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.
Author: Philip
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)
‘The king’s last words’ (2 Samuel 23:1-7)
There have been many occasions when the last words of people have been significant. That much is true for King David. In 2 Samuel 23:1-7, we have a record of David’s last words and they are words that carry much weight, not just because he was dying, but because they came to him from the Lord. Because that is so, these words of David take on a new perspective and point us beyond David to something greater in the plan of God that includes all of His people.
Playgroups and Sunday School Celebration service
It’s getting close to be that time of the year again! No…not Christmas…(well not just yet anyway), but it’s almost time for our annual Playgroups and Sunday School celebration service on Sunday November 25th @10:30am with a shared lunch to follow… Word is out that ‘Hot Dog’ is planning to be there too! Come and join us!
‘The king’s song of songs’ (2 Samuel 22:1-51)
It is well known that King David was a prolific song writer. 2 Samuel 22:1-51 is one of his compositions, pretty much identical to what is recorded in Psalm 18. We can read David’s song as a testimony to the strong and abiding grace of God toward him, but also as a forerunner and pointer to the grace of His greater Son, Jesus, who would come and show grace to the extreme, not just to David but to all His people.