SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – THE LIVING WORD.

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. - Hebrews 1:1-2. TNIV

Our God is a speaking God. He loves us and has chosen to get His message to us in words. First there were the patriarchs and great prophets, and then there was the written record in the Scriptures.

But God's greatest message, His most powerful words, were not really words at all, but a person named Jesus of Nazareth, who is Christ and Lord of all. For us, His Church, to be what He wants us to be, we must not just look at Scripture, but we must also look at Him.

He is the key to understanding what Scripture means, and how it is to be lived.

Loving Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, help me to see the work and purpose of Jesus more clearly. And as I open your word to seek and understand your will, guide me by your Spirit, so that I may know… "What Jesus would do?" In His wonderful and mighty name I pray.

Be encouraged!
GBYAY

SATURDAY'S SILLY JOKE!

JOCK and Archie were staggering home after a lock-in at the pub, and with the bravado that only a 10-pint session brings, decided to take a shortcut through the cemetery.

They had gone about 100 yards - reaching the darkest part of the graveyard, beside the trees, where the wind was softly brushing the branches, and just to make matters worse, the moon had just slipped behind the clouds.

Suddenly, they were chilled to the marrow by a tap-tap-tapping noise coming from the misty shadows.

Trembling with fear, they stumbled upon an old man with a hammer and chisel, chipping away at one of the headstones.

"Jeezo, pal," said Archie after catching his breath, "You scared us half to death - we thought you were a ghost! What are you doing working here at this time of night?"

"Those damn fools," grumbled the old man. "They spelled my name wrong."

It was Jock who fainted first.

Be encouraged!
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – AS CHRISTIANS, OUR BEST DAYS ARE UP AHEAD!

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption, the redemption of our bodies. - Romans 8:22-23.

Life can be very difficult at times. Anyone who has lived long knows this.

At the same time, even our worst nightmares are staging periods for our great redemption. Our loneliest moments are the waiting room for our final adoption into the very presence and family of the King of Ages. With the Spirit living inside us, we are assured of the ultimate destination of our lives, no matter where the current scene in life's drama places us.

So let's live as those who are assured of their final destination but have not yet finally arrived, and not as those who have made their home, and placed their hope in what is present. Our best days lie ahead!

Loving Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, bless me with courage today so that I can face whatever obstacle may lie in my path, and give me the spirituality to do so with grace, dignity, and integrity, so that others may see my character and bring you glory. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged!
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – THE ROAD TO LIFE.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. - Matthew 7:13-14.

The world wants a Saviour but not a Lord. The New Testament is very clear, a Saviour who is not Lord, is no Saviour and no friend.

If the Old Testament showed us anything, it is that God's seemingly strange laws were written not for his fascination, but for his people's preservation.

Let us not only call Jesus Lord this week, but let us live in a way that shows that He controls our lives, and His Spirit produces our character.

Loving Father, I thank you that Jesus is my Saviour and LORD. Help me by the power of the Holy Spirit as you take control of my life and my will so that I may be totally yours, not just in word, but in thought and in deed as well. I ask this in the wonderful name of Jesus. Amen.

Be encouraged!
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – WHAT KIND OF FRIEND DO YOU WANT TO BE?

Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. – Luke 5:18.

What is the fullest definition of a friend?

The Bible offers us numerous definitions and examples. One of my favorite examples is this story of the paralyzed man whose friends went to great extremes to get him to Jesus. Their faith and their effort to get him to Jesus are the things that ultimately result in the man's forgiveness and healing.

I don't know about you, but that's the kind of friend I want to be!

Loving Father, help me by the power of the Holy Spirit to lead my friends to forgiveness and healing in Jesus. Give me the persistence and discretion to do this with gentleness and respect, without losing my sense of urgency to see them become Christians. In the wonderful and mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged!
GBYAY

SATURDAY'S SILLY JOKE.

JOHN was sitting at home one evening, quietly watching the TV, when the doorbell rang.

When he opened the front door, a 6ft tall cockroach was standing on the doorstep.

Before John knew what was happening, the cockroach had punched him hard between the eyes and run off.

The next evening, John was making a cup of tea when the doorbell rang. And when he answered the door, the cockroach was there again. This time, it punched him in the stomach, and karate-chopped him on the back of the neck as he doubled up in pain. Before John could get to his feet, the cockroach had run away.

The third evening, John was again watching telly when the doorbell rang. Wary now, he opened the door halfway ... and the cockroach was there yet again. This time it shouldered the door open, leapt at John and stabbed him several times before running off.

Bleeding profusely, John managed to crawl to the telephone and dialled 999. An ambulance rushed him to intensive care, where they saved his life.

The next morning, the doctor was doing his rounds. He asked John what had happened, so he explained about the 6ft cockroach's attacks.

The doctor thought for a minute and said: "Yes, there's a nasty bug going around."

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – LORD JESUS, COME AND EAT WITH ME.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they with me. To those who are victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. - Revelation 3: 20-21.

It has always fascinated me that this verse has often been cited by those calling others to conversion, when clearly in its context, it's written to lukewarm Christians needing to rekindle their love relationship to the Lord.

As believers, we need to invite the Lord Jesus into our hearts, our home, and lives. It's not that He's not there; it's just that he awaits our invitation, He will not barge in.

He only inhabits hearts into which He has been invited!

Lord Jesus, I know you long to share your presence and fellowship with me. I know you are nearby as I draw each breath. But I confess that I am often unaware, and even sometimes unappreciative of your presence. I ask you this day to come into my heart and fill my life with your presence and comfort and power. I want my life to be lived for you and with you. I ask this in your wonderful name. Amen.

Be encouraged!
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – WHO DO YOU SAY JESUS IS?

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "God's Messiah." - Luke 9:20.

A lot of people have their opinions about Jesus’ identity.

The real issue, however, is what you believe about Jesus. What you decide about God’s Son means everything for you, and for those you influence.

So listen to Jesus' question to His disciples as if He is asking it of you: “Who do you say I am?” I pray that your answer is the same as Peter’s: “God's Messiah.”

Loving Father, thank you for Jesus, who is my Lord, Saviour, friend, and older brother in your family. I praise you for sending him to reveal yourself to us, and I thank you for your lovedemonstrated by him on the Cross. I do believe that Jesus is the Messiah, and the only Saviour who can bring freedom, pardon, cleansing, and complete salvation. In the wonderful name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged!
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG - A WORLD-WIDE FAMILY!

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. - Romans 12:10.

Being devoted to another in love requires that our church conversations… we're family, brothers and sisters, children of God, must be more than mere words.

We must enter each others lives, getting to know one another so that we can serve, love, and bless each other. What have you done lately to get more involved in the lives of your fellow Christians?

Devotion to others follows a commitment to know, and be known by them!

Loving Father, thank you for giving me a world-wide family. Thank you for loving me so completely. Father I ask that you help me by the power of the Holy Spirit be more open with myself, and my time to those in your family. Give me a heart that burns to bless and be blessed by those you have made your children. I ask this in the wonderful name of Jesus.
Amen.

Be encouraged!
GBYAY

THE SILLY SATURDAY JOKE

THOMAS was posted to another monastery, one that still did things the traditional way. He was assigned to help the other monks in copying the old texts by hand.

He noticed, however, that they were copying from copies, not the original manuscripts.

So, since it was his first day, Thomas went to the Abbot to ask him about this, pointing out that if there was a mistake in the first copy, that mistake would be continued in all of the following copies.

The Abbot said: "We have been copying from the copies for centuries, but you make a good point, Brother Thomas."

So, he went down into the cellar with one of the copies to check it against the original.

Hours passed and nobody saw him. So, Thomas went downstairs to look for him.

Hearing weeping coming from the back of the cellar, he found the old Abbot leaning over one of the original manuscripts, sobbing his heart out.

Brother Thomas asked the Abbot what was wrong, and in a broken voice came the reply: "The word is celebrate."

Be encouraged!

GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – LIFE THROUGH JESUS.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. -1 Peter 3:18. TNIV

Having stood over the open graves of friends, family members, and strangers, I know the appearance and feel of death's finality, and our human frailty.

But Christ's death is that great reminder that death is a matter of perspective and faith. I believe God raised Jesus from the dead and that He is the first fruits of those of us who believe in Him.

He is alive, not just in Spirit, but in bodily form, and because of this, we will be too!

Loving Father, thank you for the gifts of your grace, Spirit, forgiveness and life. Most of all, thank you for the gift of your Son, who brought life and immortality to me through His death and resurrection. While I have no great desire to die, I know I can by the power of the Holy Spirit, look through death to you, and your victory in me through Jesus. Give me the courage to live for you every day, until that day when you take me home. In the wonderful Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged!
GBYAY

WORLD CUP SOCCER: KEWL HARRY!

Australia has qualified for the knockout stage of the 2006 World Cup with a 2-2 draw to Croatia in its final Group F match today.

Harry Kewell struck a late equaliser in the 79th minute to put Australia into the last 16 of the World Cup where it will meet Italy.Croatia led 1-0 after Darijo Srna scored from a free kick in the third minute.

Australia equalised with a Craig Moore penalty shot after 38 minutes.Croatia's second goal was scored by Niko Kovac in the 56th minute.

In a tense final 10 minutes both teams were left with 10 men as Brett Emerton and Dario Simic were both marched for second bookable offences.

Croatian defender Josip Simunic was sent off on the final whistle for his third bookable offence, referee Graham Poll forgetting to march him a few minutes earlier.

Australia play Italy in a second round fixture in Kaiserslautern on Monday.

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – CHRISTIAN COMPASSION.

"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' in front of others, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. - Matthew 6:1. TNIV

Compassion is not for personal glory, just as it is not a private internal emotion.

Christian compassion must always motivate us to act in the best interest, and for the greater good of those that are disadvantaged, without calling attention to ourselves or our sacrifices.

God provides what we need to bless others, and takes care of the reward when our goal is to please Him, and to be used by Him to bless others who are disadvantaged.

Loving Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, use me each day to be a blessing to someone in need. Please open my eyes and ears to see those around me who need emotional or physical support, or financial help. Please give me the courage to bless them, and lead them closer to you. In the wonderful Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged!
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – A CALL TO HOLINESS!

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. - James 4:7-8. TNIV

James always packs a lot into a small space, but let us focus on the centre of this call to holiness: let's draw ourselves closer to God.

When we come into God's presence and draw close to Him, we know our thoughts, our motives, and our behaviours, will be seen for what they are in the light of His holiness and righteousness. At the same time, we know that the devil is forced out by the radiance of our Father's holy life.

Let us seek after God, let us long to draw near to Him. Let's ask Him to cleanse us and make us wholly His, and make us completely holy!

Loving Father, I thank you for your love and forgiveness. By the power of the Holy Spirit, help me as I seek to draw closer to you, and as I seek to know you better. Purify my heart of any duplicity or secret sin. Cleanse my conscience, and empower me to be an example of your grace and holiness. I ask this in the wonderful Name of Jesus. Amen.

Be encouraged!
GBYAY

SAINTS SINK SYDNEY SWANS!!!

ST KILDA 7.10 (52) SYDNEY 7.8 (50)

What a game this was! This is whyI love Australian Football! This game was played in pouring rain, and the most courageous won in the end!

Luke ball was carried off in a stretcher after colliding with one of his own teamates, he was rushed to hospital, with blood flowing from his mouth, but when the Saints sung the victory song, there was Ball who rushed back from hospital, his face swollen and bruised, to rejoice with his teamates!
Nick Riewoldt was the man of the match. He played out of his skin tonight, absolutely marvellous!

That's us back in 5th place in the ladder, and next week we play the form team, Adelaide Crows.

Well done sainters! Carn the Saints! Oh when the Saints go marching in, oh when the Saints go marchin in...

WORLD CUP DILEMMA!

I liked the quote from a Church of England spokesman, commenting on the number of hits on its website after a prayer for the England team was posted: "You don't find many atheists during penalty shoot-outs."

True, very true. But it has to be said that at any given shoot-out, most of us, (especially Scots) become decidedly un-Christian: "Go on, miss you b******, miss, miss, miss..."

Be encouraged!
GBYAY

FRIDAY SCREAMER!

Three men were hiking through a forest when they came upon a large raging violent river. Needing to get on the other side, the first man prayed,"God, please give me the strength to cross the river."

Poof! God gave him big arms and strong legs and he was able to swim across in about 2 hours, having almost drowned twice.

After witnessing that, the second man prayed,"God, please give me strength and the tools to cross the river."

Poof! God gave him a rowboat and strong arms and strong legs and he was able to row across in about an hour after almost capsizing once.

Seeing what happened to the first two men, the third man prayed, "God, please give me the strength, the tools and the intelligence to cross the river."

Poof! He was turned into a woman. She checked the map, hiked one hundred yards up stream and walked across the bridge.
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The two thousand member Baptist church was filled to overflowing capacity one Sunday morning.

The preacher was ready to start the sermon when two men, dressed in long black coats and black hats entered thru the rear of the church.One of the two men walked to the middle of the church while the other stayed at the back of the church. They both then reached under their coats and withdrew automatic weapons.

The one in the middle announced, "Everyone willing to take a bullet for Jesus stay in your seats!" Naturally, the pews emptied, followed by the choir. The deacons ran out the door, followed by the choir director and the assistant pastor.

After a few moments, there were about twenty people left sitting in the church. The preacher was holding steady in the pulpit.The men put their weapons away and said, gently, to the preacher, "All right, pastor, the hypocrites are gone now. You may begin the service."

Be encouraged!
GBYAY

ABUNDANT LIFE!

A little boy who lived far out in the country in the late 1800s had reached the age of twelve and had never in all his life seen a circus. You can imagine his excitement, when one day a poster went up at school announcing that on the next Saturday a traveling circus was coming to the nearby town.

He ran home with the glad news and the question, "Daddy, can I go?" Although the family was poor, the father sensed how important this was to the lad. "If you do your Saturday chores ahead of time," he said, "I'll see to it that you have the money to go."'

Come Saturday morning, the chores were done and the little boy stood by the breakfast table, dressed in his Sunday best. His father reached down into the pocket of his overalls and pulled out a dollar bill-the most money the little boy had possessed at one time in all his life. The father cautioned him to be careful and then sent him on his way to town.

The boy was so excited, his feet hardly seemed to touch the ground all the way. As he neared the outskirts of the village, he noticed people lining the streets, and he worked his way through the crowd until he could see what was happening. Lo and behold, it was the approaching spectacle of a circus parade! The parade was the grandest thing this lad had ever seen. Caged animals snarled as they passed, bands beat their rhythms and sounded shining horns, midgets performed acrobatics while flags and ribbons swirled overhead.

Finally, after everything had passed where he was standing, the traditional circus clown, with floppy shoes, baggy pants, and a brightly painted face, brought up the rear. As the clown passed by, the little boy reached into his pocket and took out that precious dollar bill. Handing the money to the clown, the boy turned around and went home. What had happened? The boy thought he had seen the circus when he had only seen the parade!

Are you experiencing all that God has for you? The Christian life is a marvelous adventure, an exciting journey. Many people-including Christians-seem to be content to float in a sea of mediocrity, settling for second best. Do you want the abundant life that Jesus promised? Do you want to live life to its fullest?

Then aim higher. Don't set your sights too low. Determine to become all that God created you to be. Give yourself to Christ, follow Him completely, and allow the Holy Spirit to work in you and through you.

Be encouraged!
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – SINGING WITH GRATITUDE!

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. - Colossians 3:16. TNIV

We sing when we are happy, we sing when we are heartbroken, but today we sing out of gratitude.

God is not only worthy of all of our praise, He is worthy of all of our thankfulness. And the origin of all our songs is Jesus, and the declaration of the good news that brings life to us, through Him.

As that message, the word of Christ fills our hearts, we are tuned to be thankful children of the Most High.

Loving Father, I am so thankful today, for all the many blessings you have poured into my life. Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness give me hope for the future. Your gift of Jesus gives me life today, and promises life tomorrow. The incredible physical blessings, as well as the blessings of family and friends, are wonderful. But the greatest of all blessings, Lord, is the assurance that I will one day see you face- to-face, and share your glorious presence forever. In the wonderful and mighty Name Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be encouraged!
GBYAY

SUNDAY SERMON ON THE BLOG – ONLY THROUGH JESUS.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14:6.

I don't want to be any more exclusive than Jesus, but I do want to hear His voice, because He calls me to find the way to the Father through Him.

I also know that others must know Him, to find their way to the Father, too. Why can we not be more passionate about those around us, who do not really know Jesus as their Saviour, Redeemer, and Lord?

How can the first four books of our New Testament be read and ignored?

Loving Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, give me a passion for Jesus, and a heart that knows Him in word, deed, and concern. I ask this in the wonderful Name of Jesus. Amen.

Be encouraged!
GBYAY