19th January 2020 In the Summer edition of Insights (the Synod magazine) there is an article entitled “Focus on Growth” talking about a proposal that was passed at the last Synod. There are 4 key areas: discipleship; relationship; number and impact. It is a very interesting article and is supported by some information from the…
Luke 10:38-42 Martha or Mary – 21 July 2019 Kiama What preparations do you make if a good, close friend is coming to dinner? – Nothing at all. They take you as they find you? Or – A bit of a tidy up. Find the dining table under all the papers, books and laptop computer?…
Gifts for the Common Good – 1 Corinthians 12:4-27 – 16 June 2019
We have the Apostle Paul to thank for the image of the Body of Christ. In this particular passage, he was addressing the quarrelling followers of Jesus in Corinth. Paul had established this Christian community only a few years earlier, and he was writing because he had heard they couldn’t agree on leadership. So, they were arguing amongst themselves. Paul is trying to tell them in this letter-you’re missing the point. Spend your energy on what Jesus taught us. Respect the gifts in each other. And it doesn’t matter what race or class or ethnic background you are, we are all equal in the eyes of the one God. We are all imperfect but we are all valuable people.
There’s a lot of talk in our country lately about values. The political landscape is bringing to the forefront all the “issues” that have been used to divide us. Australians have been no different than the church goers in Corinth-arguing about leadership.
Yet, no church is more a mess than the church Paul writes to in Corinth. If you ever feel bad about the church, just read 1 Corinthians; you’ll feel much better! Paul’s first letter, what we call 1 Corinthians, was full of advice on how to get back on track as a church. His second letter, what we call 2 Corinthians, showed that they had listened to him and made some much-needed changes.
Acts 2:1-21 Pentecost 9 June 2019 After hearing the sound of a rushing, violent wind, and seeing the divided tongues like fire resting on each of them, and hearing those filled with the Spirit speak in other languages, it is no surprise that those present ask each other the question, “What does this mean?” (Acts…