ABC News sheet 15th March 2020
As we approach the unknown through the ongoing spread of the coronavirus, thank God that He is present everywhere, even in the darkest places.
As we approach the unknown through the ongoing spread of the coronavirus, thank God that He is present everywhere, even in the darkest places.
‘Lord, may I renew my commitment to pray regularly and with real concern for my community. Remind me of the effect of my interventions with You – that you listen, and that what I pray really matters greatly.’ Amen
In today’s sermon, Simon returns to the importance of us rediscovering the awe of God as we look at Ezekiel Chapter 10. In this chapter, the prophet Ezekiel sees a vision of God’s glory departing from the temple, never to return completely until Jesus himself visited the temple in the New Testament. God’s holiness required that He leave the temple because the people had so defiled it. God had to completely destroy what people had perverted in order for true worship to be revived. We must commit ourselves, our families, our churches and our nation to follow God faithfully, so that we never have to experience God abandoning us.
As you read this, please take time out of your day, to plead before God for those you love who are not following Jesus.
This evening we will be holding our monthly Devotional Communion around the Communion table. Our text for this service is Leviticus 16:20-22 which describes how the sins of the people were placed on the head of the scapegoat. This was an annual event that took place on the Day of Atonement. This evening as we come around the Communion Table, we remember that Jesus gave His own life and shed His own blood as an all-time sacrifice for our sins. Please join us if you are able.
Today is our monthly family service where we hope to see lots of young people and families joining us. In today’s talk Simon will be reminding us that “wise” people build their life on the rock of Jesus. There is no firmer foundation. To build on the rock means to be a hearing, responding disciple, not a superficial one who talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk. The story of the wise man and the foolish man is a Sunday school favourite but it also contains an important message for all of us. Most people do not intentionally build on a false foundation, instead they just don’t think about their life’s purpose. Part of our responsibility as believers is to help others stop and think about where their lives are heading and to highlight the consequences of ignoring Jesus’ words.
This morning Simon will be taking a well-earned from preaching and so Derek will be sharing God’s word with us. Over the past two weeks, Simon has reminded us of our need to reawaken our awe of God and be more aware of His presence in our lives. This more will be listening to our truly awesome God as He speaks to us through the prophet Isaiah. In today’s passage, God reminds us of His purpose in creating mankind. We were made by God and for God. We were made to bring glory to Him. God’s reminds us that, “He formed us, He created us, He redeemed us and He called us by name”. His words resonate in our hearts as He says to us, “You are mine!” Please don’t miss this message.
After two weeks of torrential rain and high winds, you may well be feeling a bit down. If that applies to you, then stop looking at the weather forecast and fix your eyes on Jesus – the one God sent to save you and make you acceptable in God’s sight. The one who sacrificed HIs life for you and the one who is always by your side – whatever the weather.
“This Sunday Evening is a Prayer & Presence evening where we can focus on our relationship with the Lord Jesus. The passage we are considering is Exodus 33:7-23 and we will be considering what lessons we can learn from how Moses prayed in the presence of Almighty God and taking time ourselves to follow his example.” Clive.
Today Simon will be bringing us the second message on this short series, entitled, “Rediscovering the awe of God Part 2.” In today’s reading from Revelation Chapter 4, we are given a glimpse in Christ’s glory. We are taken through john’s vision into the very throne of heaven. God is on the throne and is orchestrating all of the events that John will record. Contrary to what you may sometimes feel, the world is not spinning out of control: The God of creation will carry out his plans as Christ initiates the final battle with the forces of evil. John shows us heaven before showing us earth so that we can focus on God’s greatness. As we read John’s words, we are compelled to bow down in awe of Him. He gives us the strength to stay strong and not be frightened of future events.