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
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Serevice Outline Sydney 24th July 2011
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
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
Friday, July 8, 2011
The Paper July 2011 - Navigation
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Service Sydney 10th July 2011
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
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
Friday, June 24, 2011
Sydney Service 26th June 2011 - Faith
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
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
Friday, May 6, 2011
The Paper Editorial - May 2011
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)
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)
Thursday, May 5, 2011
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
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
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