Freedom is a wonderful ideal. But in reality, none of us lives a life that is totally free. We all have restrictions in life. Some of these restrictions arise from good things. The concrete circumstances of our life—our relationships, our family, our work, our commitments, our upbringing, our national status, and more, might all be good, but they also place real constraints on us. For example, most of us must work to earn a living; few of us can spend all day, every day, doing exactly what we want. And for some people, economic constraints are particularly pressing and severe. For some, life is so strongly controlled by economic constraints and obligations that the ideal of freedom is simply a pipe dream.
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The gospel: beyond freedom (Ephesians 6:5–8)
Communicating Christmas – Kylie Yip
I think, broadly speaking, you could divide Christmas church-goers into two groups: The first group are those who are not really familiar with ‘Christian words.’ When people use these special words, and everyone seems to just know what’s being said, it can feel very alienating. Worse, they effectively never hear the Christian message!
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The gospel and fatherhood (Ephesians 6:4)
Chase Kuhn announced as New Director for the Centre for Christian Living
Following the successful completion of his PhD, Tony Payne is stepping aside from the directorship of the Centre for Christian Living (CCL) at the end of this year. He will take on new ministry responsibilities at UNSW’s Campus Bible Study (CBS).
College Principal, Dr Mark Thompson, remarked on Tony’s time as director:
‘Tony has been a brilliant director of CCL. He has extended the Centre’s work in exciting new areas, organised and chaired a series of brilliant seminars and established a regular podcast on significant issues. I am very grateful for all that he has done.’
While we are sad to see Tony leave this role, we are delighted to announce that in 2020 CCL will be directed by Dr Chase Kuhn, who lectures in theology and ethics at the College.
Tony Payne has written:
‘One consolation in finishing up as Director of CCL is knowing that Dr Chase Kuhn will be stepping into the role. Chase is a deep thinker and a compelling speaker, and it has been a joy to teach ethics alongside him at College over the past three years. I am sure that CCL will thrive under his leadership.’
Dr Thompson added:
‘I am very glad that Chase has agreed to take on this responsibility. He is passionate about resourcing Christians with ways to think about what is happening in our world and maintaining a biblical perspective in the midst of a rapidly changing context for Christian discipleship and ministry.’
Dr Kuhn, who is currently completing his study leave in Oxford, has commented on his new role:
‘I’m excited to take the mantle of directing the Centre for Christian Living. There is much to explore at the intersection of biblical faith and every day issues. I am prayerful that the Lord will continue to use the Centre to resource Christians to think theologically about their place in God’s world as ambassadors for Christ.’
CCL events in 2020 will be announced soon.
Please pray for Tony in his move to CBS and Chase as he takes on the role of CCL Director.
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