Overcoming the cunning of Satan:
How did Jesus overcome Satan when
tempted in the desert? Simply put as in the gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark
and Luke, Jesus was able to combat Satan by knowing and quoting scripture. This
article is the last of a trilogy of articles to highlight the need to read,
meditate upon and memorise scripture. Again allow me to summarise the points on
why we should memorise scripture, and then how to memorise scripture;
First, why memorise scripture?
• It’s the number one tool for resisting
temptation.
• It helps you make wise decisions.
• It strengthens you when you’re under stress.
• It comforts you when you’re sad.
• It helps you witness to unbelievers.
And secondly, how do I memorise
scripture?
• Pick a verse that speaks to you.
• Write it on a card and place the card in a
prominent position.
• Say the address before and after the text.
• Read the verse aloud and read it many times.
• Memorize it exactly.
• Start by memorizing one verse a week.
• Learn scripture by explaining it to others.
Overcoming:
As I suggested in the first
article, memorising scripture is the number one tool for resisting temptation.
I recently read an article about the Tiger Rattlesnake. Because of its soft
pinkish tint and tiger stripes across its body, it has been described by a
maintenance director of an outdoor museum in Arizona USA as the most beautiful
rattler created. This rattlesnake though doesn't rattle to warn you of the
eminent danger. They strike first, and then rattle, as though to laugh at the
stupidity of their prey. Isn't that much the same as Satan? Satan struck first
in the Garden of Eden and has been "rattling his evil tail in
delight" ever since, deceiving by either part-truths or straight out lies
always tempting us to eat of life's forbidden fruits. The battle between good
and evil that began eons ago in the Garden of Eden when Satan entered mankind's
domain continues to rage today.
Never forget God's counsel and
instructions in His Word. They are given to protect us from evil, deception,
and ultimate destruction. His Word says;
"Stay alert! Watch out for
your great enemy, the devil [Satan]. He prowls around like a roaring lion,
looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
"Even Satan disguises
himself as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14)
“Therefore, submit to God. But resist
the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to
you.” (James 4:7)
And here’s the good news!!
“13 You were dead
because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then
God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He
cancelled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it
to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed (or he stripped off) the
spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over
them on the cross.” Colossians 2:13, 14, & 15.
“If we confess our sins, He is
faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all
unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
While Satan may appear to have
won in the first book of the Bible, in the last book and in the end God
triumphs. His Word says, "Then the devil, who had deceived them, was
thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulphur, joining the beast and the false
prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." (Revelation
20:10)
Amen and amen! So, above there’s
6 scriptures to memorise! If you desire to give memorising scripture a go, come
and speak to me as I am more than prepared to support you in this endeavour.
Barry Klaer
Pastoral Care & Fellowship
Prayer Requests Not
included in this newsletter, but if you would like to view the
current requests, refer to the e-mail that alerted you to this
Newsletter. If you have a prayer request or wish to be covered by
prayer please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request
This week we continue the series, “Hope that lasts forever (How Jesus’ resurrection rubs against everyday life)”. This week’s message: The HOPE of Heaven - Is there HOPE for Creation? ‘For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage and decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.’ (Romans 8:20-21)
Bible Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 8:19-24; Colossians 1:16-20
Podcasts
available at www.paravista.org.au
Kingdom Kids at the
10:30am service for ages 0-12.
Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids will now only run at the 10:30am service for ages 0-12.
This term we have so much to look forward to including a Buddy Week, Pentecost,
Mother’s Day Celebrations, Step Up (for those who choose to be involved) and
awesome lessons with our incredible God inspired Leaders and Helpers and SOOOO
MUCH MORE!
School Holidays
I am already looking for a small team of 3-4 to run our Term 2 School
Holiday Program. Unfortunately we were unable to run anything during our Term 1
Holiday break due to a lack of helpers. I am determined to make sure our Team
Leaders and Helpers get a break during this time so I’m looking for people who
aren’t usually involved. Please contact me ASAP if you are interested.
Providing holiday programs for our ever growing community of young families and
children is a really important part of our Sunday Ministry. Please consider
getting involved.
Baby Zone
Baby Zone is still look for extra helpers and a leader. I will continue
to pray and know God will provide. If you have been considering this PLEASE let
me know. I would love to chat to you about what’s involved in this important
and valuable program.
Baby Food
We have generously been given the opportunity to raise some funds
through selling Baby Food Products. We have a variety of pureed fruits and
vegetables on sale for $5 per box (6 meals in each box) or 5 boxes for $20. ALL
money raised will go towards Playgroup and Baby Zone to ensure both ministries
are well equipped and resourced. Please speak to Debbie Wesselingh or Laura
Carson if you are interested. All the products are made in SA and contain no
additives and are purely natural. They also expire within the next few months
so please get in soon.
Play Group
We have recently received news that our application for a Government
Grant was successful. We now have enough financial support to provide a better
equipped, safer and more exciting program. We praise God for the way he has
provided for us this year and continue to pray for a 5th member of the team to
oversee morning tea and food rosters. Playgroup started up again on Wednesday
2nd May. We look forward to seeing you each week. Contact Beth for more info
8258 4878.
Move Urban Dance
Dance for term 2 has started again. New dancers are welcome. I look
forward to seeing you soon.
Step Up To Communion 2012
2012 Step Up Family Lunch this Sunday in the OSHC room 12.15 - 2.30pm. Please bring a plate of Main Course to share. Drinks and Dessert provided.
Laura
Carson – Children and Family Team Leader
8263
5087
Upcoming Events
Plant
Stall
Our Fundraising Team have been asked to
hold a Plant Stall at the Rubies Night on Friday 18th May. If you have any pot plants you don't want any
more or some that you have potted up since my last request, then please bring
them along to the Hall on Friday 18th.
Please put a label on your plants as to what they are and flower colour
if they flower. If you can't get your
pots to the Hall, please contact Joan on 8262 7429.
If your plants aren't ready to sell by May,
we will be holding our annual Plant Stall on 17th and 24th June, so bring them
along then.
Thank you again.....in anticipation.
Cebu
Mission Fundraising Team
We are still looking for another Team
member, so if you are thinking you would like to be involved in some
fundraising and have a passion for the poverty people, then please prayerfully
consider joining our team.
Please contact Joan on 8262 7429 or email joanrmc@bigpond.com
On the Notice Board
Maranatha Health Supporters Brunch
When: Saturday 19th May from 10:30am to
12noon
for BBQ, tea and coffee, African
items for sale
Where: Endeavour College Mall
85
Mawson Lakes Blvd Mawson Lakes SA
(Plenty
of parking around the back)
Kids
welcome, plenty of space to run around (BYO balls etc)
Why: To thank people for their support,
prayers and interest. And to hear first hand how Marantha Health is making a
difference to local communities in providing employment in the district;
providing much needed health care and hope for local community development. Kimberly (Hampel) Findlay
writes ”I was talking to Kiiza, the first Ugandan staff member who helped to
build the Clinic and now is the head groundskeeper. He has now finished his 6
month probation and his positive outlook and appreciation re-energised me. He
pointed out how only 6 months ago, we had almost nothing to show for ourselves.
He reminded me of how far we had come, and how much of a difference we are
making. He reminded me of the LIFE that is in Maranatha Health. God-breathed life.”
Albert Namatjira at Her Majesty's Theatre Adelaide
A
ground-breaking Australian work that transforms the rich watercolours of
Namatjira’s story into a theatrical event. Albert’s astounding story is
told through words, movement and live music, together with the added delight of
three of Namatjira’s descendants (watercolour artists and the guardians of his
story) who depict his country in chalk on the theatre walls. They sit and
watch, draw, listen and recount the story of their grandfather every night –
and it is with their permission that this story is told. This is a personal
story of their community and their grandfather. Albert Namatjira’s life story is being told on stage in
Adelaide 4th - 12th
May 2012
Mission Thailand
You’re invited to be
part of a unique team experience to serve in Thailand.
We are currently calling for
volunteers to come to Thailand in January 2013.
The trip will be an opportunity to serve Christ in a different way,
enjoy fellowship with Lutherans from another culture and have a little bit of
fun….
The ‘MT2013: Here I am! Send Me!’ trip is planned for Friday 4th
January to Sunday 20th January 2013.
We will fly into Chiang Mai via Bangkok from Sydney. The cost will be approximately $3,000 AUD
(this will cover airfares, car hire, fuel, food while in the village and
accommodation). We are looking for
expressions of interest by 15th June, completed applications and
deposit paid by 30th June.
To register your interest in the
team or to know more about the exciting things happening in the Nan province of
Thailand, please contact Simon King on e-mail: project.thailand@lca.org.au or on
0403 999 979 for an Application Package.
You are invited to the first opportunity to experience a
brand new workshop: Disability 101
We
invite attendance by one or two people from each congregation.
Date:
Thursday, 24th May 2012
Time:
9.00am - 1.00pm
Venue:
Lutheran Church SA District Office, 137 Archer St, North Adelaide
Cost:
$10, which includes materials and morning tea
To
register by phone: 8212 7766
By
fax: 8212 7744
(see notice board for more details)
Alpha is coming
Stay tuned for more information
COME JOIN US AT THE …..
Monthly Glynde Markets
4th Saturday of the
month
Glynde Lutheran
Church (15-17 Glynburn Rd)
26th May, 9am-1pm
Join us for a Sausage
Sizzle and Devonshire Tea
Stalls include:
Plants, Craft, Cakes/Biscuits, Home Produce, Good Second Hand,
Pandora Style Jewellery, Bric-a-Brac
Pandora Style Jewellery, Bric-a-Brac
From the Office
Staff Meeting
The
office will be closed for Staff Meeting until 10.30am on Thursday 10th
May.
AGM’s
The
AGM’s of the church, school and village will be held on Sunday May 20th
at 12.30 pm. A BBQ lunch will be
provided after the second service. Main business for the church meeting is the
presentation of the 2011 audited Financial Audited statement, Senior Pastor’s
report and OSM support in 2012-13. Hard copies of church reports will be
available on Sunday May 13th from the Members Information section or
in the Member’s section on our Web site
Vacancies
Please check the
church notice board for details of all job vacancies
International Gospel Centre 2 positions available for:
Office Staff and for an
auditor
Coincidence
is when God chooses to remain anonymous
Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am – 3.45pm
Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au
