We will conclude our worship series: Breaking Free from the Seven Deadly Sins. So far we’ve looked at sloth, greed, anger, pride, envy and gluttony. This Sunday: Freedom from Lust.
Lust can be an unchecked desire for anything, but we'll be focussing on the sexual aspect. From ancient times, young men were cautioned about sexual desire or activity with anyone outside the bonds of marriage. For example in the Proverbs we read:
My son, keep your father's commands
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light,
…keeping you from the immoral woman.
Do not lust in your heart after her beauty
or let her captivate you with her eyes,
for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread,
and the adulteress preys upon your very life.
Can a man scoop fire into his lap
without his clothes being burned?
So is he who sleeps with another man's wife;
no one who touches her will go unpunished. (Proverbs 6:20, 23-29 NIV)
Where do young men receive such advice these days?! In our culture we are constantly bombarded with sexual images – in advertising, magazines, TV shows, movies, and web sites on the internet. No wonder that addiction to lust and pornography is a growing problem.
When lust moves people to use one another as objects, authentic connection and heart intimacy will remain a pipedream. Yet God can free us from the grip of lust, and renew our capacity to love.
Notice for Parents/Grandparents:
This Sunday we’re talking about sexuality – how it gets messed up, and how God can restore us. If you regard this topic unsuitable for your children/grandchildren, please ensure they join in Kingdom Kids at the 10:30 service, or feel free to take them out during the Bible readings and message.
Sunday Readings:
2 Samuel 13:1-22 One of David’s sons, Amnon, violates his half-sister Tamar.
Matthew 5:27-30 Jesus urges us to ruthlessly deal with lust.
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
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 churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.
Kingdom Kids resumes this Sunday! This term our focus will be on “Serving in our Church”. This Sunday all zones will meet in the school library to hear Joan McCarthy speak about the Cebu Ministry and how God lead her to serve.
Kindy Zone will not be running this Sunday. Depending on how many children attend – we may combine with Kids Zone. Please come along to hear Joan speak and then we will make a decision on what to do with the Kindy Zone children.
Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during services.
Baby Zone
We would like to remind parents of babies and toddlers about our wonderful Baby Zone room! In Baby Zone we talk about the same simple topic for one month. Our topic for July is: “God Made Me” (See Job 33:4) This month the children will:-
- hear words and songs about God making people;
- feel glad for his or her amazing body;
- participate in a variety of fun activities such as exercise fun (large body movements), freeze dance and gluing (and feeling) different materials.
Faith at Home
August booklet out now! Pick up a copy of the August booklet at the Kingdom Kids Sign In desk and the parenting room.
Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker
Cebu Mission Fundraising Event
Scone Day will be held on Sunday 2nd August after both morning services. Freshly baked scones, with jam and cream for $1 each.
Women’s Fellowship
Meets on Tuesday, August 4th in Good Shepherd Hall at 1pm to hear all about the making of "Miniatures". Our presenter will be Marlene Janusaitis, who has had years of experience in this field of craft. Some of her work will be on display for us to enjoy.
Please take note of the following dates
August 13th, 10am, Morning Tea and Spring Fashion Parade in Immanuel Lutheran Church Hall, Gawler. Proceeds to Chaplaincy in Gawler Schools. There will be a trading table.
August 20th, 9:30am, Metro North Fellowship Day, Salisbury Church Hall, entrance through Winzor Street. Soup provided, bring small plate to share, excellent spot speakers. Baby clothing (new) for LCC to be handed in and dedication on this day.
From the Office
Farewell celebration
This Sunday 26th July we will be farewelling Lorraine Johns after nearly 31 years of service in our church office. A celebration morning tea will follow each service.
Please bring a plate of finger food to share and mark this significant occasion.
Noticeboard
Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots
Packs of 500g dried apricots at $11 each are available from the church office. Harvested and packed by Riverland Community Volunteers. Proceeds support Compassionate Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust inc.
LCC Winter Appeal: Bring warmth to those facing their coldest moment
We need your help to bring warmth to families facing their coldest moment this winter.
Your gift of $70 can provide a warm Baby Bundle to struggling parents or a gift of $110 can supply winter clothes and blankets for the homeless.
Through your gift we can show God's love to new parents trying to cope, to children in need of winter uniforms and to people at risk of becoming homeless.
Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au
or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to help someone going without this winter.
All donations $2 and over are tax deductible.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”
Colossians 3:2
