2009 February » Southern Cross Presbyterian Church

I noticed a nice little dip in the interest rate on our home loan the other day – of course, I knew it was coming (the news is full of this stuff) – but it’s still nice to actually see it there in black and white! But I’ve noticed elsewhere that interest rates seem to be on the up! I’m not talking the financial kind this time though – more the spiritual. We seem to be entering a new phase – call it what you like: “post-post-modernism?” – where people don’t really seem all thet keen to just tolerate each other’s views anymore – in fact it seems to me that people are full of opinions – and questions – and aren’t afraid to share them. All you gotta do is listen.

I’ve heard lots of stories in the last couple of weeks where people in our church family have invited friends to share their views and ask their questions and some of the results have been fantastic! Fantastic conversations about life, death, Jesus, suffering, fairness etc etc. And one of the best things I’ve heard is just how keen SCPCers are to genuinely listen to their friends so that they can truly understand the people they’re sharing Jesus with – learning exactly how to make the best “connect” for that person with the gospel of forgiveness, salvation, life & hope.

Anyone got more stories to share?

Steve Cree spoke to us from Romans 1:16-17; 18:1-11. Christians often feel guilty when the issue of sharing the gospel comes up. Yet the very gospel we share is about release from guilt! When we rejoice in this freedom we will delight in speaking of Christ who won it for us.

Key Verse

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 8:1

Bible Readings: Romans 1:16-17 and Romans 8:1-11

Outline:

1.    not ashamed
2.    no condemnation
3.    who’s in control?

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The uni year is about to start again. Next week is orientation week, seeing many new students arriving to town and campus, to start a new stage of life, one that will see them with more freedom than ever before, and see them making decisions about the directions of their lives. ‘O week’ is a big week for new students, and also for ‘the bible talks’ on campus ministry. Next week we’re hoping to contact every new student and let them know about ‘the bible talks’ and the saving message of Jesus Christ.

This week we’ll be:

conducting surveys getting students to interact with and question their views on God and the Bible;
placing a card in 1800 university show bags given to new students, inviting them to ask some tough questions about Jesus Christ;
maintaining a strong presence around the uni with our plaza table, t- shirts, posters, show bags and merchandise;
building authentic relationships with students through uni social and sporting events;
holding events such as beach trips and barbecues;

Please pray for ‘the bible talks’ during O week:

for Christian students to be passionately involved in every effort to connect with new students at uni, eager to serve and gracious and loving in building friendships with new students.
for Christian students arriving in Lismore for the first time, that they would be keen to get connected with a faithful Bible teaching church, being established and strengthened in their faith, and getting involved in ministry at uni
for the many lost students arriving at the university, that their uni years would be a time of questioning what they’ve always believed, searching for answers about their world and their lives, and that the bible talks would faithfully rpesent the answers of God’s Word to these students.
That God would use the efforts of all those involved in tbt’s work during o week to soften students’ hearts to the transforming gospel of Jesus and draw them to himself.

YC09 is fast approaching and there is a little scent in the air that youth con is a bit boring… While aspects of the weekend can dampen even the keenest of campers (such as two showers for sixty hairy gorillas and sleeping in Maths rooms, which are generally designed for sleeping but not during the weekend if ya get my drift), it does have a lot to offer that is good.

Firstly there are the very entertaining MCs, then there’s the sumo suits, laser skirmish, gladiators and horizontal bungy. Not to mention the lovely hot dogs we seem to eat each year. However the main reason that we put on the convention is to help youth to hear about and keep trusting in Jesus. That is why we devote some much time (however we are doing one less session this year) to listening to and reflecting on God’s word. This year we have a great preacher called Sam Chan who is guaranteed to entertain and encourage you to keep trusting in Jesus.

So pack ya toiletries bag and start counting the sleeps.

Steve Cree spoke to us from 1 Peter 3:13-18a. Arrogance detracts from our ability to share about the hope found in Christ, and is inconsistent with how that hope was won for us – Christ’s death in our place. In love we humbly point away from ourselves to Jesus.

Key Verse

“But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

1 Peter 3:15b-16

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 3:13-18a

Outline:

1. arrogance in society
2. arrogance in the church

You can play the podcast using the “Play in Pop-Up” link below the player which will allow you to visit other pages while listening.

A broadband connection is recommended to listen to this talk from the web.

Subscribe to this Podcast in iTunes (Free)

Subscribe Via RSS (Free)

If you have any questions about this talk please leave a comment or email the speaker.

I’m pleased to say there are 3 new featured items added to the featured items page:

- “Lead Me” performed by Peter Y (featuring Ally Bell reading the Bible)

- “Hold On” – performed by Wade Iedema

- “I Can Only Imagine” – performed by Peter Y

You can listen to songs simply by clicking on them (they will now open in a new page), or you can right click on them to download to your computer (for use on your computer, mp3 player, or burning to a CD).

All 3 songs contain the precious Word of God – we hope you enjoy them through the week.

Special thanks to Dave Gray for making these sound great – thanks Dave.

Steve Cree spoke to us from Psalm 130. The only way to cast out fear of what people think of us as Christians is to get consumed with what Jesus thinks! We can then treat others as they really are: people who also need to know Christ Jesus as Lord.

Key Verse