The sermon for 13th March 2022 is now available on the New Life web-site
In this sermon, which is based on Philippians 3:17-4:1, I talk about Eternal Choices
Click here to listen in your browser, here to download the mp3
Quote for the Day
That’s right, Jesus was the Lamb of God, who bears away the sins of the world, and He was born in the one city named by the rabbis as the place designated for the breeding of sacrificial lambs. Jerry Bowyer
Quote for the Day
What you will see is Jesus confronting the takers of wealth, not the makers of it. He did this with such vigor and clarity, the ruling class who lived and worked in that nation’s capital saw Him as a threat to their system of economic extraction. That’s why they instigated His judicial execution by the Roman state. Jerry Bowyer
What do you trust when it all goes wrong?
The last few weeks have brought terrible events in which large numbers of people have lost everything, some even dying.
On February 24th Russia invaded Ukraine, wreaking death and destruction right through the much smaller nation. Then on the 28th, much closer to home, floodwaters rolled through Lismore and many other towns on the NSW North Coast.
Both these events were, in some ways, expected. That doesn’t reduce the shock or the devastation of the destruction that takes place.
In both situations it has been inspiring to see the ways that ordinary people have moved to serve their neighbours in the midst of chaos.
We intuitively believe that our homes are places of safety, and that we are protected there. We derive a lot of security from the belief that our possessions will help us cope with anything life will throw at us.
What happens when it all gets taken from you by force or by nature? Where do you turn for your security then?
In Psalm 27, King David writes: “The Lord is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”
Our response to devastating situations shows where we put our trust.
God doesn’t promise to protect us from floods and fire, but He does promise to go with us through tough times, and give us peace in the middle of chaos.
Today’s Bike Ride
Another fine morning in Narrabri.
Quote for the Day
What the Gospel accounts showed was a Jesus who was very concerned about economic exploitation, but whose economic denunciations were not broad, to-whom-it-may-concern condemnations of all wealth. Instead, He directed His denunciations in very specific geographical and socioeconomic ways, aiming His barbs at the exploitative members of the ruling class. Jerry Bowyer
Reflection on Luke 13:31-35
Scripture
Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and on the third day I will accomplish my purpose.”
Observation
Some Pharisees come and tell Jesus that Herod Antipas wants to kill him. Jesus replies that He will keep on casting out demons and healing the sick, and on the third day he will accomplish His purpose. He must continue to Jerusalem because this is the place prophets are killed.
Jesus wanted to gather the children of Jerusalem together as a hen gathers her chicks, but they rejected him, and now they will never see him until they say “Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord.”
Application
As opposed to the fox, Herod Antipas, Jesus is proving the reality of His kingdom by healing the sick and casting out demons.
Jesus labels Herod Antipas as a pest and someone who is just in power for himself. Jesus’ Kingdom on the other hand, brings healing and salvation.
The kingdom of God sets itself up in opposition to all earthly kingdoms. It forces us to ask who is really the Lord, the one who has our loyalty.
To be a christian means that we do not look to government to save us, but to Jesus.
Prayer
Thank you Jesus that your Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom. Please help me to serve you faithfully. Amen.
Today’s Bike Ride
Another beautiful morning. A bit breezy on the way home, but not too bad.
Quote for the Day
To get the blessings of Jesus, we must really want to know what He taught and to follow Him wherever He leads. Jerry Bowyer
Today’s Bike Ride
After the rain the last couple of days, this morning was clear and low humidity. Great morning for riding.
