Friday, July 19, 2019

The Incarnate Word

As far as introductions go, Jesus’ introduction in the book of John would be considered atypical.  John doesn’t introduce the Saviour of all humankind by name, but by confusing imagery.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning… (John 1:1,2)

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only, who came from the Father full of grace and truth.

I read these words and nod my head sagely.  After two thousand years of Christian tradition, we blithely agree and move on to contemporary ‘issues’ of the church.  But in the beginning, this was THE issue.  How is it that God could become human?  What was John doing in his introduction naming Jesus as ‘The Word?’  What does this mean?

This week during our series on Jesus – Trinity, we’ll look at the word ‘incarnate’ – that the Word, the Creator’s voice in the beginning, took on flesh and made his home among us, not just above us or around us, but in the middle of us.

We’ll wrestle with these verses also: Colossians 1:15, John 8:58 and Philippians 2:6-8

Read through them ahead of time.  Prepare for God’s advent into your hearts again.  Here the message of the ‘God with flesh on’ that is a stumbling block to Jews and Gentiles alike.

Allow me to introduce you to Jesus.

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading: I Timothy 3:14-16, John 1:1-5
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.

Praise Point
At the 10.30am service this Sunday we will be welcoming into God’s family through Holy Baptism Madison Anne Schiller, daughter of Chelsea and Matt and Gabrielle Yutong Miao, daughter of Michelle and Vitley.

Ladies Fellowship
Congregation members are invited to “Experience life in PNG” through the eyes and work of nursing sister Margaret Voigt, guest speaker Tuesday 6th August at 1pm.  Coffee and afternoon tea will be served.

Support for Family Hub
The next food collection for the Family Hub will be next Sunday July 29th at both services.  A list of food requirements will be included in next week's Weekly News and sent via email.  Thank you for your support during the year.

Karaoke Night to Support the Family Hub

This will be held on Saturday August 17th at 7:30.  All proceeds will go to the Family Hub to support their work among the needy families in Ingle Farm.

Early bird ticket price is $10 if purchased before July 31st.  Tickets are on sale in the hall after both services each Sunday.

Part of the fun on the night will be a  fabulous wine auction.  Donations of wine for the auction will be greatly appreciated. These can be left in the church office or given to Eric Hofmanis or John Dolling.


From the Office

LLL Interest Rate Change
Our congregation has received an ‘LLL Interest Rate change’ notice advising that effective
1 July 2019, the interest rate on at-call Savings Accounts is 2.00%.  This notice has been placed on the church notice board for your information.





Noticeboard



Lutheran Nurses (LNAA)
All healthcare workers, members and visitors are invited to attend our meeting on Monday 29th July with Pastor Michael Prenzler presenting 'Adelaide Deaf Community Church', 7.30 pm at 137 Archer Street, North Adelaide, at LCA/SA District Office.  Entry through rear door with 2 hour CDP evidence provided.  Rose Howard, Secretary LNAA  Mobile 0410 463 649.

“The Son is the image of the invisible God
the firstborn over all creation.”
Colossians 1:15