Grace Community Church Listen Again

Women have played vital roles in Scripture and throughout the history of the Church. For many years, Junia's name was mis-translated. Whether this was on purpose or not, it's been embarrassing for many that a translations of the Bible have had to be corrected to reinstate her. Named as someone who was outstanding among the apostles, Junia's voice was important. As a church, we believe no one should be silent because of gender, ethnicity or status. Today, we invite Amy Anderson into leadership. She follows a long line of women whose voices deserve to our attention.

One of the 10 Commandments instructs us to observe and partake in a Sabbath day. Observing this commandment looks different depending on culture, background and upbringing. We might all define a Sabbath differently, but one thing we can agree on is the benefit and blessing that can be found in a true day of rest and rejuvenation. A Sabbath might look like a day set aside to intentionally spend time with the Lord, and the people we love. It might look like time of celebration as we worship and give thanks to God. It might be a time to remember the goodness of God and re-establish our relationship with him. However our Sabbath might look, it should feel like a sanctuary in our week.

John 4 describes the meeting of Jesus and a Samaritan woman. In this account, we learn that this woman carried a great deal of shame and pain from her life experiences. This is another example of a ​“Good News” story, for all those who have felt the weight of shame, rejection or hurt. Jesus offers her a drink from the ​‘living water’, which never runs dry. Unlike many temporary solutions or quick fixes, which inevitably never last, we have the opportunity to come the Well of Living Water to quench our thirst. This woman’s life was transformed by her encounter with Jesus, just as ours can be too.

Our anger at situations in our world often leads us to wish for retribution. Does the gospel’s call to ​“love our enemies” require us to look at things differently? In Luke 4, Jesus quotes most of Isaiahs prophecy from chapter 61, announcing that the year of the Lords favour has been fulfilled in him which is good news for everyone, even Israels enemies. What makes Jesus’ statement interesting is what he leaves out.

The story of Jonah is perhaps one of the most well-known bible stories, beautifully portrayed in children’s books and animated cartoons. However, this portrayal might make it easy to miss the themes of justice, love and God’s continual mercy. We read of Jonah’s struggle with God’s love towards the people of Nineveh, causing him to literally run away. There are lessons for us in this story, perhaps even seeing aspects of ourselves in Jonah. Do we struggle with the idea of justice for everyone? Do we have an instinct to sleep or act selfishly, when we are being asked love the unloveable? We are called to stand up for justice, love those who God loves and be counter-cultural, when needed. ​‘Agape’ love doesn’t depend on how lovable a person might be, it depends on the Goodness of God, which never fails.

Sadly, when we hear someone preach, we seem to enjoy when the preacher is pointing out someone else’s sin. We like that feeling of superiority when we don’t believe we have a problem with sin. As we use our judgement, we can become guilty of projecting our conclusions of what’s right and wrong onto God. God’s wrath is an often-misrepresented thing. Gospel presentations, especially in Western Christianity, uses the fear that often accompanies our idea of God’s wrath to scare people into becoming Christians. Instead, it may be more useful to think of wrath as the inevitable consequences of walking away from love. God holds us, but he is not forceful. Sometimes we choose to go our own way, but as we do, God is waiting for us to return.

The two trees in Genesis 3 pose a number of interesting questions. When it comes to the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, the exchange between the serpent and Eve challenges her relationship with God. In the previous chapter, there is a beautiful picture of God breathing life into humans. His power is shared with us and there is a ​“shalom” that accompanies that. There is goodness in this relationship. There is also goodness in the relationship between people here, as well as with creation. What happens at the Tree cuts that good relationship. While we often look for perfection of character in relationship, could it be ​“goodness” that is what’s really important? And is it possible that sin is anything that breaks this goodness apart?

I was made for the Gospel. Exploring the ​“now-ness” of the Kingdom. Often we use language in church that we don’t use elsewhere. There are words we use, like ​“Gospel” that we assume we know, but make we don’t. The problem is, the Gospel is difficult to describe and, as much as we try, we can’t fit our description into a snapshot. It’s much more than Jesus dying for our sins so we can go to heaven. The fact that there are four accounts of the Gospel in the Bible shows that it is multi-faceted and has a different impact depending on the audience and how it affects particular lives and aspects of society.

In Luke 15, we read a parable that depicts a Shepherd going out to to look for his Lost Sheep. This parable is another picture of the Good News Story. The Good News that one sheep was worth finding — it had precious value in the eye of the Shepherd. Perhaps when we think of this story, we jump to the conclusion that this sheep was lost by choice and he chose to leave the Shepherd and the comfort of the herd. As we look at the parable of the lost sheep, maybe we can consider that the sheep didn’t get lost on purpose. Maybe the sheep didn’t know it was lost. And, maybe, the sheep is not aware of its value. As we think of sharing the Good News story with those around us, we need to be mindful of the assumptions we make and the judgements that follow. Our message of Good News shouldn’t be one of morality, but one of Grace.

In Genesis chapter 1, we read the story of how God created new life in a desolate and empty space. He brought light into a dark place — and it was very good. This is perhaps our first glimpse at the good news of the Gospel. This good news, is still good news for us today? When God enters a place, situation, or community, he brings light that cannot be overtaken with darkness. He can fill spaces that were once empty and bring life to that which was once dead. Do we need to rejuvenate our minds with this good news?

We carry burdens, often unnecessarily. Or feel we need to resolve conflicts or problems immediately. God wants us to be still and trust him in these moments. New City Church’s Matt McFarland shares his story of growing up and struggling to please God, then realising we can’t reach a point where we are worthy on our own merit. Instead, God loves us where we are. Psalm 37 describes what it means to trust God: to be still in him. Also, Deborah shares her love for Psalm 121.

Even in the most hostile conditions there is growth. Homero talks about what makes the cedar and palm trees special, and what they can teach us about endurance and perseverance. We then explore the idea of chesed love: A promise-keeping loyalty rooted in deep loving care.

Death, suffering and injustice are a challenge when we're confronted with them. It's easy to dismiss the feeling of sorrow as a lack of faith, or worse, shame people when they are grieving. When we shun lament we lose that place of raw, honest vulnerability. In doing this, we also avoid the pain in the world. Do we think that God cannot handle your cries? Psalms 42 and 88 emboldens us to lift our voices with courage and also in protest of injustice.

In Psalm 133 we see the heart of God revealed, when we are encouraged to live together in unity. This does not mean that we will agree on everything, or always see eye-to-eye, but rather we have a common bond that ties us together - Jesus! In verses 2 and 3 we are drawn to metaphors that speak to the way in which we should come together, like a fragrant oil made from a variety of ingredients or the morning dew which softens all the ground equally. The bond which ties us is greater than than the differences that divides us.

The Psalms is a truly diverse mix of songs and ideas. From lament to praise. From reflection to exaltation. We often associate Psalms in the Bible with David, but there are many writers. Some unknown. This eclecticism of voice is important as we get used to the idea of ambiguity and theological assortment. We might have favourite Psalms, but they are even more powerful collectively than individually. Conveniently for us, the book of Psalms is actually arranged in five books: each dealing with a different period in Israel’s history. Written for a post-exilic people, they speak to the journey they’ve been on. Book One (1 – 41) The rule of King David. Book Two (42 – 72) Transition of power from David. Book Three (73 – 89) Collapse of David’s rule. Book Four (90 – 106) A retrospective of a time before David. Book Five (107 – 150) A returning home of the people who were in exile.

Stubbornness can be a good thing, but often it can be damaging. No matter what you’ve been through, God’s promise remains on your life. We walk in the promises of God through surrendered devotion to God. Stubbornness will keep us out of the presence of God. Surrender will lead us to deeper levels of encounter with the living God.

Acts 2:1 reminds us that on the day of Pentecost all believers were together in one place. We are called in to community in the same way, to walk together and encourage one another in utilising our gifts.

It’s easy to procrastinate, but what if we were able to put each day into an order that reflects our love of God and others? In Colossians Paul is commending them for the love they have in their hearts for Jesus and others. Where does their love come from? It comes from a hope that springs up from heaven. This hope is calling them home. Prepare ourselves by knowing that we are loved. Prepare ourselves by embracing a life of grace. Prepare ourselves by fixing our eyes on a vision of God for our lives. Prepare ourselves living a life of gratitude.

At Pentecost, the Spirit of God was poured out an all flesh. This event shattered man-made hierarchies and religious norms. It would cause men and women, young and old, rich and poor to prophecy and dream. The debate around the Spirit of God tends to fall into one of two camps: academic and charismatic. However we need a balance between the two. We need both Spirit and Word. Experiencing God means opening ourselves up to him, just as Peter did in Acts 10. If you ask for the Spirit, He’ll give it.

In 1 Peter 4 v 7 – 11 we are encouraged to be clear-minded and responsible with the gifts that have been entrusted to us. We have a responsibility to take what has been given to us and share it with the world. If we steward our gifts well, we will make Jesus known to everyone and the deep love of Jesus will be seen and felt by those around us. Using our gifts to serve others, is like handing out God’s grace as a gift. When we fail to do this, or lack love for one another when doing it, the body of Christ is weakened and sometimes even dysfunctional. Peter is exhorting us to clear our minds, regulate our thoughts, and press on in using our gifts for the advancement of the kingdom.