The Patriarchs - Abraham

First of all I would like wish all the dads a Happy Fathers’ Day for this Sunday. We have a special service planned and begin a new sermon series on the Patriarchs. This Sunday John Shanasy will bring us a message on Abraham, the father of many nations. Abraham’s life story is a great encouragement to us all whether we are fathers or not. It encourages us to have faith in God when things seem impossible. Even when all the odds are stacked against us, we can be assured that God will come through for us and will always do what he says He will do. So, whenever you doubt, remember Abraham who failed many times, yet God kept His promises to him, giving him as many descendants as the stars in the sky, even in his old age.
Scripture says: There was no hope that Abraham would have children, but Abraham believed God and continued to hope. And that is why he became the father of many nations. As God told him, “You will have many descendants.” Abraham was almost a hundred years old, so he was past the age for having children. Also, Sarah could not have children. Abraham was well aware of this, but his faith in God never became weak. He never doubted that God would do what he promised. He never stopped believing. In fact, he grew stronger in his faith and just praised God. Abraham felt sure that God was able to do what he promised. So that’s why “he was accepted as one who is right with God.” (Romans 4:18-22).
Like Abraham, we are all made right with God through faith. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, who died for us, we can be forgiven for all the times that we’ve failed God. He never gives up on us and He will fulfill all His good promises to us. So, be encouraged to continue to believe in God’s loving kindness, and rejoice in Him as our Heavenly Father, like Abraham did.
May we be encouraged to offer ourselves afresh to God and trust him in every area of our lives... Including with our money.
This Sunday, the stewardship envelopes will be available, and we ask you to prayerfully complete them. This helps with budgeting and planning and enables God’s work to continue in and through this Parish. We truly appreciate, and are always greatly encouraged, by your faithful giving/tithing. Thank you in advance!

God bless you today and always,
Rev. Tanya

READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAY:
Hebrews 11: 8-19; Romans 4: 13-25