The sermon for September 21st 2014 is now available on the New Life web-site.
In this sermon, Margaret Bates talks about Gentleness.
Month: September 2014
Michael Loftus on Climate Change
When the stand up comics are mocking climate change you know the scam is nearly over.
Reflection on Matthew 20:1-16
Scripture
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Observation
Jesus tells a parable about a man who employs labourers for his vineyard at different times of the day, promising to pay each one the same amount.
When the time comes to pay them, he arranges for the last employed to be paid first. The men who worked all day are outraged that they receive the same as those who worked just one hour.
The owner points out that they received what they agreed to. As the owner he can do what he pleases with his money.
Application
Grace can be annoying, especially when other people receive it. We think it’s fine for God to forgive us, but struggle to cope with the idea that God might also forgive paedophiles, murderers, sex traffickers and other really bad people.
This is the scandal of the cross- Jesus pays it forward for everybody.
Is it fair that some mass murderer confesses on his death bed and gets into heaven scot free?
Of course it’s not fair, and that is just the point. It’s not fair that God chooses to overlook my sin in the same way.
It has never been about justice. It’s all about God’s extravagant love.
Prayer
Father, your grace is truly amazing. I deserve nothing from you, but you give freely. Thank you. Amen.
More Bloodshed in Nigeria
Boko Haram strikes again. We continue to pray for Nigeria.
From the ABC:
Boko Haram blamed for deadly Nigeria college attack
Posted
At least 15 people have been killed when police fought a battle with suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers in Nigeria’s second largest city, Kano.
Kano State police commissioner Adelere Shinaba said the gunmen, whom he described as “insurgents”, ran into the Federal College of Education after exchanging fire with police outside the grounds.
“They were obviously suicide bombers. One of our officers shot at one of the gunmen and the explosives on him went off, killing him on the spot,” he told AFP adding another gunman was also killed.
The blast shattered glass and brought down the ceiling in the room.
Authorities said more than 30 people were wounded in the incident and taken to a local hospital.
Romantic
This is the place where I proposed to my wife.
To be fair, it was a park then. It is now being turned into the Castle Hill railway station, part of the North West rail project. When the construction is complete they will turn it back into a park again. Magic!
Reflection on Philippians 1:21-30
Scripture
For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.
Observation
For Paul the choice between living and dying is equally weighted. To live means achieving more for Christ. To die means to be with Christ.
He encourages the Philippians to live their lives in a manner worthy of the gospel. They are to be united in mind and spirit, contending for the faith.
God has granted them the privilege of believing and also suffering for Christ.
Application
The high point of faith is to have the attitude of Paul that whether we are in this life or the next, Christ is all in all.
Too many christians can only see what is happening in this life and so become discouraged or confused when things don’t work out the way they expect.
For Paul this is all in God’s hands. He desires to be with Christ, but in the meantime he will do all he can to serve Christ.
It is this attitude of Christ at the centre of all we do that makes for a person of faith and maturity.
Prayer
Lord Jesus. It is so easy to take my eyes off you and become distracted by the world. Please help me to put you at the centre of all things. Amen.
Reflection on Exodus 16:1-15
Scripture
As Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked towards the wilderness and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.
Observation
The Israelites move out of Elim and into the wilderness. There, the people complain against Moses and Aaron, already longing to return to Egypt. They forget the hardship and the forced labour and look nostalgically to the “good old days” which were far from good.
The Lord promises Moses that He will provide food for the people each morning and each night. Moses and Aaron summon the people, and as they are talking, the glory of the Lord appears.
From that day, the Lord provides manna each morning and quail in the evening.
Application
Change can be difficult. At times we are tempted to resist what God is doing and go back to the past. Sometimes we will even lie to ourselves about how much better things used to be.
As hard as change is, we can look forward to God leading our ways and providing what we need. Bread and meat every day! Supernatural guidance!
The hard part is that we have to be prepared to yield control to God. We want to make our own path and secure our own provisions. It is only when we follow God’s path and really really trust Him to work it out (with no Plan B’s, just in case He doesn’t come through) that we find the miracles.
Prayer
Lord, please help me to place all of my life into your hands and to trust you for the way forward. I yield all my Plan B’s to you. Amen.
Today’s Sermon
Boko Haram continues its reign of terror
More bad news from Nigeria:
Bible College, Churches Shut Down as Boko Haram Claims Territory in NE Nigeria
At least 350 Christians killed in the past week, church leaders say.
September 7, 2014 By – Leave a Comment
Two Men Marry- and the Gay Activists are Fuming
So two blokes get married in New Zealand and the gay activists don’t like it because it undermines– wait for it– marriage. You see these guys are heterosexual. So, ummm, if marriage is supposed to be available to everyone regardless of their sexual preferences, what is their problem?
Bill Muhlenberg writes:
Heteros Biting BackThis is an absolute classic! I love it! It just makes my day. I could not have made any of this stuff up. Sweeeeet. So what’s it all about? Well, let me tell you: homosexual activists are fuming in New Zealand, because two males are about to get married.
So?? Well, the happy couple happen to be heterosexual. And for that, the homosexual brigade is spitting chips and going absolutely nutzo. Yes you heard me right. Just when you thought all this madness could not get any worse, now we have homosexualists upset about, and discriminating against, those with other lifestyle choices.
Bizarre as. My mind is still reeling! But hey, I am not making this up. Here is how the story goes:
Read the rest here
New Life Narrabri 