New home for Reforming!

new-home

We are pleased to announce that our daughter Church plant ‘Reforming’ (also known as South East Bendigo Presbyterian) has a new home at the Spring Gully Hall in Spring Gully Rd, Spring Gully (where else??). Join us there this week at 5pm

‘Hot topics – straight from the mouth of Jesus’ (John 8:31-59)

In John 8:31-59 Jesus was unafraid to speak openly about His claims to the Pharisees even though it cut across their understanding of truth. In a long debate between Jesus and the Pharisees, Jesus made some very significant claims as to His divinity, especially claiming to have lived long before Abraham, and that though the Pharisees claimed to be descended from Abraham, this did not make them right with God.  Salvation comes through faith in Jesus not by the process of birth.

‘When the Light confronted the darkness’ (John 8:12-30)

In John 8:12-30, Jesus claimed to be ‘The Light of the world’. In doing so, He made clear his identity as the Messiah, pointed out the darkness that lived in the hearts of those who refused to believe in Him, and encouraged those who believe him to follow Him in the light He gives. Jesus also taught that His disciples are also ‘the light of the world’ who are in the world to reflect His light to many who walk in darkness.

Temporary change of venue for Reforming

moving-van2Once again we have to advise that ‘Reforming’ is on the move (literally!). As we are no longer able to meet in our previous location, from Sunday July 14th, services will be held in the Church Hall at St John’s Presbyterian (Forest Street). We’ll let you know when we’ve found that new venue!

‘Righteousness received by grace’ (John 8:1-11)

Russ Grinter brings our attention to the day they brought a woman caught in the act of adultery to Jesus with the intent on having her stoned to death. This put Jesus into a trap. Releasing her without judgement would mean he was soft on sin. However to condemn her would have been inconsistent with his purpose. Instead, Jesus chose to forgive her and pay for her sins himself and told her to ‘sin no more’. Where the Law demands our judgement, Jesus gives grace that completely covers the sins of the guilty.

‘No-one ever spoke like this man’ (John 7:25-52)

At the Feast of the Tabernacles in Jerusalem, Jesus found himself in ‘the hot seat’. The religious authorities wanted to kill him and the crowds were divided about who He was. However Jesus spoke and made His identity clear to all, gave an indication of His departure from earth and spoke of the ministry of the Holy Spirit who would come and fill our greatest thirst. Despite facing such tension, Jesus issued a challenge to all who heard him to believe in Him and find the true source satisfaction in life.

‘Avoiding the dangerous trap of compromise’ (John 7:1-24)

When Jesus’ brothers encouraged him to attend the Jewish celebration of the Feast of the Tabernacles in Jerusalem, they did so for the wrong reasons. Their hope was that Jesus would make a name for himself and become some kind of celebrity figure. However, when Jesus attended the Feast, he did so on the quiet, yet continued to teach about himself quite openly. This led to a division among the crowds. Some thought him a madman, others said he was a good man. Varieties of opinions about Jesus continue to cause confusion today. In the midst of this uncertainty Jesus made his identity clear and remained determined to do the will of God and not the will of man.

‘That watershed moment – for Jesus and the Twelve’ (John 6:60-71)

When the crowds began to walk away from Jesus because of a hard saying, the Twelve were asked if they would also like to leave him. It was a watershed moment for the disciples. Peter replied that they had found something unique in Jesus – that His words had eternal quality – and that they could never leave him. Jesus, however, pointed out that one of the Twelve (Judas) was a traitor. Some who heard Jesus dismissed his words. Others hung on to them as life itself. Judas heard but did not believe. In which group do you belong?