202606076PMp JB The Kingdom of God in your midst

ReadingLuke 17: 20-37.

When thePharisees ask Jesus, When will the kingdom come? What will be the signs of theSon of Man coming? he re-directs their attention, stating that the Kingdom ofGod is in their midst.   God’s Kingdom is God’s people under God’s ruleand God’s blessing.  We too may ask thequestion, when will all God’s promises be fulfilled. In Luke’s gospel we seethat the promises were already being realised, being fulfilled in Jesus coming.  Small in the beginning but growing like amustard plant to become a great tree.  

Jesus then switches to the time predicted in Daniel 7. Jesus explains that when he comesit will be clear.  It will be like the days of Noah and the flood, and of Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah. Jesus will return and then it will be too late. Are the normal things of everyday life, distracting us from living for the King and for the Kingdom? We may find it uncomfortable to live for the Kingdom, and to share the message with others.

Let’s get uncomfortable for others and for Jesus.

Speaker: John Batten.

202605316PMp CD Healed Cleansed and Saved

Reading:Luke 17:11-19.

Jesus is withhis disciples between Samaria and Galilee, on the way to Jerusalem when ten menwho had leprosy met him and asked Jesus to have pity on them.  Jesus tells them to go and show themselves toa priest and as they go they are healed. But one of them, a Samaritan, seeing he was healed, turns backand throws himself at Jesus’ feet to thank him. Jesus asks where are the othernine that were cleansed? And then says to the “foreigner”, your faith has savedyou!

Gratitudeopens us up to Grace. This passage teaches us how to open ourselves up toGrace.  When we seek to be thankful, weopen ourselves up more to his Grace.  Let’s practice gratitude and open ourselves more to Grace.

Speaker:Chris Donald.

2020524 6PMp JB Called to forgiveness.

Reading: Luke 17:1-11.

Corrie Ten Boom, author of the book, “The Hiding Place” told of an instance when she was confronted with the need for forgiveness in her heart, for prison officer from the prison camp she and members of her family were held in during the second world war. 

“Forgiveness is about the greatness of your king, not about the greatness of your faith.”  In the church, we need each other ... to watch out for one another, to rebuke, to repent, and to forgive. In looking to the cross where Jesus died to gain our forgiveness, we can see the greatness of the grace with which we are forgiven, and how we are called upon to forgive one another.

Speaker: John Batten. 

20260517 6PMp CD Rich and Poor in Mercy

Reading: Luke 16:19-31

 What comes to mind with the word Pharisee? The Pharisees wanted to stand out for God, but with time, they drifted from their original intent.  Jesus tells a parable about a rich man, and a beggar.  In contrast in life they both die, and in death their situation is also contrasted: In Abraham’s bosom, and in Hades. This parable is about mercy. The rich man had the opportunity to show mercy. The message is also clear in Proverbs 21:13 “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”

Speaker: Chris Donald.

20260419 6PMp DT The Cost of Being a disciple.

Reading Luke 14:25-34.

Jesus is on the road to Jerusalem, where he will go to the cross.  Many were following him as a popular leader.  Jesus makes it clear that it requires costly commitment to be his disciple. Jesus must be number one priority – above our family members and even our own selves. He calls people to take up their cross and follow him.  He calls each to consider the cost before they act and not to lose the commitment.

Speaker: David Tyndall. 

20260412 DT On the Road, with Jesus: Living in God’s community.

Reading: Luke 14:1-23.

The Pharisees were the religious leaders of the day. They saw it as their role to protect the Religious  Law. They made many rules about the Law. Jesus was invited to a banquet, but he was being carefully watched.  They sought to catch Jesus out, but Jesus asked pointed questions, which they did not answer. Jesus then explained some principles about banquets, invitations and responses to the great banquet.

Speaker: David Tyndall.

20260405  6PMp DT Jesus is Risen, Peter (and disciples) restored

Reading:  John 21:1,4,10,15-17; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20.

After His resurrection Jesus meets his disciples, and Peter, when they had gone back to their earlier profession, fishing.  Jesus re commissions them to serve Him.

Sociology can assess some of the impacts of Christianity on the Graeco-Roman world, and subsequently.  But sociology can miss many of the personal aspects of the impact of the Resurrection upon Christians.  Forgiveness, the power to live as followers of Jesus. The Spirit of God, to guide and comfort, in life.  The Hope of Life after death. 

Speaker: David Tyndall.