This Sunday we’ll look at 2 common objections to Jesus’ resurrection:
1. The followers of Jesus made it all up!
2. Perhaps all their encounters with Jesus were hallucinations?
And then we will drill down into the earliest Christian Creed – that was already established as a fixed oral tradition by the mid-30’s AD. Here it is:
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance:
that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
that he was buried,
that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
and that he appeared to Cephas,
and then to the Twelve. (1 Corinthians 15:3-5 NIV)
We know from this that the death and resurrection of Jesus were NOT made up years after the events, but part of the Apostles’ witness and proclamation from the very beginning.
Paul then mentions a stack more eye-witnesses – including a crowd of 500 people; Jesus’ half-brother James who was not previously a disciple; and a former persecutor of Christians: Saul/Paul. They obviously experienced something life changing.
Jesus’ resurrection cannot be easily dismissed. Ancient historian, Dr John Dickson, writes that we ‘have just the sort of evidence a resurrection would leave behind: an empty tomb and numerous eyewitnesses, several of whom died for the claim. This is why historians take the resurrection story more seriously than many of us realise. They agree that something very strange happened – that there is a resurrection-shaped dent in the historical record.’
[John Dickson, Life of Jesus – Who He Is and Why He Matters, (Zondervan: 2010), 162.]
I am convinced Jesus has conquered death. His pledge to share eternal life with us matters more than anything else in this world – for it spells HOPE for humanity …and a future for you and me!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-14
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.
We pray for God’s peace for Rochelle Denton and her family on the recent passing of her brother-in-law.
From the Office
We are looking for people who are willing to be trained to serve at Good Shepherd in a number of areas at both Sunday services.
Particularly we are looking for people to fill the roles of:
1. Serving Holy Communion
2. Preparation of Communion before the service begins
3. Cleaning & pack up of Communion when the service concludes
4. Worship Hosting
You can specify how frequently you'd like to be rostered.
People of all ages are welcome.
Full training will be provided for anyone interested.
Please contact Belinda Konrad on 8263 5087
belinda.konrad@paravista.org.au
Parenting room completed
Due to the Parenting Room being full during special services, the Board made the decision to expand it. The entire cost of this project was funded through a very generous donation. A special thank you to Ian Pfeiffer who coordinated the project, using his extensive building knowledge to complete the project successfully. He was ably assisted by a team of volunteers who put in many hours. Hopefully this expanded space will assist us in achieving our mission.
Coffee machine
The coffee machine is available to use at any time by any person or groups wishing to use it. Instructions for the machine are located along side. If you are experiencing any difficulties with the machine please contact the office.
Dishwasher instructions
Please be aware the instructions for the dishwasher have changed slightly. They are located on the wall behind you when looking at the machine. Please ensure the dishwasher is turned off after use via the yellow on/off button on the machine. The isolating switch is no longer required to be turned off.
Café/new area dedication
Let’s celebrate the gifts we have been given in this new area. We are looking for a team to lead and organise this event. Please consider if your care group could organise this or personally contributing to assisting by contacting the office with your ideas and skills.
Regular Electronic Giving (REG) www.lll.org.au/REG
REG is a way for our members to regularly support the work of our church. Details of transactions are kept totally confidential. None of your personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer. The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month. For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG, the appropriate forms are available from the table at the rear of the auditorium or via this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details.
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942.
Notice Board
Friends of Lutheran Archives
Alfred Traeger - Could we ever forget him and his marvellous inventions of the pedal radio and a morse typewriter keyboard? Dr Pauline Payne, historical consultant, will tell us more about this remarkable man at the next Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) meeting on Monday 23rd April, Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the City 7.30 pm. Supper and gold coin donation. All welcome.
Plant Stall
ADVANCE NOTICE!! We will be running our popular Plant Stall once again in early June to support the valuable work of Lutheran Community Care through their Family Zone Hub in Ingle Farm. If you are a gardener who has spare cuttings or plants, you could pot up now and then donate. We would love to hear from you! Please contact Sonia: bshulme@gmail.com
Maranatha Health News
Chocolatiers urgently needed for Maranatha Health
Do you have a flair for chocolate making, and a bit of time to support Maranatha Health? The Maranatha Health Gala Dinner is only a few weeks away. We have a wonderful volunteer who has begun making chocolates for all our guests. Unfortunately she has developed double pneumonia and is not able to complete them. The moulds and the chocolate are provided, but we don't have the skills! If you can help please contact Keren or Liesl at contact@maranathahealth.org or 0416 044 658, or at church.
Maranatha Health is turning 10!
From an aspiring and idealistic dream ten years ago, the life-bringing work of Maranatha Health has become a thriving, effective reality in West Uganda. You’ve shared in this journey though prayer, encouragement, and financial support. We’d love you to join us to celebrate this achievement at the Maranatha Health 10thAnniversary Gala Dinner.
Maranatha Health is thriving in its service of care to people in Fort Portal, Uganda. Our Children's Clinic is constantly at capacity, the SA designed shipping-container theatre in regular use, and our community health advisors building relationships, capacity and wellbeing in their villages.
Gala Dinner
Saturday 5th May 2018
6.45pm for a 7pm start
Festival Functions Centre, 292 Findon Rd, Findon
Enjoy a three course meal (including Ethiopian flavours), entertainment, silent auction, wine pull and all the latest updates and plans from our work in Fort Portal, Uganda.
Reservations can be made for tables of 10 for $100 per guest, or individuals for $110 per guest. Please RSVP by 25th April 2018: www.trybooking.com/SUBZ.
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“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
John 20:30-31
