FROM THE PASTOR
Dear friends in Christ, it’s easy to be critical of the church, fearful of the future, we can look at self, numbers, difficulties that beset, we are fallible not infallible human beings; it is only by the grace of God, that we can give thanks for the blessings of the past, for God being with us now, and promising to be with in the future.
Continue to focus on God; how loving and faithful and good God is always toward us, though we are undeserving! There are things that weigh heavily in our hearts and minds; the antidote to fear and worry, is turning to scripture for it’s our only true source of comfort. A verse from Romans 8:28:
‘We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’.
In my travels, I frequently hear things like, ‘How will our church survive?’ and more. Whether it be from a human, or social, political, or even a financial, perspective, there is indeed plenty to be concerned about. We are not like an Ostrich, burying our head in sand, and neither do we pretend to say, ‘It’s all good’ when things are not. However, once our focus is on God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we can recall and think and draw peace and strength from God who promises:
‘Never will I leave, nor forsake you’, and, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid’ (Hebrews 13).
You and I turn to the source of our help – Holy Scripture – God’s Word – The Bible! Scripture written in black and white and blood red, never promise that we will not have challenges, and we are clearly told there will be many trials. Yet we take heart that even in the most difficult and trying situations, God’s love and wisdom is massive; it’s God who works in all things, for the good of those who love him. God knows exactly what God is doing, even when we don’t.
The way forward as a congregation may not always be clear, our human reason is fallible and very limited, yet we continue to live under God’s grace and be servant under God’s word. So dear friends, take heart as I take leave of you. God loves each one of us in our fallen state; God sent Jesus in our human mess to share our load; to bear our curse; and lift it from us; even when God did not have to. This is pure grace.
We Pray For:
† The church, that it may be the bearer of God’s new creation throughout the world.
† Leaders in politics, society, culture and industry, that they may be agents of good and blessing to the community.
† The work of Australian Lutheran World Service as it helps less fortunate
communities develop regular means of sustenance.
† Those who are sick, in need, or who suffer in some way.
Continue to focus on God; how loving and faithful and good God is always toward us, though we are undeserving! There are things that weigh heavily in our hearts and minds; the antidote to fear and worry, is turning to scripture for it’s our only true source of comfort. A verse from Romans 8:28:
‘We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’.
In my travels, I frequently hear things like, ‘How will our church survive?’ and more. Whether it be from a human, or social, political, or even a financial, perspective, there is indeed plenty to be concerned about. We are not like an Ostrich, burying our head in sand, and neither do we pretend to say, ‘It’s all good’ when things are not. However, once our focus is on God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we can recall and think and draw peace and strength from God who promises:
‘Never will I leave, nor forsake you’, and, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid’ (Hebrews 13).
You and I turn to the source of our help – Holy Scripture – God’s Word – The Bible! Scripture written in black and white and blood red, never promise that we will not have challenges, and we are clearly told there will be many trials. Yet we take heart that even in the most difficult and trying situations, God’s love and wisdom is massive; it’s God who works in all things, for the good of those who love him. God knows exactly what God is doing, even when we don’t.
The way forward as a congregation may not always be clear, our human reason is fallible and very limited, yet we continue to live under God’s grace and be servant under God’s word. So dear friends, take heart as I take leave of you. God loves each one of us in our fallen state; God sent Jesus in our human mess to share our load; to bear our curse; and lift it from us; even when God did not have to. This is pure grace.
We Pray For:
† The church, that it may be the bearer of God’s new creation throughout the world.
† Leaders in politics, society, culture and industry, that they may be agents of good and blessing to the community.
† The work of Australian Lutheran World Service as it helps less fortunate
communities develop regular means of sustenance.
† Those who are sick, in need, or who suffer in some way.