REFLECTION: John 6:35-51 “Who initiates our faith?”
Today’s reading opens up one of the big Christian conundrums, about as big
as the eternal questions, “Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?” Are we
saved because we are chosen, or are we chosen because we are saved?
Did God choose us, or did we choose him?
The answer is both, but the priority, the initiative, the grace comes firstly
from God.
Jesus says: “You did not choose me but I chose you.” John 15:16
Here is an outline of this Sunday’s message:
1. It is God the Father who draws us to Jesus
People cannot come to Jesus unless the Father draws them (44)
a. It is written in the prophets, “And they shall all be taught by God.” (45)
b. Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me (45)
2. But it is through faith in Jesus that we have eternal life:
a. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died (49)
b. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever (51)
c. The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh (51)
2. But it is through faith in Jesus that we have eternal life:
a. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died (49)
b. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever (51)
c. The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh (51)
To Think about:
Are you able to trace how God was at work by his Spirit in your life even
before you came to faith?
HYMNS
TIS 106 Now thank we all our God
MP 799 All I once held dear
TIS 239 Jesus the Lord said I am the bread
All glory be to Christ (Auld lang syne)
Hot soup and roll available today. Still only $5 – Naomi.
Having trouble seeing? A pair of ladies glasses was handed in. See Graeme
(if you can)
WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROWTH GROUP
Would you like to grow in your faith? Why not consider coming along on
Wednesday nights. Together we read the bible and learn from each
other. Different people lead the studies. Marien is leading us at the moment.
We share some light refreshments and finish at 9pm with prayer. Each
Wednesday night in the Supper room at 7:30pm.
MISSION SUNDAY NEXT WEEK
Just a reminder to those who have mission boxes, please bring them along in
the next couple of weeks. On our Mission Sunday, 18th August we will be
welcoming Michelle Jackson from CMS to hear of the work of the Mission
here and overseas.
BUILDING UPDATE
Our demolition plans for the old Parish Centre have now been approved and
we are waiting for the demolition company to find a space in their
calendar. Tenders have now been received and we will be presenting them to
the Diocesan Building Committee seeking permission to proceed with the
project on August 13th. Costs have blown out, as on all building projects over
this unstable period, but the project is still able to go ahead. We do have a big
shortfall to cover, so we ask each member to prayerfully consider giving
generously to help us meet the shortfall. We need your help and commitment
and generosity for this building to be built. It will be a blessing not just to us,
but, too many future generations, as indeed our current buildings, built off the
sacrifice and hard work of previous generations, have been a blessing to us.
CHANGE TO BANKING DETAILS
Our treasurer has requested that general giving to the church now be deposited
into this account:
Bank: ADF Anglican Development Fund
BSB: 703 122, Account number: 05000 4623
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 18th August: Thirteenth Sunday after
Pentecost Ezekiel 40:1-9; Psalm 111; Acts 1:1-8; John 16:5-15
LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 17th August – Rusty
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR:
Anthony, Nisha, Mike, Cecil, Ruth, Eva, Charles, Nigel, Jen, Ted, Sylvia,
Arthur, Fay, Natasha, Betty, Rosalind, Patty, Melenny, Shereen, Lorraine,
Rebecca, Ken, Jim, Kanthi & Monty
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