Exodus

Just thinking…There was a prominent Christian called Irenaeus, a bishop of Lyons, who was born a hundred years or so after the events of the first Easter story. In reflecting on the life of Christ, this is what he wrote. It is wisdom and brain-fodder for us to mull over! He is the First-begotten, after…

Just thinking…I love a small story buried in the Old Testament of a king called Jehoshaphat, who was being attacked by a vast army that his nation had no hope of resisting (you can read it in 2 Chronicles 20). People from all over his land came to him and they together sought God’s will….

Just thinking…Isn’t it great that God has no social distance?! We don’t need to keep a safe distance from him or make sure there is a big enough of a buffer zone. He cannot be harmed by us … we cannot be harmed by him. There is freedom of relationship and freedom of connection. When…

Just thinking…A man called Walter Bruggemann describes a lot of the Psalms in terms of a journey. It is a journey from what he calls a state of ‘orientation’ (‘everything is going fine. I can handle life’) to ‘disorientation’ (something has happened that has completely shaken up my world and I don’t know how to…

Just thinking…It is a year since the terrible shootings in Christchurch which killed 51 people – the worst act of terrorism we have seen in our dear country. Brian Krum, national team leader for the Baptist Youth Ministries, has written this prayer. Let’s come before God with these words as we remember and reflect on…

Just thinking…One of the things I love most about Grow Camp is the chance it gives to see our people in action. There are deep pools of knowledge and so many skills and talents that lie hidden in people that we never get to see until they put their hands up to lead a seminar…

Just thinking…Our world has become quick to show outrage. Have you noticed? It seems to be the ‘go-to’ response when our values or rights or freedoms are bruised. There is resounding silence coming from the middle ground, the measured response, the nuanced view. Instead, the airwaves are full of strident voices saying, “We are outraged that…

Just thinking…There are a number of opportunities coming up for us to grow together as a faith family. Hospitality Sunday is on 1 March, and you are still able to sign up either as a guest or as a host for this.  This is a great chance to get to know others who maybe you…

Just thinking…Paul once wrote these words to a church: I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy  because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,  being confident of this, that he who began a good work in…

Just thinking…My sense is that this is a year in which God wants us to grow. Last Sunday in our worship service I suggested that we all ask ourselves a question: ‘Would we like this year, maybe more than any other year, to be a year in which we get serious about growing in our relationship with Christ…