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…
Author: Philip
‘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)
‘The ‘real’ Lord’s Prayer’ (John 17:1-26)
Rev Philip Burns concludes this series on prayer with this message on the prayer of Jesus in John 17. In what is called His ‘High Priestly prayer’, Jesus sought to glorify God by praying for the protection, the sanctification and the unity of his disciples and those who would believe their testimony in later years. Jesus not only prayed these things then, but also continues to intercede on behalf of His people now, so that we might be in the world and living effectively as witnesses to His truth.
Closed (for now!)…our Church Hall
Internal renovations are due to begin in our Church Hall on July 9th, but some initial demolition works have already begun. Because of this, the Hall is a ‘no go zone’ for everyone. Morning tea will now be held each week in the church foyer area until our renovation works are completed. Men’s Fellowship will not meet. 4th Sunday lunches are on hold until a later date and ‘Sundays@Six’ will be held in the Church. Stay tuned for progress reports!
‘A living reality’ (Matthew 6:13)
Rev Philip Burns concludes this series on ‘The Disciple’s Prayer’ by highlighting the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:13, ‘And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil’. By these words Jesus did not imply that God ever tempts us to do evil, but He did teach that we ought to pray for God’s protection from temptation and from the the spiritual powers of evil in this world. Having begun with the ‘Father in heaven’, the prayer does not end with reference to evil, but to God to whom belongs the ‘kingdom, power and glory forever’. On the last Day, the fullness of this truth will be seen and known by all.
‘A difficult practice’ (Matthew 6:12)
Rev Philip Burns continues this series of sermons on ‘The Disciple’s Prayer’ by highlighting the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:12, ‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’. By these words Jesus taught that asking for forgiveness is a sign that we belong to God’s Kingdom and extending forgiveness to others is a responsibility we have as members of God’s Kingdom. The two go hand in hand and cannot be separated. If we are unwilling to forgive the sins of others, then God is not willing to forgive our sins. He expects that His people will live in and also pass on His grace which is sufficient for each day.