REFLECTION: 1 Peter 3:8-22 “Our Christian Witness”
When we are interested in getting involved with something as important as a
church, we want to make sure that the church works for the people who go
there. We might read online reviews. We might check out testimonies or
photos of the church people. The testimony of others has a big influence on
whether or not we will try or a product, or attend a certain church, or even
explore more closely a new faith. When people are wondering whether
Jesus could be their saviour or their help, they look firstly at us to see what a
difference following Jesus makes in our lives. What is the testimony that we
give of faith in Jesus Christ?
Peter gives some important teaching on our Christian testimony in today’s
reading from 1
Peter 3.
1 United in Love.
a. Have unity of spirit & love for one another (8)
b. Have a tender heart, and a humble mind.
2 Faithful in Witness.
a. Do not repay evil for evil but repay with a blessing (9)
b. Do not fear or be intimidated by them (14)
c. Always be ready to give an account of the hope that is in you (15)
3 Joyful in suffering.
a. If you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed (14)
b. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all (18)
To think About:
What testimony in my life might actually bring other people to faith in
Jesus?
HYMNS FOR THIS SUNDAY
TIS 154 Great is your faithfulness
O how good it is
TIS 607 Make me a channel of your peace
TIS 111 Praise to the Lord the almighty
BISHOP KATE PROWD
Will be visiting us for the 10am service on Pentecost Sunday, May 28th
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums amongst us. May you have a truly
blessed day!
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.
RATS AND MASKS
We have been given a quantity of COVIDS RAT tests and N95
masks. They are available at the back of the church for you to take.
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.
MISSION SUNDAY
Sunday the 21st May is Mission Sunday at St. James’ when Jocelyn & Greg
Lay will speak to us on their time as the BCA Nomad
representatives. Looking forward to hearing of their valuable work and then
journey. If you have a Mission Box, please bring this Sunday or on Mission
Sunday. Thank you for supporting our various Missions.
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
21st May–Seventh Sunday after Easter
Acts 1.6-14; Psalm 68.1-10, 32-35; 1 Peter 5.8-22; John 17.1-11
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO 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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