Croxley Green : Youth Blog

Wk 42 Be Strong

2007-10-15T10:51:00.000Z

Wk 42

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” Ephesians 6 v 10

Pride kills. It says, “I don’t need God or anyone else’s help, I can handle this.” But we can’t, we not only need God but we need each other. Paul says don’t put confidence in ourselves but to trust in God. Our bodies are weak, our emotions are frail and we often deceive ourselves as to our own abilities.

Time and time again we are warned in the Bible to lean on God. There was a time after a long illness that I had to learn to walk again – I was sure I could do it, after all its just like riding a bike – once learned never forgotten! That’s not true. Not only did I need God’s power but I also needed His power through the love and patience of His people. Maybe if I am honest I needed people more than God.

We all have God’s power within us but He sends his people to do the holding on bit. We all need to be encouraged by friends walking alongside us, to talk over our problems with, maybe help us to see where or what we are doing wrong. The “power bit” comes from within when we read His word. The “doing bit” will often come from good friends as they try to guide us.

Our biggest problem comes from a lack of humility when we fail to accept or take on board their guidance.

How often do we do our own thing?

Ask yourself if you are really ready to accept Gods power no matter what you are asked to do?

Romans 12 - an awesome passage

2007-10-01T16:52:00.000Z

Living Sacrifices

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Love

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Finding God

2007-09-30T04:50:00.000Z

“Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountain apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” 1 Kings 19v11-12

Sometimes I think I expect to find God in something big. After all he is everywhere and the Creator of the whole universe so I often expect Him to move in big ways, or in dramatic circumstances. And he does from time to time do just that. But something I am discovering at the moment in my own life is that God often looks to speak to us in more subtle or gentle ways.

Instead of looking for God in the big things of this world, take time to search for him in small things. A conversation with a friend, a prompting of your consciousness, the quiet of a silent room, the flickering of a single flame. Take at LEAST five minutes to just sit and be at peace with God and open to his gentle whisper.

Wk 38 Fed by Ravens!

2007-09-17T06:54:00.000Z

“Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: ‘Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there.’ So he did what the Lord had told him.” 1 Kings 17v2-5

Ok, this is a bit of a strange thing to be told….”you will be fed by the ravens”! But the challenge here is what follows. Elijah did as the Lord had told him. There was no arguing or discussing, or trying to get a compromise, Elijah was a man of God and he knew that all he could do was to obey the word of the Lord.

Have you ever felt that God was saying something to you, maybe in a passage you were reading, or through something someone was saying to you? If you have, how willing were you to obey it. Or have you read any of the teachings of Jesus? There are so many challenges and commands there that you can understand why he was seen as a radical. But having read a parable or the Beatitudes how willing have you been to do as the Lord is telling you?

God bless

Wk 32 "The Renewal of all things"

2007-08-06T08:48:00.000Z

Sorry to miss last week, was on holiday!

Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19v28

With so many of the things that Jesus said, much can be said about them, and when he spoke he always spoke so powerfully. Today I am just focusing on one small phrase within this verse, “at the renewal of all things”.

In a book I have read recently the author used this phrase to remind us that ultimately God will destroy evil and everything, yes everything will be remade or renewed. (Michael Lloyd, Café Theology, 2005).

Whilst life can be tough sometimes and bad things do happen, and God does often work good things out of bad, its important not to see God as the author of evil, nor to diminish the suffering that others or yourself might go through. What we do have is hope.

Hope isn’t a very big word, but it has massive consequences. As a Christian I believe at some point in the future God is going to renew all creation into the perfect creation he intended. That is what I hope for, that is what keeps me going when life is tough. Pray that God will bring hope into every corner of your life.

God bless.

Wk 30 What do you trust in?

2007-07-23T06:58:00.000Z

Hey guys

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20v7

What is it that we trust in? Is it our friends, our finances, our future? I think what this verse is really challenging us on is what is our life based upon. Is it God, or is it something else?

When we trust in the things of this world we WILL be disappointed and let down. We live in a fallen world and even our best friends or family do fail us from time to time.

But this whole Psalm shows that those who trust in God and place all their hope in Him, those people will succeed. I don’t think this passage is saying that if you believe in God all will go well with you, but it means that ultimately God will take care of you according to HIS plan. That’s the tough bit, trusting that God’s plan and purposes are the best ones.

Pray today that you will be able to trust God more, let go of worldly things and believe that God’s plan for your life is the right one.

God bless

Wk 29 Do you Reflect God?

2007-07-16T07:47:00.000Z

“When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relation to the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions.” 1 Kings 10v1

“”Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel.” 1 Kings 10v9

At this point in Solomon’s life he is really walking with God. He had done everything God had commanded, followed every decree. Solomon was so close to God that the Lord himself appeared twice to him! Unfortunately this doesn’t last, but that’s another story.

What I noticed today is that because Solomon was following God and was fully committed to him, people – important people were noticing not only Solomon, but God as well. Because of the way Solomon had dedicated his life to God people not only saw how God was blessing Solomon (and he was certainly blessed) but they noticed that it was a higher power at work.

Solomon’s witness in the way he governed and lived his life up to this point shows us that how we live our lives is really important. Not because people will notice how great or wonderful or loving we are but, in the words of Jesus”

“In the same way, let you light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5v16

Do people notice God because of what you do and say? Do your deeds reflect God and draw people into a relationship with God?

Wk 28: Fully Committed to God?

2007-07-09T08:19:00.000Z

“But your hearts must be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.” 1 Kings 8 v 61

This verse comes at the end of a long prayer that Solomon prays when he has completed the Temple and brought the Ark of the Covenant up to the Temple. He has been reminding the people of how great God is and how God never fails in His promises. Solomon also reminds us in this chapter that we all will go astray and make mistakes, but each time he says the people turn back to God. That is a challenge to us. How far have we gone away from God’s plan and purposes today? Do we need to turn back to him and confess our sins and ask for forgiveness?

But this closing verse of Solomon’s prayer challenges us that our hearts need to be fully committed to God. Words like wholehearted, dedicated, total submission spring to my mind here. How committed am I to God? How committed are you? Solomon also helps us see how we can live fully committed to God. We need to live by God decrees and obey his commands. Go away and find a decree or command of God that you can apply today and always. Pray that God will enable you to live a life that is fully committed to Him.

Trust in God

2007-07-02T07:07:00.000Z

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding: in all yours ways acknowledge him and he will make yours paths straight”
Proverbs 3 v 5-6

What does your heart desire?
What or who do you trust in when everything is a mess?
Who do you lean on when it is tough?
Who do you seek support from when life is going pear-shaped?

Today, no matter what you face, good or bad, acknowledge God. Put Him first and trust that He will lead you faithfully along your path.

Wk 26: Gonna get myself connected!

2007-06-25T17:05:00.000Z

Last night at the churches together event Steve spoke about being connected to God in a real and life changing way.

The verse was John 10v10 "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full"

It got me thinking a lot about my life and my connection with God. To be honest there are times when I find it hard to feel connected with God. Life gets busy or whatever and that connection get broken.

BUT Jesus came to give us a full and "connected" life.

So how do we achieve this? Firstly we (and I included myself in this) need to recognise our weaknesses and our struggles - and ask God's help. Second I guess we need to put some effort in. There is a verse in Joshua that says:

"Do not let this Book of the Law (the bible) depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be proposerous and successful" (Joshua 1v8)

Being a Christian and maintaining that connection is a gift of Grace from God, but we need to show how important that gift is to us by working at our relationship with God, seeking to be connected with him.

Why don't you think about this week one way in which you can help yourself to stay closer to God, and why not think of one way you could help someone else connect or reconnect with God.

Witness

2007-06-18T08:14:00.000Z

This week we have the BMS action team with us and they got me thinking about this passage.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Sameria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

Although this was a passage in which Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples, it is something that has powerful meanings for us to. After all, if we call ourselves Christians then we are in effect disciples of Christ and also if we believe the Jesus Christ is who he claimed then we need to take his words seriously.

You might feel like you have very little to offer or you might feel like you cannot do much, but last night at our youth service lead by the BMS action team they shared how in their weaknesses God did amazing things.

Jesus call you to be his witness and wants you to trust him in all things so that he can work through you and use YOU to be a witness to others all over the world.

Commitment

2007-05-28T06:31:00.000Z

At the evening service last night we were looking at the disciples trail and we talked about looking closely at the cost of following Jesus and the commitment it takes to follow Christ as one of his disciples. Jesus never promised an easy ride, never promised a short-cut to heaven. He did, however, invite us to join with him in the work of the kingdom. And that is a tough assignment. It takes real commitment on our part and also the help and support of others as well as the Holy Spirit.

But the best news is that Jesus already knows its gonna be tough. He said to his disciples in Mark 10v30 that they would face persecution. The reason this is good news is because Jesus promised to always be with us (Matthew 28v20).

It will be hard to follow Jesus - if you take it seriously and take a long hard look at your life and your attitudes, but Jesus still calls you to be his disciple and promises you the Holy Spirit to help (Acts 1v8)

God bless

Pressing On

2007-05-21T08:26:00.000Z

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 3:12-14

Do you consider your faith - your faith in Christ to be the most important thing in your life? Being a Christian is not an easy or soft option. It is in reality one of the hardest things you will ever have to do and it takes commitment and perserverence to truely be a follower of Christ.

Are you straining towards the goal Christ set for you - to become like him?

Pray for the Holy Spirit to enable you to press on to the prize.

God bless

Does it make us more holy?

2007-05-14T07:54:00.000Z

"For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life."
1 Thessalonians 4:7

God has called each one of us to live holy lives for him. He wants us to truely reflect his image, the image in which we were created.

The question for you to ponder this week is this

"Do my thoughts, actions, relationships etc make me impure or do they make me holy?"

If they are not helping you to become more holy for God then should you continue down that road?

A Royal Priesthood

2007-04-30T06:30:00.000Z

Yesturday as most of you know was my ordination service. Steve likened it to being set apart as one of the musketeers. They were chosen to serve the king in a particular way. Being ordaned is being chosen to serve God in a particular way.

Also last night at Axis we looked at Elijah and part of what we said about him, was that although he had been set apart by God - he did not assume that God would act in any other way, than the way God himself would act.

The reality is that although some people look to at ministers and think they are the ones call - ALL of us are called by Christ to serve him.

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness and into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2v9

This week think carefully about what it means to be set apart to serve God - and consider how you can be humble as you do.

Trust in the Lord

2007-04-23T05:22:00.000Z

Hello everyone.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding: in all yours ways acknowledge him and he will make yours paths straight”

Proverbs 3 v 5-6

These verses have been something I have come back to time and time again in my life, especially when I have been searching for stuff and trying to figure out what God wants me to be doing. This week stop and consider these questions in the light of the verses above.

What does your heart desire?
What or who do you trust in when everything is a mess?
Who do you lean on when it is tough?
Who do you seek support from when life is going pear-shaped?

Today, no matter what you face, good or bad, acknowledge God. Put Him first and trust that He will lead you faithfully along HIS path.

Yours in Christ

Jon

The Rich Young Ruler

2007-04-23T05:00:00.000Z

These are some of the thoughts that came out of the youth service last night.

The disciples represent their society’s attitude to children—they’re insignificant. Rich people however were admirable and welcomed. The children were obstructed from getting to Jesus, but this rich man had no problem at all.

Jesus affirms the children and embraces them. He commends their faith. The rich however are warned. Their wealth is a hindrance to true faith. It is the opposite of what many would expect Jesus to do. He praises those who were considered insignificant and warns those who were admired.

It is their faith that matters. It is a child-like faith, not a childish faith that he commends. Children trust their parents for everything they need- food, shelter, clothing, protection, and more. They have a total trust because they know that they cannot do it themselves. Self abandoning trust, like that of a small child is what characterizes a true disciple of Jesus.

The man asks for what he can do. Jesus points him instead to his heart. Salvation is not a matter of what one does, but the surrender of the heart as we see our sin, grieve over it, repent from it, and trust Jesus alone for the forgiveness we need.

It is a matter of what we put our love and trust in. Jesus said we couldn’t serve God and money at the same time. He also said that our heart would follow our treasure.

Inner attitudes and values become outward behaviours.

The Kingdom of God demands a definite response and it wont be easy. Jesus didn’t say follow me on Sundays. He said, “Follow me.” (full stop)

To be a follower of Christ demands great commitment and sacrifice from us. We must be willing to give up everything to follow, serve and love Christ.

Are you asleep?

2007-04-16T06:52:00.001Z

Hello everyone.

First of all I want to say sorry to you all for my absense. Life has been busy and I very quickly got out of the habit of writing these things. So today, as I come back to work from some time off I am starting afresh and hoping to be able to see this through!

In my quiet time this morning I was reading something by a guy called Tom Wright on Mark's Gospel. Maybe because I had just woken up, or maybe because its true this really rang home to me and so I am sharing it with you.

At the beginning of Mark's Gospel - John the Baptist arrives on the scene and starts calling people to repent. It is written to help us sense the shock of the new thing that God was doing - he was about to come and live amoung us as Jesus!. GOD WITH US! That is a pretty amazing and shocking thing.

The problem the Jews had was that they had drifted away - almost drifted off to sleep and forgotten about God. Yes they were religious and practiced the ceremonies and the like, but they had fallen asleep in terms of the spirituality and their relationship with God. This is a challenge to us. Have we fallen asleep? Are we just attending out of duty - or are we truely passionate about Christ? This is what Tom Wright says to close:

"It raises the question for us too: where are we asleep today, in our churches, our communities, our personal lives? What might it take to wake us up?"

A few clips from Comic Relief

2007-03-20T11:43:00.000Z

Forgiveness: Youth Service

2007-03-19T07:08:00.000Z

- We are all broken and damaged people

Jesus heals us

Jesus reconciles us

Jesus saves us

Jesus forgives us

We are called to be like Jesus

- To do what he did – to do what he said – obeying his commands and teaching and lifestyle
- Therefore we must love one another
- We must forgive one another
- Remembering that Christ first forgave us

Reflection: If you claimed a nail - look at it today - if not go and find one with week

The nail symbolises what Christ has done for you.

Use it as a reminder of the forgiveness you have received.

Galatians 6v11-18

2007-03-19T06:37:00.000Z

"Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation" (Galatians 6v15)

We have come to the end of Galatians and finally Paul emphasis the key point of this letter. He goes to fairly extreme lengths to do this by writing in his own hand and also by (in v17) saying let this be the end of it.

The question we need to ask ourselves is "What truly matters?"

What truly matters about our faith?

Paul suggests that outward signs like circumcision or our baptism certificate, or how many activities we are involved in at church, dont matter at all.

What counts, what truly matters is the state of your heart.

How are you with God this week? What is your relationship with God like? Are you struggling? Are you near or far from God? Find someone to talk to this week (you are welcome to call/email/speak to me it you want) to make sure you are doing everything you can to make sure your heart is right with God.

A Beautiful Day

2007-03-12T10:05:00.000Z

Hi guys.

This weeks looks as if its going to be a really nice week.

Can I suggest that you find half an hour or so to go for a walk in God's beautiful creation and as you walk around and see the flowers, the trees, the animals and the people - thank God for his Creation.

God bless

Galatians 5:16-26

2007-03-07T08:51:00.000Z

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5.22-23

This week I am suggesting that you just spend some time thinking about one of the fruits of the Spirit. Think about your life – what are you lacking? What is missing in your life in terms of the list above? Which one would you benefit from most in your current situation?

Take some time to prayerfully consider these fruits and then ask God to help just one of them to grow and develop within you.

God bless

What's On this weekend?

2007-03-01T07:23:00.000Z

This Saturday is Shockwave. A global prayer event involving 27+ countries praying for the persecuted church. It's going to be a low key event, but hopefully a very powerful one. There will be a virtual labyrinth for you to explore. We will be focusing on 4 different regions

Africa
Central Asia
The Middle East
South East Asia

For each of these there will be a "station" with information to help you pray.

We also can do more than praying - we can write letters and there will be a station set up to help you make a difference by encouraging Christians through letters.

Finally there will be a prison cell. Many, many Christians are put in prison for their faith and suffer greatly. You will be able to enter the prison and listen to what might happen in those sort of places - and while you are there you can pray that God will free the captives.

Also just as a side note - Axis this week is a social.

Angels

2007-02-27T09:20:00.000Z

Angels (Notes taken from Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem)

Definition:

“Angels are created, spiritual beings with moral judgement and high intelligence, but without physical bodies” Wayne Grudem

Created Spiritual Beings

Angels have not always existed; they are part of the universe that God created. In a passage that refers to angels as the “host” of heaven, Ezra says, “You are the LORD, you alone; you have made the heaven, the heaven of heaven, with all their host…and the host of heaven worships you.” (Neh. 9:6) Paul also tells us that God created all things “visible and invisible” (Col 1:16)

Angels exercise moral judgement – some of them sinned and fell from their positions (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). Their high intelligence is seen in the fact that they speak to people in Scripture.

Since angels are “spirits” (Heb 1:14) or spiritual creatures, they do not have physical bodies (Luke 24:39)

Names, ranks and specifics

Other names:
Sons of God (Job 1:6; 2:1)
Holy ones (Ps. 89:5,7)
Spirits (Heb 1:14)
Watchers (Dan 4:13)
Thrones, dominions, principalities, authorities (Col 1:16)?
Powers (Eph 1:21)

Other kinds of Heavenly Beings: 3 others named in scripture
a) The “Cherubim” – guarding the entrance of Garden of Eden (Gen 3.24) – and they are associated with God at numbers times. The ark of the covenant also has two golden figures of cherubim
b) The “Seraphim” Only mentioned in Is 6:2-7 – continually worship the LORD.
c) The Living Creatures: mentioned in Ezekiel 1:5-14 and Rev 4:6-8 – they also worship God.

Ranks: There is some indications of rank – for example Michael is called archangel in Jude 9

Names: Only two angels are specifically named in scripture. Michael is mentioned in Jude 9 and Revelation 12:7-8 and Daniel 10:13,21. Gabriel is mentioned in Daniel 8:16 & 9:21 & again in Luke 1 as the messenger who spoke to Zechariah & Mary.

Numbers: No specific numbers – but we get an idea that its a lot – see Deut 33:2 & Ps 68:17. In Heb 12:22 “innumerable angels” and Rev 5:11 “myriads of myriads”.

Guardian Angels?

God clearly sends angels for our protection

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Ps91:11-12
But some people have gone beyond this idea of general protection and wondered if God gives a specific “guardian angel” Support for this idea has been found in Jesus’ words about little children. “in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” (Matt 18:10). However it may be that angels are playing the zone rather than man-to-man marking – There seems to be, therefore no convincing support for the idea of individual “guardian angels”.

The Power of Angels

Angels apparently have very great power.

“you mighty ones who do his word” (Ps 103:20)
“powers” (Eph 1:21)
“dominions” & “authorities” (Col. 1:16)
Angels are seemingly “greater in might and power” than rebellious human beings (2 Peter 2:11; Matt 28:2).
Though their power is great it is certainly not infinite.
Nonetheless, when the Lord returns, we will be raised to a position higher than that of angels (1 Cor 6:3)

The Place of Angels in God’s Purpose

Angels show the greatness of God’s love and plan for us.

In Hebrews 2:16 “For surely it is not with angels that his is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham” - God created two groups of intelligent, moral creatures and God forgives and saves us – but not the angels that rebelled. For whatever reasons God is concerned with us more than the angels.

Angels remind us that the unseen world is real.

The biblical teaching on the existence of angels is a constant reminder to us that there is an unseen world that is very real (eg 2 Kings 6:17) Elisha sees the angels of God.

Angels are examples for us.

In both their obedience (Matt 6:10) and worship (Isa 6:3)

Angels carry our some of God’s plans.

Eg messengers (Luke 1:11-19; Acts 8:26; 10:3-8,22; 27:23-24)
Eg judgement (2 Sam 24:16-17; 2 Chron. 32:21; Acts 12:23; Rev 16:1)
Eg patrol the earth as God’s representatives (Zech 1:10-11)

Angels directly glorify God.

Bless the Lord, O you his angels (Ps 103:20)
Holy Holy Holy (Isa 6:3)
Worthy is the lamb (Rev 5:11-12)

Our relationship to Angels

We should be aware of angels in our daily lives

Heb 13:2 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares”

An angel shut the mouth of the lions (Dan 6:22); delivered the apostles from prison (Acts 5:19-20)

Cautions

Beware of receiving false doctrine from angels

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! (Gal 1:8)

Do not worship angels, pray to them or seek them

Worship of angels (Col 2:18) was one of the false doctrines being taught in Colossae. An angel warns John in Revelation not to worship him:

At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Rev 19:10)

Do angels appear to people today?

The fact that angels appeared in the Bible to people suggests that there is no reason to suspect that there isn’t the possibility of angelic appearances today. BUT we must evaluate what we see or hear and be cautious – because of false angels. Does what the say/do/appear like match up with what we know of God from the life of Jesus and the Bible?

Galatians 5:1-15

2007-02-27T09:19:00.000Z

Week beginning 25th February : Galatians 5.1-15

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Gal. 5.6

This weeks thought has to do with faith and love. So often we can get hung up on issue that we think are important, but Paul plainly states that the most important thing is faith. In comparison every other issue is of little value. Faith is what matters.

Do you have faith? Do you believe that God sent his Son to die for your sins as a free gift that you can accept? Do you believe that Jesus not only took the place that was rightly yours and died for your sins, but that he was raised again and is alive today?

Paul reminds us that faith is not just an inward belief. It’s not something that only affects your own life – faith expressed in love.

This week try and find one way in which you can express love to another in gratitude for the love that Christ has shown you.

Whats on this Sunday?

2007-02-23T15:53:00.000Z

Guys - just decided to update you via the blog on what is happing this Sunday. I have been reading a book on blogging churches and I figured that this blog would be fun to use for more than the weekly thoughts. So in response to this I am going to try and put up here regularly what is happening and information that might be of use. Feel free to use it to talk about what you are up to as well. I may not see you in the morning as I am away preaching at Chenies Baptist Church. Please pray for that!

As you may be able to guess this Sunday's Axis is all about Angels. No not the Robbie Williams song - but real live angels! The sort of things we will be looking at are:

Definitions of angels including names and types (ranks and guardian angels)
Power and purpose of angels
Our relationship to angles

If you have any specific questions then you may like to add a comment and I will try and find out.

God bless.

Galatians 4:8-31

2007-02-19T10:24:00.000Z

“What has happened to all your joy?” Gal 4v15

There is a lot in this weeks reading by I am going to focus on just a few verses. Do you remember what it felt like when you first became a Christian? Did you have a sense of excitement and joy about this new life you were now going to live? The enthusiasm to go and tell EVERYBODY about what has happened and how much you want to change the world.

Or how about another example. Back in 2003 I remember watching a game of rugby that forever changed my view of the sport. It was such an amazing final, so closely matched were the teams that nothing seemed to separate them. BUT then one solitary figure place boot to ball and then entire nation exploded with joy. I myself leaped into the arms of Luke, a friend of mine and we showed emotion that we have never witness before and certainly never in church!

When was the last time you felt such emotion, such joy in your Christian life? When did you last experience that at church? Have you ever?

I am going to be completely honest with you now. Over the last few months I have really struggled to feel passionate about my faith, to feel a sense of joy. When Steve said on Sunday “Where is your joy” it rocked me to my core – because my joy has not been there. In the wise words of Mufasa (the Lion King) “Remember who your are”

You are a child of God – accepted and love despite all you have done and you have been given a relationship with the living God through the love and sacrifice of Jesus. Use this week to seek God in a new way and to attempt to find were your joy has gone. I know I will be.

Galatians 3:15-4:7

2007-02-12T10:07:00.001Z

I am going to keep things really simple this week - partly because its half term and you will all be busy with coursework (!!!) and partly because sometimes I think it is right take some serious time out to stop and reflect. Use the words of this song to reflect upon the fact that because of Christs death and resurrection we can call the LORD God Almighty our Father...

Abba Father, let me be
Yours and Yours alone
May my will forever be
Ever more Your own
Never let my heart grow cold
Never let me go
Abba father, let me be
Yours and Yours alone

©1977 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
All rights reserved. International copyright secured.

God bless.

The Gospel

2007-01-15T08:48:00.000Z

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory, for ever and ever. Amen." Galatians 1:3-5

In a nutshell – this is the message of the Gospel – Christ died to rescue us from our sins and this sinful world according to God’s plan and for God’s glory. Take a couple of minutes to thank God and give Him the glory for this loving saving act by Jesus.

A few questions for you to consider:
What makes our age evil? What in your community is evil? How can you be a part of God’s plan to rescue everyone from this evil? How can you be a part of God’s plan to rescue people from within your own communities?

Something Steve said this Sunday when he was looking at this passage really struck me. "The Gospel is Trust." So often we try and argue or debate what we believe. But the bottom line is that the Gospel isn’t something that can be debated – it is something you must trust in…do you trust God?

God bless.

Attitude

2007-01-08T08:29:00.000Z

Philippians 2.3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself.”

Ok for starters – none of us are perfect – we are all sinners who have been saved by God’s grace. But that doesn’t mean we can get away with anything we want. Paul, the author of Philippians wanted the Christian believers to know that although we all make mistakes – there is still a responsibility that as Christian we need to work as hard as we can to achieve. This responsibility is to be Christ-like in all that we do and that includes our attitude and our motives. Paul’s hope is that all Christians would by their thoughts and actions proclaim that Christ is Lord.

Over the course of this week try and think about what motivates you to do various different things. Why you replied to someone in a certain manner, what caused you to act towards someone in a particular way. Be honest, if you were angry or felt hurt then make a mental note of that. Then towards the end of the week try and reflect and see if you acted in a humble way.

This weeks verse is all about your attitude. It is all about putting others first in every aspect of your life – that includes parents and brothers or sisters! Ask yourself this question: What are the motivating forces in my life – is it what I want or need? Is it what others want or need? Is it what Christ would want from me?

God bless

Coming soon

2007-01-03T16:32:00.000Z

Just to let you know, I will be posting the first "thought" or reflection on Monday. Stay tuned and if you want to subsribe to receive these by email then email me.