From: Noel Rowlatt
February 2021 Australian Restoration News
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. 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 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.
So far, in the Centre Place, the winter has been mild, but it is not over yet. We just got our second snow of the season this week. You know, the white stuff that falls from the sky.
Like the rest of the world, the Centre Place, Missouri, and the USA have been in the virus mode since early 2020. It does not look like it is going to get any better. All the government restrictions have greatly limited what can be done in regards to public gatherings. Most Branches in the Independence area are back to actually meeting at the churches. All the schools, including CPRS, have also been affected by the situation. CPRS is into the second term of the year and things are going as well as can be expected considering the circumstances. It is something we all have to deal with while we eagerly await the return of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
The missionary groups are still active, but again, international travel is almost at a standstill. Only God knows when the various groups will be able to send mission teams out again.
The Conference of Restoration Elders, Pastors of Central Missouri and Pastors of Zion continue their efforts to provide ministry to the Saints. The virtual services have been very good, but can't replace the rich fellowship. Camps, Retreats, and Reunions are being planned for the spring, summer, and fall, but things may change as the virus rages.
I'm sure most of you know about the Solemn Assembly held in September. it was preceded by a sixty days of preparation study guide and has been followed by a sixty days of response and a sixty day toward Zion. Plans are in the works for another sixty day study guide to begin around January 26, 2021. Several testimonies will be in the next issue of Tidings of Zion which will hopefully be out in mid-February.
All information of events sponsored by the three groups mentioned above can be found on line. This is one way Saints all over the world can stay connected, if they have access to the internet. I commend all of you for your virtual meetings. The ones I have seen have been very good. It has been great getting to see some of you during the services. Keep up the great work.
God bless
Riches from the Scriptures by Elder Neil Kerswell, Queensland, Australia.
Vol 4 Chapter 17 What Can We Do in the face of our Accuser
In the early days of my life living in Australia, I often felt far away from any real works of God and looked up to the Church people in America, who I hadn’t met, because the Church was restored in that place and I considered they must be far more righteous than we were here and if I am honest, that they must be far more important also. As I have aged and learnt throughout my life, I now understand it doesn’t matter where you are born or what nation you are a part of. It is our heart that God looks to. It’s what we do and say in life which shows what we truly believe. I now know quite a lot of Americans from within various Restoration church groups and circles. They, like us in Australia, have experienced great blessings as well as great persecution at the hands and mouths of people both in and out of the church. Satan is the great accuser of the brethren and has sought earnestly to destroy the Church from within wherever there are people still trying to hold on till the coming of Christ. This will persist until Satan is locked up and the power of Christ prevails, because Satan has been at this for a very long time. Let us read from revelations.
Revelation 12:10] For the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
[Revelation 12:11] For they have overcome him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; for they loved not their own lives, but kept the testimony even unto death. Therefore, rejoice O heavens, and ye that dwell in them.
[Revelation 12:12] And after these things I heard another voice saying, Woe to the inhabiters of the earth, yea, and they who dwell upon the islands of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
From this scripture we see that Satan accused his brethren in the heavens and upon the Earth constantly, and continues to influence people here to do his bidding on the Earth amongst God’s creation. Remember from the beginning Satan sought through Eve to think she could become wise by breaking God’s laws and she in turn tempted her husband Adam. Satan thought by doing this he would destroy God’s works forever, He failed to understand God had all knowledge and had prepared a way to bring back His creation if they were willing to accept it through their agency. This however has never brought to an end, Satan’s relentless efforts to destroy God’s creation and God’s ways.
Satan knows in the scale of Eternity this life’s existence is but a vapour of smoke, here today and gone tomorrow, therefore he knew he had little time to cause havoc amongst the inhabitants of the Earth. Therefore he and his team of dark angels have been going for all they are worth to spread lies, contention and of course accusation amongst all.
How can we truly serve God amongst the noise that Satan brings?
[Mosiah 1:48] Behold, I say unto you, that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.
[Mosiah 1:49] And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.
Whenever we are in the service of others we are in God’s service. King Benjamin and Mosiah were Kings based locally amongst their people, not only did they rule in the affairs of their kingdom, they also worked with their hands amongst the people to not be a burden and to serve God. When we are at work, whether we be male or female providing for our family’s needs, we are heavily involved in God’s work. When Mothers care for their children they also are heavily involved in God’s work. In fact in every aspect of our life if our heart is in the right place and the imaginations of our hearts are set upon God, we are heavily involved in God’s work. Those who are priesthood when they are doing according to their callings are heavily involved in God’s work. Deacons, Teachers, Priests and Elders are local ministry and have responsibility to their local branch and families. Some Elders are called to the Seventy and have a responsibility to travel and to bring ministry into the places where Christ himself will come, High Priests are local ministry, however 12 can be called to be Apostles having a responsibility to travel both at home and abroad. All of these gifts, callings and responsibilities when being fulfilled with an honest heart before God are truly in the Service of God.
[Psalm 24:1] The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
[Psalm 24:2] For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
[Psalm 24:3] Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
[Psalm 24:4] He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
[Psalm 24:5] He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
This Psalm helps us understand what sort of person we need to be. Clean hands, undefiled hands, a Pure heart, an honest heart, not lifted up to vanity, not prideful, not sworn deceitfully, a person of our word who won’t break it, a person who will not unite with secret orders and works of darkness. In short with God’s help we should seek to be, clean living people with honest intentions and trustworthy with our fellow man and with God. If only we could be like Nathanael.
[John 1:45] Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
[John 1:46] And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip said unto him, Come and see.
[John 1:47] Jesus saw Nathanael coming unto him, and said of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
[John 1:48] Nathanael said unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answering said unto him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.
[John 1:49] Nathanael answered and said unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
[John 1:50] Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these.
[John 1:51] And he said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.
Imagine if God could say of us, (behold a child of God indeed, in whom there is no guile). Or in other words behold a child of the Covenant, someone in whom there is no Treachery, Cunning, Deviousness or Deceitfulness.
[Matthew 5:7] And blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth.
[Matthew 5:8] And blessed are all they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.
[Matthew 5:9] And blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy.
[Matthew 5:10] And blessed are all the pure in heart; for they shall see God.
[Matthew 5:11] And blessed are all the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.
[Matthew 5:12] Blessed are all they that are persecuted for my name's sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[Matthew 5:13] And blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
[Matthew 5:14] For ye shall have great joy, and be exceeding glad; for great shall be your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
In the eyes of the world all these teachings on the mount by Christ are considered weakness, when in fact this is how our Saviour wants us to be. If you can seek a life like this the promises in these teachings of Christ are great, but be aware the way will not be easy. Satan seeks to destroy the works of God therefore if you are this way inclined (bound for the Kingdom of God). You shall in deed be targeted. Satan, his Angels and those people easily manipulated by him shall persecute you and falsely accuse you of that which you are not guilty . It will take very strong faith to endure. Especially if it comes from those within the church who should be your friends. But always remember Christ was hurt in the house of those who should have been His friends and loved ones. In short beware of anyone who carries the Spirit of Contention, beware of anyone who carries the Spirit of Accusation, for God does not dwell in such. Let us receive counsel from D&C section 3.
[Sec 3:15d] yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention, concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the Scriptures, and do not understand them;
It is ok to disagree, so long as there is respect to people’s agency and no desire in us to force or manipulate others to do our will, we then become Satan’s.
It can happen to all of us if we cease to pray always and place our trust in ourselves and our own understanding. God doesn’t promise us a life without challenges, but He does promise to be with us by the power of His Spirit if we will always remember Him. As we all face trials, challenges. Sickness etc. We must always remember to be lovingly mindful of others when they experience theirs. For as we do unto others so shall it be done unto us, for those who show mercy shall be given mercy. We shall truly reap as we have sown.
[Matthew 7:21] Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
[Matthew 7:22] Repent, therefore, and enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be who go in thereat.
[Matthew 7:23] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
[Matthew 7:24] And, again, beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing; but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
[Matthew 7:25] Ye shall know them by their fruits; for do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
[Matthew 7:26] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
[Matthew 7:27] A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
[Matthew 7:28] Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
[Matthew 7:29] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
[Matthew 7:30] Verily I say unto you, it is not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, that shall enter unto the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.
What is the will of the Father for You? Have you asked him in Prayer?
Are you an Accuser of the Brethren? If you are, you need to repent and make restitution worthy of your repentance!
Do you carry the Spirit of Contention? If you do, you need to repent and make restitution worthy of your repentance!
If you are a Peacemaker, if you are Meek, if you are Merciful, if you are Pure in Heart, if you hunger and thirst after Righteousness, if you are persecuted for your belief in Christ. Keep going, do not give up, keep repenting every day and follow after Christ who is the Author and Finisher of your Faith, endure to the end. If you will continue Faithful all your days without ceasing, there is a place for you in the Kingdom of Glory.
Sincerely, your Brother in Christ.
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Tamworth News Reported by Sr. Helen Archer
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year. We continue to meet online for Prayer Service on Wednesday nights and
Morning Preaching Service on Sunday Mornings and it is wonderful to see all the Saints from all over Australia and some from the U.S.A. The Ministry has been very good.
We continue to pray for Church and all the peoples of the World.
Birthday. Patty Fulton 2nd February
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FOR THE SCATTERED SAINTS OF AUSTRALIA Sr Monique Hummel –
Co-Ordinator of this page.
Let go, and let God
‘Give your burdens to the LORD.’ Psalm 55:22
Are you burdened about someone you love? Have your efforts to help them failed? Let go, and let God deal with them! Letting go doesn’t mean you stop caring; it just means you can’t do it for them. Letting go isn’t about cutting yourself off; it’s about realizing you didn’t cause the problem, and you can’t cure it, and you can’t control it. It’s about letting others learn from their consequences. It’s admitting that this time the outcome is not in your hands. It’s not about blaming or trying to change the other person; but having the wisdom to recognize you can only change yourself. It’s ‘caring about’, instead of ‘care-taking’. It’s being supportive without trying to fix them, and instead of judging, allowing them to be a human being. Letting go means instead of wading into the middle and trying to control every possible outcome, you allow others to affect their own outcomes. Instead of hovering and being overprotective, it’s about permitting them to face reality. It’s about accepting instead of denying. And rather than nagging, scolding, and arguing, it is learning to work on your own shortcomings. Letting go means instead of trying to adjust everything to your own desires, you take each day as it comes and cherish each moment. It means instead of criticizing and regulating, you learn to focus on the purpose to which God has called you. It means not looking back with regret on the past, and focusing instead on growing and living for the future. Letting go is about fearing less and loving more.
~ From United Christian Broadcasters
PRIESTHOOD MEETING ~ MONDAY 1st FEBRUARY AT 6-30 pm
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ON LINE PRAYER MEETING at 6.30 p.m. Qld Time on EACH WEDNESDAY
Daylight Saving Times:
PRAYER SERVICE & PRIESTHOOD MEETING: NSW/VIC/ACT 7-30 pm; QLD 6-30 pm; STH AUST 7-00 PM; W.AUST 4-30 pm
SUNDAY: NSW / VICTORIA / ACT 11-00 am; QLD 10.00 am; STH AUST 10.30 am; W.AUST 8-00 am
Streamed on-line Church Services Scheduled for FERBRUARY, 2021.
Sunday Services at 10.00 a.m..EST..........................................................Prayer Services 6-30 p.p. EST
Sun 7th Sacrament.....LOCAL AREA SERVICES..............................................Wed. 3rd Elder Gary Melling
Sun. 14th Preaching Priest Peter Churchill...........................................Wed. 10th Elder Peter Archer
Sun. 21st Preaching Elder Neville Churchill.........................................Wed. 17th Priest Glenn Kerswell
Sun. 28th Preaching Elder Murray Broughton......................................Wed. 24th Priest Peter Churchill
To join and share in this group activity all you need to do is email Elder Danny Archer in Sydney danny@inbeta.org and register and he will give you the instructions on how to get connected. You must have internet to access this service.
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Church of Jesus Christ Restoration Branch--Kelvin View, Euroa. Previously held: Reported by Elder Murray Broughton
6-12-2020. Church at Kelvin View Hall. Reading 1 Peter Chapter 1 v 3 v 4 v 19--25. Sermon and The Sacrament..
9-12 -2020. Bible Study-Genesis 4 v 6 v 7 Isaiah 7 v 14.Isaiah 9 v 6 v 7.Luke Chapter 1.
Prayer and Testimony Service on line--led by Priest Alma Kerswell.
13-12- 2020 Church service in our home, Reading Luke Chapter1 v 5-13 - Text Luke 1 v 37. For with God
nothing can be impossible. Sermon Luke 1 v 5--25 v 36--44 v 55--63.
16-12-2020. Prayer and Testimony --led by Elder Peter Archer.
20 -12-2020 Church Service at Kelvin View Hall. Christmas Service ,with the Sacrament..
23 -12-2020. Prayer and Testimony Service on Line--led by Elder Murray Broughton.
27-12 -2020. Church Service on line-led by Elder Neville Churchill.
30-12-2020. Prayer and Testimony Service-led by Elder Peter Archer.
3-1-2021. No Church Service for us-not feeling well.
6-1-2021. Bible Study at 2pm with Linda Jukes and us. Luke Chapter 4..
Prayer and Testimony Service on line.-Led by Elder Danny Archer.
10-1 2021. Church Service at Kelvin View Hall. Reading Romans Chapter 14 v 7--12.
Sermon Romans 14 v 7-12 Acts 10 v 34--48. The Sacrament..
17-1-2021. Preaching Service on line. Elder Murray Broughton. Is Baptism Important.?.
24-1-2021. Hoping to have Business Meeting..
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Please include in your daily prayers the following people who are in need of a blessing Gwen Whately, Alma & Janice Kerswell Audrey Kerswell Michael & Patty Fulton, Gary Rowlatt,
Ellen Sheppard, Olive Melling, Roy Schubert.
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST RESTORATION BRANCH, KINGSTON
17-19 Juers Street, Kingston, Queensland. Pastor: Elder Alma Kerswell. Phone 07 3800 1151
ACTIVITY SCHEDULE. FEBRUARY 2021.
Wed 3rd . Prayer Meeting. Elder Gary Melling
Sun. 7th. 10.00 a.m. COMMUNION SERVICE. Elder N. Rowlatt asstd.by Priest G. Kerswell
Musical Item for Service: Linda Myers
11.10 a.m. Favorite Hymn, Scripture & Testimony Service. Elder A. Kerswell
Wed 10th. Prayer Meeting. Elder Peter Archer
Sun. 14th. 10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Priest Peter Churchill
Musical Item for Service:
(Live streamed ?)
11.10 a.m. Discussion Period: Elder Noel Rowlatt
Wed 17th. Prayer Meeting. Priest Glenn Kerswell
Sun. 21st. 10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Elder Neville Churchill
Musical Item for Service: Gary & Rebecca Melling
(Live streamed out)
11.10 a.m. Class. Elder Gary Melling
Wed 24th. Prayer Meeting. Priest Peter Churchill
Sun. 28th. 10.00 a.m. PREACHING SERVICE. Elder Murray Broughton
( Live streamed in)
11.10 a.m. Class. Elder Gary Melling
Wed 3rd. March. Prayer Meeting. Elder Danny Archer
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.
A very warm welcome to the Game Family to Queensland. David and Melissa Game and their five children have now taken up residence at 9 Harbourvue Court, Helensvale, QLD 4212. Their children are:
Lauren 14, Ngaia 14, Micah 12, Nikolas 7 and Stella 6. We look forward to greeting them personally when they have the opportunity to visit Kingston Branch.
Sr.Alva Robinson’s new address is 10 Ries Road, Toogoom Queensland. 4655 Mobile Number 0455557812
Removal of tree on Church property. Unfortunately we had to have the lovely fig shade tree at the back of the church removed as evidence that its root system was undermining the building appeared.
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.
Postal details are as follows: Noel Rowlatt, 6 Wetheral Place, Alexandra Hills. Q4161
Editor Elder Noel Rowlatt Assistant Editor Gary Rowlatt
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