This kind of life is just my interpretation of the many Australian Defence Force recruitment ads from the TV. They mention the sunny side of life in the defence forces but don’t tend to mention the intense drills, and personal sacrifice that are also required. They overlook the reality of deployment to war zones and areas of conflict. They don’t tell you about the suffering that can also be involved or the possibility of serious injury or death.
Don’t get me wrong, I admire and respect those who put their lives on the line to protect me and my family and our freedom and way of life in Australia. But there is a good analogy here with our text for this week.
In 1 Peter 4:12-19, Peter tells us not to be surprised by the suffering we encounter as Christians. This might come as a shock to some people, but the life of a Christian never promised to be one free of suffering and trial. Jesus himself said, those who want to be my disciples must take up their own cross and follow me. Yet a life of following Jesus is still one full of fun and adventure; Jesus also said I have come so that you may have life, life in all its fullness.
We also must remember that we are involved not just in the physical world but also in a spiritual battle. When we take the Word of God and the message of salvation in Christ out into our community we would be foolish to think that the enemy would simply move out of the way and let the ‘Christian soldiers’ trample through his territory. The more serious we get about sharing Jesus’ love with others the more resistance we can expect to face.
So, what are we to do then with the question of suffering? Not only does it affect us in in our attempts to minister to others, but it is also a major stumbling block to faith for many who do not yet know Jesus? Join us this Sunday while we wrestle with these questions and continue to explore practical evangelism.
Vicar Mat von Stanke
Bible Reading: 1 Pet 3:15-18, 1 Peter 4:12-19 NIV
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Prayer Request
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.
Thank You from Transform Youth
This term’s service project for Transform was to cook meals to be frozen and then given away to people in need. We wanted to thank you all for your support of this project. We were able to prepare more than 30 meals, some of which have already gone to families in need.
Thank you for helping us to bless our community in this way.
Prayer Walk this Saturday
Everyone is invited to be part of Good Shepherd's Prayer Walk this Saturday 3rd November at 10am. We will be praying over the church and school grounds in entirety. Meet in the church café.
AGM Ladies Fellowship Meeting
Christmas lunch 4th December at the Blue Gums Hotel $20.90 per head – payment to
Dawn Spencer.
Save the Date for “Experience Christmas”
YOU are invited to join us to experience the wonder and excitement of Christmas. Explore the Christmas Story, and experience how this event, many years ago, continues to be a gift to us today. There will be Christmas activities, carols, a story corner, prayer space and much more – many different ways to immerse yourself in Christmas.
We are looking for people to be involved – please chat to Chelsea Schiller 0447 225 517 chelsea.schiller@paravista.org.au if you’d like to be involved in any way.
Maranatha Health
The Maranatha Health Australia team is looking for a new staff member. We are seeking a dynamic and passionate person to oversee donor development, fundraising and volunteer management.
Hours: Part time, 0.4 FTE
Location: The role will be based in our office in the north eastern suburbs of Adelaide.
Visit https://maranathahealth.org/stories/latest-news/were-hiring! for more information. Applications close Friday 2nd November.
Notice Board
Peter Steicke’s new book ‘Favoured’ is now available in paperback on pre-order now. Books are $20 each and will be available from this Sunday onward in between services and after the 10.30 service from Debbie Wesselingh.
Live Christmas Trees
Holy Cross Birdwood is once again offering live Christmas trees for $40. If you wish to order one contact John Dollling 8367 5296 or jdolling@bigpond.net.au by Sunday 25th November. Proceeds are used to support chaplains in schools.
“Hymns We Love”
Come for a time of informal community singing of hymns you love. To be held at
Zion Lutheran Church, 15-17 Glynburn Road, Glynde on the first Monday of the month starting November 5th, then December 3rd and January 7th. Come at 10-30 for cuppa and biscuits. No cost – just come!
If you need more information, please contact Joy Mildren, organist, 0458 650 135/8367 9969.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15
