Coming up this weekend 24th – 25th June 2017
This weekend we continue our series on Galatians. In the next talk, Jodie will be speaking on the topic, “Freedom Displayed” from Galatians chapter 6 verses 1 to 10.
This week we’re going to have a short video from CMS (The Church Missionary Society) about their ongoing activities in the world, and hear about the impact that Jesus is having amongst people in Latin America.
Our 8am Sunday service will be a Holy Communion Second Order AAPB service.
During our service, we’ll have our weekly question and answer time, and Jodie will be answering these questions:
- Since we only need one baptism, should those who had already been baptised by John avoided baptism from Jesus?
- Since we should be content with what God has given us, how should we manage our insecurities as we are pressured to look attractive?
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When the Bible talks about being sober-minded, could this include other things that cause us to lose focus and control, such as medications or lack of sleep?
- Why does Galatians say that ‘Christ Jesus has crucified the flesh’, and yet in other parts of the Bible it says ‘the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit’?
- Why do we say that people ‘grow’ in their faith when faith is given to us by God?
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Is it possible to be same-sex attracted and a committed Christian?
- Can women be ministers?
If you’re wanting to check out our church we’d really love you to visit us on Saturday at 5pm for a contemporary service with kids’ program and dinner afterwards, or come along on Sunday at 8am for a Prayer Book service.
Identifying our identity
One of the best ways to understand our Australian identity is to travel to another country.
During my recent trip to Canada, I discovered many ways in which Aussies differ.
Canadians love eating poutine (a fancy version of chips and gravy), but we love meat pies, and of course, Vegemite.
Canadians love ice hockey and curling, but Aussies follow rugby and AFL.
But beyond food and sport, there are other ways in which our identities different, even though we share so much with our Commonwealth cousins.
When it comes to our Christian identity, it’s sometimes difficult to see a difference between us and those in the world.
After all, we still battle with the same temptations that all humans face.
Yet, as those who have been given freedom by Jesus, we now have the Spirit of God in us, leading us to bear his fruit.
And that will lead us to show love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians chapter 5 verses 22 and 23.)
This is our new identity, as we live the new life that God has given us.
And the result of this is a new community that enjoys this fruit through the special relationships that stand on the foundation of the love and mercy shown us in Christ.
Which means that the benefits of following Jesus don’t stop at our personal forgiveness and hope: they extend to the richness of life together, as we enjoy a taste of the perfect life in Heaven.
So, Christians, let’s pray that God would continue to bring forth in us the fruit of his Spirit.
And if you’re not yet a follower of Jesus, then there’s no better time to find forgiveness and hope in him, so that you might also feel the love of true community.
Jodie
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