Brendan Rayson spoke from Romans 5:1-11 about how Christ died for us. His death means we have peace with God and access to him through the Son because we have been justified by faith. It means we can rejoice, even in our suffering. We didn’t deserve this but it shows God’s love and grace.
Month: December 2013
‘Cradle, cross and crown’ (Philippians 2:1-11)
On Christmas Day (and every day), it’s good to think about the ‘amazing gulf that God did span’ in sending His Son to this earth to be our Saviour. In Philippians 2:1-11, Paul links 3 great truths that all are dependent upon one another; the birth, death and exaltation of Jesus, that not only are important theologically, but also practically – because they teach us how to live.
Christmas Day Service, 9:30am
You are welcome to join us at 9:30am on Christmas Day as we meet to celebrate the coming into the world of the One who said ‘I am the Light of the world’ (John 8:12). We’ll sing some carols, hear from God’s Word and will also be taking up an offering for PresAID projects in Uganda and East Timor and afterward we’ll share some morning tea!
‘United we stand (and are) in Christ’ (John 17:20-26)
John 17:20-26 highlights the fact that after praying for the security and the sanctification of His disciples, Jesus also prayed for their unity. In a passage variously interpreted by many to promote the ecumenical movement, Jesus’ words are best understood to refer to the unity (as distinct from uniformity) of all His disciples. This unity is a natural unity not a forced one, that has its basis in the fact that all true believers come to the one Father through the one Saviour.
‘The Lord’s Prayer for his disciples’ (John 17:13-19)
What we pray for indicates our priorities. John 17:13-19 continues Jesus’ prayer. After praying for God’s glory, he prays for his disciples and gives insight into his priorities. He wants his followers to have joy, even in the face of trials – not just happiness in good circumstances. He wants his followers to be kept safe, from the evil one and their own hearts. He wants them to be set apart from the world, yet sent into the world to continue his work. Do we share the same priorities as Jesus?
Carols by Torchlight Dec 22nd 8pm
Join us as we come together for ‘Carols by Torchlight’ (yep, it’s much safer than candles!) at St John’s on Sunday December 22nd at 8pm, followed by supper in the hall (please bring some to share!) All very welcome!
‘Learning from the real Lord’s Prayer’ (John 17:1-12)
John 17:1-12 records the moment Jesus prayed for all of his disciples. With a beautiful blend of intimacy and reverence, John records how Jesus prayed to His Father. By doing so, John gives us insight into the unique relationship between God the Father and Jesus the Son. The prayer also gives us a model of all true prayer because it reminds us that prayer comes from the heart, is an expression of a relationship with God and is always motivated by the glory of God.