REFLECTION: Mark 10:17-31 “What Must I do to inherit eternal life?”
What is it that God wants from us in order for him to give us the gift of eternal life?
This is the questions that a good-living, wealthy young ruler asks Jesus. He wants
eternal life, but is he willing to do what God requires in order to receive it.
Jesus leads him to think about the other priorities and “gods” in his life, and he asks
the man to give them up so that he might focus on following Jesus. This man’s ‘god”
was his wealth. When asked to choose between God and his money, he sadly chose
his money. Are you prepared to put Jesus first in your life and to renounce whatever
“gods” you have? Here is an outline of the message.
1. The Big Question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
a. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder...” (17-19)
b. He said to him, ‘Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth’ (20)
2. The Big Answer: “Come and follow me”
a. Go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor (21)
b. Then come, follow me
c. It’s about trusting in Jesus rather than trusting in wealth or works.
3. Who then can be saved?
a. When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many
possessions (22)
b. For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible (27)
c. Those who leave all these things behind for my sake and for the sake of the good
news, will receive eternal life (29-31)
To Think About:
If Jesus were to challenge you to leave behind your “false gods” and to follow him,
what do you think he would ask you to give up?
HYMNS
TIS 595 O Jesus I have promised
TIS 745 Seek ye first the kingdom of God
TIS 583 Take up your cross
TIS 547 Be thou my vision
ARE YOU ON OUR PARISH ELECTORAL ROLL
If you are over 18 and a confirmed Anglican who has been attending St James for
more than 12 months, you are eligible to apply to be put on our Parish Electoral Roll.
This will allow you to stand for leadership positions in the church such as Parish
Council and will allow you to vote in elections at our AGM. I you are unsure, please
review the roll posted on the rear doors. If you wish to apply, please use the form on
the back table.
ARE YOU NEW TO ST JAMES? We invite you to share in a lunch for
newcomers after church today at 12:30 in the supper room.
BUILDING FUND UPDATE
Recently we relaunched the building fund appeal with the target figure
of $300,000 that we need to raise over the next 3 years. We have had a wonderful
response so far with donations received to date totalling $39,319.95. This is a great
start.
SPRING LUNCH SPECIALS
Continue this Sunday with $5 lunches to raise money for the building fund. Don’t
miss out.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROWTH GROUP
The Wednesday night growth group has just started a new series of studies
going through the book of Colossians. Jane is leading the study. Come along for
a great time of fellowship and learning together from God’s word. Starts 7:30pm in
the Supper Room and finishes at 9pm. All are welcome.
BAPTISM NEXT SUNDAY
Tyler Jayatunga will be baptised next Sunday in our 10am service. We look forward
to welcoming Tyler and his family for this very special occasion.
CONDOLENCES
To the family of Jean Fortune who passed away on the 10th of October. Funeral
details to follow.
WEDNESDAY SERVICES
Will now resume without further interruption now that the asbestos removal has
been completed. We may have construction noise to compete with over the coming
months, but the services will be back to normal.
SOME DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Sunday 17th November Parish AGM 12 midday
Sunday 1st December Parish Christmas Roast lunch with Joy Freier
Monday 10th December – Monday meal Christmas lunch
Sunday 22nd December, 7pm Carol Service
Tuesday 24th December, Christmas Eve Service.
LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 12th October – Oyem & Rob
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 20th Oct: Job 38.1-7 (34-41); Psalm 104.
1-10, 26; Hebrews 5. 1-10; Mark 10. (32-34) 35-45
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Merri Creek Melbourne; The
Diocese of Armidale; Peninsula Grammar; St John’s Toorak– Confirmation service;
The Episcopal Church in the Philippines; St John’s Upper Beaconsfield–Pastoral s
service; Casey Anglican Dinka Congregation–Pastoral service; Philip and all our
Bishops in their ministry this week.
Comentarios