God’s future of salvation and redemption
The assigned epistle reading for this Sunday is from the Letter to the Hebrews 9:24-28. In the last verses of this passage we read, “And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgement, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.“
In these two versus, we learn something from the writer of Hebrew on the matter of Judgement and Salvation. Casting a shadow over a lot of religious thought is the concept of judgement - that ultimately, we must stand before God and make an account of our lives. With this idea riding over us plenty of religious effort is often expended trying to make ourselves acceptable to God in this time of judgement.
What the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews is telling us is that because of the offering made by Christ this is no longer to be feared. In Christ the power of sin has been taken away and a lasting forgiveness is given. Christians do not need to fear the future because God’s future is one of salvation and redemption. As we are told, Christ is coming again, but not with the sword of judgement as sin has already been dealt with, “but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.“ God in Christ is coming to make all things new.
God bless you.
From the Vicar
It’s a psalm in which nothing is hidden from God, and God is found in the midst of the distress as well as in the deliverance from it.
It’s a chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topic, and discuss in a small group. There’s no obligation to say anything and there’s nothing you can’t say.
In 1990, and with the inclusion of the Diocese of Polynesia, the Anglican Church formed a new constitution, Te Pouhere, that would bind us together as one church in Christ, yet living in Three Tikanga or cultural streams.
Parish Officers
Parish Governance
The executive team of Vicar, churchwardens and treasurer meet constantly on parish business.
Parish Groups
Worship leaders, lay readers, servers, ushers, greeters, flower arrangers, cleaners, counters, intercessors and cup bearers all join together to support the service.
It’s a psalm in which nothing is hidden from God, and God is found in the midst of the distress as well as in the deliverance from it.
It’s a chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topic, and discuss in a small group. There’s no obligation to say anything and there’s nothing you can’t say.
Community Fair bringing affordable toys, books, china, vintage clothes and more from the Opawa - St Martins Parish.