January - February 2015 IntraSyd

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intrasyd People, Places & Events in Greater Sydney JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2015

n o i t i d E h Y out

Growing in Discipleship

Happy New Year! I hope 2015 is a year which brings you closer to God and to your church and community. The star t of a new year usually brings new things, and this is cer tainly true for local churches. For those of you star ting a new role in the church, congratulations and thank you for your willingness to provide vital suppor t to your church community.

The beginning of the year is also a good time to take a moment to consider if your church has in place the following impor tant measures: • Safe Places: Do all your Sabbath School, Adventurer, Pathfinder and Youth leaders, as well as suppor t teams, have their Working with Children Checks done?

• Insurance: Do you have a copy of your Insurance Cer tificate of cover for your church building? If you are leasing your building to another group, do you have a copy of their public liability insurance cover?

• Work Health and Safety: Have you had a WHS audit done recently for your church? How is your church progressing towards addressing the issues raised at your Fellowship and community are such important aspects of Church life.

Many of our churches across the Conference have weekly fellowship lunches where much relationship building takes place. My wife and I enjoy having people at our home for meals and try to do it as often as we can. While it is a blessing to share a meal with other Adventist Christians, a challenging question is: when was the last time you had a non-Christian who wasn’t a family member over for a meal? Why not plan such an event in the near future.

Highlights from Church Ltd Board • The 2015 operating and capital budget has been approved.

In addition to the normal evangelism spend, the budget includes $70,000 for major evangelistic projects funded from

eva ing, chief financial officer

last audit?

Finances: Is your church up to date in their Tithes and Offerings repor ting to the Conference? Have bank reconciliations been completed?

• Record Keeping: Are minutes being recorded for church board and church business meetings? Are these records kept in an orderly manner and readily accessible?

These are a few of the many things that need to be done to keep a church in good order, and the Conference office can help. While it takes time and effor t to keep a church running well, the rewards are abundant, creating a place where we can enjoy fellowship with each other in a safe, happy environment. After all, the God we serve is a God of order, as read in 1 Cor 14:33 GNT “...because God does not want us to be in disorder but in harmony and peace. As in all the churches of God’s people.”

For treasurers and treasury team members, especially those new to treasury, the Conference Finance team will be running a training session from 9:00 am to 12 noon on Sunday 22 February at the Conference Office at 4 Cambridge Street, Epping.

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adrian raethel, general secretary •

a bequest given for evangelism in Greater Sydney A risk assessment has been carried out on the Conference office building by our insurance company

Highlights from the Executive Committee • Mountain View Adventist College will be undertaking a major refurbishment project this year, which will include the Design and Technology and Science areas • The newly formed Liverpool Samoan group has been granted regular group status • Approval has been given to plant a new church in UWS Nirimba Campus on Eastern Road Quakers Hill, under the leadership of Pr Lloyd Grolimund and his team

OFFERING SCHEDULE

SUNSET TIMES Friday 20 February Sabbath 21 February Friday 27 February Sabbath 28 February Friday 6 March Sabbath 7 March Friday 13 March

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7:42 pm 7:41 pm 7:34 pm 7:33 pm 7:25 pm 7:24 pm 7:16 pm

Sabbath 14 March Friday 20 March Sabbath 21 March Friday 27 March Sabbath 28 March Friday 3 April Sabbath 4 April

January - February 2015 \ www.gscadventist.org.au

7:15 pm 7:15 pm 7:14 pm 6:57 pm 6:56 pm 6:48 pm 6:46 pm

Sabbath 21 February Sabbath 28 February Sabbath 7 March Sabbath 14 March Sabbath 21 March Sabbath 28 March Sabbath 4 April

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Disaster & Famine Relief Local Education - Wahroonga Adventist World Radio Local Education - Hills Adventist Local

Unity? What does that mean? As Seventh-day Adventists we often talk about Unity in Diversity, but then we can sometimes struggle with the practice of it. Some people would like to see unity defined as uniformity, as long as we do everything according to the way they see it, all is well.

What does the Bible say on the subject? Quite a bit actually. One of my favourite verses is John 13:34-35 which says, “A new command I give you: Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

This sense of loving one another is tenuous at best. Why do I say this? List on the average church business meeting agenda one of the following subjects: Air Conditioning, Paint Colour, New Carpet. Minor matters, in comparison with salvation and the soon coming of Jesus, but yet they can often threaten our sense of unity and togetherness. Sometimes our conduct can be such that people become discouraged and slip away from church.

So, what about more substantive subjects? What impact can this have on the church? In 2015 this will be tested. At the General Conference Session in July this year, the world church, led by the Holy Spirit, will need to consider the matter of Women’s Ordination. This is not a new conversation; it has been going on for many years.

As a result of the 2010 General Conference Session, the Theology of Ordination Study Committee (TOSC) was set up.

TOSC has had many of our best and brightest Theologians, Scholars, Administrators and Laypersons. At the end of their time together, they were in unity, however, they were not in agreement. So what does this mean? It was impor tant for the members of this committee that we stay united as a world church, but they were unable to reach unanimous agreement. If you read the repor ts, there was a strong sense of community and respect and a deep appreciation for each other, yet they arrived at three different conclusions. Both sides of the argument have

michael worker, president presented compelling papers suppor ting their point of view using both scripture and Spirit of Prophecy quotations. So, where does this leave us? Surely this would indicate that there are some grey areas in this conversation. If you want to read more, go to http://www.adventistarchives.org/ ordination.

The end result of this study process and recommendations resulted in asking the General Conference Session to pass a resolution that either allows or disallows each Division of the World Church to decide whether to allow the ordination of Women in their par t of the world. http://www.adventistreview.org/church-news/annualcouncil-sends-women’s-ordination-question-to-gcsession

There is no doubt that there are two camps within the church. Those who suppor t the ordination of women and those who do not. Both sides of the conversation suppor t their point of view with conviction and passion. So, in July this year, one side will be rejoicing at the outcome of the session and the other will not.

So, how do we live out John 13:34-35 in the wake of such a decision? How can we demonstrate to the world that we are His disciples by having love and respect for one another? My desire is for the unity of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sydney. How do we continue to focus on the proclamation of the Three Angels Messages in light of this vote? How do we refrain from gloating in victory? How do we graciously accept defeat? How will our Christian maturity be revealed?

At the end of the day, the Greater Sydney Conference has a focus on growing in discipleship. This is achieved through vibrant spirituality; it is achieved through loving community, and it is achieved through having a clear focus on sharing the gospel. In this we can be united. This is how we believe that the Adventist message should be proclaimed in the 21st Century, and it is how I believe that we can preserve the unity of our church. That is my prayer.

Scan this QR C ode with a QR C ode reader app on your smart phone to read the article linked above about Women’s Ordination!

Next Intrasyd Deadline 08 MARCH

Communication Director: Michael Worker Editor: Rachel Lemons Aitken Design: Rachel Lemons Aitken Editorial Consultant: Adrian Raethel

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sydney@adventist.org.au PH: (02) 9868 6522 Fax: (02) 9868 6533 4 Cambridge Street Epping 2121

ON THE COVER: Madeleine Noll, Camp Mom & Maxine Hoffman, Camp Counsellor, ‘Set Apart’ Summer Camp Photo Credit: Abigail Yap Greater Sydney Conference Communication Department

www.gscadventist.org.au / January - February 2015 3

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January - February 2015 \ www.gscadventist.org.au

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A D R A Yo ut h A m bassa d o r

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have been challenged this year by ssador ny reasons eing ADRA Youth Amba was quite scared for ma being involved work for ser ve in is an oppor tunity to do when I was first asked to Student connect apprehensive in both ASA (Adventist ADRA and to be able to this position. I was also (Adventist lp them impor tance Association) and ASOC to people my age to he because I understood the w The highlight ive of ho er hand, I was Students on Campus). understand the perspect of the role. On the oth on -speaking an impact to take such of this challenge was co we can ser ve and have really excited to be able d program at str alia an w the church at a two-month health the issues that are in Au an oppor tunity, learn ho y Sydney as decisions that University of Technolog in the world. works and have a say in uth tain in the great to see I became the ADRA Yo par t of ASOC and Foun

affect young people. It is t through a 200-word t for God. No City Church. I met God Ambassador by wr iting people who have a hear saw Jesus in aked out. the meetings those presentations and essay. I sent it in and fre every decision made in le ser vice t said everyone , and action through the humb Then, I got a response tha works out the best for m. Taking up a cer tain ath of these of the “A New You” tea come to Parramatta on often we see the afterm catapulted uet, and ry person in this challenge to ser ve date for the ADRA Banq later on, but I believe eve pleship is t I got the s to let God my spiritual growth. Disci that’s where I found ou the room prays and trie n , but it is a young perso definitely about teaching position. lead their decisions. As h t learning, to but as wit It’s my job to help raise actually much more abou

I am valued and listened r ge , going and k to youn e voice out and once we are learnt funds for ADRA and tal everyone , as we are on ge g. d encoura get heard. most impor tantly sharin people about ADRA an of many; we don’t always e on campus liev le to be cip I go g, dis o a un als I yo ing t.

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them to help However, because y ilosophising, how the to bring up is not about religious ph churches and tell them I am in a perfect position g. There als this ions others are ser monising or baptisin can ser ve . One of my go points and ask the quest s of being who are opened my eye is an impor tant aspect year is to get volunteers too afr aid to ask. It has ian of t involves Cambod leadership a follower of Christ tha willing to come on the to the challenges that the d for ay. I have also fellowship, community an Mission Trip I have set up the church faces everyd When to be par t of “exhor ting one another.”

December 2015. been ver y encouraged , it’s d ect love Jesus an If you’re looking to get you get to the social asp

a group of people who at gre the u can promote Him a huge par t. I saw how involved with ADRA, yo are trying their best to :19 ’s 28 er, ADRA ke . Rememb commission of Matthew volunteer. Try looking on in the decisions they ma r ng all the ou thi try any is we re gh the ou if Th 20 to “make disciples of website to see people are people.

I ually made area. we often fail. (university) nations,” act you can do in your local best to represent God, e to “make ntr own Ce en people are disciples, in that the desire know the ADRA Blackt This doesn’t change wh lea d ders. lunteers. tant to not disciples” actually for me is always welcoming vo in leadership. It is impor d slowly but s run by Serve God And friendships grew an There are Soup Kitchen get caught up in a role. ts er club. ise conc friends with surely so did the ASOC ADRA or you can organ wherever you can - be ny so ma ; take Sabbath for fundraising. There are the younger generation timshelton@ on e tim e . som do nd (Contact Tim Shelton at ideas you can School or just spe information t h God. Le adventist.or g.au for more your own relationship wit u yo He will take about ASOC) God lead your life , and . go to u yo where He wants

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www.gscadventist.org.au / January - February 2015 5

#ultimate decision

We celebrate the decisions of our new brothers and sisters in Christ who have decided to get baptised or make a profession of faith.

Church in th e Fields

Lino Marques

Brandon Goodwin

Hainite Taufeulungak

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Matthew Cao

Courtney Jacobs

Wantok ultz, Josh Ryan Lapitan, Bodie Sch Alyanna Verdeflor, Chloe Ross, Verdeflor

Matthew Parsons

Rachel Ann Lobitana

Mosese Pepa

Aldrin Bitancor

Isaac Kirwakis

a Valoa, Lisa Valoa, Tali Pr Seti Mataele, Viliami feulungaki Afa Vailea, Hainite Tau Fonokalfi, Silvia Vailea,

Michael Benny

ona sha Anyona, Henry Any Anthony Brown, Aye

N e w Pa s t o r s

Anders Svensson, born in Sydney currently lives with his wife in Blacktown.

After learning and experiencing the powerful message of the gospel, He was baptised by Pastor Alex Penman.

He graduated from Avondale College in theology/ministry in 2013.

His joy in ministry is in outreach, discipleship, and small group ministry. He enjoys sharing the gospel with people and helping others to also share their faith. Some of his interests/hobbies are making and playing music, spor t and outdoor recreation.

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lyn Saffioti, Elizabeth Guzman, Eve y Pr. Mario Guzman, Dais Rivadulla, Ann Raad

Kesa Albert & Debra Esera, Geti, & Jayne Latu, Cameo Samantha Stuski

Rui Carrie Guo

Viliami Hamaleti Valoa

Lisa Valoa

James Bell Nicholas Chakovan

Emilia Javar

olm, Gordon James Bell, Lynne McC lo, Elizabeth gno Spa ria McColm, Ma , Harvey, Darryn Harvey Pr John O’Malley

Warwick Sawyer, who everyone calls Wazza, comes from 4 years of ministry in NNSW as Chaplain at Macquarie College and church pastor at Toronto church. He grew up in Sydney, completing years 7-12 at SAC. He says, “I see the benefits of Adventist education. I am so excited to be involved at Macar thur while also pastor of Church in the Fields. After 14 years of ministry, all over the world, I’m so excited to be home in Greater Sydney.”

January - February 2015 \ www.gscadventist.org.au

Maria Spagnolo

Nigel Ackland has been a pastor for 25 years, serving in 4 conferences, 15 churches and having lived in 36 homes. The joy of his life are his wife Sandy (a Primary School teacher), his son Toby (a personal trainer) and his beautiful daughter Tori (star ting Yr. 11). Nigel enjoys writing, preaching, seeing young people on fire for the Lord and recently completed his MA (Theo). When not on the clock Nigel enjoys good food, movies, ar t, photography and all things beautiful. He does not like brussel sprouts.

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Take the First Step

by M d e t u b i Contr

airfax F n e l aryel

Stretched out with a pillow under my head, I made sitting on the fence look good.

Sure, from the outside I was about as ‘Adventist’ as they come: born and raised in the church, I experienced the joys of Wahroonga Adventist Primary School and the triumphs of Hills Adventist College. I weekly attended Sabbath School, even taking Bible Studies to concrete my relationship with Christ. But, on the inside, something just didn’t seem to ‘click’.

Call it what you will, the introver ts curse, Hamlet’s attitude of inaction, a mild case of social anxiety, or even just laziness; I never felt on-fire for God. I never had that conversion experience that everyone speaks of; never felt as though I had a testimony to share.

I was all alone in my walk with God, lukewarm, and lacking the courage to change.

Revelation 3:16-18, “So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth...” hit me square between the eyes. God doesn’t call us to be comfor table in our faith

gir l tal k

and selfishly hoard the good news. No, we’re called to step out, baptise the nations, and take the gospel to the ends of the ear th! So what was stopping me? Being fairly shy, I believed that I wasn’t confident, bubbly or proficient enough at conversation to share the Gospel.

But I also didn’t want to be spat out of God’s mouth. So, I summoned up every ounce of courage in my being, asked God to use me in my weakness, jumped off the fence, and ran. I needed to be challenged in my faith and find people who, just like me, were searching.

Finding myself on the cusp of two churches, I beheld Wahroonga like a ‘New Jerusalem’, under an apprehensive delusion that it was filled with ‘perfect Christians’. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Wahroonga is filled with down-toear th, on-fire Christians and a Biblebased, passionate youth group that has transformed my relationship with God. It’s been over 12 months now, and ever since their welcoming smiles on my first Sabbath, I haven’t looked back. I encourage you, if you’re feeling lukewarm, to give your weaknesses to God and search for people who can

What does it mean to follow Jesus?

All: To be committed – it’s a commitment What are challenges of growing up Christian?

Madison: People can judge you since you believe in God Why would they judge you?

Madison: Because they think you’re silly or that God’s not real.

Isabelle: If they are a different religion, they may tease you because of what you believe in Sarah: If you’re doing spor ts and if there are competitions on Saturday – going to church on Saturday - it might be hard.

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challenge you in your Christian walk. Of course, I avidly recommend Wahroonga and I’d really love to meet you! But ultimately, all it takes, is that first step.

I warmly invite you to come and join the same Friday night Bible Studies and Youth events that have changed my Christian walk! Check out our Facebook page for details facebook.com/ WahroongaAdventistYouth. Each Sabbath we have a church lunch, and there is the oppor tunity to serve at ADRA Redfern once a month on Sabbath mornings. Through these oppor tunities, I have seen God actively working through my words and actions, despite my weaknesses.

I’ve made some incredible friends, and delved deeper into Scripture than I ever thought possible. And sure, it was challenging at first. I felt uncomfor table for a little while, striving to fit in by saying the right things and remembering which name belonged to each face, trying to appear as if I had it all together. How incredibly naïve I was! Now that I’ve given my weaknesses to God, I’m proud to call myself wretched, pitiful, blind and naked… because I’m not alone, and He’s going to give me white clothes to wear in the Kingdom.

So if you’re feeling lukewarm, all it takes is that first step!

How do you deal with some of the challenges? Is it worth being Christian?

Madison: Ignore it. Let it go through one ear and out the other. Know God is real. We’ve grown up knowing Him. We have evidence from the Bible.

Taya: Just gotta trust that God will be with you the whole time Isabelle: If you just trust in Him, you can also pray to Him and pray that everything will be ok Ariana: If you do miss out on stuff on Saturday, just think about if you are committed to God you’ll probably go to heaven. It will be a lot better to be with Jesus and better than going to something on Saturday.

www.gscadventist.org.au / January - February 2015 7

s s e c c u S e r i p m L as t E Swain Contributed by David The Last Empire, run in 2013 and 2014, was the first city-wide evangelistic series to run in over 30 years in the Greater Sydney Conference. It provided both outreach to the community and a great sense of unity in mission within the Conference.

Pastor Jonathan Valls, Wetherill Park Spanish Church, shared, “this program has been a blessing for church members, friends and visitors. It has been a boost in the aim to continue sharing the gospel in a professional way. God led us, and we are grateful for that.” The results were similar throughout the Conference.

The Last Empire website had about 15,000 unique visitors.

Facebook ads had over 460,000 impressions; Google Ad words reached in excess of 45,000 people. 510,000 invitation cards and leaflets were letterboxed, and 5,000 tickets were issued for opening night in 2013. Hurstville alone distributed over 110,000 brochures to the community and Hoxton Park used 50,000 leaflets. What a wonderful witness for Jesus.

N e w Pa s t o r s

John and Alice Tompson have enjoyed pastoral work in the South New South Wales Conference for the past 8 years.

Prior to that John had various roles within the Greater Sydney Conference, which included leading Health Ministry and serving as ADRA Director. In addition he and Alice headed up Van Ministry in Sydney for many years. Alice is a Registered nurse who specialises in medical centre clinic nursing. John and Alice enjoy their ministry calling and have a passion for churches that reflect the character and calling of Jesus while they wait for His return

Attendances at each venue were highly encouraging.

On the first night in 2013 there were almost 4,000 people attending with an excess of 1,500 contacts. In 2014 Hurstville had 85 non-SDA people attend on the first night, Mona Vale 10, Wetherill Park 20 and Waitara 127. Even more people watched with live streaming from some of the venues like Wahroonga. At Wetherill Park there were 73 visitors in 2014, with 20 indicating a keen interest to learn more about Jesus and the Bible.

As a result of the series, there has been an increase in baptisms in the Conference. Between April and June 2013, 94 people were baptised in Sydney, compared to 41 in the same period in 2012 and 34 in 2011. In October 2014, 7 people were baptised at Bidwill church as a direct result of the Last Empire. At Lakemba Tongan, they are praising the Lord for the 11 recent baptisms, 5 of whom came from the Last Empire. Hurstville has baptised 5 people, Mt Druitt Samoan 9 and Seven Hills 2 from their programs. These are just some churches’ baptism repor ts.

We anticipate that many more decisions for baptism from the Last Empire will be made over the next 2 years, as there are close to 400 contacts being followed up.

Our core role and function as a Church and as individual church members is to become disciples of Jesus in the context of the three angels’ messages. Together we need to continue to focus on living the command given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Horace Evans was born in Fiji, lived in Papua New Guinea, but calls Per th home.

With a Bachelor of Business Degree, he worked for the church as an accountant in Papua New Guinea, Sydney and Brisbane. He is married to Sandra, Pastor George Quinlin’s niece, and through her has been involved with the Aboriginal community for over 20 years. He has three daughters and one son. He came into ministry in 2007 when asked to star t a work amongst the Aboriginal community around Lismore. He says, “I have never enjoyed life more since doing what I believe God has called me to do. I am excited to be star ting the next big adventure for Christ here in Sydney and can’t wait to see God do amazing things for our Indigenous community in this big city.”

Wellington Caqui has worked as a chaplain at Sydney Adventist Hospital and at Kings Langley Aged Care facility. He has also worked as an assistant minister at Woollahra Church. Wellington is from Peru and studied at the Peruvian Union University. His ministry interest is in the area of pastoral counselling. He says, “I enjoy assisting and suppor ting people in their spiritual journeys. I like reading, walking and playing soccer. I am keen to be a spiritual resource for the members of my church. I am also looking forward to encouraging and mobilising people to live and embrace the discipleship model.”

to believe that Looking back it’s hard on Islands about I’ve been to the Solom In that time the 30 times since 1966. ce has built strong ren Greater Sydney Confe ople, a quar ter of connections with the pe ver ty line . About 10 whom are below the po in the Solomon Islands per cent of the people the Greater Sydney are Adventist. In 2014, opted the Solomon Conference for mally ad our Mission par tner.

Islands Mission (SIM) as ir needs, they listed When asked about the tant. clothing as most impor with a friend ile Recently wh working

ticed his shor ts had in the Solomons, he no in the crotch area. He developed a lar ge hole -site volunteer. The gave them to a local, on eared proudly wearing next day, the man reapp given – his wife the shor ts he had been hole. Sometimes had skilfully mended the ple as clothing for we take something as sim on Islands, clothing is granted, but in the Solom treasured. ssion uses the The Solomon Island Mi

treach. By sharing clothing in evangelistic ou needy families, they let them with schools and are people in Austr alia others know that there who care.

Donate some summer cl ot hes to our fr iends in the Sol omon Islands

c lot h es fo r t h e s o lo m o n i s la n d s

Currie Contributed by Alex

ways y o u c a n h e l p Donate Your Gently Used Summer Clothing: Arrange for bags of clothing that are clean and neatly folded to be collected from your church and then sent to the warehouse in Wahroonga. Ask your pastor for more details.

Volunteer to Help Sort Clothing at the distribution centre at South Pacific Division Office, Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga. Volunteers meet every Wednesday from 9:30 am until 3:00 pm. Men are needed to pick up goods and help pack up to 25 containers a year. Phone Geoff Hansen on 0413 920 655 if you are interested in helping.

Donate money for containers and strategic projects that GSC and the Solomon Island Mission plan in the future. This year GSC is aiming to raise $100,000.

Go on a fly and build. Contact GSC or Dr Alex Currie 0414 777 180. We need tradespeople to be involved. Last year we had a water exper t, electricians, a plumber, painter, concreter, builder etc. who all made an amazing difference in the high school on Guadalcanal.

Pray for the work of God in the Solomon Islands and for the work we do to suppor t them. In the Conference Office, Wednesdays are set aside as special days of prayer for the Solomons. Please join the staff in prayer, especially on Wednesdays.

#st udy t oget her WATCH VIDEO: ABEL, ETHIOPIAN MISSIONARY (4 min)

Scan this C ode for the Video DISCUSS

http://vimeo.com/14199665

What is significant to you about Abel’s testimony?

What lessons can we learn about following God from Abel?

How could someone grow to love God so that they aren’t even afraid of dying for Him? On a scale of 1-5 (one being easy and 5 extremely hard) where along the scale would you answer this question: How difficult is it to really be a disciple of Jesus?

K #T• HIfIN Jesus tells us to GO, make disciples, baptise DISCUSS

#WATC H

DISCUSS

s su Je t ou ab at ch d an od fo od go d an Grab some fr iends

and teach, how do we do it?

• In the last five years, how many people have you introduced to Jesus?

Here is a practical model to think about how we can be better disciples for Jesus. It’s called the

What are some reasons some people find it difficult to share their faith with others?

S.O.W. Model for Discipleship

What is Discipleship? Write down all the things that come to mind. _____________________________________ _____________________________________

R EA D28:16-20 #MATTHEW DISCUSS

In Luke 6:27-36 Jesus outlines the keys to true servant discipleship. It’s where we find the golden rule. READ: Luke 4:31 It also refers to loving those who hate you. Praying for those that persecute you.

What key action words does Jesus use to describe the life of a disciple?

DISCUSS

DEFINE

S = Serve

The Discipleship Road Discipleship can be defined as easily as a life long process towards becoming more like Jesus.

Imagine that Discipleship is a road. When you say yes to Jesus’ invitation (READ Matthew 16:24; REVELATION 3:20) you are at the start of the road.

The road it long and winding, just as in life. As you spend time with Jesus more and more and His will and desires become your desires you grow into a disciple who will say what Paul says in PHILIPPIANS 1:21. You will come to a place where you are no longer afraid of anything, not even dying.

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How hard would it be to ‘turn the other cheek’ when someone’s hurt you?

What impact would someone who disliked or persecuted you have if you were to pray, serve and just simply love them back?

What would it mean to you to know that you’re following Jesus’ example?

O = Opportunity In John chapter 4 Jesus goes out of His way and creates an opportunity to witness His love, forgiveness and grace to a Samaritan woman. Not the kind of thing anyone did back then, even in today’s world Jews still would not do this. But He initiates the conversation. He is non-judgmental. He lovingly reveals the truth of God’s plan and love. (READ: JOHN 4:23-30). She runs back to her village and witnesses to them about Jesus. Her life was never the same.

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DISCUSS

Ask ever yone to share their midd le name and what it means...

m it m o c # Think about these other areas of your life and make a commitment to do one thing for Christ this week.

(TICK ONE)

In what ways could we, like Jesus, initiate opportunities to share God’s love?

Social media,

What are important lessons Jesus teaches us about finding opportunities?

Close and extended family Neighbourhood,

W = Witness

Prayer

In Mark 5 Jesus goes out to the region of Gerasenes and heals a demon-afflicted man. He has over 1000 demons inside him! He’s been close to death repeatedly, lost everything, including his mind. But Jesus went out of His way and found an opportunity to heal him. Then something interesting happens.

DISCUSS

nez Written by Pr. JP Marti

Personal Bible Study Church involvement Sharing my testimony Will you answer Jesus’ call to reach up, out and across to others?

READ: Mark 5:18-20 Why did Jesus refuse to allow the man to join Him?

atc h & List en w # Hand out or click on the lyrics to this song by

What lesson does this teach us about witnessing?

Christian singer Matthew West called, “Going Through the Motions”

In what ways is this man’s testimony as powerful as seeing an actual miracle of Jesus?

LYRICS http://bit.ly/1BmyQmo

Scan this C ode for the Lyrics

Have you taken the time to write/prepare your testimony about what God has done in your life?

D Othe disciples wanted to understand how to be Scan this C ode for the Video #When YOUTUBE VIDEO (with lyrics) http://bit.ly/1EOADnU

(READ John 14:8-14) • How does Jesus encourage His disciples?

• In what ways is what Jesus said good news for all?

• What could be holding people/the church back from truly doing even greater things than Jesus today?

In closing, consider every area of your life today.

For example school/uni/TAFE, work, home, friends and relationships. In what ways can you S.O.W. and practise discipleship?

DISCUSS

DISCUSS

better disciples and imitate Jesus. He told them

• What stands out to you about this song?

• In what ways does this song inspire us to discipleship?

• How would you summarise this song?

• Who can you share this song with this week?

R AY P # Pray together as a group.

s yo Share with the gr oup - who inspire Like www.facebook.com/sydneyadventists

u and why...

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il Yap Photography by Abiga

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