Retired Professor of New Testament and UCA Minister, William (Bill) Loader is a retired UCA minister and Professor of New Testament, now living in Orange. He taught for 40 years in the Perth Theological Hall and at Murdoch University. He has written many books on the gospels, sexual issues, and early Judaism. He also has a website with a wide range of resources from children’s stories to weekly commentaries on the lectionary: wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~loader
John and Jesus knew changes were to come. However it seems they were not thinking along the same pathways to achieve an end.
Jesus was healing people and doing things to renew people’s lives, so they could do the same for others.
When change happens you become partners with God which may take you on a different path.
Back at the beginning, John said ” prepare for the kingdom of Heaven, is at hand.
In other words be ready for heaven’s kingdom is on the way!
People were asked to repent – change your mind and turn to God.
‘Oneness’ – is creating a faith where it is ok to be yourself and be affirmed. The message of Jesus is inclusiveness.
Some may see “Oneness” as divisive, the message of Jesus is that it is inclusive.
The ‘Oneness’ of God can reach out to all people – need to have room for everyone in our community.
‘Oneness is really important in ourselves, our church, our community for love to be shared and everyone openly welcomed.
Being women, Mary and Elizabeth would have not been more than ‘homemakers’ in the culture of that day.
Mary sang a song which presented a new set of values – she was referring to what Jesus would do in His later Ministry.
In 2024 out culture still thinks of Christmas as being a story about a baby – not about Jesus, who God is and who you and I are invited to be – this is what Mary sang about.
In Biblical times it was common for water to be used for cleansing (not just washing).
John did it differently when he immersed people, baptising in Jesus’s name.
Inviting them to be partners for God and into the warmth of God’s goodness and then taking goodness into the world, for all to partake of.
Families can sometimes be damaging. Even in the time of Jesus’ ministry this happened.
Jesus’ ministry was to liberate people from the powers that oppressed them.
God always offers an open relationship of acceptance; of forgiveness; of belonging.
Jesus is the one who reminded us that compassion is at the heart of God. In confronting the laws of his day, Jesus reminds us that people and their needs are far more important than keeping laws that stop us being obedient to God.
Love is not something that needs to wear labels. When we are involved we are doing it in the spirit of Jesus. We are testifying to God’s love never ending. Love never fails. Love cannot be put to death. God’s love in Jesus remains
Love is not something that needs to wear labels. When we are involved we are doing it in the spirit of Jesus. We are testifying to God’s love never ending. Love never fails. Love cannot be put to death. God’s love in Jesus remains
So often people put themselves ‘up’ by putting others ‘down’. Jesus talks about becoming humble, coming down to earth, being real, and getting it right withyourself and God. ALL AGE MESSAGE We are not all champions at all we do. We just need to do our best. God loves us and we just need to…
