Sandyhills Parish Church:Reaching out to the community.

The scandal of grace

Scripture Mark 15:6-20
After sham trials, Jesus is taken to the local Roman governor, Pilate. This is the only person in Jerusalem with the legal authority to have Jesus executed. Pilate is not fooled, and he attempts to arrange for Jesus' release. But the ruler's ploys fail, in part because Jesus will not defend Himself, and partly because the mob is intent on His death. Pilate offers a prisoner exchange in Barabbas, and even has Jesus brutally beaten in order to pacify the crowd. Eventually, he caves in and Jesus is crucified. Thanks to His prior abuse, Jesus survives only a few hours on the cross before dying. Jesus is then buried in a tomb belonging to a secret follower among the Jerusalem council.

Being Thankful

Scripture today is taken from 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalms 126:2-3 and Hebrews 12:28-29.

The author of Hebrews tells us that God is a consuming fire. God's kingdom is coming. It is here. If we will let him, God will consume more and more of our lives and our time right here on earth.

Our sanctuary today was full in a cafe style layout - it seemed many more came in to our service this morning.

Power over Death

The reading is Luke 8:40-56. Last week we looked at the first few verses, this week we look at the conclusion of the chapter relating to the women who was hemorrhaging.

There comes a time sometimes when even solid faith buckles. We hope against hope and then our hopes are dashed. We are tempted to give up and walk away from Jesus. But Jesus doesn't let us go so easily. "Don't be afraid," he says gently. He knows our fears and our limits. But if he goes with us, he can carry us beyond our fears. "Just believe," he says, "and she will be healed."

The hem of his garment

Luke 8:40-56
Upon touching the Lord's garment, the woman was instantly healed. No doubt she intended to remain as inconspicuous as possible, allowing Jesus and the crowd to pass on, leaving her alone, unnoticed, and eventually be able to return to her home and a normal life. But Jesus wouldn't have it this way. Astounding the disciples and others, Jesus stopped and inquired as to who'd touched him.

Continued next week

Encourage one another

The Bible verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, reads: “Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up…” Encouraging and inspiring your neighbours is an important part of loving them as yourself. Providing encouragement and inspiration is doubly important because most people you meet are hurting in some way.

Our starting point

This psalm invites us to believe again that our faith in God will never desert us, no matter what happens. Life without fear is not possible, but faith can call us to live into God's will for our life instead of reducing our lives because of our fears and insecurities.

What’s your motif

Todays reading is from Matthew 22:23-46. Jesus is questioned by the Sadducees who were trying to trick him up to get the answers they wanted to hear. Jesus challenges them with his own questions.

Firm Foundations

When a person builds his life on Jesus' words he is building a strong foundation. He will be strong inside. The foolish man in the parable was like someone who listened to Jesus' instructions but then did not follow them. A person that does not build his life on Jesus' words will not have a strong foundation. 

We hope the foundation given to our children who joined us over the last three days at the summer mission will develop in that foundation.

Come to me

Matthew 11:25 - 30 is the text for todays sermon. Following on by members of our congregation who have just returned from Rwanda with Comfort International. They saw God's work taking place after so much upheaval in the country.

Only Jesus

In the gospel accounts, Jesus and three of his apostles, Peter, James, and John, go to a mountain (later referred to as the Mount of Transfiguration) to pray. On the mountaintop, Jesus begins to shine with bright rays of light. Then the Old Testament figures Moses and Elijah appear next for him and he speaks with them.  Mark 9:2-8