----- Forwarded message -----
From: Noel Rowlatt
nandjrow@bigpond.com
February 2020 Australian Restoration News
FEBRUARY, 2020. Around and About the Centre Place by High Priest Paul J. Gage, Independence, Missouri.
Greetings to the lovely Saints of Australia, I hope your new year is off to a great start and that the good Lord continues to be with and bless you even in the midst of trials and tribulations. As we progress through this special year, "2020," how is your vision? Most everyone has their eyes checked regularly and hope we have 2020 vision. There are two types of vision; physical and spiritual. We need to think of the two together as one because everything that affects us physically also affects us spiritually. So, what is your vision for 2020? Exciting changes, maybe Zion, life as usual, etc. Many people write out new year's resolutions of something they want to change in their lives. You cannot have resolution without having a revolution and you cannot have a revolution without a revelation. In order for a resolution to have any effect a person must decide to revolt from their usual pattern and generally when we revolt, we receive a revelation of something new. Jesus said we are to put on the new creature meaning we must resolve to revolt from our old nature and find revelation in the newness in Christ. In the Church, Stewardship was always strongly emphasized during the month of January and of course, many look at February as the "Love Month," mainly due to Valentine Day. Actually Stewardship and Love go hand in hand just like all of God's teachings and methods. Many times we think of stewardship only from the money angle, but stewardship is our whole life. All the aspects of stewardship are important or God would not have placed them in His Church. We should always remember that stewardship is not God taking something from us; it is His method of bestowing His richest gifts upon His people. One of the best definitions of stewardship, I think, is in DC 147:5a "Stewardship is the response of my people to the ministry of my Son, and is required alike of all those who seek to build the kingdom." How close does that scripture relate to John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish; but have everlasting life." As God gave because He "so loved," then shouldn't our response to the ministry of His Son, Jesus Christ, be out of our love for him. Stewardship should always be a joy to God's people because it is a demonstration of our love and sacrifice as we seek to build the kingdom. There are four principles of Biblical stewardship and we can include the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants as well: 1. Ownership: God owns everything since He created everything. We really do not "own" anything. God even gave us our agency to choose Him as our Father. 2. Responsibility: God gave man dominion over the earth which means we are responsible, as stewards over God's creation. 3. Accountability: DC 72:1c states, :...for it is required of the Lord, at the hand of every steward to render an account of his stewardship, both in time and eternity." 4.Rewards for obedience. Read DC 81:3 and everywhere it says, "you" put your name. There is a book available entitled, "When God Doesn't Fix It", by Laura Story. It is the story of the struggle she and her husband go through and how God dispels all their "myths" with His truth. From her experience, she wrote a song called, "Blessings." Ones verse says, "We pray for wisdom, your voice to hear, We cry in anger when we cannot feel you near. We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love as if every promise from Your Word is not enough. And all the while, you hear each desperate plea and long that we'd have faith to believe. The chorus goes on, cause what if your blessings come through rain drops, what if your healing comes through tears.
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you're near. What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise. She points out all through the book that it is not about us, who we are or what we've done for God, but rather it is all about HIM and who He is and what He has done for us. Maybe it is time for each of us to resolve to revolt from life as usual and find a new revelation of Jesus Christ in our lives. 2020 How is your vision? So far, in the Centre Place, the winter has been mild, but it is not over yet. On December 15th and January 12th, many of the churches in the area closed, due to winter storms. There are many natural disasters taking place around the world as there are in Australia. We say with firm belief, "Our only hope is You Jesus, Our only hope is You." The Conference of Restoration Elders, Pastors of Zion and Pastors of Central Missouri continue to work separately and together to try to provide meaningful experiences for the Saints in the Centre Place. The Missionary groups; ARM (African Restoration Ministries), GEM, (Greater European Ministries), LAMB ( Latin American Missions Board) and SEAAM ( Southeast Asia and Australian Ministries) continue to function in the areas of their world. Mission trips are planned in 2020 for Africa, East and West; Canada, England, Germany, Nepal, Philippines, Australia and possibly other parts of the world. Centre Place Restoration School continues to operate effectively. The enrollment is up and many activities are planned for this year. God bless.
Riches From The Scriptures. by Elder Neil Kerswell, Queensland, Australia Vol 4 Chapter 7 Christ Visits his other Sheep in America - 2 Last time we met, we saw Christ visiting the ancient inhabitants of America. God revealed Himself unto them in a manner that they could see, hear, touch & feel. Ministers were called and authorised by Christ to teach the people the Truth, these Ministers were to share from the abundance of all the things Jesus had taught unto them. This is indeed how all Ministries should function. As Christ reveals Truth into our lives bringing understanding to us we in turn are to share that knowledge and understanding with God’s people. Jesus was setting this people in order so they could have His Church & Kingdom amongst them. There is much to read in its entirety and I encourage all the read the whole Book of Mormon, especially when Christ visits. It is truly a treasure in these latter days. For now however we will just touch on a couple of the gems along the way. [3 Nephi 5:76] Behold, it is written by them of old time, that thou shalt not commit adultery; [3 Nephi 5:77] But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery already in his heart. [3 Nephi 5:78] Behold, I give you a commandment, that ye suffer none of these things to enter into your heart; for it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell. [3 Nephi 5:79] It hath been written, that whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement. [3 Nephi 5:80] Verily, verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery; and whoso shall marry her who is divorced, committeth adultery. Our church family and indeed society as a whole depends upon the strength and integrity of each individual family unit to remain healthy and strong, this is why Christ very early in his visits with the Nephites brings the understanding of the importance of Families loving each other for life. Think about it, baby girls grow up to be women, wives and mothers etc. and the foundation for a joyful life in all these areas starts in the home. Baby boys grow up to be men, husbands and fathers and likewise the foundation in the home from childhood to having responsibilities of their own is paramount to joyful success. This is why the Priest’s role in the church is so important in his responsibility to visit in the homes of each member. If Satan can break down enough family units, he doesn’t have to work so hard on our Church and Society as a whole. If we turn our attention to today, our governments interfere in the way children are taught and disciplined. God has been largely taken out of our children’s schools, and this is just the beginning to the ways our little ones are being undermined. Is it any wonder we have scripture like in 2nd Nephi. [2 Nephi 8:49] Wo unto the wicked! for they shall perish: for the reward of their hands shall be upon them. [2 Nephi 8:50] And my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they who lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. Let it suffice to say our families are most precious and are of the greatest importance to the future success of the church and Zion. We know the world as a whole will reject God, it is prophesied, however the Lords people although few in number shall be armed with righteousness and with power and great glory. [1 Nephi 3:226] And it came to pass that I beheld the church of the Lamb of God, and its numbers were few, because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who sat upon many waters; [1 Nephi 3:230] And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; [1 Nephi 3:231] And they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory. Let us continue with Christ’s visit. [3 Nephi 7:14] And behold, this is the land of your inheritance; and the Father hath given it unto you. [3 Nephi 7:15] And not at any time hath the Father given me commandment that I should tell it unto your brethren at Jerusalem; neither at any time hath the Father given me commandment, that I should tell unto them concerning the other tribes of the house of Israel, whom the Father hath led away out of the land. [3 Nephi 7:16] This much did the Father command me, that I should tell unto them, that other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. [3 Nephi 7:17] And now because of stiff-neckedness and unbelief, they understood not my word; therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father concerning this thing unto them. [3 Nephi 7:18] But, verily, I say unto you, that the Father hath commanded me, and I tell it unto you, that ye were separated from among them because of their iniquity; therefore it is because of their iniquity, that they know not of you. [3 Nephi 7:19] And verily, I say unto you again, that the other tribes hath the Father separated from them; and it is because of their iniquity, that they know not of them. [3 Nephi 7:20] And verily, I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said, Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. [3 Nephi 7:21] And they understood me not, for they supposed it had been the Gentiles; for they understood not that the Gentiles should be converted through their preaching; [3 Nephi 7:22] And they understood me not that I said they shall hear my voice; and they understood me not that the Gentiles should not at any time hear my voice; that I should not manifest myself unto them, save it were by the Holy Ghost. [3 Nephi 7:23] But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen me, and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath given me. [3 Nephi 7:24] And verily, verily, I say unto you, that I have other sheep, which are not of this land; neither of the land of Jerusalem; neither in any parts of that land round about, whither I have been to minister. [3 Nephi 7:25] For they of whom I speak, are they who have not as yet heard my voice; neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them. [3 Nephi 7:26] But I have received a commandment of the Father, that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold, and one shepherd.
God has no favourites, he has shown mercy unto many, by leading them away from the Holy Land and into places far away where they could bare fruit unto the Lord. Christ was born amongst the Jews and crucified, then rose again and taught his Apostles and followers many days preparing them for the day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost was given. He visited the Nephites in the Americas and told them they were His other sheep and then enlarged upon this truth with (I have other sheep, which are not of this land; neither of the land of Jerusalem; neither in any parts of that land round about, whither I have been to minister. For they of whom I speak, are they who have not as yet heard my voice; neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them). I have often wondered where all these people were. Years ago I had opportunity to get our Coat of Arms in relation to our English heritage long ago. In the history section of the documents it says (there are still serious claims that Jesus visited the area where they came from approx 20 A.D.) I don’t know whether it is true or not, however I thought it strange and it was the last thing I expected to see in relation to a Coat of Arms. It’s nice to consider however that long ago our people may have met Christ face to face. For all of us that are covenanted members of Christ’s Church today, and seek with all our hearts to Honour God through the name of Jesus Christ. We have promise that God is with us and will remember us when He comes to make up His Jewels. This is a blessed assurance. I hope the best for all of you who have shared with me in reading these words. I also encourage you to read the scriptures regularly and ask for God’s Guidance and direction and you shall be filled with the Light of God. For these things can only be truly understood by the Power of the Holy Ghost. The Revealment of God only becomes a Revelation when it is received through the gift of Understanding one of the most precious gifts of God to Man. A gift whereby you will be able to hear what He is saying and interpret those words of Life. God be with you, is my Prayer in the name of Christ. Amen.
Ministerial Visit by Elders from USA delayed, The following is an extract from an email I received from Elder Tom Rindels on 16th January. “Hi Noel , I apologize for not responding sooner. I'm still trying to get the return trip put together. Kevin has experienced some significant medical issues and can't be sure about his status until first part of February.We have been diligently seeking another Elder to accompany me perhaps 2 , each for a three week stay. Would still like to plan on sometime in March, I know God will fill the voids for me, I just wish I could give you a set date right now, but we will come and I'll keep you posted , please pass this on to the saints and I ask them for an interest in their prayers concerning this. Will the fires be any kind of an issue. You and your nation are in our prayers.”
****************
Tamworth News submitted by Sr. Helen Archer.
Happy New Year Everyone! Hope this year brings many Blessing and New adventures and may the Lord be with you and bless you. On Sunday the 12 January at the Archers’ residence Elder Peter presided over a Sacrament Service and gave the message. We had all our small group of five in attendance. Followed by a fellowship lunch. Brother Bob had returned from being away with his Daughter. On Sunday the 19th January we had 10 in Attendance with Elder Danny and Kris Archer coming from Sydney and with Elder Peter presiding and Elder Danny Giving the Message , We also had Sister Chloe Schubert and her two children Bridey and Cooper from Tumut for church - followed by a Fellowship lunch. I would like to thank everyone who prayed for my Mum Sister Daphne Schubert for the operation she had on Monday 20th of January. It was day surgery and she is home and doing well. Birthday. Patty Fulton 2nd February
****************
Victoria News. Church of Jesus Christ Restoration Branch. Kelvin View, Euroa.
Reported by Elder Murray Broughton, Pastor
24-11-19. Church in Euroa,in our Home.
Sacrament Service. Reading 1 John 3: 16 - 18.
Apostles died a cruel death, gave their lives, and they will take them up again.
Sr Dawn who is 92 years of age was with us today.
25-11-19.
Went to Cobram to have Sacrament with Deacon Dirk Waasdorp.
27- 11-19.
Bible Study in our Home. 2 Peter Chapter 2 & Chapter 3. Linda Jukes with us.
1-12 -19 Church at Kelvin View Hall. Reading 1 John 3: - 18. 1 Corinthians Chapter 15: 57 - 58. Sacrament with the saints.
8-12- 19.
Church at Kelvin View Hall. Text Matthew 24 v 39. And Whoso treasureth up my words, shall not be deceived. Sermon- 11 Timothy Chapter 3: 1-7. 11 Timothy Chapter 4: 3 - 4. Matthew Chapter 24 v 23-51.
12-19-15.
Church at Kelvin View Hall. Elder Bob Cackler-from U S A. Assisted by Elder Murray Broughton.
22-12-19,
Church at Kelvin View Hall. Christmas Service, with Christmas Hymns. - followed by the Sacrament. We fly out early on Saturday Morning[ 28 Dec for the Philippines. Please remember us in your prayers. Thank You. Your Bro. In Christ. . Elder Murray Broughton, Pastor.
Please include in your daily prayers the following people who are in need of a blessing
Gwen Whately,
Alma & Janice Kerswell
Audrey Kerswell
Adrienne & Robert Windsor
Gary Rowlatt,
Michael & Patty Fulton ,
Ellen Sheppard,
Rhonda Byers,
Jane Broughton.
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST RESTORATION BRANCH, KINGSTON
17-19 Juers Street,
Kingston, Queensland.
Pastor: Elder Alma Kerswell. Phone 07 3800 1151
ACTIVITY SCHEDULE. FEBRUARY.2020.
Sun. 2nd.
10.00 a.m. COMMUNION SERVICE. Elder A. Kerswell asstd. by Priest G. Kerswell
Musical Item for Service. Rebecca & Gary Melling
11.10 a.m.. Prayer and Testimony. Elder A. Kerswell
Sun. 9th.
9.50 a.m. Hymn Sing: Linda Myers Flowers: Linda Myers
10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Elder G. Melling asstd.by Elder N. Melling Musical Item for Service. Linda Myers
11.10 a.m. Priesthood Meeting. Elder N. Rowlatt
11.10.a.m. Ladies Chat Time.
Sun. 16th.
9.50 a.m. Hymn Sing: Rebecca Melling Flowers: Janice Kerswell
10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Elder N. Churchill asstd. by Elder N. Melling
11.10 a.m. Class. Elder G. Melling
Sun. 23th.
9.50 a.m. Hymn Sing: Elsie Melling Flowers: Cathy Melling
10.00 a.m. Favourite Hymn, Scripture, Prayer & Testimony. Priest G. Kerswell
11.10 a.m. Class: Elder N. Churchill
BRANCH NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS for Kingston Branch..
Birthdays. Our best wishes to the following people who are celebrating their Birthdays in February. Bethany Melling on the 12th, Amy Scott on the 18th. and Bill Kerswell has his Birthday on the 21st
Wedding Anniversaries. Neil & Joanne Kerswell will have their Wedding Anniversary on the 11th February. Alma & Janice Kerswell will celebrate theirs on the 18th.
Guest Speaker. While on holidays from America visiting with family and relaxing on the coast over the Christmas/New year, Elder Mark Churchill and his wife Paula visited Kingston Branch on 2 Sundays and on each occasion Mark delivered an excellent sermon. Paula added to the worshipful experiences by singing solos on each occasion. We all appreciated their visit and ministry.
Contributions to the Australian Restoration News need to come by the 20th of the month and must be submitted by email if possible.Email details are nandjrow@bigpond.com.au Phone contact: 07 3824 8386
We would love to have contributions from isolated members in Australia; articles or testimonies or just greetings. We would also like to hear from American saints who have ministered in Australia.
If you do not have access to an internet facility and would like to post your article to me, I will try and have it typed and included, but I would need to receive it by the 18th of the month for inclusion in the next issue. Postal details are as follows: Noel Rowlatt, 6 Wetheral Place, Alexandra Hills. Q4161
No comments:
Post a Comment