[Original size] Copy of Remar Church Issue #8

Church Newsletter | Issue #08

August 2024

Remar Church

WHATS HAPPENING AT REMAr

Verse of the Week

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

John 13:7

Are you considering being baptized but unsure what it all means?

Baptisms

Important Dates

Sunday Church - Starts 11am

Coming Soon

Baptisms -7th September-

To be held at Berwick Church of Christ @ 10am

Fundraiser Dinner - Join us in September for a night of fellowship and raise funds for our Ministry.

More details to come!

Wednesdays @ Remar Church

Community Meals - 5pm every Wednesday

We hold a meeting every Wednesday at our church site so if you’d like to join us, make sure to checkout the information below!

Monthly Schedule:

Week 1 (Wednesday): Open Heaven (Worship) night.

Week 2 (Wednesday): Bible Study

Week 3 (Wednesday): Community Meeting

Week 4 (Wednesday): Bible Study

Week 5(Alternating 5th Wednesday

of the month): Bible Study

All sessions start at 7pm

What is Baptism?

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It symbolizes our identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3-4). Through baptism, we publicly declare our faith and commitment to follow Jesus. It’s an act of obedience that follows repentance and faith in Christ. Jesus commanded His followers be baptized (Matt 28:19). It is a symbol of New Life & represents the washing away of sins and the beginning of a new life in Christ (Acts 22:16).

What It Means to Be Born Again?

Being born again refers to a spiritual rebirth through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:3-7). It’s not about physical birth but a transformation that happens in the heart when we place our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

To be born again, one must repent of their sins (turn away from sin) and put their faith in Jesus Christ, believing that He died for their sins and rose again (John 1:12-13; Romans 10:9-10).

When you are born again, you receive a new identity as a child of God. You are no longer defined by your past but by your relationship with Jesus (Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 4:22-24).

The Importance of Repentance

Repentance involves a sincere turning away from sin and turning toward God. It’s recognizing that sin separates us from God and choosing to live a life that honors Him (Acts 3:19). Repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing posture of the heart. As believers, we continually turn from sin and seek to follow Jesus more closely.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

When you are born again, the Holy Spirit comes to live within you, guiding, teaching, and empowering you to live a better way, pleasing to God (John 14:16-17; 1 Cor 6:19). The Holy Spirit works in you to transform your character, producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and helping you to grow in your relationship with God.

Being baptized and born again is the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship. It means committing to follow Jesus, learning from Him, and obeying His teachings (Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23).

It is one of the best decisions you will ever make- And one you will never regret!

We will be holding Baptisms on Saturday 7th September at Berwick Church of Christ -432 Centre Rd, Berwick.

Please reach out Pastor Luis if you would like to know more.or Shane on 0468 868 354 if you wish to put your name down

A Personal Reflection on Last Sunday's Sermon - “Lengthen The Ropes & Firm The Stakes”

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back, lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.” - Isaiah 54:2

I have personally not meditated on this scripture verse until Pastor Mario shared revelations that were really thought provoking. Each statement in this verse is an illustration of our progress in our spiritual walk with the Lord. This verse beautifully illustrates what is required of us to be spiritually mature and the number of years you might have been walking with the Lord is not a determining factor. What determines our maturity is how we face our challenges and temptations in our life and what my heart and my mind does in those moments. We all face life challenges, and we all face temptations as a result we FEEL a lot of emotions in those moments. Our flesh becomes weak but what does our spirit choose to do despite those feelings? Here are my two key personal reflections from the sermon:

It takes daily intentional growth in the Lord to be prepared for moments of pressure. I am guilty of this; if we think God will only take a prominent place when times get hard then we are living as naive Christians. It’s the difficult times that should remind us we are dependent on God in every way. For us to change our old patterns of dealing with difficult situations that leave us feeling hopeless, we need to unlearn and let His spirit to teach us a NEW way of dealing with the same issues. How do we do that? The Word and daily worship of our God. Is He the centre of my life in everything I do, in every relationship in my life, in everything that is important to me? Where do I go when I am seeking answers in my daily walk – social media, YouTube, the news channel or to His Word? The ONLY Truth. The truth that reveals the lies in our life.
When the pressure is on, then God’s Spirit takes over. If I am intentional in my walk with the Lord then when the storm hits, you know you can rest knowing God is IN the boat. There is peace that surpasses understanding. There is faith that makes no sense. You have a new set of eyes. You operate out of a place of authority as a Child of God. There is no doubt in what God can and is able to do. These are the moments where the state of your heart is revealed.

No matter where you are at, we are all on this journey of growth together as a church community. Just between you and God – where is your heart at? What is holding you back from having a personal intimate relationship with God. He wants to carry your burdens, he wants to be your rescuer, he wants to be your restorer. Are you willing to give Him that place in your life?

Father, you are our God. There is no one like you. We trust you with our lives and ask you to help us grow a deeper understanding of who you are. Help us to stay focused in our daily walk with you and eliminate any distractions that might take us away from that. Thank you for your mercy and goodness. Amen.

By Christabel Joy Seneviratne

Watch or Listen to Pastor Mario’s Sermon "Lengthen The Ropes & Firm The Stakes" on our webpage: remaraustralia.org or via our Facebook page

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remar Church- 49 Bald Hill Rd Pakenham

“Be grateful everyday.”

remaraustralia.org

Church Newsletter | Issue #08

August 2024

1-What was in like growing up in the Ministry and what is your fondest memory?

Nicolas -It was a very unique experience and opened my eyes to a lot one would not normally see. One of my fondest memories here in Australia was when we lived in Kinglake and during the summer we would have our Sunday services outside our chapel in the garden.

Katya -Growing up in Remar was a unique experience, allowing my siblings and I to learn the importance of servitude at a young age. I also reminsnce on the summers spent down in Nyora as a kid. They usually involved day trips to Phillip Island with family and the big Christmas celebration with everyone at the end of the year.

2-What is something we don't know about you?

Nicolas -I really really don’t like being in front of people. Seems a little ironic given I’m on stage every Sunday for worship haha.

Katya -I love to read, exploring new universes with unique characters and storylines.

3-What is your favourite thing to do outside of church/ministry?

Nicolas -Spend time with friends and hang out with my little godson.

Katya -I love spending quality time with family and friends. Getting to visit new places and make fond memories with those I love.

4-What do you love about our church?

Nicolas -That even though we may be a little unorthodox or different, we have a genuine heart for helping people and meeting them where they’re at.

Katya -I love how passionate the congregation engages with Worship, it’s really great to be a part of.

5-What has God been talking to you about lately?

Nicolas -To trust in Him more and know that in everything, He’s in control. I don’t need to understand it all right now, I just need to know that He’s working.

Katya -To trust in him and his plans for my future, despite the uncertainty and anxiousness.

5 Minutes 5 Questions with...........

Nicolas & Katya

Verse of the

week

Nayah, Syanna,

Jaxson &

Emma

Megaphone label with volunteers needed. Megaphone banner

Would you be able to spare some time to lend a hand? We invite you to consider volunteering with us. Our Op shop in Pakenham regularly requires extra assistance, and the Rehabilitation Centre in Nyora would greatly appreciate help in the garden, kitchen, and grounds. Additionally, If you are handy on the tools and love a chat, we're looking to start a Men's shed program. Or If fitness is your passion, you could also initiate an active group to help promote fitness among our guys at the farm.

There is always something to do- WE JUST NEED YOU!