REFLECTION: Mark 10:2-16 “Jesus on divorce”
God’s plan for us to form happy lifelong relationships and to form families, was
that we should marry and that our marriages should last until death do us part.
But life happens. Sickness, mental illness, financial problems, anger
management issues, unemployment, and a myriad of other unforeseen
circumstances cloud around us and our marriages don’t always work out as we
planned. Divorce was established by God to help minimize the pain of a broken
marriage and to protect the vulnerable parties. Men in Jesus day were using the
divorce laws to their favour and dishonouring their wives and God’s laws by
divorcing their wives just so they could be with another. Jesus teaches that this is
adultery.
Here is an outline of this morning’s message.
1. The Divorce Trap.
a. Some Pharisees came, and to test him and asked.... (2)
b. Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?
c. Moses wrote this commandment for you because of your hardness of
heart (4-5)
2. What Marriage should be like.
a. From the beginning of creation, “God made them male and female.”
(6)
b. For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined
to his wife (7)
c. And the two will become one flesh.
3. When is it wrong to seek a divorce?
a. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate (8-9)
b. What does Jesus mean when he says “Whoever divorces his wife and
marries another commits adultery against her” (10-12).
To Think About:
Divorce is never easy. Pray for someone you know of who may be going through
a divorce. Think about how you might encourage them at this time.
HYMNS
TIS 137 For the beauty of the earth
TIS 607 Make me a channel of your peace
TIS 598 Dear Father, Lord of humankind
TIS 145 The king of love my shepherd is
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.
Are you new to St James? If so, we would love to get to know you more and
we invite you to share with us in a lunch on Sunday 13th of October.
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. If 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.
Some dates for your diary:
o Sunday October 13th Newcomers Lunch
o Wed – Sat , October 9th -12th Synod
o Sunday 17th November Parish AGM 12 midday.
o Sunday 1st December Parish Christmas Roast Lunch with Joy Freier
o Monday 10th December Monday Meal Christmas Lunch
o Sunday 22nd December, 7pm Carol Service
o Tuesday 24th December, Christmas Eve Services.
Things are ramping up: A ramp has now been installed for the main entrance
of the church. This will allow safe access for people with mobility issues. This
is because the side entrance ll be closed off as we enter the demolition and
construction phase. We will also be opening the other side of the foyer for those
who prefer steps.
Demolition to begin this Tuesday: Permits have finally been obtained and God
willing, demolition will begin this Tuesday. Shortly the rear carpark will be
closed as it becomes a demolition zone and then a construction zone. Please
allow a little longer to find parking.
Daylight Savings begins this Sunday. Don’t forget that we lose an hour’s sleep
on Saturday night.
Synod: The Melbourne Diocesan Synod is on from Oct 9th to 12th . Synod
Representatives, please read your emails. Parishioners, please pray for our
Synod and especially for the Archbishop Nominations board as they begin to
seek for a new Archbishop for next year.
LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 12th October – Rusty
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 13th Oct: Twenty first Sunday after Pentecost.
Job 23.1-9; 23.16-17; Psalm 22:1-15; Hebrews 4.12-16; Mark 10:17-31;
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR:
Anthony, Nisha, Mike, Cecil, Ruth, Eva, Charles, Nigel, Jen, Ted, Sylvia, Fay,
Natasha, Betty, Rosalind, Patty, Melenny, Shereen, Lorraine, Rebecca, Ken, Jim,
Kanthi, Monty & Amy
Comments