Monday, November 19, 2012


The Paper – Editorial November 2012  -
The Spirit of Christmas
What would we do without Christmas!  It is the sort of safety pressure valve in the flow of life that opens up the lines and relieves the pressure that builds up from the year’s activities! 
It is interesting that the recognition of Christmas as a time to encourage us to think of what might be termed “the more enduring” qualities of life has been around for a long time.  We still see, for example, Ebenezer Scrooge (the Charles Dickens character in his story A Christmas Carol written in 1843) displayed in the David Jones Store windows, depicting so effectively the struggle each of us still faces in 2012 – how to gain the right balance between materialism and idealism, in which we acknowledge a greater joy in giving than in receiving. 
Many readers may be familiar with the story in the Bible about the two sisters Mary and Martha. (1)  Jesus had come to visit, and Martha was busy with the preparations, whilst Mary sat paying attention to, and listening to the visitor.  Finally Martha could stand it no longer!  She knew that Jesus was a fair person, and had a good work ethic, so she approached Him, asking him to tell Mary to start pulling her weight around the house!  However, the response was not as Martha had anticipated – Jesus explained that there is a need to balance the important responsibility of doing things that have to be done against the need for fellowship and communication and for setting our mind to think about issues beyond the everyday world in which we live.  Whilst He tried not to take sides, and recognised the need for both roles, He did seem to come down on Martha for wanting to deny Mary the opportunity of “stopping to smell the roses”! 
Each of us should be careful this Christmas season that we do not let the things that have to be done so dominate our activities that we deny ourselves the opportunity to enjoy the festivities, and we forget to consider what it is all about.   As mentioned earlier the process of Christmas as a time to enjoy the company of others, to do things with our friends and to review the real issues of life has been accepted for a long time.  How we actually do it varies with the world around us – how we buy the presents, who we visit, what meals we prepare - these all change from generation to generation, but the real purpose of Christmas should be for each to relax, relate and seek to realise within ourselves the most important issues of life.
To Christians, of course, Christmas is the time when we celebrate the birthday of the baby Jesus (even though some may question the accuracy of the date).  In Him, we believe, was the physical manifestation of God, the Creator of the Universe.  In celebrating His birth in a stable we see an extreme demonstration of humility, which continued throughout His historic life ending in the sacrifice of His own self, even though the Roman Governor had openly said he found no fault in Him!  The reasoning behind these activities is beyond our human abilities to understand, but in believing and accepting them we find a connection with something beyond our earthy limitations that enables us to more fully appreciate values different from those which predominate in the immediate material World around us.  No wonder Christmas is an important time for Christians!
We wish you all a happy Christmas and a prosperous 2013.  We would like to invite you to visit a Church in your local Community over this Christmas period, to talk about the Christian perspectives behind the birth, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.  See Church Notices in this Paper for times of Meetings at the Christian Israelite Church in Campbell Street – a Church which has been in continuous service in this Community for 160 years - since 1853. 
(1)      Those interested may like to read the account in their own Bible in Luke chapter 10, verses 38 to 42.
Rodney Gray – Pastor Christian Israelite Church, 196 Campbell Street, Sydney (www.cichurch.com) .

Friday, November 16, 2012


Outline of Service 25th November 2012

New Testament People – Revelation

Hymn 3:  God’s Appointed Time
The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4
Psalm 67:1-7 – God Shall Bless Us
Extract from CI Catechism:
268. Who was John?
John was the Disciple/Apostle whom Jesus loved; and it is believed that
he never died - Matthew 4:21; 10:2; Mark 1:19; John 21:20-23.
286. What is the Book of Revelation?
The Book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John, and contains the
revelation of God to him, of great events to come to pass, principally relating to
the end of the world and the redemption of Israel.

Bible Readings:
Daniel’s Vision: Daniel 12:1-13
The Purpose of the Revelation:  Revelation 1:1-11, 19-20
The End of the Age:  Revelation 22:1-14, 20-21
Hymn 57 – Tune 54:  New Heavens and New Earth
·       John’s unique understanding
·       Messages from God
·       Even so, come, Lord Jesus
Hymn 59:  The Promised Rest  
Doxology

Saturday, November 3, 2012


Outline of Service 11th November 2012

 

New Testament People – Felix, Festus and King Agrippa

 

Hymn 106:  God Rules

The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4

Psalm 103:1-5, 17-22 – His Kingdom Ruleth over All

Extract from CI Catechism:

284. Who was Agrippa?

He was a king who was almost persuaded to become a Christian by Paul - Acts 26:28.

 

Bible Readings:

The King of Heaven: Daniel 4:24-25, 28-31, 34-37

Festus and King Agrippa:  Acts 24:22-27; 25:1-4, 9-16, 22-27; 26:1-3, 19-32.

Confession Before Men:  Matthew 10:29-39

Hymn 23:  A Lasting Hope

·       Behind the scene influences

·       An opportunity to witness

·       Standing before The King

Hymn 51:  Seeing Clearly  

Doxology

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Sydney Service 23rd 2012


Outline of Service 23rd September 2012

New Testament Names – Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea

Hymn 119 - Tune:  Give Praise to God
The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4
Psalm 9:1-11: - Declare His Doings!

Extract from CI Catechism:
261. Who was Nicodemus?
He was a ruler of the Jews, and came by night to talk with Jesus – John 3:1,4,9; 7:50; 19:39.
273. Who was Joseph of Arimathea?
He was a rich man, who buried Jesus in a new tomb - Matthew 27:57,59; Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50; John 19:38.
Bible Readings:
Nicodemus – a closet Christian:  John 3:1-12; 7:45-53
Joseph – stirred into action:  Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42
A “God” Calling – Exodus 3:1-5, 9-14; 4:1-4, 10-18
Hymn 123:  Personal Inspiration
·       Developing personal faith
·       Leaders to be counted
·       Following, and waiting for our Lord’s return
·       Dedicated wholly – spirit and soul and body
Hymn 34:  Personal Dedication
Doxology

Wednesday, September 5, 2012


Outline of Service 9th September 2012

New Testament People – Jewish Sects

Hymn 104 - Tune:  A Refuge beyond Politics
The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4
Psalm 34:1-8: - Seek the Lord

Extract from CI Catechism:
262. Who were the Scribes?
The Scribes were the writers and teachers of the Law.
263. Who were the Pharisees?
They were a sect of the Jews who professed to be very strict, and to know better and do better than any other people - Acts 23:6-9; 26:5.
264. Who were the Sadducees?
They were a sect of the Jews who denied the resurrection - Acts 23:8.

Bible Readings:
An experience with Church politics – John 9:1-41
Paul highlights a difference – Acts 23:1-9
Groups of Believers – Isaiah 44:1-8, 21-24
Hymn 23:  A Personal Hope
·       The Sadducees and Pharisees
·       Religion in a secular society
·       Three types of believers
Hymn 49:  An Inheritance for the Faithful
Doxology

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Service Outline 26th August 2012


Outline of Service 26th August 2012
 
New Testament People – Dorcas, Eutychus and Elymas
 
Hymn 25:  The Standard Bearers
The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4
Psalm 28: - The Lord is my Strength and my Shield
 
Extract from CI Catechism:
281. Who was Elymas?
He was a sorcerer, who was struck blind for opposing Paul when preaching the Gospel - Acts 13:8.
282. Who was Dorcas?
A kind woman, who was good to the poor, and who having fallen ill and died, was raised from the dead by Peter - Acts 9:36-42.
283. Who was Eutychus?
He was a young man who slept while Paul was preaching, and falling down was killed; but Paul raised him to life again - Acts 20:9.
Bible Readings:
A Message of good tidings – Isaiah 61:1-11
Dorcas raised to life from the dead – Acts 9:36-42
Elymas opposes the Gospel – Acts 13:8-12
An eventful Meeting – Acts 20:7-12
Hymn 117:  Thy Glorious Deeds of Old
·        Everyday-people of faith and works
·        Examples for us to emulate whilst awaiting Jesus’ Return
·        A Christian Social Conscience as well as personal obedience
·        Are we obediently waiting for His return?
Hymn 79:  The Light of Life
Doxology

Outline of Service 26th August 2012

New Testament People – Dorcas, Eutychus and Elymas

 Hymn 25:  The Standard Bearers

The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4

Psalm 28: - The Lord is my Strength and my Shield


Extract from CI Catechism:
281. Who was Elymas?

He was a sorcerer, who was struck blind for opposing Paul when preaching the Gospel - Acts 13:8.

282. Who was Dorcas?

A kind woman, who was good to the poor, and who having fallen ill and died, was raised from the dead by Peter - Acts 9:36-42.

283. Who was Eutychus?

He was a young man who slept while Paul was preaching, and falling down was killed; but Paul raised him to life again - Acts 20:9.

Bible Readings:

A Message of good tidings – Isaiah 61:1-11

Dorcas raised to life from the dead – Acts 9:36-42

Elymas opposes the Gospel – Acts 13:8-12

An eventful Meeting – Acts 20:7-12

Hymn 117:  Thy Glorious Deeds of Old

·        Everyday-people of faith and works

·        Examples for us to emulate whilst awaiting Jesus’ Return

·        A Christian Social Conscience as well as personal obedience

·        Are we obediently waiting for His return?

Hymn 79:  The Light of Life

Doxology

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Service Outline Sydney 12th August 2012


Outline of Service 12th August 2012

New Testament People – Paul, Barnabas and Silas

Hymn 106:  His Truth Endures for Ever
The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4
Psalm 138: - Great is the Glory of the Lord

Extract from CI Catechism:
Quest. 277.  Who was Paul?
Paul was chosen by God as the Apostle to the Gentiles, and wrote most of the
Epistles - Acts 13:9; Romans 1:1; Ephesians 1:1.
Quest. 279.  Who were Barnabas and Silas?
Two preachers of the Gospel, who at times travelled with Paul - Acts 4:36;
11:22; 15:22
Bible Readings:
Paul Called – Acts 9:1-16
Paul and Barnabas – Acts 9:25-27, 13:1-3, 9, 44-49
Paul and Silas – Acts 15:30-41; 16:25-40
Paul’s Message – Galatians 1:11-17, 2:1-2, 7-10
Hymn 16 – Tune 13:  God’ Work – God’s Messengers
·       Great Christian Missionaries
·       Sowing the seeds of faith and understanding
·        The responsibility of each to share what God puts in their hearts
·        The harvest of the ingathering of a remnant of Israel
Hymn 51:  God’s Witnesses
Doxology

Friday, July 6, 2012

Sydney Church Service 8th July 2012


Outline of Service 8th July 2012

New Testament People – The Apostles and Disciples

Hymn 128:  Come Worship our Great God  
The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4
Psalm 128:  -  Pass on the Blessing

Bible Readings:
Moses’ People Problem – Exodus 18:1, 8-26
Outpouring of God’s Spirit – Numbers 11:24-29
The Apostles Ordained – Mark 3:14-19
The first Disciples – Luke 10:1-9, 17-20
The Number Grows – Acts 1:12-16, 23-26

Hymn 49:  God’ Power – God’s People

·        Jesus appointed 12 Apostles
·        Jesus sent out other disciples
·        Are you a disciple of Jesus
·        Will you fully stand with Jesus Christ against Satan
·        God calls us to full redemption of spirit and soul and body

Hymn 15 – Tune 106 :  Last-Day Disciples

Doxology

Friday, June 22, 2012


Outline of Service 24th June 2012

New Testament People - Study 2:  John the Baptist

Hymn 106:  God’s Truth shall Endure
The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4
Psalm 29:  -  The Voice of the Lord

Bible Readings:
John’s mission in prophecy – Malachi 4:1-6
A special child – Luke 1:5-17, 57-64
John’s Mission  – John 1:6-27
John’s humility – John 3:25-31

Hymn 11 – tune 13:  God will Prepare a People

·        John’s Mission was to prepare the way for Jesus
·        Jesus Christ returned to the Heavens
·        Our Mission is to prepare for His Second Coming
·        Those alive will be preserved in spirit and soul and body
·        Are you ready for Jesus Christ to return?

Hymn 51:  A Time to Prepare

Doxology

Friday, June 8, 2012


Outline of Service 10th June 2012



New Testament People - Study 1:  The Four Evangelists



Hymn 123:  Inspired Revelation

The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4

Psalm 24:  -  Who is this King of Glory?



Bible Readings:

Moses Records the Journey – Deuteronomy 1:1-3, 9-18, 29-32

The Calling of Matthew – Matt 9:1-9

Luke’s Report – Luke 1:1-4

Mark Relates the Story – Acts 12:25, 15:35-41

John’s Record – John 21:20-25



Hymn 90:  Living Examples



·        The Bible has been written for our learning and instruction

·        The Evangelists recorded the life of Jesus

·        Jesus lived a life of example for us to follow

·        Jesus gave His life for the sins of the world

·        He died that we might live without death



Hymn 100:  A Role Model



Doxology

Friday, May 11, 2012

Sydney Service 13th May 2012 Outline

Outline of Service 13th May 2012

Study on Galatians 5:22-23:  Meekness and Temperance
(8th & 9th Fruits)
..the meek shall inherit the earth… Matt 5:5
Meekness – yielding, teachable, responsive to God; Temperance - self control, or showing meekness to others  (example of an elephant’s trunk)

Hymn 90:  Let’s Live It!
The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4
Psalm 25:1-10::  -  The meek seek the Lord

Bible Readings:
Moses – an example – Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Waiting with Tempered Meekness – Acts 1:1-26

Hymn 23:  Temperance through Meekness

·        Jesus showed an example of meekness and temperance
·        Meekness is something within, temperance without
·        Let us ask God to remove the evil from within us that stops us bearing fruit
·        The harvest will yield Life Eternal for Spirit and Soul and Body

Hymn 123:  Reflecting God’s Light to Others

Doxology

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Sydney Service 22nd April 2012

Outline of Service 22nd April 2012 Study on Galatians 5:22-23: Goodness and Faith (6th & 7th Fruits) ..the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord… Psalm 33:5 - Hymn 97: God’s Goodness All Around The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4 Psalm 33:1-9, 20-22: - God’s Goodness and Our Faith Bible Readings: God’s Goodness in Action – Exodus 2:1-25 Encouragement – 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 Good Thinking – Philippians 4:4-8 Hymn 127: God’s Goodness for the Asking • God’s goodness is all around • Through God’s Goodness we have Faith • Through Faith we believe His promises • He promised He would return • Are you seeking for the Transformation promised at that Time. Hymn 20: Personal Commitment Doxology

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Outline of Sydney Service 25th March 2012

Study on Galatians 5:22-23: Fifth Fruit - Gentleness
..be gentle, showing all meekness unto all men… Titus 3:2
- the way we feel and act towards others

Hymn 106: Gentleness in Service
The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4
Psalm 18:1-3, 30-36, 49-50: - Thanksgiving for Deliverance
See also 2 Samuel chapter 22

Bible Readings:
God’s Gentle Correction – 1 Kings 19:8-16
The Beatitudes – Matthew 5:1-16
A Gentle Attitude – James 3:13-18

Hymn 11: An Attitude in Heart

• Gentleness is manifest in the way we act towards others
• God expresses His love toward us in gentleness
• We must not seek revenge but be gentle towards others
• God’s gentleness within us can deliver us from evil
• God’s power can overcome death in those who are gentle

Hymn 129: A Role Model

Doxology

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Sydney Church Service Summary 11th March 2012

Study on Galatians 5:22-23: Fourth Fruit - Longsuffering
The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy… Numbers 14:18
Bearing injuries or provocation for a long time; patient; not easily provoked

Hymn 64: Inward Strength
The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4
Psalm 122: - Peace be Within Thy Walls

Bible Readings:
A Longsuffering God – Exodus 34:1-10, 27-35
Joseph a Type of Jesus – Genesis 45:1-8
The Day of The Lord – II Peter 3:1-18
An Exhortation to Unity – Ephesians 4:1-6

Hymn 125: Seeking God’s Power to be Patient

• God is longsuffering toward us not wanting any to perish
• We must seek to be longsuffering towards others
• The result of our longsuffering will be eternal life
• Longsuffering can also result in victory over physical death if we are alive when Jesus Christ returns

Hymn 90: The Victors

Doxology

Friday, February 24, 2012

Sydney Service 26th February 2012

Study on Galatians 5:22-23: Third Fruit - Peace
Peace be within thee… Psalm 122:8
- A state of quiet or tranquillity; freedom from disturbance or agitation

Hymn 14: Peace on Earth
The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4
Psalm 122: - Peace be Within Thy Walls

Bible Readings:

The Covenant of Peace – Number 25:1-18
The Prince of Peace - Isa 9:6-7
Peace in Jesus Christ – John 15:23-31, 16:31-33
The peace of God – Philippians 4:4-9

Hymn 107: Jesus Christ – The Prince of Peace

• Peace is a state of quiet or rest
• Peace can be external or internal to ourselves
• Jesus is the Prince of Peace
• The Peace of God can dwell within us despite what else is happening
• The Covenant of Peace will be consummated when the evil is slain within us

Hymn 91: The Rock of Peace

Doxology

Friday, February 10, 2012

Outline of Service 12th February 2012

Study on Galatians 5:22-23: Joy
For the joy of the Lord is your strength… Nehemiah 8:10
- the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires

Hymn 27: Joy from the future now!
The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4
Psalm 149: - Joy – a key ingredient of success

Bible Readings:

Share the joy - Nehemiah 8:1-12
The Joy of restoration – Luke 15:1-32
Always rejoice – Philippians 4:4-9

Hymn 25: Inward Joy

• Joy is an emotion of satisfaction
• Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit
• Joy evidences the presence of God in our lives
• Ultimate joy will be in life everlasting with our Creator

Hymn 83: Surprised by Joy!

Doxology

Thursday, January 19, 2012

The Paper January 2012 - Editorial

Good Times and Great Friends
It was late on Monday night at the end of a long weekend, and I boarded the crowded last plane from Melbourne back to Sydney after visiting relatives and friends. “Why is it”, I thought to myself, “that the people I want to visit are in Melbourne, when I live in Sydney, and people from Melbourne have been visiting people in Sydney for the weekend? Surely it would be a much greener solution if I just had friends in Sydney, and the Melbourne people had friends in Melbourne. Then we would not need this dashing to and fro just for a weekend! Aren’t all people basically the same?”
Of course this ideal situation might exist in Utopia, but the links that tie us to other people be they because they are related or through shared experiences, are stronger than those we have with those with whom we do not share such connections. People and families move in response to all sorts of demands that are put on them, and we are often required to work with people from all different places for a variety of reasons, and so over time we may build up relationships with people from everywhere. There seems to be a sense of achievement in developing a network of friends across a wide range of towns, states and countries!
It is interesting to think upon what attracts us to other people. Some attraction is physical, some intellectual or academic, some emotional, some through shared activities and some just because we like to be with someone for reasons we can’t explain – we just enjoy sharing their company and doing things with them. Over the course of our regular activities we meet lots of people, some with whom we “click” and some with whom we do not! There is a saying that it is good we don’t all fall in love with the same person or there would be lots more problems in the world! Each one of us is unique, and have different levels of attraction to others, and sometimes this develops into close friendships and sometimes not.
Generally, however, good-times are associated with people! When we think of activities that we enjoy, whilst the activity is a catalyst to bring us together with others, generally we enjoy the experience more because of those who we do them with.
There is the story of the Rabbi who loved playing golf. He woke up one Sabbath morning – the weather was beautiful, and although he knew it was completely forbidden, he opted for a quick round of golf before going to Synagogue. The angels seeing this asked their Boss to teach him a lesson. Off he went, hitting holes in one, driving straight down the fairways and with exceptional putting. The angels complained to God, “we asked you to show him a lesson!” “I have”, replied God, “Who is he going to be able to share his exceptional performance with?”...
Despite all the outward relationships that we may have we come to realise that ultimately we must know who we are inside ourselves before we can expect others to enjoy being with us. This is supported by the understanding held by most Religions that this life is only a sub-set of a greater spectrum of life. In our inner-self, our “spirit”, we must travel to “different places” away from the world around us, and find an inner peace by visiting another realm.
Specifically Christians believe we can develop a relationship with our Creator, who styles Himself as “a Sprit”, through putting faith and trust in Him. We believe that He has shown Himself to us through His Son, Jesus Christ, who came from another realm to visit us and lived as one of us; giving His life as a testimony to the distance we have moved from the principles set out by our Maker in the Guide Book called The Holy Bible.
If you do not already know this Friend, and how relaxed and at peace Christians can feel when in His company, we would like to invite you to talk with someone who does, and find out how to meet Him. Visits with Him do not consume copious amounts of natural resources, but require a focussing of your mind on “things above, and not on things of this world”. (For anyone who would care to look, the Apostle Paul summarised this situation in The Bible in his Letter to the Colossians, chapter 3 verses 1-4.)
You may like to attend our Church sometime or alternatively attend a Church in your local Community, to talk about the advantages of knowing and visiting such a Friend. Please see Church Notices for dates and times of the Meetings at our Church.
Rodney Gray – Pastor Christian Israelite Church, 196 Campbell Street, Sydney (www.cichurch.com) .

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Sydney Service 22 January 2012

Outline of Service 22nd January 2012


Study on Galatians 5:22-23: Love
God is love…1 John 4:8
Love is taking the initiative to build up and meet the needs of others,
without expecting anything in return.

Hymn 20: Love demonstrated in God’s Plan
The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4
Psalm 146: - Love demonstrated in Everyday Life

Bible Readings:
God’s Calling – Deuteronomy 7:1-11
True Dedication – 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 2 Samuel 9:1-13
The Gift of Charity – 1 Corinthians 13
The Essence of Life – Romans 13:8-10

Hymn 47: Love demonstrated through Obedience

• God loves His People
• God’s People will respond to His Love
• God’s People will show their love through obedience
• Jesus said: If a man keep my saying he shall never see death

Hymn 137: God is Love

Doxology