calvins-urbanreform

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

2008-05-11T04:55:00.000-07:00

The reason for my absence from Calvins Urban Reform is due to starting a business, being in the process of moving into our new home and co-ordinating a couple of night classes. Once we (the wife & I) are in the house with some space to move, boxes unpacked and a bit of normality you will likely see some interesting posts on this blog. Until then feel free to leave comments and I will endeavor to comment when I can.

Minding My Business

2007-11-26T00:42:00.000-08:00

Church Growth vs Gospel Growth

2007-05-29T02:04:00.000-07:00

When I recently heard, through Matthias Media, of a conference soon to take place with Mark Dever, Philip Jensen and Tony Payne my ears pricked up. I was soon disappointed to hear that it was only in America and would not be in Australia anytime soon. The conference is called 'Gospel Growth vs Church Growth'. With the 'conversations' (emerging lingo) of church health, growth, leadership, and structure going on in my neck of the woods I was beginning to get fustrated. Much of the conferences/discussions centered on human vision and techniques to grow your church or converse with post-moderns. After hearing about the conference and seeing the 9marks website I decided to pick up 9 Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever. It is refreshing to read a book that clearly believes church health must be informed by the whole Bible. Yet Dever's book "is not a complete ecclesiology," he writes, "It is merely trying to focus on certain crucial aspects of healthy church life that have grown rare among churches today" (2004:338-9). So what are the 9 Marks? I shall list one for now.

Mark #1: Expository Preaching "...This will help you understand what pastors are to give themselves to, and what congregations are to demand of them. My main role, and the main role of any pastor, is expositional preaching. ...if you get priority of the Word established, then you have in place the single most important aspect of the church's life, and growing health is virtually assured, because God has decided to act by His Spirit through His Word" (2004:39).

"A healthy church is a church that hears the Word of God and continues to hear the Word of God. And such a church is composed of individual Christians who hear the Word of God and continue to hear the Word of God, always being refashioned and reshaped by it, constantly being washed in the Word and sanctified by God's truth" (2004:51).

The Knowledge of God and of Ourselves

2007-04-18T21:09:00.000-07:00

"So long as we do not look beyond the earth, we are quite pleased with our own righteousness, wisdom, and virtue; we address ourselves in the most flattering terms, and seem only less than demigods. But should we once begin to raise our thoughts to God, and reflect what kind of Being he is, and how absolute the perfection of the righteousness, and wisdom, and virtue, to which, as a standard, we are bound to be conformed, what formerly delighted us by its false show of righteousness, will become polluted with the greatest iniquity; what strangely imposed upon us under the name of wisdom, will disgust by its extreme folly; and what presented the appearance of virtuous energy, will be condemned as the most miserble impotence. So far are those qualities in us, which seem most perfect, from corresponding to the divine purity" (Calvin's Institutes, 1.2).

For Sale

2007-04-13T01:04:00.007-07:00

It may seem an odd inclusion in a blog, but I figured I'd give it a go. I have a Vmoto Milan JX50 scooter for sale. It is a late 2005 model, as new condition, with 2000kms on the clock. It is registered till June and comes with a cool helmet. I am asking $1600 but all reasonable offers will be considered. If you are interested or know of someone that would like a scooter, simply reply in the comments section. It is a great scooter and has served me well!

Watch this space!

2007-03-21T02:11:00.002-07:00

It has been a while since my last post - please forgive me!

I have recently been appointed as Associate Pastor at Nollamara Church of Christ, so I have been quite busy. Posting will resume in the near future.

Regards,
Mully

iGod: Christ and the Consumer

2006-12-12T16:47:00.000-08:00

I recently read an article, titled "iChurch: All We Like Sheep", which discusses the issues of consumerism and the church. It is a very good and appropriate read especially for church leaders. It is an issue I struggle with greatly, being a consumer myself and, trying to reach consumers with Christ. A few question I often ponder is, "How do we 'attract' people from a consumer driven, secular society to repentance and obedience in Christ (without marketing it as another product to add to the 'Christmas wish list')?" Secondly, "How do we get Christians to commit to their local church community that provides for their spiritual needs rather than their individual wants?"

Many of us approach the church as consumers rather than servants of God. We want the church to provide for all our desires and only then will we think to give of our time, energy and finances to serve the church. However, the church often feeds this mindset by detailing the list of activities it provides in order to tantelize the Christianized-consumer's tastebuds. Even the church newsletter advertises those who have taken up the consumer challenge "Farewell to Bill and Bessy who are on their 3 month holiday to Europe" or "Mary has bought another house and is looking for someone to rent it out". Am I being to harsh or do others see this issue permeating the Church?

2006-11-05T04:37:00.000-08:00

I really appreciate Andrew Denton's style; asking the hard questions of many different people. He has recently produced a documentry/movie called 'God On My Side' in which he visits the 63rd Convention of Religious Broadcasters in Gaylord, Texas. From what I have heard, Denton gives a fair and lucid portrayal of fundamental Christianity in America. It's a Christianity which seems to cash-in on its religion by selling a diverse range of 'Christian' products (such as having your own name inserted throughout the pages of the Bible). Furthermore, there is an overwhelming political support for Israel, which likely comes from their dispensational theology. I am very keen to see it after completing my final exam on the 15th Nov. If anyone is interested in coming along to see it feel free to email me or leave a comment and we will arrange a time. Most likely see the screening at Luna, Leederville.

Feminist Theology: What Harm Can It Do?

2006-10-30T06:04:00.000-08:00

To some feminism and feminist theology (FT) revolves around a bunch of women wanting to have their turn in church leadership. Yet if you scratch the surface a little more you will see a sinister and ugly monster that does significant harm to Biblical Christianity. The doctrine that cops the most damage in FT is the Trinity. Why?
FT basically espouses that historical Christianity is male centred and hierarchical. This 'patriarchal religion' treats women as a second class citizen and is therefore abusive to women. FT despises any form of patriarchy and seeks to establish 'equality', where everyone is the same. Yet the contradictions of FT are evident when they begin to do theology. This is becasue the starting point for doing theology, according to FT, is experience. But not just any experience, the experience that is unique to women. Their experience defines Christianity. What is the result? Well basically God is not seen as holy and transcendant (distinct from the world) and He cannot be spoken of with masculine titles (He, King, Father etc.). God is seen as moving and changing with the world, a world that is becoming and reaching its ultimate perfection in itself. God is no longer a relational or personal God but an impersonal force that has no clue about the future and cannot intervene to stop the world from running its course. Furthermore, God can and ought to be addressed as Mother or God/dess. The Trinity can also be spoken of as Mother, Child, Womb.
So what is the problem with using feminine titles for God? Firstly, If we take the Bible to be God's revelation of Himself and His dealings with His creation, and if the Bible is our final authority then we know that God has not revealed himself in feminine titles. Jesus himself was a male and spoke of God as His Father (read all of John's gospel). Secondly, God is transcendant and therefore cannot have gender as gender is bound up with creation (God is not created, He is creator). Thirdly, experience does not define Christianity as we all have different experiences and the result would be a Christianity that is suitable to each person which would contradict itself and therefore be completely false and not worth believing. Fourthly, the Trinity reveals that God is a personal God who relates within the three persons. He is not some impersonal force. Finally, God is transcendant; He is not moving and changing with the world, but remains distinct from the world and has authority over the world.
Yet He is a personal God who relates to us, which is especially evident in the incarnation - God in Jesus Christ dwelling among His people to save His people. Check out The Resurgence for more on this topic.

Langham Partnership Australla

2006-10-10T01:46:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months, the Christian community in Perth has been privileged to hear great evangelical speakers such as Don Carson and John Chapman. This week we have the pleasure to hear Chris Wright come and speak in reation to the Langham Partnership (LP). LP is an international organization that seeks to train and equip people to teach and preach God's word throughout the world, particularly in the Third World. Well known theologian and author John Stott was the founder of LP and he dedicates much of his book's royalties to this mission. Chris Wright is the International Ministries Director who shall be speaking this week at Trinity Theological College (Friday, 12.45 - 1.45pm). He will be speaking on the topic: Israel, the Nations and the Future in Biblical Perspective. For more info check out the links above; also check out the LP events calender. Do try to get along and hear Chris speak; if you have any queries feel free to ask me by posting in the comments.

Good Work

2006-10-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

I decided a few months ago to get a part-time job. My intentions weren't just for some extra cash but to widen my networks of non-Christian friends. Being part of a church community and studying fulltime at theo college I don't get a lot of exposure to non-Christians. So I got a job in a coffee shop back in July. It didn't take long, however, to find out that two people were Christians (and studied theology a few years back). Then a third person revealed that they too were a Christian (and a good friend of a friend). Not long after, a fourth person said to me that they were interested in becoming a school chaplain. Then just the other day a fifth person said they were going to do their prac at a Christian school (they are also going out with a Christian family friend). After I asked, they did say they too were a Christian. So God does have a sense of humour and it is great to know there is a lot of Christians working there. Yet there is still room for gospel discussion with others. Please pray for me to have boldness to speak and to live out the gospel at work.

Youth Group (Part One)

2006-10-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

Friday night comes around and you've had a hard week at work. You make your way home, open the fridge for an afternoon snack and see your name down as the organiser for tonight's youth program. The theme: Mock Olympics. You grab all the sporting gear you have, down some grub, make a few phone calls and head out the door....Everything is set to go and the kids start pouring in. It's as though they've consumed every preservative under the sun as they are fired up for the night...All goes well, they enjoyed the games. Before supper takes place it's time for the "Bible Talk". What will I say to them tonight? I don't want to take my Bible cause it will alienate the new kids! I don't want to be to heavy as the kids are tired and don't concentrate at this time!

Ever been caught in this situation? It seems to be a classic model of Youth Group these days and has been for a while now. We think that we need to entertain kids to get them in the church building so that we can share the gospel. But then the gospel isn't proclaimed as it may cause offense. So Friday night becomes a babysitting night for teenagers to keep them from doing worse stuff. It must be said that I am making gross generalisations; however, it is not far from many youth ministries in churches today.

Surely there are better ways of running a youth ministry if your goal is for them to hear and respond to the gospel. If we continue to entertain kids to get them in we implicitly teach them that the Bible is no fun and the gospel is the second class citizen next to games.

Part Two soon

2006-09-25T07:22:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if I find blogging a tedious activity or if I simply lack inspiration. Perhaps it is both. I do visit quite a few blogsites and have a peruse of the contents and it seems most bloggers have something they want to say or review or argue etc. But for me sometimes I just can't be bothered. Therefore it must be laziness.

I will keep blogging, so keep dropping by and leave a note.

Go the Eagles!

What do you think of him?

2006-08-17T04:09:00.000-07:00

It seems that many protestants have a different view about John Calvin. Some think he was a nasty man that imposed heavy regulations on the people of Geneva; others think he was a shy, compassionate man who gave his utmost to serve Geneva - even if he didn't want to be there. Tell me what do you know/think/or have heard about this Reformer?

10 Choices

2006-08-17T03:59:00.000-07:00

10 Choices - a meme from Amanda

1. Tea or coffee?
Flat White
2. Read a book or watch TV?
Both - the student life!
3. Morning or evening?
Early morning
4. Laptop or desktop?
Laptop
5. Country or town?
Country
6. Wild rollercoaster or gentle merry-go-round?
Wild rollercoaster
7. Crochet or knit?
Knit
8. Listen quietly or sing along?
Sing quietly
9. Action movie or romantic comedy?
Action comedy - "Zoolander"
10. Phone or email?
Email
11. Song of the Day?
Gnarls Barkley, "Crazy" (hahaha, bless your soul)

Let me know if you give 10 choices a go!

What will you be doing in September '06?

2006-08-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

Now, I am not one to usually plug Christian conferences unless I am confident that the Bible will be clearly and faithfully preached, Christ is central, and people will benefit. Therefore I cannot overlook the week in which Don Carson shall be in Perth. I encourage you (whoever you may be) to make the most of his visit and hear him speak at least once. For men, the Men's Convention is always a fantastic opportunity to hear the Word of God and grow in your faith. Don will be in Perth on 4th to 10th September, to find out where he will be speaking and on what topic go here. I can't speak highly enough of this humble Christian man and brilliant theologian! So do your best to come along - any other info, don't hesitate to ask me in the comment field.

Whose the minister around here?

2006-07-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

It's 1 am and I am wide-eyed and bushy tailed! I have been thinking recently about life after college, mainly regarding vocation. I finish my theological studies at the end of this year after four years; however, I have not made a decision on what to do after college. In many ways I would like to go back out into the secular workforce, yet I feel a sense of guilt for such a consideration. I suppose this guilt comes from a general assumption that training at theo college means one will end up in full-time 'vocational' ministry. Such an assumption may be true in many cases, yet I really believe that all Christians ought to understand that they, in fact, are in full-time ministry! Too often people think they don't have this or that 'gift' and therefore it is left up to those who are 'gifted' &/or trained in that area. But the very term 'gift' is, I believe, highly abused in Christian circles. Natural talent is often confused for 'spiritual gift', for example someone may be great at public speaker, but does that make them a great preacher of the Word? Or someone may be a musical talent, but does their music/singing in the church service edify their fellow believers? Perhaps we ought to think how we can glorify God and serve others to the best of our capability rather than passing it off to someone with the 'gift'! Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that people aren't gifted in particular areas, of course they are. What I am saying however is that Christians shouldn't neglect a need in the church simply because they don't have the gift.
Anyway, where am I? I still seek the Lord's guidance through prayer and petition where He would have me work - however I understand that wherever I am/go there are plenty of gospel opportunities and afterall we are full-time ministers!!

What do you think?

The worst week of my life!!

2006-06-29T23:20:00.000-07:00

Well I am back on board now and feeling much better than a week ago. I must say it has been a rather tumultuous week. In the first week of having my tonsils out we bought a car and got it at a bargain price. Heidi had to organize all the insurance and picking it up from Mandurah etc (as I could not talk or drive). By day 5 or 6 I was feeling really bad - struggling to sleep, eat, breathe - but this is appranatly normal. Then, exactly one week after purchasing the car, Heidi had an accident. Someone rear-ended her and pushed her into another car. The car has been deemed a write off, but we are in negotiations with the repairers and insurance company to have it repaired. The worse thing was that we had insured the car for what we bought it ($3000 less than its value) until I could talk and sort it all out.
Beside all this God has been wonderful, keeping Heidi safe and bring progressive healing to my throat. I can now talk and do what I am used too (although food tastes a bit bland lately). Now I have to re-submit an essay!
If anyone has any ideas for cheap accomodation in the South West, let me know. Heidi and I really need a holiday but the cash is tight given the accident.

2006-06-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

Well Tuesday was a big day for me as I had my tonsils removed. Although I have a sore throat I am doing quite well. I have a few painkillers which certainly help alot. The surgeon did a great job I think - I can't open my mouth wide enough to see though. As soon as I came back to the real world from the general I was eating - even had toast and corn flakes the next morning. Mum's chicken pie went down a treat too. I can't stand minced up food and this is ok as the doctor says to get back to normal diet asap. Sleeping is a struggle as my neck is a bit sore and the pillows don't allow for great comfort so I lay down for short periods and then sit up. Anyway, will keep you updated - prayers are much appreciated!

The Great Divorce

2006-06-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

I have just finished reading C.S. Lewis' 'The Great Divorce' and it was brilliant. A few words/phrases here or there that I didn't understand, but overall a well written and creative novel. The storyline goes somewhat like this; a bunch of people take a bus trip from hell to the outskirts of heaven. These people have a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to recieve a wonderful joy that is on offer. Yet the majority deny the gift with petty excuses that stem from self-interest. One particular bloke fights hammer and tongs that he should be accepted for his moral upstanding while a murderer has been granted access by grace. The moralist responds,

"I haven't got my rights. I always done my best and I never done nothing wrong. And what I don't see is why I should be put below a bloody murderer like you...I'm only telling you the sort of chap I am. I only want my rights. I'm not asking for anybody's bleeding charity."

God does not grant access to His heaven based on your rights or morals! Why? Because "there is no one righteous, not even one, there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."^{[Romans 3:10-12]}

We have all rejected God seeking our own 'life' and therefore we shall be judged by God and the verdict will be: GUILTY! When was the last time we gave God the thanks due to him for the world's resources at our disposal (which we exploit)! But God, out of sheer love, has given us a once in a lifetime opportunity to be reconciled to him and enjoy life eternal with him. By trusting that Jesus Christ is the only way to this reconcilation then God will pronounce us innocent before him - that is, we are justified (see Romans 3 verses 21-26 here).

This life will pass away where would you rather be in the life to come?

Check out more about this reality here.

For the preacher...

2006-05-28T19:59:00.000-07:00

I have just finished reading Peter Adam's book 'Speaking God's Words'. It is a brilliant book for those who are in a preaching ministry or believe they have the 'gift' of preaching. Adam's writes Biblically and clearly about the importance of this ministry and its place among other 'ministries of the Word'.
When I started out preaching my main concern was writing the sermon, but this is only one aspect of preaching. It is crucial to understand why preaching occurs in the church, what we are preaching from (the Bible as God's Word) and who we are preaching to. Quite approriately, Adam's quotes the Westminster Larger Catechism:

Q: How is the word of God to be preached by those tha are called thereunto?

A: They that are called to labour in the ministry of the word are to preach sound doctrine, diligently in season and out of season; plainly, not in the enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power; faithfully, making known the whole counsel of God; wisely, applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers; zealously, with fervent love to God and the souls of his people; sincerely, aiming at his glory, and their conversion, edification and salvation (1996:171).

A Big Decision...or is it?

2006-05-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

As a theological college student, I am often asked questions such as: What do you hope to do after college? Are you going to be a priest/minister/pastor etc? Why did you decide to go to college? Regarding the first 2 questions, I never really thought far enough ahead about "vocation" after college. Concerning the latter, my decision was based on a struggle: Am I reading and applying Scripture appropriately and faithfully? I had high view of Scripture as the authoritative Word of God, but the problem was with the 'great divide' - what did it mean to the original audience and what does it mean now?

I have more to say on this topic later, but firstly some questions:

1. As a Christian have you ever thought about going to theological college, why or why not?

2. If you are studying at college, or have previously, what was it that prompted you to do so?

Welcome

2006-05-25T04:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to calvins-urbanreform. Feel free to browse, make a comment or just read the entries. I am a first time blogger therefore may take a little while to get this blogsite underway! Anyway, thanks for visiting and continue to check it out!!