Sunday 22nd February 2026 - First Sunday in Lent

REFLECTION: Matthew 4:1-11 “The Temptation of Jesus”

The devil worked out long ago that the way to turn us away from God is not

by a full-frontal attack, but by tempting us with the things that our hearts

secretly desire. He doesn’t come to us as a devil with horns and a pitchfork

but as an angel of light bearing gifts and promises of great fortune.

Temptation is one of the enemy’s preferred weapons of attack. He attacks us

at our weakest points hoping to make us fall & somehow disqualify us from

claiming God’s gracious gift of salvation.

The only one to have never given in to temptation is Jesus, who though he was

tempted severely, he never gave in to it. As we look at Jesus’ temptation, we

can learn something of how to resist the temptation that daily tempts us. Here

is an outline of the message:

1. The tempter.

a. A liar & a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44)

b. The accuser of our brothers and sisters (Rev. 12:10)

2. The temptation he brings:

a. The lure of materialism – the temptation to satisfy yourself with material

things! (1-4).

b. The temptation to put God to the test – and win easy converts along the way

with the show! (5-7).

c. The seductive power of success – at the cost of your life! (8-10)

3. How can we resist temptation?

a. With the full armour of God (4,7,10, Ephesians 6).

b. Resist the devil & he will flee from you! (11, James 4:7)

To think about:

What is it that most tempts me that could draw me away from following God?

Hymns

TIS 231 At the name of Jesus

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord O my soul)

TIS 578 How firm a foundation

TIS 154 Great is thy faithfulness

VICAR TO TAKE LEAVE IN FEBRUARY

Graeme and Jane will be taking 26 days leave from Feb 23rd for a much

longed for return trip to Chile where they worked for 18years as missionaries

with CMS. This trip has been put off various times because of COVID, cancer,

studies and buildings but now they finally get to do it. Ian Oates has agreed to

come back as Locum during this period. Friends will be staying in the

vicarage.

FOLLOWING CHURCH ON SUNDAY, 1ST MARCH

A workshop will be held for anyone interested in learning how to make Palm

Crosses. It is an easy process and quite relaxing, so please join us whilst

having some morning tea as well.

$5 MEAL

Hoki fish fingers, battered whiting fillets and fish bites with rice.

LENTEN STUDY.

Guides have arrived and can be picked up from Graeme. The cost is $12. We

have some additional copies available.

BAPTISM

Today we welcome Oliver and Darcy Wright as they come for Holy

Baptism. A warm welcome to family friends who are with us today for this

important occasion.

LAWN MOWING ROSTER 21 February – Oyem & Rob

THIS WEEK WE PRAY FOR: St David's Doncaster East; The Diocese of

Wangaratta; The Church of Ireland; Holy Trinity Coburg–Pastoral visit; St

Luke’s Vermont - Pastoral Service.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY - 1st March: Genesis 12:1-4; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5 (6-12) 13-17; John 3.1-17

THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Nigel, Jen, Glen, Sherene,

Gloria, Ron, Ruth, Mike, Amy, Cecil & Beryl.