Para Vista Lutheran Church

Basking in the Glory of God: - Pastor Rolly Stahl

The New Jerusalem: John tells us of the splendor and extravagance of the celestial city. The imagery makes it clear that heaven is the most fantastic place imaginable: gold and jasper as clear as glass…. gates made of single pearls… and foundations decorated with jewels and gems. The place God has prepared for us transcends anything we will ever experience here on earth. 
Yet, more importantly God and his people will be together forever! Nothing will ever separate the bride and the Lamb! There will be no more wars or conflict, but perfect peace. 
There will no need for a temple, because we will bask in the glory of the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. All who have trusted in God and followed Jesus will be there too! Indeed, all whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will be home at last!

When God Makes Everything New: - Pastor Rolly Stahl

When God brings all things in heaven and on earth under Christ, everything will be brand new, wondrous, exciting – and fit for eternity.

The Centre of the Throne:- Pastor Reid Matthias

This week as we delve into the bedrock of the future beauty of God’s heavenly reign in the Lamb, we’re going to look at the scenery of heaven – and the furniture therein. As the people who have suffered greatly for their faith surround God’s throne and are overwhelmed with praise, how does this throne symbolically help us to see God’s kingship and kingdom.

Praise to the Lamb: - Dr. Tania Nelson, CEO of the LCA’s Local Mission

In Revelation 5, we are presented with the intrigue of ‘the one who sits on the throne’ holding a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. Many of us who might read this will move quickly past so that we can catch a glimpse of the mysterious words inside, but on this scroll, the viewer is intrigued that there is writing on both sides.  What is this about? The scriptures have been revealed, but perhaps the symbolism is that what is inside is the final word, the last ‘Big Reveal’ of God’s immense end to time and the beginning of eternity. It’s sealed with seven seals, and as we heard from Pastor Rolly last week, that means it is sealed perfectly.So perfectly, in fact, that no one on earth, above or below it, can open it. Only the one with the power to do it.  Who is this? Who is it that will reveal God’s last and final word of judgement and promise? What are these words?

Who's in Charge?: - Pastor Rolly Stahl

We ask the question: Who’s in Charge? as part one of our new worship series: The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory. Read through the book of Revelation, discuss it, and realise that in Christ you are caught up in God’s forever story for his world. No matter what tribulations we experience, Jesus has got us covered – from here to eternity.

Resurrection Sunday: - Pastor Rolly Stahl

Resurrection Sunday  (Freedom Forever!)
We hear from Joseph of Arimathea and the women who found Jesus’ tomb empty.

Good Friday. Barabbas, tells his story.:- Pr Reid Matthias

Good Friday.  Freedom from hate.
Barabbas the one who was released, will tell his story in a moving short drama.

Freedom from Circumstances: - Pastor Rolly Stahl

The character we’ll meet this Sunday is Simon of Cyrene, who helped carry the cross.
I wonder what went through Simon’s mind as he “took up the cross” and followed Jesus. Was this the unluckiest day of his life? Or was it the most incredible turning point of his life?

Freedom from Ignorance: - Pastor Rolly Stahl

This Sunday we hear the story of the Roman Centurion who was in charge of Jesus’ execution. Beside his duty to the Roman Emperor, he may have been devoted to any one of the Roman gods. As far as we can tell, he was ignorant of the living God who created the world, who had a long history of making himself and his plans known to Israel, and who promised to restore this broken world through his chosen Messiah.

Yet when the Centurion watches how Jesus dies, he sees God up close and personal - in the midst of the worst suffering imaginable. It moves him profoundly. We hear his story this Sunday.

Freedom from Mob Mentality: - Pastor Reid Matthias

This week, we take on the role of the Passion Crowd. Find yourself swept up in the fury and force of the mob that seeks a spectacle.
This message includes a short drama featuring Pontious Pilate and the Crowd (The Congregation)