Numbers 14 is a sad tale of the consequences of the unbelief of the people of God in the desert. Their unbelief was contrary to what they had experienced of the Lord’s goodness and mercy, it led to death and defeat and also caused hardness of heart amongst the people. These consequences of unbelief still remain – especially when churches and denominations ignore the truths of God’s Word and determine to go their own way. Only one solution to this is recommended and that is to never let a minute pass when we are not trusting the Lord.
Author: Philip
‘Some lessons you learned in kinder’ (James 1:19-27)
Ears. Hands. Legs. feet. Mouths. They’re all in this practical and helpful part of the first chapter of James. These verses remind us that hearing must be followed by doing, otherwise we have not heard well and we are fooling no-one but ourselves if we do not ‘do’ what we hear.
‘Giants, grasshoppers and God’ (Numbers 13:1-14:10)
Numbers 13 and 14 concern the pivotal moment when the twelve spies brought back their report of the land of Canaan. All saw that the land was flowing with ‘milk and honey’ and was exactly as God had told them would be. However, in unbelief, ten of the spies reported that the giants in the land were too big for them to fight, while only Joshua and Caleb urged them all to trust in God’s promises and go in and take the land. It is not easy to live by faith and not by sight, but God calls us to do just that and not take our eyes of His presence or His promises.
Quarterly prayer gathering
“The greatest thing anyone can do for God and man is pray. It is not the only thing; but it is the chief thing. The great people of earth today are the people who pray. I do not mean those who talk about prayer, nor those who say they believe in prayer; nor yet those who can explain about prayer; but I mean those people who take time to pray.” (S.D. Gordon)
Join us at our next “Quarterly Prayer Gathering” 2pm-4:30/5:00pm, Saturday August 25th in the Church Vestry
‘Have you trials and temptations?’ (James 1:12-18)
Trials. Temptations. Is there a difference? Are the two connected? James writes of both of these in this important text. What do we learn from the presence of trials? What attitude is called for? What do we learn from the temptations we face? Where do they come from? What do we need to do in response to all this? Listen on…
‘A community of grumblers’ (Numbers 11:1-12:16)
Numbers 11 and 12 is mainly concerned with the ‘attitude of ingratitude’ shown by the people of Israel on their journey through the desert. The people had a mind to complain about the food they had and didn’t have, some blessings others had and the leader (Moses) they all had. Such grumbling was evidence of their lack of trust in the Lord and His gracious gifts. A spirit of grumbling and complaint can still afflict the people of God today, whenever our eyes are off the Lord and His undeserved blessings.
‘Words for the (would be) wise’ (James 1:5-11)
Trials have a habit of making us think soberly about life and help us to see that we lack wisdom. God has a habit of generously giving wisdom to those who ask Him, but James reminds us that faith will be an essential pre-requisite. Wisdom will also be needed to live in this world where the rich seem to have status over the poor. James has something to say about that too.
‘Led by cloud and fire’ (Numbers 9:15-10:23)
According to Numbers 9 and 10, the people of Israel made their way ‘on foot through the desert’ led by a pillar of cloud and fire, but also by His Word and by the advice of a friend. Though God led His people through supernatural means, He continues to use ordinary means – especially the reading and hearing of His Word – to lead and guide His people today. These are big questions, but the bigger question is, once we know which way God is leading us, will we be willing to do what He wants?
Hospitality Sunday August 19th
One of the earliest statements written about the first Christian believers in the book of Acts was that; “they broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people”. (Acts 2:46-47) On our 6th ‘Hospitality Sunday’, in some small way, we hope to do just as those first believers did.
How will it work? Continue reading
Sunday School set to resume again
After quite a lengthy break, we are pleased to announce that our Sunday School will be up and running as of Sunday July 29th, during our morning service, catering for primary age children down to toddlers! “What we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done” (Psalm 78:3-4)