Sunday 22nd June 2025 –Second Sunday after Pentecost

REFLECTION: Luke 8:26-39 “Unheard of Authority”

How do you respond to authority? Some people rebel against it. Others fear authority and submit to it. Some people like the security that comes with having someone clearly in charge. Jesus came along with an unheard-of authority that left people scrambling. What do you do with someone has this much power and authority? Fortunately for us, Jesus only uses his power and authority for our good and for the glory of God. We can trust him. In today’s reading, we see different responses to his amazing authority.

Here is an outline of this Sunday’s message. Introduction: Jesus amazing authority

1. Jesus’ has authority even over demons

a. The demons know Jesus and fear him (27)

b. ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? (28)

2. Jesus uses his authority to set us free.

a. Jesus came to set us free from all that oppresses us (32)

b. The demons begged Jesus to let them enter the large herd of swine (32)

3. What will your response be to the authority of Jesus?

a. Then people came out to see what had happened, and they were afraid (35)

b. The demons fled before him

c. The man from whom the demons had gone begged Jesus to let him go with him (38)

TO THINK ABOUT:

What will be your response to the authority of Jesus?

• Will you mistrust him and reject him like the pig herders?

• Will you fear him like the demons?

• Will you choose to follow him and declare to all how much God has done for you?

HYMNS

TIS 231 At the name of Jesus

Jesus strong and kind

TIS 526 Lord Jesus Christ

TIS 111 Praise to the Lord

LATEST BUILDING FUND UPDATE

You may recall we set our anticipated shortfall to complete the building project at $300,000 in September last year. We are calling on the whole congregation to respond so that we might complete the project as planned in September this year. We are truly grateful to the response we have had so far and as at the end of May, we have received $172,836 since we launched the appeal. This is a wonderful provision and we praise God for it, but we still have a way to go. Please continue to ask God to supply all our needs and to give generously.

WEDNESDAY GROWTH GROUP

Would you like to grow in your Christian Faith? Each Wednesday night we meet in the supper room to read, chat and pray together. We are currently doing a new 7 week study on Luke 9-12 called “Following Jesus”. We would love to have you come along at 7:30 on Wednesdays.

BAPTISM

Today we welcome Joseph Yun Wright through Holy Baptism. A big welcome to all his family and friends who are with us today.

TMA

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the Melbourne Anglican available at the door.

St James is in the Diocesan Bulletin

This week the St James’ Parish Centre building program featured in the Diocesan Business Bulletin which goes our to clergy, treasurers, Parish Councils etc. There will be a few copies of this report in the foyer if you would like one. Otherwise, go outside and have a look at the wonderful progress on the new building.

YOUNG ADULTS AND YOUTH BIBLE STUDY

The youth and young adults Bible study has moved to Sunday 12:30pm starting from this week! We want it to be a place where you can grow in your faith and get to know Jesus better. Open to anyone year 9 to mid 20s (but flexible) - speak to Anna or Martin for more info.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 29th June– Third Sunday after Pentecost 2 Kings 2:1-2, 2:6-14; Psalm 77:1-2, 77:11-20; Galatians 5:1, 5:13-25; Luke 9:51-62;

WE ALSO PRAY FOR:

St James the Great Anglican Church St Kilda East; Hope25: outreach in agencies and sector ministries; Theological Colleges, Church Schools & Church Kindergartens; Archdeaconry of Essendon; St Peter’s Bundoora-Confirmation Service; Redemption Church Craigieburn–Pastoral service ; St Phillip’s Collingwood–Pastoral service; Dame Phyllis Frost Centre Ravenhall– Pastoral service; St Paul’s Frankston–Pastoral service;The Anglican Church of Korea; Diocesan Administrator Bishop Genieve and all our Bishops in their ministry this week

LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 28th June – Samoan Youth

This week we continue to pray for: Anthony, Mike, Cecil, Ruth, Eva, Nigel, Jen, Ted, Natasha, Patty, Melenny, Monty, Noel, Dean, Amy, William, Jade, Marvyn & Charles.