REFLECTION: 2 Corinthians 4:13 – 5:5 “A Certain Hope in Uncertain Times”
Many of us have been living some of the most uncertain days of our lives
over these last few years of COVID. Add to the already devastating global
pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the posturing of China over Taiwan,
spiralling inflation and rising interest rates, and even the predictions about
the dangers of AI and we can easily become unsettled and
discouraged. It is easy to lose hope and to fall into despair and think we will
never get back to what we once knew as normal life. In times like this, more
than ever we need to put our hope in what is eternal and true and full of
grace. Our hope is in the resurrection.
Here is a summary of how Paul stays hopeful even in really difficult times.
1. We never become discouraged because of our faith (13-15)
a. We have the spirit of faith (13)
b. We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also (14)
c. As grace increases, so too will thanksgiving (15)
2. We have an eternal house in heaven (16-18, 1)
a. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being
renewed day by day (16)
b. We look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen (18)
c. We have a house from God, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens
(5:1)
3. We can always confident because God has guaranteed our salvation
(2-5)
a. And now we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling (2-
4)
b. He who has prepared us for this very thing has given us the Spirit as a
guarantee (5).
To think about
Which has greater sway in my life?
1.My worries about this life and its trials?
2.Or my confidence in God’s promises of an inner renewal and an eternal
home?
HYMNS FOR THIS SUNDAY
TIS 217 Love divine all loves excelling
MP 1214 O Lord you lead me (Have faith)
TIS 456 Your hand O Lord has guided
MP 266 I cannot tell
VICAR’S LONG SERVICE LEAVE
Please be advised that our Vicar, Graeme, will be taking Long Service Leave from June 13th until September 18th. Rev. Ian Oates will be the part time Locum in his absence working with our Curate Jonathan and associate priests George and Oyem.
SRI LANKAN HOPPER NIGHT
Saturday, 24th June, 2023, 7.00 p.m. Parish Hall $30 per head BYO drink Tickets Available Today: Tyrone 0410 438 328
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
18th June– 3rd Sunday After Pentecost
Genesis 18.1-15 (21.1-7); Psalm 116.1-2,11-18; Romans 5.1-11; Matthew 9. 9-13; 9.18-26
LAWN MOWING ROSTER
11th June – Oyem & Rob
16th June - Rusty
PRAY FOR SUDAN
Please pray for peace in Sudan and for the safety of its people as this terrible
conflict extends. Many of our South Sudanese brothers and sisters have
family in the conflict zone and sadly some have already lost family
members to violence. Please pray also for their consolation in the sad time.
FELLOWSHIP LUNCH
We will recommence our Fellowship lunches at the Dandenong Club on Wednesday 21st June at 12 noon. Please place your name in the porch or call Margo 0419888426
WE ALSO PRAY FOR
Mike; Mark; Clovis; Rose; Eva; Cecil; Stanley; Nigel; Russell; Josie, Kevin; Joanne, Eve, Margaret, Lynette, Danny, Esme, Michael, Charles, Edward, Tyrone, Renee Gwen & Sylvia.
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