This is a terrific opportunity to check out Christianity for yourself in a relaxed and non-threatening environment. We’ll be reading through Luke’s Gospel together to discover who Jesus is, why he came and what relevance he is to our lives today. You can ask as many questions as you like or remain silent, it’s up to you.

If you or a friend would like to come, please RSVP to Michael Plaege (0412 916 709 / 4388 3337) . It will be a very relaxed time, it’s free of charge and I’m sure you’ll find it enjoyable and thought provoking. Children can be cared for in Kids Church or creche during the course.

Hoping you and/or a friend can join us!

The predominant theme of Isaiah chs 1-39 is the coming of God’s judgment on his people Israel because of their sin.  There are wonderful moments of joy and promises of salvation through these chapters but the overwhelming theme is judgment.  Throughout this period the dominant threat was the Assyrian Empire.  However, God rescued his people from the Assyrians (Isaiah 36 to 37).  But God does declare to them that it would be the Babylonians who would bring his judgment on his people (Isaiah 39).  That judgment came in 587 BC when the Babylonians invaded Jerusalem, destroyed the city and the temple and carried off many Jews into captivitiy in Babylon.

The predominant theme of Isaiah 40 to 66 is salvation beyond judgment.  These chapters speak of salvation and restoration coming in both a physical and spiritual dimension.  Physically, Isaiah speaks of a return to Jerusalem brought about by the most unexpected deliverer – God raises up the pagan king Cyrus the Great to bring his people out of captivity, to return them to their land and rebuild the temple (Isaiah 44 to 45).  You can find out more about Cyrus the Great here.

But God’s plans for spiritual salvation go well beyond the capabilities of Cyrus the Great.  Through Isaiah God promises his perfect servant who would establish justice and peace for all nations (chs 42, 49, 50).  Central to the work of this servant would be his death in the place of God’s people and his subsequent resurrection from the dead (chs 52-53).  These are prophecies that will ultimately find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Ultimately through Isaiah God will promise the ushering in of a new heavens and a new earth (chs 65-66).  Promises that have been fulfilled in part already but await their consummation in the return of our Lord Jesus!

We’ve called this series “from darkness to dawn” because it moves from the heavy message of God’s judgment, to the light of his wonderful salvation and promises.  These chapters of Isaiah are breathtaking in the way they reveal the true glory, majesty, power and compassion of our great God.  May he be glorified as we hear his word over the coming weeks.  If you’ve missed any of the sermons you can download them from the sermon library.

9am, Good Friday (22nd April)

8:30, 10:30 & 5pm, Easter Sunday (24th April)

Letterbox Drop! We’re also letterboxing our community! A great way to invite our neighbours to come and hear what Easter is all about. If you’d like to be involved pick up a bundle from church this Sunday.

The details…

6:30-10:30pm, Tues 11th January

Cafe Pennoz (2075 Reliance Dr, Tuggerah Business Park)

$15 at the door, includes food and drinks.

18+ only.

The theme is French… some come dressed in your French attire!

This is the summer event not to be missed. See you there!

For more info phone Pete Sharman on 0418 293 175

‘… he (Christ) died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (2 Corinthians 5:15)

The question is what will this look like for me? Will I serve Jesus as a married or single person? working from home or the worksite or in the office? as a Mum or in the secular workplace? at church and in the community part-time and as a volunteer (around my paid job and/or family responsibilities) or in full time ministry where I will be paid to do the work of prayer and procliming God’s word? or maybe a combination of all of the above!

Two weekends ago (14-15th May) I had the great privilege of taking a group of people from our church@5congregation to SPUR10 conference held at The Kings School, Parramatta and run by The Ministry Training Strategy (MTS). The conference’s aim is to raise up the next generation of full and part-time gospel workers and is for people  thinking or planning about the future and wondering whether full time Gospel ministry is for them.  The conference challenges people to seriously consider whether they have the gifts and opportunities to take up ministry full time and the willingness to forsake worldly success for the sake of Christ’s kingdom. It is a challenge!

Nine people (5 guys, 4 girls), including our 3 MTS trainees from church@5 joined hundreds at the conference. Carl Matthai spoke faithfully and clearly from John’s Gospel on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and the response of his disciples. On Saturday afternoon there was a ‘Gospel expo’ where participants could attend 4 twenty minute seminars on a particular field of ministry (e.g sports chaplaincy, church pastor, leading a womens movement, muslim evangelism, military chaplaincy to name a few). It was a fantastic and informative time! Please pray for those who attended, that they would carefuly and prayerfully consider the ministry options ahead of them. I’m very excited by the way God is at work to move hearts and minds amongst the younger members of our church and I’m already looking forward to next year! To God be the glory!

What Does Jesus Offer in this Life?

What Does Jesus Offer Beyond this Life?

Contact Michael Plaege if you would like to further discuss the issues raised for you.

Here are some really helpful websites that might give you some of the answers you are looking for:

• christianity.net.au
• connect09.com
• publicchristianity.org