The sermon for November 22nd 2015 is now available on the New life web-site.
In this sermon, Margaret Bates talks about the choice we make to follow the Lord or to follow our own desires.
Month: November 2015
Reflection on John 18:33-37
Scripture
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”
Observation
Pilate summons Jesus and asks Him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus asks Pilate if he came tot his question by himself. Pilate then asks Jesus what crime He has committed to lead to His arrest.
Jesus replies that His kingdom is not from this world. His followers could have used violence to prevent His arrest but this is not the way of His kingdom.
Application
In a time of terrorist atrocities and refugee crises, we need to remember that God’s kingdom is different to the kingdoms of this world.
God’s kingdom is about the the power of love more than anything else. We face terrorist threats not be revenge but with firm love. We face refugee crises with genuine love and compassion not with hard-heartedness.
In our personal relationships the same principles apply, We might face workplace bullying, unfair systems, difficult families. The correct response is never violence but firm love.
God’s ways are not the ways of the world, and His kingdom advances by very different paths to the kingdoms of this world.
Prayer
Lord help me to live by kingdom values and not the values of this world. Please lead me in every situation, every relationship. Amen.
Today’s Sermon
Will Our Elites Wake Up Now?
At least 160 people dead in multiple terrorist attacks in Paris.
Six terrorists have been killed, but we don’t know how many others were involved. They can’t blow this one off as a “lone wolf” attack.
Our leaders need to start speaking the truth about what is happening in every Western country. The truth is that there is something very nasty about the so-called religion of peace. It is a violent political-religious ideology that is utterly at odds with everything a civilised society stands for.
The leaders of our nations- politicians, media and academics- have been trying to say that attack after attack has nothing to do with Islam. They pretend to be mystified by the motives of people who shout “Allahu Akbar” before blowing up/ shooting/ beheading a bunch of innocent people.
We need to recognise that multiculturalism is problematic when people come to the West in large numbers and refuse to take on board the values that actually make us what we are.
We need to recognise that the open borders policy that the EU has been promoting for so-called refugees, and which the Greens and Labor think are a wonderful plan for Australia, allow unfettered access by jihadists and terrorists.
We need to put away the stupid name calling that shuts down debate every time these things happen. Stop calling the people who criticise Islam racist or Islamophobic.
Islamic community leaders need to recognise that this is their problem. They could start by appointing a “Grand Mufti” who can actually speak English and articulate a plan or a desire to ensure that Australia is not likely to become the target of such an attack- preferably without demanding Government funding.
It’s time for us to get real about Islam. It’s time to get real about the motivations of those who perform these acts of terror. It’s time to get real about the extremists and the jihadists who seem to have free access to mosques to spread their poisonous ideas.
This is not an attack on individual Muslims. I’ve met many Muslims who are fine and wonderful people- genuine, sincere, caring, happy. The ideology of Islam is what needs to be attacked, not individual Muslims.
Reflection on Mark 13:1-8
Scripture
Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he’, and they will lead many astray.”
Observation
The disciples marvel at the Temple, its size and splendour. But Jesus says, “Not one of these stones will be left upon another.”
They go to the Mount of Olives and the disciples ask Jesus when these things will happen and what will be the signs that they are near. Jesus says they must be careful that no one leads them astray. There will be wars, earthquakes, and famines but these are the beginnings of the birth pangs.
Application
The disciples look at the Temple as a magnificent creation but Jesus warns them that it will soon be utterly destroyed. A few decades later in 70 AD the Temple was totally destroyed, never to be rebuilt.
The Old Covenant with its system of sacrifices has been replaced by the one true sacrifice of Christ. The two covenants cannot coexist, and God allowed the old Temple to be forever destroyed so that there could be no more repetition of vain sacrifices.
We must take heed of of Jesus’ warning not to be led astray by false messiahs, and others claiming to have the latest revelation.
Hold firm to Christ, even in the midst of disaster, desolation and trauma.
Prayer
Father please help me to stand firm in Christ, to not be side tracked or deceived by anyone. Amen.
Modern Educayshun
Reflection on Hebrews 10:11-25
Reflection on Hebrews 10:11-25
Scripture
Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Observation
Every priest stands day after day offering imperfect sacrifices. But Christ offered His sacrifice and then sat down at the right hand of the Father. By a single offering, He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.
We have confidence then to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Christ. Let us approach the Father in full confidence. We must hold fast to the faith and provoke one another to love and good deeds.
Application
What an awesome sacrifice Christ has offered for our salvation- Himself. This sacrifice is perfect and covers every sin, every transgression. And there is no longer any need for other sacrifices.
Jesus has done it all.
One death perfectly offered covering every sin.
Nothing needs to be added to this perfect sacrifice.
Prayer
Thank you Father for the assurance that I can boldly enter your presence, any time and in any place, all through the death of Christ the perfect sacrifice. Amen.
Reflection on 1 Samuel 1:1-20
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Scripture
Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.”
Observation
A man named Elkanah from Ephraim has two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah has children but Hannah does not.
Each year, the family goes to sacrifice at Shiloh, and Elkinah portions out the sacrifice amongst the family. For Hannah this emphasises her barrenness.
Hannah goes to the temple to pray. She is so distressed that as she prays she weeps and no words come from her mouth. Eli the priest assumes she is drunk, but when she explains herself to him, he gives his blessing.
In time, Hannah conceives and bears a child.
Application
There is a time for orderly prayer.
There is a time for desperate shouts to the Lord.
And there is a time when words and voice fail us in our distress.
Religious people are always ready to disparage the prayer of desperation, whether they are noisy shouts or wordless sobs. They want religion to be controlled and controllable, civilised and respectable.
Faith is knowing that in the middle of the greatest hurt, at the centre of the worst storm, when life doesn’t make sense, then we cling on to God knowing that He has answers for our need.
Prayer
Lord God, thank you that you meet me in the darkest places. When hope eludes me and the darkness comes in like a flood, help me to hold tightly to you. Amen.
Sunday’s Sermon
The sermon for Sunday November 8th is now available on the New Life web-site. I apologise for the delay in posting it as we have been busy celebrating our church birthday.
The sermon is preceded by 3 short testimonies about people’s experience of the church. I then talk about Pressing on to the Goal.
The Climate Pause Continues
Far from the climate apocalypse the climate “scientists” keep on proposing, the global temperature has not changed in 18 years and 9 months.
Back in 2008, scientists said that a pause of 15 years would throw the global warming theory into doubt, but the gravy train keeps rolling on, this month all the way to Paris.
New Life Narrabri 