The Acts 4:12 Committee

“EVANGELISE – OR PERISH !”

So said the British Methodist leader, Dr. J. Ernest Rattenbury, many years ago. And evangelise we must. Of course, there are many ways to evangelise and a great opportunity is given us later this year.

The Parliament of the World’s Religions (PWR) to be held in Melbourne from December 3 – 9. It expects to attract thousands of tourists from all over the world. Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus peoples of other non-Christian religions, along with some church leaders will all be coming together for this.

This event should stir us just as Paul was deeply moved by the idolatrous nature of ancient Athens. This PWR is the largest inter-faith gathering ever held in Australia. It has all to do, finally, with a polytheistic, multi-cultural denial of the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.

This ‘Parliament’ is heavily funded by three tiers of government in Australia. No doubt the media will give it great cove rage. It has the potential to completely obscure and deny the central Gospel truth that God has revealed Himself to us in His Son and made Him Saviour and Lord of all.
BUT WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DECLARE TO ALL MELBOURNE THE ESSENTIAL MESSAGE: JESUS : THE ONLY WAY TO GOD

The ACTS 4:12 COMMITTEE1 invites church leaders all across Melbourne to come together for a BRIEFING AND CONSULTATION directed at the best and most positive response we can make to this event which denies the unique saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

These briefings will be held at :

CLAYTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, (Cr Shandeau Ave., & Clayton Rd) Clayton, Tuesday 15 September 9.30am Tea/Coffee; 10 -11.30 Briefing Etc., (MEL 79C1)

RINGWOOD SALVATION ARMY, 49 Wantirna Rd., 1.30 tea/Coffee 15 September 2 – 3.30pm, Briefing Etc., (MEL 79G10)

WESTERN NEW COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH, (MEL26C4), Protea Cresc, St Albans. 18 September 9.30 Tea/coffee; 10 – 11.30am Briefing Etc.,
Sessions will cover:

• a briefing on the nature of inter-faith activity and the long-term implications of the ‘Parliament’ for Australian society and legislation

• one pastor’s experience of ten years involvement in his city’s inter-faith network

• Initiatives and proposals suggested by the committee and arising out of the consultation, which churches may use, evangelistically.
The ACTS 4_12 COMMITTEE is NOT about combat, but witness; it is not a negative response but about bearing witness in a pluralist, multi-faith age to the apostolic message that “there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved than the name of Jesus.”
For the purpose of catering and name tags please advise us of your coming by emailing dallasbooks@bigpond.com, or phoning 5982 3998 by Mon 14 September.

Rev Dr Dallas Clarnette
25 August 2009