Teaching

Acts 2:42-47

Church isn’t an event we watch but a covenant family we belong to. Jesus had crowds that followed him throughout his ministry because they came to see what he could do; to some of them, he was a spectacle and remained so. But Jesus showed them the power of God in him, not to entertain but to save; to invite them into the family of God.

Romans 14:1-23

Paul is writing to two groups of Christians – those who are more Jewish / conservative, and those who are more Gentile / liberal. These two groups are disagreeing on what to eat and it has caused a division in the church. Paul’s response is to hold fast to the most important elements of the faith – the Gospel and the Lordship of Christ (vs9). He encourages us to ‘disagree well’ on secondary issues, such as matters of diet. We are not to pass judgement on one another or to look down on others, but to love (vs15). How does this wisdom apply to other areas of dispute in our lives / the church?

Easter Sunday is the glorious celebration of Jesus’ victory over death. While our journey through Lent reminds us of our human frailty and need for repentance, Easter declares that hope and life have the final word.

Exodus 16:22–17:7

As the journey continues, the Israelites once again find themselves at a place of testing, needing water and questioning whether God is really with them. Despite repeated demonstrations of His care, they waver in faith and slip back into complaints. This cycle of doubt shows how prone we are to forget God’s faithfulness once immediate needs arise again.

Exodus 14

Exodus 14 describes a breathtaking scene: God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to pass safely while swallowing up the pursuing Egyptian army. In this dramatic moment, the people come face to face with the reality of God’s might and faithfulness. Their journey is a leap from a place of desperation to deliverance, and it underscores the truth that God can make a way where there seems to be no way.

In our carol services, we reflect on Zechariah’s prophecy, which celebrates the coming of Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s promises. Zechariah’s words speak of a new dawn breaking—God’s mercy and salvation arriving to rescue His people from darkness and guide them in the way of peace. This message connects with the heart of Christmas: God stepping down to earth in the person of Jesus to bring light to a world in need. As we sing carols of joy and hope, we are reminded that Christmas is the dawn of a new beginning, a fresh start, made possible by God’s tender mercy. The challenge for us is to embrace this light and live as people of hope, guided by the peace Jesus brings.

Sunday 24th November, 9:30 service, Natalie Worsfold.

Romans 8:37-39.

Even as we face opposition in our lives, we live as men and women who are victorious, because of Christ’s victory over death and sin. We are also victorious because of the endless promise of God’s love for us.

As this passage reminds us, nothing can separate us from the love of God, in Christ.

Sunday 27th October, 9:30 service, Natalie Worsfold.

Romans 8:26-28.

As we live our lives waiting for Christ’s return, we find ourselves in times of suffering and weakness. It is in these moments that we can find it hard to pray / to know how to pray.

These words in Romans remind us that the Spirit of God is with us, helping us pray to God, even through wordless groans.

Sunday 13th October 2024, 6:30 service, Natalie Worsfold.

Romans 8:18-25.

Paul is clear that our current lives will involve suffering, as they did for the Apostle himself, and for creation.

The glorious truth of Christ’s redemption is that we await a future glory, when we will be united with Christ, resurrected with Christ and witness a renewed heaven and earth.

It is this eternal persepctive that Paul is encouraging in this passage.