Archive for category: News Sheet Blurb

This is the latest blurb that is published on the front of our weekly bulletin

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Reflection and Prayer

20 March, 2020
20 Mar 2020

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High 
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you 
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

(Psalm 91:1-6 NIV)

Lord Most High, you are our refuge and fortress, our protector in times of trouble. You have healed us from sin and death through Jesus Christ, and now we trust you in a time of looming pestilence and plague. We pray that you would stop its spread, keep us safe and heal the sick. But whatever your will for us in this life may we always find refuge in your faithfulness. 

We are sorry for the times when we fail to trust you and love you as we ought. We are sorry for our selfishness when others are in need. Please forgive our sins.

Increase our neighbourliness, so that we would uphold one another in practical service, prayer, friendship and with encouragement through the word. 

We ask that you would strengthen us all; particularly the lonely, the sick, the bereaved, and the anxious. 

We pray this in Jesus name, Amen.

– SAM PURSELL

in News Sheet Blurb /by

Confidence and Care

13 March, 2020
13 Mar 2020

Constantly occupying some part of everyone’s brain at the moment is concern regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). Should I be afraid, should I stay calm, and more importantly can I get a refund on any of the 4-years’ worth of toilet paper I stocked up on?

As Christians who believe in the sovereignty of God, it can be easy to steamroll the situation and say “Be calm. God has everything in hand. To live is Christ, to die is gain.” Of course, those things are true. But I would like to add and reinforce another theme from Bible.

God knows that he will work all things for the good of those who love him. But he still also cares and comforts those who suffer in this age, before he brings about complete restoration in the next. 

In this we think about Jesus in John 11, who promised and knew that Lazarus would rise from the dead (v. 23). He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” (Luke 11:25-26). Jesus knew that Lazarus would be alive again in a matter of minutes. Standing at the entrance of the tomb, Jesus called Lazarus out. The dead man rose back to life and walked out of the tomb. Jesus’ glory was revealed.

Nevertheless, upon going to the tomb Jesus was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. When he saw the tomb we read, ‘Jesus wept.’ (Luke 11:35). Even the crowd could see that Jesus loved Lazarus (v. 36). 

What is my point? Jesus was completely confident in his own sovereign power to raise Lazarus from the dead. Yet he still was grieved over the sickness and death of his beloved friend. He was not callous in his confidence, but caring.

Like Christ, let us be both confident and caring. God holds his people securely through life, sickness and even death; and at the same time, we are to love, care for, and support those who are afraid, lonely, sick and grieving.

– SAM PURSELL

in News Sheet Blurb /by

My Job – Humble Service

6 March, 2020
06 Mar 2020

All Christian leaders are also followers – followers of Christ. This basic fact should not only mean that all Christian leaders operate in line with Christ’s teaching, but also that no church leader is the top of the tree and has absolute authority. Everything is done under Christ, the chief shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).

In the New Testament, we observe that elders are put in place to run local churches. In Titus we can see that this task was given by the Apostle Paul and implemented by Titus himself in many towns (Titus 1:5). So, we observe oversight of the overseers/elders!

The Apostle Peter, although clearly above local leaders, placed himself beside them. For he writes to local church elders as ‘a fellow elder’ (1 Peter 5:1). This indicates his humility, and he explicit a call for their humility too, ‘Be shepherds of God’s flock…being eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock’ (1 Peter 5:2-3). 

Pulling these threads together, the Anglican church operates with a structure and spirit based on what we observe in the Bible. And in the promise below I pledge to be obedient to those ministers over me.

Will you reverently obey your ordinary and other chief ministers set over you in the church, gladly and willingly following their godly counsel? (AAPB)

This not only brings order and obedience to the structure of the church, but also has a balance. For if what a bishop requires is ungodly, which can be observed in the actions of some Anglican bishops around the world at present, their leadership should be resisted. 

With space for discussion with a bishop as brother in Christ and fellow overseer, but overall my commitment as a minister is to humbly support and work with the bishop for the health of Christ’s church.

In the Anglican church bishops are set over ministers and local churches for the health of the church. As brothers in Christ and fellow overseers there is space for discussion and debate with them. But overall my commitment as a minister to humbly support and work with them for good order, good doctrine and to do everything that is good in Church of Christ.

– SAM PURSELL

in News Sheet Blurb /by

My Job – Promote love among Christians

28 February, 2020
28 Feb 2020

God is invisible. This is a sticking point for many people who are not Christians, and often a challenge for those who are!

We display no objects or images of God to worship; and Jesus Christ, the image of the invisible God is currently at the right hand of the Father in heaven. In the time between his first coming and his second, how are we to get people to believe that God exists?

The apostle John writes:

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. (1 John 4:12)

Presently, the visible display of God to the world, is the active love of Christians towards one another. God once revealed himself in Jesus the Son, and now he reveals himself to the world in the church as it speaks the gospel and displays his love. Therefore, it is the job of church leaders to promote such love.

Will you maintain and promote, to the best of your ability, quietness, peace and love among all Christian people, especially among those who are committed to your care? (AAPB)

As our fellowship with God the Father, Son and Spirit (1 John 1:3, 2 Corinthians 13:14) shapes our fellowship with one another, we exhibit God’s character. So, with quietness, peace and love towards one another, and let us use our actions to make God visible to the world.

– SAM PURSELL

in News Sheet Blurb /by

My Job – Be a good model of faith

21 February, 2020
21 Feb 2020

‘As is the shepherd, so are the sheep’

Over time, communities will take on some of the qualities of their leaders. That may be through self-selection, whereby newcomers join a community based on a leader’s characteristics; or from the ongoing effect of a leader’s strengths leading to particular things being focused on more in a church.

What is a must for every Christian leader is consistent obedience to Christ.

Will you strive to live according to the teaching of Christ, so that you and your family may be good examples to the flock of Christ? (AAPB)

Just last week as we finished Hebrews, we were exhorted to follow and imitate faithful leaders:

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. (Hebrews 13:7)

Paul also goes so far as to call the Corinthian church to imitate him when it comes to putting the needs of others before himself:

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Please pray therefore that it is obedience to the teaching of Christ which I and my family excel in, that what he wills grows in our church, over and above ourselves. May our lives lift Christ up, and encourage you to do the same.

– SAM PURSELL

in News Sheet Blurb /by

My Job – Grow in personal Faith

14 February, 2020
14 Feb 2020

Christian leaders work to boost the faith of others. So, it is vital that every leader throughout the church is being conformed to Christ more and more each day. 

This is the fourth promise in my commencement of ministry at Oak Flats:

Will you be diligent in prayer, and in the reading of the scriptures, undertaking studies that help to a fuller knowledge of them, and turning aside from the pursuit of studies for self-indulgence and worldly gain? (AAPB)

This year and next I will be attending training through the Centre for Ministry Development with a cohort of new rectors as my own professional development. Please pray that this will benefit me in my leadership and also the church.

But more important than professional development is spiritual development. We know in Acts 6:4 that the tasks of the church were allocated to different people, so that the 12 apostles could focus their attention on spiritual development:

“[We] will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

Through these two things hearts, minds and lives are shaped for Christ. So, ministers must grow in their own prayer and understanding the word and devote their time to growing others in them. 

When writing to Timothy, we know that Paul, even to the end of his life and ministry was devoted to study and growth in understanding and communicating the scriptures:

“When you come, bring… my scrolls, especially the parchments.”
(2 Timothy 4:13)

And his command to Timothy:

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
(2 Timothy 2:15)

Please pray for me that I will grow in these things, and also come and speak to me about how I may grow you and others in the church in lively faith in God through the word and prayer. It is my job!

– SAM PURSELL

in News Sheet Blurb /by

My Job – Contend for the Faith

7 February, 2020
07 Feb 2020

The third promise of my ministry duties is to work against false teaching in the church. 

Will you be ready to drive away all false and strange doctrines that are contrary to God’s word; and to this end both publicly and privately to warn and encourage all within your care, both the sick and the well, as often as the occasion demands? (AAPB)

Just recently bishops in the Church of England presented a paper on marriage, which largely affirmed Biblical and historical Christian teaching on marriage. To some this was a great thing, for despite much wavering, marriage as a lifelong union between a man and woman was being affirmed. To others who desire for the church to be more like the British culture however, this was met with outrage.

Surprisingly (to some), shortly afterwards, many bishops began to communicate their sadness at the letter which they had been a part of drafting and signing off from! The problem occurs when a Christian leader (1) wants to be seen to affirm Christian teaching, while their real agenda is against it, or (2) they are truly for correct teaching but have no desire to confront false teaching within the church.

Jude writes:

3 Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. 4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. (Jude 3-4)

We always want to talk first and foremost about the salvation we share. But to keep that clear and secure, we must also be willing to contend against false teaching and teachers in all situations.

– SAM PURSELL

in News Sheet Blurb /by

Pray for our Christian Teachers

31 January, 2020
31 Jan 2020

Teachers have an important role in contemporary society. Through their teaching they contribute to the academic development of their students, enabling them to grow to live fulfilled lives and to be positive contributors to their communities. 

The impact of teachers on their students is not limited to classroom teaching and learning. Professional and community expectations for teachers are high for the delivery of: 

  • Quality teaching and learning in the classroom 
  • Curriculum and program design 
  • Support the holistic development of each student 
  • Pastoral care and counselling for students and their families 
  • Role modelling of acceptable and appropriate adult behaviour 

The work of teachers in these areas is not values free. Each teacher brings to their work, intentionally or unintentionally, their personal beliefs and practices which shape their professional behaviour. The diverse and often competing values found in Australian society are mirrored in the teaching profession. 

“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16) 

It is important that the voice of Christian teachers be present and heard in our schools to counter the many ‘isms’ and ideologies that are actively influencing our students and the education system in general. 

“You are the salt of the earth.” …. “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 13-16) 

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) 

The responsibility, extent and complexity of the Gospel ministry of teachers means that teachers need the spiritual resources and support of their Christian family. 

Steven Kinsella (Anglican EdComm) and Bishop Chris Edwards

As the school year begins, let us pray for schools, students and not forget to pray for our teachers, particularly those who are Christian.

in News Sheet Blurb /by

Happy Australia Day?

24 January, 2020
24 Jan 2020

In recent years Australia day has increasingly contentious, particularly in regard to the past treatment of Aboriginal people.

For many Australia is a place of hope and joy. Millions have grown up here and are thankful for peaceful and prosperous lives. Others have come to Australia for refuge, leaving wars and conflicts in other countries. For these, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate Australia.

Yet for many Aboriginal Australians, January 26 is not a day of joy. Stan Grant writes that it is ‘for so many of the First Peoples of this continent…a day of pain, a reminder of the history of segregation, exclusion and brutality.’ (Australia Day, p.231). From arrival of the First Fleet white man spread out, not in friendship but with plans to take the land. This led to the horrendous treatment of many Aboriginal men, women and children – including family separation, rape and massacre. This history is a national tragedy. 

So then, what are we to do with Australia Day? Grant writes, “One of my students asked me what I thought of Australia Day. It is a question I have wrestled with, torn between pride in my country and my family’s legacy of suffering…I know now, we are asking the wrong question. Australia is more than a day, it is more than a date – whatever that date may be. Moving the date or abolishing Australia day does not answer the question who are we? (p.233)

Who are we to be, and how will we get there? It is at this point it is well worth us listening to many Aboriginals as to their experiences and thoughts. And the gospel provides help too – remembering 54% of Aboriginals are Christian, to Australia’s 55%. For us to think and pray about:

  1. In Christ’s death on the cross God brings peace between hostile groups (Ephesians 2:14-28). This means that with everyone else in Christ, we are fellow citizens of God’s household, and even to the unbelievers we can offer forgiveness and peace.
  2. We are commanded, as Christ first showed to us, to humbly value others above ourselves, not looking to our own interests but to the interests of others (Philippians 2:1-4). What preferences and interests are Christians prepared to lose for the sake of healing between groups in our land?

SAM PURSELL

in News Sheet Blurb /by

My Job – Doctrine, Sacraments 
and Discipline

17 January, 2020
17 Jan 2020

The second promise of my ministry duties is to faithfully serve using the instruments God has given to disciple the church. 

Will you always faithfully minister the doctrine and sacraments, and the discipline of Christ, as the Lord has commanded, and as this Church has received them, according to the commandments of God? Will you teach the people committed to your charge to keep and observe them diligently? (AAPB) 

In each church, the elders have the task of teaching from the scriptures, and thereby establishing the doctrine of that church. Of course, the Bible contains all the doctrine that God has communicated, but ‘on the ground’ if only some portions of the Bible are preached and taught or if it is mistaught, that teaching becomes the de facto doctrine for that church. My responsibility is that the breadth of the scriptures and its doctrines are taught faithfully so that what we believe is truly from the Lord. 

The sacraments as established by Christ for the church are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These are outward signs of an inward reality. Or you could say, a physical pointer to a spiritual reality. They are signs of what God has done for Christians. Baptism points to (1) the spiritual reality of dying to a worldly sinful life and instead living new holy life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4); and (2) the washing away of sins (1 Peter 3:21). It is therefore a once-off and the sign of entry into the church; the beginning of discipleship in Christ (Matthew 28:19). The Lord’s Supper is a regular reminder (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) and participation (1 Corinthians 10:14-16) in Christ’s death on the cross for our sins (Matthew 26:28). When we are reminded of what Christ did for us by the words spoken, and think ‘yes’ in our hearts in faith to God, our physical eating and drinking strengthens us spiritually in Christ.

The purpose of discipline is to call a Christian in significant unrepentant public sin to reflect, repent and return (Matthew 18:15-17).  We all make mistakes and fail Jesus, and ongoing forgiveness is open to the repentant. But in love and in proportionality, discipline shows sin’s seriousness, and yet also always offers salvation and deep forgiveness if that person turns back (Matthew 18:21-35, James 5:19-20).

SAM PURSELL

in News Sheet Blurb /by

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