My grandson is almost two and he’s at that age when he wants to hold as much as he can in his hands at the same time. And he struggles with the fact that to get something new you have to put down what is in your hands. It’s hard to let things go in order to get something better.
Jesus said something very similar – that we need to die in order to live. How on earth does that work – how can dying bring new life? Here’s what Jesus said
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you want to come with me, you must forget yourself, carry your cross, and follow me. For if you want to save your own life, you will lose it; but if you lose your life for my sake, you will find it. Will you gain anything if you win the whole world but lose your life? Of course not! There is nothing you can give to regain your life. (Mat 16:24-26)
And it is a paradox. Jesus offers us this new life, this life of God but it comes with a catch. In order to gain this new life you need to be willing to give up your old life. It’s like being offered a gift but the only way you can take it is to empty your hands of everything else.
So This Sunday We will be thinking about Giving up .. Our lives. What would it mean for us to give up our lives in order to gain the life that jesus offers? How might that change the way we act towards others?
Mainly Music- Meets Wednesdays at 10.00am. This programme is a fun way for parents and their children to spend quality time together based around music and movement. It is a way for us as a church to connect with and offer something back to the community of which we are a part. It’s also a way for us to demonstrate care, concern and support for those with young children.
Small Groups are now up and running again. Contact the church office@pb.org.nz if you would like to join one
Oh and for those who are unable to join us we will still have an on-air service for you @10.30am and again @ 8pm on Thursday evening on Coast Access Radio 104.7FM or you can livestream at
http://coastaccessradio.org.nz/Listen/index.aspx The message and prayers will also be posted to the sermon page on this website.
If at this time you need someone to chat with then please call the church office 04 2987766 or email office@pb.org.nz and we’ll get back to you.
And we are also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/paraparaumubaptist
Grace and peace