WWW.THESENTINELNEWS.COM.AU From the Parson’s Pen Christianity is not just one religion in a pantheon of competing traditions. It is the one true revelation of the living God, who made Himself known through creation, Scripture and, the person of Jesus Christ. This conviction is not rooted in mythology or cultural preferences, but in God’s own self-revelation. The Bible tell us that there is only one true God, Creator of heaven and earth. And because of that, there is only one true way of knowing him and, worshipping Him the way he describes. Many religions contain moral insights, arising from mankind’s attempts to find God according to human wisdom, rather than according to God’s revealed truth. Scripture describes fallen humanity as exchanging the worship of the Creator for the creation itself. After humanity fell into sin through Adam’s disobedience, God did not abandon creation. He established a covenant that promised redemption. All through the Old Testament, God revealed this covenant through Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David and Jesus Christ, who fulfilled all the promises of God. Christ is the mediator of the new covenant, accomplishing salvation through His perfect obedience, his atoning death and resurrection and ultimately ushering in a new heaven and a new earth yet to come. Jesus himself made exclusive claims regarding salvation. He declared, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” The apostles said, “There is salvation in no one else”. This doesn’t leave much room for religious pluralism, a false religion can be sincerely held but still be sincerely wrong. Salvation is by God’s unmerited favour. Other religions will present salvation as something to be achieved through personal merit. The message of the Bible, is that sinners are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, for the glory of God alone. The Bible exalts God’s sovereignty and at the same time, humbles human pride. The God of the Bible doesn’t change according to the whims of the surrounding culture. When all else is shifting sand, God’s Word is the sure foundation we can depend on. The Bible’s the final standard for faith and life. Rather than ever changing human philosophies or mystical experiences, Christian faith rests upon God’s trustworthy revelation of himself. The unity, fulfilled prophecy, historical reliability and its transforming power to change lives (overwhelmingly for the better) all testify to its divine foundation. We declare that in Him alone is found forgiveness, eternal life, and everlasting hope. Now that truly is good news! Rev Allan D Welch, Clarence Town Presbyterian Church St. Patrick’s Catholic Church 41 Rifle St, Clarence Town Pastor: Rev Andrew Doohan Service Times: Every Sunday 8am My, how the year is flying. Our gathering at Dungog for the Parish Assembly, commenced with a well-attended Mass, followed by a cuppa to warm us up and a positive meeting regarding pertinent matters of the Parish. We will be advised of developments as they come to fruition. Our little church is desperately in need of some repairs and maintenance. We attended a service and luncheon with our Anglican brothers and sisters to celebrate their big anniversary. A lovely occasion. We wish Father Andrew a wonderful pilgrimage to Ireland in September. May he return safely. May the good Lord send us regular rain and a beautiful Spring and continue to bless our beautiful town. God Bless, Marilyn Amos Clarence Town Presbyterian Church 29 Marshall Street, Clarence Town (Opposite the School). Pastor: Rev Allan D. Welch Service Times: 10am Gathered Worship every Sunday, with live music, prayers, kids talk, sermon and morning tea provided. Mainly Music (every Wed), SRE (Scripture) at Clarence Town Public School (every Wed); Glen William Public School (every Thursday); Dungog Public School (every 2nd Wed), Craft & Chat (1st Sat of Month 10am-2pm at the Church), ladies fellowship group meets each Thursday at various locations. Gents are invited to attend the annual Recharge men’s conference on 12th September at Grace EV Church, Glendale – Stephen McAlpine is keynote speaker. Go to: https://www.hgm.org.au/recharge for details. Contact Allan for transport options. Growth Groups (Bible study) on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings 7:00-8:30pm at the church where we are exploring the Lord’s Prayer – ‘Talking to our Father’ to be followed by a study on ‘The Five Solas’ in October. From the pulpit we are drawing to the end our series on the letter to the Hebrew Christians. Excitingly in mid August, we’ll be starting a series on the awesome book of Esther, where we will see how God fulfils his covenant promises through his providence. The next celebration of the Lord’s Supper is on 27th September followed by our usual bring and share fellowship lunch. All welcome and stay warm peeps! “And what does the LORD require of you? To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 In Christ, Rev Allan D. Welch 0402 387 690
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