Creation Ministry International’s (CMI) ‘Ark Van’ man, Rod Walsh, will speak and show a special presentation about the trustworthiness of the Bible’s account of ‘Noah and the Ark’ (Genesis 6-9) at our 10:30am service on Sunday March 10th. Details about Rod and his ministry can be found here. Come and join us!
Author: Philip
‘The other side of the story of the extravagant love of God’ (John 3:9-21)
While these verses contain some great truths that highlight the depth and breadth of God’s love in sending Jesus in to the world to be our Saviour, they also present the other side of the coin. Salvation is not automatically given out to all people. While today is the day of salvation, clearly there are many in this world who will not and do not believe in Jesus and who remain committed to their unbelief. The text should help us think soberly about the end of life and the urgency of turning in faith to Jesus Christ.
‘Spotlight on the extravagant love of God’ (John 3:9-21)
John 3:9-21 contains the most well-known verse of the Bible, John 3:16, and so this sermon highlighted the love of God, it’s reach and depth, it’s purpose and limits. God’s love for and to the world was revealed fully in the death of Jesus. By faith in Him ‘whoever believes’ is given the free gift of eternal life. Believers know and live in the light of this love of God, which we can never fully grasp.
Home Groups begin!
Now that our H
ome Groups have been decided for 2013, we’re off and running! For the first part of the year we’ll be looking at the book of Proverbs. See the Home Group page for some details of where and when. If you want more detail, send an email to bendigopc@gmail.com or ring 54436189.
South East Bendigo PC launched!
Yep, no sooner does the post go up advertising that it’s about to begin…then all of a sudden…it’s begun! And we praise God for a really great beginning! Great songs and prayers, reading and preaching of the Scriptures, nibbles and drinks, comfy chairs, people of 
all ages, all gathering together to glorify God and hear from His Word.
Russ Grinter preached a great message from 1Peter 1:1-12 commencing a series that will continue on until Easter. Keep your eye on the website which will be up and running soon (we hope!) with sermon downloads available in due time.
‘On being born (twice)’ (John 3:1-8)
To many people the phrase ‘born again’ is an old cliché, but not to Jesus. When speaking with the Pharisee Nicodemus, Jesus explained to him that while all people enjoy physical life, not all enjoy spiritual life and that the new birth is needed to enter the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus was confused by this, as many people are, but yet this is the plain teaching of the Scripture which tells us that the Holy Spirit makes people new through faith in Jesus.
South East Bendigo PC set to begin
The inaugural (OK…first) service of the South East Bendigo Presbyterian Church a.k.a. ‘Reforming’, (a ‘daughter’ church plant of Bendigo (St John’s)) is happening on February 3rd, 5p
m at the chapel of the Bendigo Funeral Home, 29 Miller Street, Bendigo. Russ Grinter will be commencing a preaching series on 1Peter. All are very welcome to see our first steps!
‘What was it that enraged the Son of God?’ (John 2:13-25)
When Jesus came to the Temple in Jerusalem, his actions were bold and dramatic. Overturning tables and setting free the animals who occupied the Temple courts, Jesus showed a great strength of character and resolve, and yet did it all in a way that showed he was fully in control of his actions. While the Jews wanted further proof of his authority that led him to do these things, Jesus pointed them forward to his own resurrection. This would be the proof of who He was and the authority He claimed.
2013 Home Groups
It’s become something of a tradition at Bendigo (St John’s) Presbyterian that we gather together for a meal and discuss where and when Home Groups will meet for the next 12 months. If you’re thinking of being in a Home Group this year, attendance is a must! This year’s Home Group dinner will be held at the church hall on Thursday February 7th from 6pm. Please bring something to share for main course and dessert. See you there!
‘Something new out of something old’ (John 2:1-12)
When Jesus attending the wedding in Cana, he was called upon to do something about the shortage of wine for the guests. His actions formed the first of seven ‘signs’ that John recorded for his readers that show something of His glory. While Moses’ first miracle was to turn water to blood which indicated judgement, Jesus’ first miracle was to show the fullness of coming blessing for the people of God as he turned something from the old covenant arrangement into something new and better. Not all saw his miracle but his disciples did and by it their faith in Him was confirmed.