REFLECTION: LUKE 19:1-10
“Zacchaeus: The fruit of true repentance”
What does it look like when someone truly repents and changes their ways? Luke gives us an unusual but wonderful example of a repentant sinner in Zacchaeus, who comes to Jesus, trusts in him, and turns his life around from being a ‘taker’ to being a ‘giver’, and from being an ‘outsider’ to belonging to God’s kingdom.
True repentance requires action, evidence, and not just pious words and Zacchaeus shows with his actions that he no longer has wealth as his god and his goal in life. He freely and joyfully gives his wealth away to follow and trust in Jesus. Here is an outline of this morning’s message. Introduction: What is repentance?
1. Salvation is received through repentance and faith.
a. Jesus message was “Repent and believe the good news” Mark 1:15
b. Just doing good can never cancel out sin.
c. True repentance will show itself in the way you live.
2. Zacchaeus: An example of true repentance. (1-8)
a. Before seeing Jesus, Zacchaeus had made wealth his God (1-3)
b. He risked everything to see Jesus (4-6)
c. He gave away his wealth as a sign of his repentance (7-8)
3. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost.
a. Zacchaeus put his faith in Jesus and was promised salvation (9).
b. Jesus came for all who are lost (10).
To Think About:
If Jesus were to look at your life for signs of true repentance, what would he find?
HYMNS FOR THIS SUNDAY
MP94 Come let us sing of a wonderful love
MP1168 Everyone needs compassion
TIS589 Jesus calls us o’er the tumult
TIS111 Praise to the Lord
MEMORIAL FLOWERS
The flowers in church today have been given by Marlene Newell in loving memory of Geoffrey, her husband and father and grandfather of Peter and family in Sydney.
MONDAY MEALS
Please note that there will be no Monday Meal this Monday Oct 31st due the Cup Day holiday and long weekend many will be taking.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 20 November 2022
A copy of the current Electoral Roll is located on the notice board in the Church Porch. Please check if your name is on it if you are over 18 years, and a regular communicant. If you would like your name added to the Electoral Roll, please contact the Parish Secretary. Christine Keys at contact@stjamesdandenong.com or leave a message on (03) 793 0219
A DAY OF CELEBRATIONS
What a special day of celebration we had last Sunday, as we welcomed Graeme back from three months sick leave. Firstly, after the 10am service we continued across to the Parish Hall for the rededication of our newly renovated Hall. Thanks were expressed to Chris Parrish of Proud Products, for his excellent works on completing the project and also to Margo for her contribution to the renovation. After Graeme had dedicated the Hall, Margo provided morning tea to celebrate her 80th birthday. Then in the afternoon we welcomed Bishop Paul Barker, who confirmed 14 candidates. This was followed by a lovely afternoon tea in the Hall. Thank you most sincerely to Annam Dias who made the beautiful confirmation cake and to all who contributed in any way to the afternoon.
NIGHT MARKET
We are organizing a Night Market for Saturday, 3rd December. Watch out for more details. Speak to Naomi if you would like to help.
MISSION MOMENTS
Please continue to pray for Zoe Creelman, our link missionary in Ngukurr Arnhem Land.
SUTS (Summer Under the Sun) 2023 Program - Theme:
The Road Less Travelled. Thursday, 19th - Saturday, 21st January, 2023 to participate in this event.
LAWN MOWING ROSTER 2022
4 Nov Heinz & Vic
11 Nov Oyem & Rob
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
6 Nov –22nd Sunday after Pentecost Haggai 1.15b-2.9; Psalm 145.1-5, 145.17-21; 2 Thessalonians 2.1-5, 2.13- 17; Luke 20.27-40.