Commander Mike Oborn RAN, Executive Officer of HMAS Cerberus preached this message at the Annual Seafarer’s service based on Ecclesiastes 1. Mike spoke of how life can present itself as meaningless without God at the centre, and, with illustrations from his Navy career told of how the message of the book of Ecclesiastes (which presents life in this negative view) reinforces how our need to be right with our Creator.
Guest Speakers
‘Taming your tongue’ (James 3:1-12)
In tackling these verses from James 3, Joel Thomas reminds us that what we say is a big deal. Words can hurt and destroy when they should encourage and uplift. And the problem is our all at the tip of our tongues! It’s not enough to just keep our tongues from ‘speaking evil’. They should also ‘do good’ to others and promote the gospel.
‘Pride comes before a fall’ (Daniel 4:1-37)
Christian Tirtha spoke from Daniel 4 about the pride of King Nebuchadnezzar. He foolishly sought to build a kingdom without acknowledging God. Only after being humiliated did he turn and give God the glory he deserves. Our pride comes before a fall too but Jesus – who is humble and yet King of kings – offers us restoration. Are we too proud to receive it?
‘Passing the baton’ (2 Timothy 2:2)
Joel Thomas spoke from 2 Timothy 2:2 and encouraged us to pass the baton of the gospel. The gospel has come to us by God’s work through faithful people in the past. Unlike the Olympic relay, life is not a sprint and when we pass the baton, it remains with us too. As we entrust the gospel to the next generation, we run alongside, evangelise and train in such a way that they will pass it on too.
‘On prayer and praying’ (Matthew 7:7-29)
Rev Robert Carner, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria spoke from Matthew 7:7-29 highlighting the great responsibility and challenges we face if we are to become a people of prayer. Using examples from the prayer life of George Mueller, the words of Jesus, ‘Ask, seek, knock’ as well as tackling the question, ‘If God already knows then why pray?’, we were encouraged to commit ourselves to this high calling.
‘The most important question’ (Mark 8:27-38)
Rt Rev David Jones, Moderator General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia preached from Mark 8:27-38 highlighting the dramatic moment when Jesus posed a central question to his disciples, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ Peter’s answer ‘You are the Christ’ (Messiah) stands as one of the central confessions of the true Christian who will not only understand and believe in the importance of Jesus’ death but will also be willing to die to self every day and carry their own cross.
Talk: Church Planting
Rt Rev David Jones, Moderator General of the Presbyterian Church of Australia visited Bendigo and spoke about church planting from the Bible and his experiences in Tasmania. Continue reading