Earlier this week I was scrolling through Facebook when I saw a friend's post that had me pausing in shock.
I've known this family for such a long time, though it has been a while since we've seen each other. They were ministers at my home church when I was a young adult. I watched their children grow up, and even when they went away to another church, we kept in touch over the years. Their first child, Levi, had been the face of our local church playgroup back in the day - he was such a cute kid, so full of life and joy. He grew up to love sports and love Jesus. Last weekend, just a month before his 18th birthday, he died in his sleep sometime on Saturday night. I can't imagine what it must have been like to go into their child's room and wake him up to find he'd passed away so suddenly. Such unimaginable grief for a parent. There is some comfort in finding out an unknown heart condition that caused a medical episode, ensuring his death happened swiftly and without suffering. The greater comfort for his family and for all those who trust Jesus, is that Levi is now Home. In John 11:25 Jesus says, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." Because Levi believed Jesus' words, this promise is true for him, just as it is true for everyone who trusts Jesus. On Sunday we'll be exploring Jesus' gloriously comforting words some more and the impact of living in light of this resurrection. Amy
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This Thursday, on ANZAC Day, we pay special tribute to those who have been involved in our nation’s battles. As we remember those who have died in war, like my great Uncle Donnie, may our hearts be full of gratitude for what they were willing to suffer for their own and also future generations. I hope you can join us at Mount Eliza Neighbourhood House at 2pm for the special service run by Rotary.
It’s a privilege to serve alongside other community groups and be the presence of Christ in these contexts. As Christians who bear God’s name, we are all called to represent Christ all day, every day, wherever we are. What a privilege and responsibility! May God use each of us powerfully for His Kingdom purposes, just like he uses Defence Force Chaplains in the lives of those who currently serve God and our country. May they be in our prayers especially this week. I also pray that we will be encouraged to renew our own commitment to dedicate ourselves to the cause of justice, freedom, and peace; and seek to build a better world for the honour and glory of God, and his son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, whose name we bear. This Sunday we are to be reminded that Jesus is our good shepherd (John 10:11-21). He too was willing to lay down his life for others to win a battle that no-one else could win for us. He lay down his life for his sheep. He died a sacrificial death on the cross, enabling forgiveness and bringing about peace with God for every person in every nation all over the whole world - whoever chooses to receive this sacrificial gift. He defeated sin, death, evil, and paid the price for freedom for all humankind. Let us continue to reflect and consider anew the great sacrifices made for us and be truly grateful. May we learn to follow Jesus as our good shepherd; trustworthy and true; for our own good and the good of all. May we each be ready to trust and obey like Jesus and our ANZAC soldiers did. May we go into the world in peace. Be of good courage. Hold fast to that which is good. Never pay back wrong for wrong, Strengthen the fainthearted. Support the weak. Help the afflicted. Honour all people. Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. And know the blessing of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is with you always. Peace, Rev. Tanya Jesus was an amazing teacher. He would take daily life examples to create spiritual conversation. He used parallels, parables, and allegories to depict spiritual truths. In his seven “I am” sayings recorded in John's Gospel, Jesus teaches all we need to know for salvation.
This Sunday we look at his statement; “I am the door” or “gate”. The Greek word Thyra can be translated either way as it means “passageway”. Jesus is the door/gateway through which the sheep go out and in, and He brings salvation to those who follow his guidance. John 10:9-10 says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus here is contrasting Himself with the Pharisees and religious rulers of the day. They were bad shepherds and false leaders who were acting as gatekeepers of the temple, preventing people from coming to God and trying to stop people from following Jesus. So Jesus uses this imagery to clearly depict that He is the one who reconciles people to God. May we all come to God through him and enjoy the green pastures (abundant life) he promises. I find myself singing… “Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, let the earth hear his voice. Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, let the people rejoice. Oh, come to the father through Jesus the son, and give Him the glory great things he has done!” … last verse: “He opened the life gate that all may Go in!” See you Sunday, Rev. Tanya God is continually drawing more people to himself and he wants to use us for this purpose.
It's delightful to see so many new faces among us each week. I want all newcomers to return and find a place of belonging among us, so please make sure you go out of your way to make them feel extra welcome. It's up to all of us! Thank you for your partnership in the gospel. Last Sunday, Amy kicked of our new "I am" series with a great sermon which is online if you missed it. This Sunday Libby will preach on the second of Jesus "I am" sayings in the book of John; "I am the light of the world" (study notes are available). In declaring Himself to be the Light of the world, Jesus was claiming that He is the source of spiritual light. He said, "Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life.’” This metaphor speaks of the light of His Truth, the light of His Word, the light of eternal Life which he offers to all people. Sadly, many choose to reject it. Some prefer the darkness and won't come into the light because they don't want their evil deeds to be exposed. But we are called to live as people of light, who let the Light of Jesus Christ into our hearts, minds, and lives so he can dispel any darkness and make our lives shine brightly for Him. The gospel Light we have is not to be covered. It's to be made obvious for all to see and benefit from, that they, too, may leave the darkness and come into the Light. May He draw many others to himself though our "Shiny" witness. Jesus said about us (His followers), "You are the light of the world". Let's live like it today and always. Light and love, Reverend Tanya Cummings How is your Lenten journey going?
I must say I've really enjoyed our study of Exodus. I hope you've grown in your understanding of God and yourself through it. In the final Sermon in this series, we will focus on God solidifying his covenant relationship with the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai. God gives them instructions on how to live as his covenant people and the people commit themselves to live according to his word. God called them to be a Kingdom of Priests meaning they were to teach the nations about God by their faithfulness to His word (19:4-6). Alluding to this passage, Peter says the same of us (The church) "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9). We are to be God's witnesses in the world; revealing more of Him to those around us by the way we live our lives. Does your life reflect his glory? Do your words and actions draw others closer to Him? Is there anything in your life that dishonors God? If so, I encourage you to repent and turn back to the God who has delivered us from slavery (to sin) and brought us into covenant relationship with him. He surely deserves our praises, our lives, our all. Please join us this Sunday for Palm Sunday and the final sermon in our Exodus series which Amy will preach. Blessings in Christ, Rev Tanya Do you ever complain like the Israelites?
Israel ought to have learned to trust and obey God by now. They had seen the power of God displayed over the mighty Egyptian Army when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea so it’s difficult to understand how they could doubt God and his plans yet that is exactly what the people did. They continually grumbled and disobeyed God’s instructions. Despite their complaints, the Lord provided for their needs over and over. He provided drinking water and fed them with quail that flew into their camp each evening and a miraculous dew in the mornings which turned into flakes of sweet bread (manna) for them to eat. A larger portion was provided one day each week so that the people could rest and observe the Sabbath the next day. God took care of His people in the wilderness, and he will take care of us today. We can trust God’s provision for us and depend confidently on Him in times of lack. When I was a single parent raising three children on a low income, I held to the promise that God will never let the children of the Godly go hungry (Psalm 37:25). And Matthew 6:25-30; “Do not worry about what to eat or wear. God knows what you need and will provide”. God sees us and our needs, so we can live our lives in faith and trust that he will provide all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ (Philippians 4:19). God has given us His son; will he not surely give us all else (Romans 8:32). With promises such as these, and after observing God’s faithfulness to the Israelites, will you choose to trust God's faithfulness and depend on Him without grumbling? Peace in Christ, Rev Tanya Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever. Jesus takes her hand, lifts her up, the fever leaves, and she immediately begins to “wait on them” and serve them food like a good middle-eastern mother would. Serving is a significant part of any mother’s job description. The following answers were given by primary school children about mothers.
Why did God make mothers? To help us out of there when we were getting born - She’s the only one who knows where the scotch tape is - Mostly to clean the house. How did God make mothers? He used dirt, just like for the rest of us. What ingredients are mothers made of? God made mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean. What kind of little girl was your mum? My mum has always been my mum and none of that other stuff. - I don’t know because I wasn’t there, but my guess would be pretty bossy. What did mum need to know about dad before she married him? His last name. - Does he make at least $80000 a year? - Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores? What does your mum do in her spare time? Mothers don’t do spare time. - To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long. What’s the difference between mums and dads? Mums have magic; they make you feel better without medicine. - Mums work at work and work at home, and dads just go to work at work. If you could change one thing about your mum, what would it be? She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I’d get rid of that. - I’d make my mum smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head. Mothers in all cultures and times understand about serving. Like Simon’s mother-in-law, we are all healed in Jesus Christ and called to serve him and others for the sake of the gospel (Christ's cause). We serve him because he healed us and set us free from slavery to sin. We are set free to serve in love and faithfulness. Whatever we’re good at, we can be doing for God, for the church, and for our communities. How will you be serving this year at MEAC? Thank you for all of you who give your time, talents, and finances toward God's work here. I hope to see you at one of our upcoming Working Bees. Blessings, Rev Tanya Wishing you a very happy Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour. I hope you can make it to one of our Christmas services.
Even though Christmas comes around every year, I never tire of the narrative and continue to be amazed at God’s love and the lengths he went to, to send a Saviour to all humankind. This week, I am reflecting on the virgin birth. I understand why it can be an obstacle for some people in coming to faith, but studying it has actually strengthened mine. In my studies I’ve learned that humans have been laying claim to virgin births since time began. A virgin rollcall might include Romulus and Remus, twin founders of Rome, born of the virgin Rhea Silvia. In ancient Egypt, Ra (the Sun) was born of a virgin mother, Net; Horus was the son of the virgin Isis. The Phrygo-Roman god, Attis, was born of a virgin, Nana, on December 25. It resonates because he went on to be killed and was resurrected. In ancient Greece, Persephone was the virgin mother of Jason. And Plato’s mother, Perictione, was a virgin. The list goes on. Hinduism, Buddhism and ancient China all have their share of them. Regardless, the virgin Mary giving birth to the saviour of the world is different. It’s a historical fact known all over the world and celebrated over 2000 years after it happened. This was part of God’s plan for Salvation through faith in Jesus and I pray many more will come to saving faith in him this Christmas. I’m not deterred by some people’s lack of faith, because we have a God who is able to bring something out of nothing. He calls things into being by his mighty word, and he creates new life even in the most barren and unlikely places. Remember God made Sarai to conceive in her old age, and Elizabeth also. It was not too hard for the Holy Spirit to come upon Mary and create new life in her. May he do that for us in a spiritual sense. May the Holy Spirit come upon you afresh this Christmas and fill you with new life and hope. May you rejoice that Christ is in you. May God bless you this Christmas and always. Rev Tanya We had a wonderful gathering yesterday at our Community Carols and Lunch event. About 30 guests were waited on and served by about 30 Peninsula Grammar staff participating in their “Hands for the Community” initiative. After collecting Roast Chickens which Woolworths Mount Eliza generously donated, the staff prepared a lunch fit for Kings and Queens. Big thanks to John Welsh who organised the food for this event, including puddings donated by Lions Club. We give sincere thanks to all who came along, and especially thank the Peninsula staff who served above and beyond expectations and put on a great concert. It was a great day for all.
This Sunday, I hope you will join us for worship. We will reflect on Jesus as being the light of the world. He was sent into the world to cast out darkness: to point people to God, to call people to repentance for their sins, and to empower his followers to do good works that bring glory to God. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live in accordance with God’s standards. As we do so, we too become the light of the world, pointing others to God’s greatness. This week, I hope we will be encouraged to confront spiritual darkness through faith in Jesus, and shine brightly for him as we go about our daily lives. May we “Arise, and shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1). Love and Light, Rev Tanya Christmas is approaching fast! It’s a hectic time of year. I don’t know about you, but I’m finding it hard to fit it all in! I chose to wake up extra early today to try fit more into my day. Before getting out of bed I asked the Lord what he wanted to say to me today. He said, “Be Still”. He didn't mean for me to lay in bed longer, rather, I am to trust him with the things I'm pushing to make happen.
In Hebrew "be still" means to let go, stop striving, slacken and let drop. It was a reminder for me to loosen my grip on some circumstances and outcomes and trust God who is sovereign over both. The last time he gave me that instruction was earlier this year when I sold my family home. Today God is reminding me to trust him in the purchase of the new one. As I wait for the loan approval, I will “Be Still”, and trust God to bring about his good plans. If you are waiting for something, I encourage you to trust in God as you wait for him. Advent is a time for waiting. We remember how God's people awaited Christ's first coming and now we await his second. This Sunday we look back and see how all God's promises were fulfilled in the past. We remember that Isaiah prophesied that one would come as a "voice crying in the wilderness; “Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight”. John the Baptist fulfilled that prophecy. (See Isaiah 40, Matthew 3). John’s role was to prepare the way for the King’s advent. He preached a call to repentance from sin and baptised with water. He said the one coming would baptise with the Holy Spirit. Jesus was the one prophesied to come after John and he fulfilled all the prophecies written about the long-awaited Messiah; the Son of God. Jesus said, he would send the Holy Spirit to continue on his work and we know he did that in a powerful way on the day of Pentecost. This was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies such as Joel 2:28, 29 which says “After all of this I will pour out my Spirit on all kinds of people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your elderly will have revelatory dreams; your young men will see prophetic visions. Even on male and female servants I will pour out my Spirit in those days”. As we look back and see God's words fulfilled in the past, we can trust him for our now and future. We can choose to bring our lives under his reign, and receive the promised Holy Spirit to help us hear from God, speak and live his truth, and continue his work in his way, and his time. He will bring his good plans to pass. We can trust in him for that. Have a great week. Hope to see you at Munchies. Rev Tanya |
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