Growing the King’s Kingdom 6 Jan 13
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- Written by: Dale
- Category: Weekly Reflections
Growing the King’s Kingdom
Last year was quite an eventful year at Christ the King. We took a couple of big decisions. One was to continue to support and encourage the church planting ministry at Canning Vale. The other was to change from one morning service to two.
So far we have survived both changes. More than survived. Both morning congregations have thrived and we have seen some small increases in attendance. More importantly we continue to welcome new members into the fellowship of Christ’s church.
So far we have paid all our bills. This year we will have an increase in expenditure as we take on two full stipends. I hope you are encouraged by the way the Lord continues to supply our needs, just as he continues to supply your needs. I ask you to keep on praying that we will see sufficient money given to pay all our bills, and indeed that we will have vision for expanding the kinds of ministries we undertake through Christ the King.
So what exciting things will we do this year?
Wise? 30 Dec 12
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- Written by: Dale
- Category: Weekly Reflections
Wise?
Were they really wise men? They must have been clever at least. They studied the sky and knew quite a lot about the stars it seems. Enough to recognise an unusual star. Whether it was what we would call a star is another question. Perhaps they had different ways of classifying the heavenly bodies. Anyway, this one was different, and its position in the heavens set them on a quest.
They thought it pointed to a new ruler amongst the Jews. Why this should interest them is not made clear in the story. But it did. So much so that they wanted to visit and show him honour. They prepared gifts appropriate for a King. Wise gifts as it turned out: implying not only royalty but suffering and divinity.
Did they know what they were doing?
Good News Announced
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- Written by: Dale
- Category: Christmas and Epiphany
{podcast id=53}
Good News Announced Luke 2.8-20
Sermon preached at Christ the King on Sunday 23 December 2012
Five responses to the birth of Jesus: fear; curiosity, amazement, praise, Joy.
The Birth Notice Luke 2.1-7
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- Written by: Dale
- Category: Christmas and Epiphany
{podcast id=54}
The Birth Notice Luke 2.1-7
Sermon preached at Christ the King Willetton on 16 December 2012
Just the birth story without angels, prophets, shepherds or Kings. A human family story.
What are you shy of? 23 Dec 12
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- Written by: Dale
- Category: Weekly Reflections
What are you shy of?
Some people are shy and don’t want attention focussed on them. Some of these feel bad about themselves. Others know they can stand up to scrutiny but just don’t want the attention. Some only want the attention when they are happy with the way they look.
When we come to the birth of Jesus, it is as though there are great searchlights focussed on him. Angelic announcers, a huge army of angels, all sorts of visitors, and interested investigators. And what do they see? No PR advisor.
A low class presentation. Not properly prepared for by the looks of it. Bunking down with a bunch of other visitors. Not even a decent bassinet for the baby. Certainly no private room.
Was this like your birth? 16 Dec 12
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- Written by: Dale
- Category: Weekly Reflections
Was this like your birth?
Is it difficult to imagine Mary and Joseph giving birth to their first baby all alone in a stable? Not difficult if we accept the legendary story. Quite difficult if we think of it in terms of family and relatives and travellers needing hospitality.
Of course the traditional legend has a sub-theme of inhospitality. But it is pretty unlikely. Joseph is returning to his home town. He is related to many others who live there, and others who, like him, are visiting. There will be some clever relatives who will be able to plot the whole family tree to several generations, and then repeat it backwards.
Joseph is visiting among relatives. He is visiting in a society that set great store by family and hospitality. There is no way any relative would have allowed Joseph’s pregnant wife to stay anywhere than in one of their homes.
Getting the Mother Ready Luke 1 26-38
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- Written by: Dale
- Category: Christmas and Epiphany
{podcast id=55}
Getting the Mother Ready Luke 1.26-38
Sermon preached at Christ the King Willetton on 9 December 2012
What Mary was told and what it means
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