2009 July » Southern Cross Presbyterian Church

What Controls You?

Jul 312009

This weekend, you might not see many TBT students around – it’s MYC time and we’re off on a road trip to Coffs Harbour.

MYC (Mid Year Conference) is a chance for TBT students to spend a weekend away with a bunch of uni students from both Lismore and Armidale. We’ll be thinking about the stuff in life that seems to control us: what does it mean to follow Jesus? How does he change our lives – both at uni and beyond?

We’d love you to please pray with for us as we learn from the Bible (Titus), and as they attend seminars to help them think through how following Jesus changes their lives. Please pray that we have a great time getting to know each other and the students from Armidale, building relationships which are Jesus centred.

Perhaps as this weekend you’d like to read Titus yourself and ask the same question that the students will be grappling with: Does Jesus control your life?

Safari ’09 – aliens and strangers

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Jul 302009

G’day all. Well Safari ’09 is officially over and everyone came home with the same number of limbs as they left with, which was pleasing. Although it was a big week, we had a good time and it was great to see the youth wrestling with God’s word.

It was really cool to finish the week off with Safari Sunday. The youth and the leaders put in a big effort to make it happen and it seemed to go down a treat. There was lots of really positive feedback and I think everyone enjoyed being a part of it.

Please pray that the youth will keep trusting in Jesus (even when it’s hard) and that they will support and encourage each other.

Youth also generally has a lot of momentum after Safari, please pray that the leaders will know how to keep this momentum going – so that this ministry can glorify God it all that it does.

SCPC Podcast: Safari Sunday Talk: What Are We Aiming For?

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Jul 262009

Simon Allery spoke to us from 1Peter 5:1-14. As aliens and strangers in the world, we need to be like Jesus

Bible Readings: 1 Peter 5:1-14

Outline:

Intro: As aliens and strangers in the world, what are we aiming for?

1. An alien heart

2. An alien humility

3. An alien stamina

conclusion: Aliens together

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Getting Ready For Jesus

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Jul 212009

It’s occurred to me recently, what with our attempts to get the Essential Jesus into every house in Lismore, that it might be good for me to read it myself! Suzie & I are now up to chapter 5 (reading it together). I wonder if you’ll join us in an “essential Jesus challenge” between now and Sunday 2 August – the first week of our new series: “now for some questions Jesus asked”.

Even if you’ve read Luke’s gospel before, here are a few good reasons to take up the challenge and have a fresh look:

1. It’s great preparation for the coming bible talks and small group series. As you read, ask yourself why Jesus asks so many questions & what he’s trying to get at in each case.

2. The Essential Jesus is a new modern translation and reading something that’s familiar but with a few differences can help you to see things you hadn’t noticed before.

3. God may give you the privilege of meeting someone who has received a copy and it would be excellent to be able to say, “yeah I’ve read that!” and to talk with them about it.

4. Finally, its always a good thing as a Christian to be face-to-face with Jesus. Regularly reading one of the gospels is one of the best ways to make sure that Jesus doesn’t just fade away into the background of your life.

Who’s with me?

SCPC Podcast: God, Work and Play Series Talk 2, God and Play

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Jul 192009

Pete Thompson spoke to us from Mark 2:23-3:6. God has set times for regular rest but these are not times to indulge the sinful nature. Rather they are times to remember God, trust him and serve him.

Bible Readings: Mark 2:23-3:6

Outline:

Intro: no leave, no life

1. whose time is it?

2. rest and play in the Bible

3. rest and play in Jesus

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.

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

SCPC Podcast: God, Work and Play Series Talk 1, God and Work

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Jul 122009

Pete Yock spoke to us from Genesis 1:26-2:3 and Genesis 2:15-20. Work is God given, and for the sake of God’s glory. All other views of work are idolatrous

Bible Readings: Genesis 1:26-2:3 and Genesis 2:15-20

Outline:

Intro: Work to rest, or rest to work?

1. Perfect job, perfect boss

2. Losing the perfect job

3. The perfect worker

4. A new way to work

Conclusion: Who are you working for?

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.

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

Mission Week, Semester 2, 09!

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Jul 092009

You may have heard that last week was mission week at Southern Cross University. We had students from UTS Christian group, “CREDO”, come up and help the bible talks. It was a great week where people on campus heard that there was a group keen to tell people about the gospel and had opportunities to ask their questions and think about what their world view actually is.

Last Tuesday, we ran “Grill-a-Christian”, which is a question and answer time where anyone could ask a panel of Christians any question they had about God, Christianity and Jesus. It was great to see the number of people come along and stay to hear at least some of the questions and answers. A big thankyou to the panel – Katharine, James Ritchie, Paul Winch (Credo staff worker) and Josh Brown (Credo student)! They answered the questions clearly and gently so that the gospel was not only heard but seen in their manner of answer. Also a big thankyou to all the students who helped on the day and all who were praying for the event! Praise God for the seeds that were planted.

On the Thursday, we had another event where Ryan gave a talk raising the question of what is real and how the truth is found in Jesus. There were quite a few new contacts made and people who heard the gospel. It was encouraging to end the week with the reminder that all that we did on campus that week was for Jesus and to share the message of Jesus with people.

Please be praying for the students who came along to the events – that they will continue to ponder the message of Jesus and what truth and reality actually is.

Please be praying for the bible talks students – that they will continue to grow in their knowledge and love for Christ, that they may share that truth with their uni friends.

Please pray for Ryan, Katharine and my self as we begin the semester events and plan for our mid year conference (which is an opportunity for the students of SCU and University of New England to hear from God’s Word and have some fun!) – that we may continue to see that all that we do on campus is for Jesus and for God’s glory, instead of getting caught up in the busy-ness.

Essential Distribution…

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Jul 082009

I have been so encouraged this week to hear how small groups are planning to attack the challenge of distributing Luke’s gospel “the Essential Jesus” to every household in Lismore.

Although it would be ideal for the distribution to take place from Monday 13 July through to Friday 31 July we understand this may not be possible for everyone and so therefore distribution may go through to August especially for those groups who will be taking more than one area.

The first 1,000 gospels have already been picked up ready for distribution (I think it was about 8 boxes). Gospels can be picked up from the hall at Park Avenue any time Tuesday to Friday 9am-5pm or at another time by arrangement. Please continue praying for this exciting time where every household in Lismore will have the opportunity to read God’s word.

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to add them here so I can respond.

SCPC Podcast: Got Questions Talk 10, I’m Happy and Content, Why Do I Need God?

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Jul 062009

Steve Cree spoke to us from Luke 12:13-21. At the heart of the universe is not “I-ness” but “other-ness”– we were created in God’s image to be other-focused, as God is within himself: loving God and loving our neighbour. But you can’t do one without the other – without God we are ultimately loveless: the “but I’m happy” mantra is actually the problem Christ came to rescue us from – to save us from ourselves. A focus on our contentment blinds us to the needs of others and the fact that we will one day face God who made us for a much bigger life than that.

Bible Readings: Luke 12:13-21

Outline:

1. more to this life… than I
2. more to this life… than this life

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.

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

Podcast Delayed

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Jul 052009

Due to some technical I’m encountering today, the Podcast for today’s talk won’t be posted on the website until tonight. Apologies for any inconvenience, but it should be up and running soon. Thanks for your patience!