February 27 –
Who is Jesus? In a single last-supper evening He is a servant to His disciples. He sees into their future, predicting one will betray him, and one deny him. Jesus can see arguments that will begin among his disciples: “Is it Peter?”, “No! it’s Judas”, “What about John?”. So Jesus tells them not to worry about the future, instead “love one another”.
This is Episode 15 in Working the Word: The Gospel of John Chapters 13-14.
Join Ken Bird and Annali Bird as they explore the stories that the disciple John tells about Jesus 2,000 years ago.
February 20 –
Jesus raises Jewish hopes as he rides into Jerusalem as King. Then he tells everyone he will die. Why?
Join Ken and Annali Bird in this weeks episode 14 of “Working the Word”, exploring the Gospel of John.
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February 13 –
Lazarus is dead 4 days. Jesus brings him back to life! Religious leaders try to kill Jesus. Why?
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February 6 –
January 23 – Jesus heals a blind man. Religious bigots kick the man out of church. They accuse Jesus of being a sinner! Why?
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January 16 -Religious bigots throw an adulterous woman at Jesus’ feet. Will he shame her or expose her partner? Jesus touches the dusty Jerusalem street with his finger, writes something, and the bigots disappear. We are all human, and none of us are holier than any other. More religious leaders appear to argue with Jesus, “Who are you?”. They demand an answer. Jesus will respond “I was alive before Abraham was born, and my Father is God”. Explore the stories about Jesus told by St John 2,000 years ago. Ken and Annali will take you on a journey from the dusty streets of Jerusalem to the Home of God, Author of the Universe.
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January 9 – ‘They’ want to kill Jesus in Jerusalem? Corrupt leaders want to protect wealth and power, so they send the Temple Soldiers to arrest Jesus. Why does Jesus upset the authorities so much? Join Ken and Annali in this Episode 9 of their series exploring the Gospel of John.
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December 12 – Annali and Ken continue their series on the Gospel of John
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How Jesus took away the Sin of the Whole World. Not the sins, plural, but ‘the sin’ — all of it, the whole problematic mess from the our entire planet.
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Ken and Annali explore the New Testament writings to discover why it was that the Early Christians focused so much attention on the person of Jesus. Is Jesus still relevant for daily life in Australia 2,000 years later, today? The answer may surprise you.
In this weeks Bible study Ken and Annali made reference to a book on the life of Christ called the Desire of Ages”. Here are links to read it online in:
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August 29 links :
Join Ken and Annali Bird as they explore how a Biblical sense of “fellowship” and “community” could give deeper purpose and meaning to ordinary lives.
What is the real meaning of the Greek word “koinonia”. Is it just a church term for Holy Communion, only making community “in church”, or, does God want His people to influence their world? How?
August 22 links :
Church:
“The Devil went down to Georgia” the Charlie Daniels country band sings, but what happens when he comes to church? St John sees a falling star crash into the Christianity and he calls it Wormwood, or “Bitterness”. Discover what St John sees in his Trumpets Vision as the third trumpet blows. Of course the devil will lose the battle — but the loss is great on God’s side also — St John sees him neutralising one third of God’s forces. It didn’t take long after the last apostle died, before pagan beliefs would knock on the door of the early church, and those first Christians would forget God’s instructions. It would take centuries for the bitter harvest from this first waltz with the devil – but the result has been a loss of faith in modern, secular times. See how God wins the battle, with Pastors James and Ken of West-Blue-Mountains Parish in Australia.
Can you imagine that the God of the Universe is compassionate? Jesus not only showed humans the value of compassion, his life demonstrates that God Himself is compassionate.
Join Ken and Annali from West-Blue-Mountains Parish in this weeks episode of ‘Working the Word’ and explore how the Bible writers used the word “compassion” to show us what God is really like.
August 15 links :
Church:
They call them the Cedars of God – the last remaining cedars of Lebanon. Used by the Biblical Nimrod to build the first Babylon, then King Solomon to line the walls of Jerusalem’s Temple of God.
They were terrible events last week in Lebanon, as a massive ammonia-nitrate store explodes in a factory explosion and wipes out a Beirut city suburb. But there is still beauty and great spiritual hope to be found in Lebanon.
Journey with pastors James and Ken back to Beirut and then up to to the fabled Cedars of Lebanon. Could it be that one of the trees dates way back to before King Solomon’s time? And what is the Tree of Life? Hear Cybèle Coutet Craig sing George Beverly Shea’s hymn – The Wonder of It All.
Discover how does God define a successful life. You will explore Psalm 92. It was written and sung especially for and on the Sabbath Days. Why does God compare a righteous person to a Cedar of Lebanon? And be enthralled and wonder – how that God loves you, and God loves me.
What is truth? Is it a cold hard fact, a feeling or something precious to be cherished? Can Christians talk about their belief in God and a Messiah Jesus without bashing their truth into their friends? Should an enemy be converted with a metaphorical sword? When ‘should’ one talk about their faith?
Explore the Bible with Ken and Annali and discover what is truth, and how God says it could best be shared. What you find out may surprise you, and help ease the pains of differences with ones you love the most.
August 8 links :
What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit? How should you use your talents and gifts? God can grant you every perfect gift, suited for your personality, life stage and purpose.
Join Ken and Annali to explore what the gifts of the Holy Spirit are all about, and how you can best use your natural or super-natural talents and gifts for God
August 1 links :
Church:
1450 BC. Slaves escape from Egypt to form the nation of Israel. With no #MeToo movement, God needs to advise this new nation direct, to live a holy life.
So, is the Biblical word “Holy” just for church people? What would God say to our #MeToo world? “Be Holy”! What does this mean?
You need to see this presentation. God forgives and is merciful, God also wants to lift you up to a holier standard. James said, “If folks lived holy lives, they may not all be in church, but there’d sure be a lot more happiness all around.”
So join James and Ken in this fascinating exploration with an important point. What does it mean to “Be Holy.”?
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July 25 links :
July 18 links :
700 BC: Prophet Isaiah predicts Iraqi soldiers will destroy Jerusalem and emasculate its princes. 600 BC: Nebuchadnezzar, the Iraqi Sun-God-Dictator sends soldiers to burn down the likely 16 yo Daniel’s Jerusalem home. He is now likely a eunuch. Ouch. Who has more power; God, or the Iraqi and Iranian Sun-King-Tyrants?
How will Jesus the Sun-of-Righteousness conquer the pagan-sun? And more to the point, can Jesus overcome the disasters, disease, breakdown and strife raging across our planet today?
Explore the grand story with pics from James’ Berlin Museum trip featuring Iraqi and Iranian discoveries and the Bible live with Pr James at church tomorrow, or online with Pr James & Ken at home anytime after 10 pm tonight.
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July 11 no streamed services
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July 4 links :
Church
When Jesus said he was the “water for life” what did He mean? And why should the words He spoke be linked with an opportunity for humans to experience eternity?
Join James and Ken, Country Pastors from West-Blue-Mountains Parish and explore what Jesus meant for your life, and see the ancient desert pure-water-spring at Ein-Gedi in Israel.
4,000 years ago at Ein-Gedi Abraham will battle invading Syrian and Iraqi forces. 3,000 years ago the young shepherd David will hide here to escape the bloodthirsty King Saul. A hundred years later an Ein-Gedi maiden will steal billionaire King Solomon’s heart with her henna blossoms. Then ancient Jordanian army will invade Israel, to be defeated by singing priests. Here, just two years ago – a parched pastor sweltering in the hot desert sun will quench his thirst.
Bible Study
June 27 links :
Church
Roman soldiers crucify Jesus. Roman armies destroy Jerusalem. Roman dictators persecute Christians and vile Emperor Nero crucifies St Peter. But soon insurrection, corruption, taxation, famine and plague-virus tear apart the Empire itself. In the midst of battle strife – can God still forgive a war crime? Or is He a God of Vengeance?
When The Revelations second trumpet sounds it heralds Forgiveness from the Creator of the Universe – for any human who simply asks.
Hear Cybèle Coutet Craig sing “The Old Rugged Cross”, and explore Revelation 8 with pastors James and Ken. You will discover that if God can forgive a war-criminal, He can surely forgive you. It is not too late for you to ask.
If the Bible reflects God desire for our best, then the benefits of study go far beyond merely acquiring knowledge. Reading the Word from the God over the Universe is a way of inviting Him to interact with us, mastering us, changing our lives and our way of thinking.
So how can you read the Bible with balance, to lead you towards a successful life with purpose? How can Bible study change your life for the better, today?
June 20 links :
Church
Fire scorches the earth. Will God’s garden be destroyed? What happens when the first Trumpet blows? Have you even felt spiritually dry, or experienced the heat of despair after conflict? Jesus said He is the source for refreshing clear water to cool down the heat of conflict and turmoil. Jesus can renew your spiritual batteries and re-energise you for a new day. Open your Bible to Revelation 8 and join Pr James as we explore what happens when the St John Revelations first trumpet sounds.
June 13 links :
Church at home week 14.
King David sings “I will look the hills from where comes my help”. Whether they call it the soldiers Psalm or the travellers Psalm, it is a much loved Psalm. Imagine choirs of priests on Temple steps singing Psalms 121 two-thousand years ago.
You will hear Cybèle Coutet Craig singing her new song from Psalms 121, your kids will race outdoors to get some small leafy branches for the Kids Bible Craft, and, get your Bible ready to explore Psalms 121 with country pastor James at the West-Blue-Mountains Parish in NSW, Australia.
From today until eternity you will discover that God truly does love and care for you.
Bible Study
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June 6 links :
CAN GOD HELP YOU PRAY?
Bible Study
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May 30 links :
Church at home week 11.
Bible Study
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May 23 links :
Church at home week 10
Bible Study
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May 16 links :
Church at home week 9.
Bible Study (view anytime)
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May 9 links :
Service
Church at home week 8.
THE REVELATIONS OF ST JOHN, Chapter 7:11-17
Will holy angels think you deserve the right to stand next to God in heaven? The Bible’s King David was a murderer, his great-grandma Rahab a prostitute and his descendant Manasseh abused a child – yet each will be in heaven! It is almost scandalous! But — would you want God to reveal the nastier details of your life on the Judgment Day in heaven?
Thankfully The Revelation’s Scroll is still sealed shut, and no-one can open the story of your life except Jesus, the divine Shepherd-Lamb.
Would you like to call heaven your home? You can!
GET A BIBLE READY Find your Bible and open it to the end, for the last book titled Revelation. Back a few pages to chapter 7 and you are prepared.
WHAT WILL YOU FIND You’ll discover that God’s rescue plan is for you! As the planet begins to break apart and life is distressed, God calls you home.
OUR PRAYER FOR YOU May God bless you and keep you, and wherever you go, and whatever you do, may you know how much God Loves You.
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Kid’s craft resource |
Bible Study
Listen and explore with Ken and Annali as they confront the Biblical text. What truth lies behind the stories of slavery, women’s rights, child abuse and other practises universally condemned today? How can you interpret the Bible? What is God really like?
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May 2 links :
Service
Church at home week 7.
Four guardian angels protect the earth, and the lost tribes of Israel are found and an innumerable group are praising God — what does this mean? When ancient Israel left God’s ways to worship idols, Assyrian armies attack, and scatter them around the earth. Lost to history, and far from God, they must have felt there was no hope. Yet, in the time of Jesus, 2,000 years ago, Jewish people longed for Messiah to return, and keep His promise to gather the lost tribes back! Revelation 7 exposes God’s real character of love – and clearly shows that you definitely can rely on Him to get you through this life and then to His home.
WHAT WILL YOU FIND
You’ll discover you can trust God for anything – even for His divine rescue at the end of your life — even if it is the end of the world.
OUR PRAYER FOR YOU
May God bless you and keep you, and wherever you go, and whatever you do, may you know how much God Loves You.
Bible Study
When you ask “WHY?” then you discover a key to unlock the original meaning of any actor’s intent. This is true for the Holy Bible also.
Join Ken and Annali to summarise the entire Bible in less than 60 minutes! You will discover when each Bible book was written, who wrote it and why it is included where it is (the Bible books are not listed in date order, nor a list of topics).
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April 25 links :
Service
Church at home week 6.
Divine Rescue from Global-Blockbuster Disaster? What Next? See Revelations Six Seals Break Open
Two more seals crack open. Is death the only rest from persecution? And who cares about a sign for the planet “The End Is Nigh”; when death lurks around every corner?
TIMES OF TROUBLE INCREASE
Famine, disease, war, the ravages of nature, violence — and finally a planet will break apart. Does God care? Is He the Darth Vader planet-nuking Villain from the dark -side? No! Revelation pictures Him as a gentle lamb, holding the scroll of our earth-story and longing for all to enjoy eternity.
It was Nero who feeds Christians to the lions, not The Revelation’s Lamb. It was medieval mayhem that inspired the Crusades and Christian-against-Christian wars, not Jesus. History shows the capacity for tyranny is present within almost all humans, with or without God.
GET A BIBLE READY
Find your Bible and open it to the end, for the last book titled Revelation. Back a few pages to chapter 6 and you are prepared.
WHAT WILL YOU FIND
You’ll discover you can trust God for anything – even for His divine rescue at the end of your life — even if it is the end of the world.
OUR PRAYER FOR YOU
May God bless you and keep you, and wherever you go, and whatever you do, may you know how much God Loves You.
Bible Study
What is Theology? How can “Words About God” give you spiritual renewal?
Would you like to experience a life-changing paradigm shift or feel spiritual renewal? This often occurs when you see the balance and beauty of the Bible’s Big Picture. To grow spiritually, achieve life balance and experience heavenly insights requires a broader study – a deeper ‘theology’ How? You need to explore all that the Bible says about your particular topic of interest. . A person who simply uses a text here or there often merely reinforces an existing belief or bias.
Join Pr. Ken and Annali as they explain how ‘theology’ is a combination of the two ancient Greek words for “God” and “Word”. Ken and Annali demonstrate eSword, a free computer Bible that helps you more easily explore the all words about a specific topic. You will gain spiritual strengthen, a balanced outlook and wisdom.
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April 18 links :
Service
Church at home week 5.
Bible Study
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Church at home week 4.
ITS HOME COMMUNION TODAY
You will need some grape juice and bread to join us. (We used flatbread because that’s similar to what they used for communion 2,000 years ago in Jesus time but do the best you can). For church-at-home members & friends, and others beyond wherever they may be. “Wherever you are, and wherever you go, God Loves You.”
Bible Study
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April 4 links :
Service
Church at home week 3. Long ago The Scroll proved a king’s Divine Right to Rule. 2,600 year ago it was lost. Is Jesus worthy to be King? What secret does the Sealed Scroll hide? Explore Revelation 5 with Pr. James and Annali. Sing along with The Family Tree-O singers, and enjoy Susannah’s Bible Craft time. A Country Sermon for Sabbath 4 April 2020 produced by Lithgow, Oberon and Mudgee folks in the SNSW Conference. For church-at-home members & friends, and others beyond wherever they may be. “Wherever you are, and wherever you go, God Loves You.”
Bible Study
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March 28 links :
Service
Church at home week 2. There’s a Ray Jackson piano prelude and story, Oberon Ladies Trio with Marc Menzies and we introduce young Caleb with a first children’s time. (its a song this week, but we will grow and improve). We finish Revelation chapter 4 with a slightly longer sermon time
Bible Study
March 21 links:
CAN YOU FIND PEACE IN RECENT STORMS?
Rein answers the question “is the Christian Hope like facing a lion as an ostrich, hiding your head to feel safe in the proverbial desert sands?”
Annali shares “Jesus famously rescues His disciples from sinking – He calms stormy waters – and He leaves them in the lake?”
Susan, Marc and Annali are singing — so click one of the links below and join us for church! (if you miss the start the videos will still be available afterwards)
And Shabbat Shalom! May you enjoy Sabbath Blessings and may the Peace from God rest in your heart today,