With a new baby is the reminder that only life can produce life. With a humble awe, we realize that the living God is The Creator of life. No amount of science, biology or technology can create new life. Life is a gift from God.
When Jesus told Nicodemus that he needed to be born again (born from above), he could not fathom what Jesus was saying. Jesus explains: “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (John 3:5-6 NIV)
Every time a baby is born, we witness physical life made possible through the parents. But spiritual life must come from God above: the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
Through the Good News of Jesus, the Holy Spirit opens our hearts and minds to Jesus and brings us into a relationship with God. By joining us to Jesus in baptism, we receive God’s forgiveness, entry into the kingdom of God, adoption into God’s family and the promise of everlasting life. By the Holy Spirit we are born from above.
Last Sunday we celebrated the anniversary of Pentecost. As Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit filled his followers. As a result, they proclaimed the life giving message of Jesus to people in Jerusalem. As the Spirit gave birth to spirit, about 3000 people came into the kingdom of God.
It’s the same Holy Spirit we need today to make us alive in Jesus and continue his work in this world. Over three Sundays, we’re getting to know the Holy Spirit. This Sunday we will unpack the prophecy of Ezekiel to a valley of dry bones. We will see that the Holy Spirit is indeed the Lord and Giver of Life.
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 3:1-8
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.
Good Shepherd Ladies Fellowship
ANNUAL FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON 2nd July at 12 noon. A celebration of 50 years of the fellowship. A delicious three course meal with glass of wine will be offered to guests. Special guest speaker Julie Krause from Lutheran World Service. Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Hall Cost: $20ph Anyone is welcome but there are limited numbers . RSVP 15th June to Ragna ph 7325 8016 or Dorothy 0403 967 943.
From the Office
Replacement of Cafe Floor
Due to issues with the cafe flooring, which in future would be expensive for the congregation to rectify, the cafe flooring will be replaced at no cost to the congregation. This will occur between the 3rd and 12th of July. During this time access to the hall and worship centre via the cafe will not be possible. The kitchen can be utilised by access through the hall.
Noticeboard
Friends of Lutheran Archives
Glen Auricht, who has lived in the Centre for most of his life and is a fluent Arunda speaker, follows with his camera the path taken by Missionary Carl Strehlow on the dash for medical help which ended with Strehlow’s death at Horseshoe Bend in 1922. Glen’s stunning images of the landscape bring to life one of the most dramatic stories in Lutheran mission history. Come along to the next Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) meeting on Monday June 24th, Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city, 7.30pm. Gold coin donation and supper. All welcome.
“The Spirit of God has made me;
the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”
Job 33:4
