Para Vista Lutheran Church

Passing On What Is Most Important (Video)

The most significant gift each of us receives is not the presents but God’s presence. Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God with us”. He comes to show us the fullness of Father God’s heart toward us. Being present with others is also the most profound way we can share Jesus’ presence with others. In the message, you’ll see how driving lessons, hairdressing, and succession planning in farming all contribute to you giving the best Christmas gift ever.

Pastor Peter Steicke

Bible Readings: 1 Corinthians 4:14-21; Mark 1:1-8 (NRSA)

Advent Sunday - God is Faithful (Audio)

A message from  Pastor Robert Voigt.

All the signs for the imminent return of Jesus are there for all to see. Christians have been saying that for nearly 2,000 years.  And still, we are waiting!  Humans are capable of great love and sacrificial service, and of equally great hatred and evil.  We find all this within the institutional church too.  It would be easy to get discouraged, as many have done and walked out.  But God is faithful.  He gives us all we need to be witnesses of his grace, mercy and patience.

 

Advent Sunday - God is Faithful (Video)

A message from Pastor Robert Voigt.

All the signs for the imminent return of Jesus are there for all to see.  Christians have been saying that for nearly 2,000 years.  And still, we are waiting!  Humans are capable of great love and sacrificial service, and of equally great hatred and evil.  We find all this within the institutional church too.  It would be easy to get discouraged, as many have done and walked out.  But God is faithful.  He gives us all we need to be witnesses
of his grace, mercy and patience.

 

Only What’s Done For Christ Will Last (Video)

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

In 2018, the Christian band Casting Crowns released their song, Only Jesus, which included these lines:

“Make it count, leave a mark, Build a name for yourself.

Dream your dreams, Chase your heart, Above all else.

But all the kingdoms built, All the trophies won,

Will crumble into dust when it’s said and done.

Jesus is the only name to remember.”

If we are to leave any kind of legacy behind, it will not be because we have followed the patterns of the world.

It will be because the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit, has graced us with faith and helped us in turn to reveal Jesus Christ, his life and love, to others.

Rev. Christopher McAleer

Bible Readings: Matthew 16:24-27; Matthew 11: 28-30 (NIV)

Please check the website www.paravista.org.au for podcasts and video archives of weekly messages or head to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/goodshepherdparavista for regular updates and encouragement from our ministry team.

Only What’s Done For Christ Will Last (Audio)

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

In 2018, the Christian band Casting Crowns released their song, Only Jesus, which included these lines:

“Make it count, leave a mark, Build a name for yourself.

Dream your dreams, Chase your heart, Above all else.

But all the kingdoms built, All the trophies won,

Will crumble into dust when it’s said and done.

Jesus is the only name to remember.”

If we are to leave any kind of legacy behind, it will not be because we have followed the patterns of the world.

It will be because the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit, has graced us with faith and helped us in turn to reveal Jesus Christ, his life and love, to others.

Rev. Christopher McAleer

Bible Readings: Matthew 16:24-27; Matthew 11: 28-30 (NIV)

Please check the website www.paravista.org.au for podcasts and video archives of weekly messages or head to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/goodshepherdparavista for regular updates and encouragement from our ministry team.

Maintaining A Unified Outward Focus (Audio)

Over the past years, I’ve seen large worshipping bodies diminish and I’ve experienced house-churches shutting down. Some of this reflects the societal cynicism toward Christianity. Some of it is due to changing patterns resulting from covid restrictions. Largely, however, the decline begins the minute a body—small or large—begins to look inward instead of outward.

A community is a group of people with a common unity. Unity is not preserved by gritting your teeth, trying harder, and stating, “We must stay united.” Unity is the byproduct of an outward focus—given by the Holy Spirit—where people are called to band together in order to move forward. Unity is the last thing on their minds. Achieving their purpose is. The unity transpires when preferences are left behind for the sake of living in Jesus’ love and giving it away.

Pastor Peter Steicke

Bible Readings: Philippians 2: 1-11 (NRSVA)

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™

Maintaining A Unified Outward Focus (Video)

Over the past years, I’ve seen large worshipping bodies diminish and I’ve experienced house-churches shutting down. Some of this reflects the societal cynicism toward Christianity. Some of it is due to changing patterns resulting from covid restrictions. Largely, however, the decline begins the minute a body—small or large—begins to look inward instead of outward.

A community is a group of people with a common unity. Unity is not preserved by gritting your teeth, trying harder, and stating, “We must stay united.” Unity is the byproduct of an outward focus—given by the Holy Spirit—where people are called to band together in order to move forward. Unity is the last thing on their minds. Achieving their purpose is. The unity transpires when preferences are left behind for the sake of living in Jesus’ love and giving it away.

Pastor Peter Steicke

Bible Readings: Philippians 2: 1-11 (NRSVA)

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™

Something to Know for Sure (Audio)

A message by Pastor David Christian.

On 1st November All Saints Day is celebrated. Join us as we reflect on the things that all saints in Christ can know for sure, simply by believing in Jesus and being baptised in his name.

Something to Know for Sure (Video)

A message by Pastor David Christian.

On 1st November All Saints Day is celebrated. Join us as we reflect on the things that all saints in Christ can know for sure, simply by believing in Jesus and being baptised in his name.

Amazing Grace (Audio)

A message from Pastor Robert Voigt.

For a few years in the 1960s my football coach was Jack Oatey.  “Keep your eye on the ball!” he said (yelled) over and over again.  “No matter who or what is coming at you, remember the objective – to get the ball.”

History has shown that as individuals and as churches it is easy to lose focus.  The Bible is full of examples of that.  And we know how easy it is for us to allow the many issues we face to distract us from God’s offer of grace to the world through Jesus.  Today, as many Christians celebrate The Reformation, I believe God is reminding us again to “fix our eyes on Jesus” and to follow his example of sacrificial love and service.