Join us each Sunday as we worship our faithful God during the month of January at 10:30am!
Author: Philip
‘What’s in a name?’ (Matthew 1:23, Rev Keith Bell)
Names are vital things, usually given because of the desire of the parents. In Matthew 1:23, we find out that God directed Joseph to name Mary’s baby ‘Jesus’. God must have had a plan and a purpose in providing such a name for His Son. What was it?
‘The ordinary, unusual and extraordinary in the birth of Jesus’ (Luke 2:1-35)
There are those who think that God only works in a big way, through miraculous events. He certainly has in the past and there’s no telling what He will do in the days ahead, but to fill out the whole picture, we need to remember that God also works in the ordinary things of life – birth, census…things like that. Luke 2:1-35 tells us some of these things – even including the extraordinary – by which he has made known to us the path to eternal life – through Jesus, His Son.
A Christmas reflection: ‘The sad truth about Christmas’
Christmas is not about reindeer, sleigh bells or Santa, turkey, stuffing, mince pies or fruitcake, Christmas trees or presents. It’s not even about shepherds and wise men, a bright star or a manger. These last mentioned things help to make up the Bible’s account of the first Christmas, but they are not what it’s about.
God began the gift-giving tradition at Christmas by giving us His Son, Jesus. Why did He do that? Because we cannot deal with our own sin. We can no more change our sinful condition as a leopard can his spots! God sent His Son into the world to save us. The Bible says that, ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
The sad truth about Christmas is that although we all desperately need the Saviour that God sent, most people will not receive Him. Even though God’s offer is open to ‘whoever believes’ and there is no barrier in His eyes created by your skin colour or socio economic standing or which football team you support…still most people don’t mind the trimmings that go with Christmas itself, but they don’t want the Saviour that God sent.
So what is Christmas about? It’s about Jesus. It is possible to have Christmas without Jesus, but it will not be complete. You may well have the presents and all the trimmings, but without Jesus you only have the outer shell not the inner core. Imagine making more fuss over the wrapping paper than the gift it contains!
Christmas is nearly here and it will soon be gone. Don’t let it be another one filled with only wrappings and trimmings. You may never have another opportunity like this one. Seek Him.
Christmas Day Service details
We meet together on Christmas Day at 9:30am. There will be Christmas Carols, the reading and preaching of God’s Word and a special offering for PresAID projects for that year! All welcome.
‘Treasuring Jesus above all’ (Shady Mehanni, Matthew 6:19-24)
The world is full of all kinds of treasures – the earthly kind. When Jesus spoke in the Sermon on the Mount he challenged his disciples in Matthew 6:19-24 to invest in the right kind of treasure and not fall for the trap of earthly treasures.
‘Jesus is the Bread of Life’ (John 6:25-40, Oliver Blythe)
There are so many things and gadgets and possibilities around us that seem to offer the much elusive satisfaction to life. But sadly, none of them really satisfy. In this message on John 6:25-40, Oliver Blythe from PTC looks at the claims Jesus made to provide that ultimate satisfaction in Himself and not in anything created.
‘Meet the king’s mighty men’ (2 Samuel 23:8-39)
There’s no doubt that 2 Samuel 23:8-39 makes an interesting list of names of men. David’s men. Men who supported and strengthened him during his flight from saul and his time as king over Israel and Judah. These men were great in their valour, courage and strength, winning battles and serving their Master no matter what the cost. Christians have a more worthy Master than these men ever did. Jesus, son of David, surpassed his ancestor in every way. Where are those who serve Him with courage and undying love?
What’s happening at St John’s this Christmas?
In a word… PLENTY!
On Friday night December 14th at our church property in Forest Street, we’re having a free BBQ dinner at 6pm with a Jumping Castle for the kids (also free!) followed by our annual ‘Carols by Torchlight’ at 8pm and supper.
Then on Saturday December 15th we’re having a Men’s Breakfast at 8am (combined with the men from Reforming and Eaglehawk Presbyterian churches) in the Church Hall in Forest Street.
Also on Saturday December 15th, a special event for Ladies (again combined with Eaglehawk and Reforming) with a ‘Women’s High Tea’ at 3pm in the Eaglehawk Presbyterian Church Hall.
Like to join us? Let us know! It would be helpful for catering purposes – especially for the High Tea!
On Christmas Day, December 25th, our service begins 9.30am with carols and a Christmas Bible message.
Prayer for the persecuted church
We set apart some time in our regular worship today to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted.
Using some materials (video, small booklets and power point slides) provided by Open Doors and some though-through prayers for governments, believers and their persecutors, we were able to bring their needs to our Lord. We did not pray that the persecution would end (Jesus promised that we would be persecuted because we belong to Him!) but that God would give them grace to maintain their trust in Him, their faithfulness to His word and the strength to continue to pray for their persecutors.
Our prayer is that our brothers and sisters may
- know the hope God gives (Ephesians 1:18)
- be strengthened by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16).
- know how much God loves them (Ephesians 3:17)
- know how to share the gospel (Ephesians 6:19).
- fearlessly tell others about Jesus (Ephesians 6:20)