LPUC eNews – Sunday 27 March 2022
You are welcome to worship in person this Sunday at 10.15am. Hand sanitizer and masks are available if you would like to use them.
We are also live streaming of our services. The service can be seen each Sunday morning commencing at 10.15am. Here is the link to our YouTube channel to access the live streaming: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHEm1fJeADpcP6gO1BsBKcg
Today is the fourth Sunday of Lent and to quote IL-Woong ‘our Lenten journey continues.’ We will get to examine the third of three parables that Jesus spoke to his audience about. Jesus’ teaching ministry certainly attracted tax collectors and others, who were outwardly sinners, but wherever He found people, who were willing to acknowledge their sin, He gravitated towards them. The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law resented the fact that Jesus fraternised with these people, and they charged Jesus with eating with them.
It was in answer to their charge that Jesus told the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. These stories were aimed directly at the Religious Leaders of His day. On the other hand, they also illustrate God’s love and concern for sinners. It is also obvious that Jesus’ attitude towards sinners is the total opposite to the self-righteous religious leaders. It has been suggested that the religious leaders correspond to the 99 sheep, the 9 coins and the older brother, while the tax collectors and sinners are represented by the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the younger brother.
The younger son is also known as the prodigal son, who asks for his share of the inheritance and takes off to a far land away from the influence of his father. It is only when he is broke and starving that he turns around to return to his father. As we look at the exploits of the younger brother, we see a good example of a repentant sinner.
The older brother is totally resentful of his brother’s return and his attitude is typical of the attitude of the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law. They resented God showing mercy to sinners.
God the Father on the other hand showed great joy at his son’s return. The father ran towards him when he first saw his son and welcomed him with open arms. He certainly indicated that there is joy in heaven over the restoration of a lost one. The father urged the older brother to participate in the festivities, but he refused.
Do we have a prodigal in our lives? Do we long for a family member whose faith has grown cold? Keep praying for them. Keith
What is the answer for this troubled world today? – 40Stories
How to be human in a time of war – FuelCast
Resurrection, hope and purpose – The Bible Project
Church Council Voting — 2022/2: Following the close of nominations on Sunday 27 February 2022 for the eight (8) vacancies on the Church Council; eight (8) people have accepted nomination and the names of the nominees, and their terms are listed below:
| Nominee | Term (Years) |
| Lance Bexon | 2 |
| Jan Blewitt | 2 |
| Beryl Bool | 1 |
| Josaiah Finau | 2 |
| Mele Finau | 2 |
| Amelia Greenan | 2 |
| Pamela Hanna | 2 |
| Annette O’Neill | 2 |
Voting will conclude after the 10.15am service today Sunday 27 March 2022.
Members are reminded that the nominees require a majority of the total votes cast, by those participating in the ballot, to be elected to Council. The successful Councillors’ terms will commence on 1 April 2022 and be announced in the News Sheet, E-News and Church Service Announcements on Sunday 3 April 2022.
Keith McLeod, Returning Officer
The judge or lover (of people) … who are we called to be? – Eternity News
Miracles are happening in Ukraine – Australian Prayer Network
God’s Anointing on Leaders – Daily Declaration
Day 8: Salt and Light in Our Nation – Daily Declaration
Library: If you’d like to share what you’re reading/watching or request a resource from the library, send an email to Naomi.Feigl@gmail.com and Lawrie.Bool@gmail.com
The Jesus of history – Christian Today
Brian Banks – on Netflix. A football player’s dreams to play in the NFL are halted when he is wrongly convicted and sent to prison. Years later, he fights to clear his name within an unjust system. Watch trailer.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Image of God – Daily Declaration ‘No Science Behind it At All’: NSW Premier’s Shock Admission on QR Codes – Daily Declaration