Category: Special Events

Today is Good Friday, a day where people all around the world remember and reflect on the death of Jesus Christ that took place over 2,000 years ago.

Jesus’ death wasn’t an accident nor was he a martyr. His death was an atoning death by which he started to put the world back together again. On the cross, Jesus took all of our sin, sickness, pain and suffering. He died in our place … so that we may truly live.

The good news is that God is not a distant God. Good Friday shows us a God who suffers with and for us.

Whatever you may be going through today or whatever challenges you may be facing, know that God understands and he cares.

My prayer is that you will know his presence and his power in your life today.

[See also Why Did Jesus Die?]

God is a God of new things. He has made us new creations, given us new hearts, a new spirit, a new covenant. We live in a new day; we have a new name; we have a new commandment; we’ve been given new garments; His mercies are new every morning; we drink of the new wine; we’re headed for a new Jerusalem and eventu­ally a new heavens and earth. In the end, God makes all things new!

Embracing the new things God has for us implies leaving the old behind. It requires change and transition. God wants freshness in our lives not stagnation, staleness or sameness. God sent the manna to Israel fresh daily. It could not be kept for the next day or it would rot and stink (Exodus 16:12-31). In the same way, we need to keep receiving the new things God has for us. He wants us to be willing, open and ready to change.

Let’s have a great start to the new year, embracing all the new things and new stories God has in store for us together.

All things NEW – that’s our theme this month at CityLife.

Can you believe it's almost Christmas! 

Usually around this time of the year, you'll hear some questions or comments from some well-meaning Christians such as:

• "Jesus was not born in December."
• "The Bible never tells us to celebrate the birth of Jesus."
• "The Christmas tree is a pagan tradition."

True, the early Christians did not celebrate the birth of Jesus and Jesus never asked them to. They focused on his death and resurrection, as well as his promised return. Christmas Day as it is celebrated today did not begin until the fourth century. Interestingly enough, Jesus was most likely born in October not December. Shepherds don't have their sheep out in the December snow in the northern hemisphere! 

Many of today’s Christmas traditions (including Santa Claus and Christmas trees) have nothing to do with the message of Christ as portrayed in the Gospels. Nevertheless, it is a great time for Christians and the church to make the most of the opportunity to focus on the coming of Jesus Christ to earth as a baby born in Bethlehem. 

At CityLife Church, we find that unchurched family members, neigbours and friends will often visit our Christmas services even more than at other times of the year. So we love to take advantgae of this season to get the good news about Jesus out there loud and clear. Just because 'Santa' is an anagram for 'Satan' doesnt mean we should boycot Christmas!

No other person has influenced the world like Jesus Christ. Let’s worship him together and make him known this Christmas season.

See also:

Christmas is right around the corner and many people are starting to think about what gifts to buy for family and friends. The truth is that as you get older you start to realise that you don't really need more 'stuff'! In fact, more 'things' don't bring more happiness. 

Some of the best gifts in life are FREE. Here are a few of those you might consider giving this Christmas:

1. Gratitude.

Why not give the gift of appreciation? Just say 'thank you' to someone in your world. The story is told in the Gospels about Jesus healing 10 lepers but only one taking the time to come back to Jesus and express his gratitude. I am sure the other 9 were thankful, they just didn't take the time to express it. We too, take so much for granted. Where would you be today without …? Who has helped you along the way this year? Let them know. Give the gift of gratitude.

2. Encouragement.

Encouragement is like "oxygen for the soul” – we all need a heap of it just to breathe. No child wants to feel like the only way to get mum or dad's attention is to do something wrong. No employee wants to only hear from their boss when they've made a mistake. No politician only wants to hear from their constituents when they have a criticism to make. No pastor only wants to hear from their congregation when they have a complaint. We all thrive on encouragement! Why not give the gift of encouragement to someone this year at Christmas. Mark Twain once said, "I can live for two months on a good compliment."

3. Forgiveness.

We all say or do things we regret. That's why we need forgiveness. Other people hurt us too – through offences, annoyances and mistakes. Our natural desire is to get even or to take revenge. However, that anger not only damages other people, it also damages us too. Nelson Mandela once said, "Holding on to bitterness is like drinking poison and hoping it will kill our enemies!" Who can you forgive this Christmas? Don't lose your joy over something someone else has done to you. 

So … who can you thank, who can you encourage and who can you forgive … this Christmas?

These gifts are FREE but they may turn out to be the best gift you give the people around you this Christmas.

See also Jesus, the Perfect Christmas Gift.

It’s Christmas time again. I wonder what you enjoy most about this season? Maybe it’s the Christmas carols, the holidays, or the shopping. I know for the kids, it’s the presents. That’s what I looked forward to when I was young – maybe a new Mechano set or an extension to my Motorific slot car course. Today kids are into Star Wars paraphernalia, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the most covered gift of the season – the hoverboard. Pretty cool … and pretty pricey. 

You know, God took time to think about the kind of gift we needed. As Max Lucado once said,

“If our greatest need had been technology, he would have sent us a scientist.

If our greatest need was information he would have sent us an educator.

If our greatest need was money he would have sent an economist.

But because our greatest need was forgiveness, he sent us as Saviour."

My prayer is that you will open up that amazing gift this year.

Jesus is the Perfect Christmas Gift for Everyone.

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day. 

Every year, on 11 November at 11 am – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month – Australia pauses to remember those men and women who have died or suffered in all wars, conflicts and peace operations since the beginning of the 20th century.

All Australians are encouraged to pause all activities and meetings this morning at 11 am for a minute of silence in respect of those who have given their lives for our nation and our freedoms.

For more details, visit the Australian War Memorial web site or The Department of Veteran Affairs.

Here is a brief history from the Australian Government website:

History of Remembrance Day

At 5am on 11 November 1918, three German government representatives accepted the Armistice terms presented to them by an allied commander, General Foch of the French Army. The demands of the Armistice included the withdrawal of German forces to the east bank of the Rhine within 30 days; immediate cessation of warfare; and surrender of the German fleet and all heavy guns with no further negotiations until the signing of the peace treaty.

The armistice became effective at 11am the same day, and as the guns fell silent on the Western Front in France and Belgium, four years of hostilities ended.

The cease-fire was made permanent the following year when members of the Commonwealth and the League of Nations signed the Treaty of Versailles. People across the world celebrated the war's end – celebrations tempered by thoughts of the enormous suffering and loss of life resulting from the War.

World War I began in 1914 and lasted for four years. More than 416 000 Australians volunteered for service in World War I. Of these, 324 000 served overseas. More than 60 000 Australians were killed, including 45 000 who died on the Western Front in France and Belgium and more than 8 000 who died on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. As well as Australian soldiers, many nurses in the Australian Army Nursing Service served on the Western Front. These nurses worked in overcrowded hospitals for up to 16 hours a day, looking after soldiers with shocking injuries and burns. Those who worked in hospitals close to the fighting were also in danger of being shelled by the enemy.

In Australia and other allied countries, including New Zealand, Canada and the United States, 11 November became known as Armistice Day – a day to remember those who died in World War I. The day continues to be commemorated in Allied countries.

After World War II the Australian Government agreed to the United Kingdom's proposal that Armistice Day be renamed Remembrance Day to commemorate those who were killed in both World Wars. Today the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts is commemorated on Remembrance Day.

In October 1997 the then Governor-General issued a Proclamation declaring 11 November as Remembrance Day – a day to remember the sacrifice of those who have died for Australia in wars and conflicts.

The Proclamation reinforced the importance of Remembrance Day and encouraged all Australians to renew their observance of the event.

NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It’s one of the most important events in the Indigenous calendar, and you might be surprised to hear that it all began with a letter to the churches of Australia.

The letter was sent by William Cooper, a legendary Aboriginal Christian leader and rights activist. In it he asked the church to observe what he was calling ‘Aboriginal Sunday’ – an annual day of prayerful awareness of Aboriginal people and their God-given place and future in this land.

From 1940 to 1954, ‘Aboriginal Sunday’ was observed by churches throughout Australia. It was initially held on the Sunday before Australia Day and was referred to as a 'National Day of Mourning' in recognition of the suffering and dispossession of Indigenous people since colonisation. In 1955, the date was changed to July and has since evolved into the week of celebration known as NAIDOC Week (named after the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee).

Australian churches continue to have a role to play in honouring William Cooper’s request and all of the Aboriginal men and women who have struggled for the survival and dignity of their people. During NAIDOC Week, you might like to consider a way to honour Aboriginal people or bring its significance to the attention of your own friends and faith congregation.

Why not take a few moments this week and pray for Indigenous Australians – for them to know the healing, hope and reconciliation that Jesus came to bring to all humanity. In addition, why not take the Australians Together journey, as we seek to bring indigenous and non-indigenous Australians together for an even better future. 

[Thanks to Stewart Bogle, Executive Director of Concilia, for the above text. ]

To all the mums out there, Happy Mother's Day!

We wouldn't be here without you. What amazing people you are. My mother passed away over 25 years ago now and I still miss her.

Nicole's mother, affectionately known as 'Oma' passed away 7 years ago and we still really miss her. Mothers are very special people!

The photo to above is an old one of my dad and mum (in the red top), and Nicole's dad and mum (light blue top)]

Here are the lyrics to a song I heard many years ago called Love Them While You Can by Chris Christian (available from the iTunes store).

[Vs.1] They tied our shoes, took us to school, patched our worn-out jeans

They soothed our tears and calmed our fears, and listened to our dreams

Somewhere along their golden years, their hair has lost its sheen

The notes to hymn one hundred ten crackle when they sing

And now they are alone, no children's voices fill their empty homes

[Chorus] We must love them while we can, we must love them while we can

For time just seems to hurry by, and the days slip into years

And the moments that we have will disappear

So love them while we can

[Vs.2] The folks that taught us our first words, still have much to say

The silver secrets of the world, lie beneath those crowns of grey

As they approach the end, we change our role from children to best friend

[Bridge] We always thought they'd be around Until the end of time

Until day we wake and find …

[Chorus] We must love them while we can, we must love them while we can

For time just seems to hurry by, and the days slip into years

And the moments that we have will disappear

So love them while we can

Tomorrow, in Australia and New Zealand, we commemorate the centenary of ANZAC Day. 'ANZAC' stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula. The ANZACs landed on Gallipoli and met fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. Their plan to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months.

At the end of 1915, the allied forces were evacuated. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers and over 3,000 New Zealand soldiers were killed. What is often forgotten is that over 58,000 Turks were killed in that battle.

There are mixed emotions about ANZAC day commemorations. Some people feel it glorifies war. Our last ANZAC, Alec Campbell, pleaded on his deathbed: ''For God's sake, don't glorify Gallipoli – it was a terrible fiasco, a total failure and best forgotten''. Others say it is a fitting tribute to remember those who gave their lives and ultimate sacrifice. If you ever want to read heated differences of opinion just go to any article on ANZAC day and read the comments.

Here are some samples: 

1. “My grandfather fought in WWII. He marched for his mates and family not the flag. Many veterans refrain from celebrations due to trauma. They are not glorifying war; they are honoring and remembering the dead. Most people you talk to celebrate it for the dead, not for nationalistic sentiment.”
2. “My children and I stood at the dawn service this year, like previous years and think of the people we know who went to war and were damaged, or who never returned. We think of the suffering and the fear and the futility of many wars. It is a somber time for us and for the thousands around us who are all quiet and reflective. My children are of an age their ancestors were when they went to war and we remember the cost to so many families. After the service we spend time together celebrating life. They see it as their responsibility to live life well. There is no glorification of war.”
3. “ANZAC Day is the remembrance of the futility of war (to me). Nations leaders send their young capable people to die for a badge of remembrance; how dumb is that. It is a stark reminder that humans are basically stupid and the attack on Gallipoli demonstrated that at a huge cost of lives. These days we use drones and computers while busily polluting the air we need to breathe and the water we need to drink. And we pride our intelligence.”
4. “War is a barbarous and terrible thing, to be avoided by all possible means. It's one thing to honor the bravery and self-sacrifice of those who acted in defense of our country. It is another matter altogether to present war participation as a noble enterprise in itself or as some questionable 'proof' of our manhood and national identity. We need a national commitment to stay out of wars, especially the enthusiastically chosen kind such as Iraq.”

These few samples illustrate the strong emotions and opinions that a nation of diversity feels on this day. However, there is perhaps one thing that everyone agrees on, regardless of their differences of ideology when it comes to war, and that is the spirit exhibited by the young soldiers who went to war.

This is now known as the ANZAC spirit or legend. It represents the character qualities that Australians have seen their forces show in war. These qualities collectively make up the ANZAC spirit and include endurance, courage, ingenuity, good humour, and mateship. Courage in the face of great adversity – and it is this attribute we will celebrate this weekend at CityLife as we launch our annual World Impact Week. 

Jesus calls us as his followers to show great courage in his cause – the Great Commission. It takes boldness and the conquering of fear to share good news and take it to the very corners of our globe. 

A few weeks ago, on January 15th, Americans celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day in commemoration of his birthday.

Dr. King was the chief spokesman for non-violent activism in the civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King's honour began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Regan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. At first, some American states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.

Keep any eye out for the highly anticipated movie Selma, which chronicles Martin Luther King's campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. View the trailer.

Dr. King was first of all a pastor not a political activist. Pastor Rick Warren recently posted his 10 favourite quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King. They are worth repeating here:

1. “The purpose of life is not to be happy, nor to achieve pleasure nor avoid pain, but to do the will of God, come what may.”

2. “I just want to do God’s will.”

3. “When I took up the cross I recognized it’s meaning. The cross is something that you bear, and ultimately, that you die on.”

4. “The early Christians rejoiced when they were deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the Church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society.”

5. “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

6. “The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.”

7. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

8. “Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.”

9. “The gospel at its best deals with the whole man, not only his soul but his body, not only his spiritual well-being, but his material well being as well.”

10. “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

[Source]