Merry Christmas… and a present just for you!!!
The Jewish religion works on a system where the weight of sin equals the weight in sacrifice to be brought in order to cover the sin committed. Sin and sacrifice was supposed to be of equal value in order to be complete the penance. Short accounts, regular sacrifices and a string of laws kept the religious system flowing…and it bound you to a set of rituals in order to be in a good way with God.
The announcement of Jesus’ birth must have been an astounding experience. Especially if you take into account what the God-fearing Simeon said:
'Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”'
Luke 2:22,28-32 NIV
“I have seen your salvation” and “now let your servant die in peace” he declared as he held Jesus in his arms…! You see, salvation is actually a person…not an action. That’s why we are saved by faith in Him and not by our own actions. The first time I had this revelation I remember how my logical mind battled with this truth! “That’s too easy…!” the rational side of me would respond. It was only after a bit of study of nature, the presentation of Jesus to the Lord, that I realised he was born to be the perfect, complete and final sacrifice presented to God. This ties his birth and sacrificial death into one big, completed act of God.
This Gospel is revealed to you…the profound nature of it seems to bypass the capacity of a sharp intellect as well as religious rituals. Saul of Tarshish was a highly intelligent and religious man and he refers to the gospel as a “mystery” that is “revealed”:
'As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me”
Ephesians 3:3 NIV
So, how can we access a deep understanding and appreciation for this “one-man-completed-salvation-plan” from God? The next verse in Paul’s letter to the Ephesian gives a surprising solution:
As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. '
Ephesians 3:4 NIV
I am praying that you will present yourself to God this Christmas…by reading your Bible again. In a world filled with infecting information…let’s read God’s revelation as presented in scripture. Start with the Gospels…and just read! Soon His Spirit will refresh your inner man with the same sense
Simeon had:
I have seen Your salvation >>>
and therefor I am ready for eternity! >>>
Please receive me and my family’s Christmas blessing over your life. The elders, pastors, staff and rest of the leadership pray for a wonderful time of fresh revelation and renewed peace!
Our next Communique would be arriving in the week following the 9th of January. Please follow us on socials for service times and remember, there will be pastors and leaders on duty all throughout the Christmas season.
Volunteers | We could not have done 2021 without you!
To all our volunteers from every ministry, thank you for your gifts, talents and most of all, valuable time. Have a blessed Christmas and holiday season and we look forward to seeing you again next year when we start back on Sunday 9th January 2022.
Christmas Day service | Saturday 25th December 2021
We are so excited to celebrate Christmas with you! If you can’t make it, watch live stream 9am on YouTube or Facebook. For more details visit our calendar here.
Office closure | No church services
The office will be closed but there will be pastors and leaders on duty all throughout the Christmas season. The office is closed from Friday 24th December 2021 and reopens Monday 10th January 2022.
There will be no church services on Sunday 26th December 2021 and Sunday 2nd January 2022. Take this opportunity to catch up on a service you have missed or watch your favourite one again! You will find plenty to choose from on our website, YouTube or Facebook.
New Series | Replenish | Sunday January 9th 2022
Get ready for our exciting new series, Replenish starting Sunday 9th January 2022 at 10am. Pastor Graeme Cann will be sharing about Emotionally replenishing. Don’t forget, it stats at 10am! Live stream will be available on YouTube and Facebook.
Alpha Course | Wednesday 2nd February 2022
WHAT IS ALPHA?
Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that create a safe and honest space, where people can explore life, faith and meaning.
Enjoy a meal with others, watch a video and have an open discussion and conversation in a friendly and non-judgemental environment.
Order your own choice of Chinese takeaway.
Dinner costs: $15 (includes 50c Trybooking fee)
Connect
Connecting with others is important; friends gathered around the kitchen table, meeting for coffee or catching up online. It’s no different at Alpha. All sessions start with a time to connect, relax and build friendships – whether in person or virtually.
Watch
The Alpha talks are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Each one is around thirty minutes long and played as a video. They explore important issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions from Who is Jesus? and How can we have faith? to Why and how do I pray? and How does God guide us?
Discuss
One of the most important parts of any Alpha is the chance to share thoughts and ideas in small groups. There’s no obligation to say anything and there’s nothing you can’t share (seriously). It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
