Dapto Anglican Church

Most people go along with the idea that “No-one is perfect”. The average aussie also believes that, “I’m not too bad”. Those two catch phrases seem to be enough to ease the conscience and therefore deal with the “sin” in our lives.

How far is this away from God’s view of sin? Today we discuss the account of Achan. His sin was simple; he saw things he shouldn’t have, he wanted things he shouldn’t have, he took things he shouldn’t have and then he hid these things he now shouldn’t have. The consequences of his actions affected the whole Israelite community.

God judged Achan and his family and they faced the punishment for their sin. Each of us sin just as easily as Achan. We face the same judgement.

The great news for us, is that Jesus was the one taken outside of the community and executed. He faced our consequences. The only man who was “perfect” and “not bad” (at all) has dealt with our sin and cleared our conscience.

That is the true victory over sin!

Stephen Semenchuk

Bulletin 31/08/08 (pdf, 1.9 MB)

Prayer 09/08 (pdf, 1.6 MB)

Usually when a person wins their first golf tournament they thank their Coach, their parents, their caddy, the crowd, the greenkeeper and their sponsors. This week a 26 year old Australian won her first golf tournament, the Canadian Open. Katherine Hull was standing on the platform and as she received the trophy she said, “I only stand here today by the grace of God”.

Later in an interview she was asked how she maintained her composure during the final round. After all, in her playing group was the world number 1 player. She answered that while the world number 1 was a fierce competitor, they had also been in the same Bible Study Group for 3 years; “I actually felt relaxed in her company”. Each of us only stand by the grace of God. We need to seize the opportunities God gives us, just like Katherine Hull.

Stephen Semenchuk

Bulletin 24/08/2008 (pdf, 1.2 MB)

Most of us have events in our life that we would rather forget. For some it might be mistakes that continue to cause issues in our life, for others it may be a way of life that embarrasses us profoundly.

Rahab was a citizen of Jericho who was considered a disgrace. She was known to be a prostitute and she was treated accordingly. Yet by the New Testament she is accorded a place of honour, listed in Jesus’ family tree.

Her story could so easily be our story. Before God, each of our records would render us unworthy. Through Jesus, each of us offered a place of honour in his family. Rehab risked her life and place in society for God. We face the same challenge!

Stephen Semenchuk

Bulletin 17/08/08 (pdf, 1.09 MB)

When the American Indians roamed the prairies they encountered many dangers. Tribes were at war with other tribes. Often the environment was inhospitable; food was hard to come by and wild animals threatened their existence. Many Indian Braves thought that by eating the heart of a buffalo their hearts would grow and they would become braver and even more courageous.

Joshua encourages God’s people to be strong and very courageous. His basis is not the food they eat but the God who has provided their food. Joshua’s encouragement is that God will be with them wherever they go. God will keep his promises!

Joshua therefore encourages them to trust God, obey God’s word and follow God’s ways. Sometimes our world causes us to question and doubt and to make choices that deep down we know are wrong. We need to be strong and very courageous and choose God’s way because of faith in his goodness, faithfulness and power.

Stephen Semenchuk

Bulletin 10/08/08 (pdf, 1.1 MB)

Bulletin 03/08/08 (pdf, 2.26 MB)