I feel forsaken and forgotten – (49:14) The reality is you’re loved and remembered I feel bereaved and barren – (49:21) The reality is you’re going to be multiplied and restored I feel trampled and trapped – (49:24) The reality is you’re going to be rescued and…
A PROPOSAL! Come now let us reason together says the Lord. A PROBLEM! Though your sins are as scarlet. A PROMISE! They shall be as white as snow.
STOP AND LOOK! a) The Servant brings JUSTICE v1-4 Internal Repair External Nourishment Eternal Hope b) The Servant brings DELIVERANCE v5-9 Light Sight Truth STOP AND LISTEN! Who is this Servant? With heaven’s authority He lives in humility v1 God’s ‘good news’ for everyone v2 God’s new Israel…
The Summary a) Performance Religion – v1-2 b) Stubborn Hearts and Wills – v4 c) Idolatry – v5 d) Moaning and Criticising – v8 e) Blind, Deaf and Disobedient -v18-19 The Solution The Glorious Grace of God a) Grace…
1) BATTLES! (9:1-16) Throughout the Persian Empire Jews defend themselves 2) BANQUETS! (9:17-32) The Feast of Purim celebrated in all the provinces 3) BLESSINGS! (10:1-3) Mordecai speaks ‘Shalom’ to all his people LESSONS: Remember God’s deliverances Seek peace and pursue it Rejoice, the Lord is King
1) THE LADY! The mistress of kingdoms is fallen 2) THE LIE! Of – Sovereignty, Mercy, Pleasure, Dynasty, Secrecy & Enchantments 3) THE LORD! Our Redeemer, the Lord of Hosts is His name, is the Holy One of Israel (v4)
1) A DAY OF REWARD! (v1-2) Mordecai is made prime minister 2) A DAY OF REQUEST (v3-6) Esther pleads for her people 3) A DAY OF REJOICING (v7-17) Good news is taken to the four corners of the Empire LESSONS: 1. There is light in the darkest situation 2….
The Antidote to Idolatry 1. “Listen to Me” (v3-4 & v12-13) Tender Encouragement and Tender Rebuke 2. “Remember” (v8-9) Tender Admonition and Tender Revelation
1) SOVEREIGNTY! (v1-10) God’s timing is perfect 2) SINCERITY! (v11-12) God’s man is honoured 3) SECURITY! (v13) God’s enemy is doomed God’s people are safe
1. The Lord’s Unsettling Greatness (44:24-45:8) Creator, Sustainer, Sovereign, Saviour 2. The People’s Unacceptable Grievance (45:9-13) I’m your God, not your puppet” 3. The Lord’s Unending Grace (45:14-25) Universal Invitation; Personal Application; Missionary Implication
Dear friends,
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support doing these uncertain times.
Please do continue to pray for wisdom and guidance as we seek to do what is best to care for those who are most vulnerable among us.
As per the latest government guidelines and on the basis of an expert medical opinion from within our congregation, from the NHS and from Public Health England, we want to offer this additional information:
We advise anyone with a weakened immune system or any underlying health condition to stay away from public gatherings indoors.
If anyone experiences even a minor new and continuous cough, fever or other cold-like symptoms, please stay at home for at least 7 days.
These steps will help to protect those most vulnerable to the virus.
Please do pray for those who are vulnerable and may feel frightened and isolated. We are working on a strategy to help in this area.
Please pray for those who are on the front line of dealing with those affected, nurses, doctors and other health and social care workers.
We will be doing our best to keep you informed as regularly and as promptly as we can and as seems wise.
-Thursday Club will be suspended until further notice.
-CAMEO the monthly ladies group will also be suspended until further notice.
-The youth and children's work will take place as normal for now. Any changes for next week will be communicated as soon as they are known.
At this time, there is no guidance to cancel services or events. We are constantly checking as this and will respond accordingly.
We are planning to meet together this Sunday, 15th, as usual until the NHS and Public Health England change their advice. We are currently thinking through different strategies should this change.
We will be doing all we can over the coming weeks to help minimise the risk, encouraging each other to minimise contact. We have asked the welcome team asked not to shake hands when you come through the door.
We are also looking to livestream the services and recording them to be available on the website afterwards. Depending on the rapidly changing situation and guidance, we may be altering our services to best respond and also to protect the vulnerable.
We are thinking through several scenarios and will keep updating you as things progress.
If you are aware of someone in need or at risk of increased isolation, please call this number for help: 0151 280 9716
Please see the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Public health England at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england
This is a time for us as a congregation to trust God, act wisely and love one another!
With love
Ian
On behalf of the elders