We more than Me

“Do this and you will live.”

Imagine one morning waking up, stretching your arms and suddenly feeling that something wasn’t quite right inside your body.  You knew that even though life seemed to always feel like it was moving in the right direction, there was a niggling sense of dis-ease.  Then, after going to the doctor, she said, “You were right to come to me.  The bad news is that you are sick and, if you keep on going the way you are, the prognosis isn’t good.  But if you do this, you will live.”

If I was that person, and the doctor told me the way to live, I would do everything possible to follow her directives.

In Luke 10:25-37, an expert in the law stood up to confront Jesus about what it takes to inherit eternal life.  Jesus turns the question around – “What is written in the law?” he asks.  “How do you read it?”

Immediately, Jesus engages the situation and wants to hear how others understand the greatest gift of God.  He wants to know their own interpretations of salvation and inheritance.

In the next piece of dialogue, the expert answers correctly, but Jesus’ response is enigmatic and, in some ways, almost cheeky, before he launches into what might be his most famous parable.  The Good Samaritan.

This week, as we ponder our own reading and understanding of the scriptures, let’s pause as we carefully peruse Jesus’ words to all centuries which have a niggling sense of dis-ease.  As we hear Jesus speak to the expert in the law, let we who hear the resounding voice of the gospel get stuck on the Healer’s words:

“Do this and you will live.”

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Readings: Luke 10:25-37
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 2020
All ladies are welcome to come to the first meeting of Ladies Fellowship for 2020.  We will be meeting at 12 noon on 4th February at the church hall.  Please bring your lunch.  We look forward to seeing you with all ladies most welcome to attend.

When: - 11th February
Where: - 6 Von Braun Crescent, Modbury North
Time: - 6.30 to 9.00 pm
Cost: - $10 donation is appreciated to offset costs (under 16 $5)
Contact: - Jim 0438 899 629

Transform 2020
The Team are excited to welcome you to Transform for 2020!

This Sunday we have opportunity to meet with anyone who might be interested in becoming a Leader.  We will be meeting in the Education Centre.

The following Sunday (Feb 9th), we would love to invite families with youth (age 10 to 13) who are interested in joining/continuing their Transform journey this year.  Families are invited to bring a plate to share (drinks provided) and hear this year’s plan for faith in action.  We will be meeting in the Ark over at the school.  Please follow the signs, or there will be people around to show you the way.  Time 12:30pm to 2pm.  See you there!
Blessings,
Mardi and Georgie

Grow Ministries Faith at Home

Dear Church Family,
Is there a teacher you admire or respect?
What have you learnt from them?
One day Jesus taught his followers up on a mountain. (Matthew 5:1-11) He said that God blesses those who are humble, those who stand up for what is good and right, those who are forgiving, and those who work for peace. Share some real life examples for these behaviours with one another.
Check out this week’s Growing Faith at Home for ideas to nurture faith at home.
God bless, Georgie

Noticeboard

“And this is the testimony:

God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

1 John 5:11

God's Light in a Dark World

Every day we are bombarded by messages of hopelessness: bushfires, climate change, murder, strife, anger, greed.  Constantly soaked in these images and texts, there is a tendency for even the strongest of humanity to sink into the quagmire of desire.  Darkness draws a blanket over the collective cultures of the world and we cry out…

Hosanna. Save us.

In the book of Isaiah, we hear the voice of God’s chosen instrument, the prophet, reminding people of two things: 1.) their consequences are a product of their actions.  They have disobeyed God and turned to idols. 2.) God will not abandon them in their consequences, but will help them through.

Eventually, as the prophetic promise resonates centuries later, the people of Israel will not only be God’s servants, but lights in the world.  And, as is written in chapter 49, “See, these will come from far away; from the north and from the west…”

People will be drawn to the light of God in this world because he saves his people, Israel.
How does this translate into the 21st century?

Some of what we experience in 21st century culture, the perpetual indignation, of taking offense, of discarding the word of God for the idol of self – these have consequences.  But God promises not to leave us out in the darkness.  In Isaiah 9:2, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness,” we are told of the light that has come in the darkness, and now we are called to be mirrors to reflect Christ, the light of life, into the same kind of darkness.

This, in its very essence, is the journey of culture change.  As we look towards the next seven years, we’ll be using a chart like this to mark our progress:

Using Isaiah’s words, this week we will take a look at where God was calling the people of Israel about to be sent into exile, and where he sends the people of the contemporary Church to be the reflection of light as God brings about his culture change.

Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Readings: Isaiah 49:1-13
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.

Hi Good Shepherd!
I am excited to be appointed as your new Office Administrator, in the role formerly held by Belinda Konrad. At the moment I'm available Tuesday to Friday, 9am-3pm.  A big thank you for the lovely warm welcome I have received thus far... looking forward to working for you!

Blessings,
Rachel Koopmans





Ladies Fellowship 2020
All ladies are welcome to come to the first meeting of Ladies Fellowship for 2020.  We will be meeting at 12 noon on 4th February at the church hall.  Please bring your lunch.  We look forward to seeing you with all ladies most welcome to attend.







Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
Jesus calls his followers to ‘fish for people’.
What does he mean?
Please have a look at some ideas that you might like to try out with you family through the week.
God bless, Georgie

Noticeboard

In some parts of Australia bushfires are continuing to threaten lives and livelihoods. In other places, hundreds of people are sifting through ashes, wondering how they will put their lives back together.

Many of us are asking how we can bring the love of God into this awful situation, how his love might come to life through us. Here are some ways that could happen.

To help people in immediate need you can donate to
Red Cross, Salvation Army and other organisations that are able to provide on-the-ground local support right now.
To help Lutherans and the communities they are supporting with immediate assistance and then, later, post-emergency restorative support, you can donate to
LCA Disaster & Welfare Fund (tax-deductible)
Click on the link to make a donation by credit card.  To make a bank transfer:
BSB 704942
Account: 100042902
Account name: LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund

Always wanted to study Biblical Greek?
ALC has an introductory New Testament Greek class running in 2020 which has already attracted a number of enrolments from mature-age lay people.  The class can be completed either for credit or as audit (no assessment required) and is time-tabled Monday to Wednesday at 11.15am for one hour commencing Monday 24 February.  For further details, contact enquiries@alc.edu.au or phone 08 7120 8200.  Special seniors’ discounts apply for audit students.  Semester audit fees: $360 Concession  $540 Non-concession.  All welcome.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

1 Peter 2:9

Jesus Lamb of God

In just over a week’s time we will celebrate Australia Day.  Perhaps you can remember the lamb adds by Sam Kekovich.  Here’s what he recommended as the appropriate cuisine for Australia Day: lamb chops from the BBQ, a few beers from the esky, and perhaps a Pavlova for those with a sweet tooth!

For you, what comes to mind with the word: “lamb”?  Perhaps lamb on a spit, lamb chops, or a lamb roast with a sprig of rosemary, vegies and lots of gravy?

Maybe you grew up on a property where your family had a pet lamb?  If so, you could hardly imagine eating it - could you?

When John the Baptist sees Jesus approaching, he declares: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NIV)

When John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as "the Lamb of God" what do you think that triggered in the minds of his hearers?  Probably not lamb roast!

This Sunday we will explore what John’s evocative term, “Lamb of God,” might have meant for his hearers – and what it could mean for us.

Jesus takes away the sins of the world.  That means each and every person on this planet: including you and me, children and grandchildren, relatives and friends, work colleagues, sporting buddies, and the people on your street.  Jesus wants every person on this planet to receive his forgiveness and leadership over our lives – so we can have life to the full… and an eternity of life.

How might you and I take a leaf out of John’s book, and point people to Jesus?  Maybe we can start by praying to see people through Jesus’ eyes – and to love them like Jesus loves them.  Also asking Father God for opportunities to share our stories on what Jesus has been doing in our lives.  And that might open doors to sharing who Jesus is, what he has done for all people, and the identity, purpose and destiny he gives to all who trust and follow Him.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings: John 1:29-42
(See also Exodus 12, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Revelation 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
This Sunday at the 10.30am service Tyler Max Stirling, son of Matthew and Alicia, will be welcomed into God’s family through Holy Baptism.




Hi Good Shepherd!
I am excited to be appointed as your new Office Administrator, in the role formerly held by Belinda Konrad. At the moment I'm available Tuesday to Friday, 9am-3pm. A big thank you for the lovely warm welcome I have received thus far...
looking forward to working for you!

Blessings,
Rachel Koopmans









Ladies Fellowship 2020
All ladies are welcome to come to the first meeting of Ladies Fellowship for 2020.
We will be meeting at 12 noon on 4th February at the church hall.  Please bring your lunch.
We look forward to seeing you with all ladies most welcome to attend.







Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
When Andrew heard that Jesus was the Messiah, the first thing he did was search for his brother Simon and bring him to meet Jesus (John 1:40-42).
In what ways do you help others meet Jesus?
Check out the Growing Faith at Home resource for some devotional ideas, conversation starters and activities to try out with your family.
God bless,
Georgie

Noticeboard

Open Garden
Every Saturday at 3 Aldrin Crescent Modbury North from 9–11 am.  Free entry and plants available to purchase.  All proceeds donated to LCA Disaster & Welfare Fund.  Phone 83953177 for more information.

In some parts of Australia bushfires are continuing to threaten lives and livelihoods. In other places, hundreds of people are sifting through ashes, wondering how they will put their lives back together.

Many of us are asking how we can bring the love of God into this awful situation, how his love might come to life through us. Here are some ways that could happen.

To help people in immediate need you can donate to
Red Cross, Salvation Army and other organisations that are able to provide on-the-ground local support right now.
To help Lutherans and the communities they are supporting with immediate assistance and then, later, post-emergency restorative support, you can donate to
LCA Disaster & Welfare Fund (tax-deductible)
Click on the link to make a donation by credit card.  To make a bank transfer:
BSB 704942
Account: 100042902
Account name: LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund

Always wanted to study Biblical Greek?
ALC has an introductory New Testament Greek class running in 2020 which has already attracted a number of enrolments from mature-age lay people.  The class can be completed either for credit or as audit (no assessment required) and is time-tabled Monday to Wednesday at 11.15am for one hour commencing Monday 24 February.  For further details, contact enquiries@alc.edu.au or phone 08 7120 8200.  Special seniors’ discounts apply for audit students.  Semester audit fees: $360 Concession  $540 Non-concession.  All welcome.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Luke 19:10

The Baptism of Jesus

“What does your baptism mean to you?”  How would you answer someone who asked you this question and was genuinely interested in your reply?

Decades ago, I was asked this question by a chap who did not think it was fitting and right to baptise babies.  My response: “I was baptised as a baby… so I know that at one point in history, God has put his name on me, joined me to Jesus, and adopted me as his child.  No matter what happens in my life, nothing can ever change that!”

Luther was subject to long bouts of depression.  In the midst of his melancholy, he would often declare: “But I am baptised!”  Not: “I was baptised!”  But: “I am baptised!”  God’s promise and commitment to us never wavers.  His unfailing love is a constant reality – in which we can always find refuge – regardless of our circumstances.

This Sunday we’re looking at Jesus’ baptism.  What does Jesus’ baptism mean for you?  For me, it provokes a lot of questions.

As John the Baptist preached, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near!” people realised they’d fallen short of God's ways.  They confessed their sins to John and were baptized as an outward expression of their change of heart and life (Mt 3:6).  John's baptism was a baptism of repentance, preparing the people of Israel for their Messiah.  It is not the same as Christian baptism!

But then Jesus approaches John for baptism.  Hmmmm.  If Jesus was sinless, why did he ask John to baptize him?  Why did Jesus need it?  What on earth did he need to repent of?

John was not keen, but Jesus insisted: “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”  Then John consented. (Matthew 3:15 NIV)

What does it mean ‘to fulfill all righteousness’?  How would you explain that word “righteousness” to someone else?  How did Jesus’ baptism ‘fulfill all righteousness’?

When Jesus was baptised, some really interesting things happened.  As he came up out of the water, heaven opened… and the Spirit of God came down and rested on Jesus.  What’s that about?

And there was a voice from heaven.  Whose voice was it?  And what did the voice say?  What is the significance of all this for us?

Come along this Sunday as we wrestle with these questions, look into the Scriptures for answers, and help one another to live in the grace and leadership of Jesus, our Friend and King.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings: Isaiah 42:1-7. Matthew 3:13-17. (See also Psalm 2, Isaiah 11:1-3) 
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.

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
What took place at Jesus’ baptism?
How do you think he felt?
How do you feel about your baptism?
What does it mean to you?
Check out the Growing Faith at Home resource for some devotional ideas, conversation starters and activities to try out with your family.
God bless,
Georgie

From the Office

Office Closure January
The office will be closed for an extended period to allow staff to exhaust leave.  Times will be:-

Every Monday in January 2020 CLOSED
Tuesday to Friday January 2020 OPEN 9.00am to 3.00pm

For urgent contact during this time please call 8263 5087 and leave a message.  Messages will be retrieved on working days over this time.

Noticeboard

In some parts of Australia bushfires are continuing to threaten lives and livelihoods. In other places, hundreds of people are sifting through ashes, wondering how they will put their lives back together.

Many of us are asking how we can bring the love of God into this awful situation, how his love might come to life through us. Here are some ways that could happen.

To help people in immediate need you can donate to
Red Cross,  Salvation Army and other organisations that are able to provide on-the-ground local support right now.
To help Lutherans and the communities they are supporting with immediate assistance and then, later, post-emergency restorative support, you can donate to
LCA Disaster & Welfare Fund (tax-deductible)
Click on the link to make a donation by credit card.  To make a bank transfer:
BSB 704942
Account: 100042902
Account name: LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,..”

Titus 3:4-5