To be a human is to suffer from chronic near-sightedness. We can’t see tomorrow. It is rare if we can truly see today clearly. And our memories play tricks with the past…we remember what we want to remember…or we just forget…so even the past is foggy. Does that mean life is just random chaos, filled with uncertainty or insecurity? Or is there some sure anchor for our lives and our souls? Today John shows us the great hope to which all creation is drawn. The Father who created all things for his pleasure will one day rule over all things in love. Neither past, present or future are determined by us, by the circumstances of our lives or the challenges or threats we face. All of life is played out in the hands of Jesus who holds past, present & future in the sure grip of his life won for us by his death & resurrection. Living in trust is possible when we rely on the one who has been faithful from eternity to eternity. We’ll explore and experience that today.
#5 in series: Making All Things New
THEME VERSE:
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
the One who is and who was,
because you have taken your great power
and have begun to reign’ Revelation 11:17
REMEMBER THIS WEEK:
Spiritual myopia is caused by only thinking about right now. "What do I want now? How do I feel now? What is happening now? It distorts our vision, blurs our future, affects our judgement, and makes every step uncertain. Through the lens of faith and eternity, Jesus' resurrection corrects our vision giving us present clarity, future certainty, accurate decision-making and trust in each step. For true vision gives us confidence to see that whatever is happening now, will never thwart God's purposes or promise to those who belong to him.
FAITH TALK
1. When iyou think of what is happening in the world or your life, would you say your vision is blurred, dull, seen with rose coloured glasses, or crystal clear? Why?
2. Are there people you have a hard time trusting? Why?
3. What prevents you from fully trusting God at various points in your life?
Sometimes life hurts. That's the unavoidable reality in our world. Turn on the news and you see it. Look in the mirror and your body either bears the scars physically or your heart the wounds emotionally. Being a Christian doesn't guarantee a safe passage through this world unscathed. Neither is being a Christian like a flu shot that immunises you from pain or loss. Luther once said that one of the marks of the Church is struggle. Wherever there is faith, there is also struggle and suffering. Living in suffering is not a sign of failure or even a lack of faith, but is actually testament to a deep faith that takes God seriously; that believes God's promise that suffering will never have the last word. That claims his victory which alone provides strength in suffering, hope amid hurt and gives courage to keep on living. We will explore and experience that promised triumph even if today it feels at a very real level to be another loss for you
#4 in series: Making All Things New
THEME VERSE:
He who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ Revelation 7:15b-17
REMEMBER THIS WEEK:
Whatever scars you bear or ordeal you are going through know this: Christ sees you. He knows the grief that weighs heavy on your heart. He knows the depression or addiction that oppresses you. He knows the challenges you are facing and uphill struggles you are contemplating. Through it all, the Lamb bears the scars for you, continues to bless you and is present with you to lead you to life and victory forever.
FAITH TALK
a) What’s the best scar you have on your body and how did you get it?
b) What has been the worst ordeal you have been through in life?
c) What has enabled you to keep the faith in the midst of that?
Disappointment. Disillusionment. Dysfunction. Discouragement. Dread. Defeat. Darkness. Death.
If monochrome grayscale life is all there is, then ready yourself for a life that is dreary dull, dead. But John assures us today that’s not the final chapter the Father has written for us. The resurrection of the lamb-who-was-slain changes everything. Out of darkness, light shines. Out of despair, hope arises. Out of discouragement, inspiration awakens. Out of death, new life grows. This is the beauty that the resurrection restores to life. Today we explore life that vividly colours & adds beauty in every time, place and circumstance; a vibrancy and freshness that emerges in and flows from living in worship.
In the vision John receives of Jesus and of God’s ultimate triumph of his kingdom… “…they sang a new song with the words our theme verse for today:
THEME VERSE:
“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,and they will reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:9-10
REMEMBER THIS WEEK:
Worship not only unveils the beauty of a God who loves us, is for us, and living in us but it fills our lives with a new song that brings life, hope, strength, and trust in every circumstance of life. The daily act of living becomes an act of worship that proclaims to the world that there is nothing of greater worth than Jesus Christ.
FAITH TALK
1. What made/makes your mum beautiful?
2. How does worship help you see the beauty of God?
3. How are you singing a ‘new song’ in your life because of the resurrection?
Have you ever stood in front of a mirror and taken a long hard look at yourself? Forget about your hair, the wrinkle lines, zits or makeup and look at yourself. Who is that? Do you have the courage to speak honestly about who/what you see or do you look away? Today Jesus walks alongside his Church - the Church he loves, the Church his blood has bought, the Church he holds securely in his hands, and asks us to answer honestly, "What do you see reflected back. What sort of Church are we? A good honest look at ourselves can be confronting, challenging, even convicting but Jesus knows what is at stake. So he calls us out, warns us of danger, but above all reminds us of the incredible promised blessings given to those who live in honesty and claim daily his resurrection victory.
#2 in series: Making all things New
THEME VERSE:
"Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:22
REMEMBER THIS WEEK:
Jesus loves you too much to pamper you. If it's comfort, strength and encouragement you need to hang in and hold on, he loves you enough to give that to you. But if you need to be challenged in areas where you are compromising your relationship with him or his witness to the world, he loves you enough to discipline you and warn you. For having paid the ultimate price to get you back and give you life, he cannot bear to lose you again.
FAITH TALK
1. When you look in the mirror, what do you think is your best attribute?
2. Who was or is the disciplinarian in your house?
3. What would Jesus commend or critique about your relationship with him?
C.S. Lewis once said, “Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back everything is different?” That's what the resurrection does for us. Resurrection is all about a new reality, a fresh perspective, a renewed life that changes everything…even if what you experience in this world seems to be the same...or getting worse. When we wonder who is in control of this world, when life seems too big or you feel too small, not good enough, inadequate, or that you have somehow disappointed Jesus…or made him mad at you…never forget, "the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead" (Eph 1:19-20) is in you. In Christ's presence, by his power, we live the promised journey toward fullness of healing and life and discover a grace that is “making all things new” including us. For from beginning to end, God is in control of all things Today, we begin a journey where John unveils the reality of what God’s making all things new resurrection living looks like.
#1 in series: Making All Things New
THEME VERSE
“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Revelation 1:17-18
REMEMBER THIS WEEK
Living in Christ; means there is nothing too great for God's power to handle or too insignificant for his love to embrace. It's a reality that says from beginning to end, God is in control and his powerful love is transforming everything: …our past…our future…and how we live right now.
FAITH TALK
1. How has the good news of the resurrection made a difference in your life over the past week? If it hasn't, why do you think that is?
2. From your perspective or from the groups of people you hang around with, who or what seems to be in control of the world at this point of time?
3. What confidence does that give you in facing the future?
There are days in our lives which are difficult
There are occasions in our lives that are confusing
There are times in our lives we'd rather forget.
There are moments that are simply unbelievable
But not today.
There are days when the darkness surrounds us
And the night appears to be endless
But not today
Because today is a sunrise that resurrects It all
Today is a light that breaks every darkness
And shines brighter than any sun
Today is a day like no other
Because the tomb that once held the body of Jesus
Is now, by the power of God, empty.
Today the stones that hold life at bay are rolled away
Today the staleness of decay meets God's breath
And new life springs forth.
Love has won Death is defeated Peace is real
Today the unbelievable is believable,
the impossible is possible
Because Jesus lives.
READINGS: Colossians 1:19-27; Luke 24:1-12
THEME VERSE
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Luke 24:5-6a
REMEMBER THIS WEEK
No Other Life
Awakens hope
Renews
Endures…Than the life of Jesus for you.
FAITH TALK:
- If you had to pick three words which come to mind when you think of Easter morning,
2, Where in your life do you need new hope?
3. How has the risen Christ revealed himself to you?
What's the colour of your bus? Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Blue and Orange? What placards are you waving? What team are you getting behind? That's the question that will be on everyone's lips over the next six weeks as we head to the polls to elect the next Prime Minister. Who is best to lead our country? Who will bring peace and prosperity to the nation? Who is best placed to serve us as we wrestle with all the global and personal issues we face? How committed are you to supporting the cause? The questions are not new. It's the very question that disciples of Jesus were confronted with back then and the very questions we need to address ourselves as we begin this Holy Week. Whose cause will you commit to and back? Whose placard will you wave high? Whose campaign feels like a threat for you? Which King will you follow? The stakes are high and the ramifications eternal. Today Jesus steps up the journey that by the end of the week will demonstrate that there is no other King.
#1 in Holy Week Series: "No Other..."
THEME VERSE
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Philippians 2:8
REMEMBER THIS WEEK
No other king…
Sees his people
Cares for his people
Weeps for his people
Suffers for his people
Defeats death for his people
No other King but Jesus
FAITH TALK
1. What part of the Holy Week journey is most meaningful for you and why?
2. What does it mean to you to say that Jesus is King of your life?
Welcome home! There's no greater word to hear whether you are coming home from deployment, returning after travelling, reuniting after separation, reconciling after years estranged. Welcome home ... let us celebrate. In the final week of our series 'At the Table' we do just that. Celebrate. Party. Rejoice. For that's what God does every time he welcomes someone home. Throws a lavish party, where love abounds, forgiveness flows freely, laughter multiplies and joy spreads. Wherever you come from, no matter how far away you have been, the party today is for you - for the Father longs to embrace you in his arms and say, 'Welcome. Welcome home.'
There is no recording of the service today as it is our special Kids Church service where the young people lead us in our service:
BIBLE READING:
Luke 15:11-32
THEME VERSE:
"But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." Luke 15:32
REMEMBER THIS WEEK
When you wander or go astray
Think you know a better way.
Head off down a harmful track
God is waiting to welcome you back
Yes Jesus loves you
Yes, Jesus loves you
Yes Jesus loves you
The Party's just for you!!
His steadfast love for you is great
And his mercy's an open gate
Through which he runs to seek your face
And shower you with amazing grace.
Come on in and celebrate
This party's for you, so fill your plate
And have no doubt, his love is true
He gave up his Son on a cross for you.
Food has often been used as means of persuasion, coercion or behaviour control. We see it in families - a mother trying to coax her child into believing that if they eat their 'vegies' they will grow up big and strong and smart. Or the 'carrot-and-stick' approach that if they don't eat their vegetables, they will miss out on dessert. We see it in the school yard where only the ‘populars’ are allowed to sit in a certain place and anyone who dares to defy that unwritten rule is dealt with quickly. As for politics and the workplace, food has been a staple when it comes to doing business for centuries. Meals are often a place where power is exercised and games are played. Jesus is confronted by these power games at a meal today. Yet he refuses to play by the established rules, breaking the power games with love and expanding the table to all who are willing to sit down at a place of humility. We’ll explore and experience that today.
#5 in series: At the Table
THEME VERSE:
For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11
REMEMBER THIS WEEK:
God loves you just because. Until you live knowing that you are simply loved by God and you don't have to give to him to get something back, you will always be a Pharisee. Jesus invites you not only to engage with him but participate with him at the table, for it’s there that his gracious presence will totally transform you.
READING
Luke 14:1-24
FAITH TALK:
1. How would you describe ‘humility’?
2 What’s the best ‘excuse’ you’ve heard for declining an invitation?
3 Why do you think so many say “no” to God’s banquet?
4 What would it take to get you to come to the banquet of God’s deeper things?