THE BACK GROUND OF THE LETTER The poor and persecuted Smyrnean Christians THE MESSAGE OF THE LETTER I know your suffering and poverty – Yet you are rich! I know about the slander you suffer – Do not be afraid You will suffer persecution for a time –…
THE CONTEXT a) Impressive Heritage b) Amazing History c) Imposing Society THE COMMENDATION a) Hard Work (v2) b) Patient Endurance (v2) c) High Standards of Holiness (v2) d) Spiritually Discerning (v2, 6) e) Faithful in the Fight (v3) THE CONCERN Abandoning Your First Love (v4) THE COMMAND Remember! –…
Soak your minds in the truths of God’s Word Be constantly thankful Pray for wisdom, revelation and knowledge Pray for the enlightening work of the Holy Spirit Pray in the light of our glorious and certain future Pray regularly Recognise our unity and union Pray for strength and…
PROMPT (v1-3) a) Situation 538BC – Regime change (v1) b) Scriptures “understood from the scriptures” (v2) c) Seriousness Intensity of a bereavement, fasting (v3) PATTERN (v4-14) a) Confession (v4) Agreeing with God about sin b) Contrast God’s character vs Judah’s conduct c) Consequences “You have fulfilled” (v12) PLEA (v15-19)…
Jacob: 1) HIS BURDEN! (v24) Loneliness, Guilt, Regret, Fear & Dread “And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day” 2) HIS BATTLE! (v24) Wrestling, Hurting, Pleading, Clinging 3) HIS BLESSING! (v27-28) Israel……Prince with God –…
God’s love Shown Through Jesus is: 1. A PRACTICAL LOVE Jesus was compassionate and it always led to action. “To see good put into action is what everyone needs.” 2. A PERSONAL LOVE Jesus met people in their own situations. He did not sit in the Temple and…
ITS PREMISE! The character of the triune God There is forgiveness with God ITS PROMISE! The keys to assurance: 1 John 1:8-9, Psalm 32:5, Isaiah 38:17, 44:22, 55:7, Micah 7:18-19, Ephesians 1:7 ITS PRACTICE! The forgiven forgive It’s Biblical, Essential, Decisional, Gradual, Beautiful …
IT’S FOR ALL PEOPLE Because God made all He offers hope to all IT’S ROOTED IN HISTORY Jesus was a real person who actually lived IT CANNOT BE TAKEN AWAY FROM US The hope of heaven gives us a perspective which changes our…
RAGE! (4:1-5) Jonah burning with rage at God’s mercy RELIEF! (4:6) God sends a plant to comfort and teach Jonah REBUKE! (4:7-11) Do you do well to be angry for the plant? Should I not pity Nineveh that great city? LESSONS: God’s mercy and grace…
RENEWAL! (v1-3) The word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time REVIVAL! (v4-9) A short sermon A strong reaction REFUSAL! (v10) God refuses to judge the penitent
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