Reading God’s Word out loud is a very important aspect of our worship. Why? Because whenever His Word is read, He speaks to us! It’s for this reason (and some others) that we want to do the public reading of God’s Word to the best that we can. After our 4th Sunday lunch on March 22nd, we’re aiming to do some training in this very area, so that we can all, literally, be ‘on the same page’.
Author: Philip
‘How to grow up in your salvation’ (1 Peter 2:1-3)
If believers have been ‘born again’ by the imperishable seed of the Word of God, it follows that the natural outcome of this new birth will be hunger. In 1 Peter 2:1-3, Peter tells believers that we should be hungry for that which gave us birth (ie the Word of God) and presents this to us in the image of craving milk just like a new-born baby. But in order to feed properly and be full on the Word of God, we need to put aside those sins which would hinder us, as well as ensuring that we do not fill up on the ‘junk food’ of the world leaving no room for the real truth of the Word.
‘Born again: what it means and looks like’ (1 Peter 1:22-25)
When Peter told his readers that they had had been redeemed by through the precious blood of Christ, in 1 Peter 1:22-25 he urged them to therefore have a sincere, pure and fervent love for one another. This kind of love would be evidence that they had been made new (born again) through the Word of God which they had received and believed. Love for others will also be the main evidence that we also belong to Jesus and know the depth and the value of his redeeming love.
First ‘Quarterly Prayer Gathering’ for 2015
Our next quarterly prayer gathering is on Saturday, March 7th, in the Upper Room. Join us as we pray to our great God for missions and needs, local and worldwide. Just remember though, our new starting time is 10am. Come when you can, leave when you must!
‘Redemption – BC, AD and beyond’ (1 Peter 1:20-21)
When Peter told his readers , that they were to live holy lives because God the Father had redeemed them through the payment price of the blood of Jesus, Peter also let them know in 1 Peter 1:20-21 that this death of Jesus was no accident. Rather it was all according to God’s plan who before time, set Jesus apart to be our Saviour, then in the fullness of time sent Him to be our Saviour, so that this is what He is for all time! Such an amazing plan of salvation for all of God’s people!
Men’s Fellowship & Ladies’ Morning Tea: on again!
Saturday May 16th..
8am for the Men in the Hall (for breakfast)…
10:30am for the Ladies in the Upper Room (for morning tea)…
Come and join us!
‘Reverent pilgrims, redeemed slaves’ (1 Peter 1:17-19)
In their desire to live holy lives in response to God’s grace toward them, in 1 Peter 1:17-19, Peter tells his readers that they are to live in fear of the Lord, knowing well his impartial judgement that will come to all men. But to balance this, believers should also live knowing the redeeming love of God their Father who purchased them to be His own, not with money, but with the precious blood of His Son, Jesus.
‘From the head down to the fingers and the toes’ (1 Peter 1:13-16)
After telling his readers of the wonderful inheritance that God’s people will receive because of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, in 1 Peter 1:13-16, Peter then seeks to apply these truths to life. A very important word in his letter is the word ‘therefore’. Because of what Christ has done and what is coming, God’s people are to set their hopes on what is in heaven, not on what is on earth and live lives of holiness. The going will be tough and discipline will be required, but the rewards will be eternal.
‘A Vocal World Tour’ February 13th
We are please to provide the venue for this upcoming concert in support of the ministry of Compassion Australia. All details are below on the image. Feel free to come along and join us!
‘A psalm for the whole world’ (Psalm 67:1-7)
In an age where ‘selfies’ are trending more and more popular, Psalm 67 rightly points us back to God (instead of man) as the source of all grace and blessing. The need of the hour is that we know more and more of this grace and blessing – not so that we become comfortable, but so that we may be a blessing to others, even the whole world. Given too that God is the Lord of all the nations, the Psalm points out that His praise ought to be sung by peoples from every land. In this day when less than half of the world has even heard about the Lord Jesus Christ, we must pray that God would fulfill the Psalm’s vision and send His word to the ends of the earth. (No audio this week, sorry).