You can make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.
Lewis has taken the question that Jesus asks, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ and adds quite a bit of pepper to it.
In our 21st century world (as well as Lewis’ 20th century one), Jesus’ question is almost always responded to with a ‘soft soap’ answer. “He was a great moral teacher. He was a great pacifist. He was a social activist.” But rarely, will you hear the words ‘Lord and Saviour, Son of God,’ in the broader world.
Some of this has to do about how we, as Christians, answer the question that Jesus asks.
This week, read chapters 6 and 7 of the book of John and dig a little deeper under your own skin, in your own soul. Who do you say that Jesus is?
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: John 6: 60-69 John 7:37-44
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.
Support for Family Hub
Thank you for your continued fantastic support last week for the food and blanket collection for the Family Hub. Kathleen was amazed at the generous support of the congregation. With the advent of winter there are constant calls for extra food.
This was a real team effort.
• fantastic donations of food and blankets
• the transform group sorting the donations
• the transporting of goods to the Family Hub
The donations brought a smile to all at the Hub.
You could also support the Hub by having an enjoyable Karaoke Night at the church on Saturday August 17th. All proceeds to support the work of the Hub.
From the Office
Replacement of Cafe Floor
The replacement of the cafe floor has commenced and should be finished by Friday next week. During this time this area cannot be accessed except for turning on and off the lights. If workers are present check first before entering to access the lights.
Movement restrictions:
• Sunday there will no entry directly from the courtyard. Entry will be via the door by the church office
• Entry to the hall will be through the door in the operable wall at the back of the church or via the Montague Road foyer.
• Morning tea will be served at the servery between the kitchen and hall.
Noticeboard
Friends of Lutheran Archives
Dr Robert Heimann, a professional genealogist from Germany, presents the story of the persecuted French Reformed ‘Huguenots’ in exile, “Wandering between the Lines”. Many found refuge in German lands, and some joined the German migrations to Australia – and even into the Lutheran Church. Come along to the next Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) meeting on Monday 15th July, 7.30 pm at Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city. Supper and gold coin donation. All most welcome.
“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
John 30:31
