Christian Israelite Church Sydney

The Paper January 2012 - Editorial

2012-01-19T15:50:00.000-08:00

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) .

Sydney Service 22 January 2012

2012-01-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

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

Sydney Service 8th January 2012 Outline

2011-12-29T17:11:00.000-08:00

CHRISTIAN ISRAELITE CHURCH SYDNEY
Church: 196 Campbell Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 Ph 1300 135 299
Mobile: 0418 688 607 – Internet: www.cichurch.com

Outline of Service 8th January 2012

Hebrews Chapters 11,12: Our Responsibility
God having provided some better thing for us…Heb 11:40

Hymn 113: God’s Plan and Constancy
The Lord’s Prayer Luke 11:2-4
Psalm 78:1-8 - Pass down the Message

Bible Readings:
The Inward Calling – 1 Kings 19:1-13
Our Role and Jesus Our Example – Hebrews 11:39 40; 12:1-24

Hymn 90: Looking to Jesus

• God has led His people through the past
• Jesus has set an example for us to follow
• God is leading us now, and we must pass on the Message
• All will be perfected when Jesus Christ returns
• Those alive then will received the “better thing” – life without death

Hymn 117: God is Still Working

Doxology

The Paper November 2011 The shepherds

2011-11-20T03:14:00.000-08:00

The Paper – Editorial November 2011 – Come and Worship

One of the favourite icons of Christmas is the Shepherds. We are all familiar with scenes of the Shepherds in the fields with their sheep. The Christmas Story relates how the Shepherds were watching their flocks, when suddenly something different, extraordinary and miraculous happened. They saw something that they had never seen before, and were greeted with tidings that were positive and embracing! Without wanting to detract from the seasonal significance of the occasion there are a number of observations we could make about the event.
The Shepherds were normal people going about their normal work. They were not recognised as being super special in any way (like the Three Kings of another well known Christmas icon) – they no doubt had their own personal convictions and beliefs, but generally they were representative of the average person. One significant point, however, was that when they were given a message they listened. They were open-minded enough to listen to a different point of view. Although it may have been a pretty spectacular way in which the message was delivered, they were receptive and were prepared to consider what they heard. We are not told with what level of veracity they questioned the angels’ message, but in the moment they were truly convicted by it. They believed the report, and were receptive to what it invited them to do.
The shepherds then responded to the Message. They went as they had been invited. What about leaving the sheep alone on the hillside while they went? They were convicted to the extent that they accepted to take risks which they might normally think were bad practice! And when they came, they saw. It was the impact of personal experience that fully convinced and convicted them that this was truth. The angels, the message, the invitation all followed in sequence, but the confirmation was when they saw for themselves.
We are told that this event had a dramatic impact on the rest of their lives. The story records that they went back to work and remembered the things that they had heard and seen, and as they remembered they rejoiced that they had been given the revelation and understanding. However, imagine the scene sometime later, and people passing by look on these people, the shepherds, considered in their society to be among the lowliest of all professions; on the outside they may have looked the same as before, but were they? They had had an experience that changed their lives on the inside, although the outside may have not looked any different.
As Christians we believe that the same process can be followed today by those who come to know God in what seems to be to many a mostly mundane World. Just as the angel spoke to the Shepherds so The Great Creator can speak into our personal lives today, convincing and convicting people of things which may not fit within the province of human logical reason. Paul in the Bible put it this way; “From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.” (Romans chapter 1, verse 20) This Christmas would you like to follow the example of the Shepherds - hear the call, accept, follow and experience for yourself a relationship with God through an encounter with the Christmas Baby, now grown and dwelling in another realm with His Heavenly Father.
If you would like to talk more about these beliefs and how the events of Christmas can help us accept our past, set the scene for a better life here and now, as well as show us a Vision for the future, please come along to our Church some time (see Church Notices for dates and times), or contact a Church near you and attend over this Christmas period where someone would be only too happy to discuss these issues further.

Sydney Service 13th November 2011 Outline

2011-10-29T23:42:00.000-07:00

Outline of Service 13th November 2011

Hebrews Chapter 11: People of Faith – Moses
By faith Moses forsook Egypt…kept the Passover…passed through the Red Sea
Heb 11: 24-29

Hymn 104: God Directs and Protects

Psalm 107:1-9 - God Satisfies the Longing Soul

Bible Readings:
Recognition – Exodus 2:11-22
Realisation – Exodus 4:18-23, 27-31
Redemption – Deut 1:1-3, 4:1-9
Remembrance – Hebrews 3:1-19

Hymn 20: A Personal Journey

• Moses was led by God through all stages of his life
• The Law promised life if it was kept
• We cannot keep the Law ourselves
• God has promised to keep His Law in us
• Let us Choose Life that we may live!

Hymn 80 (Tune 79): A Vision for the Future

Doxology

Sydney Service 23rd October 2011

2011-10-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

Outline of Service 23rd October 2011

Hebrews Chapter 11: People of Faith – Moses’ Parents
By faith Moses … was hid ... of his parents
Heb 11: 22

Hymn 117: God Guides

Psalm 25:8-15 – God Teaches

Bible Readings:
Behind the Scene – Exodus 1:1 – 2:9
Sometimes Things Should Be Private – Mark 1:35-45,
Led by the Heart – Luke 2:13-19

Hymn 126: God Rules

• Moses’ Parents feared God
• Moses’ Parents followed God guiding their hearts
• Moses’ Parents learnt God is in control
• When we surrender to God He can work in our lives
• We seek to be kept alive, floating in the Spirit, till Jesus returns

Hymn 32 (Tune 34): God Knows

Doxology

Sydney Service 9th October 2011 - Joseph

2011-10-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

Outline of Service 9th October 2011

Hebrews Chapter 11: People of Faith – Joseph
By faith Joseph…made mention of the departing of the children of Israel
Heb 11: 22

Hymn 115: Trust in God

Psalm 116:1-5 – God is always listening

Bible Readings:
A glimpse into the future – Genesis 37:1-11
The point of change – Genesis 41:38-46
Dreams fulfilled – Genesis 50:1-2, 7-9, 14-26
Forgiveness and personal dedication – Luke 17:1-5, 20-37

Hymn 6: Motivated by the Vision

• Joseph learnt from real-life experiences
• Joseph suffered wrongfully by the hands of others
• Joseph forgave those who did him wrong
• Like Joseph, we can look to redemption in the future

Hymn 49: God’s Favour is stronger than Man’s Learning

Doxology

Sydney Service 11th Spetember 2011

2011-09-23T05:08:00.000-07:00

Outline of Service 11th September 2011

Hebrews Chapter 11: People of Faith – Isaac
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
Heb 11: 17-20

Hymn 106: Wait On The Lord

Psalm 16:1-11 – Trust in God

Bible Readings:
Patience – Hebrews 11:17-20
Mission successful – Gen 24:1-3, 33-52, 58, 62-67
A turning point in history – Gen 27:1-34
Faith and works – Matthew 8:1-13

Hymn 117: Learning from the Past

• Isaac was a child born of Faith
• Isaac believed what was passed on, and had Hope in the Future
• God’s Covenant of Life passed through Isaac and is still offered today
• We must be patient and wait on God to receive Life Everlasting

Hymn 51: Seeing The Vision Clearly

Doxology

Sydney Service Outline 25th September 2011

2011-09-23T05:04:00.000-07:00

Outline of Service 25th September 2011

Hebrews Chapter 11: People of Faith – Jacob
By faith Jacob ..worshipped…
Heb 11: 21

Hymn 105: Worship The Lord

Psalm 67:1-7 – A two-way relationship

Bible Readings:
Leaving Home – Genesis 28:1-5, 10-22
An encounter with God – Gen 32:24-32
A personal testimony – Gen 47:5-11
Faith and works – Matthew 8:1-13

Hymn 130: A Life Changing Experience

• Jacob learnt from real-life experiences
• God made many promises to Jacob yet to be fulfilled
• Like Jacob we wrestle with the evil in our lives
• God has promised to overcome the evil in us and give us life

Hymn 47: The Promised Kingdom

Doxology

Service Sydney 28th August 2011

2011-08-22T14:24:00.000-07:00

Outline of Service 28th August 2011

Hebrews Chapter 11: People of Faith – Abraham and Sarah
By faith Abraham and Sarah……obeyed and received strength
Heb 11: 8, 11

Hymn 6: A Personal Vision

Psalm 105:1-10, 39-45 – The Covenant with Abraham will abide to a thousand Generations

Bible Readings:
Abraham called – Gen 12:1-7
The Covenant Renewed – Gen 17:1-8
Faith and works – James 2:14-26
Faith, obedience and strength – Hebrews 11:8-16

Hymn 28: A Blessing to all Nations

• Abraham and Sarah both had faith in God
• They received strength and believed God’s promises
• God’s Covenant of Life passed through Abraham and is still offered today
• We can have faith to experience the promise of eternal life – living with God in His Kingdom on Earth – that Abraham saw afar off

Hymn 21: Faith in God’s Strength

Doxology

Service Sydney Church 14th August 2011

2011-07-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

Outline of Service 14th August 2011

Hebrews Chapter 11: People of Faith - NOAH
By faith Noah … prepared an ark
Heb 11: 7

Hymn 118: (Tune 117): Tried and Proved

Psalm 119: 89-96 – The Earth will abide unto all Generations

Bible Readings:
Noah builds the Ark – Gen 5:1-3, 15-27
Noah’s perpetual faith – 1 Peter 3:13-22
An important parallel – 2 Peter 2:4-9

Hymn 16: Standing in the Promises

• Noah was motivated by faith, moved to works, and maintained God’s Promises
• God prepares His people for important events
• The ark is a figure of God’s Spirit in the Last Days
• We can be saved alive without death - in The Spirit - when Jesus returns

Hymn 51: Liberty in Christ Jesus

Doxology

Serevice Outline Sydney 24th July 2011

2011-07-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

Outline of Service 24th July 2011

Hebrews Chapter 11: People of Faith - Enoch
Enoch was translated that he should not see death
Heb 11: 5-6

Hymn 125: A Personal Prayer

Psalm 102:1, 16-22 – God hears the prayer of the prisoner

Bible Readings:
Enoch “was not” – Gen 5:1-3, 15-27
The continuing hope – John 11:11-27
An Invitation to Perfection – Rev 3:14-22

Hymn 7: Living Witnesses

• Enoch was taken bodily to heaven without seeing death
• The wages of sin is death, but there is a promise of life
• God knocks at the door of our heart for us to let Him in
• We must believe and let God do the work to show life in us

Hymn 79: The Light of Life

Doxology

The Paper July 2011 - Navigation

2011-07-08T03:29:00.000-07:00

The Paper – Editorial July 2011

How Do We Get There?
I recently had the opportunity to visit the UK. We had quite a number of places and people to visit so we opted to rent a GPS. This is probably “old hat” to many these days, but for me it was a first experience! Basically by putting in the postal code (they are very finely defined in the UK), and selecting a street, the Navigation instructions commence from where you are (without you even having to know) and gives you turn by turn directions until you reach your destination. It is an unusual feeling “not knowing where you are or where you are going”, but having confidence that you will end up at the right place. In the past I have always used maps, working out the route beforehand, then having to try to transcribe that information into the streets, roads and expressways that confronted us as we travelled along. I must confess that I still did look at the map beforehand to get an overview of where we were heading, but having never travelled the routes before, I had little way of knowing that we were on the right road, and so the constant instructions from the Navigator was not only comforting but essential.
My thoughts turned to our journey through life. There are lots of “maps” around which try to tell us how we should live. However, as Christians we believe there is one essential Directory which of course is the Bible. But like our physical journey to some place new, the Book, like a map, tells us about the destination, and gives guidelines on how to get there, but does not address every detail of our journey – detailed instructions like “take the third exit off the Roundabout”, “in two hundred meters prepare to turn left”, “now take the second street on your right” and so on. However as Christians we believe that we can have this level of detail provided to us as we navigate through life.
We believe that by prayer and submission to what we understand is God’s Will (like setting the parameters of the GPS) He will guide us through every detail of life, ending up at the final destination that we have set. This may well happen through opportunities being opened or closed to us rather than through an audible voice telling us what to select. Isaiah one of the Old Testament Prophets wrote many years ago, “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it”, whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left”. (Isaiah 30:21). What a comfort to know that there is someone who knows the best route for us in our lives, and that He is just waiting for us to ask Him to navigate for us.
We would like to invite you to attend our Church sometime, or alternatively to attend one of the Churches in your local Community, to talk about how to set the GPS so that you can go through life with an inward peace, inwardly assured where the journey will end. Please see Church Notices for dates and times.

Service Sydney 10th July 2011

2011-07-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

Outline of Service 10th July 2011

Hebrews Chapter 11: People of Faith - Abel
A more excellent sacrifice
Heb 11: 4

Hymn 106: Acknowledging God’s Greatness

Psalm 139:1-2,14, 21-24 – It’s What is Inside that Matters Most

Bible Readings:
The First Fight – Gen 4:1-26
Animal and Vegetable Required – Leviticus 23:9-14
Laws and Common Sense – Luke 11:37-54

Hymn 29: The Good Harvest

• Cain slew Abel because of jealousy
• Cain’s sacrifice was good, but his attitude was not
• Both animal and fruits of the Earth are acceptable sacrifices
• To obey is better than sacrifice

Hymn 14: Good News at the End

Doxology

Sydney Service 26th June 2011 - Faith

2011-06-24T13:58:00.000-07:00

Outline of Service 26th June 2011

Hebrews Chapter 11 - Faith
Faith is the substance of things hoped for
Heb 11:1-3

Hymn 123: Something from Outside Within

Psalm 111:1-10 – The God in Whom we believe

Bible Readings:
Can you see it? – 2 Kings 6:8-23
The Challenge – Habakkuk 2:1-4
Faith ... the Foundation – James 1:1-8
Faith calls for Action – Mark 2:1-12

Hymn 64: The Works of Faith

• Faith is the inward substance of our hopes
• There is more to life than what we see
• God gives us faith so that we may please Him
• We are spiritual beings going through a physical experience

Hymn 128: True Faith Demands a Response

Doxology

The Paper Editorial - May 2011

2011-05-06T16:34:00.000-07:00

Power at Pentecost
On one occasion one of my co-students claimed that I would be “cheating” if I prayed for help in my exams. “That is getting help from outside”, he said. However he also admitted that he did not believe in my “source of power”, so did not see how it could help anyhow! So if he did not believe in God, and accepted that I obtained this “help” without any physical contact or exchange, then it must be acceptable. Was it really just something of myself from within me, or was it “outside help” as I had suggested?
Many people talk about the ability of the mind to release power from within one’s self. However, the Christian understanding is not that we can develop ourselves from within, but that a Power from without can help us to develop. Jesus, the founder of Christianity, said, “I can of myself do nothing”, and acknowledged that it was The Father (God) that did the works (miracles etc.) that were done, in Him.
After the first Easter, when the risen Jesus was again with His disciples, He told them that they would receive “Power from on high” which would sustain their faith after He had been taken to Heaven. In the Bible account, this happened on the Day of Pentecost (better known by many now as Whitsuntide), which is 50 days after His resurrection – or after Easter. The day recorded as Ascension Day (when Jesus was taken up to Heaven) was 40 days after Easter, so in the Church calendar Whitsuntide is 10 days after Ascension Day.
It was at Pentecost (Whitsuntide), just following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, that the Bible records the Disciples did receive that Power from on High, and whilst each spoke in their own native tongue, others listening heard in their own native tongue. This event is often referred to as the beginning of the Christian Church, and Whitsuntide as the Birthday of the Church.
We believe that the Power that came on the first “Whitsunday” is still at work today, and is demonstrated outwardly in the workings of the Church in society, as well as inwardly in the hearts and lives of believers.
As Christians we believe that this Power is available to believers, and whether one thinks it is cheating or not to get outside help, it can help those who do believe in the “examinations of life”, as we go through the ups and downs of everyday living, and can bring purpose and meaning to this sometimes often perplexing World in which we live. The Power comes from outside, but shows itself through the impact that it has on the thoughts and consequent actions that people do. In Jesus’ words, “My peace I leave with you”. (John 14:27)

2011-05-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

Outline of Service 8th May 2011

From Passover to Pentecost
Ye shall receive power
Acts 1:8

Hymn 123: An Inward Preparation

Psalm 139:1-11, 23-24 – Checking What’s Inside

Bible Readings:
Ready and Waiting – Exodus 12:1-11, 30-36
The Promised Power – Acts 2:1-32
What Is This Power – John 14:8-21

Hymn 100: An Example for All

• At Passover (Easter) we think of repentance through Grace
• At Pentecost (Whitsuntide) we think of obedience through Power
• On Mothers Day we recognise God’s Spirit the Heavenly Mother
• The Promise is waiting for us to receive

Hymn 51: The Promise Continues

Service Sydney Church 10th April 2011

2011-04-02T22:41:00.000-07:00

Outline of Service 10th April 2011

Is Everything Packed?
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
I Tim 6:7

Hymn 123: An Inward Preparation

Psalm 139:1-11, 23-24 – Checking What’s Inside

Bible Readings:
Ready and Waiting – Exodus 12:1-11, 30-36
What is Really Important? – Matt 15:8-20
Godliness with Contentment – 1 Tim 6:1-12

Hymn 3: Ready to Go!

What to Take:
• What is inside is more important than what is outside
• Godliness with contentment is great gain!
• God has promised to provide all we need
• Prepare yourself and God will do the rest.

Hymn 49: Everyone Has An Equal chance

Doxology

Sydney Service 27th March 2011

2011-03-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

Outline of Service 27th March 2011

Road Blocks
What wilt Thou have me to do?
Acts 9:6

Hymn 102: Keep On Keeping On!

Psalm 1:1-6 – The Broad Options

Bible Readings:
A Questionable Journey – Numbers 22:10-35
Am I On the Right Road? – Acts 9:1-18
The Enemy within – Romans 7:14-25

Hymn 122 (Tune 123): The Real Obstacle

Road Blocks:
• God does use Road Blocks if we are on the wrong Road
• However most Road Blocks are because we don’t choose to be on the Right Road
• The Enemy within is the inherent evil
• Stan attracts the evil and causes us to sin!
• Don’t let the Enemy send us down the Wrong Road.

Hymn 30: The Goal Ahead

Doxology

Service Sydney Church 13th March 2011

2011-03-04T21:37:00.000-08:00

Outline of Service 13th March 2011
Last Service we looked at Where will the Journey End? – this time we consider:
Choosing the Route
We will serve the Lord
Joshua 24:15

Hymn 129: A Perfect Example

Psalm 1:1-6 – The Broad Options

Bible Readings:
An Offering in Righteousness – Malachi 3:1-7, 16-18
Sanctification - The Special Route – Joshua 24:1-2, 13-24
Care, Concern and Commitment – Matthew 7:13-29

Hymn 47: Faith and Obedience

Choosing the Route:
• God has offered life to all
• There is a route through forgiveness and one through obedience
• The forgiveness route is based on faith and life in the resurrection
• The sacrifice of righteousness can lead to life without death
• Choose you this day whom ye will serve – God will do the rest!

Hymn 79: The Light of Life

Doxology

Service 27th February 2011

2011-02-25T14:18:00.000-08:00

Outline of Service 27th February 2011

Where Will The Journey End?In My Father’s House are many mansions
John 14:2

Hymn 26: A Good Ending Planned

Psalm 16:1-3 7-11 – The Path of Life

Bible Readings:
The Path Taken leads to the Destination – 1 Samuel 15:1-26
The Options – 1 Cor 15:35-58
The Way, the Truth and the Life – John 14:1-7

Hymn 125: A Personal Realisation

The Path and the Destinations:
• God has showed us the Path that leads to Life
• We must stay on that Path if we want to arrive at that destination
• There is a Life Path that leads to assurance of the resurrection
• There is a Life Path that leads to preservation of spirit and soul and body
• God’s Plan ultimately leads to life for all

Hymn 132: The Final Destination

Doxology

Service Outline 13th Feb 2011

2011-02-11T17:53:00.000-08:00

Outline of Service 13th February 2011

The Map
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; There is n new thing under the sun.
Proverbs 1:9

Hymn 106: God - The Beginning and the End

Psalm 19:1-6; Eccles 1:4,9 – The Work of God

Bible Readings:
Mapped From the Beginning – Job 38:1-18
The Invisible Map can be Clearly Seen – Romans 1:16-32
The Way, the Truth and the Life – John 14:1-7

Hymn 99: The Map in the Sky

A Map:
• Shows us a road to follow – can zoom from eternity to present
• Gives comfort we are going in the right direction
• Does not highlight all the details
• Following the Map is unique for each traveller
• Encourages us to experience a walk with God

Hymn 81: Highlights on the Map

Doxology

Service 9th January 2011

2011-01-22T04:10:00.000-08:00

CHRISTIAN ISRAELITE CHURCH SYDNEY
Church: 196 Campbell Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 Ph 1300 135 299
Mobile: 0418 688 607 – Internet: www.cichurch.com

Outline of Service 9th January 2011

A New Start
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lam 3:21-23

Hymn 119: Where It Begins!

Praise God for His Love to us – Lamentations 3:21-26

Bible Readings:
Something from Nothing? – 2 Kings 7:1-20
The Promised World to Come – Rev 22:1-8; 22:1-7, 12-14
A New Life Now! – Colossians 3:1-4, 12-17

Hymn 59: When Jesus Returns

• Satan destroys good things God wants to give us
• God’s mercies now are a foretaste of what is to come
• Things will change at Jesus’ Return
• We can start now to be ready for The Big Change

Hymn 6: Start Now – and be prepared!

Doxology

Service 23rd January 2011

2011-01-22T04:08:00.000-08:00

CHRISTIAN ISRAELITE CHURCH SYDNEY
Church: 196 Campbell Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 Ph 1300 135 299
Mobile: 0418 688 607 – Internet: www.cichurch.com

Outline of Service 23rd January 2011The JourneyHe shall Choose our inheritance for us…Sing praises to God, sing praises.
Psalm 47:4,6

Hymn 21 (Tune 23): God is Waiting to Help

Psalm 47:1-9 – God reigns!

Bible Readings:
What to expect, and what to do – Eccles. 3:1-13, 12:13-14
Examples of the Faithful – Hebrews 11 (summarise while reading)
We are in this together – Rev 21:9-14

Hymn 115: Trials develop Truth

Over the next few months we will consider:
• Is there a Map
• Where Will We End Up
• What is the Best Route to Take
• Any Special Directions
• The Narrow Path

Hymn 90: Let Your Light Shine Bright

Doxology

The Paper January 2011

2011-01-22T04:06:00.000-08:00

It Is 2011 - The Past Is History!
There is always a lot of emphasis on having a vision for your future, and making a plan setting out where you want to be. In doing so, people often forget the importance of the past. They say “the past is history”, and they have no interest in history, and do not want to think about it. People say “History is boring!” Yes the past has gone, but the past has also planted a lot of seeds which will continue to grow into the future. As well as being able to learn from the way things happened in the past, it is important to recognise that events of the past can potentially have a big impact on the present, and on the future. The past is History, and History has shaped the present and will continue to influence the future. We should not dwell on events of the past, but be prepared to learn the lessons which these events can teach us. It is a bit like driving a car – we need to keep an eye in the rear vision mirror to assess any potential impact of what is behind us!
The turn of the Year is often seen as an interface between the past and the future – a time at which we contemplate our progress through life. When reviewing the present we need to take into account both the past and the future – remembering that the present is where they meet. We can go back in history to seek to understand why things in the World are like they are, and in our own lives, at a personal level, we can also go back to the past to try to understand the influences that have brought us to where we are. We can learn lessons from the past to help us understand the present and to help best plan for the future. With some people this self-assessment is done consciously, but with others it may happen automatically.
The Good Book recommends that we should adopt a positive attitude in life, and suggests that we should not say “the former days were better than these”. (Ecclesiastes 7:10). We should not dwell in the past, but should always be looking for the positives as we go forward. We do need to be able to accept the past as having provided the stepping stones that got us to where we are, but we should live in the present, and enjoy the benefits as life progresses.
The Bible presents a high level outline of the past – relating historical events that have had an impact on shaping our present World – and also gives a broad outline for the future, ultimately predicting the establishment of a New World order. In between are guidelines for us on how to enjoy life in the present. There is an inward peace in being able to view our own circumstances within the context of this broader Plan. We must live in the present and plan for the future, but don’t forget the past.
Christians believe that there have been key events in history which have had an impact on what is happening now, and on what will happen in the future. Specifically we believe that there was a major event in history some 2,000 years ago when Jesus Christ came to this Earth, and was crucified, rose from the dead and ascended into Heaven. We cannot explain why, but we believe that through this event of history, Jesus shedding His blood on the Cross, the whole of creation can be made right with its Creator. The Bible says that “God was in Christ, reconciling the World to Himself”. (2 Corinthians, chapter 5, verse 19) It might sound strange, and be hard to believe, but the events are well supported by historical evidence. This is one event in history of which we believe all should be aware, and we believe that understanding and accepting it can have a significant impact on our lives today and into the future.
We would like to invite you to attend our Church sometime or alternatively to attend one of the Churches in your local Community, to talk about the impact that these events of the past can have now and into the future. Please see Church Notices for dates and times.
Rodney Gray – Pastor Christian Israelite Church, 196 Campbell Street, Sydney (www.cichurch.com)

The Paper November 2010

2010-11-17T05:31:00.000-08:00

The Paper – Editorial November 2010
Come and Worship

Everbody tells us we need a Plan! The motivationalists, the financial planners, the self-improvement teachers. They all quote President Roosevelt’s famous saying that “to Fail to Plan is a Plan to Fail”. But for most of us starting with a blank piece of paper is a challenge! We do not know what we do not know! We don’t know what the options are to be able to make the best choice, and so our Vision for the future is limited by our experiences from the past.
There is a little poem which used to frequently appear in autograph books which reads:
He that knoweth not, and knoweth not that he knoweth not, he is a fool, Shun him;
He that knoweth not and knoweth that he knoweth not, he is simple, Teach him;
He that knoweth and knoweth not that he knoweth, he is asleep, Wake him; but
He that knoweth and knoweth that he knoweth, he is wise, Follow him.
The Christmas Story is often epitomised in the Wise Men who came to worship the Baby Jesus. They knew what they were looking for (they had a Plan), and they knew why they were looking – they were convicted of their beliefs. Their journey did not “ just happen”. Clearly these people, perhaps astrologers, had been studying, and looking for some high level signs in the order of the Universe. Whether they understood the magnitude of their revelation or not we do not know, but clearly they were convicted to the point where they were prepared to make a Plan and follow it. We might question whether they felt fulfilled after finding “a baby”, or whether they may have expected a different manifestation of His Kingship. Was this what they had expected, and did they already know the future of this baby – to give His life to reconcile humanity to God? The story related in the Bible says that they came and worshiped Him, indicating that they knew in their own minds that their vision had been fulfilled. Not only were they convicted in following the Star, but they accepted that it led them to the right outcome. They “knew that they knew”, so, according to the poem, they were wise!
Christians, like others, need some “revelation” to get us thinking beyond our own limited experiences, to be able to come up with a visionary plan for our lives. This we find in the pages of the Bible. Often in life it is the hope, the expectation and the internal empowerment that we get from an event that confirms its validity to us rather than the immediate outcomes of the event itself. Most people come to a realisation that life is more than the physical events that occur around us. There is another dimension (perhaps the spiritual) that adds meaning and value to the things that happen around us (the physical). Christmas is one of those times when this is more apparent. Whether you believe in the Christmas Story or not, people are compelled to acknowledge a greater force of unity, concern and caring in the World around us at Christmas than at most other times during the year. To Christians this is a manifestation of the Spirit of God, and demonstrates the presence of a loving God encouraging us to Plan for a better future. When it comes to these critical issues of life, do you need shunning, teaching or waking, or are you like the Wise Men, you “know that you know”. Are you seeking in your heart and mind?
If you would like to talk more about Christian beliefs and how the events of Christmas can set a vision to encourage us to Plan for a better life here and now, as well as show us how to Plan for eternity, please come along to our Church some time (see Church Notices for dates and times), or contact a Church near you and attend over this Christmas period where someone would be only too happy to discuss these issues further.

Outline of Service 14th Novemner 2010

2010-11-06T00:08:00.000-07:00

CHRISTIAN ISRAELITE CHURCH SYDNEY
Church: 196 Campbell Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Outline of Service 14th November 2010

Israel - A History Lesson

Hymn 28: God’s Promises

Praise God for His watchfulness – Psalm 111:1-10

Bible Readings:
The Genesis of Israel – Genesis 17:1-8
Continuance Confirmed – 1 Chron 17:16-27
The Kingdom Divided – 1 Kings 12:1-17
Promised Return to Unity – Ezekiel 37:15-24
The Final Sealing – Revelations 7:1-8
Hold the Hope – Romans 11:1-5, 25-27, 33-36

Hymn 67: Israel’s Hope

• God chose Israel as a Special People
• There are Promises to Israel yet to be Fulfilled
• These Promises will be Fulfilled at Jesus’ Return
• Israel will live in Obedience to God’s Laws

Hymn 96: Israel’s Keeper

Doxology

Service 24th October 2010

2010-10-22T03:11:00.000-07:00

Outline of Service 24th October 2010

Personal Commitment
..and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8

Hymn 123: Jesus – Individual Inspiration

Recognition of God’s Presence – Psalm 34:1-4, 14-18

Bible Readings:

Dedication to Others – Isaiah 58:1-10

Responsibility of Obedience – Ephesians 6:1-13

…Let him deny himself… – Luke 9:11-27

Hymn 20: The Inward Ear

• Jesus has paid the sacrifice for sin
• If we sin we can be forgiven
• We must believe with a personal commitment
• God draws, and we follow

Hymn 129: The Spiritual War

Doxology

2010-10-08T03:49:00.000-07:00

Outline of Service 10th October 2010

Jesus – The Focal Point – Hebrews 1:8
But unto the Son [he saith], Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness [is] the sceptre of thy kingdom.

Hymn 44: Jesus – The Focal Point

The King of Glory – Psalm 24:1-10

Bible Readings:

A Failed Attempt – Genesis 22:1-14

In Type and In Reality – Hebrews 10:1-18

Not Earthly Wisdom! – 1 Corinthians 1:17-25

Hymn 69: Past, Present and Future

• Jesus has made everything right with God
• There is Only One Jesus in all Eternity
• Jesus sacrifice forgives our sins
• Because He Lives we can Live also
• Jesus will Reign with God For Ever

Hymn 119: Worship Him with the Whole of Creation

Doxology

Service Outline 26th September 2010

2010-09-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

CHRISTIAN ISRAELITE CHURCH SYDNEY
196 Campbell Street, Darlinghurst
NSW 2010 Ph 1300 135 299
Mobile: 0418 688 607 –

Outline of Service 26th September 2010

The Whole Duty of Man – Eccles 12:13

Hymn 32: An Inward Conviction
Phases of Creation – Ecclesiastes 12:1-14
Bible Readings:
True Worship – Isaiah 58:1-11
A God Relationship – Hebrews 12:1-14
Always Be Ready – Mark 13:28-37

Hymn 113 (Tune 115): God’s Power
• Each person has a spirit, soul and body
• What is the whole duty of man
• The need for an inward conviction
• But wait - there is more!
Hymn 72: Watch and Pray

Doxology

Service 12th September 2010

2010-09-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

CHRISTIAN ISRAELITE CHURCH SYDNEY
Church: 196 Campbell Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 Ph 1300 135 299
Mobile: 0418 688 607 – Internet: www.cichurch.com

Outline of Service 12th September 2010

The Plan for this World – Ps 104:5

Hymn 26: Summary of God’s Plan

The Great Creator – Psalm 104:1-5, 19-35

Bible Readings:

God’s Plan in More Detail – 2 Esdras 3:1-22

A Parable – Matthew 13:24-30, 34-35

The Last Days – 2 Peter 3:1-10

Hymn 125: A Personal Invitation

• God created this physical world, with a Plan
• Each person has a spirit, soul and body
• Satan attracts us to sin
• God will overcome evil in His Elect
• God will rest again and prevail over all

Hymn 46: A High Level View

Doxology

Service 22nd August 2010

2010-08-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

CHRISTIAN ISRAELITE CHURCH SYDNEY
Church: 196 Campbell Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 Ph 1300 135 299
Mobile: 0418 688 607 – Internet: www.cichurch.com

Outline of Service 22nd August 2010

God Created Everything – Isa 45:7

Hymn 30 (Tune 26): Seeing Clearly

Bible Readings:

God’s Plan Includes Everyone – Isaiah 45:1-13

A Parable – Ezekiel 28:1-19

Evil and Sin – Revelations 20:1-15

Resist in Humility – 1 Peter 5:1-10

Hymn 36 (Tune 34): The Veil Removed

• God created evil
• God allows evil to prove His Creation
• God will overcome evil in us
• Ultimately God Will Prevail

Hymn 54: All Under God

Doxology

Service Outline 8th August 2010

2010-08-06T22:03:00.000-07:00

CHRISTIAN ISRAELITE CHURCH SYDNEY
Church: 196 Campbell Street, Darlinghurst NSW2010 Ph 1300 135 299
Mobile: 0418 688 607
Outline of Service 8th August 2010

In the Beginning – Tuning on the Light John 1:3

Hymn 128: Come Worship God

Bible Readings:

In the Beginning – Genesis 1:1-5
God in Creation – 2 Esdras 4:1-52
The Light of the World – John 1:1-5
Non Physical Substance – Hebrews 11:1-3
Hymn 57 (Tune 54): Heaven and Earth

• God existed before anything
• God is a Spirit
• God made everything
• We can see in spirit through faith
Hymn 34: Lead Us, and Help Us to Follow

Doxology

Life Cycle

2009-09-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

Maybe I am just simple, but every year it never ceases to amaze me how all those trees go through the cycle of dropping their leaves in autumn (well in the middle of the City it is probably more like winter!), letting the sun shine through for us in the cold weather, then growing all that new foliage in spring with all those big green leaves to make shade for us in the summer. And we don’t have to do a thing to help! Spring is such a lovely time of the year – first the yellow daffodils, then the coloured flowers and then the bright azaleas make their appearance. And they seem to pop up everywhere. It is also amazing how persistent the little plants are – not just the flowers but the weeds too – the way they push their way up even between the cracks in the middle of the road if the gap has not been fully sealed, and other places where they may not necessarily be welcome.

To me it is hard to understand how little seeds, which are so small, have within them the ability to grow into their own kind of plant. When I look at a plot of ground I find it hard to know how I would even start to make something yellow, red or green out of that! It is just dirt – but somehow the little seeds extract what they need, interact with their environment, and produce a hue of colour with different shapes and sizes out of the dirt. We do take a lot for granted, don’t we! I guess if I were a Botanist I might be able to begin to explain some theory of the mechanism that makes all this happen, but whatever the theory, it should not be allowed to detract from the beauty of the process.

Many poets and writers have made analogies between the annual life cycle of nature and our lives, and the more we consider this the more detailed the analogy can become. But one message that comes through is hope for the future. Just as nature repeats the annual growth cycle, so as we go through life we experience opportunities and set-backs which form the cycles of our lives. Sometimes things seem good, but sometimes we need to be reminded that the good times are on the way.

As Christians we thank God for the gift of life He has given us, and seek to Him to nurture our lives so that we can experience the good things they have to offer. We believe, however, that to receive this virtue within ourselves we must recognise that He exists, and that He sent His Son Jesus Christ into the World to show a way of life for us to follow; to reconcile the World to Himself. Many Christians share the hope that Jesus Christ will return to this Earth and transform everything into a constant eternity of life. The cycle of ups and downs will be replaced by an eternity of everlasting life. These things may be hard to believe and impossible to understand, but to those who accept them they hold out a hope for the future.

Running Late

2009-07-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

I am one of those people who is always running late - if something important is on, friends tell me a time half an hour in advance so I will not miss out! My excuse is that I am always doing lots of things, and I try to fit in that extra job that runs me late. But isn’t it the case that many of us try to do too much? We take on too many jobs, try to go to too many places, visit too many people and attend too many functions so we just run out of time! In principle there is nothing wrong with this, except when it starts to impact on our ability to enjoy the things that we do do. Things that we should be enjoying become a bind because we don’t take time to enjoy them! Where are you going now, I might ask? Are you going somewhere that could be left off your busy schedule, or doing something that could be achieved just as effectively in a less onerous way? As we all know good time management is necessary in effectively planning each day.

The Where are you going question could, of course, equally apply in reference to what vision or objectives you might have for your life. It seems to be that people who are able to develop objectives for where they want to be at some time in the future have much more success in achieving than those who do not. Somebody once said, to fail to plan is a plan to fail. I have never been strong on setting personal goals, as I recognise that there are a lot of factors beyond my control so I do not want to pre-empt a final outcome, but nevertheless it does seem good to set goals for where you want to go. You then must learn to be able to accept and adjust to the detours and route changes along the way!

And in a third sense the Where are you going question relates to the unknown phase of life beyond the life we are living now. There is no definitive human detail about that journey, but setting the goals comes from an inward acceptance or understanding about those things which we personally and inwardly believe. At times people have to face a stark confrontation with eternity. For instance just recently I was asked to visit a person living quite “normally” who had gone into hospital for tests and was suddenly confronted with the news that they would not be going home! I am sure for some this is an all too familiar story! One or two weeks – who knows? But it is when confronted with such a reality that people are forced to think about what might be going to happen. Many people choose not to think about this journey, but if we do, in most cases it gives us a liberating feeling, and the outcome of being able to enjoy life on “this side” to a higher level. It doesn’t hurt to think about it! As Christians we believe that our Creator has given us information about how this phase of life fits into a continuum of life, distilled into the collection of writings we call the Bible. Here we read about processes of life which apply generically to all generations, and about a central event – the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who has reconciled this World to the Great Creator.

Australian National Day of Thanksgiving

2009-05-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday 30th May this year is to be celebrated as Australia’s National Day of Thanksgiving.
“The National Day of Thanksgiving is a unique opportunity for Australians to celebrate and give thanks for our God given heritage as a nation and to demonstrate the God given values of honour, respect, thankfulness and gratitude towards our fellow man that have made us the great nation we are. It is a day for us to pause as a nation and say thank you to God and to each other for those many things we often take for granted but which really make our lives worth living. Let us use this day to be a blessing to those who have been a blessing to us during the past year.”

In a Message of support for National Day of Thanksgiving 2009, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia said; “How important it is to spend time in quiet gratitude, and to voice our thanks to those who have earned it. Our National Day of Thanksgiving is a marvellous opportunity to remind ourselves how much we have to be thankful for, and, though we walk through tough times and shadowed valleys, to acknowledge the efforts and contribution of those who walk with and before us.” (Reference www.thanksgiving.org.au )

It is interesting to note that our National Day of Thanksgiving is on the Whitsuntide week-end. Not many of us in Australia are familiar with the name “Whitsuntide” any more, although it is still commonly used in Europe. It is the weekend that falls seven weeks (50 days) after Easter – Easter being just after the March equinox – and hence Whitsuntide marks the beginning of the Northern Hemisphere summer. This is no doubt a good time for celebration in that region! The name was also well recognised in the UK until more recent times when the associated holiday became known just as Spring Holiday, and aligned in date with the USA Memorial Day Holiday on the last weekend in May. Because the date of Whitsuntide is related to phases of the moon, it is a variable date and moves like Easter.

The need for community sharing, networking and giving of thanks was recognised in the lifestyle set out in the Bible. God instructed His people to gather together three times every year. In early Biblical times these gatherings, or Feasts, were known respectively as Passover (or the Feast of Unleavened Bread), Pentecost (or The Feast of Weeks) and Tabernacles (or The Feast of Booths).

In the Christian era these Feasts generally became the periods of Easter, Whitsuntide and Christmas. Passover directly aligns with Easter, Pentecost with Whitsuntide, and there is a loose association between Tabernacles, which heralded the commencement of the New Year, and Christmas. Some Christian groups are more particular about the time of these celebrations, and look to more specific dates. Everyone was encouraged to attend these Feasts and partake of the fellowship offered by the opportunity.

We all know of Easter and Christmas, but the time of Pentecost, or Whitsuntide, is recognised as the Birthday of the Christian Church. It remembers the day, ten days after the ascension of Jesus Christ, when God evidenced His Power through the presence of His Spirit. The Disciples of Jesus were meeting together and when they spoke in their own language, were understood in the native language of all those who heard. It was as a result of the events of that day that the identity of the Christian Church went forward with a unique message and subsequently spread around the Globe.

It is perhaps contrary to the original intent of its Author that there are so many different “brands” of Christian churches today, but they all carry a similar basic message. The common denominator is proclaiming the Mission of Jesus Christ in His sacrifice and resurrection at Easter and the giving of Power at Whitsuntide. Through a personal acceptance of His sacrifice, we can be reconciled to God. Also for many believers there is the promise of His return to fulfil the lifecycle of this phase of God’s Plan of creation and the herald the beginning of the next, which we remember, among other things, at Christmas.

For Christians there is much Thanksgiving in recognising and accepting the greatness of our God, and the grace we receive through Jesus Chris at all times. However, Whitsuntide is a special time for thanksgiving and celebration.

The details of the Biblical Feasts and how they have influenced the development of our society makes an interesting study. If you would like to discuss this in more detail please feel free to come along to our Church some time (see Church Notices for dates and times), or to call into a Church closer to you where you would no doubt find someone happy to talk with you about these things.

Easter

2009-04-01T20:09:00.000-07:00

Recently we had one of our senior members talk to us about his World War 2 experiences. He explained how he felt two days after his eighteenth birthday receiving a letter telling him he had been selected for what seemed like was going to be a special assignment. After leaving his home in the country and travelling to Sydney he realized he had been drafted into the Army! He recounted some of the funnier incidents along the way in the transformation of a collective of young immature men into a cohesive group of Servicemen working together and obeying orders. On occasions, he recounted, they had only one set of clothes which they were wearing, but were told to “change their clothes every day”, which may have meant wearing their shirt inside out every second day, changing socks from one foot to the other, wearing singlets back the front and so on. He shared with us the personal frustration of not being able to understand why all these things were happening and the only way to carry on often was to stop trying o understand! How did one distance the actions which they were required to perform from their own personal repugnance of what they were doing?

No doubt many have heard similar stories, and been faced with the same imponderable questions about life and human behavior. Some may have shared the same experiences. But the interesting thing about this presentation was that this was the first time our friend had actually felt the confidence to openly talk about these events. Sixty years of inward turmoil based on low self-confidence had followed his experiences, and only now did he gain the strength to share his feelings. Many who have come through this path have been able to readjust to a “normal” lifestyle in different ways, but there appear to be a lot who still carry a legacy from their earlier life experiences.

When people came to face these big questions in life the Blame Game is often played. People will ask, “Why does God allow these things to happen?” What these people do not take into account is that as well as a God there is a Devil. It is the effects of the Devil that brings about the undesirable events in the World. And in choosing not to follow God’s ways people are actually siding with the Devil. Now we could have great philosophical discussions about what is meant by God and by the Devil, but generically these forces represent what is for the long-term common good and what is against it respectively.

Along with most Religions, Christians believe that our present existence is part of a continuum of life given us by God, and accept that in our present condition we cannot understand all the why’s and wherefore’s of human behavior and the consequences of our actions. However we do believe that behind it all is a Master Plan which one day we will understand. For Christians an outline of this Plan is presented for us in that Instruction Book for Life – the Bible. And it is in the Bible that we see the story of God our Creator sending His Son to be an ambassador to reconcile the World to Himself. This is the story of Easter – how Jesus Christ gave His life that those who believe in Him might have life everlasting.

It all sounds so simple and yet so inexplicable, but those who hold to this explanation of why the World is like it is find within themselves with an inward peace which allows them to accept conditions around them and to want to share their belief with others. Like our friend, many are hurting on the inside, many have bottled things up inside themselves for many years and have difficulty expressing how they feel. If you have never confronted the Christian Message of the crucified and resurrected Christ as a starting point to understand the World around you, then maybe this Easter might be a good time to take up this challenge.