10th August 2021
Dear Church Family,
We hope that you are being encouraged and helped by the preaching of our pastors, Matt and James, over the past few weeks, prompting us to think about the meaning and purpose of each of the Ten Commandments.
We have been reminded that our first love and allegiance must always be to the One True God, who is both our Creator and Rescuer; that we must honour his name and oppose any false ideas or images that detract from his true character; and that we can be constantly thankful that he kindly invites us to enjoy his perfect rest, knowing that we cannot fully obey his law, yet Jesus has fulfilled the law and also paid the price for our failure and rebellion.
It is interesting to be exhorted to honour God with our time when many of us have much more spare time than we normally enjoy. While others will be feeling stretched with a greater range of responsibilities than normal, such as supervising home schooling. And others are experiencing the frustration and temporary loss of normal employment. Others may feel isolated or lonely. Whatever our particular situation God’s revealed truth is our best source of wisdom.
I am reminded of New Testament scriptures such as these words from Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
If you are in need of reading material during the current restrictions, a large number of books are available in our church library. There is Christian fiction, biography and history, Bible teaching and more. Please contact Samuel or myself if you want to know more, or you would like something delivered to you. For those who have a key and can access the building, we will set out a display of some of the books in the church entry.
The elders believe that our current format on Sunday mornings is working well. The 10am live connection on Zoom enables our people to be more in touch with each other, and the sermon and songs on the church website are available at whatever time suits you and your family. We are including a new opportunity next Sunday evening: “Stories of Life and Faith”. In this first episode on Zoom, James will ask Ruth some questions about her experience of knowing and walking with God. That will be at 7.30. The link will be in the bulletin.
Please be praying:
- For each other
- For our community
- For political leaders, health workers and community services
- For the Gospel of God to be powerful and fruitful
From Greg, on behalf of the elders.