THE POS HANDOUT AUGUST
ISSUE
2018
EIGHT
FROM THE PASTOR
PURSUING HOLINESS The Incarnation of Christ did not only affect our salvation through his death on the Cross but it brought every child of God directly to a relatable and accessible God who manifested himself in flesh. Jesus promised: “No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.” John 14:18 NLT He will come to us as our heavenly Father as he fills us with the Spirit of adoption. What an amazing revelation and experience that we are not walking in religiosity but in a relationship of faith with our invisible Father! However, for the Christian this understanding is merely the launching pad for us into our journey of sanctification. This is what the great Apostle Paul was admonishing; 2 Corinthians 7:1 “Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.;” NLT After we have been converted and are born again, we don’t remain in a state of spiritual inertia where there is no change or growth but quite the contrary, when we are saved, we then go on onto perfection, toward complete holiness. That means change and maturity has to be implemented and incorporated into our lives, to where we put away sinful habits, actions, words and lifestyle that is displeasing to the Lord. It is a process of removal and addition; we remove the behaviours and attitudes of
iniquity, like lying, cursing, lusting, etc and we take on the godly habits of prayer, worship, serving and generosity. This of course does not happen in one fell swoop of a singular event but it is the ongoing process of a day to day experience that is borne firstly; out of a relationship with God. We pursue holiness because we love Jesus and want to do what he commands us. It is an outflow of his Spirit and his Word working in us that leads us to a pure life. Walking with other Believers is also of immense importance because we see in others who have been walking a little longer, the possibility of living right. I don’t want to discourage anyone with this message because you may feel such a huge disparity between where your life is at today and the idea of holiness. On the contrary, I simply want to remind you that you have journey and destiny to pursue which is Christ. And the closer you get to him, the more we must become like him; righteous, pure and holy. In fact, let me conclude these thoughts by saying that if we are not on the road to holiness and becoming more like him, we are likely on the road that leads further away from God. Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
PASTOR STAN & ROBYN HARVEY SENIOR PASTOR
NEXT STEPS BIBLE STUDIES
Bible Studies are an enjoyable, non-threatening way to learn more about the Bible. We can meet with you in your home, our home, or a coffee shop. The studies are less than an hour but have the power to change your life. Speak to someone at the Bible Studies booth if you would like to start a Bible Study.
KONNECT GROUPS
These are groups that meet throughout the week all across Sydney. It is a great time of growing and spending time together. You will not want to miss out on these exciting groups. Speak to one of our group leaders at the Konnect Groups booth to sign-up today!
NEW LIFE JOURNEY
We invite you to join NLJ; a teaching program conducted on Sunday mornings following worship. These classes will cover questions you may have about doctrine, why we worship the way we do, what God really has in store for your life and how God’s love for you can conquer all. These classes are very beneficial to your Christian walk, so take your first steps with Jesus today!
PLEASE NOTICE:
We record video, audio and still photography at our services. Your continued attendance after being made aware of this notice shall constitute your consent to allow us to record, use, distribute and/or display the recording in the following media: advertising, publications, social media, website, audio and video, promotions and public events.
UPCOMING THIS MONTH COMMUNION SERVICE
8
Join us for a special Communion Service on Wednesday, 8 August at 7;30pm. There will be worship, teaching and the taking of communion as we remember and thank the Lord for what he accomplished for us at Calvary. All are welcome to attend!
MISSIONS SUNDAY
19
2716 SEP
This month we have a Missions Sunday where we will be taking a special offering in both the 9:15 & 11:15 services. The proceeds of the offering will go to fund missionaries and missions trips supported by the UPCA Overseas Missions Department.
21 DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING It’s that time of the year again, that we as a church engage in the powerful and essential activity of Prayer and Fasting. These two disciplines are vital for spiritual growth, breakthroughs against spiritual resistance and in getting aligned to God’s will. If you would like to join us (and we encourage you too!) or find out more information about it please pick up a 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting Guide that will be made available at the Welcome Desk
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50
Fijian Service 3pm
21 Days of Prayer & Fasting begins
Church Prayer 7:30pm
School term begins
Chinese Class 9:15am
Chinese Class 9:15am
Church Prayer 7:30pm
Missions Sunday 9:15am & 11:15am
Men's Teaching
KEY Youth - 7:30pm
AABC
MidWeek Service 7:30pm
Music Practice
Church Prayer 7:30pm
KEY Youth - 7:30pm
KEY Youth - 7:30pm
Music Practice
MidWeek Service 7:30pm
AABC
Music Practice
MidWeek Service 7:30pm
WOW31 Event
Saved to Serve Homeless Ministry 4pm
Fijian Prayer
KEY Youth - 7:30pm
AABC
62
Church Prayer 7:30pm
72
91
Fijian Service 3pm
Men's Golf Day
Music Practice
TSUGUA
NUS
Chinese Class 9:15am
Communion Service 7:30pm
AABC
Church Prayer 7:30pm
Men's Prayer 7:30pm
KEY Youth - 7:30pm
82
02 92
12 03
22
13
42
31
60 41
70
NOM 51
EUT 32
61
52
10
80
DEW 90 71
01
20 81
11
30
UHT Music Practice
40
IRF
MidWeek Service 7:30pm
T4A0S