We’re pleased to announce that plans have all come together under the good hand of God to plant a new Presbyterian Church in South East Bendigo in 2013.
More details will be revealed in time and when they are appropriate, but for now rejoice with us and pray for us as we take on this ‘open door of opportunity’ for the gospel’s sake.
The text of Numbers 21 concerns the snakes that bit the people of Israel after they grumbled against Moses and the Lord. In an act that would foreshadow the salvation that Jesus would bring, Moses lifted up a bronze snake upon a pole and all who looked to it were healed and kept from certain death. Jesus spoke of this in John 3:15-18 and said that He would be lifted up (on the cross) and all who look to Him in faith will be saved.
Faith is a concept that both unbelievers and believers can struggle with. This part of the book of James tackles the question of faith head on, showing that genuine faith will be seen and shown by deeds. No deeds will mean that there is no faith present or even that we have the faith of demons (whose belief in God leads them to do no more than quake in their boots!). So how do faith and deeds sit together? James points to the examples of Abraham and Rahab so that we might know!
(Sorry, no audio available for this message) Continue reading
Following on from James’ practical warnings about showing favouritism (2:1-7) comes this Scriptural foundation. While we may think that showing favouritism ‘hardly’ breaks God’s law, James reminds us that in God’s sight sin is sin and all sin deserves His judgement, yet (thankfully) that He also acts mercifully to those who show mercy. By these James challenges those who claim to love God and keep His law, if we would pass His test.
It’s Spring!
Time for AFL finals, blossom trees, sunny days and picnics!
All are welcome to come and join in our Church Family Picnic, Sunday September 23rd, after worship and morning tea at the White Hills Botanical Gardens (Midland Hwy, White Hills). If wet, no picnic! BYO everything!
Numbers 17 relates the important story of Aaron’s rod that budded, proving that he was the one chosen by God to be the High Priest of Israel. While mankind hates the notion of needing to be saved by another, God has made it clear that salvation can only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ and not in any other. Aaron’s budding rod also reminds us that (as Jesus taught in John 15) that it is only those who are ‘connected’ to Him who produce fruit.
The text of Numbers 16 concerns the rebellion of Korah and his friends against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. Korah fell for the dangers of thinking too highly of himself, influencing others the wrong way and refusing to humble himself before the Lord. His tragic end was a warning to the rest of the Israelites, but sadly they did not heed the lesson. The New Testament speaks of ‘Korah’s rebellion’ and urges us to heed the lesson that ‘a man reaps what he sows’ – something that the people of Israel failed to grasp.
Favourites. Favouritism. One’s good and a normal part of life. The other’s dangerous and ungodly. Why is that? James tells us why and ultimately points to the answer which (not surprisingly) is found in our ‘glorious Lord Jesus Christ’.
The renovations of our church hall continue to progress smoothly. The new kitchen and (indoor) toilets, new entrance and ramp should all be ready for use by the end of September. However not all will be done then! At a congregational meeting held today it was agreed that we should proceed with the ‘Stage 2’ of the renovations – the installation of a lower (false) ceiling in the hall. This is going to add some time to the project’s length, but will be a wonderful addition in the long run. We’ll keep you posted on when all is done!