Abram’s close shave in Egypt appeared to have made some impression upon him. Genesis 13:1-18 tells us that on his return to Canaan, Abram’s heart was set toward the Lord his God. The chapter even contrasts Abram’s new found perspective on life with that of his nephew, Lot. When given a choice as to which part of the valley he would choose, Lot chose the best portion for himself. Abram, however, had his sights fixed on the Lord and a heavenly reward that would far outweigh anything material.
Author: Philip
‘Abram: Wavering steps’ (Genesis 12:10-20)
After God called Abram to go to the land He promised to show him, Abram went on his way. He trusted what he was told and obeyed… until the events of Genesis 12:10-20 unfolded. Like us, Abram’s trust in God had to grow. The fact that he stumbled in these verses does not negate the overall pattern of growth. Like Abram, we all need to walk by faith and not by sight as we follow along behind the Lord who leads us.
‘Abram: First steps’ (Genesis 12:1-9)
The story of God’s call to Abram in Genesis 12:1-9, is a pivotal passage in the unfolding of Abram’s life and the whole story of the Bible. The fact that God called Abram and gave him many promises all based on grace is foundational to our faith. Yet also in these verses we meet Abram the willing obedient follower who ‘went out not knowing where he was to go’. His obedience to God’s call sets a pattern for believers today to follow.
Barnabas Fund ‘Religious Freedom in Australia’ 2019 Update Tour coming to Bendigo
Although the 2019 Federal election results have returned the Coalition government, many in our nation are still concerned for the future of religious freedom in our nation.
Last year, representatives from Barnabas Fund held many meetings in our capital and regional cities (including Bendigo) to invite the local churches to think and pray about and act on this important issue.
The ‘Barnabas Fund 2019 update’ tour is coming to Bendigo and we are pleased to be hosting the meeting. The details are;
7pm, Tuesday night, June 18th at Bendigo (St John’s) Presbyterian Church (corner of Forest and Mackenzie Streets)
The 2019 Update plans to look at what Barnabas Fund is currently doing, re-cap on Australia’s history and foundation of freedom and discuss ways in which Christians may be strengthened against increasing difficulties each may face.
‘Abram: Background steps’ (Genesis 11:27-32)
One of the most important characters in the Bible also played a major part in the unfolding of God’s plan of salvation. His name was Abraham, first introduced to us in Genesis 11:27-32 as Abram. His family background plays an important part in his story as does the fact that his wife Sarai, was barren…and who was it that Abram worshipped before God called him? All these matters underline the amazing grace of God that saves those who by rights, do not belong.
‘Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch’ (Alan Canavan, Acts 8:26-40)
The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40 is certainly an intriguing one for many reasons. Who was this eunuch? How was it that he was reading the Old Testament Scriptures? And what can we learn from Philip’s example about being ready to speak the gospel in all circumstances, even the strange ones?
Alan and Fave Canavan visit May 26th
Our church family is looking forward to renewing fellowship with long term Wycliffe/APWM missionaries Alan & Faye Canavan from Townsville, Qld. After completing a New Testament translation among the Bwanabwana speaking people of Papua New Guinea, Alan is now a translation consultant for Wycliffe throughout Australia and the Pacific, while Faye is responsible for member care in Far North Queensland. Both are Wycliffe reps in Townsville and are active members of the Willows Presbyterian Church there.
Alan and Faye will be speaking about their ministry during our worship and then again over lunch. Alan will be preaching from God’s Word. There will be a special retiring offering for their support.
‘Resurrection’ (John 20, Rev Peter Phillips)
The resurrection is central to Christianity. Without it our faith in futile (1 Corinthians 15:17-18) and we have no hope (1 Peter 1:3). Reason says that dead people don’t rise but that was known in the first century AD as well as now. Scripture records the careful eyewitness of such a surprising event and even 50 days afterward (Pentecost, Acts 2) there was already a debate about the resurrection! It was testified so that you may “believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead” (Romans 10:9). “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
‘The events of a terrible night’ (Luke 22:54-71)
The lead up to the cross in Luke’s gospel, especially in Luke 22:54-71 is stark and tragic. From the courtyard where Peter sat by the fire and there denied his Master, to the courtroom where the religious leaders of the day denied their own Messiah, the story is full of irony and tragedy. And yet as Isaiah once prophesied, ‘It was the will of the Lord to bruise him’. It was all in God’s plan of course, that His people might be saved. His loss, our gain.
‘Death and the death of Jesus’ (An Easter reflection)
No matter how much we deny it, death is never pretty. Death by crucifixion was even less so. While Mel Gibson went to extreme lengths to show us just how much Jesus suffered in his 2 hour plus movie, ‘The Passion of the Christ’, the Bible doesn’t give us that much information on what was actually involved. Of course, it mentions the nails that were driven into his hands and feet and the crown of thorns that was placed upon his head, but the most somber moment is recorded with the greatest simplicity: ‘after he had scourged Him, Pilate delivered Jesus to be crucified’ (Mark 15:15).
Yet, the message of the entire Bible centres on the cross of Jesus. It tells us that if we are to appreciate Jesus’ death and its implications for us, then we must understand that he was not just a man who suffered terrible things, but that he was God’s Son who took the place of sinners. It tells us that he was the Creator of the universe who willingly allowed himself to die as he did for those who rebelled against and hated him.
That’s what it’s about. Not about how much Jesus suffered, but about who it was that suffered and that he went to the most extreme lengths to purchase salvation for those who believe in him. Romans 5:8 says ‘God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ And he did that, not to win your sympathy, but that you might believe in him and know the free gift of forgiveness to cover your sins. No, his death was anything but pretty, but to those who believe in him, it was the greatest gift from God.
This Easter, seek him.