In the movie the Matrix, Neo discovers that the world is not what he thinks it is. His life has been a mirage, a dream. The story he has lived by is, he discovers, no longer true. We all have stories that we live by – things we have come to believe even if we can’t exactly say why we believe them. The way we see and understand the world is defined by the stories we believe. And when someone or something challenges our story then often our first response is to say no it can’t be true. Sometimes we may even respond with anger at those who have a different story to the one we believe. But sometimes we encounter a story that grabs us, that transforms how we see the world and everything in it.
When the Apostle Paul arrived in Ephesus, a city dedicated to the story of Artemis, his story or Jesus caused people to react. Who is this new god you are talking about? How dare you question Artemis, the queen of heaven. In fact some were so incensed they started a riot. Paul had a new story, a story than had the power to change everything.
I wonder what story you live your life by? How does it help you, life out your life?
This Sunday Andrew will be looking at Acts 19 and the chaos that erupts as Paul’s story of Jesus brings change to the city of Ephesus.
Mainly Music - Closed for school holidays. Restarts 28 July. Meets Wednesday’s from 10.00am. This programme is a fun way for parents and their children to spend quality time together based around music and movement. It is a way for us as a church to connect with and offer something back to the community of which we are a part. It’s also a way for us to demonstrate care, concern and support for those with young children.
Small Groups are now up and running again. Contact the church office@pb.org.nz if you would like to join one
Oh and for those who are unable to join us we will still have an on-air service for you @10.30am and again @ 8pm on Thursday evening on Coast Access Radio 104.7FM or you can livestream at
http://coastaccessradio.org.nz/Listen/index.aspx The message and prayers will also be posted to the sermon page on this website.
If at this time you need someone to chat with then please call the church office 04 2987766 or email office@pb.org.nz and we’ll get back to you.
And we are also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/paraparaumubaptist
Grace and peace