Para Vista Lutheran Church

Blessed are those who Mourn: Pastor Rolly Stahl

I was in my mid-20’s, doing vicarage at Mt Barker. After attending three funerals of people I’d known, and reflecting on times shared with them, it suddenly dawned on me: “One day it will be my body in that box at the front – and then where will I be? And how can I be sure?”
With this sudden awareness, I threw every objection I could muster at the resurrection of Jesus. In the end, I was convinced by the cumulative evidence of the New Testament that Jesus is risen, and my hope in him well placed.  
Jesus says: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”  Matthew 5:4 
What can we do to comfort those who mourn?
As followers of Jesus, we do well to take a leaf out of Jesus’ book, responding to people in grief with compassion, empathy, and tenderness.
Matthew 5:4, Ruth 1:1-22

Blessed are the poor in spirit: Pastor Reid Mattias

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs

We continue the series of radical, cultural transformation using the Beatitudes (blessings) as a template, we encounter a shift in thinking. From one who was considered unclean and shunned, to one who was blessed with saving faith, peace, healing and an inheritance.

Matthew 5:1-3, Mark 5:24b-34

Transformed Culture and Matthew's Account of Jesus: Pastor Rolly Stahl

In Jesus’ first sermon - The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) - he starts with a series of one-liners that tip the world’s values upside down – and reveal the things that matter to God and his kingdom. In the weeks ahead at Good Shepherd, we’ll be looking closely into Matthew’s account of Jesus – and what it means to do life together with Jesus in such a way that it permeates everything we do… until it’s part of our culture. This Sunday we lay the foundation by looking at some of the cultural background and main themes of Matthew’s account of Jesus. 
Matthew 9:9-13 (See also Matthew 8:5-13, 15:21-28)

Please look up this YouTube video to help with the audio in the Podcast
https://bibleproject.com/videos/matthew-1-13/

We more than Me: Pastor Reid Matthias

As we ponder our own reading and understanding of the scriptures, let’s pause as we carefully peruse Jesus’ words to all centuries which have a niggling sense of dis-ease. As we hear Jesus speak to the expert in the law, let we who hear the resounding voice of the gospel get stuck on the Healer’s words:  “Do this and you will live.”
Luke 10:25-37

God's Light in a Dark World: Pastor Reid Matthias

Using Isaiah’s words,  we take a look at where God was calling the people of Israel about to be sent into exile, and where he sends the people of the contemporary Church to be the reflection of light as God brings about his culture change.
Isaiah 49:1-13

Jesus Lamb of God: Pastor Rolly Stahl

We explore what John’s evocative term, “Lamb of God,” might have meant for his hearers – and what it could mean for us.
John 1:29-42  (See also Exodus 12, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Revelation 5)

The Baptism of Jesus: Pastor Rolly Stahl

“What does your baptism mean to you?” How would you answer someone who asked you this question and was genuinely interested in your reply?
Isaiah 42:1-7. Matthew 3:13-17. (See also Psalm 2, Isaiah 11:1-3)

Wisdom: Pastor Reid Matthias

Wisdom, the birth of Jesus and the Magi
Matthew 2:1-12

Active Grace: Raoul Tuul

Guest preacher speaking on the power of "Active Grace" 

Realisation: Pastor Rolly Stahl

The realisation that God has actually come to us as a baby in a stable!