In our current worship series: Questions that deserve an answer, we’re tackling some of the intellectual challenges of our time. Our desire is to equip you to: Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
(1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
Over the last three weeks we’ve explored: Does science disprove God? Can we trust the New Testament accounts of Jesus? And: Who is Jesus? This Sunday’s question that deserves an answer: What is the historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection?
Sceptics and Atheists dismiss the resurrection of Jesus as just another ancient myth or legend like others from ancient cultures. They maintain that since it cannot be scientifically verified by repeated experiments, the resurrection of Jesus is impossible. Dead people don’t come back to life again. End of story.
As Christians, how do we respond to this? Are we “deluded” for believing a unique and unrepeatable event that happened nearly 2000 years ago? Is it just “wishful thinking” to trust Jesus has conquered death – or does the evidence from the historical record substantiate the claim?
Just like in a court of law, when we look at events in history, we carefully examine the evidence to draw a conclusion that is consistent with all the evidence. Likewise, on Sunday we will explore six solid pieces of historical evidence from that time and culture, and see what conclusion is most plausible in light of the evidence.
“When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains - however improbable - must be the truth.” (Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle).
Sunday Readings:
Luke 24:1-12 Several women find Jesus’ tomb empty, meet two angels, and tell the disciples.
1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Writing around AD 55 Paul cites a fixed and established oral tradition that he received much earlier when he was converted (c. AD 35).
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.
In Kingdom Kids this term, our focus is “Serving in our Church”. If you are a parent or grandparent, please remember to have your child or grand child serve alongside you in your ministry area at least once this term. This will give the children an opportunity to think about where they might like to serve in their church as they grow.
Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during services.
Fathers’ Day
On Fathers’ Day, 6th September, we would like to invite families to arrive at 10am in the school library. Craft materials will be available for families to respond creatively to one of the Bible readings for the day. At 10.25am we will all move into the church to worship. At the end of the service, families will be invited to come forward and share their creative responses. We hope you can join us!
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
Basic training for those interested in starting a small group;
or for those who’d like to be more effective in their small group.
Five Wednesday evenings from Sept 2 - Sept 30, 7:30-9pm
1. Why small groups?
2. Leading a small group
3. Starting a small group
4. Growing in Jesus as a small group
5. Praying in the small group
Prerequisite: a love for Jesus and a love for people. Bring your Bible and a pen.
Each session will be held in the Education Centre (via main front entrance).
Register by August 31st via email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or ph: 8263 5087.
A minimum of 6 people will be required to run this workshop.
Pr Rolly Stahl
Report on August Board meeting
- The congregational survey was discussed. There will be several workshops to follow up on the survey and to give members an opportunity to discuss the responses and contribute further information.
- There was an initial discussion on staffing for 2015 and beyond.
- The transfer of the village to FLH (Fullarton Lutheran Homes) is proceeding. Representatives from PVLH have met with Legal and Accounting firms to seek advice on the process and the legal requirements.
- Review of Facilities is progressing with a meeting with the architect planned
Noticeboard
Sermon Series – 7 Deadly Sins
We have had some requests for CD copies of the recent sermon series - 7 Deadly Sins.
If you would like a set, please place your order via your connect card or at the church office. Cost is $10.
2016 Australian Christian Diaries are now available for order
Please indicate on your connect card or contact the church office before September 30 to place your order. The cost is $10.
Friends of Lutheran Archives - Why did Martin Luther see educational changes as critical for his theological reformation? What educational insights from Luther are relevant for the LCA today? Dr Malcolm Bartsch, emeritus ALC lecturer, will explore the topic 'Learning for faith and for life: Martin Luther as educational reformer in home, school, university and church' at the (FoLA) meeting on Monday August 24, 7.30 pm in Bethlehem House, Flinders Street, Adelaide. Supper & Gold coin donation. All welcome!
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.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved”
Romans 10:13
