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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
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 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 |
