Category: Advent

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Beyond Waiting 

If you read last weeks newsletter or attended one of our services then you would be aware that the season of Advent has kicked off. We are in a season of preparation, anticipation, and waiting. Sometimes I think we like waiting because it means we do nothing. Francis Chan in his book ‘Crazy Love’ says “Most of us use “I’m waiting for God to reveal His calling on my life” as a means of avoiding action.”  

Francis Chan throws out a very compelling challenge to us in this season of waiting … “Did you hear God calling you to sit in front of the television yesterday? Or to go on your last vacation? Or exercise this morning? Probably not, but you still did it. The point isn’t that television, vacations or exercise are wrong, but that we are quick to rationalize our entertainment and priorities yet are slow to commit to serving God.” Continue reading “Beyond Waiting “

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The Coming of Jesus in our Midst

Behold I stand at the door and knock: if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to them and eat with them, and they we me. 
Revelation 3:20

When early Christianity spoke of the return of the Lord Jesus, they thought of the great day of judgement – not a very Christmasy thought. But they were on point. When you hear Jesus knocking our conscience ought to be asking the question – Are you prepared? Is our heart capable of becoming God’s dwelling place?

This Advent season is a time of self-examination – it reminds of the first coming of Christ but also the second and final coming, and that ought to make us tremble. Continue reading “The Coming of Jesus in our Midst”

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Unfortunately our capacity to go online this Sunday 13th December has evaporated but we will  be back next week Sunday 20th December.

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Advent reminds us – ‘we are the hard evidence’

As we commence a fresh new year in the Christian Calendar – heralded by the Season of Advent, and attention is drawn again to Jesus birth, his coming into the world for the first time as a human being. Let’s remember that though born as human as you and I, Jesus demonstrated in his life what it means to love the Father. 

Jesus life was a demonstration that convinced many that there was an alternative to the life they lived.

“In a world where the church exists as a minority movement …. The world needs to see what the Christian life looks like. People, who think God unnecessary, or just optional in life, need fresh images of how life is meant to be lived. They need hard evidence that following Jesus really makes a difference.” (p192) Coffey and Gibbs in  Next Church

This Advent it is important to remember that, we are the only hard evidence our friends, family, colleagues and community are going to see that Jesus makes a difference.   Those who do not know God, will only perceive the gospel as a feasible alternative when they have some positive personal experiences with people who do know him. This responsibility falls, without exception, to everyone who follows Jesus.