Sandyhills Parish Church:Reaching out to the community.

Isaiah 53:1-12
Is one of the most famous passages in the Bible, containing a profound prophecy of a "Suffering Servant" who will bear the sins and sorrows of humanity. Written hundreds of years in advance, it is widely interpreted by Christians as a direct prediction of the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:37-41 NET (New English Translation)

Now when they heard this, they were acutely distressed and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “What should we do, brothers?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” With many other words he testified and exhorted them saying, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation!” So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added.

Friends, in today's Gospel (Luke 1:67–79), the Canticle of Zechariah declares how Jesus fulfils the Old Testament's expectations of salvation. Once we grasp that Jesus was no ordinary teacher and healer but Yahweh moving among his people, we can begin to understand his words and actions more clearly.

John 7:37-44
Why did Jesus say "Let not your heart be troubled"?

It's interesting how Jesus phrased the command to “let not your hearts be troubled.” He didn't simply ask his disciples to try and avoid being fearful or anxious. The fact that he tells them to avoid allowing their hearts to be troubled is evidence that we have control over how we respond to the burdens of life.

What is Acts 1:1-5 about?

Jesus has chosen these apostles, but their work cannot begin in earnest yet. Jesus made an additional promise that has not yet been fulfilled as Acts begins. These opening verses find the apostles waiting in Jerusalem for the promised gift of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:15-21

And how do we live a wise life? In these 4 ways. First, by treating life as a gift from God. Second, by discovering our destiny: God’s purpose for our lives. Third, by allowing our faith to transform how we think and how we behave. Fourth, by committing ourselves to regular attendance and participation at church.

If we follow these 4 steps, we will know wisdom. As a writer once put it, “Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.”

Jesus said, “I have come so that you make have life in all its fullness”.

What does John 15 verse 1 to 11 mean?

Jesus calls his disciples to bear fruit, and he likens them to the fruit of the vine or a grape. And he likens his father to the one tending to the branches. So, Jesus is telling us to do something, to live a certain way; and he wants us to understand some things before he gets to all of these exhortations.

Ephesians 4:1-16
Chapter 4 describes both the unity of believers and the new hope which Christians have in Jesus. The passage begins with Paul's mention of his imprisonment and his focus on Christian unity (Ephesians 4:1–16). There, he appeals to Christians to live in a way which reflects the grace we've been given by God.

Luke 24:1-12

Jesus did not die and rise for perfect people who had it all figured out. Jesus died and rose for the people who would betray Him, ignore His word, forget His promises, and doubt His messengers. Jesus died for the people who put Him to death. Jesus rose for the people whose minds rejected the idea of a resurrection.

Matthew 21:1-17 details Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem riding a donkey, fulfilling prophecy as a humble king. Crowds shout "Hosanna" and spread garments/branches. Following this, Jesus clears the temple of moneychangers, heals the blind/lame, and spends nights in Bethany.