Our love of sport also means we admire those who excel at it. We love those who come first and win. We are quick to give celebrity status to people who can win and come first. We call then “legends” and “greats”.
While it is fine to acknowledge the exceptional skill of athletes and those who play sport at the top level; when all our definitions of greatness are linked to winning our life’s focus can quickly become how we can best come out in front of everyone else. Our major concern will be what is best for us and not others. Invariably this leads to conflict as each of us strives to be first.
Defining greatness in people as those who come first is nothing new. Jesus’ disciples got into an argument one day about who was the greatest. Jesus responded to their argument by redefining what greatness would be in his kingdom. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone.” (Mark 9:35)
Greatness for Jesus was not putting ourselves first, but rather putting ourselves last by serving others. Greatness in God’s kingdom is not defined by how often we come first but rather how often we put others first as we serve them. It sounds simple enough but putting others first does not come naturally to any of us. How can Jesus ask us to do something that is often so unnatural for us?
Jesus can call us to this because he has put us first and himself last. Jesus put us first when he gave his life for us on the cross for our sin. By putting us first Jesus has broken the hold of sin over us and made a way for us to be embraced by God as his children in this life and the next. The greatest title you and I can be given is ‘Child of God.’ Nothing in this life or the next surpasses this in terms of greatness and significance.
We do not have to strive for our own greatness by putting ourselves ahead of others. As children of God we are already great. We can put others first because Jesus has put first. This is what makes us great. When you look at this way, when we put others first we are simply being like Jesus, a child of God. Our serving doesn’t make us great but rather reflects how great God has already made us in Jesus.
Pastor Noel
This week’s message is “When first means last” as we continue the series “Engage”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings: Philippians 2:1-11; Mark 9:33-35
More Teachers and Helpers Needed
We urgently need more teachers and helpers in ALL Kingdom Kids Zones, please consider if you can help out once or twice a term to help ease the load for everyone and spend some time with our amazing Godly kids!! Please contact me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au)
Term 3 Diary Dates
Saturday 30th of August
Sean W Smith – LIVE CONCERT TOUR 2014!! Featuring 60 minutes of High Energy Fun, Music and Hilarious Dancing Antics for the whole family! Sean W Smith will be live in Adelaide on the 30th of August and tickets can be purchased from Koorong for $7 each.
Wednesday 1st of October
Colin Buchanan is putting his whole self in to his 2014 national tour, celebrating the release of his new album, "The Jesus Hokey Pokey”. Colin will be in Adelaide on the 1st of October with his cheeky puppet chum, Nudge! Tickets are available from Koorong for $11.50 each.
Playgroup Coordinator
We are still praying for someone who would love to coordinate Little Lambs Playgroup. Please consider if this might be you or if you can help in any way and get in touch with me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au).
Beth Einthal
Children and Family Team Leader
Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.
A HUGE THANK YOU
The past 12 months have provided our family with some very difficult challenges. On the 2nd of July our family business was totally guttered by fire and we were lucky to escape with the shirts on our backs. As a result we have been emotionally fragile, traumatised by our employee being trapped and burnt in the fire and left with no immediate income.
We are totally over whelmed with the love, support, prayers and friendship shown to us by the beautiful families and friends who make up The Good Shepherd Family. We thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts and are amazed be the many different ways people have assisted us.
Although this has been a horrific time for us, God has shone through and been so good, from blessing us by ensuring our precious little Taylor was not there on the day, to giving us appropriate scriptures, songs and fantastic caring people. We are very aware that many positive and wonderful things will eventuate out of this and for everything, there is a reason.
“Great comebacks often require some setbacks”
Regards
Pete, Donna and Taylor Hoeymakers
Women's Fellowship, Para Vista
On Tuesday, September 2nd at 1pm in the church, our next meeting will be held featuring Bible study, a business meeting and guest speaker. Joy Wandel will share with us her impressions and experiences during a visit to the Amish comunity in America. A power point presentation will accompany her talk. We WELCOME anyone who wishes to join us for this presentation. Afternoon tea in the hall will follow Joy's illustrated talk. Hope to see you join us.
You are invited to celebrate with Maranatha Health at our Spring Party.
Join us at Phillips Park, corner Rochester Ave & Glynburn Rd, Leabrook from 10:00 – 11:30 am, presentation at 10:30 am.
This event is to say thankyou to supporters for staying with MH, a welcome to new supporters and a chance to tell you about the new and exciting Progect #2 set to happen in Uganda. Morning refreshments will be provided with coffee for sale. BYO chair
Please RSPV for catering purposes: contact@maranathahealth.org
September 14 (After the 10:30 service)
Meet Andrew Sajjabi from Maranatha Health Uganda.
Andrew is a rare African man - he loves to cook! He is also an exceptional administrator and manager, and Marantha Health would not be about to launch its new project in Uganda if it weren't for his tireless work. Andrew will be visiting Para Vista with Kim and Michael Findlay on Sunday September 14. Join him for a cuppa and hear about his story and his passion for the people of Uganda.
Noticeboard
For God is working in you,
giving you the desire and
the power to do what pleases him
Philippians 2:13
