He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence he will come to judge the living and the dead.
How does this make you feel? Is this something you are ready for?
A bunch of Jesus’ parables describe a separation that will occur when Jesus returns:
• Between the wheat and the weeds (Matt 13:24-30, 36-43)
• Between good fish and bad fish (Matt 13:47-50)
• Between the foolish and wise virgins (Matt 25:1-13)
• Between the faithful and unfaithful servants (Matt 25:14-30)
• Between the sheep and the goats (Matt 25:31-46)
It seems that Matthew's account of Jesus addresses Christians who have become complacent, self-centred, smug - in knowing the facts of Jesus… without following the teaching and example of Jesus in caring for others.
As we read in Isaiah, God’s calls his people to more than just outward shows of piety:
‘When you come to worship me, who asked you to parade through my courts with all your ceremony? I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals. They are a burden to me. I cannot stand them! When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will not look. Though you offer many prayers, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with the blood of innocent victims. Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.’ (Isaiah 1:12,14-17 NLT)
Jesus’ teaching and example prove he is indeed a friend to the marginalised – to the hurting, hassled, heartbroken and hopeless. Regardless of our religious habits, if there is no compassion or kindness to the suffering, we have denied Jesus.
Faith proves genuine by how we treat others… especially the "little people”. As James writes: ‘Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.’ (James 1:27NIV)
Faith active in love is the fruit God is looking for in us. Come along this Sunday as we explore how Jesus continues his ministry of mercy, love and kindness through you and me.
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Reading: Matthew 25:31-46
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.
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
This Sunday July 28th at both services is the next food collection for the Family Hub.
Kathlene Wilson, Manager at the Family Hub, will be at both services to receive this month's donations and thank the congregation for our very generous support of the Hub.
To prevent accidents carrying donations up the steps, please use the hand rail or leave them on the steps and someone will transfer them onto the platform.
Toilet paper
Dish washing liquid
Noodles
Tins of vegetables
Milo – urgently needed for breakfast
Sliced cheese
Grated and block cheese for cooking
Creamed cheese
Plain Flour
SR flour
Sugar
Pancake mix
Karaoke Night to Support the Family Hub
Our major fundraising event for 2019 is a Karaoke Night on Saturday August 17th commencing at 7:30pm. It will be a fun night of music, games, wine auction and fellowship. BYO drinks and nibbles.
Early bird tickets for $10 are available till July 30th in the hall after services or from the church office. Unfortunately there will no EFTPOS facilities available on the night so bring cash for games and wine auction.
If not attending on the 17th you can still support our fundraising effort by donating a bottle /s of wine for the auction. These can be brought on Sunday and left at the sales desk in the hall, church office or given directly to Eric Hofmanis or Joan McCarthy.
Thanks for your support of the Family Hub
From the Office
Weed Spraying
Would you be available to spray the weeds that have been growing around the church grounds? Please contact Stephen through the church 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.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 7:21
