Romans 16:13 "Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too."

I have so much to be thankful for in this life.  God has been very kind in providing me an incredible mother.  My Mum has taught me from God's word since I can remember, and though I'm married with kids of my own, she still teaches me and talks to me about what she is learning from her Bible reading.

Raising up the next generation of gospel workers

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." 2Tim. 2:2

We need a new generation of good reliable gospel workers, missionaries and preachers.

This is an event for Christian men or women in the Sutherland Shire who are:

1. thinking about full time ministry OR

2. could be thinking about full time ministry OR

3. keen to support others going into full time ministry.

Some reasons why I believe the Gospel of Jesus is true

Hi, my name is Ross McKenzie and I’m a Christian. I’m also a Professor of physics and I have a lot of fun doing research on condensed matter.

There are two ideas that the media often promote. One is that science can explain everything and the second is that science has done away with God. As a scientist I’m troubled by both. Because of this I’ve agreed to explain ‘why I believe’ through an Outreach Media poster and web campaign.

The gospel

So what do I believe? I believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That he lived on earth, taught and died for our sins, reconciling us to God. I believe Jesus rose from the dead, and that he is coming again to judge the world.

I’m convinced there are good, rational reasons to believe in this gospel. Below are some of the main reasons. Each of these reasons may not be particularly persuasive to you on its own. However, when combined, I find them particularly compelling. I’ve got a paragraph about each idea at this website if you’d like to know more - www.whyibelieve.org.au

1. The historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus.

2. The Bible answers some hard questions such as ‘why science works’.

3. The Bible is impressive literature.

4. The Bible is remarkably accessible, transcending different time periods and cultures.

5. Human guilt and the desire for forgiveness for wrongdoing seem to be universal.

6. Jesus transforms lives in every age, culture and background.

7. Jesus transforms societies as well as individuals.

8.The Gospel is the best option for my questions and doubts.

I don’t think science will ever answer every question. That’s because some questions are beyond physics. They’re ‘metaphysical’. I certainly don’t think science can reveal God to me. You can get to know God as you read about Jesus in the bible.

I’d encourage you to be a good scientist and read the data you find in the Bible and see for yourself.

Mission Aid Group, or MAG sends practical items that support pastors, Christian training centres, schools and hospitals in Tanzania.  It is a part of Church Missionary Society and goods collected from parishes are sent in MAG's own containers to delivery points in inland Tanzania.  The goods are carefully and reliably distributed through the local bishop and pastors so we can be assured that every item is used well and helpful to our brothers and sisters in Tanzania.

Items can be donated at ANY time but the missionary committee of Jannali has designated May as our "MAG month".  The range of goods needed is extensive and the full list is always available on the Missionary notice board in the Parish Room.  Only new clothing can be accepted as the Tanzanian government has put a tax on imported second hand goods.

* This year our special appeal is for cloth nappies, nappy pins, bars of plain laundry soap, A4 paper and any stationery item that can be used in offices or schools.  These items are always needed and are much appreciated.
(Cloth nappies are available at K Mart, Target $20 for 12, Big W $25 for 12.)

When reading Mark’s Gospel, it helps to see the ‘big picture’ of the book as a whole.  The book seems to be arranged around 3 key statements reflecting the agenda raised in the opening verse...

1:1    “The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God”

1:15   “The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the gospel” (Jesus)

8:29   “You are the Christ” (Peter)

15:39 “Surely this man was the Son of God” (Centurion)

Between these ‘turning points’ are two long sections.

In 1:15-8:28 the issue of Jesus’ identity is central – who is this man? He is presented as the promised king who has authority to rule and redeem/rescue people. The right response is to repent and to believe (have faith).

In the second section, the focus shifts to Jesus’ mission – why did he come? He is presented as the one who came to serve – to suffer and die as a “ransom for many” (10:45). The right response (cf. 1:16-20) is to follow Jesus in suffering for the cause of the gospel (8:34-35).

For an excllent visual diagram of the structure of Mark click here

Last week we began our series in Mark’s Gospel.

Our aim is not only to focus our attention on Jesus himself and “the beginning of the gospel” about Him (Mark 1:1), but also to equip ourselves to be confident to read the Gospel for ourselves, and with others.

As with any document, it helps to know what you’re reading.

So what is Mark’s Gospel?

History – It records real events involving real people in time and space. It is a ‘non-fiction’ record of what Jesus said and did.

Literature – It is written as a narrative, with characters, a plot, a climax, etc. Every word is carefully chosen and crafted with Mark’s purposes in mind. At one level we can simply allow the historical narrative to ‘impact’ us as readers.  However careful analysis of how the literature works can also deepen our understanding and appreciation.

Scripture – It is God’s own words about himself, about what he has done for us in Jesus, and what he has promised for the future. As we read the Gospel we read it prayerfully, seeking to listen and respond to the voice of God.

As we read Mark’s Gospel, one way to “get a handle on” on what’s happening, is to see that most of the book is connected in one way or another with 3 big themes – all focused on Jesus....

• Identity  - Who is Jesus?
• Mission -  Why did Jesus come?
• Call - What response does Jesus seek?

As you read Mark, if you keep these 3 questions in mind, you will find some very clear, compelling and powerful answers.

Please join us for our new series as we take a look at the Gospel of Mark.

This series will help us examine who Jesus is, why he came to earth and how he asks us to respond to him.

Coming Up:

4/5 May  - Demons, Death, Disease

(Mark 4:35-5:43)

11/12 May  - Do you understand the loaves?

(Mark 6:30-56)

18/19 May - Do you see the problem?

(Mark 7:1-30)

25/26 May - Can you see Jesus clearly?

In Matthew 6:6 when speaking about not doing our acts of righteousness to be seen by men, Jesus says, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

I wonder how many of us are at risk of having our acts of righteousness become so secret that not even God can see them?

Perhaps we find ourselves too busy, too distracted, too tired, or too comfortable.

The truth is that those who regularly spend time with God in personal prayer and Bible reading do so because they have prioritized this time. They typically set aside a place as well. A place that enables them to be free of distractions so they can read, think and pray.

If we are to be like this, then we need to remind ourselves of the truths of the gospel.

Why should we spend regular personal time with the Lord?

We were born into rejection of God and independence from him. The consequences of this rebellion are death and judgement. God owes us nothing. He certainly isn’t obliged to rescue us. However, in his grace and mercy God loved us and gave his son for us. He has also given us his Holy Spirit and his word that we might know him better and live in a way that is consistent with the new life we have received.

If we understood what God has done for us, why wouldn’t we want to be reminded every day of the words of life? When we choose not to read God’s word or to pray to him regularly it’s indicative of the stubborn independence that required our salvation in the first place.

Something to consider:

- What’s my understanding of the implications of what God has done for me through Jesus?

- What time and place can I set aside to spend with God in prayer and Bible reading each day?

- Cameron

Paul and Cathy Sampson, with their three children Marsden, Anastasia and Geneva, are our CMS link missionaries serving God in Nairobi, Kenya. Paul lectures at Carlile Bible College and Cathy teaches at West Nairobi School. She is also involved in the Kipepeo card project in the Kibera slum.

Since our last update, the Sampson’s have been very busy. In addition to teaching at the College, Paul has shared the gospel with over 500 men who are awaiting trial in prison, travelled to regional areas to teach PTC courses to pastors, and both he and Cathy have planted a church, International Bible Fellowship, at West Nairobi School. Although it is a Christian school, not all the families who send their children there are Christians. They have had some families join them from three different continents.

This year at Jannali we are focusing on personal Bible reading. Be inspired by Marsden, who at 14 years of age, read the entire Bible last year! He and a friend did it together and kept each other accountable. Marsden says that as a result he knows God much better and has a better understanding of how the Bible hangs together.

Prayer points:

· Give thanks for the International Bible Fellowship and pray that new families will join and come to know a personal relationship with Jesus.

· Pray for peace in Kenya and the Sampson’s as they bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these difficult times, as the results of the Presidential elections are finalised this month. Pray that the violence of 2007-8, when over 1100 people were killed, is not repeated.

· Pray for the students of Carlile College, that they will be equipped to share the gospel effectively, and Paul as he teaches and travels to regional areas to teach PTC courses.

· Give thanks for Marsden’s desire and commitment to reading his Bible.

Meeting Thursday fortnights starting

on 21st March

Time: 6.30-9.00pm

Cost: $5/night

Jesus Club at Jannali is run by a team of leaders who are enthusiastic about sharing the good news about Jesus with people living with an intellectual disability. We have launched our Jesus Club and are now meeting fortnightly on a Thursday evening.