The Paper November 2011 The shepherds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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