REFLECTION: 1 Peter 2:1-10 God’s Own People
Peter compares the experience of turning to Christ like that of changing
your nationality. We have become Citizens of the kingdom of God. We
have had a re-birth and have been born again as members of God’s family.
What we were before is all changed. Once we were in darkness, now we
walk in the light of God. Once we were distant from God. Now we are his
people. Peter urges his readers to show this in their lives by getting rid of
every remnant of their old sinful ways. In our new country, the kingdom of
Heaven, we must embrace a new culture characterized by holiness. We have
been chosen by God to be his children, heirs of his kingdom, a holy nation
belonging to God, so that we might serve him and proclaim his
wondrous deeds. Here is an outline of this morning’s message.
1. Grow up and leave behind your old ways (1-2):
a. Rid yourselves, therefore, of all evil (1)
b. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk (2)
2. Come and take your place as living stones in God’s temple (4-8):
a. Come to him, a living stone, chosen and precious in God’s sight (4)
b. Let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer
spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God (5)
3. You have been chosen by God for a purpose (9-10):
a. You are a chosen people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts
of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (9)
b. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people (10)
To Think about:
Will you embrace your new identity as a child of God, an heir of his
kingdom, as a priest in his temple, as a holy nation belong to God?
HYMNS FOR THIS SUNDAY
TIS 583 Take up your cross
MP 1072 In Christ Alone
TIS 422ii All praise to our redeeming Lord
TIS 457 The Churches One Foundation
YOUTH GROUP
The next youth group activity will be this Sunday after church around
midday with a Mario Kart theme. Speak to Martin, Tats or Daniel for more
details.
VOICE TO PARLIAMENT SEMINAR
There will be a seminar at St James’ discussing the Voice to Parliament. Bishop Paul Barker will lead a conversation with Canon Glenn Loughrey. This will be held on Tuesday 2nd of May at 2pm.
6PM SERVICE
Next Sunday May 7th.
RATS AND MASKS
We have been given a quantity of COVIDS RAT tests and N95
masks. They are available at the back of the church for you to take.
GROWTH GROUPS
Two study groups have been operating in our Parish over the last 3
years. Jane Peters (0468696254) is leading one which meets via Zoom on
Wednesday nights at 7:15. Jonathan is leading the other group which meets
in the fellowship room on Wednesday nights at 7:30. Both groups are about
to start new study programs and both would welcome warmly new
members. Jane’s group will be looking at the Psalms and Jonathan’s group
will be starting the course “Life Explored”.
ST JAMES’ MOTHER’S DAY HIGH TEA
Bring you mum your aunt, your grandmother, or just yourself along for a scrumptious high tea and entertainment on Saturday May 13th at 2pm. See Margo for more info.
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
7th May–Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 2.55-60; Psalm 31.1-5, 17-18; 1 Peter 2.11-25; John 14.1-14
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR
Mike; Mark; Clovis; Rose; Eva; Cecil; Stanley; Nigel; Russell; Josie, Kevin; Joanne, Eve, Margaret, Lynette, Danny, Esme, Michael, Charles, Edward, Babu, Tyrone & Renee.
WE ALSO PRAY FOR
St Thomas’ Moonee Ponds; Mission Agencies of the
Anglican Church of Australia; Camberwell Girls' Grammar School; The
Episcopal Church; St Andrew’s Somerville – pastoral visit; St Augustine’s
Moreland – pastoral service; Parish of Banyule – pastoral visit; Archbishop
Philip and all our Bishops in their ministry this week.
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