Homeschool by Andy Gullahorn

Gary Ware

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August 19, 2020

Andy Gullahorn writes with insight and wry humour.
It might not feel like a laughing matter, but sometimes it helps to smile.
This is not a political statement, its a reflection on life.
And maybe some of you are gliding along through life’s challenges, but the rest of us feel like we’re in a surprise test, and if there was a way of studying for it we never got told.

Homeschool.

It’s like the universe just gave us a test
Most of you guys are doing just fine at making the grade
But not me – I’m getting a big effin’ F
Not sure that I’ve got the kind of resolve to do what it takes

We’ve all been trying a new way to live
There’s no use in fighting – it is what it is
But I’ve got a limit to what I can give
Please don’t make me homeschool my kids

The Loving Pastor Has Got To Find A Way To Be The Truthful Preacher (via Will Willimon)

Gary Ware

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August 19, 2020

The pastoral impulse of care and comfort and the preaching impulse to bring changing truth must be embodied together for each to be effective.
Comfort without challenge results in stultifying stasis.
Challenge without empathy results in thoughtless hurt.
God brings the changing challenge of his word to his people primarily through one with whom they share a relationship of mutual care.

From Leading With The Sermon:

When a pastor preaches, the word of God is articulated by one who knows the people and who is known by them. The word arises out of a shared condition. It takes courage to stand with a congregation that is having to ask painful questions: even more courage is required to speak the truth to people one has learned to love. The loving pastor has got to find a way to be the truthful preacher.

William H Willimon, Leading With The Sermon, Fortress Press, 2020, pg 10.

Maybe Tomorrow by Kate Rusby

Gary Ware

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August 18, 2020

Maybe Tomorrow is from Hand Me Down, Kate Rusby’s just release album of covers.
It is a most eclectic range of selections, all interpreted in Kate’s signature style.
It’s a fun album, released for a year that needs a bit of cheering up.
Maybe Tomorrow is the theme song from tv show The Littlest Hobo.
Did I say they were eclectic choices?

Presbyterianism And Gospel Prosperity In Australia (via David Robertson)

Gary Ware

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August 18, 2020

David Robertson, a Presbyterian pastor who has taken up residence in Australia a year ago or so is offering a few tentative observations and encouragements for Australian Presbyterians, and Australian Christians.
You only see situations with an outsiders eyes for a limited time, so his perspective is timely, measured, and encouraging.
David’s experience is such that he isn’t wearing rose coloured glasses; his experience helps him identify areas that are worthy of nurturing, and other areas that he has seen shipwreck or impede gospel work in other places.

From Robertson’s article:

Any Presbyterian church which makes its aim to survive and maintain what it has – will die. Any church which decides to become like the society around and go with the tide will die. Any church that seeks to circle the wagons and hold on until the Saviour returns will die. Only a church which is prepared to die to self and live for Christ, will live.
I believe that these are great days of opportunity for the church of Christ in Australia as a whole – and the Presbyterian church in particular. We can be Christ-centred, radical, biblical, contemporary, charismatic and catholic (in the best sense of those words). If we strengthen what remains and is about to die (Revelation 3:2); If we walk through the door that Christ has opened (Revelation 3:8) and if we are earnest and repent’ (Revelation 3:20); we will yet know great days of Gospel prosperity in Australia.

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