Third Sunday after Epiphany

26 January 2014

Our Christian Heritage:

Today being Australia Day is a time to reflect on our Christian foundations and recognise the hand of God in the shaping of Australia. In particular, it is a time to celebrate the first known preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on Australian soil.
This took place on 3 February, 1788; the first Sunday after the First Fleet had anchored in Sydney Cove with its cargo of 780 British convicts as well as many Bibles and Christian books.
The preacher was the Reverend Richard Johnson who preached to his congregation of newly-arrived convicts, free settlers and marines. The service was held on a grassy hill underneath a 'great tree' as there were no buildings at the time.
Reverend Richard Johnson was appointed as chaplain to the First Fleet and the new colony when originally there was no plan to send a chaplain. The change was made because of action taken by a small group of clergy and laymen, known as the Eclectic Society ('eclectic' means 'a thinker who selects and reconciles principles, opinions belonging to different schools of thought').
They nominated the committed Richard Johnson and were able to persuade Prime Minister William Pitt to appoint him as chaplain.
So the prayers and positive action of a few made a difference!
It is noteworthy that the Eclectic Society included the great social reformer, William Wilberforce who eventually brought about the abolition of the African slave trade in 1807 as well as the Reverend John Newton the former slave-ship captain who wrote the hymn 'Amazing Grace'. We can be thankful that God used such men to lay a spiritual foundation for Australia. They are a very real part of our Christian heritage.

¯ THIS MORNING'S HYMN'S OF PRAISE:
30, Ps 27, 800, 336, 217.

FIRST BIBLE READING:
Isaiah 9: 1-4
'People who have lived in darkness have seen a great light'

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan -
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders; the rod of their oppressor.

SECOND BIBLE READING:
1 Corinthians 1: 10-18
'An appeal to avoid factions'

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ."
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?
Were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.)
For Christ did not send me to baptise, but to preach the gospel - not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

GOSPEL READING:
Matthew 4:12-23
'Jesus begins his work - light has dawned'

When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali - to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."
From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.
They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people."
At once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

NOTES ON THE READINGS:

1 CORINTHIANS 1: 10-18:
Paul, having left the congregation which he founded at Corinth, had learnt through concerned reports of divisions which violated the bond of fellowship in Christ. These divisions in the congregation occurred as a result of different groups of people giving their pre-eminent loyalty to one particular preacher over another on account of individual gifts and personality. This cannot be, for Christ and his gospel bring unity in faith and love, for Christ died to make all 'at one' with God through redemption. The gospel and its unimpeded proclamation must come above all other considerations because of its power to save.

MATTHEW 4: 12-23:
With the imprisonment of John the Baptist, the ministry of Jesus began. Making the city of Capernaum in Galilee his headquarters, Jesus thereby began his messianic ministry preaching, 'Repent, the kingdom of heaven has come near'. Matthew links this with the prophecy of the Messiah in today's readings, thereby indirectly acclaiming Jesus to be the messianic descendant of King David. The enlistment of four disciples is followed by Jesus' pattern of ministry in preaching, teaching and healing.

Bible readings for Sunday 2nd February:
Micah 6: 1-8, 1 Corinthians 1: 18-31, Matthew 5: 1-12.

Announcements:
1. This week in the Lord's Service -26thJan- 2nd Feb:
Friday - 9.30 am - Worship Team.
Saturday - 10.00 am - 11.00 am - 'Sing - along' time for those who wish to learn songs for the Sunday.
Saturday - 11.00 am to 12 noon - Choir practice.
Next Sunday - 9.30 am - Public Divine service - (Non - Communion).
Next Sunday - parents please note: Sunday School resumes.

2. Pastor Lester Away:
Pastor Lester will be away next Sunday (2nd Feb.).
Any messages may be left at the church office
03 52 78 2443, or Peter Hall, (mobile 0419 007 364).

3. Pastor Lester - decline of Call:
As announced last Sunday by Pastor Lester, he has
after prayerful consideration declined the call to
serve the Gosford (N.S.W.) parish.

4. 'New Business' - A.G.M. (16th Feb) :
As previously indicated, our AGM will take place following worship on Sunday 16th February, 2014.
To assist in the preparation of the agenda, members who wish to include items of 'New Business' are
requested to email such particulars, including brief description to the church office:
administration @ourredeemer-geelong.org
no later than Sunday 2nd February, 2014.

Coming up for your diary:
Tuesday 4th February - 7.00 pm - Church Council.
Tuesday 18th February - 12.30 pm - Kaffeestunde.
Sunday 16th February - (after worship) - A.G.M.- (includes Elections for 2014).