Australia’s reformed AP evangelical periodical

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN SPRING 2017 Reason to believe Reaching Muslims Children and Church You visited me Editorial

responded by asking them where John unbelievers or for confused believers. the Baptist’s authority to baptise came At times the Bible is rather startling in from. They felt unable to reply, because its approach. When Job has questions to say “From heaven” would raise the about his suffering as a righteous man, issue of why they had not believed God simply tells him that he was not John, and to say “From man” would be there at the creation and is not running risky for the crowd viewed John as a the universe (Job 38). When someone prophet. They took refuge in evasion, wants to question the doctrine of as we do in awkward situations. Their election, Paul responds that we have no pologetics tends to be both dishonesty and hypocrisy, however, right to answer back to God (Rom. 9:20). over-rated and under-rated. It meant that Jesus refused to answer their Apologetics has its place. Like John the Ais true that no one is ever questions (Matt. 21:23-27). Baptist himself, it can point people to converted through apologetics. We can To those who are genuinely struggling Christ, clarify issues, and repudiate easily end out on a pseudo-intellectual with questions, Jesus was tender. When error. Yet it cannot do the work of the merry-go-round where we are “always John was imprisoned, he wondered Holy Spirit, and we should recognise learning and never able to arrive at a how if Jesus was the Messianic king, both its strengths and its weaknesses. In knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 3:7). things were not better than they were the end, as Blaise Pascal said of God’s for His followers. Jesus responded by Not all questioners deserve an answer. revelation: “There is enough light for pointing to His own miraculous deeds The chief priests and elders once came those to see who only desire to see, and and to the Old Testament prophecies to Jesus with the question: “By what enough obscurity for those who have a (Matt. 11:1-6; e.g. Isa. 35:5-6). authority are you doing these things, contrary disposition.” and who gave you this authority?” Jesus Apologetics can clear the decks for Peter Barnes

Editor Peter Barnes | Social Media Coordinator Rosemary Timmins | Website ap.org.au | Online Blog apmagonline.org Facebook facebook.com/apmagonline

Welcome to C17 RELIGION IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE

Spread over two days, C17 will be structured as individual presentations followed by interactive discussions. The colloquium is a bi-annual event entitled and aimed at 'Religion in the Public Square', and 77KH&ROORTXLXPLVDELDQQXDOHYHQWDLPHGDW 5HOLJLRQLQWKH3XEOLF6TXDUH KHorganised&RO ObyR theTX ChurchLXP and L VNationD CommitteeELDQQ ofX theD OPresbyterianHYHQ WChurch DLP of HVictoria.G D WeW have 5 HtheO LJLRQ LQ WKH 3XEOLF 6TXDUH  belief that Christianity ought to be a clear voice in the public square for the common good.

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2 AP SUBSCRIBE FOR YOUR OWN FREE COPY AT AP.ORG.AU Tried, trusted, true. We have more reason than ever to trust the New Testament

Dr James White talks to Peter Barnes

ames White is the director of Alpha 20 years of age. It was founded to give theology. And that theology must be a and Omega Ministries, a us a platform to witness to Mormons, living theology, one born of true Jpresuppositional apologetics for that was the only thing we were commitment to Christ. organisation based in Phoenix, Arizona. focused upon doing. If anyone had told Can we deal briefly with some of Among his many labours, he served as a us at that time what would develop your major areas of interest? What critical consultant for the Lockman over the next third of a century, I think prompted you to write about the Foundation’s New American Standard we would have run for fright! King James Version debate? Bible. He is perhaps best-known for You are perhaps best-known as an In Bible college and seminary I focused having participated in more than 150 author and an apologist. Martyn especially upon the biblical languages, public debates, covering topics such as Lloyd-Jones once commented that textual criticism, and church history, Calvinism, Roman Catholicism, Islam, “Nothing has so caused us to recognising how important these are for Mormonism, the King James Only forget God … as our concern for the work of apologetics, which I had movement, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and apologetics.” Granted that begun in earnest when I encountered my atheism. He has also been an elder of preachers are often guilty of throw - first two LDS (Latter-Day Saints, or Phoenix Reformed Baptist Church since away lines, do you have any Mormon) missionaries shortly after my 1998, and is married with two children. comment on what Lloyd-Jones said? marriage at 19. I was also a double major Tell us something about your in college, studying both Bible and background and how you became The irony is that comes from the biology (minoring in Greek). Working a Christian. Evangelical Magazine of Wales , April of in evangelising Mormons quickly 1981. In context, the doctor was I was born into a Christian family so I brought me questions about Jehovah’s lamenting imbalance, and especially a heard the gospel at a very young age Witnesses and The Way International. deadening spiritual imbalance, in the and I believe I sincerely responded. In the late 1980s I was challenged to church and spiritual life. The entire There are a number of incidents I recall consider the teachings of Rome, and my article is an interesting read, but what is clearly from my youth where I sought first two books, surprisingly to many, ironic is that at that point he seemed to to make the Lord known and call were on that subject. believe that the necessary battle against others to follow Him, though I surely When I was in college I encountered the liberalism was a thing of the past. had no idea that this would lead to the King James Only movement, which was kind of work I am doing today. Surely, if anything has been proven over causing tremendous division among Honestly, in the circles I grew up in, no the past 40 years, that battle never churches in the southern United States. I one did the kind of work I do. ends, and rages today, only under new bought and read a number of the books guises. So in context, he was saying, Could you tell us something of the available back then, and corresponded possibly a bit passionately I admit, Alpha and Omega Ministries, and with some of the leaders of the movement . something I have said many times, and your involvement in it? I did not have serious interaction with it that is that theology determines again until late 1993 when I did a radio My wife and I co-founded Alpha and apologetics, never the other way discussion with Gail Riplinger, author of Omega Ministries along with Mike and around. We cannot enshrine one of the strangest books ever published , Linda Beliveau in 1983. I was a ripe old apologetics first, it must flow from New Age Bible Versions . This large volume “The battle against liberalism never ends, set the standard for the number of utterly absurd logical errors per page of anything and rages today, only under new guises.” I had ever read from Christian or cultist.

SPRING 2017 3 The resultant recordings immediately “We possess more reason to hold to the led to a flood of inquiries about how to respond to her, and hence I wrote The accuracy of the transmission of the text of King James Only Controversy over the the New Testament today than any course of about four very intensive months of work (oh to have the preceding generation.” freedom to work like that again!). It was published in early 1995, and has what was being published was focused Your work on the transmission of had a major impact on the KJV Only upon aberrations and movements away the New Testament text has movement. It ended up fulfilling a need from the biblical text itself (i.e., the so- significant implications for people I had not anticipated, for it has been a called “New Perspective”). as different as Bart Ehrman and the pastorally-helpful introduction to the Muslim community. Can you tell Having a strong personal passion for subject of textual criticism for many in us something of the transmission this truth, and seeing its centrality to English-speaking schools across the of the New Testament? the gospel as a whole, I felt it would be United States and elsewhere. helpful to work through key texts in an I believe the issue of the transmission of Can I ask the same question exegetical fashion after laying, the text of the Bible, and in particular, about your work on justification, hopefully, a sound theological and the New Testament (the subject of Old with the comment that it is an apologetic foundation at the start. The Testament textual transmission is issue everywhere? book has been well received, though, extremely complex) is one of the most foundational and basic in the modern My first major debates were with leading again, since it does not wander off of situation the church faces. No generation Roman Catholic apologists from the the biblical text to address every before ours has faced the onslaught of large organisation in the United States, modern “we’ve missed it all along, disbelief in the guise of neutral Catholic Answers. Clearly the doctrine there’s the real thing going on here” scholarship intended upon giving a of justification played a large role in theory, it will never gain me many reason to disbelieve. those debates, as anyone would expect. invitations to a seat at the academic table , I was surprised at the small number of to be sure. But for the pastor seeking to Bart Ehrman’s extensive popular series, works currently available on the topic, faithfully ground his flock in divine beginning with Misquoting Jesus all the and was concerned that so much of revelation, I hope it has been helpful. way through his most recent releases are Presbyterian Church of Victoria Ministry Development Officer

Do you live with a desire to see valuable feedback and help to the truth about Jesus Christ refine the role and develop the changing people’s lives? Do you work. Subject to satisfactory have a passion to see spiritually review there is provision for a revitalised churches living out further 5 year extension. healthy fruitful lives under God in Expressions of Interest, including their communities? If that is your a letter of application and a desire then you might be the resume should be submitted to gospel worker that the Ministry The Convener, Ministry Development Committee (MDC) Development Committee, is seeking as its Officer. Presbyterian Church of Victoria, The MDC is a committee of the 156 Collins St Melbourne, VIC. Presbyterian Church of Victoria 3000 by 4pm on Friday, 29th training and mentoring both church (PCV) and is charged with the September 2017. leadership and congregations, and work of promoting the spiritual the support, building up and Further information about the health of congregations within the extension of congregations through position (including a full job PCV. The MDC Officer would be evangelism. description) can be obtained vitally engaged with the from the Convener of the development and implementation The Officer is directly accountable to Ministry Development of strategies for revitalisation and the MDC and will work towards the Committee through its Office the extension of ministries in PCV goals and aims of the MDC. The Administrator Mr Ben Palmer at: congregations. The role includes position is a full-time appointment oversight of the home mission for an initial 3 year term. Annual Email: [email protected] program, providing relevant performance reviews will provide Ph 03 9655 1406

4 AP LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/APMAGONLINE removing an unnecessary barrier in the hand-written transmission than did the way of someone hearing the truth. New Testament. So on many levels, How does this contrast with the comparing the two texts is problematic. transmission of other ancient But the most useful comparison I have texts? How does it compare with come up with has to do with using the transmission of the Qur’an? both as examples of “free” versus Would you explain the significance “controlled” transmission. The New of the Uthman burnings of varying Testament, in those vitally important Qur’anic texts? first decades, was a “freely” transmitted text. No church, or individual, or I need to combine these questions, government controlled its copying and because unless we speak of the odd distribution, let alone its content. By its James White transmission of the text of the Book of very nature it could never have existed Mormon (which is not really a intended to create confusion and under the control of any agency, and “transmission” story at all, but is much uncertainty at every single level of the hence its content was beyond editing more of an editing/redaction story in transmission of the story of Jesus, even and redaction. This remained the case the modern age – a process that at levels most Christians had never during the period of persecution, and continues on to this very day) I have considered before. It has plainly been especially so during the last six decades his intended course to provide to the not studied any other transmission of that persecution, right up to the hopeful agnostic a “reason to disbelieve ” process to any level that would allow peace of the church in AD 313. Hence, at every point, all the while making it meaningful commentary. And even in the New Testament’s wide distribution look like he or she is being perfectly comparing the New Testament to the without controls gives us the greatest neutral, perfectly fair, in analysing the Qur’an, we are comparing apples and confidence that, in the resultant facts. Few seminary graduates are oranges, in that the New Testament is a manuscript tradition taken as a whole, prepared to deal with this level of collection of ancient books written by all of the original readings continue to scepticism, let alone those in the pews. multiple authors at multiple times to exist, even if we have to deal with multiple audiences, and the Qur’an, And yet, we possess more reason to textual variation that inevitably arises ostensibly, is a medieval work written hold to the accuracy of the transmission from the process of human copying. by a single author (though, of course, of the text of the New Testament today than any preceding generation. Especially some scholars dispute this). The Qur’an The Qur’an, however, by the testimony with the discovery of the papyri just is much shorter than the New of the earliest Muslim sources, over a hundred years ago, we have been Testament (approximately half the size), experienced just the opposite. Very able to push our knowledge of the and it had to undergo six centuries less shortly after Muhammad’s death there earliest form of the text back to within a tantalisingly few decades of the originals, and there is truly less reason today to be sceptical concerning the accuracy of our modern text than ever before. We truly do know what John, Paul, and Luke wrote, but it is now Join our Quest for Excellence incumbent upon every-day believers to The Scots College is a know why and to be able to dispel at distinctive Australian school least the most popular arguments that that exists to inspire boys to float about the Internet and get in the learn, lead and serve as they way of meaningful gospel presentation. strive for excellence together. Great schools need great It is also a blessing that we now possess teachers and support staff with such an incredible wealth of a desire to shape the lives of information at our fingertips in this our future leaders. field. The Bible programs now available For more information, visit for our smart phones provide a level of tsc.nsw.edu.au/employment information that could only be dreamed of just a few decades ago (believe me, I was one of those doing the dreaming!). With a little effort, most Christians can familiarise themselves with the resources now available and hence be useful in

SPRING 2017 5 was an initial collation from various There are three critical barriers to the forgive. Hence, in the Muslim mind, sources, but this one manuscript was gospel in the thinking of the majority the gospel is an invitation to commit not copied or distributed. of the world’s Muslims. First, 99.9% of the one sin that can never be forgiven, a Approximately 20 years later a full Muslims today have been told the text large barrier indeed. recension project was undertaken under of the Bible has been corrupted and Finally, the third barrier is the Qur’anic the third Caliph, Uthman, which hence is unreliable. Even though this denial of the crucifixion. In a single involved, again according to Islamic was not the only viewpoint in Islam verse of only 40 words, the Qur’an sources, the original manuscript down through the centuries, the 20th insists that Jesus did not die but “so it collected after Muhammad’s death, century saw it become the predominant was made to appear” ( Surah 4:157). along with further information and text view today. Christians will need to be Though the text has spawned many remembered since that time. prepared to give an account for the reliability of the Scriptures in speaking interpretations, one thing is for certain: This was the period where the to their Muslim friends. it denies that Jesus died in the way the Sunni/Shia division was taking form, Christian faith said He did. Hence, if and hence strong political forces were at Second, the central affirmation of the there is no crucifixion, there is no work. Once the official version was Islamic faith is called tawhid , the resurrection, no redemption, no gospel produced, copies were sent to the major oneness of Allah. Hence, the negation proclamation. While this places the of that greatest truth must be the Islamic centres, with orders that all Qur’an directly in opposition to the greatest evil, and that is the case. The other copies be destroyed in favour of witness of history itself, the average greatest sin is shirk , association of this new version. This is plainly the Muslim is quite content to accept the anyone or anything with Allah. For the very definition of a “controlled” text, Qur’an’s statement even against the large majority of Muslims, Christians one that will be quite stable in its text unified testimony of history. are guilty of shirk in their worship of over time, to be sure, but which Jesus, who is “only a prophet” These three barriers can be quite a likewise has far less certainty as to its according to the Qur’an. Shirk is challenge to overcome, and the witness to the original text. unforgivable. That is, if one is in the prepared Christian will keep these Can you give us some insights state of shirk , there can be no issues in mind and will select one’s into the best way to present the forgiveness in the afterlife, though for vocabulary and examples in light of gospel to Muslims? any other sin, Allah has the right to these pre-existing objections.

6 AP SUBSCRIBE FOR YOUR OWN FREE COPY AT AP.ORG.AU There are Reaching powerful barriers, but they are not Muslims insuperable.

Bernie Power

uslims present particular Muslims and Christians was in the These historical events caused Islam to challenges for the gospel context of the Islamic invasions develop theologies to counter Christianity . Mwhich must be taken into immediately after Muhammad’s death. The Qur’an suggests that Christians account when sharing the good news of Within 100 years, Muslim forces had invented lies about God and corrupted Jesus with them. occupied about two-thirds of former their scriptures to cover up this deception . Over the centuries Islamic apologists There are historical challenges. Islam is Christendom in the Levant, North Africa have advanced even more sophisticated the only major religion which post-dates and Asia Minor, as well as over-running arguments so that many Muslims feel Christianity. Nascent Islam encountered the Persian Empire. they already know all about Christianity. various and often erroneous strains of Christians were often allowed to continue Due to its reprehensible history and Christianity. Nestorians supposedly held practising their faith , but Christianity concocted teachings, they conclude that that Christ had two loosely united was seen as weak and ineffective in the they do not have to ponder natures, and were branded as heretical. face of Muslim power. The Crusades Christianity’s unlikely claims. So its followers had fled east to establish were a minor skirmish, and their troops themselves in the Persian empire. were driven out within a century. Islam Among these is the suggestion that God is a Trinity, Jesus is the Son of God, that Others espoused a Monophysite with its theology of success felt he died shamefully on a cross and that theology, claiming that Jesus had a vindicated by these events in the first by believing in Him, a person can be single nature where the divine thousand years of its existence. sure of entering paradise. This is in stark overwhelmed the human. “Marian” The impact of western colonialism from contrast to Islam’s teachings that Allah is theology, especially amongst the 16th century onwards came as a shock , a unity, all people are responsible to Monophysites, extolled Mary as the with about 90% of formerly Islamic lands perform their own salvific works, that Queen of Heaven. All this meant that being occupied by the infidel Christian Allah has decreed the fate of each Christians were seen by the Arabs as invaders. The history of the relationship individual, and that He alone knows divided and confused even about the one who will enter Paradise. they worshipped as Lord and Saviour. between Islam and Christianity is painful and frequently violent, with atrocities on There are also sociological reasons for Muhammad had contact with Christians both sides. Many Muslims look back at Muslims not considering Christianity. which were initially positive but later the early years with pride and longing, Islam is a communitarian religion, with soured, and the Qur’an attests to both and view the more recent centuries as a strong family and kinship ties. One’s of these experiences. Christians are humiliating anomaly. When a Muslim identity as a person is bound up with praised in the earlier verses as good people meets a Christian, there may be a adherence to Islam and their society. For but deprecated in the later verses as barricade of unspoken historical baggage some, the potential separation from mistaken and obstinate in their unbelief . separating them, resulting in suspicion family and friends with the corresponding The earliest major contact between and distrust. emotional and financial support is a great disincentive to investigate Christian “Christians were often allowed to continue teaching. Added to this are injunctions practising their faith, but Christianity was against apostasy or leaving Islam. One does so under threat of death. seen as weak and ineffective in the face of In the light of this, it might seem Muslim power.” amazing that any Muslims have come to

SPRING 2017 7 faith in Christ. However in the past terrorism, and wonder if this Often there are significant two decades estimates of the number represents true Islam. Others find misunderstandings that must be who have done so ranges from two to the rules and restrictions of Muslim addressed. This is the task of apologetics , eight million. Fuller Seminary’s Professor tradition too much to bear. These seeking to dismantle the mental Dudley Woodberry estimates that Muslims looked for alternative ways blockades, what Tim Keller calls 20,000 Muslims become Christians to be obedient to God. “defeater beliefs”, that have been erected every year in the USA. 4. The spiritual truth in the Bible. over the centuries. Sometimes the In research by Woodberry, 750 Muslims are generally taught that the shortcomings of Islam can be hinted at or believers from Muslim backgrounds Torah, Psalms and the Gospels are even highlighted and openly discussed. from around the world were asked why from God, but that they became The use of the Scriptures is key – they had come to faith in Christ. Their corrupted. These believers from Muslims have a high regard for truth and top five reasons were as follows: Muslim backgrounds said, however, authority, and God’s Word illustrates that the truth of God found in 1. The lifestyle of Christians. Former both. The power and love of Jesus are so Scripture became compelling for Muslims cited the love that Christians attractive to former Muslims , who will them and key to their understanding exhibited in their relationships with follow Him wholeheartedly. This of God’s character. non-Christians and their treatment following must take place in the of women as equals. For these 5. Biblical teachings about the love of context of a loving and serving former Muslims, observing the God. In the Qur’an, God’s love is community. Believers from Muslim loving lifestyles of Christians helped conditional, but God’s love for all backgrounds have given up everything them see past the negative prejudice people in the Bible was especially eye - to follow Jesus. We, the Body of Christ, born of the centuries of difficult opening for Muslims. These believers must become the new brothers and Christian-Muslim relations to lives were moved by the love expressed sisters, mothers and fathers, uncles, lived in practical love. through the life and teachings of Jesus. aunts and cousins that they have often been forced to abandon. 2. The power of God in answered These factors give us clues on how to prayers and healing. The Jesus share the good news of Jesus with Sharing the good news with Muslims portrayed in the Qur’an is a prophet Muslims. and being the good news for them is who heals lepers and the blind and not always an easy task. However God The gospel is about relationships. The raises the dead. Often, dreams or in His sovereignty has allowed over Triune God is innately relational within visions about Jesus or a man of light more than a million Muslims to settle Himself, and He invites us to relate to were reported. Muslims are often more on our shores. It is imperative that we Him as beloved sons and daughters. convinced by personal experiences invite them into our homes and hearts The history of suspicion between than rational presentations. so that they can see Jesus in us, and Christians and Muslims can be then give themselves to Him. To God 3. Dissatisfaction with the type of Islam dissolved by personal contacts which be the glory. they had experienced. Many Muslims demonstrate welcome and acceptance. are very embarrassed by the wars in It is in the context of these relationships Bernie Power lectures in Islamic Studies the Middle East and worldwide that the good news can be shared. at the Melbourne School of Theology.

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8 AP LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/APMAGONLINE Defying the State Is it ever right to disobey secular authority?

Samuel Gittins Luther gave excellent guidelines.

fter Luther was declared an judge and change hearts? That is reserved Belief, Luther argued, is something outlaw at the Diet of Worms in to God alone.” only God has control over: “They have 1521, Catholic princes had had the temerity to put themselves in A Put simply, the secular judge can ordered that his works (including his God’s place, to make themselves adjudicate on issues of law and justice masters of consciences and belief…” New Testament translation) be handed and bears the appropriate sword while over in an effort, Luther argued, to the cleric battles heresy with the sword of However, even as Luther begins to make control their subjects’ beliefs. It was in God’s Word and Spirit. As Luther puts this distinction between secular and response to this hostile opposition by the it: “The use of force can never prevent spiritual authority, he opposes reformed princes that Luther wrote On Secular heresy. Preventing it requires a different churches who handed control of church Authority . Luther was concerned both sort of skill; this is not a battle that can property and the appointment of for the need of Christian communities be fought with the [literal] sword. This ministers to the congregations. He was to reform themselves and the need to is where God’s Word must fight.” still very authoritarian in his thinking speak against the intervention of secular such that, with the Peasants’ War and authority in matters of faith. In On Secular Authority Luther refers to Romans 13:1-2 and 1 Peter 2:13-14 to the rising threat of Anabaptism, Luther At the beginning of On Secular Authority argue that secular authority and the asked the Elector of Saxony to be Luther explicitly states that his purpose sword (punishment) is a part of God’s responsible for organising the churches is to investigate secular authority and the good will for the good of society. This in his area of influence. sword in relationship to Christians: “For “good” has two parts, to punish the Events led to tensions in Luther’s God Almighty has driven our princes wicked and to protect the just in order thinking. For even though he has clearly mad: they really think they can command to limit sin while highlighting the argued that secular authority should their subjects whatever they like and do presence of sin so that people are drawn have no place in the kingdom of faith, with them as they please.” to the grace of God in Christ to find within a decade he was having civil Luther is keen for his readers to freedom from sin. authorities enforcing church ordinances understand that human authority is Because secular authority has a defined to regulate church life in Saxony. limited – particularly in the area of purpose it also has a bounded authority, Luther tried to avoid this apparent judging and legislating over the human of which the human soul is outside its contradiction by asserting that secular heart. “Every authority can only act, jurisdiction. Here Luther built upon authority has dominion over the and ought only to act, where it can see, Aquinas, who argued that a person can maintenance of true religion by ordering know, judge, adjudicate and change only be subject to another “as pertains its functional requirements while not things. What kind of judge would it be to the body” but the soul is subject to having influence over declaring what the that judges blindly in matters where he the law of God. Luther argued that it is true religion was. This proved to be a can neither hear nor see? But tell me ridiculous for rulers to believe that they stretched distinction in practice but one this: how can a human being see, know, can enforce belief upon their people. that fits with the confidence Luther had in secular authority to order worldly “Luther argues secular authority and the matters, when it did not encroach on sword (punishment) is a part of God ’s issues of saving faith or conscience. The problem is that one cannot “manage” good will for the good of society.” church affairs without touching on

SPRING 2017 9 issues of faith, particularly when it starts obedience – even if he is acting in a harsh of leaders in the Peasant Revolt. As to enforce church attendance itself! manner. This submission is required Thomas Münzer, a Thuringian leader because it is God who has placed him in of the rebels, declared: “Luther… says Luther allowed his reason and conscience , a position of authority for His purposes. that the poor people have enough in captive to God’s Word, to object to the their faith. Doesn’t he see that usury Pope’s rule. However, in practical matters This positive view of secular authority and taxes impede the reception of the the Pope did have some good things to is reinforced by the fact that nowhere faith? He claims that the Word of decree, such as was necessary for the within this text is there any hint that a God is sufficient.” Convenient words regulation of church worship. It was the person or institution should ever take but hardly fair to Luther who actually Pope’s overreaching authority that Luther action against an ungodly ruler. had a very strong place for secular resisted: “I would honour the Pope, I However, Luther makes a striking authority and indeed viewed it as a would love his person, if he would leave exception. He does allow – or even divine institution. While Luther may my conscience alone, and not compel encourage – citizens to refuse to obey have thought that some of the me to sin against God.” Indeed Luther where obedience would be against their peasant claims were reasonable he was strongly asserts that each person believes Christian conscience. Luther is clear distressed at their being used to as his or her conscience leads, and while that Christians are to submit to God’s justify violent revolt and disorder. this does not lessen the rule of either will before that of civil authority and religious or secular authorities in their this may mean resisting civil authority Luther calls Christians to obey proper jurisdictions the conscience through disobedience. secular authority even when it is itself lies outside their area of authority. When a prince instructs his subjects to unjust or oppressive, but they are to act unjustly they are to refuse: “But use their reason to ascertain God’s The sad reality is that On Secular what if a prince is in the wrong? Are his will to the best of their ability and if a Authority has been used as a source of people obliged to obey him even then? “prince” demands that which is “Christian rhetoric” to justify both No, because no one has a duty to act understood to be ungodly then violent rebellion (Thomas Münzer) and unjustly; we must obey God (who will Christians are required to (non- inexcusable passivity in the face of have justice prevail), rather than men.” violently) resist or disobey. atrocious civic injustice (Nazi Germany). While a “prince” remains within his Much to Luther’s distress, this allowance Samuel Gittins is chaplain to The Scots secular jurisdiction Luther expects for disobedience was used in the rhetoric School, Bathurst and Lithgow Pastor

Sutherland Presbyterian Reformed Church is seeking a full-time Pastor who is driven by the gospel, with gifts in preaching, pastoring, leadership and outreach. Sutherland PRC is part of the body of Christ and of the Questions Presbyterian Reformed Church of Australia, holding to the Please respond to each of these 5 (sets of) questions: reformed evangelical faith and embracing the Westminster 1. What nourishes your faith in Christ? How do you minister to your Confession of Faith. We are a warm and welcoming family of about immediate family (i.e. wife, children)? 60-70 people ranging from children to elderly. 2. What interests you in ministering in Australia? How familiar are you with We have a passion for the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the spiritual landscape of Australia and what are your impressions of it? want to see it grow in our own lives and in the world. We seek to motivate and train, members to be “disciple-making disciples” who 3. In your way of thinking, what would a gospel-driven ministry look like? personally share the Word with the lost and with one another. 4. How would you seek to see unbelievers brought into the Kingdom, in Please send a resume (with two referees) and a family photo a church in which you were ministering? (Be as practical as possible in electronically to Rev. John Terrell. your response) Please also attach answers to the following questions , along with 5. What is your creation view of Genesis 1-2 and how does this affect a ministry values statement (see below). your view of Romans 5:12-21? John will respond initially to acknowledge receipt of your Ministry Values Statement documents and will then keep you up to date during the process. If Briefly (about 1 page) list and explain your ministry values. (i.e. What is you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask. important to you as a minister? How does that shape the way you do things?)

WEBSITES AND DOCUMENTS FURTHER INFORMATION SPRC: https://www.sutherland.prc.org.au/ Rev John Terrell PRCA: prc.org.au WCF and CWPP: prc.org.au/who-are-we Email: [email protected] Phone: 0466 901 711

10 AP SUBSCRIBE FOR YOUR OWN FREE COPY AT AP.ORG.AU World news

Good news accelerates Charities called hate-groups among conservatives. The Alabama- based watchdog charity applies the Over the past century, the Good News Several Christian organisations known term to organisations that oppose same- has taken off faster than at any other for their advocacy on behalf of traditional sex marriage and certain LGBT rights time in history, according to the Centre marriage and families were recently as well as to violent and extremist for the Study of Global Christianity at the labelled hate groups on one of America’s groups like the Ku Klux Klan, Aryan Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. top charity research sites, GuideStar. Nation and Nation of Islam. It took nearly 2000 years for the gospel In response to “hateful rhetoric” during a More than 40 organisations listed on to spread from the early church to nearly “highly politicised moment” in American GuideStar now have the label on the half the world’s population. In 1900, history, the portal began incorporating top of their pages, which prompted 45.7% of people everywhere were aware designations from the Southern Poverty dozens of conservative leaders to write of the gospel, according to centre. More Law Centre. Profiles for Christian non- GuideStar in protest. than 100 years later, that number has profits like the Alliance Defending grown to more than 70%. Freedom (ADF), Liberty Counsel, the Christianity Today The number of mission organisations has Family Research Council (FRC), and Ancient frescoes found grown from 2200 in 1970 to 5100, but the the American Family Association centre predicts that by 2050 only another featured a banner saying they had been Ancient frescoes have been rediscovered 2 percent of the world’s population will flagged as a hate group. inside Rome’s 1600-year-old Domitilla catacombs after Italian art experts used be evangelized, totalling 72%. The SPLC’s “hate group” label, though laser technology to remove centuries of often-cited, is controversial, particularly Christianity Today grit and grime. The catacombs, or underground cemeteries, are named after a Roman noble family and are considered PPREACHINGREACCHHING CCONFERENCEONFERENCE the most extensive in the Italian capital, TThurshurs 2828th – FriFri 2299th SSeptembereptember 22017017 drawing thousands of tourists. The painstaking seven-year restoration, backed by the Vatican, focused on two burial chambers commissioned by successful bakers working in Rome in the fourth century. The restoration revealed spectacular frescoes showing The greatest le er how wealthy Roman aristocrats abandoned their pagan mythology to ever i en embrace Christianity.

Read and download sixteen years of AP free of charge at ap.org.au FFeaturingeaturing Dr BryBryanan Chapell Click the Past Issues Venue:Venue: RRTCTC Melbourne Campus, LLevelevel 3, 221 Queen SStt button and enjoy! ForFor mormoree infinformationormation & rregistration:eegisgistration: rrtc.edu.au/eventstc.edu.au///eevents DrDr BryanBryan ChapellChapell

SPRING 2017 11 Archaeologist Fabrizio Bisconti, head of Bullivant said that the growth in non- The new report extends Pew’s respected the Vatican body responsible for religious people has slowed and prediction of how Christianity and ancient archaeology, said many frescoes Anglicanism has seen a small uptick Islam will change by 2050. It also adds had been discovered in Rome’s since 2013. more detail about the expected impact catacombs over the past 25 years. of conversions, which don’t change the The professor of theology and the size of religious populations as The Domitilla catacombs are close to sociology of religion at St Mary’s dramatically as birth rates. the ancient Appian Way and contain an University in Twickenham said that the underground basilica and four levels of church was recovering after losing a lot Christianity Today corridors, chambers and crypts where of believers after the publication of Liberty order criticised 150,000 Christians and martyrs were Richard Dawkins’ The God Delusion in buried. They span more than 15 2006. President Trump’s highly anticipated kilometres. executive order on religious liberty in Telegraph May failed to satisfy conservative Religion News Service Muslim parity by 2060 religious leaders who had been expecting Bomb-plotter freed much more. Christian births will be outpaced by The sudden release of a female supporter Muslim births within 20 years, “It was looking like you’d never get of the so-called Islamic State who was according to new projections released here, folks. But you got here!” a plotting a suicide attack on a Lahore by the Pew Research Centre. Between triumphant Trump told the launch church during Easter has shocked 2030 and 2035, Christian mothers are gathering after a series of invocations Pakistan’s minority Christian community. expected to welcome fewer babies (224 from Baptist and Catholic leaders, and from Paula White , the prosperity gospel Noreen Leghari, 19, a second-year million) than Muslims (225 million) televangelist who is one of Trump’s main student of a medical university in the for the first time in history. religious advisers. southern Pakistani city of Hyderabad, By 2060, such growth will result in the But social conservatives, who had been was captured in a military raid on an global population of Christians and expecting much more, and much sooner , Islamic State cell in Lahore on April 15. Muslims approaching parity—totalling expressed sharp disappointment, and the A few days later. 3.1 billion and 3 billion, respectively— order itself seems unlikely to have much with each tradition accounting for UCA real impact on current laws and nearly one in three people on earth. Anglican decline slows regulations . Over the 45-year period, the Christian The decline in Anglicanism in Britain population is predicted to hold steady Religion News Service may have slowed thanks to a resurgence at 31%, while the Muslim population Jail sentence condemned in patriotism and pride in Christianity, is predicted to rise from 24% today to a report has found. Academic Stephen the same level. The sentencing of Jakarta’s outgoing governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known as ‘Ahok’, to two years in prison for blasphemy, has received widespread condemnation globally as politicians, FFineine Gold frfromom YYorYorkshireorkshire academics and rights groups express Faith Cook (Evvangelicalangelical Press) their concern about religious pluralism “Finee Gold from YYorkshireorkshiree inttroducroduces in Indonesia. Christtiansians from tthehee countunttyy wwhosehosee livvees havvee Ahok, a Chinese Christian, was charged impactteed millions accrossrooss tthehee wworld.orld. Read it with blasphemy after accusing his and smilee,, bee inspired and sttirirrrered, butt most political opponents of using Qur’anic off all look to tthehee God off tthehesee people: tthehe verses to stop Muslims from voting for God who lovveses peoplee from evveeerrryy countrryy him in the bid for re-election as and counttrrryyy.” Jakarta’s governor. Prosecutors sought only probation after Ahok lost the ~ Roger Carswell, YYorkshire-basedorkshire-based election in May, but the judge said jail evangelist was deserved. The court case was seen as politically motivated, the ruling illustrative of the available from growing religious intolerance in the Reformers Bookshop world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation. 114040 AlbAlbanyany Road,Road, StanmoreStanmormore NSWNSW 2048 reformers.org.aureformerss.or.org.au 02 9564 3555 World Watch Monitor

12 AP LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/APMAGONLINE N. Korean Christians suffer during a meeting at al-Husseiniya "Their attacks on us are continuous. Recently militants entered one of our A French Catholic priest working with Palace, in Amman, at the start of North Korean refugees in China said Archbishop Welby’s 12-day visit to villages and killed 256 of 400 people. conditions have worsened for surviving Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian- They come into their homes without Christians under the dictatorship of controlled areas of the West Bank. provocation and slaughter them. Recently 42 were burned alive in one of Kim Jong-un and urged the Chinese King Abdullah’s personal adviser for my parishes while the militants screamed government to give shelter to fugitives religious and cultural affairs, Prince ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is great). The total from the communist-ruled country. Ghazi bin Muhammad, was present at head count killed to date is over 1500. It the meeting with Archbishop Welby. Fr. Philippe Blot, who works with the is terrible what they are doing to us. The Prince Ghazi has worked alongside the Paris Foreign Mission Society, described number increases daily." the situation facing North Korean Prince of Wales in speaking out for the refugees as "becoming ever more need to protect Christian communities Trunews dramatic" as they flee to China to avoid in the region. ‘Free Asia Bibi’ dying of hunger, the National Catholic Church Times Reporter said. Two leading American Senators have Nigerian Christians decimated introduced a resolution in the US Senate "The 200,000 North Koreans now in urging Pakistan to release Asia Bibi, the China shouldn’t be forcibly repatriated. Just as the first World Summit in Pakistani-Christian woman who is serving They all know they’ll be tortured, sent Defence of Persecuted Christians was a jail term for alleged violation of the to camps and killed if this happens." held in Washington, in May, a Nigerian country’s draconian blasphemy laws. Anglican Bishop spoke out about the UCA decimation of his diocese by Fulani Senators Rand Paul and Chris Coons have Jordan to protect Christians Muslims. He called the current introduced a resolution urging Pakistan to release Aasiya Noreen, commonly The Kingdom of Jordan will continue to situation a coordinated assault mostly referred to as Asia Bibi, a mother of five try to protect the presence of Christians on Christians and, echoing the voices from Nankana area of Punjab province in the Middle East, King Abdullah II of many persecuted Christians present who has been on death row since 2010. told the Archbishop of Canterbury in at the summit, called it a Christian

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SPRING 2017 13 The pursuit of happiness

True, abiding contentment is found in only one place, as Paul knew. Madeleine Turner

ome of the best advice I received praise and thank. We allow discontented It’s why in the midst of great hardship as a teenager came from my thoughts to capture our hearts and and suffering Paul could say with Smother one morning before deceive us into thinking that if we just confidence: “I have learned to be school. I had been wallowing in self- had ‘X’, then we’d be content. We content whatever the circumstances” pity and complaining about how spend wasted time pursuing the “lust (Phil. 4:11). His joy was not dependent dissatisfied I was with myself, and life haves” and “must haves” of this world, on his situation, but rather, determined in general. So she set me a challenge: only to find again and again, they by the hope he had in Christ. He make a list of all the things you can cannot deliver the satisfaction we crave. understood the blessings that came praise and thank God for. We turn good things, like relationships from being united with Christ and how Begrudgingly, I took her advice and and material blessings, into ultimate undeserving he was of receiving them. spent the next 20 minutes on my way things. Then we become undone when to school meditating on God’s character That in Christ , he was chosen by God; they’re taken away from us. We and His blessings. adopted; redeemed and forgiven; compare ourselves to others, and covet justified; declared righteous; loved; By the time I arrived, my perspective their lives and opportunities. And we sanctified and made holy; guaranteed had completely shifted. I was no longer question God’s goodness and wisdom eternal life; and that God would supply consumed by selfish discontent, but when our lives don’t turn out the way all his needs, give him peace, never rather, transfixed by the wonder of a we hoped or expected. leave nor forsake him…and more! That Holy God. I learned an important Our problem isn’t that we need is why he could say with great conviction , lesson that day: Thanksgiving is a something we don’t have; our problem is “Give thanks in all circumstances” powerful antidote to discontentment. that we don’t find Christ to be enough (1 Thess. 5:18). His eyes were fixed If we’re honest with ourselves, most of for us. Our hearts have become tuned heavenward (Col. 3:2; Phil. 3:14). us struggle to cultivate an attitude of out to Him and to His goodness and And because Paul knew Christ gratitude. Our default mode is to grace towards us. And discontent will intimately, he could trust Him to work complain and grumble, rather than to govern our hearts when we allow earthly out all things for his good and God’s things to compete with our affection for glory (Rom. 8:28). No matter what, Christ. As Augustine once said, “You Paul could say, “Rejoice in the Lord have made us for yourself, O Lord, and Ride for Refugees always” (Phil. 4:4). our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Come ride, donate or volunteer Can the same be said of us? Is Christ the What is the secret to contentment? The source of your praise and thanksgiving? Apostle Paul knew the answer: union SYD 19 Aug 2017 • BRIS 2 Sep 2017 If not, we must redirect our gaze with Christ. “I count everything as loss heavenward – to Christ and the glory TOOWOOMBA 9 Sep 2017 because of the surpassing worth of that awaits us. In the words of a famous knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His #ridefortheirlives hymn: Turn your eyes upon Jesus/Look sake I have suffered the loss of all things full in His wonderful face./And the things www.rideforrefugees.com.au and count them as rubbish, in order of earth will grow strangely dim,/In the that I may gain Christ” (Phil. 3:8). light of His glory and grace. Paul’s ultimate treasure was Jesus, and he was intentional in pursuing Madeleine Turner worships at Ashfield satisfaction in Christ alone . Presbyterian Church, Sydney.

14 AP LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/APMAGONLINE Sending the children out The belief that children can’t cope with the adult service is cultural, not biblical.

Sheryl Sarkoezy

unday school is a good thing. Throughout the 20th century, the work Christian education, for Churches have long struggled with of developmental psychologists Christians of all ages and all levels the best way to teach the faith to influenced churches’ decisions about S young children. All views face of maturity, is an essential for fruitful corporate worship services and Sunday complexities, but Sheryl Sarkoezy Christian living, used by God to make argues for children to be present in schools. Piaget’s research explained the us more like Christ (2 Peter 1:5-9). So the worship service, while David stages of human cognitive development , it’s easy to answer the question of Hayes (see p17) considers that it is and showed that teachers should whether we should teach our children more appropriate to teach young recognise and work within their students ’ in Sunday school: of course we should! children separately. levels of cognitive function. In the 1960s Far more controversial, though, is the Goldman applied Piaget’s theories to question of whether we should run teach their already-churched children, or the concept of “religious thinking”. He Sunday School for children during the to evangelise children in the community . found that children couldn’t give time of corporate worship. Rather, the aim was to improve the “adult” answers to religious questions, lives of children who had no other and interpreted this to be a sign of “Sending the children out” is a habit so access to formal education, to keep developmental inadequacy. well established in 21st century Australia them away from a life of crime, and to that any other way of “doing church” Whereas Piaget overlooked children’s keep them off the streets on Sundays. with children is deeply counter-cultural . capacity for spiritual experiences, Religious education was considered the The prevailing view is that there are Goldman conflated cognitive and best foundation for improving morals, good reasons for “sending out”. We say spiritual development, and ended up so attendance at public worship was a it’s always been done this way (isn’t it in rejecting the idea that children could compulsory part of the school day. the Bible?). We say it’s better for teaching experience spiritual things. His (children don’t understand the sermon, Sunday schools in colonial Australia presuppositions and research and adults learn better without children followed this pattern, at least until the methodology were later found to be distracting them). We even say it’s end of the 19th century, when the state flawed, but the ideas went initially missional (newcomers won’t stay if there’s began to provide compulsory education . unchallenged, and they became nothing on offer for their children). Sunday Schools then became more a hub influential in Christian education of socio-religious activity than a place around the world. But how well do these reasons hold up of formal education. As the Sunday So the emphasis in Christian education, under scrutiny? school movement grew, so did the at the end of the 20th century, shifted We are mistaken if we think that Sunday publication of age-graded Bible lessons towards establishing the right school is an ancient tradition. The first for children. Apart from the Baptist all- environment for learning , rather than Sunday schools were innovations of late age Sunday schools, the idea of the right environment for spiritual 18th century England. They weren’t “Sunday school”, in Australia, became experience . Churches were challenged established to help Christian parents primarily associated with children. by a need to reconnect with rebellious “We are mistaken if we think that Sunday baby boomers – who had fallen away from traditional models of church – school is an ancient tradition. The first and they applied these new ideas from Sunday schools were innovations of late developmental psychology to the way worship gatherings were conducted. 18th century England.” Separate children’s ministries were

SPRING 2017 15 considered one means by which churches “A congregation that decides to “keep the could attract and hold adults, and educate all the generations in the church . children in” will face challenges. There will Youth groups and children’s clubs soon be noise. Little children will squirm in their became part of the established way of “doing church”, as did the practice of seats. They will drop pencils on the floor.” running Sunday school at the same time as “adult church”. 8:1-2,10:28-29; 1 Cor. 11:26-29). gospel truths. Pedagogy matters. Evangelism matters. Congregations In contrast, the Old Testament pattern The Biblical picture, then, is one where that send their children out must is that children – even infants – were God’s people – whatever their age – decide if those things really do justify included in the community’s ritual life. worship Him and learn about Him the routine exclusion of children from They were considered members of the together . Scripture assumes (and a covenant community, hearing the same growing body of modern scholarship participation in gathered worship. teaching, and singing the same psalms agrees) that children have the ability to A congregation that decides to “keep as the adults. They learned from their experience God’s presence in their lives, the children in” will face challenges. parents about the God who had even at an age where they lack adult There will be noise. Little children will redeemed their people, and they also took capacity to articulate it. squirm in their seats. They will drop part in the events of the community’s Importantly, Scripture counts the pencils on the floor. Some parents may “religious calendar”. Teaching that children of covenant families as part of object to the inevitable change in focused on the Scriptures was given in the church. dynamic during corporate worship. the context of family and community. Pastors will continue to work hard at This helps us think about the impact of The New Testament pattern is similar: following Spurgeon’s advice that there “sending the children out” for Sunday children – even infants – were “be at least a part of every sermon and school. When we separate the children welcomed by the Lord Jesus into God’s service that will suit the little ones”. from the rest of the congregation we risk kingdom, and took part in community But it is possible to engage them losing the biblical paradigms for the worship and learning alongside adults, through participation in music, prayer, community’s corporate worship of God , as the very model of membership of the testimony, reading Scripture and, at and for the teaching of His “little ones”. kingdom. Members of the early church the right time, the Lord’s Supper. And When we assume that spiritual formation were brought to spiritual maturity we don’t have to give up Sunday school relies entirely on cognitive development , through relationships and teaching in – we could make it something for we may overlook the ways children (and the immediate family, and also in everyone in the congregation. adults!) can learn about God and church with the other members of the experience Him through the habits of However we choose to bring the gospel community. Where were the children corporate worship. When we shape our to the next generations, it’s important when Paul addressed them in his letter gatherings according to the preferences to keep questioning our practices, and to the Ephesians? Undoubtedly in the of newcomers, we may be more to work at affirming our children and same room as their parents. accommodating to culture than faithful young people as members of the body Christian pedagogy (how to teach to Scripture. We may, perhaps, be of Christ. Our shared goal must surely about God) flowed from ecclesiology allowing pedagogy to distract us from be that once they leave childhood (how to gather as God’s people). ecclesiology. behind, they keep growing in their relationship with God, and adopt the Only in circumstances where So what to do? Ultimately this is a good habit of corporate worship with intellectual assent to the covenant was wisdom call. Christian parents and their church family. deemed particularly necessary does Christian communities, obedient to the there appear to have been any command to diligently teach their Sheryl Sarkoezy is a researcher with the qualification to the inclusion of children (Deut. 6), will always be Gospel, Society and Culture committee children in corporate worship (Neh. looking for new ways of communicating in NSW.

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16 AP SUBSCRIBE FOR YOUR OWN FREE COPY AT AP.ORG.AU A rich partnership Our task is to be disciple-making disciples.

David Hayes Kids’ church can play a fine role.

he question of children staying rejoice and praise God (Phil. 4:4, Acts churches reflect on these things and in our church gatherings or 21:17-20). Acts tells us the story of the seek to do things in a way that would Tleaving for “kids’ church” is apostle Paul planting churches that build people up (1 Cor. 14:26). Given really a question of how to faithfully continue this work. Thus we have a that the Bible is silent on these things, and fruitfully carry out the mission of picture of a church the reaches out with we decide by “good and necessary Jesus for the church with the people that the good news about Jesus, works on consequence” as our confession says God has brought to our gatherings. godliness and holiness, and focuses on (Westminster Confession of Faith 1.6). Jesus’ last words in Matthew 28:19-20 building each other up into Christ. Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians are show us that those who follow Jesus, the Acts 2:42-47 and 1 Corinthians 14:26- a helpful litmus test. Does what we church, should be disciple-making 35 are two passages that to some extent choose to do in our church gatherings disciples. The Apostle Paul then fleshes describe a church gathering. Obviously help to build people up in love or will it out what this looks like in more detail they do not provide an exhaustive or hinder? Behind that, will it help us to when in Ephesians 4:11-16 he shows detailed description but they do carry out Jesus’ mission to be disciple- that God has given apostles, prophets, provide firm guidelines. For example, 1 making disciples? There is a great evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip Corinthians 14:26 encourages us to do freedom, within the boundaries of God’s (make fit for purpose) God’s people for nothing in Church unless it builds word, to make choices about what will works of service. Verses 15 and 16 of others up, and Acts 2:42 encourages us best serve the people in our churches. this chapter show us that the goal of this to be devoted to the apostles’ teaching. Before moving on to a direct discussion service is God’s people growing mature There are many things in our of “kids’ church”, a common objection in Christ “as each part does its work”. contemporary church practice on needs to be answered. Are not parents In other places Paul addresses children which the Bible does not speak directly. responsible for discipling their children? directly, assuming they will be exposed For example: morning tea, the clothes Deuteronomy 6:6-7 exhorts parents to to his writings. For example, Ephesians preachers should wear, style of music, impress on their children God’s 6:1-3 and Colossians 3:20 show some number of songs, using instruments, commandments, and Psalm 78:1-7 particular aspects of discipleship on using an organ or not, having a break shows the whole community of Israel which they should focus. in the service, using PowerPoint, when being commanded to make sure that to do announcements, what to say the next generation wouldn’t forget Other parts of the New Testament give when opening and closing the God’s deeds and commands. more details as to what this disciple- gathering, how many prayers, length of making discipleship looks like. People In the New Testament we see Jesus Bible talk, interviews, videos, kids’ who follow Jesus proclaim the good welcoming children (Matt. 19:14), talks, mission spots etc. news about Jesus in their regions (1 whole households being baptised (Acts Thess. 1:8); they work on growing in Far from being unimportant, they 16:33), and Timothy learning the good godliness and holiness (2 Pet. 1:3-9); either help people worship God and news about Jesus from his mother and they meet together regularly to encourage each other or they hinder the grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5). A well- encourage each other (Heb. 10:23-25). whole person (mind, heart and taught household is a requirement of Their minds and hearts are transformed emotions) from engaging in the weekly eldership (1 Tim. 3:4), and older by the Spirit (Rom. 12:1-2) and they gathering of God’s people. Many women are encouraged to teach younger women (Titus 2:3). There is an “Paul ’s instructions in 1 Corinthians are a emphasis on family discipleship here. However, as we have seen earlier when helpful litmus test. Does what we choose looking at Ephesians 4, growing in to do in our church gatherings help to maturity and Christlikeness happens in the church as part of a community of build people up in love or will it hinder?” believers building each other up.

SPRING 2017 17 Discipleship is never a solo activity kept “stayed in”, and many families choose parents and teachers that disciple our privately behind closed doors. It is that way of doing things. However, like children and, Lord willing, establish worked out in the life of the church. the Apostle Paul, we should think them in the Lord. Let’s make sure that through how to become “all things to As a result of this, a “kids’ church” our “kids’ church” ministries don’t settle all people so that by all possible means I ministry – as a part of a weekly for second rate reasons of helping might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). gathering of God’s people that engages parents to concentrate but are designed their hearts, minds and emotions Some who would prefer to dispense to resource, equip and inform parents helping them to praise God, grow in with contemporary church practice as we all work together building each godliness and holiness while reaching point to the historical development of other up. out with the good news about Jesus and “Sunday schools” and argue that we are If you were to evaluate your ministry to serving each other – is one faithful and letting educational theory define our your younger members, is there time fruitful way of fulfilling the mission of church practice. While this history is for genuine gospel relationships to Jesus for the church. It means that well documented, it is more helpful to form? Are there genuine partnerships parents and kids’ church teachers can see this as a reason to redeem our with parents? Does the wider church develop a rich gospel partnership as practices rather than to cease them. labour in prayer for their children? Do they disciple their children. It means Educational theory should never trump the teachers labour in prayer for those that children have the opportunity to our faithfulness to God’s Word. they are discipling? Do the games, engage their whole person (mind, heart However, many tested and proven songs and craft help them to and emotions) in praising God as they theories are part of God’s common understand what it means to follow meet together around God’s word, and grace and can be used to His glory. It’s Jesus or are they merely ‘busy’ work? it means that they can develop genuine not that cognitive development Does the program seek to develop the gospel relationships with adults other determines spiritual experiences, it’s whole person in Christ? “Kids’ church” than their parents. It means that kids that there’s tremendous freedom in how is about fulfilling Jesus’ mission for the can easily serve, love and encourage we labour in serving each other and church. Let’s all work together to grow each other. As each member does his or building others up to God’s glory. disciple-making disciples. her work (parents and kids’ church teachers) we will all be built up and So what are we to do? Let’s ensure that David Hayes is a fourth-year student at reach maturity. This is not to say that our ministries to children are developed Christ College looking forward to parish these things wouldn’t happen if the kids as deep gospel partnerships between ministry.

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Loving Jesus through prisoners is me’ demanding but deeply rewarding.

Morag Zwartz

ot so long ago a man at a likely as repugnant an environment as difference here in prison is that I feel church function asked me an the worst male prison. especially privileged to be permitted entry earnest – and very direct – into a place where few outsiders can go. N I’m not offering that as a serious question, not the slightly loaded one I assertion, but as a feeling only. Added There is an always-present “wow” feel in expect about why I visit in a men’s prison . to that, I’ve journeyed over years along this, for me. To think that people who It was refreshing, especially because he some very scary pathways with people I are, by order of the state, utterly separated didn’t accompany it with the slightly love – the sort with fire bearing down from the rest of us, some never to walk irritating “that’s amazing” response. He on us from all sides. I think I may be among us again, completely curtailed in did me a favour, this man, because he beyond being shocked; certainly beyond their capacity to operate with agency or set me on a path of reflection that I still being offended, or morally outraged. liberty – to think that we prison stroll along, trying to answer this and volunteers may walk among them! And similar questions (a personal challenge) Most of all, I identify with the people I that in doing so, in a handshake or a without recourse to cliché. Christians meet in prison. The only distinction smile or a brief chat or a deeper might be particularly susceptible to between us (where it applies) is the conversation, we may breathe out our talking in clichés, I sometimes think, but distinction that separates me and every love and our care and our concern and that observation could be just because I believer from those who do not know our hope and our longing, for them. listen to them and read them constantly. God. That is the real division, and it crosses all boundaries of culture and If I am very – perhaps riskily – honest, So I’m going to answer this man boldly social status and work and reputation. I would say that most of the people I and honestly, but first an essential Beyond that, I stand in the same place know and mix with in my everyday life consideration is this: I am blessed to be as each of them apart from Christ, are over-supplied when it comes to love old – or oldish, anyway – and this brings namely, before a holy and righteous and and care – and are otherwise secure. certain liberties. You can’t call everyone gloriously perfect Creator and Judge, Those I am blessed to meet in prison you meet “darling” when you’re 25, if condemned. One hundred per cent not often, if not usually, have long ago you know what I mean. So, I go into a good enough. A failure, though perhaps worn out their allotment of love and men’s prison because I have a desire to slightly less conspicuously than they are. nurture. They are not only in deficit, hang out with those whom society deems they are sometimes in danger as well. the lowest of the low (Matt. 25:36). I’ve There is a further aspect to that reply Many have families who have given up always felt that women who fall foul of though – that I want to be with the most on them. Some will remain for the rest the law are viewed less harshly than hated or pathetic or dangerous – and of their lives, the recipients of a their male equivalents; that a male drug that is that I long to show them that widespread, self-righteous hatred from pusher will be more loathed than a there is another way, another path in life , both prison staff and other inmates. female one, that a woman who kills her that there is hope. Of course this is the partner will be less hated by society work of all those who love God, But being in this environment is gain than a man who does so. And that the anywhere and everywhere we may be for the volunteers, for we never give, in worst female prison in Victoria is not and in whatever we may do, so the a setting such as this, but that we are given back to, and enriched in ways we “The only distinction between us (where it would hardly imagine. No volunteer I have encountered has failed to observe applies) is the distinction that separates this very point of how much we, in me and every believer from those who do turn, are blessed by those we befriend in prison. Occasionally I get to hear not know God.” that someone is rapt that we care about

SPRING 2017 19 him enough to visit, from time to time and I can find myself deeply involved unshockable, I do have to hear and see someone we have befriended wants to in a man’s painfully disintegrated life things that I would much rather avoid. follow the gospel trail that leads within a few minutes of starting a There may be a gruesomely sordid tale ultimately to his turning to God, more conversation. behind a man’s incarceration, but this is often there is the chance to encourage a a cost we must face, to be told the If I had to nominate the most oft- man with the words of Scripture after details of some such tales. The capacity repeated comment in my prison he has expressed his fears or doubts or of a man (or woman) for self- conversations it would sound shaky belief in the Christian faith. justification and self-righteousness in a something like this: “God is way more seriously amoral entanglement can be We spread the net as wide as we can, merciful than we are. You may never be truly staggering, but we are armed with and if there is one or even two who forgiven by ... but you can know that the knowledge God has warned us of in respond we are overjoyed. My first you are forgiven by the One who His Word. “The heart is deceitful above lesson was this: each prisoner is matters most.” And I remind myself all things and beyond cure. Who can uniquely different. I must not think that just having someone listen to our understand it?” And that includes even “they”. The collective noun prisoners – ugly baggage can be a milestone in our “nice” people like us. if I am not vigilant – will sell both of us healing or recovery, or maybe just a leg- short, if it renders them merely a up in our slow struggle toward a better It’s also true that a maximum security homogenous, unsavoury or dangerous life. It is hardly necessary to raise the prison is not a pleasant physical mob, as can so easily happen. Even if subject of God or faith or purpose. It is environment. There are unpleasant both are true the men are still the glaring reality of those men who smells. There is no beauty, there is little individuals with a unique background want to talk, who open up about colour, there is only harshness and and life experience, and they must be themselves and their problems. And in hardness in the physical realm, hard regarded, and loved, as such. prison we enjoy a particular freedom, surfaces and heavy doors and metal gates an absence of the normal impediments and barbed-wire fences and multiple Most important of all is that we for connecting with strangers. No need locks. I guess all that makes it a place remember we are there as a friend, and for niceties, just “Hello miss, what do where people who love God must be! that God is more than able to use us in you do/what are you here for?” drawing someone to Himself, in His Morag Zwartz is a volunteer with Prison own time. Some will gravitate to us, Despite what I said about being Fellowship Victoria

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The Psalms are undeniably beautiful. They are also diffi cult, and readers often come away convinced that tremendous riches remain just beyond their grasp. In this book, Dr. W. Robert Godfrey invites us to journey with him towards a greater understanding and love for these sacred verses. The timeless elegance of the Psalms, their depth of expression, and testimony to the greatness of God have enchanted and edifi ed God’s people for centuries. Learning to Love the Psalms is intended to help today’s Christians share in that delight.

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The Benedict reference Scripture for his specifically with people who are Option strategic response. He wastes vulnerable through memory loss, and no ink on a biblical or with their family carers. Rod Dreher theological support for his In an era when weight is placed on the Penguin Random Benedict Option. Moreover, his case that “The Youth are the Future”, it House, 2017. vision of the Church seems to is an account of Australian churches have more in common with Darren Middleton virtually wandering (themselves) from Israel than it does the their pastoral fronts. Its empirical The purpose of NewTestament mission results are an on-the-ground record that Dreher’s book is to community. He expects the “listens for the gaps and silences to advance "A strategy nations will come to us if we inform…”. With a rigorous interpretive for Christians in a form a winsome alternative phenomenological study, its evidence post-Christian culture.” Dreher community. This is at odds with overcomes ambiguity and chit-chat. argues for a strategic retreat from the the New Testament imperative to There are nine chapters, and an public square, because not only has the plunder (through the gospel) the Strong introduction, a poignant epilogue, two Church lost the cultural war, but she Man’s House (Matt 12:29ff) by making appendices, an extensive bibliography has also lost her way. Much of what disciples as you go (Matt. 28:19-20) as and an index. passes for American Christianity is the salt and light of the earth (Matt. nothing more than moral therapeutic 5:13-16). Despite an incredible array of Dr Crowther positions the challenges of deism, and his solution is the theological luminaries recommending those on the dementia journey and rediscovery of Christian (Benedictine) the book, I found myself their carers with immense positivity: practices and disciplines that he believes underwhelmed and unconvinced by the “There is an extremely strong case for will help build the Christian (Christian monastic (not missionary) strategy of fighting against a malignant social liturgies or disciplines) and enable the the Benedict Option. positioning of a person as a lost self or Church to be the Church, once again. an empty shell.” Agape love lived by, Darren Middleton is minister of North and as, the body of Christ entails For Dreher, this means a return to Geelong Presbyterian Church relational care that enhances sacramental and liturgical worship and personhood, acknowledges grief, and classical education in our schools. He Sustaining Persons, sustains persons loved by God. also argues for fasting from digital Grieving Losses “Real listening takes effort technology, keeping social media out of A Fresh Pastoral and requires stepping out of worship, removing smartphones from Approach for the our world and into another’s children and children from public Challenges of the world, just as Jesus stepped schools. Dreher contends for the Dementia Journey out of His world into ours to goodness of sex in marriage but resists Dianne Crowther relate to us, to share our pain the idolatry of sex, and its ugly sister and give us life.” pornography while returning sex Ruth F.G. Williams education to the parents. He also has a Five elements in a local church The rationalising useful section on rediscovering the can turn the ebbed tide: voice of the 21st importance of vocation for the glory of education, advocacy, inclusive century reasons like God and the common good of others. worship, an inter-church this: I am time- support program and liaison There is much wisdom in what Dreher poor; there is little point with the wider community. says, especially as it relates to technology , bothering with people who will not vocation and the importance of remember what I do. Sustaining Persons Sustaining Persons warrants a place on disciplines and discipleship. He is is a scholarly, sensitive and pragmatic pastoral theology reading lists in every correct in diagnosing the weakness of reminder of how to respond to theological college of all Australian denominations, and internationally, the Church and the urgency of dementia in the 21st century with a discipleship to equip the Church for whereever pastoral care has lost its way. Christ-like position as the body of worship, witness, and service. Christ. It is a practical theology for Ruth Williams tutors in economics at La However, Dreher makes no effort to returning freshly to pastoral care, Trobe University, Bendigo.

SPRING 2017 21 The Challenge of much evil is done. Refusing treatment biology and gender is a form of Euthanasia is not euthanasia - for example, a cultural Gnosticism, where self- cancer-sufferer may reject perception is not only different but Bill Muehlenberg, chemotherapy because the medicine more important than their physical CultureWatch Books, 2016. may become as dreadful as the disease. body (reality). Walker helpfully warns the Church not to make the mistake Euthanasia The Christian view is that suffering of universalising cultural expressions has thrived on requires compassion, not killing, of gender, while affirming gender the use of and in considerably fewer than a differences rooted in the biology of weasel words hundred pages Bill Muehlenberg has male and femaleness, by God’s good (like “death provided a comprehensive and design. Walker sums it up: “God’s with biblical treatment of the case against design for men and women in this dignity” and euthanasia. way: equal, and different; intended, “mercy Peter Barnes is editor of AP not interchangeable… and created to killing”), complement one another.” driven by God and the the natural Transgender Understanding that the human Debate biblical teaching is like eating desire to gravel for many in our Andrew Walker minimise suffering culture, let alone some in the and the less admirable desire to reduce The Good Book Church, Walker’s response is expenses. In 2013 the euthanasia of Company, 2017. not just a doubling down on children was made legal in Belgium, orthodox anthropology; it’s a Darren Middleton while it has been legal since 2002 for passionate call for a gospel anyone over 12 years in the Andrew Walker’s response to both sin and Netherlands to choose to die, even book confidently brokenness. He then spends without parental consent. One woman, and graciously many chapters painting a aged 37, was “put down” in 2010 after wades into the practical picture of what this breaking up with her boyfriend. muddy water of gender looks like to love our neighbour, and identity and brings clarity and be the church and bear with those Small wonder that the Surgeon-General understanding to the cultural debate suffering gender dysphoria. He calls under President Ronald Reagan, C. surrounding transgenderism and the for the church to be compassionate, Everett Koop, warned decades ago that new consensus of gender fluidity and convictional and gracious euthanasia opens up opportunities for erotic paucity that underpins it. communities where those suffering “almost inconceivable fraud, deception, gender dysphorias find hope in the and deceit”. Reality is disguised, and He argues that the decoupling of gospel, grace in His promises, and willing travellers for the hard journey home. There is an important chapter helping think through how we should speak to children about this issue at home and church. It includes a heartfelt plea to parents not to cut off their children who are transgender but to treat them more like a prodigal child whom you love and yearn to return home. The book helpfully concludes with a chapter of “tough questions” that are often faced by parents, congregations, and pastors with wise biblical and pastoral answers. I would warmly recommend Walker’s book to pastors, congregations, and parents as a helpful gospel contribution to the transgender debate. Many of these books are available at Reformers Bookshop, phone: (02) 9564 3555 web: reformers.org.au

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h LAST WORD Clear t truth Sentimentality won’t take us far

n 1923 J. Gresham Machen wrote Christian. Jesus said, ‘Judge not.’ I try Peter Barnes his devastating critique of liberal to apply the teaching of Jesus in my Itheology in Christianity and own life, often without success.” Liberalism . With precision and logic he those things; Carter says that he does. It is meant to sound humble, but it is showed that Christianity and liberal tragically weak. Machen warned that The issue here is not whether Kristof is theology were two different religions the liberal was most dangerous when he a Christian – clearly, he is not – but the although they often used similar terms. was most concessive because then he nature of Carter’s Christian faith. One often neglected point that he was not taking truth seriously at all. In Carter was trying to be so broad and made was: “It concerns the question Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking inclusive that his worldview collapsed not of this doctrine or that, but of the Glass , Alice tells the White Queen that in front of him. Professing to endorse importance which is attributed to “One can’t believe impossible things.” the Christian faith, he actually doctrine as such.” He considered, The Queen replies that Alice has not undermined it. In fact, he undermined rightly, that “indifferentism about had enough practice, adding: “When I any real understanding of logic and doctrine makes no heroes of the faith”. was your age, I always did it for half- coherence. Admittedly, Christians are For Easter, the New York Times columnist an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve warned: “Have nothing to do with Nicholas Kristof interviewed former US believed as many as six impossible foolish, ignorant controversies; you know President Jimmy Carter (he was things before breakfast.” Most people that they breed quarrels” (2 Tim. 2:23). president in 1977-1981). Kristof would be inclined to apply that to the However, Paul was not speaking there of himself claimed to believe in the resurrection of Christ, but it is not the the resurrection, but of small-minded Sermon on the Mount and aspired to resurrection but Carter’s logic that is commitment to irrelevant minutiae. follow Jesus’ teachings, but added that impossible. The Western world still often likes to he was sceptical about the Virgin Birth There is something wonderfully hard- think that this is the age of science, but and other miracles such as Jesus’ nosed about the Christian faith. The actually sentimentality is doing rather walking on water and multiplying apostle Paul tells us that “If in Christ we well in many places. After the massacre loaves and fishes. Furthermore, he have hope in this life only, we are of all of 22 people by a suicide bomber at an doubted the physical resurrection of people most to be pitied” (1 Cor. 15:19). Ariana Grande concert in May, the Jesus from the dead. He then asked: Some people are moved by inspiring singer, Katy Perry called for healing: “Am I a Christian, President Carter?” stories, whether or not those stories are “No barriers, no borders, like we all Such was Carter’s impact in 1976, the true. That has meaning for a novel or a need to just co-exist.” For all I know, year he was running for office, that the poem, but it makes no sense for the this may well make her a candidate for expression “born again” was oft-cited in gospel. The gospel is about things that the Nobel Peace Prize, but those who secular newspapers. Indeed, Newsweek actually happened in history: the Son of slept more soundly at night because of dubbed 1976 the Year of the Evangelical . God became a man; He said things and such sentiments would do better to To return to 2017, Kristof had given did things, even miracles; and He was investigate 1 Corinthians 15. Carter a splendid opportunity to put to death; He rose from the dead, In the struggles and trials of life, in the explain the gospel. In response, the never to die again; and then ascended to battles against temptation, and in former president said lamely: “I do not heaven with the promise that He would conflict with evil, sentimentality, judge whether someone else is a return. Kristof says he does not believe whether of the Carter or the Katy Perry variety, will do nothing for us except “The Western world still often likes to think soothe us to sleep in falsehood. What will help us is having our feet standing that this is the age of science, but actually on Christ, the solid rock. sentimentality is doing rather well. “ Peter Barnes is editor of AP