The sermon for March 12th 2023 is now available on the new Life web site.
In this sermon, which is based on Romans 5:1-11, I talk about Faith, Hope and Undeserved Privilege
Click here to listen in your browser, here to download the mp3
Reflection on Matthew 5:1-12
Scripture
“God blesses those who are poor and realise their need for him, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”
Observation
God blesses the poor, the grieving, those who are humble, those who hunger and thirst for justice, the merciful, the pure in heart, and those who are persecuted.
When people mock us and persecute us and lie about us, then a great reward awaits us in Heaven.
Application
God’s value system is diametrically opposed to the world’s value system. The world favours those who push themselves forward and pay their own way. God favours the poor and the humble.
While many people look at the outward appearance, God judges the state of our hearts. So, many who seems successful in this life will not be in the kingdom of heaven.
When the system seems to be stacked against us, and the mockers and liars seem to be winning, then God is at work, overturning the scales. Some of this we see in this life, but we will not see the fullness until we get to heaven.
God tells us to be patient for vindication, for it will come.
Prayer
Lord, you see my situation and my heart. I surrender myself to you and look forward to your blessing. Amen
Quote for the Day
The church became a place of dignity, protection and provision for women. In 251 a bishop in Rome wrote to another in Antioch, pointing out that “more than fifteen hundred widows and distressed persons” were in the care of the local congregation (a congregation of about 30,000). Glen Scrivener
Today’s Bike Ride
My ride to Haire Drive was sabotaged by road sealing on Kaputar Road so I chucked a U-y and went on a reverse Bunnings run. Showers on the way home completed the joy.
Quote for the Day
In the Bible, sex is marital and marriage is sexual. The one-flesh act (sex) belongs in the one-flesh union (marriage). Glen Scrivener
Today’s Bike Ride
A beautiful morning with summer slowly giving way to autumn. Lots of kangaroos jumping around, but none close enough to photograph. #cycling #Narrabri
Quote for the Day
He loved the loveless to make them lovely and to make them bearers of his love to the world. Compassion drove it all. Glen Scrivener
Reflection on Matthew 4:12-25
Scripture
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, ” and I will make you fishers of men.”
Observation
Jesus hears that John has been put in prison, and he returns to Galilee. He begins to preach, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing all kinds of diseases. Large crowds from all over the region begin to follow Him.
Application
Following Jesus is not just about getting saved, important as that is.
Jesus calls us all to be a part of his project of “fishing for men.”
Some people are gifted as evangelists and find this very easy to do. Others struggle with sharing their faith even amongst their friends and family. Paul tells us to always be ready to give the reason for our hope. This means knowing who we trust in and being able to express our joy in being followers of Jesus.
In the kingdom, as in ordinary life, there are the professional “fishers” and occasional “fishers” who sometimes drop a line in. Whichever end of the spectrum we fit in, let us always be ready to pray for our friends and to share the good news when prompted.
Prayer
Thank you Lord for saving me. Please help me to share your good news. Amen.
Today’s Bike Ride
A shorter ride this morning. Body and mind were not into it. 😒 A flat tyre before I left home meant I had to ride my old bike.
Quote for the Day
If natural selection means the survival of the fittest and the sacrifice of the weakest, Christianity is about the sacrifice of the Fittest (Jesus Christ) for the survival of the weakest (us). It is a moral revolution, confounding the Nietzsches of the world and giving hope to the “botched”. The centre of this revolution is a unique vision of God. Glen Scrivener
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