Good News from God – Mark 1-9

A man went out to build a house. He cuts down one of the great trees of the forest and prepares planks to be seasoned. He then plans and measures the dimensions of his house accurately. When he builds his house he finds that he does not have enough timber to finish the roof. So the man sits in his bedroom, getting rained upon, mourning his miscalculation.

Whoever has ears to listen, listen!

An economist spends years saving his money and investing wisely. His prudent actions have slowly resulted in growing his financial portfolio so that he is able to provide for his family and retirement. So he goes to meet with his bank manager. However he finds all his money is gone through a collapse in all the markets. Therefore he gathers everything he has and once again prudently saves.

Whoever has ears to listen, listen!

Imagine these and similar stories were the entire content of our teaching whenever we gathered. What would you learn? What would you understand about God and how he is ruling over his creation?

When Jesus started to teach with stories, his disciples likewise couldn’t comprehend what he was saying (Mark 4:10). Therefore Jesus explained the reason for using parables as well as their meaning to them (Mark 4:11-20). Mark tells his readers some of these parables, particularly using ones that explain the different responses that Jesus has experienced from the crowds, his family, the religious leaders as well as from his disciples.

Please read Mark 4 in preparation for our gathering on Sunday. I guarantee an explanation of Jesus’ stories will accompany their telling (unlike my ones above which actually have no meaning).

If you are interested in hearing Lionel Windsor’s training seminar on Marl’s Gospel for the Gospel Team leaders, you can find his talks in the Members’ Resources section of our website.

Dinners for 8

This month we are again gathering together over a meal to get to know one another better and deeper. The dinners will be on Saturday 20th August. If you would like to attend one of the small gatherings, please let Jann van’t Spyker know. Your host will be able to cater for all allergies and dietary requirements.

[Insert name for new ‘Third Stage’ Ministry!!]

How can I encourage my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are at the same stage of life as me?

How can I be a faithful witness of Jesus Christ amongst my non-Christian peers? Is it at all possible to make new friendship for the sole purpose of telling people about Jesus?

How might we build Christ’s church, not just in maturity but also with new Believers?

These are tough questions with no simple solutions. It is made harder by our Australian culture, our different stages of life and our own personalities. Many of you have shared these questions with me in one form or another over the past 18 months.

Now some members across our parish are taking the steps in addressing such questions. This is a great grass-roots movement that requires your support both in involvement or even organisation.

You all know the details better than I do (I didn’t even get an invite!). If you’re unable to attend Steve Dunlop’s meeting tonight, why not send him an encouraging SMS? Plus pray that such initiatives will lead to the promotion of the gospel amongst both Christians and non-Christians.

RIDE For Refugees