At Christmas time, it is good to remember that long ago the prophets had some idea that God was going to do something special in the future when His Messiah would come to earth. What the prophets looked forward to is what the Apostles proclaimed about the death and resurrection of Jesus. These things are told to us in 1 Peter 1:10-12, with Peter even giving us the amazing truth that angels long to understand the fulness of such truths. Thankfully, we have the Word of God that tells us everything God wants us to know!
Author: Philip
‘There’s something unique about loving the Lord Jesus Christ’ (1 Peter 1:8)
In 1 Peter 1:8, Peter presents some amazing facts about the love that Christians have for the Lord Jesus Christ. We love him without ever having seen or met Him. We love him alongside of all other believers all over the world who also love Him. Also, the nature of this love for Him is enduring. It will go on and on even after this world is done! The end result of loving Jesus will be inexpressible joy that will never, ever end. True Christians know they do not love Him enough and will therefore want to grow every day in their love for Him.
Christmas Services @ St John’s 2014
Yep it’s that time of year again and we will have two special events that will celebrate the birth of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
On Sunday December 21 at 8pm we will hold our annual ‘Carols by Torchlight’ in St John’s followed by supper in the hall. This is always a great time of singing Christmas hymns, reflecting upon the Christmas story and hearing God’s Word explained to us in a shorter format. This year, Russ Grinter will be preaching. All are welcome and don’t forget your torch! (Maybe not as big as the one pictured!)
Then on Christmas Day, we will meet together at 9:30am in St John’s. Russ will be preaching again and there will be more Christmas hymns and more from God’s Word. There will also be an offering for PresAID (Presbyterians Assisting in Development) projects among our partner churches in Zambia, Myanmar and Vanuatu. Morning tea will follow in the hall if you can stay. Everyone is very welcome!
‘An anchor for the anchor-less’ (1 Peter 1:5-9)
In 1 Peter 1:5-9, Peter reminds his readers that though the inheritance of heaven will be kept for them and they will be kept by God for it, life on earth is not heaven. Our journey to heaven involves experiencing trials of many kinds that God has designed for the purifying of our faith and so that at then end of the journey, a greater measure of joy will await those who endure.
Combined Home Groups end-of-year-event!
Yep! It’s on again this year @ Lake Weeroona at 6pm (ish) on Tuesday November 25th. As per usual, BYO everything to eat (whether bbq or pizza or …bbq pizza!…) whatever takes your fancy. All welcome!
‘A hope for the hope-less’ (1 Peter 1:3-4)
In 1 Peter 1:3-4, Peter praises God for for the many blessings He gives to his own – for making us alive in Christ through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, for giving to us a living and certain hope and for all that inheritance is Christ that God has for his people. This inheritance, the fullness of our salvation in Christ is being guarded by God for His people nad we, His people are also being guarded so that we may receive this inheritance. All treasure that belongs to this world will either fail, fade or be foiled, but this treasure in Christ will never ever decay and best of all will never end.
‘A home for the homeless’ (1 Peter 1:1-2)
The Apostle Peter wrote to believers of the first century world who had been exiled from their homes because of their faith in and commitment to Christ. He wrote to them to assure them that though they did not belong to this world, that they did belong to God the Father who had elected them and sent His Spirit into them so that they would serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Believers around the world now face this similar problem of persecution. Our problem is that we are too attached to the world and forget that we are pilgrims ‘just passing through’. Our comfort is found in the electing and saving grace of our God.
We took part in ‘Solidarity Sunday’
Along with many other churches in our land, we took part in ‘Solidarity Sunday’ today by praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world and watching a short video released by the Australian Christian Lobby. We make prayer for the persecuted church a regular part of our worship and will continue to do so!
https://vimeo.com/110220388
‘The sad, sad end of the life of a fool’ (1 Samuel 31:1-13)
1 Samuel 31 tells us how the Philistines attacked Israel and were victorious, ending both King Saul and his sons’ lives – Saul’s sons in the battle and Saul by his own hand. Saul’s tragic life ended in a sad and lonely death, having refused to turn away from his mad pursuit of David and having failed to turn away from his sin. Saul’s death came about according to the Lord’s own warning to him, but even this did not deter him from this course of action. Saul’s death stands in stark contrast to the death of Jesus, the true King, whose death was not senseless and sad, but secured the salvation of the people of God and brings them real and eternal hope.
Naval Service report
L-R: Naval Cadets: Petty Officer Sophie Hamilton, Leading Seaman Leone Sevudredre, Leading Seaman Catherine Aikman, Lieutenant Commander Amy York, HMAS Cerberus and Reverend Peter Hastie, PTC.
Rev. Peter Hastie, Principal of the Presbyterian Theological College preached at our annual Seafarer’s (Naval) Service, from Acts 27 concerning the shipwreck the Apostle Paul endured on his journey to Rome. Peter asked the question, ‘How do you handle your worst fears?’ and then proceeded to provide encouragement from the way Paul trusted in God’s promises and plans in the most dangerous of situations, encouraging us to also ‘cast our anchors deep’ into the solid nature of those promises God gives us in His Word. (Unfortunately there was no sound recording due to an oversight.) The service was attended by members of Bendigo’s Ex-Navalmen’s Club, Lieutenant Commander Amy York, RAN, OAM, Cr Elise Chapman, Lisa Chesters MP and cadets from the TS Bendigo