Who Needs a Confessional?

During my truck driving test during the week, my examiner helped me relax by asking lots of questions about what I believe as a Christian and what my church does.

He asked me if my church had a confessional, where members of the church could go to a special meeting with the minister, to confess to him their sins so that he could then present those sins to God.

My answer was simple: we don’t have a confessional because we don’t need one: we can go straight to Jesus and tell him our sins, knowing that he will hear us, and will forgive us if we ask him.

I explained to my examiner that in the Old Testament, before Jesus, there were special people called priests who would act as go-betweens to God on their behalf.

But when Jesus came along, he replaced the priests so we now can confidently speak straight to Jesus, because not only is he the priest, Jesus is also the temple and the sacrifice… and, of course, the king!

Here’s how the writer to the Hebrews puts it:

And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22)

I was pleased to pass my truck driver’s licence test, but even happier to have another opportunity to talk about how good Jesus is!

JODIE McNEILL

(Credit: Emilio Labrador via Flickr.com)

Coming up this weekend 20-21 March

This weekend we have special guest Grahame Scarratt leading us from the second half of chapter eight in 1 Kings as we continue our series ‘Power and Hope’. We will explore what it means to give ‘Blessings in God’s Name‘.

If you’re joining us for Saturday night, note that the L’Etape Australia cycling event has been cancelled so just come to church at the normal time in the normal way.

If you have any questions, simply fill out a response slip during the service, email us at office@jamberooanglican.com or send an SMS to 0439 890 086. This week we won’t be having a question and answer time, but we’ll be looking at them the week after.

Join us this Saturday at 5pm where after church we have dinner together at 7pm followed by ‘Nightlife’.

Or join us Sunday at 9am where we’ll gather for church, and then after will have fellowship over morning tea and tasty espresso!

We have kids programs at both of our services! We would love to have your children hang out with us at ‘Joeys’ (toddlers through to preschool), ‘Junior Roos’ (for school years K to 2), and ‘Senior Roos’ (for school years 3 to 6). Our service is live streamed to the TV in the hall so if you need to stay with your child, you won’t miss out on God’s word.

If you can’t make it in person, head to watch.jamberooanglican.com to watch our livestream. To catch up on previous sermons, head to our Youtube channel youtube.jamberooanglican.com.

1 Kings – Power and Hope – 6: Gathering Together 1 Kings 8:1-21 – Jodie McNeill

Together apart

A slice of ______

An insight into _________ with Christians

We meet at church to ____ with our king

Sacrifices cooled down God’s _____

They move the Ark from the ____ to the Temple

God has moved into a _________ house

The sacrifice allowed them to be in God’s ________

The Ark was still ________

The Ark contains God’s word of _______

Grace came ______ works

They could literally see God’s _____

It was _______ because Solomon knew God’s word

We are _______ by knowing God keeps his promises

The Lord answered the prayer with a ‘____’

Honouring the Lord’s ____ is at the heart of our church

We participate in the greatest _________ of all

Church News for the week beginning 14th March

OUR BIBLE TALK

This weekend Jodie McNeill will be speaking about ‘Gathering Together‘ as we continue our series on 1 Kings and look through the beginning of chapter eight.

NEXT WEEK’S SERMON

Next weekend Jodie is away speaking on the University of Wollongong ‘Onboard’ Conference, and so we’re welcoming guest preacher, Grahame Scarratt who will speak on the second half of 1 Kings chapter 8.

WARDENS & PARISH COUNCILLORS

We are thankful to God for our new team for 2021. Our Wardens are James Rosten (Rector’s Warden and Treasurer), Paul Massey, and Bec Watson. Our Parish Councillors are Jacob Mierendorff, Adam Rosten, Luke Warner, plus our Rector’s choice is Paula Vidilini.

MISSION OF THE MONTH

Our mission of the month for March is CMS. To find out more about how to personally partner visit www.cms.org.au.

FIT FOR PURPOSE

This Wednesday from 8am our men’s group is meeting at church to tackle some ground maintenance and a few other odd jobs. Speak to Graham (0430 043 765) for more details.

GONG MEN’S DAY

We’re getting the lads together for God’s word and a great gathering! Saturday morning 5th June at Dapto. Special guest speaker: Andrew Heard. Save the date. Not to be missed.

CONFIRMATION SERVICE

Save the date: Wednesday 18th August 2021. Bishop Peter Hayward will be joining us to hold a confirmation service just for Jamberoo Anglican. If you are Year 9 or older and interested in being confirmed, then please let Jodie know via email or response slip.

SUBSCRIBE TO VIMEO

We’re now using Vimeo as our main platform for broadcasting our church services… but will still be sending the video to Facebook Live as well. Go to watch.jamberooanglican.com to visit our Vimeo page… and why not hit ‘subscribe’ to make it easier to watch us each week?

KEEN TO JOIN A BIBLE STUDY?

Soon we’ll be starting some new, midweek Bible Study groups. Stay tuned for more details… and let us know your preferred days/times.

KYCK CONFERENCE

Our youth are heading to the Kyck conference in the Blue Mountains on 16-18 April. More details coming soon!

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

To watch videos of our Bible talks and other memories of our church, visit youtube.jamberooanglican.com and be sure to subscribe to our channel!

FAMILY NEWS

BIRTHDAYS
13th Emelyn Hall
13th Jacob Mierendorff
13th Sharon Lyall
16th Adam Vidilini
18th Ethan Gray
21st Matt Cignarella

GIVING UPDATE

Each week we need to receive $6300.00 in order to meet our commitments. In the last calendar month, our average weekly giving was $5513.00, leaving a gap of $787.00. Olimometer 2.52 Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $54,600. Compared to that total we received $48,216, leaving a gap of $6,384.Olimometer 2.52

Electronic giving is a great way to give! It helps us prayerfully plan our giving, and then the bank will help us keep that commitment, even when we may be unable to attend. To give by direct transfer then these are the details. Account name: Jamberoo Anglican Church. Account number: 10081274. BSB: 062562.

To give to our tax-deductible MTS Scholars Fund to support our apprentice youth minister, head to mts.com.au/give/jamberoo-anglican-church/

God is Patient

Justice is very important to us all, and we can’t bear to see a guilty person get away with their crime… especially when their victim continues to bear the impact.

And it’s also very important to God… who made us, and gave us that sense of justice.

The Bible tells us that all of us, by nature, have committed a crime against God.

We’ve enjoyed the good things of this world he’s made, and we’ve chosen to live like he’s dead.

We’ve tried to kick him off his throne, and we’ve formed a coup to overrule him.

And in all that, we’ve committed a grave injustice.

But if God is there, and if he’s coming to judge, then what’s he waiting for?

If he really wants justice, then why doesn’t he deal with this rebellion and bring justice and judgement now?

Because God is patient.

We read in 2 Peter 3:9: The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

God hasn’t yet brought judgement because he’s giving you more time for you to get off his throne, and to say, “sorry”.

He’s patient because he loves you, and he doesn’t want you to be destroyed by his judgement.

But the offer stands right now: believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.

God took out his judgement on Jesus, in our place, on the first Good Friday.

Jesus takes God’s judgement upon himself, so that you and I can receive mercy if we ask.

God is being patient for your sake, but Judgement Day will come as unexpectedly as a thief.

God is patient, but one day his patience will run out.

Are you ready for that day?

JODIE McNEILL

(Photo Credit: Du Truong via Flickr)

Coming up this weekend 13-14 March

This weekend Jodie McNeill will be speaking on the topic ‘Gathering Together‘ as we continue our series on 1 Kings and look through chapter eight verses 1 to 21, in what has been called “the high point of the Old Testament”.

If you have any questions, simply fill out a response slip during the service, email us at office@jamberooanglican.com or send an SMS to 0439 890 086.

Here are the questions for this week that Jodie’s planning to answer:

1 Why is there no ocean in the new heaven and earth if God created it and it was good?
2 Why did Jesus say, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed?”
3 Was Adam made as a young boy or a fully-grown man?
4 Do angels sin?
5 Do angels have children?
6 What does it mean when we sing, ‘O Come to the altar’?
7 Can you share some practical wisdom and advice about parenting from your experience?
8 Why does God make natural disasters that kill innocent children?
9 Why are the patterns on the bases of the arches above the stage different to each other?
10 Is a Warden or Parish Councillor the Anglican equivalent of what the Bible calls an ‘elder’?

Join us this Saturday at 5pm where after church we have dinner together at 7pm followed by our ‘Nightlife’ program from 8pm.

Or join us Sunday at 9am where we’ll gather for church, and then after will have fellowship over morning tea and tasty espresso!

We have kids programs at both of our services! Join us for ‘Joeys’ (toddlers through to preschool), ‘Junior Roos’ (for school years K to 2), and ‘Senior Roos’ (for school years 3 to 6). Our service is live streamed to the TV in the hall so if you need to stay with your child, you won’t miss out on God’s word.

If you can’t make it in person, head to watch.jamberooanglican.com to watch our livestream. To catch up on previous sermons, head to our Youtube channel youtube.jamberooanglican.com.

1 Kings – Power and Hope 5: The Building King 1 Kings 7 Jodie McNeill – 6-7 March 2021

Leaving a legacy

Building can be good and ____

They needed a palace as well as a ______

They key role of the king was to _____

The palace and temple were ________

The bronze Tabernacle things get ________

The Tabernacle symbolised the ________ of God

Two, giant, fancy _______ made from bronze

Jakin means, ‘He will _________’.

Boaz means, ‘In Him is ________’.

A giant, bronze pool called ‘The ___’.

All of Israel was ________

God is in control of his ________

Only Christ’s water can _______ your sins

Water for ____

Solomon’s ________ pointed us to Christ

Living waters

Fireside Songsheet – 6 March 2021

10,000 REASONS

Chorus

Bless the Lord O my soul O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name

Verse 1

The sun comes up it’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

Verse 2

You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

Verse 3

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near, and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

Ending

Sing like never before O my soul
I’ll worship Your holy name
Worship Your holy name
Worship Your holy name

CCLI Song # 6016351 Jonas Myrin | Matt Redman © 2011 Atlas Mountain Songs (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) sixsteps Music (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) Thankyou Music (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) CCLI Licence # 240149

COME PRAISE AND GLORIFY

Verse 1

Come praise and glorify our God
The Father of our Lord
In Christ He has in heav’nly realms
His blessings on us poured
For pure and blameless in His sight
He destined us to be
And now we’ve been adopted through
His Son eternally

Chorus

To the praise of Your glory
To the praise of Your mercy and grace
To the praise of Your glory
You are the God who saves

Verse 2

Come praise and glorify our God
Who gives His grace in Christ
In Him our sins are washed away
Redeemed through sacrifice
In Him God has made known to us
The myst’ry of His will
That Christ should be the head of all
His purpose to fulfill

Verse 3

Come praise and glorify our God
For we’ve believed the Word
And through our faith we have a seal
The Spirit of the Lord
The Spirit guarantees our hope
Until redemption’s done
Until we join in endless praise
To God the Three in One

CCLI Song # 6167664 Bob Kauflin | Tim Chester © 2011 Sovereign Grace Praise (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) CCLI Licence # 240149

LORD I LIFT YOUR NAME ON HIGH

Verse

Lord I lift Your name on high
Lord I love to sing Your praises
I’m so glad You’re in my life
I’m so glad You came to save us

Chorus

You came from heaven to earth
To show the way
From the earth to the cross
My debt to pay
From the cross to the grave
From the grave to the sky
Lord I lift Your name on high

CCLI Song # 117947 Rick Founds © 1989 Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) CCLI Licence # 240149

BE THOU MY VISION

Verse 1

Be Thou my Vision O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me save that Thou art
Thou my best thought by day or by night
Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light

Verse 2

Be Thou my Wisdom and Thou my true Word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me Lord
Thou my great Father I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one

Verse 3

High King of heaven my victory won
May I reach heaven’s joys bright heaven’s Sun
Heart of my own heart whatever befall
Still be my Vision O Ruler of all

CCLI Song # 7056332 Eleanor Henrietta Hull | Mary Elizabeth Byrne | Russell Mauldin© Words: Public Domain Music: 2010 Belden Street Music Publishing (Admin. by ClearBox Rights, LLC) CCLI Licence # 240149

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS

Chorus

Be strong and courageous
The Lord of the ages
Holds all His little ones
Safe by His side
Be strong and courageous
The Lord of the ages
Holds all His little ones safe

Verse 1

Do not fear the fire

(Do not fear the fire)
Do not fear the waters

(Do not fear the waters)
Do not fear the thunder

(Do not fear the thunder)
Jesus has conquered them all

Verse 2

Do not fear the darkness
(Do not fear the darkness)
Do not fear the sadness
(Do not fear the sadness)
Do not fear the sickness
(Do not fear the sickness)
Jesus has conquered them all

Verse 3

Do not fear the enemy
(Do not fear the enemy)
Do not fear the poverty
(Do not fear the poverty)
Do not fear eternity
(Do not fear eternity)
Jesus has conquered them all

CCLI Song # 4317674 Colin Buchanan © 2004 Wanaaring Road Music CCLI Licence # 240149

O COME TO THE ALTAR

Verse 1

Are you hurting and broken within
Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin
Jesus is calling
Have you come to the end of yourself
Do you thirst for a drink from the well
Jesus is calling

Chorus

O come to the altar
The Father’s arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ

Verse 2

Leave behind your regrets and mistakes
Come today there’s no reason to wait
Jesus is calling
Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy
From the ashes a new life is born
Jesus is calling

Bridge

Oh what a Saviour
Isn’t he wonderful
Sing alleluia Christ is risen
Bow down before him
For he is Lord of all
Sing alleluia Christ is risen

Verse 3

Bear your cross as you wait for the crown
Tell the world of the treasure you’ve found

CCLI Song # 7051511 Chris Brown | Mack Brock | Steven Furtick | Wade Joye © 2015 Music by Elevation Worship Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) CCLI Licence # 240149

NO OTHER NAME

Verse 1

There is no other name
In heaven can be found
Through whom we are redeemed
Through whom Your grace abounds
No other name can save
But Jesus Christ our Lord

Chorus

My joy in sorrow’s tears
My strength to cast out fears
No other name
But Jesus Jesus
My hope in darkest night
My broken soul’s delight
No other name
But Jesus Jesus

Verse 2

There is no victory
But Jesus crucified
No other cure for sin
But that our Saviour died
No other hope we have
But that He rose again
He rose again

Verse 3

No other throne endures
No other song remains
But worthy is the Lamb
Who was for sinners slain
When every knee shall bow
And tongue confess You are Lord
You are Lord

CCLI Song # 5737284 Trevor Hodge © 2010 Hodge, Trevor CCLI Licence # 240149

ONLY A HOLY GOD

Verse 1

Who else commands all the hosts of heaven
Who else could make every king bow down
Who else can whisper and darkness trembles
Only a Holy God

Verse 2

What other beauty demands such praises
What other splendour outshines the sun
What other majesty rules with justice
Only a Holy God

Chorus

Come and behold Him
The One and the Only
Cry out sing holy
Forever a Holy God
Come and worship the Holy God

Verse 3

What other glory consumes like fire
What other power can raise the dead
What other name remains undefeated
Only a Holy God

Verse 4

Who else could rescue me from my failing
Who else would offer His only Son
Who else invites me to call Him Father
Only a Holy God
Only my Holy God

CCLI Song # 7073332 Dustin Smith | Jonny Robinson | Michael Farren | Rich Thompson© 2016 CityAlight Music (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) Farren Love And War Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) Integrity’s Alleluia! Music (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) CCLI Licence # 240149

YET NOT I BUT THROUGH CHRIST IN ME

Verse 1

What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer
There is no more for heaven now to give
He is my joy my righteousness and freedom
My steadfast love my deep and boundless peace

To this I hold my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to his
Oh how strange and divine I can sing all is mine
Yet not I but through Christ in me

Verse 2

The night is dark but I am not forsaken
For by my side the Saviour he will stay
I labour on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need his power is displayed

To this I hold my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley he will lead
Oh the night has been won and I shall overcome
Yet not I but through Christ in me

Verse 3

No fate I dread I know I am forgiven
The future sure the price it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And he was raised to overthrow the grave

To this I hold my sin has been defeated
Jesus now and ever is my plea
Oh the chains are released I can sing I am free
Yet not I but through Christ in me

Verse 4

With every breath I long to follow Jesus
For he has said that he will bring me home
And day by day I know he will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne

To this I hold my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to him
When the race is complete still my lips shall repeat
Yet not I but through Christ in me

When the race is complete still my lips shall repeat
Yet not I but through Christ in me
Yet not I but through Christ in me

CCLI Song # 7121852 Jonny Robinson | Michael Farren | Rich Thompson © 2018 CityAlight Music (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) Farren Love And War Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) Integrity’s Alleluia! Music (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) CCLI Licence # 240149

ROCK OF AGES

Verse 1

Rock of ages cleft for me 

Hide me now my refuge be 

Let the water and the blood

From Your wounded side which flowed

Be for sin the double cure

Cleanse me from its guilt and power

Verse 2

Not the labours of my hands

Can fulfil Your law’s demands 

Could my zeal no respite know 
Could my tears forever flow

All for sin could not atone

You must save and You alone

Verse 3

Nothing in my hand I bring 

Simply to Your cross I cling 

Naked come to You for dress

Helpless look to You for grace

Stained by sin to You I cry 

Wash me Saviour or I die

Verse 4

While I draw this fleeting breath 

When my eyelids close in death 
When I soar through realms unknown

Bow before the judgement throne

Hide me then my refuge be

Rock of Ages cleft for me

Words by Rev A.M. Toplady, Music by Ruth Buchanan © 1998 Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students CCLI#293103

Church News for the week beginning 7th March

OUR BIBLE TALK

This weekend Jodie McNeill will be continuing our series on 1 Kings ‘Power and Hope’ as we look at chapter seven and ‘The Building King‘. We’ll hear about how the historic bronze items in the temple have a fresh meaning to Christians today.

MISSION OF THE MONTH

Our mission of the month for March is CMS. To find out more about how to personally partner visit www.cms.org.au.

WORKING BEE

Join us today, Saturday 6th March from 7am to 12pm to help demolish the stage in the hall so we can create more space. Bring gloves and enclosed shoes. RSVP and enquiries to Rick Smith. Morning tea provided.

CONFIRMATION SERVICE

Save the date: Wednesday 18th August 2021. Bishop Peter Hayward will be joining us to hold a confirmation service just for Jamberoo Anglican. If you are Year 9 or older and interested in being confirmed, then please let Jodie know via email or response slip.

SUBSCRIBE TO VIMEO

We’re now using Vimeo as our main platform for broadcasting our church services… but will still be sending the video to Facebook Live as well. Go to watch.jamberooanglican.com to visit our Vimeo page… and why not hit ‘subscribe’ to make it easier to watch us each week?

KEEN TO JOIN A BIBLE STUDY?

Soon we’ll be starting some new, midweek Bible Study groups. Stay tuned for more details… and let us know your preferred days/times.

NIGHTLIFE TONIGHT

Tonight after dinner, we’ll be having a time of open-air singing, in line with the current Covid policies. Even if you’re planning to be at church on Sunday morning, you’re still welcome to come to dinner at 7pm and then sing from around 8pm.

KYCK CONFERENCE

Our youth are heading to the Kyck conference in the Blue Mountains on 16-18 April. More details coming soon!

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Our Annual General Meeting will be held this Tuesday 9th March at 7pm in the hall. An important night for our church to reflect on 2020 and plan for 2021. To nominate someone for Warden or Parish Councillor, fill in a form, or just come on the night.

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

To watch videos of our Bible talks and other memories of our church, visit youtube.jamberooanglican.com and be sure to subscribe to our channel!

FAMILY NEWS

BIRTHDAYS
7th Lesley Errington
7th Melissa Keatley
8th Benjamin Kyngdon
10th Jodie McNeill
13th Jacob Mierendorff
13th Sharon Lyall

ANNIVERSARIES
9th Greg Gray & Jill Taylor
10th Ray & Dianne Nolan

GIVING UPDATE

Each week we need to receive $6300.00 in order to meet our commitments. In the last calendar month, our average weekly giving was $5513.00, leaving a gap of $787.00. Olimometer 2.52 Up to the end of the last calendar month we needed to have received $54,600. Compared to that total we received $48,216, leaving a gap of $6,384.Olimometer 2.52

Electronic giving is a great way to give! It helps us prayerfully plan our giving, and then the bank will help us keep that commitment, even when we may be unable to attend. To give by direct transfer then these are the details. Account name: Jamberoo Anglican Church. Account number: 10081274. BSB: 062562.

To give to our tax-deductible MTS Scholars Fund to support our apprentice youth minister, head to mts.com.au/give/jamberoo-anglican-church/

The Ultimate Temple

As I’ve been preaching on the building and fitting out of the temple in Jerusalem by King Solomon, I’ve been reminded afresh of my visit to Israel with Mandy in 2018.

One of the most memorable experiences was visiting what’s known as the Temple Mount (or ‘Haram esh-Sharif’), which is the large, flat area where all this construction took place.

It was amazing for us to stand at the very place at which the detailed descriptions in 1 Kings 5-7 occurred, and to feel such a strong connection with the historical events.

When we visited Israel it made so much of the Bible feel even more real, as we had a physical experience of the actual places we had only read about in God’s word.

However, as people of the New Testament, we need to keep remembering that the Temple Mount, including the Western or ‘Wailing’ Wall, is now just a museum of the past with no spiritual value.

Jesus made it very clear that he is the temple, and that when we trust in Jesus, we too become part of that temple.

And what’s more, the New Jerusalem won’t have a new temple soaring above the horizon, but in fact there will be no temple at all, because “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” (Revelation 21:22)

But for now, as we read the amazing details of the physical temple Solomon built, we can learn so much about what it is like for God to “live among the Israelites and… never abandon my people Israel.” (1 Kings 6:13)

For as we explore the details of Solomon’s Temple, we understand so much more about what it means when in John 1:14 that “the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” 

JODIE McNEILL