This week is our last week in Paul's great letter to the Galatians Church. What have you learnt from it? What have you been encouraged by? What have you been challenged by? What have you been reminded of?
As we go through another 4 weeks of lock down - it would be really encouraging if we could share some of the things we've been learning at church on Sunday.
Hello Everyone,
As we work out way through the book of Galatians - Paul has shown us how putting faith in Jesus changes everything. This week - we see how it changes our relationships with each other. Don't miss out! Join us online at 10am or 4:30pm. Read Galatians 6:1-10 to prepare well.
We found out this week that we're in lock down for another 4 weeks. I think that's a good thing, and I'm thankful for the work of our government in this area. It gives us more time to get on top of this outbreak - but even more importantly - to get vaccinated.
Paul says some shocking words in Galatians 5:4:
4For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace.
For followers of Jesus - what we do. The good things we do. The bad things we do. They do not, in any way, shape or form, change our relationship with God.
The Bible teaches (Proverbs 16:9):
We can make our plans,
but the Lord determines our steps.
God has - once again taught me - that I can make all the plans I like - but the Lord determines our steps. This isn't an encouragement to not plan - but to recognise that God's plan is what matters - not my plan!
This week I am very happy to announce St James Berala and Lighthouse Church CoVid Safety plan.
Why a safety plan? We want St James Berala to be - and known to be - the safest place in Berala. Which makes sense right? Not only do we love Berala and want people to be safe - but what better way to reflect the Lord's love than creating a safe place for all people?
An online version of the plan is available here:
This week I’ve been reflecting on Luke chapter 13 which Andrew spoke to us from on Sunday. It was about how the Kingdom of God can only be entered through a narrow door. This got me thinking. Often in our society, we like to make ourselves seem more important by ‘name dropping’ or telling people we were invited to something that was quite exclusive. We feel a bit ashamed of it perhaps but most of the time we can’t help but think if I just mention I used to go to school with this celebrity or I have a friend who’s a friend of this famous speaker- then perhaps this person will like me more or want to associate with me. It makes us feel important or valuable, at least compared to some other people. Some young people call this FOMO- or fear of missing out. But it also applies to people of all ages and backgrounds. We want to be associated with rich and famous people, be included in their circles, invited to their parties.
Read MoreThis week, since hearing Sam’s sermon on Sunday on Luke chapter 13 I’ve been reflecting on what motivates us to do good. I know sometimes when I fall short not even of God’s standards but just my own, I feel a sense of guilt. I know I should do better, I certainly encourage others to do good so I should do it too. When I feel bad about falling short, it can demotivate me and sometimes there are two responses that I might have:
Read MoreRachel has been thinking about gifts and serving. Who gets given gifts by God? How can we use our gifts at the moment when we still can't physically see each other? Watch the video to see her reflection on a parable Jesus told.
Read MoreAs the Doyles settle as a family with a newborn, our pastor Mike will be on leave for a few weeks. In the meantime, some staff members and student ministers will share some encouragements and updates to you each week. You'll get to hear reflections from a range of people!
If you'd still like to support the Doyles you can firstly pray for good rest for all! If you'd also like to support them practically, there is still space to sign up. Please feel free to sign up to bring the family a meal here:
https://takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=EYGT6383