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Jack and Winifred Christie (March 2001) (see pages 18 & 19) Also in this issue: Prayer for NSW Assemblies News from Commended Workers Don Stormer’s new book Leading public prayers Internet Corner ( ... and more)
Print Post Approved PP 100003434 Assemblies Written contributions to Assemblies Outreach magazine are welcome and actively sought Magazine Vol. 45 No. 4 from NSW Assemblies and any associated ministries and individuals. Copyright © 2016 NSW Assemblies’ Evangelistic Mission (NSWAEM) Please submit your assembly news, people profiles, letters, etc, for the October 2016 The NSWAEM publishes this bi- issue on, or before, 16th Sept 2016. monthly magazine to offer Contributors enjoy reasonable liberty in opportunities for NSW Commended their expression of opinion and exposition of Workers, Assemblies, Para-Assembly Scripture within the boundaries of a biblical Activities and other kindred bodies, evangelical Christian faith. Neither the to share information about their Editorial Team, the Board of NSW Assemblies’ Evangelistic Mission, nor Commended ministries, to encourage others, and Workers are to be held responsible for every to encourage prayer. view that may be expressed. You are free to make use of the information in Editorial & Production Team: this publication and to reproduce it for your personal Mr C. H. Winrow, Mrs M. J. Winrow, use or for the church you attend. Material must not Mr D. Gordon be sold or republished for commercial purposes unless you obtain written permission first. Subscription costs are shown on the cover If material from this publication is used or quoted & at www.cb-nsw.org.au/aem/Mag/subs.html in any other publication (including websites) due acknowledgment should be made. Please contact Printed by The Dominion Print Group. the Editor (refer p31) with any inquiries about PO Box 6999, Silverwater NSW 2128 reproducing this material. Phone: 02 9648 2888
History • Current Events • Prophecy • Evangelism .. /To cfecfare unto you a{{ tfie counse{ ofqocf. _Jl_cts 20:27
Meetings are held monthly, Our purpose: February to November To stir each other to study what the Word of God says concerning Israel 2nd Saturday, 2.30pm at Epping and our relationship with Her, as gentile Gospel Chapel. believers, both now and in the future. Cnr Carlingford Rd and Duntroon Ave, • To encourage the believers in lsrael Epping, NSW in whatever way we can. To facilitate and be involved in For further information: evangelism and discipleship of www.awaketoisarel.org Jewish people. To pray for Israel. [email protected] Awake to Israel is a ministry of Epping Gospel Everyone is welcome and Chapel and combined Brethren Assemblies of encouraged to come together and Australia ASSEMBLIES search the Scriptures 2 August 2016 First Glance by Colin Winrow, Editor. Dear Readers, As I write this we are half way teachings, as far as through the Olympic Games in Rio we know from the de Janeiro (River of January), Brazil, Gospels. Perhaps the or simply Rio. Our news broadcasts Jewish nation was mention the latest results regularly as do too poor and downtrodden by Rome countless newspapers and magazines to spare time for sport and the training all over the civilised world. One would needed to compete? But we do know think there is nothing more important that the Apostle Paul (a Roman Citizen) in life than SPORT, SPORT and more knew something of such things. For SPORT! example he said to the Ephesian elders The original Olympic Games were a “... my only aim is to fnish the race and series of athletic competitions among complete the task the Lord Jesus has representatives of city-states. They were given me...” (Acts 20:24). held in honour of Zeus, and the Greeks Writing to the Corintian church, gave them a mythological origin. The Paul (1 Cor 9:24 -26) mentions running, frst Olympics is traditionally dated to strict training, competing, games, 776 BC. They continued to be celebrated boxing, winning, a prize crown, - all when Greece came under Roman in connection with self-discipline for rule, until the emperor Theodosius I his preaching and teaching work! He suppressed them in 393 AD as part of also mentions such things to young the campaign to impose Christianity as Timothy (2 Tim 4:7). So, as we admire the State religion of Rome. the dedication of those competing in I can empathise with that – after Rio, let us be likewise in our various all, Jesus did not include sport in His ministries for the Lord Jesus Christ. o
CONTENTS of this Issue:
‘Out and About’ in NSW...... 4 Stuff we need...... 20 Prayer for NSW Assemblies...... 6 Letter from Francis Williams...... 21 Impossible...... 8 Leading public prayers...... 23 Letters written from prison...... 10 Crossway’s Blog...... 25 News of Commended Workers... 11 Creative use of Technology...... 26 Books at a Glance...... 15 Why Printed Tracts matter...... 27 EvangelismSHIFT to Philippines.16 Avoiding wasting time online...... 28 Obituary - Jack Christie...... 18 Internet Corner...... 29
ASSEMBLIES August 2016 3 ‘Out and About’ in NSW Assemblies compiled by Colin Winrow
If you attend a NSW Assembly, The most recent Coordinating or you work with any associated Conference was held at Emmaus Bible Christian Brethren ministry, please College on 4th August. The Minutes feel free to submit your local news were distributed by email from Brad or event dates to this ‘Out and About’ Scott on 8th August. section so we can inform and encourage Those present were 25 People from 13 people in all our assemblies and Churches & 7 Para Church Ministries. churches. Short items (even if only Len Smith welcomed the meeting to one sentence) are welcome and can be Emmaus. He said it is exciting to see the mailed to the Mission office at the new college growing with 20 new students PO Box 20, Pennant Hills, NSW 1715, enrolled this semester. The college now or better still, emailed to: has 130 students attending. The Board’s [email protected] vision is for the College to set and award degrees in its own right, instead Also, please email your wording of depending on other organisations. for Notices or Coming Events to be in- This will involve a name change to cluded on the NSW Christian Brethren something like Australian College of website to:- Christian Studies. The Emmaus name webadmin@cb–nsw.org.au will be retained for vocational studies. Currently, 22% of students are from * * * th our own church family. The College On August 9 Mr Don Stormer began has just had Prof Darrell Bock speak his overseas teaching trip to Eastern at the ‘intensive’ and this has been an Europe. For more detail please see his exceptional time of learning for those letter on page 11. who attended. * * * Mr Jack Douglas Christie died on 28th Moree Regional Church: Brad July – aged 92. A Thanksgiving Service introduced Paul Strahan and Isaac was held at The EV Church, Erina, on Gordon to the meeting. Paul shared 8th August. Please refer to page 18 for a his story since the hall at Moree burned summary of his life and ministry. down. Isaac is an ex Policeman and * * * saw a great need among his people Mr Graham Hayden died peacefully and decided to leave the Force and early on Monday 15th August - aged go into full-time ministry helping his 87 - in Campbelltown Hospital. A people deal with grief and loss. Isaac private family funeral will be held in runs camping trips which allow him Castle Hill on Monday, 5th September. to spend time with young Aboriginal Details of a Thanksgiving Service are men – helping them deal with grief not known at this stage but will be and loss issues, which then helps advised by email, word-of-mouth, and them deal with the drug and alcohol the newspapers, later in August. issues in their lives. The suicide rate ➢
ASSEMBLIES 4 August 2016 ‘Out and About’ in NSW Assemblies (cont’d from p 4)
Meetings & Events in the community is great and Isaac is (Note: for the latest details please check working with the youth to try and help on these web pages:– them with this. www.cb-nsw.org.au/events.html Paul and Isaac work together in Northern NSW (Moree / Walgett / www.cccaustnsw.com/events Brewarrina and surrounding areas) 2016: amongst Aboriginal communities. The 10 Sept Women’s Missionary churches in these areas are small and Convention 2016, at Oatley they have asked if the CCCAust church Gospel Chapel, 10am–3pm. family would accept and acknowledge 10 Sept ‘Awake to Israel’ at Epping their Community as a regional church Gospel Chapel, 2.30pm. as part of the CCCAust family. Paul and Isaac are teaming up to 7 Oct Fashion Parade of Ladies work as full-time workers in this Summer Clothes at Elouera region. They are looking for help Gardens, Cherrybrook; from our churches, prayerfully, starting 10am. fnancially and with volunteers who 8 Oct ‘Awake to Israel’ at Epping may be willing to help them minister Gospel Chapel, 2.30pm. to their community (volunteering time, 28-29 Oct ‘Inspire’ Conference for preaching at services, etc). women, at Camp Toukley. CCCAust is in the process of getting 3 Nov NSW Coordinating the ministry approved under Hands & Conference; 7.30pm; Feet so people can donate to the work Emmaus Bible College. and get tax deductibility. The meeting accepted this Regional 11 Nov Pastors Network at (TBA), Church into our family of churches and speaker is David Miles prayed for the ministry amongst the – “Gospel Shepherding”. Aboriginal Community. 12 Nov Christmas Shopping Hands & Feet: In the recent appeal, Morning and Coffee $26,000 was raised for the support of Confab at Elouera Gardens, Fiji. Cherrybrook; 9am to City Care: The team of volunteers 12noon. continue to hand out 450 food packs 12 Nov ‘Awake to Israel’ at Epping each week. The warehouse has 10 Work Gospel Chapel, 2.30pm. for the Dole recipients helping to sort o and distribute foods. The team needs more volunteers, and a Warehouse Please submit any news-items, Manager, MR (and above) licensed letters, adverts or short articles drivers, and a fund-raising Manager. for the October 2016 magazine on, or before, 16th September.
ASSEMBLIES August 2016 5 Praise & Prayer requests from NSW Assemblies compiled by Bradley Scott and others Please take some time today to pray for our churches, assemblies and para-assembly ministries and the work of God in our nation. General Prayer Points: Boards of these organisations ✩ Pray for our Christian support and provide services Politicians as they stand for that help connect churches what honours God. Pray for the to the community. May proposed plebiscite re marriage. these Boards support our ✩ Pray that we as churches will be local churches as they share aware of our culture and able to Christ in their communities:- communicate the great news of CCCAust(NSW), Lutanda, Jesus with our communities in a Stewards, Emmaus, Hands and relevant way. Feet, CBCS, GLO, CMS, AEM, ACM, AMT. ✩ Praise God for the recent ✩ Marriage Celebrants training, Pray that our churches will see and the Pastors’ Network people responding to the good afternoon that was spent with news about Jesus. Sam Chan. The Christian Church of Grace ✩ Praise God for the SRE (Scrip- Praising God for: ture) training sessions that were ✩ run over the last month. joining the CCCAust and for their constant prayers and ✩ Praise God for the lives being support. touched through the work of ✩ Hands and Feet and the number for the growth of our church. of people being connected to the Pray for: church through this ministry. ✩ Achieving God’s purpose of our ✩ Pray for our church leaders that service. they will be wise in applying ✩ The church’s need in general. biblical truth in our changing cultural standards. Pray that The Church for Everybody we as churches can connect with Praise God: our communities and share the ✩ for younger believers who have good news about Jesus with a heart to minister in various them. ways to each other, to others in ✩ Pray for the Boards of our para- the body of Christ and to those church ministries as they lead who are in need of hearing the and provide vision for these good news of salvation in the ministries. May we see the Lord Jesus. ➢
ASSEMBLIES 6 August 2016 Praise & Prayer requests from NSW Assemblies (cont’d from p 6)
✩ for all who are dependent of heaven consists of… “such as upon God with a burden to these.” pray for all the saints who are ✩ Give thanks for the over $500 located locally, nationally and raised by Pat Harwood on the internationally. street stall for “Transform the Pray: Nations” in Nepal. ✩ that all liberty would be given Pray: for the Lord Jesus to exercise ✩ for the church Eldership:– Peter His headship through each Archibald, Ron Pratt & Andrew believer for the growth and Sales. encouragement of all who meet ✩ at Marrickville West (Ephesians We are concerned for a number 4:15, 16). of our younger family members who have had to move away ✩ that we would come to know from home for work/study the Lord’s mind concerning the reasons. We regularly pray for purchase of a building in which Rebecca and Joanna and Daniel. to meet. ✩ We are also concerned for the Tingira Community Church unsaved in our district and are Pray: looking for ways to reach them ✩ for the church Eldership:– with the life-giving Gospel of Peter McKenzie, Norman the Lord Jesus Christ. Propert & Derek Torrance. Stewards Foundation ✩ that the church will have wisdom as they reach out into Praise points: their community. ✩ Our new Stewards on-line ✩ for the growth of the church. software is up and running; teething issues have been kept Toormina Christian Fellowship to a minimum. Praising God: ✩ Churches have been faithful in ✩ We are very thankful for the repaying. lovely children in our midst. Pray: They bring joy to our hearts as ✩ for Stewards as we take on we observe their growth and further accounting type development and we remember services. that every family needs children ✩ to grow and mature in the love for continued health of all our of Christ and we remember the employees. Lord’s words that the kingdom o
ASSEMBLIES August 2016 7 Impossible ! Bible Truth Publishers.com
The pictures were all too clear! The be surprised a few days later to receive little girl was struggling to escape from a notice that says “the licence plate was the grip on her arm as the determined photographed and the fne is _____!” man dragged her away. The video We little realise how often our security camera went unnoticed until actions are “caught on camera” — how the “missing child alert” went out. many little cameras are in operation all Then the search for clues to her disap- over the world. Technology has made pearance quickly turned up the little possible a huge network of surveil- camera, and the tape was viewed — lance, although it cannot compare with and broadcast widely on TV. the all-seeing eye of God. The phones at the Police Station Now that is something to think began to ring: “I know that man!” “It of with wonder and awe. We know can’t be my neighbour. He seems like that God is omniscient: Do we know such a nice man!” what that means? He knows all. All? But it was the seemingly “nice” Yes, truly all. Even the most secret neighbour; the callers all recognised “thoughts and intents” of your heart. him: his face, his clothes, even his “Intents”? Acts only thought about? If tattoos, and the court-appointed God can do that, sinning without His defence lawyer had an impossible task. knowledge is an impossible task. There was no arguing with the camera. The Son of God, the Lord Jesus Sadly, only the child’s body was Christ, said, “Nothing is secret, that found. shall not be made manifest; neither Another unnoticed security camera anything hid, that shall not be known” was operating one night in a little (Luke 18:17). store. The night clerk was alone If even our worst, most sinful behind the counter when a young man thoughts are known to God, what came in looking for money or drugs. chance have we of entering into His The clerk refused him. The intruder holy heaven where nothing corrupt or leaped over the counter, gun in hand, defling can enter? None at all, in our and fred one shot — one fatal shot. own efforts, our own goodness. There were no witnesses — at least, no But God, “who is rich in mercy,” living witnesses — but the video tape has made a way. He gave His Son, His that was running showed the whole only beloved Son, to die for our sins. sequence of events clearly. Another Isn’t that just overwhelming? God’s impossible task for a defence lawyer! Word, the Bible, says it so plainly: Even the small details of everyday “While we were yet sinners, Christ life do not escape that continual died for us” (Romans 5:8). surveillance. Unmanned toll-booths More than that, we are promised that on the highway have tempted many “whosoever believeth in Him (Jesus) drivers to pass without paying, only to shall receive remission of sins.” ➢
ASSEMBLIES 8 August 2016 ADVERT
ADVERT Impossible ! (cont’d from p 8) Seeking a Pianist “Blessed are they whose iniquities Do you know someone who are forgiven, and whose sins are enjoys playing the piano and who covered” (Romans 4:8). would like to play for the Sydney Sins — covered and forgiven! And Festival Male Voice Choir? it is GOD who covers them, that same If so, please contact David all-seeing, all knowing God who Gordon on 0400 426 373. says “their sins and iniquities I will remember no more.” The Choir sings in various Have you admitted to God that venues in Sydney and NSW, and you are a sinner and received His programmes may include an forgiveness? There is no way into instrumental item by the pianist. heaven without it! The Choir practises most Friday Bible Truth Publishers.com nights at Ermington from 7:30 to o 9:30p.m. Having a second pianist would lessen the load on our regular pianist. o
ASSEMBLIES August 2016 9 “Letters written from Prison”
Letters Written from Prison is book is that at the end of each a second book written by Don chapter questions have been Stormer. Written in much the added for either personal same style as Letters to Scattered reflection or for group study. Christians, it is a commentary The book is available from Don on Paul’s letters to Ephesus, & Helen Stormer, 58/7 Kitchener Philippi, Colossae and Philemon. Road, Cherrybrook, NSW, 2126. As with the first book, this Their phone number is 02 9875 one is designed to help people 2037 and Don’s email address is:- who want to know more about [email protected] these letters in non-academic The cost is $25 per copy or, language. post-paid, $32. o One change from the earlier
ASSEMBLIES 10 August 2016 News from some Commended Workers
Don Stormer Colin & Mavis Winrow 25 July 2016 5 August, 2016
Dear friends, To our dear brothers and sisters in Christ. In early August I will be leaving Both Colin and I are very grateful to for another teaching visit to Eastern those who faithfully uphold us in prayer. Europe. My first assignment will be to We really value your prayer support. conduct a week-long seminar in Moldova How the year has sped by. It’s hard to being organised by Christian Mission believe it is now August and our visit to International Aid (CMIAid). Pastors our family in Traralgon, Victoria is long from southern Moldova will either live in over. We had a wonderful 2 weeks with for the week or attend on a daily basis. them and it was very hard to leave. This will be followed by a week-long We are so thankful to the Lord for visit to Bacau in Romania to teach from all His goodness to us and the way 1 Corinthians. These sessions will start He continues to provide for us. Apart each evening at 6.00pm. The third from a little ‘cold’ our health has been week will be in north-eastern Romania really good and we continue to pray for visiting a number of village assemblies. strength to continue in His service. This will be followed by two weeks in Our numbers at Waitara Gospel Armenia. The first week there will be in Chapel have dropped greatly of late due association with a mission visit organised to ill-health and some moving house, but by Armenian Christian Mission and the we continue to pray that we will remain second week will be spent teaching in a faithful in our witness to the Lord. Bible College near to the capital, Yerevan. We are still much involved in the work Your prayers for us at this time will of LinC (Love in the Name of Christ). be greatly appreciated. Please pray There are so many people who live on for Helen as she will remain at home, their own who need help to get to a doc- though she will be busy with the work tor’s appointment or just to go shopping. of CMIAid. Pray that we will be given One gets so much joy out of helping these the strength and wisdom for the work the dear folk. Lord has given us to do. Our work with Christian Literature (Please note our new address.) Outreach – sending resource material Don Stormer to the Chaplains in the prisons so they 58/7 Kitchener Road can be used by the inmates – continues Cherrybrook NSW 2126 to increase as we get more prisons added Phone +61 2 9875 2037 to our list. We often get an encourag- ing letter from an inmate telling us how some book or tract or daily devotional has ➢12
ASSEMBLIES August 2016 11 News from some Commended Workers (cont’d from p 11) caused them to think about their future Towards the end of last year, Juno and and how they are being changed. Mavis I helped a member sell up her house and wrote an article for the June magazine move into a retirement village. She’s a but as yet we have received no offers of single sister in her 50s, and needed help help. It would be so great to get more with the process. We are glad she is now helpers - please consider. happily settled into a 2-bedroom home in We would value your continued a Village. prayers as we seek to serve the Lord in It was our privilege to be able to min- the areas He has blessed us with. ister to one of our Chinese member’s Thank you for your love and care. fight with cancer from last year. Jill Wu Many blessings. came from China with her family. She passed on to glory in April this year and Sonny & Juno Ng we helped the family with the funeral 26 July 2016 arrangements and the service. Together Joyful Greetings to you in the Name of with another brother, we have started a Lord Jesus. visitation program to Jack (hubby) and Thinking back between July 2015 his teenage son. They have started to be and June 2016, time certainly has gone very regular in church. by very quickly. As we minister in a I still lead at Worship meetings once migrant church, we have found this to be a month, and on the Preaching roster our main ministry area. Singles, couples once a month too. Weekly Bible studies and families are here without the help of & prayer also takes up my time, although their extended family, and so we have to another brother has now taken on the be their new “families”. responsibility for gathering prayer items. Juno and I had the privilege of coming Juno & I also are very involved in plan- to the aid of a young Iraqi girl who was ning and arranging other events like trying to settle down in Blacktown. We church picnics, monthly evangelistic Café had to house her for a night as she felt nights, Easter and Christmas services insecure and scared of her landlord who and so on. had a key to her bedroom. We then had to That is all my dear friends… we cer- help her move to another place. tainly value your prayers that God will It is with thankful hearts that we were keep Juno and I in a good state of health able to provide hospitality to more than until He calls us home. Thank you for all 18 people in these 12 months – GLO your prayers and loving care, fellowship overseas workers and friends from our and support. ➢ home church in Singapore. I also helped one of the new church Please submit letters or members (new migrant) with her driving short articles for the October lessons so she can get her license. She is magazine on, or before, from India, & they are very low on funds. 16th September.
ASSEMBLIES 12 August 2016 News from some Commended Workers (cont’d from p 12)
Geoff & Liz Folland Secondly, we make ourselves to be better 12 July 2016 than we are. We deceive ourselves into Hi, thinking our sin isn’t that bad or isn’t “To make the most of Mid-Year Con- that pervasive (vv.6, 8, 10). Thirdly, ference (and life!) we want to walk closely we try to bridge the gap ourselves (mis- with Jesus. What are the three common reading v.7). We think that walking in mistakes we make when trying to walk the light, walking with our holy God, closely with God?” That was the theme means we have to live perfectly ourselves. of my talk as I gave the opening keynote But v.9 clarifies what v.7 means. Walking address at the Conference last week. in the light means bringing our “stuff” We had hundreds of students gath- (the stuff we are ashamed of, that we ering from around the country, and keep hidden, that we don’t want others to many international students as well. know about) into the light. We confess it Calvin, from Malaysia, was one of three to God and to those who will speak God’s students who gave their lives to Christ truth and share God’s grace with us. during conference. Scores are enthused God cleanses us, because of Jesus’ atoning and equipped to share their faith next sacrifice on the cross. Then we have fel- semester. Dozens committed to full- lowship with God and with each other. time ministry in the future. I also met international students from everywhere: 8 August Asia to Zimbabwe. My personal high- What are you searching for? light, aside from speaking, was getting to The premise for our entire modern hangout with Dr Darrell Bock, and his Western world is that the status quo wife Sally. Liz and I were asked to look is not good enough and that we are after them. Aside from three trips to the searching for something more - economic city from the conference venue (about growth, personal growth, justice or peace. 1½ hours each way), we also spent a few “The Search For…” is the theme of our hours sightseeing at the Three Sisters in outreach this semester. Over the past the Blue Mountains. Darrell spoke on 20 years, I can say that most students discipleship from the gospel of Luke and answer this question with the word the book of Acts. “happiness.” But they are also looking for Today, Liz and I celebrate our 19th a sense of identity, purpose, and peace. wedding anniversary. Also, I am head- The first Tuesday of semester we had ing into surgery to have a skin cancer special guest Steve Chong share his pow- removed from my left ear. erful story of visiting Christian refugees If you are curious about the 3 common in Iraq. Last Tuesday I spoke at Sydney mistakes, they are found in 1 John 1:5-10. Uni on “The Search for Happiness” Firstly, we make God less than He is. He from Psalm 1. On Thursday, I spoke is pure light (v.5), a holy God whose per- at our Korean student gathering on the fection is far beyond our comprehension. Great Commission. Both meetings were ➢14
ASSEMBLIES August 2016 13 News from some Commended Workers (cont’d from p 13)
Jeanette Nolan 2 August 2016 encouraging and included some students Thank you so much for the support who do not yet have a relationship with given to Sean and myself this year. We God. Our ministry has been boosted by continue to uphold you all in prayer and the help from short term mission teams are very grateful for your faithfulness to from the US and Korea connecting with the Lord. new students. I just wanted to share a short testi- On Tuesday, a first year psychology mony about our Lutanda Winter camps: student, Michael, came. He claimed we had 200 campers attend over 3 weeks, that he was happy and was interested in 120 leaders and 78 decisions for Christ. what made us happy. Joon is a Korean We are so very thankful that the Lord student who had felt that happiness was entrusts this very special ministry to us. an impossible dream but is exploring the We hope this testimony will be of encour- idea that a relationship with God will agement to you also. lead to happiness (i.e. blessedness). Joon came to both Tuesday and Thursday meetings. Amidst the beginning of semester busyness, Liz and I are also looking for new financial ministry partners. This is part of our journey of trusting God for His provision. If you have been praying for us and would like to contribute Campers worshipping financially, please let us know. If you would be willing to introduce us to some people who would be willing to hear about our ministry and consider partnering with us (perhaps family members, Bible study group, etc.), we’d also love to hear from you. Katrise left for Year 5 school camp this morning, after coming 2nd and 3rd in her ballet eisteddfod on the weekend. Thanks for partnering with us. Campers learning In His grace, Geoff Folland Jeanette Nolan State Director - NSW Ministry Conference Director Power to Change Inspiring Hope www.powertochange.org.au 82 Waterloo Road Note: Please update my email address to: Macquarie Park 2113 ph: 0456 159 670 [email protected] [email protected] o ASSEMBLIES 14 August 2016 “Books at a Glance” Quality Christian Books — summarised
This organisation runs a website which includes Dr D.A. Carson, Tim which may help you if you like reading Challies, Dr Matthew Barrett, and good books but feel like “So many Thabiti Anyabwile. books, too little time!”. As well as the Book Summaries, the It states “why waste time and money website has some brief book reviews, on the wrong books? We publish interviews with well-known authors, weekly book summaries to help you and a blog one can read online or keep up, and select the right books for receive free in summary form via email you.” every two or three days. http://www.booksataglance.com Recent Summaries have been for:– This service does cost a few dollars CHRISTIAN THEISTIC EVIDENC- a month but it offers a free 30-day, no ES, by Cornelius Van Til, edited by K. obligation, trial as an introduction. The Scott Oliphint. books are current, hand-picked, and THE CASE FOR LIFE: EQUIPPING are summarised by pastors, professors, CHRISTIANS TO ENGAGE THE theologians, and authors whose CULTURE, by Scott Klusendorf. ambition is to equip and encourage MAKING ALL THINGS NEW: the people of God in the faith. Each INAUGURATED ESCHATOLOGY summary is 7 to 10 pages long and can FOR THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH, be read on your PC or tablet. Some by Benjamin L. Gladd and Matthew S. come with an audio version too. Harmon. Each book’s summary gives a clear THE HOLY SPIRIT, by Christopher tracing of the key arguments, chapter R. J. Holmes. by chapter, cover to cover. All memberships include access WHAT ABOUT FREE WILL? to over 100 previously published RECONCILING OUR CHOICES WITH summaries and, of course, the new GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY, by Scott weekly summaries as they are released. Christensen. The website holds all the Book ESCAPE FROM REASON, by Francis Summaries since the service began in Schaeffer. February 2014. HE IS THERE AND HE IS NOT If you read a summary and want to SILENT, by Francis Schaeffer. buy the full book, you have the option THE PLAN OF SALVATION, by B.B. to purchase online, via the Westminster Warfeld. Bookstore, either a printed copy at a discounted price, or a Kindle version. A THEOLOGY OF MARK: THE ‘Books at a Glance’ affirms the DYNAMIC BETWEEN CHRISTOLO- Confessional Statement of The Gospel GY AND AUTHENTIC DISCIPLESHIP, by Hans F. Bayer. Coalition as its theological frame of o reference. It has a Board of Reference
ASSEMBLIES August 2016 15 is being taken to the Philippines by the AFCI team
The journey of launching and Facilitator. Our plans are to take refining EvangelismSHIFT has been EvangelismSHIFT to the Philippines in time-consuming and laborious but we the next year. can wholeheartedly say that it has been Mel has a burning desire to see incredibly rewarding. Over the last revival in his church and in his nation. two years, we took EvangelismSHIFT We have invited Mel to share his grace to various local churches in Australia story so that you can get to know him in the hope that God would use this and better understand why AFCI two-year evangelism course to equip wants to take EvangelismSHIFT to the church members to be effective in Philippines: evangelism. Participants are already “At age 17, I received Christ as my being impacted by this course and the personal Lord and Saviour. On that day I feedback we have received has been vowed to serve Him for the rest of my life. truly encouraging. Today I am 54. Thirty-seven years have “EvangelismSHIFT has changed my passed but the commitment I made then understanding of “evangelism” - from a has kept me faithful in my walk with Jesus “gift” that wasn’t mine to a way of life as despite so many challenges. a disciple. It has encouraged me to build Shortly after my Seminary training in relationships for God.” the southern Philippines, I got married to “After attending EvangelismSHIFT my wife Agnes. The Lord blessed us with I feel so encouraged - I have felt limited four lovely children and two grandkids. in where my relationships with non- As a family we’ve seen God’s faithfulness Christians are going but now I feel as year after year He has provided for our encouraged and equipped to go further.” every need. I have pastored for thirty “EvangelismSHIFT has been a great years in five different churches. I have reminder of what we are here on earth to served in my church (the Alliance Bible do. To be disciples who build relationships Christian Church) for six years now with people in the world and share Jesus with a vision to transform communities ➢ with them in a natural way.” Seeing how God is using Evangelism- SHIFT in Australia to change people’s mindsets regarding evangelism has made us realise that other countries and churches could benefit from EvangelismSHIFT. This is why, over the last year we have been training Mel Dianga, a pastor from the Philip- pines to become an EvangelismSHIFT Agnes & Mel Dianga ASSEMBLIES 16 August 2016 EvangelismSHIFT to the Philippines (cont’d from p 16)
for Jesus. While pastoring this church I what I learn in EvangelismSHIFT the have had the privilege to minister to other more I can see their mindsets, regarding churches through Ambassadors for Christ evangelism and what it means to live as International – Philippines as speaker and a witness for Christ, starting to change. facilitator for LifeWorks. Once I began to see how EvangelismSHIFT This year, in His providence, God is was changing my local church, I knew that sending me to Australia six times to attend God could use this course to transform EvangelismSHIFT training. Together many other churches in the Philippines. with John North, I plan to bring this two- When other pastors hear about my story year initiative to the Philippines. and about the vision of EvangelismSHIFT, After attending the first seminar, I have they are given a sense of hope for their come to realise how EvangelismSHIFT ministries too. helps leaders and churches fulfil the Great This is the reason why I desire to Commission and how much it would champion EvangelismSHIFT in the benefit my church. Every time I come home Philippines. from Australia, I make sure that I share Since the Lord has opened the way for what I have learned with my local leaders me to attend the last three seminars in and the AFCI team in the Philippines. Australia, I am convinced He will continue In 2012 we decided that as a church our to provide my needs to be able to complete aim was to create a culture of change so the training this year and be ready to assist that we can transform our city for Christ. John North next year to officially start the We soon realised that we did not have a training to at least two influential churches strategy for this goal. Praise God, through in Manila.” the EvangelismSHIFT training we have We hope you have enjoyed started to see how we can create a culture reading Mel’s story and his vision for of change so that we can win our city and EvangelismSHIFT in his country. We are country for Christ. thrilled to have been given this God- The more I share with my local leaders opportunity to bring EvangelismSHIFT and the AFCI team in the Philippines about to the Philippines. We believe that through EvangelismSHIFT churches in the Philippines will become effective in evangelism and we will see a revival in this nation. Please remember EvangelismSHIFT Philippines in your prayers. This is the first time we are taking EvangelismSHIFT outside of Australia and we know that we need God’s wisdom to guide us through this Dianga family, and son-in-law Pastor Robert process. o Catorce (holding the baby) ASSEMBLIES August 2016 17 Jack Douglas Christie (10-3-1924 to 28-7-2016)
On noon on Monday, 8th August 2016, a Thanksgiving Service was held in The EV Church, Erina, for Jack Douglas Christie who died on 28th July, aged 92. There was a big turnout at this service and his children Barbara, Gordon, Andrew and Leanne thanked everyone for coming and supporting them on the day to celebrate their Dad’s life and faith. They knew he would have been overwhelmed and humbled by all the attention. The Service Sheet recorded the following information about Jack’s life:- Jack Douglas Christie was born at the family home in Jersey Street, Jack Christie last year Marrickville on 10th March 1924, to for living, a pattern for behaviour, and Edward and Robina Christie. He had the prospect of Eternal life. two older brothers, George and Allan. Jack left school one year before Jack always said that he was an instant the Leaving Certifcate, to take on a disappointment to his mother on two fve-year apprenticeship in printing. counts, that he was a boy and that he As his 18th birthday approached, he had red hair. avoided the call-up to join the army The family moved fve times while by volunteering to join the air force. Jack was growing up, from Marrickville His short training as a pilot saw him to Belmore, Campsie, Campsie, and competently taking off, flying and Canterbury. Edward was often out of completing all aerial manoeuvers, but work and Robina took in boarders to landing proved to be a problem! So he help make ends meet. Jack recalled was scrubbed and re-classifed to train three vivid childhood memories. First- as a wireless operator. ly, sitting on top of the fuel stove and It was at this time that Jack met Dud- burning the seat out of the new trou- ley Hannaford who was also doing the sers his mother had made. Secondly, training. Jack was influential in help- on cracker night, taking his brother’s ing to lead Dudley to the Lord and a whole stash of crackers and tipping the strong friendship was forged. Dudley’s lot into the bonfre, and thirdly, the hid- Lancaster Bomber was shot down in ing he was given by his mother when February 1945 and he was to remain a she found cigarettes in his school bag. POW in Germany until the end of the At fourteen, Jack attended a series of war. Their friendship and Christian fel- meetings where he committed his life lowship continued until Dudley passed to Jesus Christ who gave him a purpose away in 2015. ➢ ASSEMBLIES 18 August 2016 Jack Douglas Christie obituary (cont’d from p 18)
After graduating from wireless (CYC) and it was at one of these camps school as a Flight Sergeant and a brief that he met Ellen Backwell, a nurse and gunnery course, Jack sailed for England the camp cook. They married in 1951. via America, arriving in November He opened a small printing business 1943. Further training followed before in Kingsgrove, which still exists today. he became part of a crew with an Aussie Grace was born in 1952, Barbara in 1954 Pilot, Navigator and Bomb-aimer, the and Gordon in 1959. Sadly, following a latter two being friends who were also long illness Ellen passed away in 1967. scrubbed as pilots. The remaining three It was Jack’s continued involvement crew were British. These seven men in Christian Camping which led him were to fly together as a crew for the to meet Winifred Nightingale, a nurse rest of the war. They remained close who shared his passion for telling friends and Jack’s predictable line was others about Jesus Christ, and they were always “we only survived through the married in 1968. Andrew was born in grace of God and the skill of our very 1972 and Leanne in 1973. experienced pilot.” The family attended Campsie Gospel In October 1944 Jack and the crew Chapel where Jack served as an elder, were appointed to Squadron 1894 and taught in the Sunday School and wor- became operational on Lancasters. shipped the Lord he loved. Jack became They completed 30 missions over heavily involved with Emmaus Bible enemy territory and despite facing School. He was an Emmaus director anti-aircraft fire, night fighters, and for twenty years and also Chairman damage to the Lanc, they were always of the Board of Directors for a number able to maintain flight and return to of years. He was also Chairman of the base. In March 1945 Jack became a Camps Committee which involved Commissioned Flying Officer at the running camps at Toukley, including age of 20. The last mission was one Family Camp at Christmas. For many that Jack could rarely recount without years Win was camp nurse at the Camp tears. The Lanc with its seven crew flew for Children with Disabilities. Win’s to Brussels to pick up 24 ex-prisoners- health deteriorated and sadly she of-war and fly them home to England. passed away in January 2016. It look six weeks to sail home to Jack was always grateful for the way Australia on the Stratheden. Jack was the Lord led him along his extraordi- demobilized in February 1946 and nary life’s journey and for the Christian resumed his printing apprenticeship. friends He brought alongside to encour- On completion he received the highest age and guide. He looked forward to State award before commencing his the great prospect of being with Christ printing career at Butterfeld and Lewis, not because of anything Jack had done a printing frm in Sydney. Jack took but because of what the Lord Jesus three months off work each year to be Christ had done for him. involved in Christian Youth Camps o
ASSEMBLIES August 2016 19 Stuff we need supplied by John Kennedy Matthew 5:42: “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one Jesus at His word when He said, “I tell who wants to borrow from you.” you not to worry about everyday life— Matt 6:19-25: “Do not store up for whether you have enough food and drink, yourselves treasures on earth, where moths or enough clothes to wear”. As Jesus said, and vermin destroy, and where thieves “Your Father knows exactly what you need break in and steal ... Therefore I tell you, even before you ask him!” (Matt 6:8). do not worry about your life, what you will Jesus also reminded us, “If you sinful eat or drink; or about your body, what you people know how to give good gifts to will wear. Is not life more than food, and your children, how much more will your the body more than clothes?” heavenly Father give good gifts to those Prov 19:17: “Whoever is kind to the poor who ask him” (7:11). lends to the Lord, and he will reward them My son recently visited me. During for what they have done.” our conversation, he mentioned, “Hey, The term “free spirit” fts my son can I get another one of those old sea Seth as comfortably as his secondhand, bags of yours?” Yes—yes he can! It’s graffiti-splattered jacket and 15-year- just holding stuff I don’t need anyway. old jeans. Now in his early 20s, he truly Just as God has lavishly poured out stands out due to his eclectic style, but His love and grace on us, may we freely he also possesses an incredible work share with others! ethic and a heart the size of the Sahara. Read Matthew 7:7-11 and see what Each morning, Seth leaves his Jesus said about parents giving good one-room apartment and totes his gifts to their children and how God the longboard, tools, energy drinks, and Father cares for us. lunch to work in one of my old military What things—tangible or intangible sea bags. One day as he waited at the — do you cling to? How can you give lavishly to God and others today? bus stop, a homeless man trudged past, o carrying all his earthly goods in two plastic garbage bags. Seth surveyed the rips in the bags and promptly proposed Advertisement a trade. The disbelieving man ambled off happily with a sturdy canvas sea bag in his possession. SYDNEY PIANO TUNING “Hey, the guy has needs!” Seth later Uprights and Grands explained. “I can always get one of those.” Yamaha approved tuner Seth reflexively puts into practice what Jesus talked about in the Sermon Ph 0407 920 265 on the Mount: giving lavishly “to those www.sydneypianotuning.com.au who ask,” not storing up treasures for himself “here on earth,” and taking
ASSEMBLIES 20 August 2016 A letter from Francis Williams
In our present world Christianity is Samoa. May I share the following? under attack:- persecution, mutilation, God gave me a vision (understanding) crucifxion and beheading of those who to design a logo. Why would I want to claim Christ as their Saviour. Abortion do that? The image came easily, with is increasingly being condoned, as are words of explanation. same-sex marriages, designer babies, The outcome is a triangular window anti-Christian education in universities sticker (8cm per side) to place on your and schools, computer and credit- car’s windscreen, where the registration card hacking, fnancial and political sticker used to be. At some time, instability, and the list continues. somebody will enquire what the sticker It is my conviction more than ever represents. The card (business-card size that the church (individuals) must - see below) with logo and description be proactive in relating, by whatever gives opportunity to explain the saving means (methods) possible, the gospel Gospel message of Jesus Christ in your of Jesus Christ. own words. This must be the primary purpose I am committed to pursue what why the Church has been left here on I believe God has asked me to do. earth. You may not understand my vision How can we carry out this respon- to spread this resource as widely as sibility and privilege in the present possible. All I ask is that you give it circumstances? Our gospel meetings some reflection and prayer. I have cards and preaching are under threat, with printed, and a small amount of the logo fear of litigation. stickers. Should you desire to share in I returned from Samoa in August this vision, your assistance would be 2015, where the purpose of the visit deeply appreciated. was to encourage four small Christian Francis & Bev Williams assemblies. With God’s help I was able 9 Singline Avenue to accomplish this. Many interesting Burnie 7320, Tasmania things occurred during my visit to Phone (03) 6433 0899
o
ASSEMBLIES August 2016 21 ASSEMBLIES 22 August 2016 Leading public prayers by Megan Hill
If the fear of public speaking is the application from a recent sermon; general population’s greatest fear, fear maybe a particular mission field or of praying publicly may be its Christian Gospel opportunity; maybe a suffering equivalent. It is no wonder. In prayer friend or struggling church could together, the leader brings his brothers become the subject of your prayer. and sisters on a holy errand to the very Beyond that, you get ready to pray by throne room of almighty God. But resolving that you will pray if given the fear of the Lord is the beginning opportunity. If you don’t intend to of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7), and pray, you likely never will. appreciating the enormity of the task 2. Be Clear. can lead us to appreciate the enormity Your great aim as you lead others in of our help. The Christian never prays prayer is that they would pray along alone, and the Christian never leads with you. Jesus strongly warns against others in prayer by himself but always thoughtless rambling (Matthew 6:7) has the promised and sufficient help and hypocrisy and pride (Matthew of the three: the listening Father, the 6:5). Instead, you should pray with mediating and interceding Son, and the simplicity and humility, encouraging helping Spirit. With this confdence, others to join their hearts to yours. It is you can take steps (I’ll suggest three) good to pick one or two items for prayer to better lead others in prayer. and pray thoroughly and briefly about 1. Be Ready. them; this allows others to ‘Amen’ your This has several aspects. Your petitions and leaves time for others readiness for public prayer always to lead. The words and sentences of begins with a regular habit of private your prayer should also be clear; use prayer. As Samuel Miller wrote in the language of Scripture informed by Thoughts On Public Prayer, “None your natural way of speaking. can hope to attain excellence in the 3. Be Corporate. grace and gift of prayer in the public When you lead in public prayer, you assembly, unless they abound in closet are not praying for yourself only but devotion, and in holy communion with also with others. You are asking them God in secret.” [S. Miller, Thoughts to join you as you approach God and On Public Prayer, pp.260, 261] You to make your petitions their own. For also get ready by studying the prayers this reason, you should try as much in Scripture and by paying attention as possible to use corporate language to the public prayers of more mature (‘we,’ ‘us,’ and ‘our’) and to pray for believers. things that are common to everyone. Too, you get ready to pray publicly On a recent Wednesday night, my by thinking ahead about what you six-year-old son prayed aloud in the might pray. Maybe a verse from church prayer meeting. He prayed your private Scripture reading or the for missionaries to preach the Gospel, ➢24
ASSEMBLIES August 2016 23 Leading public prayers (cont’d from p 23) for Muslims to trust in Christ for their salvation, and for the sick people in our This article appeared on crossway.org congregation to get better. His prayer – a website which is worth a regular was sincere, simply expressed, and visit. very brief. It was just what the church The author Megan Hill is a pastor’s needed. wife and a pastor’s daughter who has Brothers and sisters, your most spent her life praying with others. feeble prayer may unite the hearts of She serves on the editorial board for the church before God. By the help Christianity Today and is a regular of the Spirit, you may remind them of contributor to Her.meneutics.com forgotten truth, stir them to renewed and the Gospel Coalition. desire, or move them to greater love. At the very least, your prayer will cause o them to pray together. And that is just what they need.
WOMEN’S MISSIONARY PRAYER & SUPPORT FELLOWSHIP Under this banner two groups meet each month, except January. The weekly Global Prayer Matters issued by AMT form the basis for focussed prayer. These points are amplified by information from personal letters received from missionaries. Whenever a missionary on furlough is available, as many as possible from both groups meet at Eastwood Chapel, and continue fellowship after the prayer time at Page’s Cafe (in Koorong Bookshop, West Ryde) over lunch. More information may be obtained from:– Lillian Fleming 9858 5436 or Jackie Sardar 9785 3439 Further meetings to be held in 2016 The time slot is 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, with a cuppa available from 10am. Tea and coffee are provided. Cherrybrook Christian Oatley Gospel Care Centre Chapel (on Fridays) (on Wednesdays) 8 September 28 September 14 October 26 October 11 November 23 November 9 December
ASSEMBLIES 24 August 2016 CROSSWAY’s Blog
Crossway exists to publish gospel- These convenient services allow you centered, Bible-based content aimed to bring together into one spot content at honouring our Saviour and serving from all your favourite websites and His Church. We want to help people blogs. Add us to the list of blogs you understand the implications of the follow to ensure you never miss a post. gospel and the truth of God’s Word, 3. Subscribe via Email for all of life, for all eternity, and for Sign up at:- the glory of God. www.crossway.org/subscribe Crossway’s publishing ministry consists of Bible, book, and tract to receive every blog post via email the publishing, accompanied by a variety day that it’s published. of strategic global ministry initiatives. Once there, you can also sign up to It is a joyful privilege to connect life- receive our weekly email newsletter changing resources with people whose featuring our best content from the lives need change (namely, all of us). week, including popular blog posts, free The Crossway blog is one important book excerpts, drawings, giveaways, means of doing just that. and more! In an effort to deliver rich, gospel- 4. Follow Us on Social Media centred content to you in the right way Finally, if you prefer to fnd out about and at the right time, we want to make new blog posts via social media, be sure you aware of four simple options you to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. have for reading our blog. 1. Check the Blog Homepage Reminders, Reminders, Reminders The simplest way to stay up-to-date The apostle Peter wrote to fellow with what we’re posting on a regular Christians in 2 Peter 1:13, “I think it basis is to visit the blog via your right, as long as I am in this body, to stir browser. Just head over to:- you up by way of reminder.” We hope these options for receiving www.crossway.org/blog gospel-centred, Bible-based content to see all of our new articles or browse will serve to consistently remind you of posts by category. the gospel, and of the many thousands 2. Subscribe via RSS of ways its message applies to our lives Subscribe to our blog via RSS by today. o copy/pasting the following URL into your favorite RSS reader: Please submit any news- http://www.crossway.org/blog/rss/ items, letters, adverts or A few good options for RSS readers short articles for the October include Feedly, Feedbin, Newsblur, issue of this magazine on, or Newsify, and Inoreader. before, 16th September
ASSEMBLIES August 2016 25 Creative use of technology in churches
The following are some notes about the August 2016 issue of the free online “Ministry Tech magazine”.
One of the great things about the the same – see Yvon Prehn and world of technology is its openness: Kevin Purcell’s contributions in the great ideas and great inventions August issue). can come from the most unlikely As technology opens up new sources. For example, the cover avenues for serving the church, our story of the August 2016 magazine models of ministry will continue details how a hair stylist and salon to grow and change: what used owner connected prayer needs to to be the private work of a church prayer warriors by helping develop staff member can become the joyful an app for mobile devices like collaboration of crowd-sourcing mobile phones and tablets. within an entire congregation. It’s like a real-life parable of Contact information is no longer God’s Kingdom. The Holy Spirit the stuff of a once-a-year church moves through the church inspiring directory; church communication service and comforting those in is going real-time and mobile, need— and the Holy Spirit almost enabling instant response to always uses people to do God’s those in need; the needs of the work. John Wimber, a church community need not wait until a growth consultant (and founder of Sunday morning service, they can the Vineyard Church movement), be shared—and addressed—as a used to tell people, “Everyone gets part of everyday life. to play” when it comes to ministry. Church leaders have longed to That’s certainly the case when it see the day of a fully mobilized comes to creative applications of congregation. Wise and creative technology among God’s people. uses of technology can make the Thanks to cloud-based computing church effective in ways we have (see Jonathan Smith’s overview in never imagined. this edition) nearly any church What ideas can you implement member can contribute to the in your local church? organisational work of their church. Take a look online at this month’s Entire congregations can encourage Ministry Tech magazine and maybe and support Bible reading using fnd something new to share! portable devices to both read the http://ministrytech.com Bible and encourage others to do o
ASSEMBLIES 26 August 2016 Why Printed Tracts Matter from Crossway
Several Christian organisations might let insecurity, fear, or embar- publish gospel-centred short-form rassment stand in the way of fulflling content to encourage Christians and Christ’s Great Commission. Yet, we to share the hope of God’s plan of need to remember that we have the salvation with unbelievers. Often our best news anyone could ever hear! local churches keep a supply of tracts Tracts can equip you with confdence, for visitors to take, and to provide a boldness, and a new approach for resource for members of the local con- sharing God’s Word. At their best, gregation to use. they serve as tools to start life-altering Tracts are meant to be informal or conversations with unbelievers, all for conversational—easily understood the glory of God. and relational in style. They are in- Three Tips for Using Tracts tentionally brief, often less than 800 1. Share a tract with your small words. Though they are typically group or with someone you’re informal in tone, tracts convey serious discipling at church. Maybe you’ve matters about the truths of the Bible, been in the group or have discipled the way to eternal salvation in Jesus this person for a while, but conversa- Christ, and helpful topics to be used tions are not going as smoothly as in discipleship and evangelism. This is you had hoped. Tracts are highly ver- accomplished by creating material that satile, offering a helpful outline for a is gospel-centred and Bible-centred in small group discussion or one-on-one a way that honours our Saviour and conversation with a new believer. By serves His church. using a tract as an outline for a small Why Tracts? group discussion, you can stay focused It’s easy to think that a full-length on a few important points lending to book would serve a greater purpose deeper and clearer dialogue. in ministry. Books provide depth to 2. Encourage your church to include a topic that tracts cannot. However, tracts in weekly bulletins. You never short-form content can provide an know who may be sitting in your ideal starting point for gospel-centred church service! Through God’s grace, conversations. Perhaps you are they may be receptive to the hope a beginning a new ministry at your tract message can offer. church or maybe you are a new believer 3. Keep tracts in your wallet, purse, eager to share the good news with or car to ensure you’re always prepared your friends and family. Tracts offer to share the good news. a helpful introduction to foundational As Christians seek to fulfl the Great truths, leading to deeper conversation Commission, tracts serve as a valuable enriched by books and the reading of resource for us to help proclaim the God’s Word. gospel of Christ, and its implications Using tracts for sharing the gospel for all of life, to a world in great need. could seem like a daunting task. We o
ASSEMBLIES August 2016 27 4 Things to Keep You From Wasting Time Online from AssemblyHUB website
Let’s face it, time is short. There grow. Reading the Bible every day are so many things we could be and having a quiet time is vital. doing with our time that would Spending time with family and serve the Lord. There are also many friends is vital. Healthy living is more things we could be doing that important as well. Make sure that waste our time and have no eternal your life is filled with a variety value. of activities that will keep you The average adult in North balanced. America spends over 5 hours a day 4. Adjust your priorities. Some on TV and entertainment. Wow! things are just not as important As Christians we need to guard as others. If you fnd that your against wasting that much time. time online is squeezing out other, Here are a few suggestions to help. more important items then it’s 1. Defne your goals. Set some time to adjust the priorities. This attainable and reasonable goals to may require the help of a mentor achieve. For example you might to bring your focus back onto the decide that 1 hour a night is more Lord. Make the effort to reach out than plenty and keep a timer going to someone you respect and trust when you are online or watching and get your priorities in the right TV or even reading a book (unless order. the book is the Bible). You may We are to ‘redeem the time’ decide that on a specific night because the day of grace is short. you will not go online at all and Let’s be purposeful about how we you will devote it to face to face spend our time online and make relationships instead. sure we are doing all to the glory 2. Accountability. If you are of God. married, or living at home or with “Be very careful, then, how you live— others in your house, then ask not as unwise but as wise, making the them to help you in achieving your most of every opportunity, because the goals. Clearly identify what your days are evil.” goals are, even have them involved Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV) in setting the goals. Have them o challenge you when they feel you are not keeping to them. Please submit any news items, 3. Balance is the key. Make sure letters, adverts or short articles to identify the things that MUST for the October 2016 magazine be done in your life to help you on, or before, 16th September ASSEMBLIES 28 August 2016 Internet Corner compiled by C.H.Winrow
Here are some more items on from the Contemporary English the Internet and World Wide Web Version (CEV) and seeks to bridge the which readers may fnd interesting or gap from paraphrased Bible stories to helpful, and worth a visit via their own independent real text Bible reading. computer, smart-phone or other device. “You can download The Big Little Please Note: to make it easier to visit Bible app from the Apple and Google these websites they have been included Play stores now.” (Thanks, Keith) as ‘hot-links’ in the PDF version of this magazine. They are also included * * * as ‘hot-links’ on the NSW Christian Kids should know that science & Brethren website at this web-page:- God truly go hand in hand. www.cb-nsw.org.au/useful-links/Links- Here are 25 easy-prep science AO.html experiments specifcally designed to * * * demonstrate a Biblical truth: Many people these days carry a Bible www.teachsundayschool.com/ App on their smart phone or Tablet biblescience.html device so they can read the Bible in The experiments are 100% hands-on, their spare time, wherever they are. the materials are in your house already, Personally I use the “Bible+” from and there’s no mess! Olive Tree. It combines the normal These can be used at many times, e.g. Bible text (in several translations) with Sunday School, Home school, Rainy- a range of study tools that one can Day Family Projects, Science Fairs etc. choose from within the App or on the They are a great way to keep the kids Olive Tree Bible Software website. learning and having fun. www.olivetree.com * * * * * * The eagerly awaited series of TV Brother Keith Graham shared about programs called “Jesus The Game another Bible app from NZ last month. Changer”, with host Karl Faase, has He wrote “Bible Society New just been released as a two-DVD Zealand has launched a new app for set, containing 10 episodes, each 28 mobile devices that is designed to minutes long. It was produced by help parents share the Bible with their Olive Tree Media, and is available kids. Called “The Big Little Bible”, from Christian book stores and from the app features New Zealand-made the website: illustrations using a unique ‘one line’ art technique called contour drawing - www.jesusthegamechanger.com where the pencil never leaves the page. Karl Faase travels to the UK, USA, “Aimed at 8 to 10 year-olds, the app Singapore, India and Australia includes 30 Bible stories taken straight interviewing authors, academics, and ➢30
ASSEMBLIES August 2016 29 Internet Corner (cont’d from p 29)
modern-day game changers about how Storms personally. You can read the the life and teaching of Jesus changed full 850 word tribute at:- the world, and why it matters. www.crossway.org/ Karl interviews Eric Metaxas, John blog/2016/07/a-brief-word-to-j-i- Ortberg, Christine Caine, Rodney Stark, packer-on-his-90th-birthday/ Paula Gooder, Vishal Mangalwadi, * * * Steven Skiena, Jonathan Hill, Rico Tice, Readers may have noticed I like Mary Jo Sharp, Darrell Bock, Tom Price, reading about, and dabbling with, Ian Harper, James Orr, Dale Kuehne, technical “stuff”. This necessitates Jossy Chacko, Jago Wynne, Hashim reading a few technical magazines from Garett, Michell Tepper, Miroslav Volf, time to time! This is made especially Jo Vaitale, Sister Clare Nolan, Tom easy via the world-wide-web because Greggs, I’Ching Thomas, Toby Hall, some magazines are free and, once you John Swinton, John Dickson, Brian ‘subscribe’, they drop into your email Rosner, Peter Harrison, John Rinehart, IN-box as soon as each new issue is and John Anderson. published. (No more searching the There are also an associated App, magazine racks at the local newsagent!) Discussion Guide and extended One I fnd useful is the “Ministry interviews on the main website. Tech Magazine”and the August issue Plus some FREE Resources for has just arrived. You can access it (and churches. Here you will fnd everything prior issues) at:- you need to promote your “Jesus www.ministrytech.com the Game Changer” series in your church or small group. Download and This issue contains some interesting overprint invitations and flyers. Use articles which, although written in the the logos, photos, the trailer and fles USA, could be a help to tech people in suitable for banners, PowerPoint slides our Aussie churches. and web adverts. For example: * * * How a Hair Dresser Created a nd Did you know that 22 July 2016 Mobile Prayer App. th was J. I. Packer’s 90 birthday? No? Should Churches and Ministries Neither did I until I read an intro to an Embrace the Cloud? article called “A brief word to J.I Packer on his 90th Birthday.” This was written Bible Reading Is Down...What Are by Mr Sam Storms PhD, author of the We To Do? book “Packer on the Christian Life: This Summer, Give Your Website a Knowing God in Christ, Walking by Facelift. the Spirit.” Know Your Church Software It is a fine reflection on who J. I. Provider. Packer is and what he has meant to Mr o
ASSEMBLIES 30 August 2016 NSW ASSEMBLIES EVANGELISTIC MISSION (NSWAEM) ABN 81 001 037 690 AEM OFFICE & CHRISTIAN AIMS OUTREACH BOOK SERVICE • To support the expansion of evan- gelism and church growth, primarily P.O. Box 20, among Christian Brethren Assem- Pennant Hills NSW 1715 blies. Ph: 9715 5520 • To offer opportunities in this As- Email: [email protected] semblies Outreach Magazine for Commended Workers, Assem- CHAIRMAN of BOARD blies, Para-Assembly Activities David Gordon and other kindred bodies, to pub- licise and explain their ministries. BOARD MEMBERS • To generate funds, through the Philip Bower, Kevin Price, Christian Outreach Book Service Mavis Winrow, Colin Winrow and other means, toward the sup- port of NSW Commended Workers. MAGAZINE • To provide appropriate teaching for Editor - Colin Winrow Christians. 0412 596 104 Further information about the Mission Email: [email protected] can be obtained from its website at:– www.nswaem.org.au
ASSEMBLIES August 2016 31 Christian Brethren Community Services
Providing communities of continual Christian care Residential and specialist care provided to the aged, frail aged and those living with dementia.
Elouera Gardens Cherrybrook Christian Care Centre Glenhaven Gardens
Carinya House Lynden Grove Groves House Elouera Gardens Christian Retirement Village, Cherrybrook NSW Elouera Gardens comprises 75 independent living units with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units, surrounded by pleasant gardens. It offers a wide variety of styles and sizes of units and a supportive Christian community.
Cherrybrook Christian Care Centre, Cherrybrook NSW Set in well established gardens, and with an enviable reputation for delivering a high standard of care, the 120 bed Cherrybrook Christian Care Centre provides high and low level care and special support for people living with dementia.
Glenhaven Gardens Retirement Village, Glenhaven, NSW Glenhaven Gardens offers modern and spacious 2 and 3 bedroom villas. The village comprises 24 air- conditioned and private units, with either a garage or carport. All units are wheelchair accessible for those who need a little extra room to help with their mobility.
Carinya House, Glenhaven NSW Carinya House is a 60 bed care centre providing high and low-level care support in a setting where residents enjoy the tranquil bushland setting and partake in a very full and stimulating recreational program. It includes a secure dementia support area and also offers ageing-in-place.
Lynden Grove Retirement Village, Cardiff Heights, NSW Lynden Grove has 44 modern 2 and 3 bedroom villas. It has a semi-rural outlook with picturesque Mount Sugarloaf as a back drop. It is in a pleasant and quiet bushland setting, yet close to local shopping centres. Groves House, Cardiff Heights NSW Set on a ridge with panoramic views to the mountains, Groves House is a 60 bed care centre providing high and low-level care, dementia care and ageing-in-place to the people of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the surrounding districts.
For more information about any of our services please don’t hesitate to call our Client Services Team on 02 9842 4111.
ASSEMBLIES 2 Corinthians 5:14 32 August 2016