John 16:16-24 highlights the sorrow that the disciples would soon endure because of Jesus’ death. In this text Jesus promised that their sorrow was something he would turn into joy. He could do this because their sorrow would be short-lived, it would be for a purpose and it will bring about a new avenue of approach to God through prayer. Ultimately their sorrow would become joy because Jesus would not remain dead for long but would live again and the disciples would see Him again.
Author: Philip
Ladies’ Brunch
Ladies! Don’t forget the our first ‘Ladies’ Brunch’ is being held in the Upper Room (our church hall’s meeting room) on Saturday November 9th from 9:30am. Good food, coffee, fellowship and something from God’s Word – all provided! (for a small fee of $5 🙂 All ladies very welcome!
‘Getting a grasp on the ministry of the Spirit’ (John 16:4-15)
John 16:4-15 highlights the importance of Jesus’ teaching about the ministry of the Holy Spirit. His task in the world is to convict people of unbelief, righteousness and judgement and He does this by using the Word of God and applying it to the hearts of those who hear or read it. The Spirit’s role among God’s people is to enable us to remember and grasp the teaching and the words of Jesus and to promote the wonder and majesty of Jesus as the Saviour of all who believe.
‘Colossians’ in Home Groups
Paul’s letter to the believers in Colossae remains a vital one for so many reasons even after so many years! We’ve just begun to tackle the letter in our Home Groups (you’ll see the times listed somewhere on this page). Why not join us at one of them?
Guest Sermon: Commander Mike Oborn (Mark 4:35-41)
At our Annual Seafarer’s service, Commander Mike Oborn preached from Mark 4:35-41 concerning the calming of the storm. Mike looked at the passage from his vast experience at sea and so from the perspective of a mariner. In doing so he pointed out that what Mark recorded about the storm on the lake and the fear of the disciples in the boat were both plausible. So too the stilling of the storm by which Jesus showed the extent of His power over all of creation. The disciples responded to him with a mixture of awe and fear. Our response to him is vital when we consider how it is that we must face him on the day of judgement.
Annual Naval Service October 20th
Each year we welcome representatives of Bendigo’s Ex-Navalmen’s Club and the naval cadets of TS Bendigo to a special service with a distinct navy theme. This year our guest preacher will again be Commander Mike Oborn RAN, Executive Officer of HMAS Cerberus, who will preach on Psalm 107 and Mark 4. After the service Commander Oborn will inspect the naval cadets in formation, and then morning tea will follow in the hall. All are welcome!
‘Connected to the Vine and producing the right kind of fruit’ (John 15:1-11)
In these verses, Jesus said ‘I am the true Vine’. By using this figure of speech, Jesus spoke to his disciples about the Father who prunes the vine so that it produces and increasing amount of fruit, and of the disciples’ need to remain connected to the Vine in order that their lives might be fruitful. To ‘abide in Christ’ means to stay close to Him through His Word and prayer. This is our responsibility and something that must take the highest priority in our lives.
Working bee!!
Saturday October 12th, at the church, from 9am, skilled and unskilled workers to paint window frames, repoint stonework, general cleaning up inside and out and more! Other ways you can help – bring some morning tea or lunch to share, encourage the workers, pray for safety!
‘Maximum comfort for ever fearful disciples’ (John 14:1-14)
In a standout passage from John’s gospel, Jesus spoke words of comfort to his fearful disciples, reminding them of the home we was about to build for them, the way he was about to provide for them and the Father he was about to reveal to them. These words have been a source of great comfort for many centuries to those who trust in Him and by them we are prepared for life in this world and life in the Father’s house when this world is done.
‘Judas, Peter, Satan …and Jesus’ (John 13:18-38)
Seated at the table around the Last Supper, the disciples heard Jesus speak plainly that one of them would betray him and one of them would deny him. Judas was the betrayer – a man who failed to check the love of money within his heart and who was open to the schemes of the evil one. Peter was the a man who thought that he was as strong as an ox, only to be found to be as weak as a kitten. One fell into great sin and knew only remorse. The other was restored and forgiven by grace. Both serve to remind us that we cannot trust our own hearts.