Friday, January 31, 2020

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