site at: www.rcb.com.au RCB is supported by Bexley-Rockdale presbyterian Church October 2002 No. 542

COLOSSIANS No extras please: Ian Smith ...... 4 editorial Off the track: Paul Barnett ...... 8

A first-century model: Stuart Bonnington ...... 10 here is little more frustrating than returning from a bookshop with a new book only to discover that you DEVOTION had it all along. It was always sitting there on your shelves; it’s just that for some mysterious reason you A joyful throng: John Piper ...... 12 Tforgot that you had it. This is not hypothetical, it has happened to me. The second time I did it I began to have serious BIBLE STUDY doubts about my state of mind. Fortunately, it hasn’t happened again for quite some time. Nevertheless, it has served 20 studies in Colossians ...... 13 as an expensive warning that I must remember what I have, lest in my desire for something more I forget what I already NEWS possess. The quest for “something more” is a tendency that we all Home Front ...... 17 share, but it becomes particularly dangerous when we allow Across Australia ...... 18 it unfettered expression in the spiritual realm. In Colossians Paul reminds us that believers, whether discour- World News ...... 19 aged by their inconstancy or stirred by pride, may yearn for spiritual resources that they already have. Whatever the rea- DEFENDING THE FAITH son for wanting more than Christ, it arises from the false assumption that our faith in him provides insufficient The Great Debate: Tracy Gordon ...... 21 resources to transform and prepare us for a God-centred life. WORSHIP Church history has shown us that this thirst for something more than Christ has led people to seek a higher life through Would Jesus worship here? Philip Yancey ...... 23 such things as mystical visions, tongues, rebaptism and self- denial. All these alternatives to simple faith in Christ are BOOKS touted as holding the key to that elusive “something more”. But they can’t, as Paul reminds us. To possess Christ is to have Soul Survivor ...... 24 “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (2:3); it is to be united with the One in whom “dwells all the fullness of deity LETTERS ...... 25 in bodily form” (2:9). The New Testament is at pains to point out that faith in PRAYER ...... 26 Christ is the key to abundant life. It is from the fullness of Christ’s grace that “we have all received one blessing after another.” (John 1:17) And Peter tells us that “his divine CULTURE WATCH power has given us everything necessary for life and godliness Lights, camera, action! Phil Campbell ...... 27 through our knowledge of Christ.” (2 Peter 1:3) Since we are made complete in him (Colossians 2:10), the mature Christian will rejoice in the simple gospel. ESSAY

ap Balancing act: Peter Barnes ...... 28 Peter Hastie

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; Walter Bruining (Victoria) News Editor; Tracy Gordon (NSW), Stuart Bonnington (Vic.), Graphic Design: Sandra Joynt for A&J Moody Design. 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: Newsprinters Pty Ltd, Melbourne Road, Shepparton 3060. 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.presbyterian.org.au

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 3 COLOSSIANS Just as it comes The base-model gospel is perfect. No extras are needed.

aul’s letter to the Colossians new revelation from God in some form speaks to a spiritual problem with Ian Smith other than the Scriptures. which believers in the church of talks to I’ve lost count over the years of the the 21st century continue to number of conversations that I’ve had wrestle.P It’s the quest of always seeking Peter Hastie with people who have talked about how something more than we already have in God has guided them through experi- the gospel. Sadly, those who are on this plete series on Colossians is that by and ences, dreams, and other sorts of phe- quest are unaware of their spiritual large they find it hard to understand the nomena as though these are superior resources in Christ. Believers who are precise nature of the error with which forms of guidance to the Scriptures. There influenced in this way are always on the Paul is dealing. Until you understand are Christians in all denominations who lookout for more of the Holy Spirit, more something of the error that had arisen in think like this. It’s not an error that is par- ecstatic visions, more special powers and the church, it becomes very hard to grasp ticularly confined to the charismatic the like. the overall message of the book. churches. I think we are more mystical Ian Smith, a former pastor and mis- than we think we are. sionary, now teaches New Testament at What is the underlying message of The difficulty with this type of so- the Presbyterian Theological Centre in Colossians that has special relevance called “higher revelation” is that it’s so Sydney. Over the past five years he has to the church today? subjective. How do you determine made a special study of Colossians. He The main message of the letter is about whether such revelation is really from has recently submitted his PhD thesis to Christ’s complete sufficiency to meet all God? Paul writes to remind us in the let- Sydney University on the Colossian error. our spiritual needs. In every generation ter that God locates the fullness of his rev- AP spoke to him about this widespread the Church has been faced with different elation and blessing in the person of spiritual quest for something more. errors where people have tried to suggest Christ and in his saving work upon the that having faith in Christ is simply not cross. Since we only learn about these Why don’t people often preach on enough. So today, for example, there is no things in the Scriptures, we need to Colossians? shortage of mystical movements within remind ourselves that we only attain full- One of the main reasons, I think, why the church which claim that the mark of ness of blessing as we meet Jesus Christ in ministers find it difficult to preach a com- superior spirituality is to seek and find the Scriptures and rely upon his work for

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 4 us upon the cross. This is the gospel mes- techniques. Is this a challenge to the Christians, who are agreed in the essen- sage that Christians need to remember in sufficiency of Christ? tials of the gospel, develop elitist attitudes every generation. It doesn’t hurt to glean things from to each other because they have a different outside the Bible, but if we start to put our heritage or network. When Christians Are there any other trends in the confidence in programs that have been deny the reconciling work of Christ and church at the moment that represent produced by the pragmatic business world start to claim their superiority to fellow challenges to the sufficiency of then we run the risk of adopting the believers, they are falling into the Christ? Colossian error. Our great need is to Colossian error. Well, I think that the tendency towards understand, as Colossians teaches us, that legalism is certainly always present. Christ is the head of the Church and that So what was Paul’s principal pastoral Legalism is the belief that faith alone is he will successfully build it. The job of the purpose in this letter? insufficient to save you. Legalists also Christian and the church leader is to be In a few words, he is driving them back claim that in order to be fully assured of obedient to Christ, to preach his word, to to Christ as the way to experience life to an interest in Christ you need to keep cer- pray more, and to depend on him for the the full. The Christians in Colossae were tain rules. Paul points out in Colossians, church to grow. claiming that they had had special encoun- for example, that the errorists were I think it can be ters with God through some sort of mys- putting a fair bit of emphasis on dietary a real danger to tical revelation. restrictions as an essential part of one’s trust in prag- What more They made some extraordinary spiritual growth. Some of the Christians matic solutions could a person claims about visions. It’s likely that there also believed that it was necessary to and current have than to be some were claiming that they had wit- keep the Sabbath, as well as to be circum- trends. Of in Christ? After nessed the very court of heaven in a way cised and to practise certain forms of course, that’s all, Christ is the similar to Isaiah when he had his vision asceticism. Unless you did these things, it not to say that very fullness of in the temple. Jews of the time, who was alleged, you couldn’t reach your full we should be God. were caught up with these mystical prac- spiritual potential. ignorant of tices, focused on people like Elijah and You find similar tendencies today. what’s happen- Enoch who had ascended into heaven. Sometimes, among older members of our ing in society These people claimed that they had a denomination, you will meet people who and fail to exegete the world around us. similar sort of access to the immediate believe that there is an association We need to do that as well, but that’s not presence of God. between doing certain good works and where we put our confidence. Our confi- When people made these claims of spe- being a Christian. dence is always in Christ. cial mystical encounters, they were also You can detect the same thing amongst saying that the original message that the younger people, too, although in a slightly What was the religious climate in first Christians had heard in Colossae different form. For example, in evangelical Colossae at the time of Paul? Are from Epaphras – one of Paul’s disciples – circles there’s nearly always a package of there similarities to our situation was not sufficient. If you wanted a higher spiritual dos and don’ts that we need to today? form of spiritual life, then you needed to observe in order to qualify as a bona fide Colossae was in the Lycus Valley in follow some of these mystical practices. Christian. For instance, it might be the modern-day Turkey. In AD60 it was a city So Paul makes a forceful point in this necessity of having a Quiet Time; or it in decline and was probably the least sig- letter about the sufficiency of Christ. As might be becoming involved in organised nificant of all the cities Paul wrote to. But far as he is concerned, what more could a evangelism. Of course, these are all good the important thing for us in relation to person have than to be in Christ? After all, things and should not be discouraged. But the letter is that there was a Jewish minor- Christ is the very fullness of God in when people ground their salvation in ity within Colossae and they seem to have whom are all the treasures of wisdom and these sorts of works, they are drifting into been influenced by mystical practices of knowledge. That’s why Paul directs these legalism. Paul expects that Christians will the time. We also know that people were believers to focus on Christ, and particu- engage in these sorts of activities, but only fairly superstitious in the region of larly his reconciling work in the cross and as a response to what Christ has done for Phrygia around Colossae. From what we the resurrection. us. can piece together, people seem to have Legalism is a tendency in us all. While combined these superstitious and mysti- Epaphras had to visit Paul in Rome it expresses itself in a variety of ways, it cal practices with Christianity as they presumably because he felt that he comes back to a trust in self and adding to tried to claim a superior form of spiritual- couldn’t answer the errorists in the gospel of Christ. In a rather perverse ity to others. Colossae. Does this indicate the sort of way, we have this deep-down fear Now, I frequently see that attitude importance of Christian leaders that God’s grace to us in Christ is just not today. I see people making elitist spiritual being properly trained in theology? enough; somehow we think that we have claims. We saw it in the Toronto blessing, I think it’s safe to assume that to add to it with all sorts of rules and for example, and before that we came Epaphras was one of Paul’s students while devotional practices to bring us to full across it in John Wimber’s power evange- Paul was in Ephesus. In Acts 19 Luke talks maturity. lism a decade ago. It’s not hard to find the about the church-plant there and how, for tendency in a range of different move- a couple of years, Paul taught daily in the Over the past 20 or 30 years the ments in recent years. Sometimes we see it Hall of Tyrannus. Epaphras was probably church growth movement has in people who look down on other a graduate of that centre. Once he finished claimed that the Church needs mod- Christians with different theological tra- his training, he went to Colossae and ern management and marketing ditions from their own. It’s sad when planted the church. I think the important

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 5 COLOSSIANS

thing to note is that Paul gives him really the level of the earthly and actually com- For instance, observing a ritual like cir- good after-sales service. He continues to mune with God. This made it possible to cumcision conveys no spiritual power; disciple Epaphras so that when a problem receive special divine revelation and have however, trusting in the saving power of emerges within the church, even though a vision of heaven imparted to him in the Christ’s death and resurrection does. Paul is probably in prison at Rome hun- present. It was like pushing a spiritual When Christ died and rose again he per- dreds of miles away, Epaphras makes the “fast-forward” button that took you formed the spiritual equivalent of circum- trip to see him. It wouldn’t have been easy straight to heaven. Not surprisingly, cision because he did something that to have visited his mentor. actually cut off our sinful nature. The This letter also reminds us that Paul, problem in Colossae was that some of the despite the fact that he’s involved in believers were pleasing their sinful As soon as intensive theological education, is con- natures and becoming proud by undergo- stantly involved in the church. He knows you start to ing demanding religious exercises that what’s going on in the churches. For take away the were meant to bring fullness of life. But instance, he knows about the way the sufficiency Paul will have nothing to do with this sort gospel is being attacked when he writes to of Christ, of thing. the Galatians. And he’s aware of a differ- you lose The first step to having any relation- ent Jewish spiritual problem in Colossae. assurance. ship with God is humility which leads to He has his finger on the pulse. So there’s repentance. That’s why the Colossian a very close relationship between theo- error was so dangerous. Its tendency was logical education, ministerial practice and to lead people away from the gospel and spiritual formation. And Paul is very these people began to make claims about away from the sufficiency of Christ. It involved in it all. having attained a higher form of spiritual- pandered to pride and led people to put ity than others who did not follow these confidence in religious exercises as a way What does the text tell us about the ascetic practices. to spiritual fullness. The result was that precise problem in Colossae? Can we The problem with all this, of course, is they lost their assurance. identify the error? that when they claimed the power of vic- The passage that gives us the clearest tory over evil, they didn’t claim it on the Can you tell us briefly how this par- teaching on the problem is Colossians basis of Christ’s victory over the powers ticular error arose? 2:8–23. In verse 8 Paul talks about “hollow of evil and sin. They claimed that their vic- The short answer is that these religious and deceptive philosophy”, and he uses a tory was due to ascetic practices and legal- practices flourished in certain sections of word in conjunction with it which is not ism. It was through their fasting, their inter-Testamental Judaism. We have also really clear in the English. Sometimes the observance of the law, and keeping reli- discovered that there were a number of English terms “basic principles” or “ele- gious holy days that they gained access to traditions of spirituality within first cen- ments” are used, but I think the Greek heaven and release from the powers of tury Judaism which had marked similari- word “stoicheia” is best understood as evil. ties to what we see in Colossae. One of “evil spirits”, and that’s what the these is Merkabah mysticism. It was a tra- Colossians were afraid of. What spiritual effects did this false dition of Jewish spirituality that focused a In ancient society (as well as in some teaching have on those who were lot on heavenly visions and provided the modern ones), people lived in fear of evil beguiled by it? means for worshippers to attain an imme- spirits. If you go to many non-Western As soon as you start to take away the diate vision of God on his heavenly societies, you will see that the gospel is sufficiency of Christ, you lose assurance. throne. It was based around a number of often understood as the victory of Christ As soon as you begin to trust in the things Old Testament figures like Enoch, Elijah over the powers of evil. These evil spirits you do, then you start to wonder whether and Daniel, all of whom ascended into were thought to control sickness and dis- the things you do are good enough. And heaven either physically or through aster and other harmful things. So it was so, these seekers after the “higher life” visions. understandable that people lived in the were taking away any assurance that they Merkabah mysticism promised people fear of them. might get from the gospel. When Paul visions of heaven and God’s throne, and Now the Colossian errorists were responds to them, he points out in 2:15 the prospect of returning to earth with claiming that you could escape these evil that Christ has “led the principalities and some sense of higher spirituality. powers by denying the body. In this way, powers in a triumphal procession”. It is Something like this seems to be hap- the powers would not be able to work in because of the death of Christ and his res- pening in verses like 2:18 where people are our physical nature. So if a person urrection that the evil powers have been claiming the worship of angels. I think engaged in some form of physical denial defeated. It’s got nothing to do with their that what Paul meant is that some believ- his spirit, in effect, could be raised above ritual observances. ers were claiming that they had witnessed

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AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 6 the heavenly court, where angels were together in new congregations and person’s life from this letter – for worshipping God. I don’t think these instructing them in the faith. It was example, Paul’s involvement with people were actually worshipping angels. church-based evangelism. It wasn’t con- Epaphras in the place of follow up? What they reported was that they had ducted by some para-church organisation Well, one interesting thing in the letter seen angels at worship. If it was a case of separate from the church. is that we’re not sure whether Paul ever the Colossians worshipping angels, that visited the Colossians. We have no record would have been idolatry and I think Paul Paul describes Epaphras as a man of in Acts of Paul having visited the would’ve come down much more prayer. Are there any significant con- Colossians, and I think it’s implied in the strongly against them. So some of these clusions we should draw from that? letter that he didn’t. Yet he writes to them Christians are influenced by Jewish mys- Yes, it’s inter- as a Pauline church. Why? Because they’re tical practices and they’ve mixed up esting in 4:12 the second generation result of Paul hav- Christianity with that form of Judaism. that Paul men- ing invested his time in Epaphras. Basically, they’ve become a group of mys- tions that Paul writes I believe it is important for us as tics and they have to be countered for the Epaphras wres- to them as a Christians to continue to minister to sake of the gospel. tles with God in Pauline church. significant people and groups that we prayer. It was Why? Because have ministered to in the past. Whether Are there any lessons that we can obviously an they’re the sec- we’ve been a youth group leader in the learn from Colossians about disci- enormously past, or a Sunday school teacher, it’s ond generation pling, team ministry and evangelism? important part of important to stay in touch with people I think the important thing about dis- his ministry, and result of Paul we have helped in the past. Of course, cipling is to invest in responsive people one that Paul having invested we don’t want to dilute our ministry so and do it well. Paul had a small group of wants to com- his time in that we become totally ineffective; but disciples around him just as Jesus did. mend. Epaphras Epaphras. there are points where we need to look Epaphras was one of them; so was seems to be pray- at investing in some peoples’ lives over Timothy. Paul kept a close contact with ing about how to the long-term. We should continue to them all. You can see how close they are deal with this pray for them and where possible, to when Epaphras decides that he has to see problem. His prayer is grounded in his teach them. Paul in Rome and Paul writes letters to deep love for the people in Colossae. And We read about this Pauline principle in Timothy. By focusing on this group, Paul Paul reflects that same sort of prayer when 2 Timothy 2:2. This is the way to make the saw a multiplying effect. For instance, he opens the letter, where he thanks God gospel multiply and grow. We need to be from the letter we learn that Epaphras for the faith and the love of the discipling some key people really well. goes and plants three churches in the Colossians that springs from their hope Paul did it with Timothy; Peter did it with Lycus Valley: one in Hierapolis, one in that is stored up for them in heaven. Paul Mark. A notable example in the 20th cen- Laodicea and one in Colossae. So we have is committed to praying for the churches tury was E.J. Nash, an Anglican minister, this multiplying effect. and so is Epaphras. I think there’s a lesson who wrote to John Stott every week for It’s also reasonable to assume that for all of us here. five years after Stott’s conversion at 17. Epaphras would be discipling others. The We can’t do enough of this intensive type letter suggests that evangelism was done What lessons can we draw about the of follow-up. Paul’s example with in the context of gathering people importance of investing in another Epaphras is a model for us all. ap

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AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 7 COLOSSIANS Off the track A time-traveller’s guide to Colossae, home to Judaistic heresy.

had been to Turkey a number of Just as many people came to see the won- times, though not to Colossae. True ders in Roman times, so today the area enough, I had come close. My visits attracts millions of visitors. However, in with tour groups had brought me Paul ancient times people came not just to visit Iseveral times to Hierapolis (modern Barnett for the day or so, but to live there. Or Pamukkale) and to nearby Laodicea. But rather, to die there. That is, to die over a Colossae was 30 kilometres further on, greater span. It was believed that the hot past Denizli, the major city of the region. its way through the surrounding hills and springs – taken by bathing or drinking – Tour groups are always pushed for time mountains formed a kind of frontier prolonged life. In fact, Hierapolis (Temple and there just had not been enough of it between Roman civilisation and the wild City) became a necropolis, a city to die to make it to Colossae – ever! Last year, tribes to the east. and be buried in. The remains of the city though, I was with a TV crew filming the Laodicea was the biggest of the three – are full of tombs as well as boasting one of light-hearted Bishop, Chef and Fisherman probably. Laodicea was famous for its the finest, best preserved Roman theatres series and – yes – we were including black-wooled sheep, for its local eye-salve anywhere. Colossae in the itinerary. At last! and for its wealth through banking. The Colossae was on the further side, about The three Roman cities – Hierapolis, terrible earthquake of 60AD destroyed 11 miles beyond Laodicea. Unlike the Laodicea, Colossae – were built next to the city, but the locals had the money and other two, there is only a “tell” (or the old Lycus river, a tributary of the the drive to re-build, all without outside mound) to be seen. It is, perhaps, 80 feet Meander which does indeed meander all help from the emperor’s purse. high and covers many acres. Apart from the way to the Aegean near Miletus. These Apparently, this was a matter for local some sherds (broken pottery) there is rivers are long since silted up, the rich top- pride. Laodicea is a vast empty, elevated absolutely nothing else. It all lies beneath soil having washed downstream to make archaeological site overlooking the Lycus. the surface awaiting the archaeologist’s fertile plains for cotton fields, citrus and Remnants of race tracks, theatres and spade. The same earthquake of 60AD stone-fruit groves. aquaducts tell of past splendours. struck Colossae. Unlike, Laodicea, its The Lycus valley is wide and flat-bot- people had neither the money nor the tomed. Rainfall levels so far inland are not ierapolis, just a few miles away and drive to rebuild. Doubtless the locals scat- high, but the area is fertile. I was reminded Hclearly visible, was most likely the tered and re-settled. Colossae finds no a little of the Hunter Valley or the Barossa next biggest. The mineralised hot springs mention in Revelation. Valley: dryish, yet fruitful. The closeness cascading down the cliff leaving their Colossae is the most picturesquely of the cities is evidence of the natural gleaming white deposits justify the mod- located of the Lycus cities. Quite nearby, wealth of the land. The river that snakes ern name Pamukkale, “Cotton Castle”. the massive Honaz mountains rear up, with their chilly waterfalls descending from the heights. Is this the explanation for Jesus’ words to Laodicea, that they are lukewarm? Hierapolis had hot water Hills Family Funerals gushing up from the depths and Colossae Offering Christian Care & Concern had cold water plunging down from the heights. But Laodicea was tepid, neither hot nor cold; not one thing or the other. • Christian Funeral Directors • David is an Ordained Minister aul most likely passed through the of the Presbyterian Church PLycus valley on his third missionary • Australian family owned and operated journey as he travelled overland from on • Kindness and understanding the east west Roman Road from Antioch in Syria through southern Galatia to • Bereavement counselling Ephesus. It does not appear, however, that • Serving all Sydney suburbs he stopped to preach the gospel along the • 24 hour service way, except in the existing churches of • Pre-Paid and Pre-Arranged Services David & Josie Brand Derbe, Lystra, Iconium and Antioch (the colony). Based in Ephesus, however, his ministry touched Epaphras, a man from Colossae and – so it appears – Philemon (02) 9838 7711 also. Both were to play significant roles in Email: [email protected] Web: www.hillsfamilyfunerals.com.au bringing the gospel to the Lycus Valley

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 8 cities. It is clear from Paul’s letters to the Judaism that was seeping into Colossian wrote from Ephesus (during a brief Colossians and also to Philemon, that attitudes. It seems that some of the imprisonment) in the early middle 50s. churches had been established in Colossae Colossian believers were inclining to the Many reject Pauline authorship, call- (both the main church and the church in view that Jesus was an angelic figure, as in ing Colossians deutero-Pauline. This Philemon’s house), in Laodicea and in some form of Jewish angel-hierarchy, so holds no water for me as a theory. Hierapolis. that both his genuine deity and humanity Philemon is undoubtedly by Paul. If so, I am always amazed that churches had were being then Colossians is also by Paul; the two been established in such a remote location denied. At the are peas in a pod. So too is Ephesians; as in the Lycus Valley a mere two decades same time, sal- these three letters are very closely con- after the historical lifespan of Jesus. This vation was being This speaks nected in style and circumstances. speaks volumes of the enthusiasm of Paul sought in There are some differences in style volumes of the and his fellow-workers like Epaphras and Jewish-style compared with other Pauline letters, Philemon. Let God give us a new out- ways, through enthusiasm of but these can be accounted for by the pouring of that enthusiasm today, along Sabbath-keep- Paul and his author’s accommodation to local Asian with the sacrifice that goes with genuine ing and self- fellow-workers writing idioms. discipleship. denial through like Epaphras At any rate, the letters to Colossae, Not all was well, however, in Colossae. food laws. and Philemon. whether to the church proper or to Paul’s churches faced great difficulty, Gentile males, Philemon’s “house church”, are brilliant including the felt pressure to merge with apparently, were shorter epistles from the great apostle and the existing and powerful cultural envi- to submit to cir- are worthy of our loving attention. ronment, whether pagan or Jewish. With cumcision. These, apparently, are the con- the Corinthians (in the First Letter) the tours of new teaching sweeping through Dr Paul Barnett is a leading New problem the church faced was their pagan the Colossian church, in contrast to what Testament scholar, and author of a number environment and its preoccupation with they had been taught by Epaphras who, in of authoritative New Testament commen- rhetoric, temple culture, the ecstatic and turn, had been instructed by the apostle taries and books on apologetics and first- disbelief in resurrection. Paul. century history. Formerly Bishop of North Scholars debate when, and from where, Sydney, he lectures at the Presbyterian owever, in the case of the Colossians Paul wrote to the Colossians and Theological Centre, Sydney, Moore H– as with the Galatians – it was Philemon. Some say Rome after 60AD. Theological College and Regent College, Judaism. Specifically, a form of mystical But for me there is no doubt that Paul Vancouver. ap

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AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 9 COLOSSIANS A model minister Like Paul, we should honour a prayerful church planter and pastor.

n article on Epaphras? Pardon? Apparently, he heard the gospel from Paul Who? Even those who have heard during his ministry in Ephesus in AD 53- of him might wonder what we Stuart 55 (Acts 19:10) and then returned to his could possibly learn from some- old stamping-ground in Colossae. Some oneA who’s mentioned in passing only Bonnington five to seven years later, Epaphras joined three times in the New Testament (Col. Paul in prison in Rome to tell the apostle 1:7-8; 4:12-13 and Philemon 23) . attempts to meet the expectations of peo- of a strange teaching threatening the But to relegate Epaphras to obscurity ple. health of his home church and to remain because his name pops up only a few times According to Peterson, this dogma with Paul to pray for the churches of the in Paul’s letters would be a mistake. Why? produces the sort of thinking characteris- Lycus Valley (Acts 28; Col 4:12,13). Well, to begin with, among all the friends tic of the North In the first and last chapters of and co-workers of Paul, Epaphras holds American pastor: Colossians we find a couple of references the distinction of being the only one “If things aren’t While to Epaphras. Paul acknowledges his part whom Paul explicitly commended for his good enough, our closet in planting the church (1:6c-8) as well as intercession. It seems that, along with they will improve Pelagianism his hard work and intercession for the Paul, he realised the tremendous possibil- if I work a little won’t get us churches in the Lycus Valley (4:12-13). ities of working through prayer. Again, harder. Add a From these fleeting references we are his example and practice in ministry, committee here, excommunicated given a window into the pastoral ministry specifically church-planting, provides a recruit some or burned at as it was conducted in the first bloom of model that may overcome a fundamental more volunteers the stake, the Christian faith. It remains a model for spiritual weakness that’s found in many there, squeeze a nevertheless it our practice until Christ’s return. places in the 21st-century church. couple of hours cripples our Prayer is under threat in the church more into the pastoral work. n the first reference to Epaphras, the today. People find themselves forced to workday.” Ifocus is broadly on his practice of min- work longer and longer hours. There Acting in this istry. In the latter, Paul focuses on his seems to be an ever-increasing demand to Pelagian manner comes quite naturally. prayers which undergirded all his activi- produce more and more – often with the The problem is that Pelagius seemed to be ties. What, then, do we learn of his min- same resources as before. It’s not surpris- an unlikely heretic and Augustine an istry from Paul’s reference to it in ing that ministers and Christian leaders unlikely saint. By all accounts, Pelagius Colossians 1:6-8? feel the pressure too. The Christian com- was urbane, courteous and convincing. Clearly, it was marked with great suc- munity expects them to develop larger Everyone seemed to have liked him cess because the three churches of churches, to keep on “the cutting edge” of immensely. On the other hand, Augustine Colossae, Laodicea and Hierapolis were ministry, and to keep breaking new squandered his youth in immorality, had the fruit. Paul tells us that, first of all, his ground. some kind of Freudian thing with his ministry had been marked by a deep and mother, and made a lot of enemies. But systematic teaching of the Christian hen this pressure is coupled with our the question is: which one is right? gospel that had drawn men and women to Wnatural tendency towards self- While most theologians agree that become sincere and dedicated disciples of reliance, a great temptation arises – to Augustine was right, the vexing question Jesus Christ. Second, it was owned by simply try harder in the Lord’s service is how did Pelagius come to organise our Paul as a faithful, trustworthy work that rather than to revive our efforts in prayer. schedules? He has, if we are honest. But was in full sympathy with his own teach- Eugene Peterson touches on this prob- the trouble is that while our closet ing and practice. And, finally, it was a min- lem in his book Working The Angles. Even Pelagianism won’t get us excommuni- istry that was rooted in humility, hard though he speaks from a North American cated or burned at the stake, nevertheless work and sacrifice for the glory of God context, his words are relevant to it cripples our pastoral work. Indeed, it’s and the spreading of his gospel. Australia. He points out that most minis- catastrophic to the church’s health and New churches will never be planted ters are Augustinians in their pulpits. That wholeness. and established without persistent and is, we preach divine sovereignty, the pri- The way that Epaphras went about his comprehensive preaching about Christ in macy of grace, and the glory of God. But ministry calls us beyond our natural an absolute spirit of loyalty to the Bible. the minute we finish preaching, we understanding of serving Christ to a far This ministry also demands workers who become Pelagians. We put our confidence better way, but one which challenges the are full of zeal and are willing to pay the in what we do. We practice a theology that priorities that many Christians have. price of costly service. This was Paul’s pat- makes human effort the primary element From what we can piece together from tern of ministry. It can also be discerned in in pleasing God. We demonstrate this ten- the Acts of the Apostles and the letter to the ministry of his fellow-workers such as dency in our planning committees, in our the Colossians, the church in Colossae Epaphras. The first preachers worked anxiety to please and in our obsessive was founded by Epaphras himself. extraordinarily hard in the ministry of the

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 10 gospel. Of course, all of this fits in with them as they struggled with false teachers cious to us? Do we sense a need to pray our activistic age very well. The gargan- and the complexity and subtlety of their because unbelief is so dominant in our tuan labours of people like Epaphras seem teaching, and that Epaphras was continu- country and the enemies of the gospel to justify the frenetic activity of some ally asking God to strengthen and advance seem so strong? Do we pray because we Christian workers that sometimes leads to the faith of the Colossians so that they realise just how important it is that the ministerial burnout. This is particularly so would grow in maturity as Christians Lord’s word take deep root within when the pattern of activity described through all these trials. Christians’ hearts ? Do we cry out for the here in the first part of the letter has been While Paul recognised the crucial part Holy Spirit to revive our congregations embarked upon in isolation from the rest that Epaphras’ hard work and prayer had so that the Lord will reveal more of of what Paul says about Epaphras at the played in the founding of these three Christ and his glory to them? Do we end of Colossians. churches, implicit in his reference to intercede with God to raise up more So what saved Epaphras from big- Epaphras’ prayers is his belief “that God labourers for his harvest who will work headedness or ministerial burnout? He makes the church with zeal and for his glory? had learnt that he could only preach the grow”. Nothing gospel effectively if he also simultane- Nothing we we are taught, no uring a visit to a congregation some ously prayed for the grace of God to bring are taught, technique, no Dtime ago, the session clerk remarked forth great fruit! His practice of prayer, no technique, program can take to me that you could tell more about which is mentioned in Colossians 4:12-13 no program the place of spiri- someone spiritually when you heard them is a magnificent illustration of what the tual work pray than simply through talking to them Lord Jesus meant when he said “for with- can take the immersed in or hearing them preach. His comment out me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). place of prayer or the struck me. It reminded me of a famous spiritual work prayer that statement by the renowned minister, o how are we to plant new churches immersed in expresses itself in Robert Murray M’Cheyne: “What a man Sand build up existing ones? By work- prayer. Christian labour. is alone on his knees before God, that he ing and praying hard in the energy with Of course, we is, and no more.” which God supplies us by his grace! shouldn’t be sur- By this standard, Epaphras was a Epaphras was the “bondservant of prised that we naturally incline towards mighty man indeed! But, we must Christ”, which points us to the depth of hard yakka because we think we can “do” remember that this was not his natural his relationship with and reliance upon this for ourselves. But mature Christians disposition; it was wrought by the grace Christ. This is the key to his prayers – his understand that they will only see fruit if of God alone. All of us, ministers, leaders knowledge of Christ’s love for him and of the Lord works. And they know that this and congregations, need to take a leaf out his love for Christ! It was remarkably like usually happens as they pray. Therefore, it of the book of Epaphras by becoming Paul’s own experience and ministry prac- becomes crucial to our ministries that we more committed to the growth and wit- tice. In fact, the apostle goes out of his do so. ness of our congregations and more way to stress the close correspondence We need to ask ourselves: do we pray resolved to continue in a ministry of between his own ministry and that of with God’s help as an expression of our prayer. Epaphras. Both are involved in the same relationship with Christ? Are we driven struggle for the gospel. Both are commit- to prayer because of what we know about Stuart Bonnington is minister of South ted to urgent intercessory prayer as part the pressing needs of those who are pre- Yarra Presbyterian Church, Melbourne. ap of that struggle along with their desire to bring the Colossians to full Christian maturity. The way Paul describes Epaphras’ prayer life indicates that he knew what K. M. 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AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 11 DEVOTION A joyful throng Delight is our duty, and it may require determined effort, writes John Piper.

hristian hedonism is a controver- duty, as you know, for everyone to be as sial name for an old-fashioned way happy as he can.” Maximum happiness, of life. It goes back to Moses, who IN THE both qualitatively and quantitatively, is wrote the first books of the Bible precisely what we are duty-bound to Cand threatened terrible things if we would PRESENCE pursue. not be happy: “Because you did not serve OF GOD One wise Christian described the rela- the Lord your God with joy and a glad tionship between duty and delight this heart ... therefore you shall serve your way: Suppose a husband asks his wife if he enemies” (Deut. 28:47-8). must kiss her good night. Her answer is, And to the Israelite king David, who “You must, but not that kind of a must.” called God his “exceeding joy” (Ps. 43:4); What she means is this: “Unless a sponta- and who promised that complete and last- neous affection for my person motivates ing pleasure is found in God alone: “In your you, your overtures are stripped of all presence is fullness of joy” (Ps. 16:11). moral value.” And to Jesus, who said, “I have spoken In other words, if there is no plea- to you so that my joy may be in you, and sure in the kiss, the duty of kissing has that your joy may be made full” (Jn not been done. Delight in her person, 15:11); and who endured the cross “for expressed in the kiss, is part of the the joy set before him” (Heb. 12:2). dience to God, but part of the obedi- duty, not a by-product of it. But if that And to James, the brother of Jesus, ence. It seems as though people are will- is true – if delight in doing good is part who said, “Consider it all joy … when you ing to let joy be a by-product of our of what doing good is – then the pur- encounter various trials” (James 1:2). relationship to God, but not an essential suit of pleasure is part of the pursuit of And to the apostle Paul, who was “sor- part of it. virtue. You can see why this starts to rowful yet always rejoicing” (2 Cor. 6:10). People are get controversial. It’s the seriousness of And to the apostle Peter, who said, “To uncomfortable it all. the degree that you share the sufferings of saying that we “You really mean this?” someone asks. Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at are duty-bound Maximum “You really mean that hedonism is not just the revelation of his glory you may rejoice to pursue joy. happiness, a trick word to get our attention. It actu- with exultation” (1 Peter 4:13). They say things both qualita- ally says something utterly, devastatingly And to Augustine, who in 386 found like, “Don’t pur- tively and true about the way we should live. The his freedom from lust and lechery in the sue joy; pursue quantitatively, pursuit of pleasure really is a necessary superior pleasures of God. “How sweet all obedience.” But is precisely part of being a good person.” That’s right. at once it was for me to be rid of those Christian hedo- what we are I mean it. The Bible means it. God means fruitless joys which I had once feared to nism responds, it. It is very serious. We are not playing duty-bound lose! … You drove them from me and “That’s like say- word games. took their place, you who are sweeter than ing, ‘Don’t eat to pursue. all pleasure.” apples; eat et it be crystal clear: We are always And to Blaise Pascal, who saw that “all fruit’.” Because Ltalking about joy in God. Even joy in men seek happiness. This is without joy is an act of doing good is finally joy in God, because exception. Whatever different means they obedience. We are commanded to the ultimate good that we always aim at is employ, they all tend to this end”. rejoice in God. If obedience is doing displaying the glory of God and expand- And to the Puritans, whose aim was to what God commands, then joy is not ing our own joy in God to others. Any know God so well that “delighting in him merely the spin-off of obedience, it is other joy would be qualitatively insuffi- may be the work of our lives”. obedience. cient for the longing of our souls and And to Jonathan Edwards, who taught The Bible tells us over and over to pur- quantitatively too short for our eternal as powerfully as anyone that “the happi- sue joy: “Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, need. In God alone is fullness of joy and ness of the creature consists in rejoicing in you righteous ones” (Ps. 32:11). “Delight joy forever. God, by which also God is magnified and yourself in the Lord” (Ps. 37:4). “Rejoice “In your presence is fullness of joy; at exalted.” in the Lord always; again I will say, your right hand there are pleasures for- rejoice” (Phil. 4:4). ever” (Psalm 16:11). hristian hedonism is not new. So, if The Bible does not teach that we Cit is old-fashioned, why is it so con- should treat delight as a mere by-prod- This is an edited extract from John Piper’s troversial? One reason is that it insists uct of duty. C. S. Lewis got it right when book The Dangerous Duty of Delight that joy is not just the spin-off of obe- he wrote to a friend, “It is a Christian (Crossway Books, 2001). ap

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 12 BIBLE STUDY

ut yourself in Paul’s shoes. In prison in Rome, unsure whether you will ever again Word Pvisit the churches you planted. You remember those earlier days when the Lord who saved you by his grace set you apart to take the life-trans- for the forming message of the Gospel to the Gentiles. You are thankful that the work you did in Asia Minor, such as Colossae, has grown and expanded, wise and that believers are remaining faithful in spite of opposition. But you are also concerned. You have received reports from Epaphras and others that the church faces a greater threat of heresy from within. Now, as you read through Paul’s letter this month, think about our own church today. Colossae is in Turkey, a region where the Church has been overrun by Islam for more than 1000 years. How important is it for us here in Australia to take seriously Paul’s warnings, to recommit ourselves to the Know Christ, know life; eternal truths of the Gospel of Jesus no Christ, no life. Christ, and to be determined, not only to “put off” the world’s ways and live 20 daily bible studies in Colossians godly lives, but, “struggling with all his energy”, to “proclaim Christ, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” Bruce Christian

DAY 1 Faith, hope & love that show. DAY 2 Contagious faith. THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 1:1-6a THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 1:6b-8 THE POINT Paul is continually grateful to God for the clear evi- THE POINT The Gospel is not a dead dogma or system of dence of the results of the work of Gospel truth in the lives of the beliefs; it is a living reality based on God’s absolute revealed truth in saints (all believers) at Colossae, particularly through its outward Christ. It is characterised by growth, both in the lives of individual expression in their faith, love, and hope. believers & the Church, and in outreach to others. THE PARTICULARS THE PARTICULARS • Paul was commissioned (sent) by God himself to proclaim the • The Gospel is a living, growing, fruit-bearing reality, changing Gospel of Christ (Messiah) Jesus (Saviour) (1). people into God’s friends & making them more like Jesus (6). • This effect of the Gospel is not limited to any one place; what was • Paul worked in partnership with others (Timothy – and many evident in Colossae was also happening everywhere (6). others, as we will see throughout the letter (1 – cf 1:7, 4:7-17). • God’s expression of his saving grace in Christ is absolute truth; • God’s Church consists of brothers (and sisters) who are holy we benefit from it by coming to an understanding of it (6). (separated to God alone) & faithful (devoted to God alone) (2). • Paul acknowledged Epaphras’ faithful ministry as part of the • God the Father is the source of grace and peace (2). process God used to bring the believers at Colossae to faith (7). • Paul prayed continually (with thanks) for the Church (3). • Believers share in God’s love through the Holy Spirit (8). • Paul’s ‘trio’- faith in Christ, love for fellow-believers, hope of TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY eternal life in heaven – were all alive & well at Colossae (4-5). • Is your faith a truly living faith, or have you become stale & un- • The Gospel is the word of truth (5-6). productive? Are you growing as a Christian? Is your Church grow- TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY ing? Are others in danger of ‘catching’ faith from you? • Are you committed to Christ’s gospel as the only word of truth? • Epaphras had a liaison ministry bringing great encouragement • What evidence might others see of faith, love and hope in you? throughout the Church. Do you write letters? phone? visit?

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 13 BIBLE STUDY

DAY 3 The Christian’s growth chart. DAY 6 No pain, no gain. THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 1:9-14 THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 1:24-29 THE POINT Paul has great concern that the Colossian believers THE POINT The Gospel is about power & energy & victory & will grow in every aspect of their life in Christ. He reminds them hope & glory. But strangely, it is based on struggle & suffering & of all that God has done for them to give them eternal life. defeat & death. Triumph for the Church is assured, but triumph- THE PARTICULARS alism does not sit comfortably with the essence of the Gospel. Paul prayed continuously and specifically for the Colossians: THE PARTICULARS • that they would never fall short in knowing God’s will (9); • Jesus suffered on the cross to save us; he told us that following • that the Holy Spirit would give them wisdom and insight (9); him involved facing the same kind of opposition & suffering in the • that this would result in specific outcomes in their daily lives: world; Paul knew his suffering for Jesus’ sake, though great (see 2 a witness that brings honour to Christ’s name (10); Corinthians 11:23-29), was not yet finished; nevertheless he a life that pleases the Lord in every respect and detail (10); rejoiced in it because the Church benefited from it (24). a life that is fruitful in good works (10); • We are God’s saints (‘holy ones’) whom he has chosen to under- knowing God better each day (10); stand what is disclosed in his Word concerning the Gospel of Christ having God’s strength to be patient and remain firm (11); and our hope of spiritual riches and glory (25b-27). a life marked by joy & thankfulness (not complaining!) (12). • Paul’s task was (25, 28-29), and ours is (27), to tell everyone the God has done everything necessary to bring us to heaven for Jesus’ Good News about salvation in Christ by proclamation, warning, & sake: rescued us from bondage to the darkness of sin, paid the price teaching, with the aim of getting them to heaven. to redeem us, and forgiven all our sin (13-14). TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY • Are you happy to suffer for Christ, the Church and the Gospel? • Use the details of Paul’s prayer as a check list for your own life. • When you seek to lead people to Christ do you just tell them the In what areas do you need some help? Do we pray these things Good News or do you persevere with challenging & discipling regularly for each other? them until they’re well on their way to heaven? DAY 4 God’s Christocentric universe. DAY 7 Christ the key. THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 1:15-20 THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 2:1-5 THE POINT Paul makes it clear that Christ can never be con- THE POINT Paul is concerned that believers are absolutely com- sidered as one among many. He IS the only true God, the Creator mitted to a totally Christ-centred view of the Scriptures, salvation, & Ruler of the Universe, the reason why anything exists, the only life, the Universe. Only then will they be able to stand firm against basis for reconciliation. His Church, which he bought with his own the heresies already creeping into the Church. blood shed on the cross, is the centre of his operations. The THE PARTICULARS Church must never surrender the absolute supremacy of Christ. • Paul’s concern for the members of the Church in different places THE PARTICULARS affected him deeply, even if he didn’t know them personally and was • When we see Christ we see God; he is God (15, 19). unable to be among them physically (1, 5). • Christ is the reason why Creation exists; he took part in creating • The (OT) ‘mystery’ of God is fully revealed in Christ; we can’t the Universe, he rules over every part of it, what we see & what we understand the OT unless we see all of it pointing to him (2b). don’t see, and, in fact, holds it all together (15-17). • Christ is the ‘treasure chest’ of all we can know about God (3). • Christ is the only one who has conquered death & he now lives • Paul’s concern for believers is that they fully understand this to rule over his Church in the world. He is Lord of all (18). ‘mystery’ (2b) and that they are therefore able to stand firm against • Reconciliation between Man & Creation, Man & his neighbour, the heretical views starting to infiltrate the Church (4). Man & himself, and Man & God is only possible in the way God • A prerequisite for this knowledge is a positive spiritual outlook has provided – the cross of Christ. All else is futile (20). and a commitment to unity & love among believers (2a). TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY • Can scientists such as Paul Davies ever solve the mysteries of the • Is Christ at the centre of all your thinking about the meaning of Universe if they exclude God’s revelation in Christ? life? How does this affect your conversation and behaviour? • Is reconciliation possible in the world today without Christ? • What wrong thinking in the Church today is addressed here? DAY 5 Only one way to heaven?. DAY 8 Christ the Transformer. THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 1:21-23 THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 2:6-10 THE POINT There is only one way of salvation for everybody – THE POINT Christ is fully God and the reason for everything through faith in Christ’ sacrifice. We’ve heard it, let’s live by it. that is. He rules the Universe. In him we become everything God THE PARTICULARS intended us to be when he created us in his image (Gen. 1:26-27). • Without Christ we are God’s enemies – in the way we think and THE PARTICULARS in the way we act (21). • We don’t just receive Jesus as Saviour, we receive him as Lord. He • God’s sending his Son from heaven to become a man and to die has the right to control every part of our lives. (6) physically on the cross in our place is the only means he has pro- • Living in Christ is a growing, strengthening experience, enabling vided for us to be reconciled to him (22a). us to understand our faith better, and giving us an immense sense of • By making us his friends in this way God is then able to declare gratitude for everything God is doing in us. (7) us ‘not guilty’ and to set about changing us into the holy people we • All philosophies of life, world views & scientific theories that must be if we are to live with him (22b – see 2:13-14). don’t have Christ at the centre are only man-made inventions which • We nevertheless have a responsibility to press on in our faith; the in the end are hollow, deceptive & like a straight-jacket (try dis- enemy of assurance is not doubt but complacency! (23a – see cussing the fossil record with an Evolutionist!). (8) Philippians 2:12-13 for the balance between grace and effort). • Christ, who became a man, is 100% God himself and he rules • Amazingly, salvation by grace alone through faith in Christ is the over the whole Universe. (9-10) fair basis on which God will finally judge everyone (23b). • In Christ we become everything God intended us to be. (10) TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY • On the basis of these verses, what will be the fate of a sincere, • How much difference is there between a Christian & a non- good-living Moslem, or Hindu, or Buddhist, or Jew, or average law- Christian? Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. Spend some time thinking abiding Australian, if they reject God’s offer in Christ? about the difference Jesus has made in your life and outlook.

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 14 BIBLE STUDY

DAY 9 Christ the Saviour. DAY 12 Citizens of heaven. THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 2:11-15 THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 3:1-4 THE POINT The change Jesus makes to us is not merely cosmet- THE POINT Christ died and rose again. The born-again believer ic & superficial. It gets to the heart of the problem of sin & deals ‘dies’ to the world’s way of thinking and ‘rises again’ to think in a with it fully and comprehensively. It gives substance to outward ‘heavenly’ way, in God’s way. Christ now rules in heaven and one rites & symbols like circumcision & baptism. Christ’s work on the day will come again from there; his followers should even now be cross for us does what God’s written Law could never do. thinking (and behaving) as befits citizens of heaven in preparation THE PARTICULARS for when this happens. • The only way anyone can be put right with God is to be ‘made THE PARTICULARS alive’ in Christ and to have their sins forgiven. (13) • Christ’s death and resurrection is a picture of how we die to the • Jesus made forgiveness possible by suffering the penalty for our sin on the cross. This wrote ‘Paid in Full’ across the written charge world’s way of thinking and start to live for Christ. (1, 3) established by God’s perfect Law against us. (14) • Our ‘mind set’, governing every aspect of our life & behaviour, • The OT covenant sign of circumcision represented the cutting off should itself be controlled by the fact that Christ now rules. (1) & throwing away of our sinful, physically-focussed nature. The NT • We can’t have it both ways: a mind set on God’s ways is a mind covenant sign of baptism represents our identification with Christ. not set on the world’s way of thinking. (2) The signs themselves can’t achieve what they represent, but Christ’s • The Christian’s life is totally wrapped up in Christ & God. (3) death & resurrection enable us to. (11-12) • This will be most evident when Christ comes again in glory. (4) • The cross was God’s final victory over Satan’s power. (15) TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY • Are there parts of your life not governed by a mind set on things • Have you come to grips with the heart of the Gospel (or rather, above? Why not make a list and work through it this month? has it come to grips with you?) or are you still depending on out- • What are some of the aspects of modern living (& thinking) that ward rites and the keeping of rules to get you to heaven? put pressure on us to focus on this world instead of heaven? DAY 10 Christ the reality and head. DAY 13 God takes sin seriously. THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 2:16-19 THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 3:5-11 THE POINT Christ has made a ‘public spectacle’ of all that is THE POINT Being a Christian is not just a case of being ‘more false & that detracts from him (15). We must therefore be careful good’: it is about ‘casting off’, ‘dying to’, the old way of living alto- not to risk letting such things ‘disqualify’ us for the prize. gether & having a whole new approach with a new set of guidelines THE PARTICULARS based on being a new person, remade in the image of God through • The trouble-makers in the Church at Colossae were using wrong Christ, and coming to know (and therefore practise) his ways better things to measure spiritual maturity. They had lost sight of the fact each day. A necessary byproduct of this is that all Christians that believers are primarily members of Christ’s body, that Christ is the Head, & that it is God who causes growth. (16, 19) become part of one family regardless of background. • Christ alone is the ultimate reality; everything else in the out- THE PARTICULARS working of our spiritual life is only of value if it focusses on him or • Before we are born again by the power of God at work in us we points to him. If Sabbath keeping, for example, becomes an end in are all by nature inclined towards ways opposed to God’s way and itself its real purpose has been lost and it becomes a hindrance to are therefore subject to his wrath. (5-7) spiritual growth rather than a help. (17) • We need to take decisive action to change our old ways. (5, 8-9) • Making any beings apart from Christ a focus of, or even an aid to, • Adopting God’s ways also requires decisive action. (10) worship negates true worship and could disqualify us. (18) • When we are totally caught up in Christ and he is in us we lose • Emphasising spiritual experience, even & especially if accompa- any distinctive ‘labels’ that might otherwise separate us. (11) nied by claims of humility, can lead us astray in both our understanding of the Gospel of Christ and in our living it out. (18) TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY • Use the specific sins Paul draws attention to in verses 5 & 8-9a to TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY revise the list you made yesterday. Don’t forget God means busi- • How might the Church or individual believers let an emphasis on ritual or experience become an obstacle to spiritual growth? ness when he uses phrases like ‘put to death’ and ‘you must rid yourselves’. Are we a bit lax about these things today? DAY 11 Beware of the Pharisees!. DAY 14 Essentials for fellowship. THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 2:20-23 THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 3:12-17 THE POINT Human logic always tends towards the keeping of outward rules & regulations as feel-good exercise. The trouble is, THE POINT Some items are essential in the Christian’s ward- once we take this line we end up by convincing ourselves we are robe (‘... clothe yourselves with ...’) and some things are essential to doing well when in fact our hearts & motives are still sensual & the Christian’s make-up (‘... rule in your hearts ... dwell in you worldly: inside we are no different from people who don’t worry richly ...’). We do well to make sure we are not treating any of these about any rules! It happened in the OT Church (Isaiah 29:13), in as optional extras! Everything is to centre on Christ. the Church of Jesus’ day (Matthew 15:1-20), at Colossae, and at THE PARTICULARS many stages in the Church’s history since. What about us today? • We are God’s chosen people, set apart for, & loved by, him. (12) THE PARTICULARS • The way God requires us to act towards one another reflects the • Unregenerate man thinks in a way that is opposed to God’s way way he acts towards us. (12-14) (see Jeremiah 17:9). This is what sin does. When Christ transforms • Love (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 for its definition) is the cement us by his death we die with him to this old way of thinking. We that holds together all the virtues a Christian should show. (14) must resist the tendency to drift back into it. (20) • The peace Christ gives us (see John 14:27, 16:33) should be the • The old way of thinking emphasises rule-keeping instead of a heart committed to the Lordship of Christ in every way. (20-23) obvious controlling influence in all our relationships. (15) • The ‘rule-keeping’ often appears to be very pious & disciplined & • Paul reminds us 3 times to be thankful. (15b, 16b, 17b) humble but it can easily become a cover-up for sin. (23) • As God’s family we should take every opportunity to encourage one another from his Word & by praising him together. (16) TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY • The Lord Jesus must be the centre of all we say and do. (17) • Can you think of an instance of someone using rule-keeping to hide sinful/sensual behaviour? Have you ever noticed this tendency TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY in yourself? Might others suspect this tendency in you? • Are corporate worship & Bible study high priorities with you?

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 15 BIBLE STUDY

DAY 15 Family matters. DAY 18 Keep in touch. THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 3:18-21 THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 4:7-9 THE POINT The family and its inter-relationships are not an THE POINT Paul places a lot of importance on ongoing personal accident of evolution; they are established by God from the begin- contact among the Lord’s people as they work together in the cause ning to help us understand our relationship with him. The world of the Gospel. The visit of Tychicus & Onesimus with the written today is rejecting this to its peril, but if the Church follows the letter adds another dimension to its purpose. world it will be negating an important part of God’s revelation. THE PARTICULARS THE PARTICULARS • The personal contact that Tychicus & Onesimus will make with • God has established relationships in the family as a picture of the the churches in the Lycus valley will give the opportunity for a first Church’s relationship with him. As the Church (his Bride) submits hand eyewitness report about Paul’s situation in Rome. to him, so wives are to submit to their husbands. (18) (See • This was especially applicable to Onesimus (Philemon’s runaway Ephesians 5:21-32 for a fuller statement of this principle.) slave – see Paul’s Letter to Philemon) because he was already known • The command given to husbands is not to rule but to love. among them. Headship in Christ’s kingdom is exercised by caring service. (19) • Paul always saw his work as a team effort and encouraging one • The command given to children is to obey their parents. Again, another in the work as an important aspect of it. this is to reflect our relationship to God as our Father. (20) • Tychicus & Onesimus were both faithful in their ministry. • Again, the corollary of the children’s obligation to obey is not an TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY instruction to command & rule but a warning not to embitter or • How many missionaries do you write to to encourage on a regu- exasperate the children. God knows our weakness. (21) lar basis? (I am convicted by my own question!) TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY • How important to you is personal, face-to-face contact with • How much do relationships in your family give to the watching other believers (eg Sunday worship, small groups, visiting and hos- world a clear picture of the relationship between God and his peo- pitality – not e-mails!)? ple? Where and how could improvements be made? DAY 19 Encouragement in trials. DAY 16 Industrial relations. THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 4:10-14 THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 3:22-4:1 THE POINT Apart from his imprisonment Paul had many trials THE POINT Continuing from yesterday, even relationships for and disappointments. Among these was the fact that not many of Christians in the workplace must reflect the master-slave aspect of his Jewish compatriots had recognised Jesus as the Messiah and our relationship with God. Paul refers to himself as a slave of Christ turned to him. There is also the possibility that Demas was starting (Romans 1:1, Titus 1:1) – he is our Master. Christian employees to show signs of backsliding (see 2 Timothy 4:10). But to compen- should work ‘as working for the Lord’; Christian employers should sate for all this there were many who stood by him. deal graciously with those under them, just as God deals with us. In the end we are all accountable only to him. THE PARTICULARS • Aristarchus was another prisoner for the sake of the Gospel. God THE PARTICULARS often provides others to share with us in our trials. (10) • Christians have an important role as employees to witness by • We have no record of the previous communication concerning working hard even if no one is looking. This reflects their relation- Mark; it may simply have been the request to receive him. (10) ship to the Lord who, ultimately, is their true boss. (22-24) • Not many Jews had turned to Christ as a result of Paul’s miss- • Although we work as ‘slaves’ in the world, and as ‘slaves’ of ionary endeavours but those that had were a comfort. (11) Christ, there is a strange paradox – we have an ‘inheritance’ in heaven! This is because of what Christ has done for us. (24) • Epaphras had a great ministry as a prayer warrior, ‘working hard’ • God is just in his dealings with men; sin brings punishment. (25) that his countrymen would mature spiritually. (12-13) • Employers should realise they too must give account to God. (1) • The contrast in the description of Dr Luke and Demas could indicate that Demas was already cooling off. (14, cf 2 Tim 4:10) TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY • What are some of the causes of unrest and dissatisfaction in the TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY workplace today? Is there anything you can do in your job to • What friends has God provided to bring you encouragement & to improve things by applying the principles in this passage? labour for you in prayer? Do you acknowledge their help? DAY 17 You shall be my witnesses. DAY 20 Finish well. THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 4:2-6 THE PASSAGE COLOSSIANS 4:15-18 THE POINT We are committed to using every opportunity to THE POINT Paul was not one for giving up part way through a make the otherwise hidden secrets of the Gospel clearly known to a task. In spite of his chains and possible physical disabilities (poor lost world. The very nature of the task requires the full use of all of eyesight?) he was able to write Colossians all by himself. The issues the following: prayer, clear presentation, consistent & balanced he raises in this letter are so important, in terms of standing firm for lifestyle & witness, persistence, intelligent apologetics. the truths & implications of the Gospel in the face of heretical teaching that diminished the person & work of Christ, that he THE PARTICULARS wanted all his letters to be read in all the churches in the region. • Prayer must be at the very heart of all our evangelism because: Eventually he will be able to write to Timothy: ‘I have finished the there are pitfalls we need to be alerted to; (2) race, I have kept the faith’ (2 Timothy 4:7). It is on this basis that he there is much to be grateful to God for; (2) it is God who opens the doors for opportunities; (3) tells Archippus to finish well. God reveals the otherwise hidden ‘mystery’ of Christ; (3) THE PARTICULARS we need help to make the Gospel message clear. (4) • As the Church expanded it met in different places, usually in peo- • Open evangelism may result in imprisonment but, rather than ple’s homes. (15) hinder the work, this can provide new opportunities. (3) • In spite of this thee different groups kept in close contact with • We must always be careful, alert & sensitive in our behaviour each as the one Body of Christ. (15-16) because we don’t know when fresh opportunities may arise. (5) • It is important to finish the tasks we receive ‘in the Lord’. (17) • All we say & do must strike a balance between grace & bite. (6) • We are to remember one another, especially those in trials, know- TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY ing it is God’s grace that sustains us in his work. (18) • How are your prayer life and witness both going? Are you mak- TO PONDER ... AND TO PRAY ing the most of every opportunity in both? • Is there some task you have been leaving unfinished?

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 16 NEWS

story and the latter is vital to the life of Woy (NSW), on 25 August. Mr McLeish the church and too often sadly was previously an elder with the neglected.” Caringbah (NSW) congregation for home Gosford minister Rev. Rod Mallison, many years. is demitting the parish from 31 December. From Queensland, the Presbyterian He began long service leave on 29 and Methodist Schools Association .front September after a combined worship ser- (PMSA) and the board of Brisbane Boys vice. The Mallisons will continue to live College have announced that Graeme on the Central Coast and be available for McDonald will be the new headmaster. Supply. Mr McDonald, who has a distinguished educational management background at Appointments some of the Australia’s most prestigious schools, will be the eighth headmaster in The Presbytery of Ballarat (Vic) reports the college’s 100-year history. He takes that licentiate John Brennan, the exit over from acting headmaster Greg appointee to Horsham, was ordained and Johnson, who returns to the post of appointed to the Horsham appointment deputy head. parish on 19 July. On 2 August, home missionary Ron Williamson was set apart Not Hastie for long for his new appointment in the home mission station of Kaniva-Nhill, and he and AP is pleased to note the recent A venerable birthday his wife Jean were welcomed to the announcement of the engagement of parish. Sarah Hastie, the eldest daughter of With a donation of 50 pounds, the On Sunday 25 August, Colin Ashfield minister Rev. Peter Hastie and Presbyterian Women’s Missionary McLeish was inducted into the session of Sue Hastie to Dr Mark Perrin of Union began life on 25 August 1890. St Davids Presbyterian Church, Woy Sydney. Today, 112 years later, it is still providing spiritual and practical support for missionaries in Australia and abroad. The PWMU has stimulated vision for the missionary cause in Presbyterian congregations, supported the committees set Dale Stock up the church for mission and social work, and sought in every way possible to 1957 – 2002 extend the Kingdom of God. In recent years PWMU has provided financial support to missionaries, overseas students, home missions, capital works, the Middle Dale Stock, who drowned in Pakistan Mohammed Khan to concentrate on East Reformed Fellowship and social ser- in July while saving a child, was born in evangelism, while Nicky worked as a vices. that country to missionary parents who nurse in a clinic refurbished by her worked in the Punjab area with Hindu brother Symen and some other friends Half century of service tribal people. he had brought from Australia. He attended Murree Christian On 13 July Dale and Nicky joined Braemar Presbyterian Homes in School, where his children Esther and Bill and Sheila McKelvie and, with their Western Australia celebrates 50 years of Luke now attend, and graduated in children, went to a lake for a swim and service later this year. The original 1976. Between 1976 and 1982 Dale a picnic. Suddenly Dale and Bill saw Braemar was opened on 8 November attended the Christian Technical that the children were struggling in a 1952. A number of celebrations are Training Institute in Gujranwala, strange undertow and went to their aid. planned for the week beginning 28 Pakistan. During 1982 and 1984, he With all his strength Dale brought one October, climaxing with a function on 8 studied in the US in further technical of the McKelvie children towards the November, with PCA Moderator General training and at Bible College. shore, where Bill and the others were Rt Rev. Jack Knapp. While waiting for a visa to re-enter being pulled to safety by onlookers. Pakistan, Dale worked at the Oasis Dale disappeared under the surface and Central Coast turns 10 Hospital in Abu Dhabi. In 1986 he his body was found by divers about 40 returned to Pakistan through the mis- minutes later. The Presbytery of the Central Coast sionary organisation Interserve. He Due to the intense heat of the (NSW) first met at St Davids began work at the Kunri Christian Punjab (48-50C) at the time, Dale was Presbyterian Church, Woy Woy, on 25 Hospital, where he met Nicky Van buried the next day. A memorial service August 1992. As Rev. John Broadhead Leeuwen, and they married in June in Urdu was held 10 days later. The wrote in the 10th anniversary newsletter: 1987. Esther was born in 1988 and Luke Mitchelton Presbyterian Church in “History and communication are two in 1991. Queensland held a memorial service on important aspects of the church’s life. In 1996 they moved to Tando 25 August. The former was once described as God’s

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 17 NEWS

1993 to 12.2 per cent in 2001. A similar New PIM committee trend may be emerging in the 12-17 age Alan Alexandre Knox bracket. It is very encouraging to see that The Presbyterian Inland Mission has in 2001 nearly half of all gains in member- formed a new sub-committee, the WA 1914 – 2002 ship were by profession of faith. Gains by Patrol Extension Committee, to raise transfer from other church have been in support for PIM work in WA, including steady decline since 1997 (12.6 per cent new patrols. Rev. Martin de Pyle of Swan Elder Alan Alexandre Knox’s long then, 8.3 now). The return also revealed Hill (Vic) will lead the new sub-commit- service to the Lord Christ Jesus was 31.5 per cent of the PCV were aged 65 tee which has members in Victoria, completed on 7 May, reports plus. Tasmania and Western Australia. David Ringwood-Heathmont session clerk Hart of the David Shearer Patrol in the D. Fraser. Alan was elected elder of Tremper Longman III at PTC mid-west of WA has been appointed con- Ringwood-Heathmont (Vic) in 1986, sultant. The first aim is to raise $80,000 and served the congregation faithfully One of the world’s leading Old for a new patrol vehicle. until his passing. Testament scholars, Dr Tremper The session wishes to place on Longman III of Westmont College, record its appreciation of Alan’s dedi- California, has been teaching on Proverbs, cated services to the session, board of Job, Song of Songs and Ecclesiastes at the management and the congregation Presbyterian Theological Centre, across over a period of more than the 16 Sydney. He presented the 2002 Eliza years he was an elder. Ferrie Lecture. Next year Rev. Dr Alan displayed great foresight, Richard Pratt has been invited to lecture unshakeable faith, integrity and sin- on preaching from Chronicles. australia cerity, assisted by his love of the Scriptures. He was proud of his her- Cheltenham conference itage, tracing his lineage back to the reformer John Knox. In August Cheltenham Presbyterian To his brother elders and those Church, Melbourne, hosted a well- placed in his care he was a caring and attended public meeting on stem cell thoughtful friend who was prepared research and human cloning. Speakers to go “the second mile”. Bill Muehlenberg of the Australian Christian university Family Association and Dr Matt Piercy alerted those present, including federal and state MPs, to the medical, The Association of Christian Tertiary scientific and ethical issues involved. Education, the Association for Christian Buddhist witness Cheltenham minister Rev. David Higher Education in Australia and Palmer has produced a discussion paper Christian College for Tertiary Education on the topic. have formed a Christian Institute for Rev. Dr Botros Abedalla has written a On Sunday 8 September the first ser- Tertiary Education to establish a booklet explaining Buddhist teaching and vice of a new Sudanese congregation Christian university in Victoria. offering Christian responses. This witness under the oversight of the Cheltenham Their constitution incorporates a state- to a religion increasingly influential in the session was held. About 40 Sudanese ment of Christian belief and principles West follows the widely circulating book- believers were joined by 30 regulars from under four headings: why Christian schol- let on Islam that Dr Abedalla published the Australian congregation, led by Rev. arship, the how of Christian scholarship, earlier this year. For more details, phone Choul. the contribution of non-Christians, and (03) 9700 6717. academic freedom of Christian scholars. PTC evangelism course The authority of Scripture as confessed Good news for Victoria in the creeds of the Protestant In August and September the faculty of Reformation is clearly stated. The statistical returns for 2001 submit- the Presbyterian Theological College, Accreditation for any courses offered ted to the October meeting of the Melbourne, organised the first in a series will be sought through an affiliation with General Assembly in Victoria show that of short courses planned for weekdays an overseas university or college, with an while membership figures continue to and for laypeople from the churches. ultimate goal of recognition in Australia decline slightly (1.69 per cent in 2001) ‘Sharing the Gospel’ was taught by Greg from state and federal governments. For overall attendance figures have continued Goswell and Tony Bird (PTC), further information contact Rev. Cor to be stable for the past five years at Abedalla Botros (Arabic Church), Vanderhorn (03) 9311 1661 or cor@net- around 6600. In 2001 for the first time the Helen Bell (chaplain, La Trobe space.net.au actual number of attendees were more University), Peter Owen (Melton), stu- than the total number of communicants dents David Assender and Matt James, Australian in Brazil (6619). and Stuart Bonnington (South Yarra). Over the past several years the 18-30 The course attracted good support from Rev. Linleigh Roberts, an Australian age bracket in attendance in the PCV has Christian circles outside the Presbyterian Presbyterian minister, ministered in Brazil been increasing, going from 9 per cent in Church. in July and August, addressing the general

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 18 NEWS

assembly of the Presbyterian Church in years of being head-quartered in onment or death. For free copies of the Brazil, lecturing at the Seminary in Belo Melbourne. The move reflects changes in booklet, phone toll-free 1800 800 937 or Horizonte, and speaking at a pastors’ and operations and the extremely difficult visit the website www.BibleLeague.com. leaders’ conference. The Brazilian church conditions in the aviation industry, MAF plans to publish some of his materials in reports. Church in contempt? Portuguese. MAF’s tradition of offering heavily At the end of August, he and his wife, subsided services to church and mission, The Sydney Morning Herald reports that LaVerne, will be leaving the US for teaching by being expert in managing a cutting- the Uniting Church has become the first ministry at the African Bible College in edge aviation operation is virtually unsus- church in Australia to face contempt of Lilongwe, Central Africa, until December. tainable today, and the mission is seeking court charges – over the sacking of two financial partners to enable the ministry to employees who ran its Wesley Gardens Fewer books continue. nursing home at Belrose. V.M. Ambrose House at 5 Court The NSW Industrial Relations Court Australian Christian Literature Society Street, Box Hill, Vic, will be sold to allow has initiated proceedings against the judges expressed concern at the decreas- relocation of MAF’s head office to Cairns church, saying its treatment of the ing number of new Christian books – early next year, to be closer to the Papua employees was calculated to interfere with especially children’s books – being pub- New Guinea and North Australia the administration of justice. lished in Australia. They awarded Branches. The engineering facility, MAF Australian Christian Book of the Year Aviation Services, will be relocated from 2002 to What Some of You Were, edited by Ballarat to Mareeba Airport near Cairns. Carrying the word Christopher Keene, and published by Matthias Press. They described the book Fighting teen suicide In September next year, a team of up to as a bold and timely commentary on 50 cyclists will cycle 4200 kilometres from homosexuality from a distinctly A new online magazine for young people Perth to Hobart to to raise money for lit- Australian perspective. It combines open, is fighting the appalling Australian statis- eracy projects in India. The cyclists will be honest and at times moving personal sto- tics on drug abuse, suicide, and alco- riding under the banner of Bike for ries of those who grapple with homosex- holism. Right Turn – founded by a group Bibles, a fundraising initiative of The uality (their own or that of people close to of professional editors, journalists, social Bible Society in Australia. The ride is them). Personal testimonies are supple- workers, web-designers and researchers – expected to raise more than $200 000 to mented with appendices providing offers advice, information and counselling distribute Bible Society literacy materials. impressive medical, social and theological to Australian teenagers in a format that Bike for Bibles is looking for interested perspectives on the issue. most appeals to them. cyclists to register now, so that they will This book is refreshingly free of jargon Australia has one of the highest youth have a year to train and raise funds for the and is a compassionate treatment of an suicide rates in the world. Every 18 hours epic adventure. Call toll-free 1800 251 389 issue which – the book itself admits – has one young person between the ages of 15 or email [email protected]. been handled poorly at times by and 24 takes his or her own life – a quar- Christians. Although necessarily technical ter of all deaths in that age group. in parts the book is readily accessible to a For more information, please phone broad Christian readership. Lisa Saut on (02) 48723330 or write to Certificates of Commendation were [email protected] awarded to Making Good Churches Better world by Kevin Giles (Acorn Press), and If I Praying for the persecuted were God I’d End all the Pain by John Dickson (Matthias Media). As worldwide persecution of Christians news increases dramatically, the Bible League is Moyes in Parliament distributing free copies of a booklet specifically designed to lead Australians in Rev. Dr Gordon Moyes was named in a relevant prayer. joint sitting of the New South Wales The booklet I Know Your Afflictions is Parliament on 3 September as the replace- a 21-day prayer guide that offers insights ment for Elaine Nile MLC, who has into difficulties being experienced by retired because of ill health after 14 years Christians in 21 countries. The Bible in the NSW Legislative Council. League is also providing a Bible money Dr Moyes will also continue his broad- box with each booklet so that those who Iraq warning casting career as Wesley Mission’s pray may add a gift for God’s people who Superintendent on Sydney’s newest radio are without his word. A dollar a day over A leading Pakistani Christian has warned Station, Radio 2 1611 AM every Sunday the 21 days of prayer will place at least that an attack on Iraq by America could night. three Bibles or seven New Testaments in cause a severe increase in persecution for the hands of persecuted Christians who Christians in Pakistan, according to the MAF moves north desperately need the hope and comfort UK-based Christian Solidarity found in the Word of God. Worldwide. Mission Aviation Fellowship is moving More than 200 million Christians live in Cecil Chaudry, executive secretary of to Cairns in North Queensland after 51 daily fear of discrimination, arrest, impris- the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance and

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 19 NEWS

a key Christian leader, said: “I see terrible things happening if Iraq is invaded, provinces, large numbers of Laskar Jihad used for the reproductive cloning of including attacks on our churches and and foreign mujahideen have infiltrated humans.” even attacks on our homes. Any attack on and the Indonesian military is actively Three scientists worldwide have said Iraq is going to signify to the extremists, supporting the jihad. they are on the verge of creating a cloned rightly or wrongly, that this is a war of In Maluku and Papua, several recent human baby, but none has produced evi- Christianity against Islam. fatal attacks have been perpetrated, dence. “When the Gulf War took place Iraq seemingly to provoke major sectarian Reuters was the aggressor and Pakistan was part of strife. The Christians of Maluku and the multi-national coalition force, but our Central Sulawesi disarmed after the Hungary for education churches were stoned, a Catholic priest peace accords, while the Papuan sepa- was manhandled and furniture burned. If ratists generally do not have automatic At a ceremony to mark the opening of a the UN give their support to action weapons. However, the fatalities all new year at the Calvinist College in the against Iraq it will still be difficult for appear to have been inflicted with town of Papa, Hungarian President Christians, but the Government may be Indonesian military issue automatic Ferenc Madl suggested that the growth of able to keep the situation under control as weapons. Christians have been blamed church schools was the most important they will say that Pakistan as a country has for these attacks but it is suspected that development since communism collapsed to stand by the Security Council’s recom- the military may be responsible. in 1989. mendations.” Christians are at great risk. “The rapid spread of church schools Assist News Service Evangelical Alliance was one of the most important achieve- ments of the free and independent Ruling the waves Same-sex marriage Hungary over the past 12 years,” he said. Government figures show that about A Superior Court judge in Quebec, 1.5 million pupils and students returned Christians working in the media in Great Canada, has ruled that the federal prohibi- to primary and high school. Christian Britain are so “creative and talented” that tion of same-sex marriages is unconstitu- schools account for about six per cent of they could lead Christian broadcasting tional, and has granted two men the right the country’s education system. into a new, more effective dimension, to marry. Assist News Service according to Dr Ted Baehr, a Christian Michael Hendricks and René expert on the entertainment media. LeBoeuf, who have been together since Russian crack down “Britain is in a fledgling state of redis- 1973, first applied for a marriage licence in covering Christian values and the impact 1998 and have been battling the federal A Swedish missionary has been expelled of the media,” Dr Baehr said. “It’s about and Quebec governments in provincial from Russia and a Catholic priest was to break through new boundaries and court. denied entry into the country, as part of a explore new areas that we don’t often “Requiring couples to be heterosexual reported crack down against churches explore here in the United States because to enter into marriage cannot be imposed and Christians, reports Assist News we have built up too much of a successful by a legislature because it is a fundamental Service. formula for Christian broadcasting.” right,” wrote Justice Louise Lemelin. The The deportation of Leo Martensson, “Christians are now being allowed by distinction based on sex “undermines who had worked in Russia as a missionary the British government to have more free- human dignity and denies the applicants’ for nine years, was ordered on 10 dom in producing Christian program- equality rights under section 15 of the September when his visa was cancelled. ming,” Baehr noted. “Thus, they are in a Charter,” she wrote. Martensson’s lawyer Aleksandr position to explore the unexplored; to go The National Post Antipyonok described the expulsion as an after an audience that is not the normal illegal decision. “There is no basis for it,” audience. I believe their scripts are a little Cloning problems he said. more edgy than ours and maybe they can Martensson had been invited to work make a difference, but they seem to be Cloned mice have hundreds of abnormal in the southern Russian region of more in touch with the contemporary genes, which explains why so many Krasnodar, by the local diocese of the humanist and even pagan culture than a cloned animals die at or before birth and Evangelical Christian Missionary lot of people in the States.” proves it would be irresponsible to clone a Union, a registered Protestant denomina- Dr Baehr is founder and chairman of human being, scientists have said. tion. the Hollywood-based Christian Film & The process of cloning introduces the Also on 10 September, Polish Television Commission ministry and genetic mutations, and there seems no Catholic priest Edward Mackiewicz was Movieguide, a biweekly magazine that immediate way around the problem, denied entry to Russia despite holding a reviews movies from a biblical perspec- Rudolf Jaenisch and colleagues at the valid visa. Border guards reportedly told tive. Massachusetts Institute of Technology him that his parish in the southern city Assist News Service reported in a recent issue of the of Rostov-on-Don had been “abol- Proceedings of the National Academy of ished”. Indonesian threats mount Sciences. He is the fifth foreign Catholic priest “I think this confirms suspicions that I to have been denied access to the Christians in the Central Sulawesi, have always had and that many others had Russian Federation this year. Foreigners Maluku and Papua provinces of Eastern that cloning is a very inefficient method at working with other religious communi- Indonesia are under severe threat of both this point,” Jaenisch said. “It is very irre- ties have also had their visas stripped jihad and military attack. In all three sponsible to think this method could be from them.

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 20 DEFENDINGEVANGELISM THE FAITH The great debate When Philip Adams and William Lane Craig locked horns over God, AP was there.

owadays most people are some- claiming that he could prove that God what uneasy about the idea that exists with mathematical certainty, but anything is absolute. We love to Tracy rather that it is more probable on bal- have options. And the world to ance that theism is true than atheism. Nmany people is looking less black and Gordon He discussed how astrophysical evi- white and increasingly grey, particu- dence indicates that the universe began to larly in terms of morals, ethics, and prolific and sometimes controversial exist in an explosion called the Big Bang religion. Relativism is on the increase broadcaster, writer and film-maker. about 15 billion years ago, and that the and the “whatever works for you” Adams does not hide his views on reli- standard Big Bang model describes a uni- mentality is winning friends and influ- gion, saying “I’ve spent a life-time attack- verse which is not eternal in the past, but encing people. ing religious beliefs and have not wavered rather came into existence a finite time Phillip Adams expressed some of these from a view of the universe that many ago. “Not only all matter and energy, but thoughts recently in an article in The would regard as bleak. Namely, that it is a physical space and time [itself] came into Australian where he discussed some of his meaningless place devoid of deity.” being at the initial cosmological singular- views on the existence and relevance of Craig and Adams tackled two topics: ity, which marks the boundary of space God – namely, he doesn’t and he isn’t. and time.” And furthermore, that it really doesn’t Beginning with the idea that the uni- matter anyway, as long as we all seek to verse had a starting point, based on philo- “get on with treating each other sophical and scientific reasoning, Craig decently”, and don’t let a “little thing like “The problem argued that there is a “personal creator of God come between us”. with God is the universe who is immaterial, timeless, What seems most offensive of all to that as science changeless, spaceless, immensely power- many people is the idea of an absolute advances, he ful and who created the universe out of God. Only one God. And only one way decreases.” nothing”. to approach him. “We are brought not merely to a tran- Catharine Lumby, writing in a similar PHILLIP ADAMS scendent cause of the universe, but to a vein in The Bulletin, concluded in a personal creator, and this is what every- recent article that “no one religious body means by God,” Craig said. group has a monopoly on the claim they’ve secured direct access to an absoluteReality, a debate on the existence dams began by stating his reluctance absolute authority – that they’ve got a set of God, and absoluteFact, a debate on sci- Ato be part of a debate tackling such of rules for who we ought to be and how ence and Christianity, friend or foe? an “immensely serious subject”, but we ought to live”. Craig started the ball rolling, setting rather than presenting a case for atheism, Debates about the existence of God out his two-fold aims as contending he went on to argue that Dr Craig was have been raging for centuries. Where you that there are no good reasons to think more of an atheist than he himself was sit along the spectrum of belief, ranging that atheism is true and secondly, that probably aware, listing a host of gods from Christian through to agnostic and there are good reasons for thinking the- that he did not believe in – Jupiter, Zeus, on to atheist, affects your outlook on ism is true. He added that he was not Odin and Thor, among others. Craig much, if not all, of life. The challenge to debate this subject was recently taken up by representatives from both ends of the spectrum in what turned out to be a rather fiery war of words and philosophies.

r William Lane Craig, Christian apol- Dogist and Research Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, Piano Tuning Biola University, in La Mirada, Is your instrument in need of tuning or repair? California, visited Sydney to take part in the debates as part of the Sydney Contact Ian Baxter for a free quotation University Evangelical Union’s Phone: (Melbourne) 9801 6072 AbsoluteGod mission. Since 1961 His opponent was Phillip Adams, the

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 21 DEFENDING THE FAITH

absolutely critical idea of physical resurrection.” What they said Adams concluded: “Science imposes far bigger questions than religion. Religion never wanted to change any- William Lane Craig Phillip Adams thing. Religion wanted to believe in a world with a physical solid heaven, liter- • Debating Adams was “like argu- • Craig is “deeply personally offen- ally up there and hell down there … You ing with a village atheist”. sive”, presents an “outrageous dis- have two modalities: you have the con- tortion of science”, and he calls on stant thrusting and questing in science … • Adams is “basically a person who “obscure authors” to support his always testing, always hypothesising and is full of sound and fury … mostly views. giving up when the idea is wrong and bluster and little substance.” going on, versus religion, all religion, not • Craig is more of an atheist than he just one, Christianity, which is about the • “Media personalities get away is probably aware of. preservation of dogma, which is about with pseudo-intellectual posturing”, the preservation of rules, which is about but “when confronted with genuine • The debates were “fraudulent and keeping things the way they are. Nothing scholarship his pretensions are a complete waste of time”. could be more difficult than science and exposed”. Christianity, nothing.” William Lane Craig contended that “Christianity is an ally to science, in that it can furnish a conceptual framework in replied that you only have to believe in Addressing the relevance of God which science can flourish. More than one God to be a theist, whereas you have William Lane Craig cited the time in his that, the Christian religion historically did to believe that no God exists to be an life when as a teenager he began to ask furnish the conceptual framework in atheist. some big questions about the meaning of which modern science was born and nur- Adams told how, when he was five, he existence. “I found the answer in Jesus tured … we are living in an era of renewed “gave up on God” and found that “believ- Christ and in God. I found that through interest in the dialogue between science ing in God was unnecessary”. He agreed Jesus Christ I could come to know this and Christian theology.” with other writers, who had come to sim- personal creator in a personal way that ilar conclusions in their own lives, who invested my meaning with joy, hope and hile the debate did cover some acad- wrote that God was the name we gave to Wemic ground, there were heated what we didn’t understand, and that he exchanges. Adams said he thought the was simply another question. “We are living debates were “fraudulent and a complete Asked how he could make a firm deci- in an era waste of time”. He found Dr Craig sion on such a weighty issue at five, he of renewed “deeply personally offensive” and added said that by five everyone on earth has interest in that he presented an “outrageous distor- been hand-fed a religion. “People don’t the dialogue tion of science”, and that he called upon have the right to express a belief that they between obscure authors to support his views. haven’t examined, and 99 per cent of peo- Craig commented that the debates ple fit into this category.” science and were very useful to expose Adams for Adams, the son of a Congregational Christian “what he is … basically a person who is minister, said that people “create God in theology.” full of sound and fury … mostly bluster their own image according to their needs and little substance.” He added his dismay WILLIAM LANE CRAIG and circumstances and cultural attitudes”. that “media personalities get away with On the relationship between God and pseudo-intellectual posturing” and that humans, he said: “We’re only here because purpose that I never dreamt possible.” “when confronted with genuine scholar- after a few billion years an asteroid hit the Tackling the issue of science and ship his pretensions are exposed”. planet and wiped out the dinosaurs, allow- Christianity, Phillip Adams said “the Craig said Adams had little under- ing a new species to be dominant, namely problem with God is that as science standing of the arguments and that it was us. In turn we’re likely to be wiped out advances, he decreases”. like “arguing with a village atheist”. ourselves by our own stupidity, or by “In a sense, yes, a scientist can be a At the end of the day, students were another asteroid.” Christian, and a Christian can be a scien- encouraged to inquire further into the tist. But Christianity and science are question of the existence and relevance of s to the relevance of God, Adams utterly different ways of looking at the God. “I would encourage you, if you are Aargued that God, “if he exists, should world and they will never, ever be happy an open-minded seeker today to do what be ashamed of himself”, adding “for the in their marriage,” he said. I did, to look into this, to begin to last couple of thousand years he has He ridiculed the idea that Christianity explore, to keep an open mind, because I caused nothing but trouble”. is crucial to science. To say that “is to believe that it could change your life, that Adams said he could not think of an deny, for example, the immense contribu- same way it changed mine,” Craig con- example of a case where religious belief tion of Jewish scientists and the simple cluded. sorted out a problem. “Christianity fact that every major scientist alive today specifically promised us peace, love and would not agree with one iota of Journalist Tracy Gordon worships at harmony. It doesn’t deliver.” Christian theology, least of all the Ashfield Presbyterian Church, Sydney. ap

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 22 WORSHIP Would Jesus worship here? Across the world, God moves in mysterious ways.

ravelling gives me glimpses of a criticise the Russian service for its distant, variety of church styles. I remem- impersonal style. Yet under a Communist ber my first Russian Orthodox Philip regime that had no place for God, the service, designed to express mys- Orthodox Church continued to place teryT and majesty. The service goes on Yancey God at the centre and survived the most three to four hours, with worshipers determined atheistic assault in history. entering and leaving at will. No one a tiny village. Pigs and chickens wandered Nevertheless, how strange we must invites congregants to “pass the peace” or through. An old Scottish missionary cou- appear to outsiders trying to comprehend “greet the folks around you with a smile”. ple had established several dozen similar our faith from such diverse clues. All They stand — there are no pews — and churches in the remote hills. Founded on these churches, from the sacramental to watch the professionals, who are very pro- the Plymouth Brethren model, they had the user-friendly, have their own internal fessional indeed. no pastors — indeed, most of these logic — and all mysteriously trace back to I did not understand a word of the ser- believers had no idea that elsewhere in the a Palestinian rabbi who spoke mostly in vice, but then I learned that none of the world Christians hired professionals to synagogues or in fields of grass. other congregants did either: Russian ser- lead their worship. My travels have left me with a few last- vices are conducted in Old Slavonic, Europe is the ing impressions. First, not many people in which only the priests understand. most depressing church look like they’re enjoying them- In Egypt I attended a service con- What would place for me to selves. ducted in a Coptic language that none but make a worship. The Second, Christianity may show its best the priests could speak. Whereas publish- family-based magnificent side as a minority faith. I see more unity ers in the US bring out a new version of youth ministry cathedrals attract and creativity in places like the United the Bible every six months or so, in much throngs of Kingdom and Australia, where Christians different to of the world worshipers can’t understand tourists and very have little hope of affecting culture and a single word read to them from the pul- any other few believers. In concentrate instead on loving each other pit. ministry to Prague, home of and worshipping well. Seeker-sensitive churches in the US youth? the great Third, God “moves” in mysterious even target worship services toward spe- reformer Jan ways. To visit the burgeoning churches of cific age groups, hence the “Gen X Hus, I attended the apostle Paul’s day, you would need to churches” springing up in warehouses and one of the few evangelical churches, hire a Muslim guide or an archaeologist. strip malls. These tend to dispense with which meets in a hotel conference room; Western Europe, site of the Holy Roman formalities and reduce worship to praise Hus’s own church is kept in museum Empire and the Reformation, is now the music, announcements, and a “teaching”. condition, but rarely used. John Calvin’s least religious place on earth. In Latin Some Gen X churches innovate with dra- church still dominates the landscape in America, while the Catholics preached mas or “object lessons” that make the Geneva, but most Swiss see it as a relic, God’s “preferential option for the poor”, Bible come alive. I watched a thousand not a nourishing source of life. Even in the poor embraced Pentecostalism. young people sit spellbound as their pas- Rome the coffee bars attract far more par- Meanwhile, the greatest numerical tor splattered a costumed “priest” with ticipation on Sunday mornings than the revival in history is occurring in China, blood and made him hold a stack of fire- churches. one of the last atheistic states and one of wood throughout the sermon to demon- In Japan a congregation of 200 qualifies the most oppressive. Go figure. strate the tasks of the Levites. as a “megachurch”. I met adult converts who came to church, and eventually to Philip Yancey is a noted Christian author. s one of the most religious countries Christ, because they wanted to practice This article is reprinted from Christianity Aon earth, the US offers something for their English or learn to play the piano. As Today, February 2000. ap everyone. Some Armenian churches in Western culture abandons its Christian America conduct worship in a language heritage, Asians reclaim it, stocking our and style unchanged in a millennium. At a symphony orchestras, collecting our art, Christian Reformed church near Chicago, and in some cases embracing our faith. A Invitation when I inquired if I could speak from the teacher friend on Chicago’s north shore platform rather than the elevated pulpit, tells me her Jewish and WASP students You are hereby invited to place the shocked reaction suggested that I had no longer recognise such biblical names as your advertisement in this space asked to speak in my underwear. In Samson and Daniel; she has to call on for only $25.00 Colorado my pastor paces the platform Korean students to identify them. wearing jeans and a polo shirt. I have learned to see strength, as well For further information In the Philippines I visited an open-air as confusion, in these many worship ring Mr Walter Bruining church constructed of poles and thatch in styles. For example, some missionaries on (03) 9723 9684

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 23 BOOKS Soul food? Philip Yancey’s latest book is a mixed blessing.

hen I read my first book by for his leprosy because it was this disease Philip Yancey – Where is God which led him to know Dr Brand and the When It Hurts?, published in other Christian doctors, and the God who 1977 – I had no idea that he Peter lives in them. wouldW become so popular. His work on Barnes Yancey has an ear for the penetrating suffering was well-written, and made comment. Robert Coles maintains that some helpful points, but it was permeated novelists understand life and psychology with a defective view of the sovereignty of In Yancey’s view, modern churches better than do the social scientists – God, and at times seemed to imply uni- simply condemn sinners. One wonders although that is probably to state the versalism. There seemed little point in giv- how many churches Yancey has visited obvious. Kierkegaard’s remark concerning it to suffering saints when Joni recently. These days one is more likely to ing the philosophy of Hegel is along the Eareckson’s books were available. have to endure a sacred dance than a tirade same lines: “Hegel explained everything in Only occasionally did I get around to against homosexuality. life except how to get through an ordinary reading Yancey’s other works – and that Yancey’s subjects constitute an odd, if day.” The strength of Yancey’s observa- was only when they became so popular interesting, collection. Yancey does not tions is precisely this refusal to be side- that I felt obliged to catch up with the hide Martin Luther King Jr’s immorality. tracked or impressed by academic jargon, trends. Yancey has the style of a good King is said to have derived his inspiration and his willingness to deal with reality. journalist. He writes well, he stimulates, from Gandhi and the Sermon on the The chapter on Tolstoy and he sometimes irritates, he repeats stories, Dostoevsky is full of suggestive insights. and he makes mistakes. In What’s So It is all set against the background of the Amazing About Grace? he portrays murderous Soviet empire, and Calvin’s Geneva in a way which is demon- The most dan- Solzhenitsyn’s explanation in 1983, when strably inaccurate. He writes as though gerous feature he looked over a regime which had massa- Calvin were the dictator of the city, and of Yancey’s cred 60 million of its own people, and the Consistory were there to do his bid- work is his concluded “men have forgotten God; ding. He even trots out an old chestnut – that’s why all this has happened”. the oft-quoted but erroneous claim that separation of Yancey’s capacity to summarise a per- the Consistory beheaded a child who doctrine from son’s life and work comes to the fore in struck his parents. spirituality. his treatment of Gandhi. Barely five feet It is revealing that Yancey is regarded as tall, weighing about eight stone, wearing an evangelical believer, who serves as edi- the same loincloth every day, Gandhi had tor-at-large for Christianity Today. The some intriguing habits. His ritual ablu- reviews which he has received in evangeli- Mount, but sometimes his rhetoric tions and his testing of his vow of celibacy cal magazines and journals have been resembled Churchill on a bad-hair day. In by sleeping next to naked young women warm to the point of being overdone. Soul his last speech, delivered in Memphis the have rightly been criticised. Gandhi pro- Survivor has received more than its fair night before his tragic assassination, King fessed a love for Christ’s teachings in the share of accolades, but it is a strange, albeit indulged in all the tricks of oratory: “I just Sermon on the Mount, but he refused to moving, book. It is supposed to consist of want to do God’s will. And he’s allowed accept Christ’s deity and perfection. He 13 little biographies, but its over-arching me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve declared: “I cannot concede to Christ a theme is autobiographical: how my faith looked over, and I’ve seen the promised solitary throne.” survived the church. In fact, the work is as land.” Many have found this speech very much about Yancey as anybody else. moving, but it is the sort of windy he most dangerous feature of rhetoric which means whatever one wants TYancey’s work is his separation of ancey’s strictures on the church are so it to mean. doctrine from spirituality. For example, he Ysavage in places that it is difficult to The chapter on G. K. Chesterton is writes of the wonders of life – the tiny, see how Yancey could fit into any church both amusing and stimulating. Equally delicate flowers on the mountains of which taught anything in a definite way. fascinating, albeit in a different way, is the Colorado, the coral and tropical fish of He launches this work with 10 pages on chapter on Dr Paul Brand of Vellore the Great Barrier Reef, the gorgeous but- “Recovering from Church Abuse”. Hospital. Dr Brand makes the thought- terflies of Brazil, the whales of Alaska, the Perhaps he could commence his next provoking comment that pain is necessary giraffes and wildebeest of Kenya, and the work with 100 pages on “Recovering from in a fallen world: “I thank God for pain. I musk oxen of the Arctic. Then he adds: “I Journalists’ Abuse”. Honesty is praise- cannot think of a greater gift I could give have also sat in hot classrooms and lis- worthy, but Paul still gave thanks for the my leprosy patients.” Even more startling tened to theology professors drone on Corinthians (1 Cor. 1:4), and Hebrews 11 – and profoundly moving – is the com- about the defining qualities of the deity – does not wallow in the sins of the saints. ment by one patient that he was grateful omniscience, omnipresence, omnipo-

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 24 tence, etc. Can the One who created this Buechner is cited with approval: “Faith is epistle to the Galatians makes clear. glorious world be reduced to such homesickness. Faith is a lump in the Yancey gives some splendid illustra- abstractions?” It is a loaded piece of writ- throat. Faith is less a position on than a tions of the Christian life but he often ing, and somewhat beyond the canons of movement toward, less a sure thing than fails to work from the Bible outwards (he fairness. a hunch. Faith is waiting. Faith is jour- rarely refers to the Bible); he delights in Yancey writes sympathetically about neying through space and time.” confusing depth with a failure to give clear each of his subjects – perhaps too sympa- According to the apostle Paul, faith is a biblical answers (an appreciation of life’s thetically. One can empathise with Dr C. bit more than goose-bumps on the sky- complexity is no excuse for being foggy); Everett Koop, as the Surgeon-General dive. It is not resting on our own right- and he separates doctrine from spirituality under President Reagan. His appointment eousness, but depending wholly upon the (the implication is that all his subjects are in 1980 set off a storm of protest and a righteousness of Christ (Phil. 3:8-9). Christians simply because they are inter- campaign of vilification against him by One would like Yancey to point that out ested in spiritual things). pro-abortion feminists. By 1989, when occasionally. One yearns for a definition of grace Koop naively concluded that there was lit- which would set it apart from lawlessness tle evidence that abortion greatly affected he second quotation comes from with spiritual overtones. Yancey says that the women who had them, he had also THenri Nouwen: “What makes us he writes as a pilgrim. One wishes that he disappointed, if not alienated, many of his human is not our mind but our heart, not could write too as a theologian. After all, fellow evangelicals. our ability to think but our ability to John Bunyan managed it. Chapters on John Donne, Annie love.” Nicely put, but if dogmatism can be Dillard, Frederick Buechner, Shusaku unhealthy so too can being warm and Philip Yancey, Soul Survivor (London: Endo, and Henri Nouwen conclude the fuzzy. Love is greater than knowledge (1 Hodder and Stoughton, 2001). work. Two quotations will illustrate the Cor. 8:1), but that does not mean that one dangers in Yancey’s approach. Frederick doctrine is as good as another – as the Peter Barnes is books editor of AP. ap

comers into small groups for both disci- lost. Some are doing this (the Donvale pleship and service. I have met many and Creek Road Presbyterian Churches believers with vibrant faith in large are two examples), others need to follow letters churches. their lead. I hope no readers assumed that Horton’s indictment of mega-churches Rev. Robert L. Carner, implied that the average small congrega- Berwick, Vic tion is more rooted or more spiritual. I have sometimes encountered the attitude Tidal wave that a small church is more “pure”, the flock having been pared down to the I must say the flood of negative com- “faithful few”. ment on my letter (AP, June) responding Let’s be honest: some people do attend to Murray Adamthwaite somewhat sur- church to be entertained, but this happens prises me. However, each letter evidences in small churches as well. The size of the the same difficulty endemic in much of Small isn’t beautiful church is not the issue, what every con- the discussion on Noah’s flood: a sincere gregation needs to ask itself is, “have we but populist approach that does not care- settled into a complacent expression of fully weigh what is said. Michael Horton (AP, May) says “the big our faith that demands very little of us, so I can assure your readers that if they mega-churches aren’t actually bringing makes little impact on our word?” read my book on Genesis 1-11 or view my unbelievers to church,” and that they con- Too many of our small churches are website, they will know that I stand fair sist mainly of people from other churches small because they lack vision, enthusi- and square on the matter of first impor- who “go into them because they find asm, and (like Horton’s mega-churches) tance: that there was one man, Adam, them more fun,” and because they want to the theological acumen, spiritual insight, from whom all humanity descended and remain “unaccountable.” This is too broad and power to make a difference. Many of through whom all humanity fell through a judgment. our churches are struggling with internal federal representation. But like virtually all I came to know the Lord through conflicts or with elders (a leadership the 1112 Presbyterian ministers who Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church; at that team) that would not come close to meet- began their Australian careers before 1901 time their membership was just over 8000. ing the scriptural qualifications of the – and who knows how many since? – I am I’ve heard Coral Ridge referred to as a office. Other churches are small because not convinced from Scripture about 24- “birthing centre” because such large num- they simply don’t know how to make a hour days in Genesis 1 or a geographically bers of people come to know the Lord bridge into their communities. universal flood in Genesis 6-8! through their many ministries. Yes, atten- We must make sure congregations are ders could get lost in the crowd and taught to build bridges that are theologi- Rev. Dr Rowland Ward, remain unaccountable and rootless. But cally sound, and are motivated by a heart Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia every effort was made to integrate new- filled with love and compassion for the Wantirna, Vic

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 25 PRAYER

NOVEMBER 12 Our Defense Force Chaplains – full 1 Stability and reconstruction in Timor time Ted Brooker and Ian Lorosae (East Timor) and the strength McKendirck (RAN), Colin Barwise OCTOBER of the Protestant church – 4% of the and Rod McAuliffe(Army) Garry 21 Ian and Christine Case from 885,000 Timorese, while 85% are RC, Hooper (RAAF) and 10 part time. Mitchelton, Brisbane, international IT 8% follow traditional ethnic religions 13 St Kilda parish; about 35 communi- (Information Technology) and 2% Muslim. cants and adherents, 3 younger folk Coordinator for WEC with which 2 Gulgong parish mid western NSW and 3 elders; Bob and Alison Thomas; they have served since 1984. including Dapper and Turill; about 120 and the Port Melbourne special out- 22 Southern Cross parish East Lismore, communicants and adherents, 30 reach, with Stuart Bonnington. northern NSW; about 170 communi- younger folk and 3 elders; Paul and 14 John Davies, Chris Balzer, Paul cants and adherents, 80 younger folk Jennifer Beringer. Cooper, Ian Smith and all other staff and 3 elders; Steve and Rosalind Cree. 3 Ararat home mission station western at the Presbyterian Theological 23 Aspendale parish outer Melbourne; Victoria; about 20 communicants and Centre, Burwood, NSW with about about 130 communicants and adher- adherents, 2 younger folk and 3 100 students (many from overseas) ents, 30 younger folk and 7 elders; elders; Norm Sharp supplying. including about 25 candidates for the Andrew and Anne Campbell. 4 The Procurators and Law Officers of ministry or deaconess service. 24 A peaceful and just solution to the our national and state assemblies 15 North Western Queensland PIM problems of the Middle East. including Garry Downes, Simon patrol: Bill and Bronwen Gray, 25 Clifton-Allora home mission station, Fraser, David Mitchell, Brian Bayston Richmond – ministry to victims of Queensland; the communicants and and Alister Bain. violence and drug abuse near the adherents, younger folk and elders; 5 The vacant Maryborough home mis- town, as well as may opportunities on Don and Verena Bosshard. sion station central coast of scattered properties. 26 The students, staff and council of Queensland; the communicants and 16 A return to Christian commitment Fairholme College, Toowoomba. K.S. adherents, and John Roth moderator. among the 59 million people of the Klan principal; Richard Jessup chaplain. 6 The Church and Nation Committee United Kingdom who are now 43% 27 Upper Yarra home mission station of South Australia – Philip Burcham Anglican/Episcopalian, 28% non reli- (Warburton and Powelltown) Victoria; convener. gious, 10% RC, 9% Protestant and about 75 communicants and adher- 7 David and Lalit Clarke from Mt Evelyn 2% Muslim. ents, 40 younger folk and 3 elders; congregation, Melbourne, working 17 Presbytery of Ballarat, Vic; 4 parishes Tony and Shona Archer. with CMS in gospel outreach and and 6 home mission stations totalling 28 Jim and Bev Elliott as they begin min- teaching in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 18 congregations with 550 communi- istry in Campbelltown parish on Sydney's southern outskirts; about 8 Presbytery of Hawkesbury, NSW; 15 cants and adherents, 2 retired ministers, 190 communicants and adherents, 50 parishes and 7 home mission stations 2 under jurisdiction, Keith Allen clerk. younger folk and 5 elders totalling 25 congregations with 2635 18 Forster-Tuncurry parish, north of 29 Helensvale home mission station at communicants and adherents, 2 minis- Newcastle NSW; about 80 communi- the northern end of Queensland's terial candidates, 1 hospital chaplain, 2 cants and adherents, 20 younger folk Gold Coast; about 10 adherents and workers with aborigines, 6 retired and 3 elders; Peter Flower. Graham and Lorraine Eastwell.. ministers, 1 under jurisdiction, 1 dea- 19 The work in Nepal under Interserve of 30 Presbytery of Mowbray covering coness; Mick Quirk clerk. electrical engineer Rowan Butler from Brisbane's south; 11 parishes and 10 9 Yea home mission station north of Parramatta City congregation Sydney. home mission stations totalling 28 Melbourne; about 30 communicants 20 Christian witness in universities and congregations with 2100 communi- and adherents, 5 younger folk and 2 other tertiary institutions though cants and adherents; 2 theological lec- elders. Geoffrey Spedding moderator. chaplains such as Richard Quadrio turers, 1 welfare chaplain, 10 retired 10 Terry and Judy Sadler, Narrabri, in the (Macquarie), Neville Aubreye and ministers, 4 under jurisdiction; Brian work of the North Western NSW Beverley Paterson (Newcastle), David Enchelmeier clerk. Patrol of the PIM. Jones (Tasmania), Peter Leslie 31 Peter Hastie, Barney Zwartz, Walter 11 Robert and Lucy Quinn from (Latrobe), John Diacos (Melbourne), Bruining, Sandra Joynt and all the pro- Campbelltown, NSW, serving at Scott Kroeger (RMIT) and Stephen duction team of the Australian Debepari in PNG with Pioneers train- Tay (Monash), and bodies like the Presbyterian, and its circulation and ing national pastors and nurturing local Australian Fellowship of Evangelical impact. Christians. Students.

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f a picture is worth a thousand words, moving pictures are worth about a million. Usually here in Culture Phil Watch we look at other peoples’ Imovies – the latest and greatest cinema Campbell blockbusters. But with the digital video revolution in full swing, this month we’re Let me give you some examples of digi- taking a quick look at the potential of tal video in action. At our church, we were video-in-church … with some tips for keen to encourage more women to join the making your own. weekly women’s Bible study group. With a growing number of churches using new technologies like data projec- amera in hand, we interviewed some of tion (projecting computer images onto a Cthe current members. They were ter- large slide or movie screen), digital video rific – passionate about the benefits of A scene from the Mitchelton video is a logical step. Your videos can easily be “Women on Wednesday”, and delighted to displayed with a standard data projector – have the chance to be movie stars … even if or on a TV – and it’s easy to get profes- only for 15 seconds. Some shots of happy onds. So don’t labour the point. For use in sional-looking results. kids in the child-minding zone, a close up church, we’re aiming at around 2.5 min- While home video cameras have been of the great morning tea, and it’s time to utes for a “documentary spot”, and no around for years, digital video cameras edit. Add titles, trim the bits that weren’t so more than 30 seconds for an event adver- offer one key advantage – with a simple great, add a music track … and the results tisement. And we’re only planning to use add-in card for your home computer, you were ready for viewing at a special women’s video once or twice a month. can edit your video to perfection. Add still morning tea. It Does it work? So far, people have been images, music, and titles, and the finished worked! laughing and crying in all the right places. product can look equal to anything you’ll We’re using Does it work? Well-edited digital video can “take you see on TV. video to promote So far, people there” in new ways; people can connect So what do you need to get started? other church have been with one another, catch the feel of events First, a “mini-DV” or Digital 8 camera events too – a they missed, and be enthused for things to laughing and with a “firewire” connection – that’s the great way to come. And among the members of the magic connection between the camera avoid dreary crying in all video generation, there’s been a huge and your home computer. Suitable cam- “intimations”. the right “thumbs up” just for trying something eras start at around $1299. Of course, Short videos can places. new. you’ll need a reasonably powerful com- bring people puter – the latest models are ideal – with a together and cre- Phil Campbell is the editor of Culture “firewire card” to receive the video from ate group identity. Our Saturday working Watch, and a member of the ministry team the camera. My card cost $79. Add video bee became a 60-second “highlights” at Mitchelton Presbyterian Church. Visit the editing software at around $200, and video on Sunday morning – great fun church website at www.mpc.org.au ap you’re ready to roll. (The latest version of spotting who was there, and an encour- Windows includes Windows Movie agement to those who didn’t make it to

✃ Maker free of charge – it’s not bad as a come along next time. And when co-pas- starting point. Some firewire cards include tor Maurie Cropper found himself in O Worship the King! software packages too.) Murree, Pakistan, during the recent ter- St John’s rorist attacks, he came home with a stack of photos that made their way into a 3 Forest Street minute “mini documentary” that brought Bendigo the events to life for all of us. invites you to Finally, some simple rules. Like any- worship when thing else, video can easily be overdone. visiting Victoria My best rule of thumb for editing is, “if it can be cut, it must be cut”. Watch the The Lord’s Day trailer for an upcoming movie, and you’ll 10:30 am see that a two-hour movie can be sum- marised in 30 seconds. It’s surprising how Minister: Rev Andrew M Clarke much you can convey quickly – each (03) 5443 6189 scene in a trailer lasts only one or two sec-

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 27 ESSAY Balancing act The narrow path is often a tightrope.

o much of the Christian life but to ignore the existence of Satan’s depends on balance or proportion. angels is also to distort the biblical mes- There are dangers on every side – Peter sage. we need to be zealous but zeal can On secondary issues, the Christian Sbecome unwise or obnoxious; we need to Barnes tries to balance his freedom (Gal. 5:1) be gracious but our grace can become with the desire not to unduly offend oth- weakness; we need to be courageous but became angry that Nineveh repented at ers (1 Cor. 10:32). In one sense, we do not not to be foolhardy; we must believe that his preaching, and that God was so gra- seek to please men (Gal. 1:10); in another God is capable of doing whatever he cious and forgiving towards Israel’s fear- sense, we do seek to please men (1 Cor. wishes but we must not tempt him by pre- some enemies (Jonah 4:2). 10:33). suming that he is there to do our bidding. Leaving aside the issue of whether the As C. S. Lewis said: “Opposite evils, miraculous gifts can be confined to the n fact, so great are the dangers that we far from balancing, aggravate each other.” time of the apostles, it is still noteworthy Ican actually think that we are being bal- Samuel Taylor Coleridge made a similar that in 1 Corinthians 12-14 Paul spends anced when we are compromising or con- observation: “Every reform, however nec- three chapters in seeking to curb the fusing the truth. Professing Christians essary, will by weak minds be carried to an excesses of the often tell me that they are neither excess which will itself need reforming.” Corinthians on Arminian nor Calvinistic. Ultimately, that In the light of this, it is not surprising In one sense, the matter of does not make sense – either we choose that the Scriptures so often warn us about we do not seek tongue-speaking. God because he first chose us or he the need for balance and getting the pro- to please men However, he chooses us because we chose him. There portion right. We are told to speak the (Gal. 1:10); in concludes by are extremes on either side, but there is no truth, but the fact that we are objectively another sense, saying “do not logical middle ground. accurate does not exhaust our responsibil- forbid to speak Similarly, one often hears – for exam- ities because we must speak the truth in we do seek to with tongues” (1 ple, by Billy Graham and John Stott – that love (Eph. 4:15). please men (1 Cor. 14:39). the social gospel and old-style evangelical- Phillips Brooks said that preaching is Cor. 10:33). Obviously, he ism are both true in what they affirm but “truth mediated through personality”. So, feared that some false in what they deny. One receives the too, is the whole Christian life. We cannot at Corinth could impression that they are like the two build our ministries or our lives simply by swing from one extreme to the other. wings on an aeroplane – both needed for pounding away at error. The result is less At Thessalonica too he feared that the machine to fly. However, that picture than lovely – hence Francis Schaeffer’s some were quenching the Spirit by despis- is misleading. The gospel has serious understandable disenchantment with the ing prophecies. The right response was social implications, but the social gospel is Bible Presbyterian Church in the 1950s. not to reject all prophecies but to test all not just one-sided but heretical. At the same time the demands of love things, and to hold fast what is good (1 Arthur Pink used to warn that “error is cannot be an excuse to evade the claims of Thess. 5:19-21). not so much the denial of truth as the per- truth. “Rabbi” Duncan used to say that it is a version of truth”. Get the balance wrong, matter of “wheat and arsenic” – it depends and we are disobeying the Word of God. e are told to confront and, if possi- on how much wheat and how much Often in life, it is as Charles Simeon said: Wble, restore the sinning saint, but we arsenic is in the mixture. Circumcision in “The truth is not in the middle, and not in must do so in a spirit of gentleness and order to evangelise Jews is fine (Acts 16:1- one extreme; but in both extremes.” humility (Gal. 6:1). In the 9th century BC 3); circumcision in order to be right with King Jehu carried out God’s judgment on God is to fall from grace (Gal. 5:2-4). To Peter Barnes is minister of Revesby the house of Ahab (2 Kings 9-10), but in see spiritual warfare primarily in terms of Presbyterian Church, Sydney, and AP Hosea 1:4 God calls the house of Jehu to casting out demons is to distort Scripture, books editor. ap account for the blood that was shed. There is no contradiction in this, despite what the biblical critics assume. It is true that Jehu carried out God’s righteous judgment, but he did not carry it out Arncliffe––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Studios righteously. On the contrary, he was Third generation since 1906 guilty of great cruelty. Jehu had zeal but Stained Glass • Windows/Leadlights • Design and Restoration no love. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– K J Little, 17 Barden St, Arncliffe, Jonah too was lacking in this regard, NSW, 2205 Phone (02) 9567 7348 although not to the same extent. He

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN • 28