CATHEDRAL NEWSLETTER - 13 February 2025

Friends in Christ, here are some words I would like you to consider learning off by heart:

"But to you who are listening I say: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you." [Luke 6:27-28]

These are the words of the Lord Jesus. He spoke them particularly to his disciples, but also in the hearing of the large crowds who were following him. 

And these are words for our times, our very divided and uncertain times, where hatred and fear seem to fester away so seriously, from the Middle East to the streets of Sydney, right into NSW Hospitals, though thankfully not to the vast majority of health professionals. 

Will you try to learn them off by heart? "...Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you."

Last weekend I attended a function in honour and support of a community whose homeland has been invaded and attacked. Many of you may know which group that was. But a number of communities from around the globe would fit my description.

I was asked to open in prayer. And I spent most of my petition praying for the return of peace and safety to the country under attack by name, for healing and recovery for victims there, for the overthrow or repentance of those who use aggression against neighbours, and so forth. But I also prayed for "ordinary" people from the invading country, which I also named, "who also suffer through war" (generally not of their own choosing), along as for the peace of several other nations - including some on opposite sides - who are affected by war and civil strife. 

In the supper break, an elderly lady berated me for praying for people from her nation's enemy. "I did not come hear for that!"

No matter what I said to explain, it was simply unacceptable to her to pray for her enemies. I should not pray even just those ordinary people in the neighbouring country, even though I suspect plenty of them hate this war as much as she does. Apparently all the people from that country were bad and beyond prayer. 

I can understand her anger. Her compatriots, including many civilians, have suffered awfully by brutal and terrifying military action. 

That's why I do not name any one group in today's letter. Because many groups have suffered and find it so hard.  

At the conclusion, the organisers has asked me to pray again. Before I did so, I invited people, who did not have a church of their own, to come to the 台灣UU直播 – where they would be taught to love God, and to love their neighbour.

And I felt compelled to add that you would also be taught the most difficult but important challenge Jesus gave: to forgive others their sins, as we ask God to forgive us. 

The nation's ambassador asked me if I was upset with his own words. And I said I understood them, and told him my sadness at the woman's unwillingness to pray for enemies.

Then I said that he had a responsibility. Even if his nation was successful in defending itself, they also needed to ensure their people were not consumed with bitterness and unresolved anger. He said, "That will be a job for our grandchildren."

"No, Ambassador", I replied. "It needs to start with leaders like you." 

There was a pause. And I asked him if he remembered Christ's words from the cross when they were executing him so brutally and unjustly. And I recited:

‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’  [Luke 23:34]

And the Ambassador nodded.

We agreed that the forgiving spirit does not prevent people speaking truth to power. It does not prevent a nation defending itself in a just war.

It need not prevent the Police and the justice system from punishing criminals. And where there is no repentance for serious sin, it may not be safe for a relationship with an abuser or an attacker to go on like normal, if at all. 

Yet when I said to my critic that we would always pray for peace at the 台灣UU直播, even if it meant praying for our enemies, she simply said of her refusal, "I am a Christian". 

It is not for me to judge her. I can sympathise with her anger. Forgiveness is so difficult. But I fear for her welfare. 

As I said in introducing last year...

The Lord Jesus taught his followers: “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”

He put that line right in the middle of the Lord’s Prayer.

It says (1) we need God’s forgiveness.

And (2), we need to forgive others.

And Jesus clearly thinks we need to always keep praying about those two things.

The way of Jesus is different from the protests and aggro we see on the news. It's different from so much social media discourse. It is different from how politics is often done. It is different from how some families function too.

It's easy to love those who are usually nice to us. But God loved us while we were weak, while we were sinners, while we acted like enemies towards him... And he demonstrated it by Christ going to the cross for our forgiveness. ().

You know this. It is repeatedly preached from our pulpit. So will you join me in learning Luke 6:27-28 off by heart and attempting to put it into practice?

Jesus said: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you."

Warmly in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney

Friends in Christ, last week we formally marked the commencement of ministries for the year. That includes our many musical ministries and other activities. 

Today I wish to highlight Choral Evensong, which returns for the first time tonight, Thursday 6 February at 5:15pm. Here's how I describe it for the unfamiliar:

Choral Evensong is a little spiritual oasis mid-week here at the 台灣UU直播 (during school terms).

It occurs on Mondays and Thursdays at 5:15pm. The words, spoken, and sung (mainly) by our Choir, are drawn almost entirely from the Bible. 

For a brief time (under an hour), with Evensong you step into a stream of repentance and faith, prayer and worship that has been going on for centuries (so the language from the 1600s, may be a little harder to understand at first listen).

Its primary purpose is to proclaim the wonderful works of God in history, most of all in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Last year, we worked hard at including a range of visiting preachers across the year, who would deliver the brief 'homily' (sermon) on Scripture. Some were members of the Archbishop's team, some from parishes near the CBD, some from Moore College, some were honorary canons of the 台灣UU直播.   

This year, we are working towards providing continuity of Choral Evensong in school holidays on Thursdays as well. And Jonathan Adams has prepared our own 'local lectionary' to rovide continuity of Bible readings across Mondays and Thursdays for those who can attend regularly. 

But whether its occasional or regularly, we are delighted when those who attend other services at St Andrew's are able to join this particular ministry of prayer and word of a midweek evening. 

By the way, people sometimes ask whether we livestream Choral Evensong. This is my answer: No, the 台灣UU直播 provides regular live-streaming only of its (with choir during term), and of the mid-week Wednesday evening at 6pm. This is for several reasons.

Firstly, cost. Secondly, limited availability of technical skills.

Thirdly and perhaps most importantly, we primarily want to encourage people to attend in person wherever possible. (See and reflect on !)

This is particularly significant with Choral Evensong which is a quieter, more intimate and reflective service.

However, for former members, and those otherwise in need of online ministry, who cannot attend in person, we are very committed to providing the live-streams twice a week on Sundays and Wednesdays.

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The 台灣UU直播 also hosts a variety of other musical events, in recognition that music in general is a gift of God, and to encourage bridge-building into various parts of our community. 

Today at lunchtime, our bi-monthly and long-running organ recital series recommenced for 2025, with one of the 台灣UU直播's Assistant Organists, Sam Giddy, playing pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and Bartók. But I appreciated Sam sharing his musical gifts with us, in both bold and gentler tones. (These cost $10/head to recover costs, especially for the organist.)

And I am looking forward to opening Saturday's Sounds of Hope Ukrainian Music Concert in prayer for peace. It is part of the International Festival of Ukrainian Organ Music concert. Admission is free, but booking is required . The concert commences at 5pm, and I would try to arrive early.

Lastly on music, we are delighted to host free band concerts on many Wednesdays (from 12:30pm) by the NSW Police Band, Royal Australian Navy Band and Australian Army Band. I can attest that the musical qiuality is very high. You may enjoy listening on the occasional lunch hour, or perhaps it's a chance to invite a friend to visit and become familiar with the 台灣UU直播 for the first time in a non-threatening way. This can sometimes make it easier to invite them later to a special service, such as at Easter or Anzac Day or Christmas. 

The schedule of band concerts for 2025 can be found here. 

Warmly in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney

Friends in Christ, as I mentioned in church last Sunday, we use the first Sunday in February annually to mark the formal commencement of ministries for the year, given that most regular 台灣UU直播 activities start in the week that follows.

In addition, we welcome new Student Ministers, Ben and Abby Vanmidde, and Ben Gibson. And we will welcome Clare Gibson (nee Smeallie) back from her honeymoon with Ben, as she takes up her new role as Assistant Minister. We will also pray especially for Peter Au, as our new Coordinator of 台灣UU直播 Welcomers. 

Over all, we are seeking to encourage each other that, as the Apostle says, "whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Colossians 3:17).

That is, we take serving Jesus seriously, not casually. 

So I thought it might be helpful for people to have a chance to read the commitments we ask each other to make in advance.

The first section applies especially to those who have some kind of formal teaching ministry. The second section really applies to all true Christians, who want to live for Christ. So I stress that it applies not just to those who have a formal serving ministry of some kind, but also to those who may not be on a roster at the 台灣UU直播, but seek to serve Christ and encourage others in their daily lives.

This also means that those who watch online or who simply subscribe to receive this Newsletter could also consider these commitments and make a similar commitment to God at home in their own contexts. 

Here's the wording that will appear in Sunday's printed Order of Service.

COMMENCEMENT OF MINISTRY
“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:4-8)

Dean: It is fitting and proper that those responsible for the progress of the Lord's work at our 台灣UU直播 and in our city be commissioned for the task.

To Pastoral Staff, Bible Study Leaders, ‘台灣UU直播 Kids’ and SRE Teachers, and ‘Bible & English’ Teachers
Dean: To those who teach God’s Word: Under God, will you 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)
Teachers (standing, together): I will, the Lord being my helper.
Dean: Will you set an example for the believers in speech, in life in love, in faith and in purity? (1 Timothy 4:12)
Teachers: I will, the Lord being my helper.

(All sitting) To all those who count themselves as active members of St Andrew’s (including Welcome Team members, Street T volunteers, or those who in any way serve at the 台灣UU直播.)
Dean: As Jesus’ disciples in Sydney, will you seek to shine as lights in our city, both sharing the gospel of Jesus boldly, and honouring it by your lifestyle? (Matthew 5:3-16, Philippians 2:15-16)
All: I will, the Lord being my helper.
Dean: Will you devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful? (Colossians 4:2)
All: I will, the Lord being my helper.
Dean: Wherever you serve, will you do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ? (1 Peter 4:11)
All: I will, the Lord being my helper.

The prayers (laying hands on any key new appointments as appropriate).
Dean: Let us pray:
Loving Father, send your heavenly blessing upon these your servants, Clare and Ben, Peter, Ben and Abby. Fill them with courage and humility, faith and zeal. Make them diligent in the study of your Word, and dependent upon you in prayer, for the glory of the Name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

To the Dean.
Lay Canon*: Do you give yourself to leading this work of word, prayer and example at our 台灣UU直播, as  Dean of Sydney?  (*or an ‘elder’ of the congregation)
Dean: I recommit to this task, the Lord being my helper.

Dean: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
All: The Maker of heaven and earth.
Dean: May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us.
All: And establish the work of our hands for us.
Dean: Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
All: but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
(from Psalm 124:8; Psalm 90:17; Psalm 115:1)

I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the 台灣UU直播 this Sunday, and to hearing you re-commit to serving Jesus in 2025. 

Warmly in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney

On Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM, St Andrew's 台灣UU直播 will host an extraordinary event – the first-ever Ukrainian organ music concert in Sydney and Australia, titled “Sounds of Hope.”

This remarkable charity concert, held at St Andrew’s 台灣UU直播 (Corner of George and Bathurst Streets), offers free admission with an opportunity for a voluntary donation to the St Andrew’s 台灣UU直播 Organ Appeal.

Part of the International Festival of Ukrainian Organ Music, this concert features six renowned Sydney organists Ross Cobb, Titus Grenyer, Fiona Loader, Philip Reichardt, Lana Bailey, and Alexandra Sidorenko, who will perform compositions by celebrated Ukrainian composers including Mykola Kolessa, Mikhail Shukh, Viktor Goncharenko, Svyatoslav Lunyov, Vyacheslav Nazarov, Lesia Dychko, Svitlana Ostrova, and Sergii Leontiev. Many of these pieces will be presented for the first time in Australia.

Highlights of the evening include:

- Sparkling duets and organ improvisations that push the boundaries of the instrument.

- Contrasting performances featuring organ, piano and saxophone.

- A soul-stirring Ukrainian folk song sung by Larysa Kovalchuk, a star of The Voice Australia, accompanied by a traditional bandura.

- The emotive sounds of Paul Burjan’s saxophone in duet with young talented saxophonist Illia Kyrychenko.

Beyond the music, the evening will offer a rich cultural experience, with Ukrainian art and food available before, after and during the concert’s interval.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind cultural and musical event. Book your free ticket

Friends in Christ, on Monday as I left the 台灣UU直播 to go home, my exit was impeded by a Muslim man praying right outside our office door on the landing. I had to excuse myself and step over and around him. But something, presumably the Holy Spirit, then prompted me to pause and pray for his salvation for as long as it took him to finish his set prayers. 

I then explained that he should not pray so as to block a doorway. It could impede people in an emergency. He did apologise but his excuse was to say it was a house of God. I said, it was a Christian house of God. He then claimed we all worship the same God. 

However as we talked a little further, it emerged that we disagreed over whether Jesus died on the cross. He asserted that this was most definitely not the case, based on the Qu’ran 4:157, which includes these words (translated into English) which he quoted at me:

And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them.

Occasionally you hear a variation from people claiming Jesus only ‘swooned’ and revived in the tomb and exited, thus explaining the empty tomb in a way that removes the need for resurrection. It’s not a theory generally pursued much today, although it was raised by Joe Rogan in the podcast I mentioned last Sunday. But more often these days, the claim Jesus never died on the cross is asserted strongly by Muslim conversation partners as above.

In this case, I simply apply the law of non-contradiction. That is, Jesus was either crucified, as the Bible says, or he was not, as the Qu’ran says. (There is a third possibility: that both claims are wrong, for example, if he never existed, which I have .)

How do we assess such a claim? One might simply accept the claim of a particular source of revelation and authority. So for other reasons, you may have come to trust (i.e. exercise faith) in the claims of the Bible or the Qu’ran on this matter.

However in the public arena, I proceed by making an historical argument. And historical judgments are based on the balance of probabilities, rather than certainties. Since we have no direct access to the past, that is one way we can proceed.

On that basis, let me summarise why Jesus’ execution by crucifixion under Pontius Pilate can be considered such a secure fact of ancient history.

MULTIPLE ATTESTATION
Firstly, Jesus’ death by crucifixion is multiply attested, by a fair number of ancient sources, both Christian and non-Christian alike.

In regards to Christian sources which mention his death, I list from the first century AD material from all four canonical Gospels, Acts, Paul’s Epistles, all within the Bible; then Ignatius’ Epistles (dating around 110 AD, for example, Letter to the Symrnaeans 1-2). Many, if not all, of these sources are independent.

Here’s one example from Mark (usually dated as the earliest Gospel). The narrative in makes it clear Jesus really was dead.

The history books record that men who were crucified sometimes took two or three days to die. A more rapid death was unusual. So in this case, the governor Pilate gets the executioner to confirm the death certificate! The observation that Roman centurions were professional soldiers and didn’t make mistakes is well taken. So satisfied, Pilate permitted the body of Jesus to be buried.

By the way, there was a very low probability of surviving execution by crucifixion. Apparently there is only one extant account (in Josephus) of one person surviving crucifixion out of the hundreds reported in ancient literature. (And that case was only when excellent medical care was immediately provided by the Romans, and even so, only one out of three who were so rescued actually survived!)

CRITERION OF EMBARRASSMENT
Mark also stresses that it was women who witnessed the events: death, burial and empty tomb. And each time, verbs of seeing are emphasized. And each time, some of them are named. says that when Jesus has just died, at least three women are there. Two of these same women witnessed the burial (). And in , all three women are again mentioned as arriving back at the tomb on resurrection Sunday. The appeal to these women’s role as eyewitnesses couldn’t be clearer.

And notice how Mark reports only two of the three are at the burial? Presumably because that’s how it was. Mark wasn’t going to exaggerate. This precision shows a real concern for accuracy.

And presumably these people are mentioned by name in the Gospels, because they were well-known in early church times for their testimony to these crucial events in the origins of Christianity. It’s an accepted method of ancient historiography: the appeal to witnesses, many of whom could be cross-examined. It would have been hard to write, if there were not real people around to back up these claims.

NON-CHRISTIAN SOURCES
In regards to non-Christian sources, I note Josephus (Antiquities 18:3, writing c. 93 AD, citing Jesus’ name, the method of crucifixion, and the governor who ordered it, Pilate), Tacitus (Annals 15:44, writing c. 115 AD, mentioning execution under Pilate, but not the method), and a bit later, Lucian (b. c.125 AD in The Death of Peregrine). These all pre-date the Qu’ran by a several centuries.

By contrast, it is an interesting exercise to ask sceptics for any extent examples of ancient non-Christian sources to the contrary, dating in the first or second century, and insisting that Jesus did not die by Roman execution, for example, suggesting that it only looked like Jesus was crucified!

EARLY DATING
These reports, especially those in the New Testament, are early. Paul mentions the death of Jesus no later than 55 AD in 1 Corinthians and earlier in Galatians. And he reports he preached the same message to the Corinthians when he was with them in 50-51 AD, which is within 17-21 years of the time Jesus is said to have died (depending on whether you go for 30 or 33 AD). And the oral tradition formula he reports preaching in 1 Cor 15:3ff is widely assessed by scholars to have been composed very early, reflecting what was taught by the Jerusalem apostles, very likely within a few months of the events being reported.

By contrast, the Qu’ran dates no earlier than 610 A.D. when Muslims indicate that the angel Gabriel first appeared and began to speak to Muhammad. And so its testimony that Jesus did not really die on the cross dates more than 5 centuries later than the earliest written claims of his crucifixion. There is a massive gap back to the events it claims to report. 

In my , I quote a fairly long list of modern historians, from a variety of perspectives, Christian, Jewish, atheist, liberal, scpetical. This summary from Roman Catholic scholar, RE Brown (The Death of the Messiah, 1994) is a fair representative of the strong consensus!

Most scholars accept the uniform testimony of the Gospels that Jesus died during the Judean prefecture of Pontius Pilate. (p. 1373)

I have used several standard aspects of reputable historical method (e.g. the criteria of multiple attestation, of embarrassment, of antiquity).

And the assessment that Jesus’ death by crucifixion is factual is shared by a very wide consensus of scholarship, including many unsympathetic to biblical Christianity.

And so I am confident to say the Bible is absolutely correct and truthful when it says Jesus died by crucifixion and therefore (although I am sorry to put it so bluntly) the Qu’ran is wrong when it asserts Jesus did not die this way.

Interestingly, when I asked the Muslim man praying at our door whether he had any historical sources earlier than the Qu'ran that I should read indicating that Jesus did not die on the cross, he suddenly claimed not to be a religious scholar, and changed the topic. So I indicated I preferred evidence that was closer to the time of Jesus, gave him my business card and asked him to email so I could send him a link to my article on the topic. So far he has not followed up, but please pray that God's Spirit might trouble his mind sufficiently that he might look into this matter further. 

Warmly in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney

Friends in Christ, I am writing this note from the at Katoomba. It's been lovely to see twenty or so other members of the 台灣UU直播 up here.

There have also been chances to hear from our link missionaries in Bari, Italy, Simon and Jess Cowell, on their brief home assignment visit, as well as from our former student ministers, Lachie and Zaneta Neal, who are now Missionaries-in-Training, about to head to St Andrew's Hall in Melbourne, for 6 months of cross cultural training, in preparation for ministry in Japan in 2026. 

Last Sunday I promised to share the prayer I led for the New Year. Here it is:

Prayer for the New Year
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. From everlasting to everlasting you are God, and the mountains are in your hands.

You have set our iniquities before you; our secret sins are seen in the light of your presence. So as another year has passed, we thank you again for all your mercies that lead us to repentance, through the sacrifice of your Son, our Saviour, whose blood covers our sin and brings forgiveness. 

As a New Year commences, teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

By the power of your Spirit, throughout 2025, might:
?    Jesus be our joy;
?    Faith be our foundation;
?    Scripture be our sustenance;
?    Love be our language; 
?    Mercy be our manner;
?    Integrity be our intention;
?    Truthful be our talking; 
?    Courageous be our commitment;
?    Gentle be our going;
?    and might your Glory be our goal.

May your favour rest upon us, Lord our God. Establish the work of our hands for us. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

You might be able to discern that it is based on Psalm 90, but the alliterative section of 'prayer wishes' was inspired by Dustin Benge. If you want an image of that section, you could , where you can also 'like' or 'share' with friends.

As I have been reflecting on the New Year, where we often talk about resolutions for new conduct or habits, whether for exercise, spiritual disciplines, new hobbies or work practices, I was forcibly struck by this post on social media:

Smith was alluding to the fact that we so often fail in our resolutions. We fall short in our good intentions. Sometimes we are straight out lazy, ill-disciplined or rebebellious. But at the heart of the gospel is the great truth that Jesus will never fail in his resolution to save sinners. Smith's next tweet was as follows:

“Christ Jesus took hold of me” .

This year won’t be about us “getting a grip,” but resting and rejoicing in Jesus’ grip of us. Nail-scarred hands are holding us, ruling the world, making all things new, and writing our stories with the ink of grace.

In a similar vein, the Aussie evangelist in Britain, Glen Scrivener, wrote a new year hymn, and the chorus goes like this, speaking of God:

Before our beginning, beyond all our plans,
Beneath all our pledges, your promises stand. 
Above all the heights we resolve to secure, 
Your resolution in Christ will endure.

There's a great truth never to forget this year and until we go to be with the Lord or until Christ returns,

Warmly in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney

Friends in Christ, Christmas Eve is the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy, which hit Darwin at about 10pm, December 24, 1974. Tracy killed 66 people and destroyed 80 percent of Darwin's houses. It left more than 25,000 out of the 47,000 inhabitants of the city homeless and required the evacuation of over 30,000 people, in the aftermath. Many never returned, although 50 years later we experienced it as a thriving small city at the Deans' Conference in July this year.

Boxing Day is the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, which hit on 26 December, 2004, following an earthquake of magnitude of 9 on the Richter scale, with an epicentre off the west coast of Aceh in northern Sumatra, Indonesia. Waves up to 30m high  devastated communities along the surrounding coasts of the Indian Ocean, killing about 228,000 people in 14 countries, most notably Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India (Tamil Nadu), and Thailand. It is the deadliest natural disaster of the 21st century so far. 

Yet neither they, nor man-made disasters of war and terrorist attacks and murder and sexual abuse have not stopped... Last week an earthquake in Vanuatu and the car attack in a German Christmas market. 

I only have the vaguest memories about news reports of Tracy as I was in primary school at the time. But I have vivid memories of the Boxing Day tsunami, not least because organising a memorial service in Wollongong was one of my first duties after starting as an inexperienced Senior Canon at the 台灣UU直播 there.

Of course, no current school students were alive then. But I remember it as one of the most significant public events of my lifetime.

At the time, I reflected that none of us has the answers for such inexplicable and terrible events. But I did assert that a loving God does sometimes let suffering happen. C. S. Lewis said God whispers to us in our pleasures. But he shouts to us in our pains. Pain is God's megaphone to rouse a world deaf to its sin. People ignore God in good times. But he allows pain to shatter the illusion that all is well.

But we still wonder: Why them and not others? And when disaster strikes us: Why me?

Of course, people forget that if God doesn’t exist, they have no right to be upset about suffering. Blind chance has no sense of justice. So why are you offended by the existence of suffering? Without God, there’s no logical reason to say it’s unfair. The retiring atheist biologist, Richard Dawkins once wrote:

“In a universe of blind physical forces and genetic replication, some people are going to get hurt, other people are going to get lucky, and you won’t find any rhyme or reason in it, nor any justice. […] there is at bottom no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference.” (River Out of Eden: A Darwinian View of Life, pp154-55)

By contrast, the fact we feel so strongly that such suffering is unfair may be evidence that deep down we know God is there. As C. S. Lewis asked, where else does this sense of justice come from? If you make claims of injustice, you are assuming some standard, dare we say a super-natural standard, by which to make the judgment! 

After the tsunami, like many others, I reflected on . I still find it one of the most helpful passages at such times.

In when confronted by speculation that people impacted by such disasters had done something extra bad to deserve their fates, Jesus denied it!

It's a fallen world, but God was not trying to send a specific message to particular people in those disasters. The Hindu view of karma says that you if you are suffering now in this reincarnation, God must be punishing you for sins in a past life. Sadly it can sometimes encourage a blame-the-victim mentality. Jesus rejects such speculations.

Rather Jesus says when disaster strikes, it’s not a time to blame the victims as worse than others. 

Mostly we’re never told why we’re suffering. In the example I raised last week, Job was never told, not even when he was restored. Instead Jesus says that disaster is a chance to look at yourself, not just to think you’re better than others. Rather, as Jesus went on to say twice, in v3 and v5,

“Unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

So when you see or remember the suffering in this world, Jesus wants you to ask yourself this question: “Am I right with God? Or have I been ignoring him?”

Suffering tells us something's wrong with this world.

Sin, our human sin, has mucked it up. We need to admit this and turn back to God for forgiveness, each one of us, personally. 

And when I go to Luke 13 for this topic, I also like to include ! While others argue the religious toss over whether to heal on the Sabbath, Jesus used his divine power and healed the woman.

Now we can’t perform miracles on demand. But the example of Jesus the healer should still inspire Christians to innumerable ministries of mercy. And thank God for those working in hospitals and ambulances over the public holidays. 

Way back in late 2004, I concluded with words that are still relevant as we celebrate another Christmas...

Many religions have gods. But only one has a God who cared enough to become a man and die.

As English author Dorothy Sayers put it, 

“For whatever reason God chose to make man as he is - limited and suffering and subject to sorrows and death - He has the honesty to take His own medicine. He has himself gone through the whole of human experience, from the trivial irritations of family life and the cramping restrictions of hard work and lack of money to the worst horrors of pain and humiliation, defeat, despair, and death... He was born in poverty and died in disgrace and thought it well worthwhile.”

Reflectively in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney

P.S. The newsletter might not come out every week for the summer holidays after Christmas, and when it does, it may just have some links to some recommended summer reading, rather than a fresh letter from me. 

MINISTER’S LETTER

Friends in Christ, I've almost completed my . It's been excellent. (But if daily Bible reading is totally new to you, maybe try  the  to read just the New Testament in a year.)

The last Old Testament book listed is Job – that most famous exploration of suffering and God's sovereignty. Normally I silently read the set chapters for the day. But in this case I have been listening to David Suchet's (of Poirot fame) superb reading. You can . 

Job has seemed so suitable for Advent, as Job is waiting for God to act in the midst of a fallen world. 

Job does not claim to be completely sinless – he offers animal sacrifices just in case his children have sinned (J) and admits his own past sins (e.g. ). But he is sure he has done nothing to deserve the particularly heavy blows that the opening chapters detail: destruction of his flocks, death of his children, and the damaging disease of his skin. 

In fact, God himself presents Job, repeatedly, as "blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil" (Job 1:1). And at the end of the book, God vindicates Job, not the friends who blamed him for his suffering, and Job is restored. (At the same time, Job shuts his mouth, and admits his lack of understanding before the sovereign God, whose wonderful world Job knows he could not run.)

In his innocent suffering, Job is a pattern or blueprint for Christ, who alone was truly sinless, and yet suffered. In Jesus' case, he endured it for others, the righteous for the unrighteous – to bring you to God (). 

Likewise, in Job's desperate hope for a mediator and redeemer, he makes us all the more glad about Jesus' first coming to do just those things: 

"Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend" Job 16:19-21

"I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God." Job 19:25-26

And in Job's final restoration, we see an anticipation of the resurrection of the body, when Christ returns and restores all things.

It is so appropriate, therefore, that the final New Testament Scripture in my reading program is the book of Revelation. It ends with the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven, with Jesus coming for his bride, the church...

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling-place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ Revelation 21:3-4. 

My own experience of "frozen shoulder" is not yet going away, despite my own daily prayers and those of others. As a normally energetic activist, I am using my weakness to reflect on my need for God's grace and reliance on his strength. 

But listening to Job also reminds you not to be like his friends, "miserable comforters", using pious words to hint a believer who is still suffering may have done something to deserve it. That is ordinarily a conclusion for the sufferer to draw for himself, not something to be dumped on him by others. (Thankfully no one has treated me like Job.)

The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life...

He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:17, 20

In the mean time, I can't wait to sing Christmas carols with you all over the next few days! The details are here, and include  for those who will be viewing from home or holiday destinations. 

Warmly in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney

Friends in Christ, at the last Chapter meeting for the year, I was able to report that 台灣UU直播 Kids has moved from 2-4 children attending in 2022, through 4-8 in 2023, to regularly 10-12+ in 2024. For our Advent special Christmas craft and puppet show, we had 25!

And then there were about 1000 kids and their parents or carers present for the two Colin Buchanan Christmas concerts last Saturday. As a 台灣UU直播, it is part of our opportunity to be able to bless Christian families from churches across Sydney. 

Last Tuesday, without my prompting, the Chapter resolved as follows:

Chapter commends the establishment of an attractive and suitably appointed Kids Zone within the 台灣UU直播 for the use of children in the care of their parents; it notes with pleasure the blessing that is the joyous exuberance of young children in the life of the church. 

So although Karyn, Samuel, Grace and Emillia are taking a well earned break from 台灣UU直播 Kids during the school holidays, we still want to welcome children. So through our morning services, the Family Zone, will extend into the office foyer, and also in the 'cry room' in the Conservatory. At the 10:30am service, I will also bring a Kids Song over January. And there will probably be some colouring sheets and activity packs.

Children in church can make a little extra noise, and their parents are very conscious of this. Actually, it delights me becuse I know the Lord Jesus wanted the little children to come to him. But I realise some people have sensitive hearing, or appreciate a very calm atmosphere. So I suggest that if too much sound and movement might bother you, then there are lots of other parts of the 台灣UU直播 to sit in over January that are a bit further away from the Family Zone.

And there's one more reminder of our Carols and Christmas Services details in the links here...

• . (Liking or sharing that link, or our page, helps our visibility)

• View details on website.

A couple of practicalities... History suggests that Carols and Lessons on Thursday 19 December (7pm) and on Christmas Eve (24 Dec.) at 6pm are the most crowded services. My advice is to come early especially if you are bringing friends or family. Alternatively, why not come on the Wednesday night (18 Dec) or at 8pm or 11pm on Christmas Eve when it is not quite so crowded. 

And at any of our Carols and Christmas services, it can often be humid and warm inside the 台灣UU直播, so consider bringing your own a bottle of water and a hand-held fan.  

Now, as I always say, I reckon asking someone to a Carols or Christmas Service can be the easiest invite of the year. So postcards are again available for you to pick up this Sunday in order to invite others!

Can you invite a relative or neighbour? Or friends, club-mates, work colleagues, or international students...?

And if you are going away, do your best to get to Bible-preaching church wherever you are over the 24th or 25th!  

Lastly, here are a few potential conversation starters to consider slipping in there, or at the office party, or wherever you find yourself over Christmas... 

• Tell me one of your Christmas traditions.

• What does Christmas look like for you?

• What’s a really good thing that’s happened to you since last Christmas?

• (If you are slightly braver… ) Does it matter if we 'keep Christ in Christmas'?

Just listen; and be ready to include your own “God bit” for your reply if you can! I hope you can love celebrating Christmas this year too.

Warmly in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney

Friends in Christ, tomorrow, November 30, is St Andrew's Day. 

Ever since I started serving at the 台灣UU直播, I have believed our apostolic namesake, Andrew, gives us a great aim for us at our 台灣UU直播 with its unique location and beautiful presence in the city.

That great aim is to introduce people to Jesus! 

We don't know as much about Andrew as an apostle, compared to his brother Peter or to James and John. But every time you meet Andrew in the Gospels, he is introducing someone to Jesus...

• his own brother Simon Peter (),

• the boy with the loaves and fishes (),

• the Greeks who want to meet Jesus ().

Now since I have shared news of my '' (a.k.a. 'adhesive capsulitis'), I've had the experience of being evangelised with many cures. People have wanted to share good news of what helped them with their shoulder problems... physiotherapy, injections, massage, acupuncture, panadol osteo, etc.

This has reminded me of a few great truths that should help when we want to share good news about Jesus.

Firstly the motivation. When something has helped you, it is natural to pass it on. Or at least it should be. It's an expression of love to care about someone who has a problem! You might even be a tiny bit pushy about it, if the person at first seems resistant to your suggestion. 

Why not the same eagerness with introducing people to our Saviour, Jesus Christ? As Paul wrote: 

Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others... For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all... And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. ()

Secondly, there should also be honesty. The no one really knows why frozen shoulder occurs, that not much is known about the best way to treat it, and that the pain and stiffness generally continues for months or even a couple of years. So if people were offering me quick miracle cures, it shouldn't surprise if I am a bit sceptical. I actually appreciate the physiotherapists who said their treatments may help, but may very well not. 

And of course, we should be totally honest in our evangelism. We do not drop God's standards of holiness or ignore the reality of judgment. And we don't promise instant cures or a quick breakthrough to sinlessness, let alone "your best life now" to those who become Christians. As Paul says, "we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God" (2 Corinthians 4:2).

Alongside honesty, there is also the value of listening. If someone says they have a frozen shoulder, there's no point giving them advice about an AC joint or rotator cuff injury... They are different problems, and need different responses. 

Of course, sometimes we don't know what our own problems are ourselves. At first, with my sore shoulder and limited movement, I thought I probably had a rotator cuff injury, so it wouldn't surprise me if someone heard that and later offered a solution for it, even after I had got the correct diagnosis. 

And it's the same with evangelism. We shouldn't just repeat the same things about Jesus, without also listening carefully to the particular concerns of a person. You might hear about a bad experience in the background, or discover a misunderstanding they have. You might discover they are more influenced by personal testimony, or more concerned about historical evidence.  

This is certainly not to say we should tailor, let alone hide the truth, to suit or please the listener. See points 1 and 2 above!

But it is respectful to pay attention to where a person is at if you want to communicate well with them.

Of course my last point is about prayer.

What I have appreciated most when I've mentioned my frozen shoulder is just how many people have assured me they have begun to pray for me.

That kindness is deeply moving... Because ultimately we are dependent on God for everything. Sometimes in his providence, a thorn in the flesh is not taken away for the foreseeable future. But God's grace and power is always sufficient in our weakness. (See .)

And prayer is important in evangelism, since no human can change another person's heart (see ). And God can over-rule and use our often weak and stumbling efforts, even when we didn't listen or don't express things as well as we could have. So we should always ask him to be at work!

Here is the lightly modified 'collect for St Andrew' that I often pray:

Almighty God, you gave such grace to your apostle Andrew, that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ to follow him, and brought his brother with him: grant that we who are called by your holy word may give ourselves at once to do what you command; and give us grace to tell the good news of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Warmly in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney

Friends in Christ, no doubt many of you will have heard about this week's resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, taking personal and institutional responsibility of grievous failures within the Church of England regarding the failure to protect minors from the evil of child abuse: physical, sexual and spiritual.

While I share additional criticisms of Justin Welby, now is not the time for that, and I think the statement of the Chairman of Gafcon strikes the right note, so I share it with you in entirety. 

Gafcon responds to the resignation of Archbishop Welby

We were saddened by the news of the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the reasons for his decision. While the Gafcon Primates have been critical of the Archbishop’s leadership, the circumstances of his resignation is not an occasion for rejoicing, but for grief and self-reflection.

The presence of child sexual abuse in the church of God is a pernicious evil, which has brought devastating, long-term effects upon survivors and their families. Yet their trauma is only exacerbated by negligence or inaction in pursuing and prosecuting perpetrators for their crimes. Such failures to act also grieve the heart of God and bring shame upon his church.

We appreciate Archbishop Justin’s willingness to resign from his office, as it shows evidence of his desire to take responsibility for his own lack of action in investigating the allegations against John Smyth, which came to light in 2013. While his own admission of regret and remorse is welcome, the past cannot be undone.

Leadership in any sphere of life is challenging, and no less so in the church of God. Christian leaders are called to be shepherds of the flock. Yet, none of us is perfect, as we all make mistakes, but owning our failures is also the mark of good leadership. While some errors of judgment have greater consequences than others, the Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ, knows our frailty and forgives all who are truly penitent. He also cares for the downcast and broken, as he cares for those who have been abused.

We pray for Archbishop Justin, his wife Caroline, and his family as the days ahead will not be without difficulty. We also pray for all those who have experienced sexual abuse by false shepherds in the church of God. May they know the peace of God that passes understanding and that heals all our infirmities.

The Most Revd. Dr. Laurent Mbanda
Chairman of the Gafcon Primates Council
Archbishop & Primate of Rwanda
Bishop of Gasabo

If you wish to pray now, you might refer to this  that the 台灣UU直播 has shared previously.

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As a footnote, it's worth saying that popular media reporting which refers to the Archbishop of Canterbury as 'Head of the Church' is badly misguided. Only the Lord Jesus Christ can and should ever be referred to as Head of the Church.

For example, the Apostle Paul once prayed for the Spirit's help for us to know God and his power through Christ. In saying that power can be personally at work in us, Paul wrote:

That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. [Ephesians 1:19b-23]

Later, Paul uses the exact phrase, "head of the church" for Jesus in Ephesians 5:23 (see also Colossians 1:18). 

Furthermore, for your information, in practical terms, the Archbishop of Canterbury has only had a customary figurehead role in world-wide Anglicanism. He has absolutely no consitutional role of any kind in the Anglican Church of Australia. 

Warmly in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney

Friends in Christ, the United States, the nation with the largest economy and (arguably) the most powerful military in the world, has just elected a new President, returning Mr Donald Trump to the office, he had occupied 4 years ago, for a new term at the start of 2025. 

The debate in the US election campaign seemed particular polarised. It is likely many Australian Christians also have strong views on their preferred (or, perhaps, less problematic) candidate. Elements of the media seem as prone to hyperbole as many politicians. So there have been many alarmist and even catastrophist claims made by commentators. 

It is undoubtedly true that the position of the US President is powerful and the influence enormous. Even so, the role is embedded in a democratic system with a bicameral (two-houses) form of a national parliament, in a federation of states with their own powers and parliaments, alongside a massive public service and judiciary - albeit more politicised, it seems, than Australia’s. All that means there are considerable checks and balances in the system, and a whole lot of inertia, even for the person who occupies this important position of President.

Yet more significant than political structure is this foundational fact of theology, history and life now and onwards:

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever" ().

That comment was made immediately after an encouragment to remember your Christian leaders (v7), who spoke the word of God to you. Perhaps an unspoken implication from contrasting verses 7-8 is that even the best of spiritual leaders can and may let you down, especially if they abandon the word of God.

But Christ will never let you down. Christ will never break a promise. Christ will be not only consistent, but consistently good. Always!

With that in mind, came as an excellent reminder, which I read in advance of the election outcome:

“Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.” Psalm ?146?:?3?-?9? ?NIV??

A  began by noting God's sovereignty... "You rule the world". It continued with the logical conclusion: "No King or President, Prime Minister or Dictator has more power than you." That's why we can pray to God with confidence.

And the character of God is why we should pray for those in authority to work, not only for general peace and good order and the restraint of evil, but also in ways that display compassion and care for the poor and down-trodden. 

What about at a practical and personal level? How do we respond in highly charged electoral situations where people rate issues and vote so differently from us?

I find from R.J. Snell, Editor-in-Chief of Public Discourse, and a former professor of philosophy, so helpful. He made some observations about the disappointments of politics. He briefly quoted the Psalm I mentioned above and also a famous section of Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address as President: 

With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work; ...to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.

Outstanding sentiments. But I said I am aiming at something practical and personal too. Here is Snell's helpful conclusion:

Whatever the outcome; whether today you are waiting, watching, weeping, or rejoicing, there is no reason each of us cannot, in our way and place, in keeping with our station and responsibilities, be as Lincoln. If our media and political elites are unwilling, there is no reason why you and I cannot be patient, gracious, decent, calm, charitable, and act in ways keeping with the responsibility of self-governance for the commonweal.

If today we are tempted to gloat or despair, curse or mock, it would be far better for ourselves and our children to quietly pray or study, rake the leaves, invite a neighbor to dinner, play a game, or work in the garage: all the things that a self-reliant, free, and sober people do.

We will no doubt pray about such matters this Sunday at church.

Warmly in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney

Friends in Christ, today I pass on to you a letter from my dear wife, Karyn, who leads our growing 台灣UU直播 Kids Sunday School ministry. 

But Karyn also teaches SRE  (Special Religious Education) at our local primary school. This letter is also endorsed by her fellow SRE teacher, Kath Cook, who is also a lay canon of our 台灣UU直播. 

奥别’谤别 looking for people to join our SRE (Special Religious Education) Team.

Every Thursday afternoon 2:05-2:35pm, during school term, volunteers representing our church visit Ultimo Public School. They teach children from the Bible, using a well written, age-sensitive curriculum authorised by the Anglican Church.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to share the culture-enriching and potentially life changing message about Jesus. Someone shared this precious gospel with you, why not take this chance to share it with children?

Many children in our classes seem to have no other Christian input. What a privilege to teach them God’s Word almost every week of their Primary School experience!

Occasionally there are children who are obviously from Christian homes. What an opportunity to encourage these families as they seek to reach their school community with the good news of Jesus!

Sometimes there are children whose grandparents share Bible Stories with them. What an honour to partner with extended family members whom we may never meet, but who are probably praying for these dear children!

We need to build our team of teachers. For example, more teachers would mean teachers could more easily take a week off in case of a sick child or the need to assist an ageing parent, or for annual holidays. And sometimes current teachers can’t continue forever, as life and responsibilities change. More teachers also opens up the chance for team teaching. 

Would you be willing to pray and ask God if you should consider joining us? It is an important responsibility, and can be challenging. But for some of you it's quite accessible given your experience and gifts. For quite a few, it's probably not as hard as you think...

If you've never taught in a school before, you could start as a helper in the classroom, without much responsibility. It can be a good way of getting used to the school environment and seeing if maybe you could teach at some stage.

There are five units of training provided (and required), which are very helpful. There is also 'recognition of prior learning' for those who have some recognised biblical studies qualification and/or recognised educational qualification.

Not everyone is able to adjust their commitments to be in Ultimo for 30 minutes on a Thursday afternoon. But if you are willing to explore your gifts in this area, if you can step out of your city office for an hour or so, or use your flexible working arrangements or life situation... please put your hand up and come serve with us. Let's make sure we are able to continue to take hold of this gospel opportunity! 

And everyone else? Would you pray for God to raise up workers for the harvest? Would you persistently pray that God’s Spirit would be at work each Thursday afternoon at Ultimo Public School and wherever SRE is taught across the State of NSW?

Karyn Grant 

All I can add is that I agree with her. (And I agreed in earlier times when she was working as a music teacher or mothering and was not able to teach SRE.)

Please consider... And pray!

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney

Some wonder whether he was James the son of Zebedee, an early disciple of Jesus, one of the original twelve apostles, or perhaps James the son of Alphaeus, also one of the twelve (see Matthew 10:2-4). This is because direct apostolic authorship was rightly valued in Scripture. The latter option tends to be discounted, since the use of the name 'James' without further indentifying detail, implies the author was a very well and widely known figure, whereas James the 'Lesser' scarcely features as an individual in the New Testament. But James the son of Zebedee died a martyr's death in 44 A.D. (Acts 12:1-2), and it seems unlikely this letter of James was written so early. 

Therefore many scholars conclude the letter was written by James, whom Paul refers to as "the Lord's brother" (Galatians 1:19).

Now John 7:5 reminds us that Jesus' half-brothers did not believe in him during his earthly ministry (see also Mark 3:21, 31-32).

However, the resurrection of Jesus obviously changed everything. Because soon after his resurrection and subsequent ascension, Luke records in Acts 1:14 that "Mary the mother of Jesus", and "his brothers" joined together constantly in prayer along with Jesus' apostles and some female disciples. 

James, the Lord's brother, quickly became a prominent leader in the early church in Jerusalem, and so especially influential among Jewish Christians (as the first disciples all were). When Peter escaped King Herod's imprisonment, and appears safe at a house owned by some disciples, James is the first person he wants informed (Acts 12:17). And famously, we see James taking the lead at the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 after hearing the testimonies of Peter, Paul and Barnabas (v13) and it is James who issues the decisive judgment "that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God" (v19). 

Addressing his writing to "the twelve tribes scattered among the nations" (1:1) implies an audience that was mainly Christians of Jewish backgrounds. And James shows he was respectful of the Jewish law (1:21, 2:8-12, 4:11-12), and was concerned for a Christian faith that led to practical obedience and wise living. Yet, like Jesus, his words very far from being tied up in legalism, let along specifically of the Law of Moses. 

We saw earlier that James was clearly around Jesus at points of his public ministry, even before he believed, and alongside conversations with the apostles such as Matthew, this no doubt helps explains why he was familiar with the content of Jesus' teaching that he so often alludes to. For example:

• the poor in this world/in spirit, will inherit the kingdom – James 2:5 and Matthew 5:3;

• people are revealed by their fruit, since it is impossible for a grapevine (James 3:12) or thistle (Matthew 7:16) to produce figs;

• commending peacemakers – James 3:18 and Matthew 5:9;

• warning that your treasures might be eaten by moths – James 5:2–3 and Matthew 6:19–20; and

• letting your yes be yes – James 5:12 with Matthew 5:33–37. 

Quite likely it is humility that keeps James from mentioning his personal relationship to Jesus. It's certainly a quality he commends often (James 1:9-10, 1:21; 3:13; 4:6,10).

This illustrates another of James' habits – that of circling back around to a topic he has already spoken about, such as wisdom, or wealth, or suffering and pereverance, to reinforce the idea from a different angle or application. Indeed, some have wondered if his letter is more like a collection of sermon extracts that he has put together. 

Some people have been concerned at his lack of emphasis on the work of Christ in the cross and resurrection. However, there is attention to eschatology and the return of the Christ who raises his people (1:12, 5:7-9, 5:15) and to the saving word of the gospel (1:18,21). And for a short work, James is strong in the doctrine of God (e.g. 1:13,17-18; 3:19; 4:15) and the doctrine of sin (1:13-15; 2:9-11; 4:17; 5:15-16,19-20). 

The word for 'completion' or 'maturity' or 'wholeness' (sometimes translated as 'perfect/perfection') occurs 5 times in James (1:4 x2; 1:17; 1:25; 3:2). So I think Patrick Schreiner may be right to summarise James under the title "Wisdom for Wholeness", with the subtitle "faith puts on flesh". He writes: 

Wholeness does not occur until faith and action are integrated, until the outer and inner life match. There is no such thing as true faith that is not embodied in everyday life. James is a wisdom teacher who dispenses knowledge on a variety of topics as he applies the gospel to various circumstances, but it all sits under the theme of trials of faith. Though the half brother of Jesus didn't come to faith until after Jesus' ministry, he bestows lessons in line with Jesus' teaching and the Old Testament wisdom tradition.
James offers wisdom from above so that his readers might have lives that are whole. The structure of James is more haphazard, topical, and difficult to discern than many of the New Testament books. However, there is cohesion in that chapter 1 introduces the main theme, testing for wholeness, and covers in brief many of the topics that will be expanded later in the letter: anger, the tongue, the rich and poor, wisdom, faith and works, and rewards. James introduces these themes, urging Christians to be not only those who hear but those who do.

[– p142, The Visual Word: Illustrated Outlines of the New Testament Books, Moody Publishers]

I look forward to seeing you at church in the 台灣UU直播 to hear from this most practical book of theology. 

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney

Friends in Christ, a little church history this week... The 16th of October is the sad anniversary of the burning at the stake in 1555, of English Reformers, Bishops Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley, under the direction of 'bloody' Queen Mary.

She was heading a campaign to restore Roman Catholic doctrine to England, after the death of her half-brother: the young, convictionally protestant King Edward VI in 1553. She restored the sacrifice of the Catholic mass with its understanding of transubstantiation (i.e. the bread literally changes into the flesh of Christ, though it looks no different), and the church services went back from English to Latin (and so out of ordinary people's understanding), and so forth...

Via her chosen bishops, the leaders of the newly protestant Church of England were kicked out of their offices and called before special commissions to recant their religious views, upon pain of death. Over her reign there were about 300 people burnt at the stake for sticking with the protestant Christian faith. 

Not, I note, "as thieves, or murderers, or drunkards, or unbelievers", as J.C. Ryle put it, nor "as rebels against the Qeeen's authority caught red-handed in arms". But for their religious convictions...

They were shaped by the full and final authority of Scripture and by doctrines such as justification through grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone.

Before Latimer and Ridley, John Rogers, John Hooper, Rowland Taylor and John Bradford had made the ultimate sacrifice. Afterwards would follow Archbishop Thomas Crnamer, the principle author of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, which still shapes our church services today. (And which we use Evensong and the 8:30am Sunday Communion service.)

Here's how Ryle described the final day on earth in the life of Latimer and Ridley...

On the day of their martyrdom they were brought separately to the place of execution, which was at the end of Broad-street, Oxford, close to Balliol College. Ridley arrived on the ground first, and, seeing Latimer come afterwards, ran to him and kissed him, saying, “Be of good heart, brother; for God will either assuage the fury of the flames, or else strengthen us to abide it.” They then prayed earnestly, and talked with one another, though no one could hear what they said. After this they had to listen to a sermon by a wretched renegade divine named Smith, and, being forbidden to make any answer, were commanded to make ready for death.

Ridley’s last words before the fire was lighted were these,—“Heavenly Father, I give Thee most hearty thanks that Thou hast called me to a profession of Thee even unto death. I beseech Thee, Lord God, have mercy on this realm of England, and deliver the same from all her enemies.” Latimer’s last words were like the blast of a trumpet, which rings even to this day—“Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.”

When the flames began to rise, Ridley cried with a loud voice in Latin, “Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit: Lord, receive my spirit,” and afterwards repeated these last words in English. Latimer cried as vehemently on the other side of the stake, “Father of heaven, receive my soul.”

Latimer soon died. An old man, above eighty years of age, it took but little to set his spirit free from his earthly tenement. Ridley suffered long and painfully, from the bad management of the fire by those who attended the execution. At length, however, the flames reached a vital part of him, and he fell at Latimer’s feet and was at rest. And so the two great Protestant bishops passed away.

And here is how Ryle concluded his lecture "WHY WERE OUR REFORMERS BURNED?" (Church Association Lecture No. VI; St James’s Hall, Piccadilly, March 26, 1867):

Who is there here that loves the Church of England as it was made by our Reformers, and wishes it to be unchanged? Who is there here that desires his children may worship, after his death, in a church where there is an English Liturgy, and an English Bible, and a scriptural Lord’s Supper, and not a Popish mass, and no Confessional in the vestry? You are the man that ought to help us. Arise, and do something for Christ’s cause. Help us to withstand Ritualism.

In the name of the Lord let us set up our banners. If ever we would meet Ridley and Latimer and Hooper in another world without shame, let us contend earnestly for the truths which they died to preserve. The Church of England expects every Protestant Churchman to do his duty. Let us not talk only, but act. Let us not act only, but pray.

Our particular modern issues and challenges may be different, but I believe the authority of Scripture in all matters of faith and godly living, along with the centrality of Christ and the need for salvation through faith in him alone remain as constant fundamentals of our trinitarian faith. 

Warmly in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney

6:00pm | Archbishop Kanishka Raffel | with 台灣UU直播 Brass 

Carols and Lessons -Thursday 19th December

7:00pm | Archbishop Kanishka Raffel | with 台灣UU直播 Choir and Brass | 

Christmas Eve Carols and Lessons – Tuesday 24th December

6:00pm, 8:00pm, 11:00pm | Dean Sandy Grant | with 台灣UU直播 Choir and Brass |  (8pm)

Christmas Day – Wednesday 25th December

8:30am Holy Communion | Archbishop Kanishka Raffel

10:00am Christmas Celebration | Archbishop Kanishka Raffel | with 台灣UU直播 Choir | 

CATHEDRAL NEWSLETTER - 12 September 2024

Friends in Christ, today, 12 September, is R U OK Day – the that seeks to "inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life."

Of course, as they say, any day of the year is a good day to ask if someone is OK, to listen, to gently encourage action, or to check back in with a friend who has been struggling earlier. 

Now I am not a doctor. Nor have I suffered mental illness. But the longer I go in ministry, the more I realise how serious it is. Some years ago, a friend told me 4 out of 9 in his Bible study group were being medicated for clinical depression! And they were a fairly average group of Christians… But that's reality! 

I am glad that the topic of mental illness is talked about more than 30 years ago. But it's still easy to feel like it's hidden away if it impacts your life. 

I first began to understand how serious it could be and gain more sympathy when I encountered .

Cowper wrote hymns like 'God moves in a mysterious way' and 'There is a fountain filled with blood'.

But Cowper suffered severe bouts of what today is called clinical depression. He became a Christian in his early 30s in a mental hospital. He attempted suicide several times, before and after conversion. He died with feelings of abject misery aged 69.

Yet he was an orthodox, evangelical believer, who loved Jesus and knew the gospel with crystal clarity in his head. But so often, his heart, caught in black depression, just didn't match up. 

When I researched this topic for a sermon on an earlier occasion, I drew several conclusions. 

1. Never assume depression or anxiety is the result of specific sin, despite the feelings of guilt the mentally ill often struggle with. (Reflect on Luke 13:1-5 and John 9:1-3.) 

2. Nor do we assume it’s a failure of faith. Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh’ (whatever it was, 2 Cor 12:7-9) was not taken away despite repeated prayers. We don’t say he lacked faith. 

3. Neither should we assume it’s a failure of fellowship. Churches can always do better. But it’s simplistic to say that people would not get stuck in their depression we were more loving.

Friends, we can think of depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges as much as a medical as a spiritual problem. So while we encourage biblical thinking and godly conduct in the midst of illness, we also need a theology of medicine. 

Medicine is one of God's good gifts (see 1 Tim 4:4, 1 Tim 5:23). So there is no need to reject the medical study and evidence-based treatment of the mind (i.e. psychiatry, including its therapeutic drugs) any more than we would reject bypass heart surgery, or insulin for diabetes. 

Of course, the assumptions behind some treatments, like aspects of Freudian psychoanalysis, are questionable from a Christian point of view. But I'm told there is good clinical evidence for the effectiveness of some treatments like cognitive-behavioural therapy in some circumstances. The drugs prescribed by psychiatrists can be useful. People in our own congregations with various mental illnesses have been helped this way. Of course, it is wise to seek careful advice on such drugs. Likewise professional counselling or a support group may be fruitful.

A health professional in my last church tells me that there is also good experimental evidence to suggest that regular exercise 3 times a week is sometimes helpful in treating depression, at least in some forms. Perhaps you could offer to go walking regularly with a friend who is struggling this way. 

Christian community is often of incalculable value. For example, John Newton's loyal friendship with depressed hymn-writer, William Cowper, clearly preserved him from even worse suffering. Newton was Cowper's local Anglican Minister. But as well as his teaching and encouragement to trust Christ, his care involved long walks and talks with Cowper, shared efforts in song writing, as well as many letters written long after he moved elsewhere.

As the R U OK people remind us...  You don't need to be an expert to reach out – just a good friend and a great listener. 

Nor must we think that the presence of intractable depression or doubts disqualifies a believer from being a true Christian. Cowper believed in Christ, but couldn't shake his dark feelings that, in an exception to God's usual rule, he had deserted him. Here a quote from a biographer is helpful:

"Our knowledge of God in Christ authorises us to assert without hesitation that Cowper was mistaken in his belief in divine desertion... We remember the saying of St John: 'If our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.' The delusions of men do not change the reality of God's love.

Another poet, writing of Cowper, pictures a boy in the delirium of fever, crying out for his mother, not realising that all the time, she is there beside his bed, caring for him. Likewise the poet imagines Cowper declaring that God has forsaken him, yet waking from his fevered dream in this life to find himself in God's presence.

Warmly in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney

CATHEDRAL NEWSLETTER - 6 September 2024

Friends in Christ, Jesus’ first recorded public word was a command to “Repent”, according to Matthew 4:17, 

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

In Mark’s version (chapter 1:15), Jesus combines repentance with faith:

“The time has come; the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the gospel!”

Repentance and faith are fundamental to the call Christ.?

And repentance and faith are two sides of one coin.

Christian faith, or belief, is always in the gospel, or in Christ.

But faith is not just head knowledge of facts. It means trust in those facts. I know who the Prime Minister is. But I show that I believe in the Prime Minister, if I join his political party and give him my vote, etc. (Maybe political leaders aren’t the best analogy, but you get my point!)

The gospel (= “good news”) is the declaration that Jesus is King and that his death secures our forgiveness and his resurrection brings eternal life. So the call is to repent and believe in light of this astonishingly good news about Jesus. 

But what does it mean to repent?

Repentance literally means to “change your mind”. It’s not just about feeling sorry for something.

To repent is to say ‘No’ to one way of life and ‘Yes’ to another. No to ignoring Jesus. Yes to following him. It’s about putting the radical change of mind into action.

I first considered blood donation after the near-death experience of my grandpa over 30 years ago. They exhausted stocks of his blood type to save him. Previously I’d ignored appeals to donate. Now I knew blood donation was a very good idea. But I did not repent. 

A decade later a teenager I knew contracted leukaemia. He needed white blood cell transplants. And I felt sorry that I’d not done anything about blood donation. I’d meant to. But I’d never quite done it. So I felt guilty about this neglect. But I lived a fair way away from a donor centre, and I still did not repent. 

It was only when I moved to Wollongong that I turned good intentions into action, and finally gave blood. Now I have a diary reminder every three months. That’s repentance. It’s not just feeling sorry for past failures. It’s not even just the change of mind alone – like deciding blood donation is a good idea. Repentance starts to turns good intentions into action.

Most simply, it’s a change of direction.

That’s what the Bible says we need towards Jesus, whether it’s seen in family selfishness, or greed with money, or idolatry of sport or sex, or in basic casualness about Christ.

Not just feeling sorry. We need a change of life direction: to live under Jesus’ leadership instead of the Frank Sinatra cliché of “doing it my way”. 

We need courage in calling for repentance and faith. I get that. I find it easier to do it publicly in leading a formal prayer of confession at church. But it takes far more courage in an individual conversation about God – telling a person something that contradicts their current way of thinking and acting.

But if we love them, and if we believe Jesus is King, then we need to pray for the help of God’s Spirit to make us bold. 

Warmly in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney

This Sunday, 1st September, the 台灣UU直播 bells will peal from 12:45pm – 4:45pm.

This very rare full bell peal occurs in memory of the late Tom Goodyer, who died earlier this year, aged 96.

Tom was instrumental in training a new team of ringers at St Andrew's when the bells were installed in the 1960s.

Tom served the 台灣UU直播's team of bell-ringers for decades, including a long stint as Captain of Bells. In ‘retirement’ he still served at the 台灣UU直播 and across other bell-towers in Sydney until his recent frailty.

His son, Andrew, still helps ring here at the 台灣UU直播. 

Sandy Grant, the current Dean of Sydney, said,

“The bell-ringing ministry is one of those that is not seen but it is certainly heard. It’s heard before the mid-morning Sunday Service, during practice on Monday evenings after Evensong, as well by arrangement for weddings, and at special occasions, like the 96 toll solemn commemoration of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

In my view, the great value of the Bell-Ringing ministry is that it reminds city-dwellers and visitors - in loud and unmissable terms - that a Church community is alive and active right here in the heart of the CBD.”

CATHEDRAL NEWSLETTER 22 August 2024

Friends in Christ, this month, Micaela Cronin, the country’s first Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner, handed down her first on progress of the government’s National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children. 

She said that the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) reports that in 2023–24, 43 women were victims of intimate partner homicide, compared with 34 in 2022–23. While we have seen a not-insignificant decline in homicides over the past three decades, the AIC reported this was a 28% increase in the rate of women killed by intimate partners in 2022–23, and a further 25% increase in 2023–24.

Commissioner Cronin added:

We know that these numbers do not show the full extent of lives lost and harm done. Many more women and children are living with the terrible impact of gender-based violence every day. We know from research that publicly available data is likely to underestimate the true extent of domestic, family and sexual violence.

Every life lost to is one too many. Every person who lives with the on going impact of domestic, family or sexual violence requires us to strive to do better.

Dramatically, her report said family and sexual violence needs to be taken as seriously as terrorism, although it is not helpful to call it the same name. But acting on it is just as urgent, and similar tools could be used, e.g. for monitoring risky behaviour.

Although gender-based inequality is undoubtedly a huge driver, I am pleased that the Commissioner avoided a mono-causal focus on what is a complex issue. In her introduction, she wrote:

We are witnessing the first generation to grow up exposed to violent pornography and misogyny online in a way that has never been seen before. Participants at the crisis talks convened by the Commission in May raised the importance of acknowledging the role of factors such as alcohol and other drugs, gambling, and pornography in promoting violence. While these factors do not in themselves cause violence, there is strong evidence that they contribute to reducing inhibition and result in more serious violence. There are now calls to have serious, evidence-based discussions about the role these factors have on violence and what levers the government can use to mitigate them.

Also highly significant in my view, Ms Cronin urged governments to help redefine masculinity and engage men effectively. She said, “we need to have eyes on men in different ways than we do now”. She said she was being told consistently by women to “please work with our men” and data uncovering how men become violent and stopped being violent was desperately needed. []

It's at this point I offer some Christian reflections.

I do this as one who has led the development of over the last deacde. (See our ).

I also write as one who believes in the biological reality than men and women are not identical and interchangeable. Some of the implications are obvious, or should be, for such things as sporting competition, where differing strengths are significant, and for childbirth. And according to God's word, there are some further implications on how we may order our family and church.

Yet as our Creator says, men and women are made equally in the image of God ().

And so, unsurprisingly, the gospel offer of Jesus Christ comes to men and woman equally. We are all sinners, and we may all receive forgiveness and hope through trusting Christ, and his atoning death and resurrection! And most instructions for Christian living are applied equally to men and women.

But in considering the Commissioner's invitation above to address masculinity, I thought I would mention a few places where the Bible speaks to men in particular. For example, Paul says to men (using the specific word for male, not the generic for humankind):

Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. ().

He seems to identify a typical temptation for men towards aggro, which may lead to abusive words, or maybe, even physical violence, if they they raise their hands as fists. Instead, the godly masculine alternative is to pray. (Of course, all women are invited to pray too, and it certainly makes sense if tempted towards anger.) 

Not social media flame wars. Not shouting. Not the threats that your strength might permit you to get away with.

But prayer. That's what a real Christian man does. 

Likewise, the same older leader instructs the younger male pastor, Timothy this way:

Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. ( 1 Timothy 5:1-2)

Men are never to treat women as objects. You are to think how you would like your sister or mother to be treated, and treat all woman that way.

That's biblical masculinity. Not demanding your rights. Not claiming ownership. Not demeaning women by sexist or sexual joking. 

Paul instructs another regional Christian overseer, Titus, with regard to men this way (and he has instructions for women in the same context):

2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. (Titus 2:2,6)

Here are some positive traits for men (and women) to pursue (and we could add others elsewhere, like humility, patience and gentleness, which are fruits of the Spirit).

But here also is a warning that you can never excuse poor treatment of women or children by claiming a loss of control. That does not wash with God. 

I have been writing about this for years, for example, this opinion piece on domestic violence in the , on loving your wife and never being harsh with her. 

It astonishes me that Christian men still get sucked into thinking that the heart of masculinity is being an 'alpha', or aggression, or sexual domination, or getting others to submit to you, or throwing your weight around.

Stay away from people like 'influencer' Andrew Tate.

Such strength as you have is always to be used in love and service of others.

This may mean be courageous and strong enough to speak up against ungodly expressions of masculinity or in defence of women who are being demeaned. 

And women should never feel spiritually obliged to submit to violence or coercive control in a relationship. Here's the Doctrine Commission's report on  ( version: 教义委员会(Doctrine Commission) 有关涉及家庭暴力时，对经 文的使用和滥用的意见)

Yes, there is something to say for encouraging men to taking positive initiatives.

And God's Word gives good guidance on the sort of things for men to take the initiative in: prayer, purity, and self control; and Christian faith, love and endurance. 

Whether expressed by a personality that's loud or quiet, serious or playful, sporty or arty etc., these attributes are, I believe, attractive and will adorn your walk with Christ. 

Warmly in Christ,

Sandy Grant
Dean of Sydney