Monday, April 28, 2008

Grow Why I believe in Jesus? 3

So, with so many questions, why do our pastoral team believe in Jesus? Steve shared part of his life story. Being Anzac weekend, there were some linkages made between Anzac Day and 1 Peter 2:9-10, complete with poppies and OpShop's song One day. Being Anzac weekend, it was also a small turnout. Does size matter? Should we not do church on holiday weekends?

What questions would you like to ask Jesus if he was sitting here with your table group? Why is it that sometimes life is difficult to understand? Why is it that sometimes Jesus is difficult to understand? Why humans do stupid things – when will we ever learn? Thank you that life is relatively easy without war. But Jesus we seem to have little wars inside us every day/week. What do you think of the Battles at Gallipoli? What do you think of the ANZAC Day parades, in particular all the young people going? What do you think about non-violent resistance? Why do you let us fight? What was it like to actually be there in 1915/16? How long do we have to wait for the world to become at peace? Where were you in Marie Davis/s death and river tragedy? When will we ever learn? How painful was the beating up and killing on the cross? How do you feel about the world at the moment? Connecting with 1915. Did you ever feel exhausted? When “things” were happening did you every want to “hide” – not have so many demands on you?
How do you feel about war?

What words would you use to describe Jesus? Someone that you can have a personal relationship with. God is patient, has a plan, loves us unconditionally. (Better way of treating people) leads by example changes life and changes world. Comforter, friend, knowledgeable, broken-hearted. Loving, caring. Healer, tolerant. Faithful, loving, encourager of hard work. Working on us, working in us. Compassionate, sacrificial, hater of all evil

Monday, April 21, 2008

Grow Why I believe in Jesus? 2

So, with so many questions, why do our pastoral team believe in Jesus? Paul shared his life story. It was the weekend after the death of Marie Davis. So we took some time to send her family a card, to pray for the brokenhearted and for our teenage girls.

What questions would you like to ask Jesus is he was sitting here with your table group? Was it hard to keep under control when you were being beaten up on the cross? Do you ever wish you could just “fix” it all once and for all? Why have you given me this affliction is it to teach others? In what way does God sharing in our pain make it better for us? Were you annoyed at us when you had to dies…”accepting your cup”? Could we be happy in a pain free environment? What breaks your heart, Jesus, does not break mine – why Why is being a teenager so crappy? At least for most people…? Is that? If free will is a gift, why is it easier to be crappy to others? Why are we so worried about what other people may think? Why do we equate, so often, what others think with what you thing? Why??? Why was it a Christian school that was affected? Would you like a muffin? Why can’t Christians be protected from others’ free will? Why do we need to go through suffering before we are drawn to you? What do I do that hurts you most? Why now? Why did they die so young? Why do innocent and poor people have to suffer so much? Who killed Marie?? Where were you in people’s time of need?

What words would you use to describe Jesus? Suffering with us, merciful, full of love. Forgiving, understanding, gentle, loving compassionate, weeping with us. Ready for anything, knowing, easy to get along with, well prepared. Present with us, present with all. Kind and caring. Empathetic. Like me, unlike me. Close. Near to those aching for love. Where we don’t want to look or go. Willing to forgive the buddy Jesus in me. Loving, acceptor, forgiving, caring, controller, patient, father. Reliable, loving, present in the highs and lows of life “experienced”. Transforming love. Not concerned with reputation. Inclusive. Non-religious. Deliverer, involved in lives, inspiring, accepting, sufferer. Caring, picked upon, compassionate, heroic, liberator, passive, yet transforming

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Grow Why I believe in Jesus?

So, with so many questions, why do our pastoral team believe in Jesus? Craig shared his life story.

What questions would you like to ask Jesus if he was sitting here with your table group? Would you like a muffin? Could you please go visit my friend? When you were dead, were you conscious of anything? What do we pray for, for our world today? What more can I do, to help others come to know you? Did you ever have any moments when you thought it was too hard? Or have I got the strength? Did you get the “near death” closeness to God? Did you always know the time of your death? Did you know the “whole plan” or did God give it to you bit by bit? How do you feel about people disbelieving your death on the cross and minimizing it? Did you ever just want to run away from your calling? Why do some people follow Jesus after having heard or been taught about his resurrection, and some not? Do you still harden peoples hearts towards yourself? Why do a bunch of people who follow Jesus still fight about what they believe in? Did it feel weird when you came back to life? Was it fun? Did you feel pressured to please everyone? Were you thinking of anyone while you were on the cross, so, who were you thinking off? Why did you take my husband so young was it because he was in so much pain?


What words would you use to describe Jesus?
Alive. Obedient, brave, loving focused, faithful to His Father’s will. Betrayed. Selfless. Amazing. Faithful. Courageous. Luke 18 1-8. Risen, determined/focused. Amazing, giving. Sacrificial, steadfast (unchanged in motive after 2000years). Magnificent, awesome, Wise, caring. Frumpy clothing. Courageous, wise, powerful. Forgiving, loving, guiding, rejoicing. A man of opportunities.