Nov 23, 2024 @Alstonville

Sabbath School 9.30

Church Service 11 am

Preacher: Pr Dada
Topic: Resurrection and Immortality
Memory verse: Revelation 20:6
 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

Join us for Friday night vespers each week to open Sabbath and fellowship together. All are welcome! Commencing 7 p.m., we will sing hymns and worship together in the Alstonville church, followed by refreshments in the hall.

November 16 @Alstonville

Pathfinders  Rustin Quin

On the day of our 2024 Pathfinders Investiture, Rustin shares with us the way to stay on the path we must all walk to our heavenly home.

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matt 7:14.

November 9 @Alstonville

The Origin of Evil  – Pr Dada Fialho

Each moment of the day, every decision we make is either submitting to voice of the devil, or submitting to the voice of our Redeemer. Choose right now who you will serve, choose the way of life through prayer and study of His word, “… and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:7

November 2 @Alstonville

The Judgement, Pre Advent – Pr Dada Fialho

Judgement day – the day that the whole world will be in the presence of God at His return.  This God who “…is a consuming fire” (Heb 12:29) is also the God who today knocks at the door of our hearts, invites each of us into His presence to share time with Him and learn of His love and care for us.  

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,  looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?  Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (2 Pet 3:11-13)

October 12 @Alstonville

Nick Conduit  The Time for the Restoration of Truth

If there was ever a time when truth should be restored and put on display by the people of God – this is that day. Nick opens up to us the consequences of living during the atypical day of atonement, and how through study, prayer and humbleness we can come to know the truth of our redemption and salvation.

In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. Prov 16:6

October 5 @Alstonville

Glen Hughes – Lessons from Daniel 11

In his eleventh chapter, Daniel records for us the words of Gabriel – a rapid paced, complex prophecy that sweeps through history from Daniel’s time, to the end of time. Deciphering Gabriel’s words and their exact application to historical figures and events requires much study and effort, but Glen shares with us what would have been important to Daniel – the hearer and recorder of this prophecy.  Rulers and kingdoms rise and fall, alliances are made and battles fought – but all corrupt nations and wicked rulers will fall and bow before the Lord in the end and His people will be delivered. “At that time Michael shall stand up…” Dan 12:1

September 28 @Alstonville

Noah Herrington My Testimony

Noah shares with us his journey from brokenness to being whole in the family of God.

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Heb 7:25

September 21 @Alstonville

Elijah Kwasa – The First Angel’s Message

You are a Seventh-day Adventist Christian? Where did we come from, why do we exist, and what does it mean for you? Elijah challenges us with the heart of our great commission — not just as a church, but most importantly as individuals, striving to urgently share what we each know of the soon return of Jesus.

Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” Rev 14:6-7

September 14 @Alstonville

Searching Out the Mystery of God  Nick Saunders

There is a treasure we hold in our hands – full of promises, guidance, knowledge, and amazing glimpses of God’s infinite love. Today, Nick challenges us to search for and study the wonderful mystery that is all the things Jesus and our Heavenly Father have done, so that we can be saved, and work to save others before that trumpet sounds.

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1 Cor 15:51,52)

September 7 @Alstonville

Jesus’ Word is the Safeguard Against Satan – Pr Dada Fialho

Jesus defeated the temptations of Satan with the words “…It is written…” As Pastor Dada introduces Revelation Ch 11, he shares with us a special truth – that we can resist the allure and temptations of this world the same way as did Jesus – through the power of the word. This is our ‘Superpower’ – “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Ps 119:11

Pr Dada’s shirt says “Read to Succeed” and the QR code on the back points to: https://booksforgood.com.au/ just in case you are interested!

July 13 @Alstonville

The Restoring Father Rob Hill

Rob explores a well known story with three characters – a slice of life that we all live each day. It’s a story of disgrace and rebellion, of loyalty and injustice, of patience and forgiveness. In this tale we have one character making a long journey to a far land and disaster, another who’s shorter journey was to restoration and repentance, and one who’s role was to learn forgiveness without leaving the front door. Whomever we identify with most, the most treasured element of this tale is that the Father will always forgive and give us a better life. “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

June 22 @Alstonville

Pr Dada Fialho Love is the Abundance of Grace

Taking the form of a bible study, Dada explores for us the elements of John’s 1st epistle. He admonishes us, through constant surrender and connection to God, to always love others with the same love as Jesus.  “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.  And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” 1 John 15,16

June 15 @Alstonville

Shani and the Teens  Your Sacred Call to Priesthood

Priests? We are members of a Royal Priesthood?  The girls discuss for us what Peter means, and how to be forever one of God’s special people.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10

June 8 @Alstonville

Noah Herrington The Strength of Grace

Noah shares with us the strength and encouragement he received by being mentored on his journey to becoming a disciple of Jesus, and the important role that we have in mentoring others. The strength of God’s grace is often shown through the simplicity of faith.

May 25 @Alstonville

Pr Tema Pologa Faithfulness Spills Over

Choose Jesus! Pastor Tema explores with us the path of faithfulness and the resulting God-given peace and joy that will fill our hearts and spill over into our witness to others.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom 15:13

May 18 @Alstonville

 April Boyd Convicted and Converted

In Acts 24 we have a sad story put before us of an opportunity missed forever.  Marcus Antonius Felix, as governor of the Roman province of Judea from AD 52 to 59, heard the case of Paul accused of sedition by the Jewish council.  He then questioned Paul later in private, to hear more about the faith of Jesus, but became uncomfortable with what he heard, and sent Paul away until a more “…convenient time”.  April shows us that we, just like Felix, need to make a decision today – to surrender ourselves completely to Jesus now, or like Felix risk losing the opportunity forever.

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.” (Is 55:6) 

May 11 @Alstonville

The All-Powerful Paradox  Magoma Kwasa

On one hand is a weak human determined to win their own victories, and on the other hand an all-powerful God ready to help us. Magoma shares with us the way to let God take control of the changes we need in our lives – a path of daily surrender and reliance on His power, not our own.

“…for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Phil 2:13

April 20 @Alstonville

Shantaya Alsop-Lewis – 1st Corinthians

Shantaya shares with us Paul’s message to the growing church in Corinth. His writings here apply just as much to us today – look to Jesus for our example of love and unity in faith, for we are all equally important parts of the structure that reaches out to save those that are lost.

April 6, 2024 @Alstonville

Lyle Southwell Sabbath School and the Mission of the Church

Lyle shares with the secret to firing up the hearts of our congregation, and spreading the message of Jesus to the whole world.

March 16, 2024 @Alstonville

  Pr Dada Fialho  No Greater Purpose than to Share Jesus

After Pentecost the Holy Spirit was active in the early church. First the Holy Spirit advised the church to send out Barnabas and Paul for the work that He had called them to. The Holy Spirit then sent them to Cyprus where the preached the word of God to the Jews in the synagogues.  They were also filled with the Holy Spirit who gave them the words to preach to both Jews and Gentiles. God reveals Himself to me as I read His word and pray, but He also reveals Himself through the church. When the church asks me to do something, I should ask myself: Is this God speaking to me? What does God want me to do for Him? Sharing what He has done in our lives is the greatest purpose we can have.

Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. Acts 14:27

March 9 @Alstonville

So Completely Filled – April Boyd

Stephen was able to do amazing works for God because he was completely filled with the power of God. April encourages us to look at our own hearts to examine what we are filled with. The only way I can be filled with Jesus is to spend time with Him. As I see the love of Jesus for me, it will produce love for others in my heart. Is the joy that Jesus gives me visible to others in the way I live my life? Am I filled with Jesus so others can see Jesus in me?

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Acts 6:8

February 17 @Alstonville

Real People, Real Problems  Ryan Cuff

The Holy Spirit had descended and the early church in Jerusalem were of one heart and one soul. People were selling their land and houses and providing for those who had need. But then came the sudden deaths of Ananias and Sapphira. What had happened? Why didn’t God give them a chance to repent? Perhaps it was because their actions had shown  them unable to truly see the love of God through the sacrifice of Jesus, and to appreciate the gift of the Holy Spirit. They had instead responded to this love with selfishness and pride potentially influencing many with this selfish decision. God doesn’t actually need my money, but how I use my money shows where my heart really is. 

February 12 @Alstonville

The Gift of God – Pr Dada Fialho

Fifty days after the resurrection, the disciples heard the sound of a wind rushing through the house where they were meeting, and tongues of fire landed on their heads. They were then filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and all the visitors to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Harvest could understand them preaching in their own language. Jesus longs to give us the gift of the Holy Spirit. I may not do miracles or speak in other languages, but when the Holy Spirit is acting in my life, others will be able to see the love of Jesus in me. The Holy Spirit will help me, guide me and convict me. All I have to do is ask. 

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. John 17:13

January 27 @Alstonville

 Elijah KWASA – I Command You

When someone commands us to do something, often our first impulse is to resist. We don’t like being told what to do! Even obeying God doesn’t come naturally to us. However, God’s commandments are there to show us how to love Him and to love each other. We need to be told how to love, because in our hearts, we are all selfish. In fact, if we’re not obeying God, we are incapable of worshiping Him. Obeying God is actually a higher form of worship than going to church and listening to a sermon. Are you worshiping God by serving others today?

“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22

January 20 @Alstonville

The Right Question – Glen Hughes

It is just as important to have the right questions as it is to have the right answers.  Even a genius can be tricked into giving the wrong answer because they haven’t asked the right question. God asks the best questions, because he wants us to know the best answers. The best question of all is: How can I know who God really is? We can see who God is in how Jesus loved on this earth. Jesus is the best answer to the best question. It is only by knowing Him that we can know the truth. 

 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.  John 17:3

January 13 @Alstonville

Illuminate – Jared Hughes

Jared explores how a camera is like the investigative judgement: it is all due to the importance of light. Satan wants us to be in darkness about who God is, but when Jesus came into this world, He came to bring us light about God. During the investigative judgement we will see why God has made the decisions that He has made, and in doing so He will reveal His character to not only each person who has ever lived, but also to the watching worlds. It is the illumination of Jesus that enables our re-creation.

But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. Revelation 21:22-23

January 6 @Alstonville

Your Yearly Diet Plan – Pr Dada Fialho

You have a resolution to make personal change?  It’s certainly that time of year. Should we be more responsible with money, exercise more regularly, or eat less pancakes? Pr Dada trims off the fat, ramps up the essentials and encourages us to concentrate on spiritual fitness.  A daily walk with God, counting His blessings and being nourished by the bread of life.

Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Isaiah 55:2