1. Jesus says NO! to ‘judgementalism’ 2. Jesus says YES! to discernment
The Prescription: Matt 6:25-34 Remember who God is and how He cares v25-6; 31-2 Recognise that worry doesn’t work v27 Resolve to trust Him more v28-30 Reset your heart’s priorities v33 Rely on today’s grace for todays’ troubles v34 Who’s Approval Are You Seeking? Approval Anxiety The Fear of…
TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR HEART Where is your treasure? TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR MIND Where is your focus? TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR ACTIONS Who or what are you serving? 1. “I value all things only by the price they shall gain in eternity.” (John Wesley) 2….
1. The Basics What is prayer and fasting? 2. The Backdrop How should we pray and fast? 3. The Blueprint Who should we pray to and meditate upon? What should we pray for and meditate upon? 4. The Bombshell Why is v14 here?
1. THE EXHIBITION! (v1-2) The trumpet blowers 2. THE EXHORTATION! (v3) Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing 3. THE EXAMINATION! (v4) “….so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Introduction Context: The rest of the sermon – directed at disciples Contrasts: “..it was said …but I tell you….” Sayings vs 43,44 The teaching: Lev 19:18; Ex 23:4,5 – what was added, what was subtracted. The truth: Love with no boundaries, prayer for those who oppose. Sons vs 45 -47…
Show yourself approved unto God. (Matt.5:38-42) Deny Yourself: In the face of insult and injury v38-39 In the light of unfair and unjust treatment v40 In the case of enforced service v41 In the pain of being mistreated and manipulated v42 Be like the Head of the Church…
1. The REALITY of Oaths – Biblical Precedent 2. The REASON for Oaths – Honesty and Accountability 3. There are RASH Oaths – Thoughtless and Costly 4. There are REDUNDANT Oaths – Blinding and Foolish 5. Yes or No in WORSHIP 6. Yes or No in WITNESS 7. Yes…
Current divorce rate in UK – 42% (reducing due to increase in cohabiting couples) 11% increase in divorce among the over 50s – “the silver splitters” – in last 10 years 9 most common reasons – Money, Affairs, Interfering Ex’s, Sex, Children from previous relationships, Intrusive parents, Differences in…
A right understanding of Sin leads to: A right understanding of Salvation A right understanding of Holiness A right understanding of the Love of God Know your Enemy – Sin is: Powerful Subtle Corrupting Destructive A right understanding of Sex: It’s beautiful It’s mutual – and exclusive It’s a…
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