Author: Philip

Culture Connect training day Sept 22nd @ St John’s

Philip

People are on the move. They’re fleeing war, conflict and persecution. They’re looking for work. They’ve been trafficked, abused or cast out. For any number of reasons, they are in a new place. They’re seeking a new life and their needs are many.

Here in Australia, the church is on the move. As God brings new neighbours into our communities, we have the opportunity to become people of peace to them. CultureConnect is helping Australian Christians come alongside migrants to share journeys of joy and pain, faith and hope.

You’re invited to this special training event, where CultureConnect workers will be sharing how you can walk with those on the move in your community. So come, walk with us.

You’re invited!

When: Saturday, 22nd September 2018

Arrive from 9:30am, for a 10am sharp start. Concluding at 4pm

Where: St John’s Presbyterian Church Hall

Corner of MacKenzie Street and Forest Street, Bendigo

Cost: $20 per head / $10 concession

(Bring four people from your fellowship and fifth person comes FREE)

RSVP: interserve.org.au/go/equippinggodspeople-event

(this is essential)

Lunch and light refreshments provided.

More information: Ian and Nancy Cutlack niancycutlack@gmail.com

CultureConnect: A ministry of Interserve

‘Standing firm in an age of Jesus-plus-something’ (Colossians 2:8-12)

AudioPhilip

The first century Christian church faced all kinds of trials from within and without. It was a time of much persecution and false teachers and teachings. In Colossians 2:8-12, Paul urged his readers to stand firm in Christ, but also told them why they should do that and in doing so, shed some light on the work of Christ on our behalf and the connection between circumcision and baptism.

‘Learning from the king’s darkest day’ (2 Samuel 15:1-37)

AudioPhilip

After the events of 2 Samuel 14 where tensions between David and his son Absalom grew in their intensity, 2 Samuel 15:1-37 records how Absalom launched an all-out campaign to usurp David from his throne. As a result of this David fled, and in doing so must have known one of his darkest days, although not without the support of three individuals who came to support him. David’s darkest day points us to Jesus who went one step further, so that all who trust in Him (as David did – see Psalm 3) can find the great comfort and assurance of grace.

Would we be better off without Christianity?

Philip

Christian history is full of violence, corruption, and oppression. So would we be better off without Christianity? Does religion poison everything?
The history of the church offers plenty of ammunition to its critics. Crusades, inquisitions, witch hunts, the oppression of women …

‘For the Love of God: How the church is better and worse than you ever imagined’ is a documentary by the Centre for Public Christianity, confronting the worst of what Christians have done – and also tracing the origins of Western values like human rights, charity, humility, and non-violence back to the influence of Jesus.

Screening at the Bendigo cinemas on Sunday August 26th, @2pm

Click here for more information and details of how to get tickets.

‘Dealing with the blind spots of the king’ (2 Samuel 14:1-33)

AudioPhilip

When David’s son Absalom killed his brother Amnon in revenge as recorded in 2 Samuel 13, he fled. 2 Samuel 14:1-33 the unfolds the story of the growing tension between King David and his wayward son – something that went on and on but remained unresolved. Davuid was clearly conflicted. He loved his son and could not or would not bring him to justice. It was an untenable situation and one that would backfire badly on David’s rule as king. Another cautionary tale from David’s life and experience!

Our ‘daughter’ church gets her own home!

Philip

We are rejoicing with the Reforming Church congregation (South East Bendigo Presbyterian Church) who now have the keys to their new ‘home’ at 17 Victa Road, East Bendigo and begin meeting there from this Sunday August 5th at 10:30am.

Your ‘parent church’ family is thanking God for His wonderful provision for you and praying that all who enter your ‘new digs’ may find a warm welcome and the saving grace of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Want to know more? Follow this link here.

Bibles for South Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia

Philip

One of the challenges that the 480,000 people who fled from civil war in South Sudan face as they find refuge in Ethiopian refugee camps is that they have no Bibles. They have none because they ran from their homes for their very lives!

In an attempt to redress this, APWM has launched an appeal for Bibles, aiming to reach a target of 33,000 Bibles in the Nuer language at a cost of $330,000 (ie $10 per Bible)! In the last few weeks, we are pleased to have donated 123 Bibles to this appeal…small, we know, but when joined with the gifts of many other Presbyterian congregations, not an insignificant amount. Like to contribute to this appeal? Follow this link here.

‘The first fruits of the king’s sins appear’ (2 Samuel 13:1-39)

AudioPhilip

In 2 Samuel 13:1-39, the text records some dark events that happened in David’s family. While the chapter sets the scene for Absalom’s eventual rebellion against his father, it also portrays the reality of the consequences of David’s sin in chapter 11 being revealed in his own family. It’s a sad tale, but also a much needed cautionary warning.

Rev Kevin Murray’s visit July 22

Philip

We were pleased today to be able to welcome Rev Kevin Murray, the National Director of Australian Presbyterian World Mission (APWM) to our gathering this morning.

Thank you Kevin for coming and sharing God’s Word with us, encouraging us with news of how God is using APWM workers all across the globe and challenging us to be busy with the gospel at home and support those who have been called to distant places.

You can read about the wider ministries of APWM here.

‘Being true to our DNA’ (Rev Kevin Murray, 1 Peter 2:9-10)

AudioPhilip

When God called his people out of Egypt, Exodus 19:1-6 tells us that he did so for a purpose. Not only so the Messiah would come from their ranks, but so that Israel might be His people reflecting His nature to the world, thus showing the world how great He is. Peter picks up on this theme in 1 Peter 2:9-10, reminding God’s people today that we are His people, on earth to declare the wonders of His Name to the world.