Are you anxious about the future? Do you sometimes wonder, how can you find peace and joy in these disturbing times? Well the answer lies in trust. Not in trusting in our politicians but to trust in Jesus’ words. He is the way, the truth and the life. Put your trust in Him.
Jesus sometimes made extraordinary journeys to teach his disciples important truths. Our study this evening is entitled, “The gates will not prevail”. But what were these gates, where were they and what was their significance? Most importantly, at this time of a general election, this passage gives us Jesus manifesto for the church – one in which we can trust and will be delivered. Let us be encouraged together. Clive.
Are you anxious about the future? Do you listen to our politicians and wondered if we can believe any of their rhetoric? Well Paul, despite being in prison, wrote to the church at Philippi and urged them to “rejoice”. In fact, to emphasis the point, he said it twice. “I say again: Rejoice!” Paul is teaching us that no matter what is going on in your life, Jesus is with you – every step of the way. It is so easy to get discouraged about difficult situations that seem to crop up so frequently, well Paul’s message to us is that we should “Rejoice!” Not just to make us fell better but to encourage us to put God’s word into practice. True peace does not come from positive thinking. It comes from knowing that God is in control; that our citizenship in Christ’s kingdom is assured, our destiny is set and we can have victory over sin.
This evening we will be holding our monthly Devotional Communion around the Communion table. Our text for this service is Luke 22:14-20 which gives us detail of the Last Supper. Jesus wanted his disciples to understand that the sacrifice He was about to make was the necessary for the forgiveness of their sins and for the believers that would follow. Please join us.
This morning we will holding our monthly family service which includes our annual Nativity drama performed by our young people. At Christmas, we celebrate that God sent His one and only Son Jesus to earth as a baby. Although our first glimpse of Jesus is as a baby in a manager often pictured beautifully on our Christmas cards, we must not forget why He came. This tiny, helpless baby lived an amazing life, died for us, ascended to heaven, and will, one day, come back to earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The First Coming was amazing but it will be surpassed by His Second Coming.
December is generally an incredibly busy month for us all. No doubt you have all got your “to do” lists written out already and wonder how you will fit it all in. Well, before you do anything, commit yourself to using the gifts God has given you to extend His love to your friends and neighbours especially if they are, as yet, non-believers.
The theme this evening is “Praise and Worship”. 2500 years ago, God called on Malachi to rebuke the priests in Jerusalem for dishonouring Him and showing contempt for His name in the spiritual example they were setting to the people. By not following God’s long-established laws on sacrifice, the priests were setting a bad example to the people and denying the holiness of God. The good news is that, even in this rebuke, God points to a future time when His name will be great among the nations. Are you available to God to be used for such a great task?
Simon’s message this morning continues in our current series of pastoral sermons: God’s presence in all of life’s circumstances. In today’s reading, the Apostle Paul reminds Timothy that although he might suffer great hardship by preaching the good news about Jesus Christ, he should remain focused on God. Paul reassures Timothy and all Christians that follow on, that no matter what the world throws at you, or says about you, Jesus will remain faithful. Jesus has promised to be with us “to the very end of the age”.
Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit.This week, thank God for the faithful friends you have here at ABC.
This evening is a “Prayer & Presence” gathering where we will focus our thoughts and prayers on Psalm 8. It will be a time for reflection, worship and prayer under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Please do make an effort to come and meet with and pray to “The God of Majesty” and be blessed and encouraged in His Presence” Clive.