Acts 2:42-47. The story of the early church is one that demonstrates clearly to our watching world, that the values of the church are attractive. A demonstration of true belonging draws people in to be the church fully. “Christ over all, our undivided aim”.
1 Cor. 12:12-27. Belonging doesn’t mean that we all have to be, do and think the same, but for belonging to be optional within the church, is not a biblical principle! “The body of Christ” only holds together through “belonging”.
Hebrews 13:8. As we think about the start of a new school year, with all the changes that brings, our link back to “Signs of hope through the Bible” will be Jesus – “the same yesterday, today and forever. All may change, but Jesus never, Jesus is the same”. God’s unfolding signs of hope carry […]
1 Samuel 16-17; Psalm 23; Luke 1:26-33; Romans 1:1-6. In 1 Kings 11:4 & Acts 13:22, David is described as being a man with a ‘heart after God’. It’s a beautiful expression and reminds us of the love Israel’s most famous king had for the Lord. Not that David was perfect – far from it! […]
Exodus 1-2; 15-16; Psalm 78:12-29; John 6; Hebrews 11:23-29. The dramatic story of the Exodus is the single most important event in the Old Testament and a powerful image of salvation through Jesus Christ in the New. God rescues the Israelites from Egypt, guides them to the Promised Land and provides for all their needs. […]
Genesis 33:1-11; Psalm 51; Luke 15:11-32; Colossians 3:12-17. The power of forgiveness is amazing! We know it for ourselves if we have experienced the love and grace of God in our lives. There are many stories outside the Bible (e.g. ‘The Railway Man’) which demonstrate the transforming effect for good of forgiveness when it is […]
Exodus 1-4; Psalm 90; John 8:29-58; Acts 9:1-19. The story of Moses continues next week but here we learn about his narrow escape from infanticide, developing sense of ethnic identity and miraculous call to deliver God’s people from bondage. At the burning bush, Moses finds himself on holy ground – as did those who met […]
Gen. 25:21-34; 27:1 – 35:29; Psalm 46; Matt. 4:1-11; Eph. 3:10-21. Jacob is given a new name – Israel (‘he struggles with God’, NIV). The mysterious encounter at Peniel with ‘a man’ is as much about Jacob wrestling with his identity and vocation as it is with God. Our hope is found in knowing where we […]
Psalm 24:1-2, 104:24-35; Joel 2:28-29; John 14:16-18; Acts 1: 8; Acts 2:1-8. In Genesis, God’s Spirit is active in creation. His work continues in giving life to all things and bringing about the new creation through Christ. We’re called to work with Him in caring for God’s good earth, as well as nurturing the gifts and […]
Psalm 104; Genesis 1-3; Romans 8:18-28; John 1:1-4 Genesis 1:1 proclaims that the story which unfolds in the Bible, the story we find ourselves in, is God’s! However we interpret the opening chapters of Genesis, it’s important to recognise that what God created was (and is!) good – even though damaged by sin. The Bible […]