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PASTOR'S COMMENT

THE CHALLENGE OF ISLAM

The meeting of the Prime Minister with a number of leaders of the Islamic faith last week marked a new development in the history of our nation. As I commented last week, I am not aware that any similar meeting has ever taken place with the leaders of the Christian churches. What is clear from this event is that the Government has recognized that Islam has become a significant force within our country that needs to be taken seriously. It would be good for the Christian Church to come to a similar conclusion.

The media reports indicated that the meeting was a success, with a strong commitment from the Muslim leaders “to oppose terrorism and promote harmonious values among Australian Muslims.” But it was also noted that “they failed to produce any solid initiatives beyond a promise to talk again.” (SMH) It was also noted that the radical element of Islam, where terrorism has been applauded, was not represented at the meeting.

News Comment 21-8-05

TRUE BLUE AUSSIE
Two issues have been very prominent in discussions in the media in the past week, and both have been seen to relate to the question of what it means to be truly Australian. On the one hand there was the 60th Anniversary of the end of WW II, with the painful reminder of the thousands of Australians who gave their lives. This caused a number of commentators to revisit the question of just what they were fighting for. What were the ideals and values that were so precious that so many lives were sacrificed to protect?
The general consensus seemed to be that there was a singular lack of clarity in defining just what it meant to be an Australian. However, values of Freedom from Tyranny, Democratic Government, Freedom of Speech, and Freedom of Religion were generally considered to be paramount.

Pastor's Comment 14-8-05

GRACE AND LAW
Throughout the history of the Christian Church there has been a continuing struggle between two seemingly opposing concepts, of Grace and Law. In the earliest times this struggle was caricatured as a conflict between Christians who proclaimed a Gospel of Grace, and Jews who insisted on the importance of God’s Law. Many bitter battles were fought over this issue, and some Christians were even killed.
However, both Grace and Law come from God and both are to be found in the New Testament. We cannot adopt a simple “either/or” approach, for both have important lessons for us as we seek to live godly lives.