I don't have the stomach to be a nurse. I feel faint at the sight of blood. I literally fainted on to a hospital floor when I saw my nana having a blood transfusion. Regardless of how I feel about blood, I realize it is one of the great gifts God has given us and it is central to the biblical story. Jesus' blood is essential for our life, redemption, reconciliation to God, propitiation, Justification, sanctification, cleansing, and victory over the evil one (See 1 Peter 1:18-19, Colossians 1:20, Ephesians 2:13, Romans 3:25, Romans 5:9, cleansing 1 John 1:7).
The power and importance of Jesus shedding His blood is seen right through the bible; beginning with the killing of animals to cover Adam and Eves nakedness after they sinned, Abel’s blood crying out to God from the ground after Cain killed him, God’s covenants with Abraham and all of Israel, The Passover, animal sacrifices in Israel’s Temple Cult system, and in particular the Day of Atonement, which the sacrifice of Jesus fulfilled once and for all. His sacrifice fulfilled all requirements of the Law and opened the way for all people to be reconciled to God through His blood. That’s what remember every time we receive Holy Communion; that his blood was shed for you and for me. It has bought our forgiveness, freedom, right standing with God, and eternal salvation. What a gift!
This Sunday, I will bring the third and final message in this mini-series of Gods Great Gifts; His Word, His name, His blood. Please come expectant of God doing amazing things in and among us by the power of His Holy Spirit like he did last Sunday. I praise God for what the Holy Spirit is doing in our lives and church. Thank you to those who shared powerful testimonies with me after hearing last week’s message. 
May we all continue to move closer to him and allow His Holy Spirit to have Has way in us. This is my prayer for each one of us, in Jesus' name.
Amen

Last Sunday we heard about the great gift of God's Word and we were encouraged to live victorious Christian lives by reading the word, believing the word, living the word, and speaking the word. I hope you’ve been intentional in leaning into his word and had an awesome week because of that.

This Sunday, we will look at the great gift God has given us in his name. The name ‘Jesus' brings many beautiful thoughts of our saviour to mind. The mention of his name fills my heart with warmth and love, and a reverent holy fear. I marvel at him. I worship in his name. I pray in his name. I declare freedom in his name. I am healed in his name. I renounce evil and overcome the evil one in his name. When David went up against Goliath he went in the name of the God of Israel. He claimed the victory in God's name. There is power in his name. I encourage you to ponder a new, what his name means to you.

As I think about the meaningful and amazing gift that his name is... several songs come to mind. Here’s a lovely one by Hillsong “What a Beautiful name it is” to prepare your hearts and minds for worship on Sunday.   https://youtu.be/90xM2WA3EGE   

I’m delighted to say it’s been a whole year since I became Priest in Charge at Mount Eliza Anglican Church. And what a year it’s been! We have so much to celebrate and give thanks to God for!
 
I’ve spent much time this week reflecting on God’s gifts to us as we’ve just heard 2 sermons by John on the spiritual gifts God graciously gives us. I will now spend the next 3 weeks focussing on other amazing gifts from God, namely: His Word, His Name, and His Blood. 
 
Each of these gifts hold great power for victorious Christian living and it’s my prayer that we will all realize this afresh. May each one of us receive a fresh revelation of God’s power in our own lives, for victory over evil, and for accomplishing God’s purposes in our world. 
 
Each good gift God gives us comes with responsibility. For example, we aren’t just called to be hearers of the word, but, doers of the word. This week I’ll remind you that the power of the word is activated when the word is received and applied to our lives. 
 
Isaiah 55:10-11 (paraphrase) says: “As the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
 
May God’s word accomplish His will in our lives this week and always.