REFLECTION: John 3:1-17 “For God so loved the World”
What do you make of Jesus? Was he just a doer of miracles or a great
teacher, or was he who he said he was, the Son of God? Nicodemus was a
leading Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to see
Jesus for himself so that he could make up his own mind. He says to Jesus:
“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God;
for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.”
Jesus then begins to teach Nicodemus how he can enter the kingdom of
Heaven and know the assurance of salvation. It doesn’t depend on
knowledge or wisdom but on faith.
It is through faith that we are born again and receive god’s gift of eternal
life. Here is an outline of today’s message.
1. A new beginning: “You must be born again”.
a. You can’t see God’s kingdom without being born again.
b. “Believing is seeing”.
c. You won’t see without turning.
2. “Whoever believes in God’s Son will not perish but have eternal life”.
a. Why is it so important to be a part of God’s kingdom?
b. Remember the snake lifted up in the desert?
c. Jesus is lifted up for our salvation.
3. God’s gift of eternal life is offered freely but we must receive it.
a. Freely given because God so loved.
b. Do we receive it or reject it?
To Think About:
Must you see in order to believe, or will you believe in order to truly see?
HYMNS FOR THIS SUNDAY
TIS 59 Blessed assurance
MP1072 In Christ Alone
MP988 How deep the Father’s love
TIS 351 Lift high the cross
LENTEN STUDIES
All are welcome to join us as we prepare ourselves through lent with
scripture and prayer meeting at 7:30pm in the Parish Centre. We are
focussing on the Sunday gospel readings.
OUR NEW CURATE
We warmly welcome Rev. Jonathan Chaintrier as our new Assistant Curate
half-time. Jonathan was born in France, studied Journalism, English and
Theology. He has 8 years in ministry serving firstly as a licenced lay leader
of a French Congregation in Camberwell, and for the last few years as
curate at St Augustine’s Mentone. Jonathan will be ordained priest by
Bishop Paul Barker at a special ordination service here at St James on
Saturday March 25th at 2pm and we are all invited.
COMMUNION
COVID is still with us, but nevertheless we are returning this Sunday to the
use of the common cup. We will continue to give the option of individual
cups and of grape juice. At communion, as the server with the cup
approaches you, raise your hands to the cup if you wish to drink from it. A
second server will follow with a tray of individual cups, including some
with grape juice.
FELLOWSHIP LUNCH
Due to other Special Activities there will be no Fellowship lunch this
month, March 15th.
GARDEN PARTY
St. James' Garden Party is on Sunday 19th March 12 noon. 3 course Lunch
in our Beautiful Garden. Entry by donation.
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
12th March – 3rd Sunday in Lent
Exodus 17.1-87; Psalm 95; Romans 5.1-11; John 4.-42
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
We pray for those who are sick or troubled in body or mind, or who
have special needs: (Please email contact@stjamesdandenong.com or
contact clergy for prayers for anyone who is in need of them).
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR
Mike; Mark; Rose; Eva; Cecil; Stanley; Nigel; Russell; Josie, Kevin; Joanne, Eve, Margaret, Lynette, Danny, Esme, Henry, Michael, Milton, Sylvia, Charles, Edward & Tyrone.