Keeping Going — Hope in tough times
Can Jesus be trusted? — Hope in tough times
What is God doing? – Hope in tough times
Remembrance Sunday Service
You're warmly invited to join us for this morning's service online at this link. Today we are using a youtube playlist so each part of the service should follow on. (If you would like the Act of Remembrance to fall at 11am, you should aim to start the playlist at about 10:53am.)
Resources for Sunday 25th October – 1st November 2020
This week Rev. Alan Reynolds has kindly prepared our reflection. Our very many thanks for his preparation and teaching.
"Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt his name together!" (Psalms 34:3)
Hymn
Confession
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you, through our own fault, in thought and word and deed, and in what we have left undone. For your Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your name. Amen.
May the Father forgive us by the death of his Son and strengthen us to live in the power of the Spirit all our days. Amen.
Word of God
Please read Psalm 34:1-10 (available online here).
Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Word of God
Please read Revelation 7:9-17 (available online here) and Matthew 17:14-27 (available online here).
Reflection: Matthew 17:14-27
When there are profound changes impacting upon life, there are 3 possible responses:
a) Be like the 19th Century Luddites – going around smashing the newfangled industrial machines which are spoiling their settled ways of life.
b) Be a revolutionary and embrace the new, and out with the old!
c) Respond by attempting a middle way – evolution. Best of the old and best of the new.
Jesus for some was seen as a threat. For others, a sign of hope. Many in the middle – not sure – but happy enough to eat his bread and receive healing. Tensions soon appear. Jesus’ sayings are unsettling, even odd. (Matt. 18.8) ‘Cut off your hand/foot.’ (Matt. 17.21) ‘Faith can move mountains.’
(Matt. 19.24) ‘Camel & eye of the needle.’ In today’s reading in Matthew 17. 27 we have the strange word to Peter – Go and fish and use the coin in its mouth for the Temple Tax! Whether by parable or by sayings, Jesus invites us to go beyond the comfortable and familiar – into the deeper world of the Kingdom of God. This will be costly for all. (matt. 17.22)
The Coin and the Fish The hidden question behind the saying = Should we still be paying this Temple Tax when its all passing away (its worship practices and sacrifices.) (It’s also possible that by the time Matthew writes the Temple has been destroyed by the Romans – AD66)
This leads to the big questions = What is the nature of our life in God, in the Kingdom? Keep the old ways of Law and ritual or enter the new world of GRACE that is coming through Christ and his sacrifice?
RELIGION and the Life of the Kingdom. We now live under Grace not Law. The problem with all Religion/Churches is we tend to become arthritic, even fossilized = out of touch with where the Spirit is leading. So we have the clash between old and new. e.g. New Testament updates – No eye for eye living/ All foods are clean/ Love is your weapon…
STATE and CULTURE and the Life of the Kingdom. How do we respond to the World?
Rome = Authority, with persecutions. Today = our secular West invites a “me” centred freedom. We have the saying, “Render to Caesar …. Render to God ...” (Luke 20.25) Paul echoes a similar teaching (Romans 13) The issue throughout Christian history = How do we honour God with a life of integrity in an often hostile/apathetic world that is pagan or secular or with religious views we disagree with? This becomes a pressing problem today as our thousand year old British Christian culture continues to ebb away. We discover we live in a very pluralistic world.
The Shadow of the Cross. We note that in Matthew 17. 22-24, poignant words from Jesus. In the increasingly hostile response from the Authorities, he knows what lies ahead. There will be suffering – death – but also life in the Father’s Kingdom. The Cross will not only cast a SHADOW over everything – it will be a SCANDAL – a criminals death. Could there be no other way? Does Grace and forgiveness require such sacrificial love? Unfortunately our human history shows throughout – Church or State do not like challenge! Any reforming/transforming – ideas, beliefs, ways of living – come at a heavy price.
Power does not simply ‘roll over!’. Jesus is aware of this: “New wine requires new wineskins.” (Matt.9.17) Truth and Grace and integrity will find a way.
Neither the Temple or even mighty Rome last. We should remember that all life is transitory. Learn how to stand back and see God’s biggest picture. We are on a moving escalator. What survives of the past are the eternal truths that keep coming to us – asking us to step up – discover the right path – find the healing grace for our destructive desires. “ME” / “US” are not the final things.
What survives is the – LIFE – LOVE – LIGHT that constantly flows from God, through Christ.
Prayers
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: help us so to hear them, to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and for ever hold fast the hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
You may like to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer using the following pattern, filling in what you would ask for them:
Gracious Father, we pray for our families …
... for those who live near us …
… for school pupils, teachers and other staff …
… for our key workers, leaders and government …
… for those who are sick or grieving …
… for our brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world …
… for the persecuted, broken and hurting …
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Conclusion
Merciful God, teach us to be faithful in change and uncertainty, that trusting in your word and obeying your will we may enter the unfailing joy of Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Hymn
Harvest Service Resources for Sunday 11th October
"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture."
(Psalm 100:1–3)
Hymn
Word of God
Read Deuteronomy 8:7-18, to lead us in thankfulness whether in times of plenty or need.
A Prayer of Harvest Thankfulness
In a moment of silence, bring to God what you are thankful for at this time.
Lord God Almighty, we give you thanks for all the blessings of this life; for heath and strength, for the beauty of the world, for the kindness and love of family and friends, for opportunities of service and for the harvest of the land and sea. Accept our praise for these your gifts, and make us ever mindful of our dependence on you; for your Son, Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
Confession
“What can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you and against our neighbour in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault. We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen.
On seeing Jesus’ glory at his transfiguration, the disciples "fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 17:6–7)
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn to him; have mercy upon us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness and bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Word of God
Reflection: Most Precious
“There are some things so dear, some things so precious,
some things so eternally true, that they are worth dying for.
And I submit to you that if a man has not discovered something
that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.”
— Martin Luther King, 15 July 1965.
Some things in life are so precious they are worth dying for. Our passage asks us what is most precious in our life.
Maybe the past 9 months have led you to think about what really matters in life. Where people might have been living for their health, savings, family or comfort, all those have been shaken.
Here we are reminded of why Jesus is so supremely precious to us. We know him, follow him and worship him. He shows us his suffering and his glory.
His suffering
Firstly we see Jesus’ death and suffering:
"Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." (Matthew 16:21)
The divine son of the living God, the Messiah, God’s chosen king chooses to come into this broken world, to walk the road to Jerusalem, to suffer and be killed. He denied himself and chose suffering for our sake. What else could be given in exchange for our souls but his perfect life? He chose this path for us, he chose the cross for you. His death is supremely and eternally valuable. Nothing compares to him.
His glory
He shows us not only his death, but also his glory, to help us understand what is truly valuable.
"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done." (Matthew 16:27)
Jesus is often overlooked as a mere figure of history or a good teacher. But we know he is far more significant. Peter, James and John are given a glimpse of Jesus’ true divine glory. In his first coming he had “no beauty or majesty to attract us to him" (Isaiah 53:2) but his disciples have glimpsed his glory at the transfiguration.
When the disciples saw him “they fell on their faces and were terrified” such was his overpowering glory. “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" (Matthew 17:5) We know his glory as heaven’s precious Son; as the King of the Father’s coming kingdom. We know him as our salvation and life. Nothing compares to him.
We follow in his steps
So we follow in the footsteps of our precious Lord:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)
To deny myself is to put Jesus in charge of my life. To take up my cross is to walk the way of daily death through his death and resurrection. We crucify our old way of life and, resurrected, we live empowered by his transforming Spirit.
Some things in life are so precious they are worth dying for. Jesus’ suffering and glory open our eyes to his incomparable value in this life and the next. Our Lord who suffered and died for us is worth laying down our lives for. We follow the glorious King, whose kingdom is coming. Entering his kingdom and living with him in eternity is a greater treasure than all this world can offer.
Prayers
Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us your gift of faith that, forsaking what lies behind and reaching out to that which is before, we may run the way of your commandments and win the crown of everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
You may like to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer using the following pattern, filling in what you would ask for them:
Gracious Father, we pray for our families …
... for those who live near us …
… for school pupils, teachers and other staff …
… for our key workers, leaders and government …
… for those who are sick or grieving …
… for the persecuted, broken and hurting …
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Conclusion
Christ give you grace to grow in holiness, to deny yourselves, take up your cross and follow him; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Hymn
Resources for Sunday 27th September 2020
Jesus replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times." (Matthew 16:2–3)
We live in confusing and confounding times so let us come humbly to seek the Lord:
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Confession
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
(Matthew 11:28)
Come, let us return to the Lord and say:
Lord our God, in our sin we have avoided your call. Our love for you is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes away early. Have mercy on us; deliver us from judgement; bind up our wounds and revive us; in Jesus Christ our Lord. (cf. Hosea 6)
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn to him; have mercy upon us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness and bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Word of God
What is God doing in the world? There are many reasons to ask the question as we look around at the troubles around us and ask what God is doing in this. With all the many concerns in our world and in our hearts, we can lose sense of what is true. Can I trust God in this? Is his power really true and really for me?
Do you remember what it feels like to be lost in a new place? I might have a vague idea of where I’m trying to get to, but down in the detail on the ground I’m not sure which way to turn. Even with good directions it’s easy to get confused.
How much more so in life! Our first passage is from Isaiah, looking forward to God’s coming Christ. It explains what will happen as he brings in God’s kingdom. As you read it, notice how many times we’re pleaded with: “Look! See! Hear! Listen!”
Read Isaiah 51:1-6
Creed
We believe in Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:6-11 niv
Reflection: What is God doing in the world?
What is God doing in the world? Where do we look to orient ourselves? In our next reading from Matthew we meet the Pharisees and Tax collectors who demand a sign from Jesus.
In this section of Matthew’s gospel there is a growing clarity about who are Jesus’ people. What evidence do they look to? What do they see and hear and trust to orient them in life?
Read Matthew 16:1-20
The Pharisees wanted a sign. It was a manipulative request for Jesus to dance to their tune. But Jesus refuses to pander to their demands. The Pharisees refused to look at the evidence already given to them. “You cannot interpret the signs of the times.”
But what about us? I’m following Jesus but there is plenty to disturb and trouble me. The turmoil of our world can disorient us. It can be like being lost in a vast, unfamiliar city. Where is God in all this? Matthew offers us three signs. We are helped to orient ourselves with three great way-markers for understanding our times. Look at these three things:
1. Look at Jesus’ identity
Peter has been growing in understanding of who Jesus is. He’s been following him and living with him for perhaps months. He has heard Jesus’ teaching: powerful, authoritative, full of integrity. He has seen Jesus’ power: over disease, demons and death. He’s known Jesus’ character and wisdom: in dealing gently with those suffering, and in answering critics wisely. And he’s known Jesus’ claims: he doesn’t just speak for God but as God, he receives worship.
Who is this man? As a Jew, Peter knew that he must worship God alone and no other. Yet his only conclusion is that this Jesus is God’s promised Messiah, his promised conquering king. And more than that, he is divine: “the Son of the living God”
Whether you are just looking into the claims of Christ or have been a Christian for many years, we never move from this firm foundation. Who is Jesus? It might be a time of doubt — that’s not unusual — perhaps through a trial or suffering that leads you to want to check your foundations. It might be in sleeplessness when the terrors of the night prowl the corridors of our minds. Where do we turn?
We look to the identity of Jesus. We look to who he is. No mere human would have his power, no mere prophet would make such claims for himself. But Jesus is God’s promised Messiah, he is God, the Son come to rescue his people. He has come into the darkness of our world and the darkness of our lives, for us.
This helps me to be assured that I can trust Jesus in whatever I’m facing. He has all power and compassion and has come for my rescue.
2. Look at Jesus’ resurrection
We are also to remind ourselves of the triumph of Jesus’ resurrection. This is what is meant by the sign of Jonah (16:4). Jesus repeats this image a few times. Jonah was ‘as if dead’ three days in the depths of a fish, but returned by God’s power. Jesus would be “killed and on the third day be raised to life.” This is the ultimate ‘sign’. Our faith stands or falls on the fact of the resurrection, and I would love to speak more with you about this if you would like. “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God … If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Cor 15:14–19)
Christ has come, Christ is raised. He has true history-defining power by his resurrection from the dead, he has defeated death for me. Evil has lost the initiative. Christ has power sufficient for all my trials and temptations. Christ is risen.
3. Look at Jesus’ people
Finally, to understand the times we live in, consider Jesus’s people. Jesus is gathering a people to himself. He says to Peter, “on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). Jesus is building his church.
Peter acknowledges that Jesus is "the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). The apostles’ message is the foundation of the church and forms our New Testament. The church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 2:20). It is not about Peter’s infallibility — after all, just a few verses later Peter is rebuked for speaking like Satan. But it is about Christ’s work in this era: from now until Jesus returns, he is in the business of building his church. It is not merely a human institution but a spiritual one. God’s people are not flawless and we make many mistakes. But as we speak, respond and live out Jesus’ gospel, there are effects in heaven, as individuals find Christ and trust in his resurrection.
I find this enormously helpful in how to live life. There are so many pressures and needs around me, but I know that God is building his church, gathering his people to himself. In the eyes of the world it not might look like much as you read this service at home, but Christ is building his church. This helps our orientation in life: now the things we do have eternal value. We can join in with God’s activity of building up his people.
We need help to not get lost in the confusion of life. What is God doing? Where do we find clarity and comfort in the confusion of the world?
· Look to Jesus’ identity: God’s rescuer has come, I can trust him.
· Look to Jesus’ resurrection: a sure bedrock of evidence for our faith. Nothing in life or death will overcome us.
· Look to his people: as Christ builds his church with eternal consequences. How wonderful that God is at work.
Song
Prayers
O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers of your people who call upon you; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
You may like to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer using the following pattern, filling in what you would ask for them:
Gracious Father, we pray for our families …
... for those who live near us …
… for school pupils, teachers and other staff …
… for our key workers, leaders and government …
… for those who are sick or grieving …
… for the persecuted, broken and hurting …
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Conclusion
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or conceive, by the power which is at work among us, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all ages. Amen.
Resources for Sunday 13th September 2020
Dear Friends,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus. This week is focussed on the theme of mercy.
I’ve included the resources for this coming Sunday (13th September). In the intervening week (Sunday 20th September), I suggest you may enjoy considering Matthew 16:13-20. Who are Jesus’ new community?
Our Harvest Celebrations this year will be as part of our services on the Sundays of 11th and 18th October. Details are posted in our news section.
With my thanks and prayers,
Steve
Resources for Sunday 13th September 2020
"Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance." (Jude 1:2)
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Confession
"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal,
have mercy upon us.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he set our sins from us.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn to him; have mercy upon us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness and bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Word of God
Our readings today are Romans 14:10-19 and Matthew 15:21-39.
Creed
We believe in Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross!
(Philippians 2:6-11 NIV)
Reflection: Mercy or Right?
Let’s think about people ‘not like us’. When I meet someone like me, conversation flows more easily, we have common interests, friendship comes naturally. But with someone not like me, I know I have to make an effort: to think of good questions to ask, to listen carefully because I’ll easily misunderstand. And the more different they are the harder work it is. We're just so different! It could be age, background, culture, nationality or anything.
In All Saint’s we’re very much aware of it as we’ve brought together people together from different churches and we’re working to get to know one another better. But in many ways we’re actually quite similar. In Gobowen there are only 3.4% of the population who are non-white But Britain is estimated to be 30% non-white in the next 30 years. In Selattyn the official statistics have not recorded any non-white residents.
Matthew’s first readers knew the challenge of living as church in diversity. The early church was a mix of those of Jewish and non-Jewish background. People groups who would not normally mix together were now united in a new community and family of a local church. Greeks, Scythians, Romans, Phoenicians, Macedonians and Jews, brought together because of their common faith in Jesus Christ of Nazareth. By retelling the his testimony about Jesus to them, he is shaping their understanding of who they are, and of how these very different and hostile cultures became united in the local church. He’s teaching them how they got here from there.
It begins with a woman who is as much an outsider as you can imagine. She’s described as a ‘Canaanite’, which is an old fashioned term from more than 1000 years earlier. The Canaanites were the traditional enemies of God’s people who were displaced from the land in the days of Moses and Joshua. Matthew is showing us that she is not just an outsider to God’s promises but even comes from one of their historic enemies.
But here’s a bit of a puzzle, why is Jesus silent (v23)? The disciples find her persistence frustrating and ask Jesus to send her away. They might mean ‘can you heal her daughter quickly because she’s causing a nuisance.’ But they might just mean tell her to go away. Nonetheless, she doesn’t give up.
Jesus’ response is about his priority: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” (Matthew 15:24). We need to remember that we are at the cusp of dawn for the gospel. Earlier, Jesus has sent his disciples to the “lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 10:6) and by the end of the gospel they are sent to “go… to all nations.” (Matt 28:19–20) Here we are in the middle. Jesus has not spent much time in Gentile territory and here is a someone coming asking for mercy with such boldness “Lord, Son of David…” Does she understand that the Son of David is the Jewish messiah? Does she realise that it is only right that he first needs to take the message to lost Israel? Is she presumptuous to ask so boldly?
Here is the contrast between right and mercy.
God’s promises of blessing and hope are not spoken to her. The promise of a Messiah to rule and restore meant defeating Israel’s enemies … who are her ancestors. She has no natural ‘right’ to God’s mercy.
It’s easy to forget that we too are naturally outsiders to God’s promises. There’s a saying, “God will forgive, that’s his job.” But God is not simply a mercy machine to salve our consciences. To cry for mercy is to acknowledge that we do not have a right to mercy but we deserve something else. Mercy is to ask for what we do not deserve. It is deeply humbling when we realise that what we need is mercy.
I think Jesus’ slowness to answer her cry is because he wants to reveal the depth of her faith.
She comes to him again and he replies, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” (Matthew 15:26) I’ll be honest that I find it a surprisingly rough way to speak to her: I know Israel described themselves as children of God and all other nations as dogs. It was common language at the time. The children have a right to be fed, and they are fed first. The animals are fed the leftovers. They won’t go hungry but they are fed second. But is Jesus saying that Gentiles are second-class citizens of heaven, only to have the leftover blessing of the feast of heaven?
No. I think it is about the difference between rights and mercy.
So consider those who do have a right. How have they responded to the offer of the feast of heaven? The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law have just been excluded (and they are held up as the cream of the nation). They are not the true vine of God’s people, but like useless weeds worthy of being rooted out (15:13). Their leaders are not the light and guide of the people, but blind and dangerous guides who ruin all who follow (15:14). The ‘children’ are offered the feast of heaven and refuse to eat. Soon all nations will be invited in. Jesus wants to check, does she come with arrogant presumption to be let in by right, or is she humbly seeking undeserved mercy?
So her reply reveals her deep and humble faith in Jesus to show undeserved mercy to her:
“Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” (Matthew 15:27)
She knows that she does not eat at heaven’s feast by right but only by mercy. In fact, the only people at the future feast of heaven will be there by mercy. None of us, not Israel nor us Gentiles have completely honoured God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.
Perhaps that idea of crumbs falling from the table sounds miserly, as though we end up as second-class citizens in the Christ’s kingdom? Not at all! Jesus more than shows his willingness and compassion to include Gentiles like us:
The woman’s is praised for greater faith than any other follower so far and her daughter is healed instantly (Matthew 15:28)
Jesus heals such vast numbers that it is described just like the prophets foresaw the new Messiah’s kingdom (Matthew 15:29-31, Isaiah 35:5-6).
He has deep compassion for the crowd, to provide for their needs (Matthew 15:32)
He feeds them miraculously in the wilderness just as he did for the Jewish crowd in Matthew 14:13-21. Implying they too are promised to feast in the kingdom of heaven.
This is not miserly or reluctant but full and joyful. Whoever is included in the kingdom of heaven, it is not by right but will always be by mercy. God is under no obligation to show mercy but delights to bring both Jew and Gentiles to stand equally under Christ’s mercy.
For Matthew’s first readers this radical truth unites the early Christians. As brothers and sisters they have all received undeserved mercy. All are equal around the table of Christ’s feast, all are there by mercy; none are there by right.
And this is a radical truth for us too. We do not follow a western Christ, and all our Christian heritage in this country means nothing unless we stand humbly under Christ’s beautiful mercy. We have no right to demand his mercy but he delights to give it to us.
This changes our attitude to ourselves. I find it immensely humbling and comforting. This is the upside-down truth of the Christian faith, that the more humble our assessment of ourselves, the more joy, thankfulness and security we find in Christ. We have received total and unbounded mercy.
Also this helps our attitude to others. Because we are shown mercy, we share and show God’s mercy to others. This message goes to all nations and to people ‘not like us’ because it came ‘even to us.’ After all, if you look around church it is a mix of people that you wouldn’t normally see gathering together.
This is what mercy does. May God’s mercy continue in us and through us, to welcome others into this mercy and to unite us together in undeserved mercy.
Hymn
Prayers
Almighty God, whose only Son has opened for us a new and living way into your presence: give us pure hearts and steadfast wills to worship you in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
You may like to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer using the following pattern, filling in what you would ask for them:
Gracious Father, we pray for our families …
... for those who live near us …
… for school pupils, teachers and other staff returning …
… for our key workers, leaders and government …
… for those who are sick or grieving …
… for the persecuted, broken and hurting …
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Conclusion
May the God of all comfort pour upon us the riches of undeserved and boundless mercy to rejoice in anticipation of the feast in the kingdom of heaven and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Hymn
Resources for Sunday 30th August 2020
Dear Friends,
I pray you may you be encouraged by the riches of God’s grace for us in Christ Jesus.
I’ve included the resources for this coming Sunday (30th August). The next resources will be sent in two weeks time. In the intervening week (Sunday 6th September), I suggest you may enjoy considering Matthew 15:21-28. How does Jesus draw out a fuller expression of her faith?
Next time I write I hope to include some initial plans for how we can celebrate Harvest, and the other seasonal celebrations coming up. These will look different than usual so if you have good ideas to share please let me know.
With my prayers,
Steve
Resources for Sunday 30th August 2020
Jesus (walking on water) said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
(Matthew 14:27)
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Confession
Consider these words of Jesus:
"The things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.” (Matthew 15:18–20)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you and against our neighbour in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault. We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen.
"You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
Word of God
Our readings today are Psalm 26, Romans 12:9-21 and Matthew 15:1-20.
Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Reflection: A question of hand washing
For the past few months hand washing has hit the headlines more than any of us could have expected. As important as good hand hygiene is at the moment, the Pharisees have a very different concern. They are not concerned with hygiene but holiness.
Think of when Bobby Moore met the Queen. Its 1966, he’s just beaten Germany in the World Cup Final at Wembley and he now leads his team up the steps to receive the trophy from the Queen. At some point up the steps he realises that his hands are covered in the mud of Wembley’s pitch. He doesn’t want to meet the Queen with mud on his hands. If you remember the footage, as he approaches the royal box, he is busily wiping his hands trying to get the mud off.
That is a common human feeling: of needing to clean ourselves up. Not before meeting the Queen but before our pure and powerful God.
It is with this sense of holiness that we have the question in Matthew 15:1-2. Jesus’ answer pulls no punches because it takes us to the heart of how humans relate to our God. We can think of this in two contrasts that are an enduring guide for Christians from Matthew’s first readers to us today.
1. Human tradition vs. the words of God
This contrast is clear in Jesus’ reply. "Why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?" (Matthew 15:3). Human traditions can sadly have a way of obscuring God’s word or even actively working against it.
Jesus uses an example about the fifth commandment, “Honour your Father and Mother.” Imagine a son who had pledged to give to the temple. Perhaps it was a bit like a legacy for the future. But in the meantime, his parents are in need. Does he keep God’s command to honour his parents, or his promise to the temple? He goes to the religious leaders for advice and they don’t release him from his pledge. By putting their own rules about giving above God’s commands, they allow and encourage people to break God’s law.
Traditions have a danger of becoming distractions from God’s word. I’m not meaning any particular traditions but all tradition. Every culture has its traditions whether that’s sharing coffee after services, having small group discussions, particular postures in worship or rhythms of the year. What was begun helpfully to lead us to God and his promises, poses a danger when it is elevated to rival the authority of God’s word. If we follow that pathway Jesus shows us where it ends:
“These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me
They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” (Matthew 15:8–9)
It’s always healthy in church life to ask each other why we do things the way we do. And when we answer we want our answers to come from God’s word. The truth is that the human heart has a tendency to turn any religious tradition into a scheme for self-righteousness. What began as a helpful devotion fossilises into an unbreakable rule, while God’s truth is forgotten. Keeping the rules becomes more important that rescuing the lost.
We might not have a legalistic culture but we do have a particular culture. Someone once defined culture as “the way we do things round here.” If we’re honest we have our unwritten laws of what makes someone look ‘keen’. We might think that looking ‘keen’ might mean helping on a rota or leadership role, being at prayer meetings or in a small group, or having a quiet time. We might think the keen people look organised and tidy like life is under control. But none of these things are godliness in themselves.
This helps us respond well when someone questions what we do. It’s really healthy for us to explain our habits to someone else and to check whether they really do lead us towards God and his word. I know I can be so used to my own habits that I need others to engage with me about them, but when they do, I can thank them for a wonderful opportunity to examine whether my habits really are helping me keep God’s word.
It is so sad when ‘keeping the rules’ becomes more important than rescuing the lost. It’s the contrast between human religion and God’s word.
2. Outward purity at the expense of inner purity
Jesus goes on to explain what we also miss. When our traditions replace God’s word we will emphasise outward purity at the expense of inner purity. We forget that the heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.
Jesus’ example is about the ritual food laws: that purity does not come by what we eat but who we are, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." (Matthew 15:19) We know that all of what Jesus mentions is in our hearts even if we keep it well hidden. Washing our hands doesn’t solve it.
All other human religion can be summarised in 5 letters: graft. Human religion says “you can do it if you work and graft hard enough.” External purity (looking good on the outside) is hard but is easier than changing our hearts. True Christianity can be summarised not as graft but in 4 letters: gift. We know we are not clean in our hearts and, seeking mercy, we find the gift of grace.
As an image of this, think of earlier in the chapter. Peter sees Jesus walking on water towards their boat and even this professional fisherman is terrified. And Jesus calls Peter out to walk to him on the water. As Peter begins to sink, he cries out “Lord, save me!” Jesus doesn’t offer him swimming lessons. He does not throw him a life ring. He takes his hand, catches him and together they climb into the boat. As he diagnoses our sinful hearts, he doesn’t say try harder to fix your problem. He doesn’t throw a life ring and tell us “now you’ll be ok, keep kicking your feet.” He shows grace. It’s as simple as crying out “Lord, save me!” and, in the swirling waves of our sinful hearts, he takes our hand and will rescue us.
Human religion offers no hope to those who know they need a rescuer. Those who know the truth of their hearts delight in a saviour offering the gift of grace. And around this Christ, people do gather from every nation on earth.
We see this new community gathering around Jesus: more than 5000 gathered for a feast in the wilderness; the disciples worshipping, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” In the rest of chapter 15 outsiders include: the Gentile Woman and more than 4000 people gathering around this Christ and his grace. Today people around the world recognise that they need the gift from a rescuer not the impossible burden of human religion. And one day all God’s people will gather face to face around his throne in worship of Christ. People who have been transformed by grace to truly honour him with their lips and hold him dear in their hearts. People who, by a gift of grace, have truly clean hands.
Father, we know and admit the problem of our hearts and long for you to transform us. Please guard us from using our habits as ways of ignoring your word. Prevent us from distorting good traditions that fail to love you and others in righteousness. But may our church culture help us, and many others, towards you in love and ever increasing praise. For the glory of your name, Amen.
Hymn
Prayers
Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray and to give more than either we desire or deserve: pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
You may like to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer using the following pattern, filling in what you would ask for them:
Gracious Father, we pray for our families …
... for those who live near us …
… for school pupils, teachers and other staff returning …
… for our key workers, leaders and government …
… for those who are sick or grieving …
… for the persecuted, broken and hurting …
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Conclusion
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. Amen.
(based on 2 Corinthians 13:14)
Resources for Sunday 16th August 2020
Warmest greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This week we’re focussing on our reading from Matthew’s gospel (the feeding of the 5,000) as we see Christ’s complete ability to provide for his people.
I understand that many are not able to join us yet in our services and those who can come miss being able to all meet together and celebrate together as we are used to in song and sacrament. Please keep in touch and share encouragements and prayer needs.
This week’s resources are below. The next resources will be sent in two weeks time. In the intervening week (Sunday 23rd August), I suggest you may enjoy considering Matthew 14:22-36. How does Jesus show compassion, and care to his disciples? How do the disciples grow in trust of him?
I’m so encouraged by the many ways I hear of people caring for one another and their neighbours. Christ is at work through his people.
With my prayers,
Steve
Resources for Sunday 16th August 2020
“I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 8:11)
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Confession
Consider these words of Jesus:
"I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20)
"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48)
Jesus said “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17)
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you and against our neighbour in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault. We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen.
"You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
Word of God
Our readings today are Isaiah 25:6-9 and Matthew 14:13-21.
Creed
Let us declare our faith in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures;
he was buried; he was raised to life on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures;
afterwards he appeared to his followers, and to all the apostles:
this we have received, and this we believe. Amen.
from 1 Corinthians 15.3-7
Reflection: A feast in hard places
We all love times of celebration and we know that many of our celebrations involve food. Our celebrations come and go. After the Christmas turkey comes January. Soon after Easter all the chocolate and hot cross buns are eaten. A birthday cake soon goes stale.
But there is a feast that doesn’t fade away. Jesus says that people will come from the East and West to take their places in the heavenly feast (Matt 8:11). At the end of history there will be no more want or need. At the feeding of the 5000 Jesus is revealing that he is the host of heaven’s feast. He’s at the head of the table. The actual bread and fish are a foreshadowing of the final banquet for all his people.
We’ve just read what is possibly the most famous of all Jesus’ miracles. All four eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life include the feeding of the 5000. If you’ve been in church a while you are probably very familiar with the story. But perhaps it is possible to be so familiar that we miss its wonderful significance. How much we need to hear this.
If we zoom out a little bit in Matthew’s gospel we see increasing division around Jesus.
In his hometown
In 13:35-58 Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth reject him and his teaching. Growing up in a village, they all know Jesus’ family and have seen him grow up. Their familiarity gets in the way of faith. And they “took offence at him” (Matt 13:57). The word for ‘offense’ comes many times in this section of the gospel. Literally it’s saying that they were scandalised by Jesus.
But think how illogical they are being. They agree that Jesus’ has "wisdom and miraculous powers" (Matthew 13:54) so why would they reject him? Their pride means they refuse to listen more to him. This is the last time Jesus is in a synagogue in Matthew’s gospel. When he walks out that day, it is as if he never returns. Jesus, through his teaching, has confronted their familiarity. A clearer vision of Jesus has brought clearer division.
This is a very sad and sobering reality. Familiarity with Jesus is not enough to bring about faith.
Herod
The second point of division is with Herod who has not yet met Jesus. But when Herod heard news of Jesus, his fear and guilty conscience means he jumps to wrong conclusions: “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead!" (Matthew 14:2). Herod refused to repent at John’s teaching. And now he thinks he has risen from the dead, what would be the reasonable thing to do? Surely, to repent, to find out more about Jesus, to investigate. But it seems that none of this happens. He thinks a resurrection has happened and he doesn't investigate the details because he is too troubled by his conscience. By the time Herod does get to meet Jesus face to face, he just wants him to perform a miracle like a travelling magician and mocks him (Luke 23:8-12).
So too, many today don’t want to investigate Jesus further because they don’t want to change how they live. A troubled conscience can lead someone to Christ or can keep them away.
Jesus’ hometown didn’t want to listen to him, Herod didn’t want to change how he lived. Jesus brings division.
Did you know there is an invisible line that divides the land around us? Selattyn and Weston Rhyn fall on one side of the line, and Oswestry, Gobowen and Hengoed fall on the other side. It cuts St Martin’s in half. A drop of rain falling on the Selattyn side will eventually seep, trickle and flow from stream to river Northwards out of the Dee estuary. Rain on the Gobowen side all flows a longer route South through the River Severn towards Gloucester and the Bristol Channel.
The line of division has far reaching consequences. For humanity, the line of division is Jesus and his teaching. Clarity comes when the scandal of Jesus and his teaching are heard. For some those are words of offense, to others they are word of life.
In the midst of this, Jesus spreads a feast in the wilderness. The division Jesus brings is painful to us because we know his comfort, promises and life-changing power. The feeding of the 5000 is not here by accident. Let me show you some of its comforting truths for us.
Firstly, when we are unable, faith finds that Christ abundantly provides. Think of the challenge Jesus gives. He says to the disciples, “You give them something to eat.” (Matthew 14:16) How could they when they have no food and no money! More than 5000 people! Looking at their own resources Jesus’ words seem ridiculous. But just a few verses later, the disciples are indeed giving out food to the crowds and everyone is satisfied.
All of us at times are aware of our spiritual weakness and inability. It is in fact a healthy awareness, so that we will learn like the disciples did to trust Jesus to provide. He is the king who hosts a feast for his people. Ultimately that feast is the banquet of heaven.
The disciples are learning to be utterly dependent on Christ. The crisis on that day was about mass catering but the disciples would face far greater challenges. They find that they truly can look to Christ to provide because he is bringing the heavenly feast. He will provide for his people. They can only give to others what Jesus has first given to them.
Secondly this feast reminds us that our experience is in the wilderness. When our culture doesn’t want to listen to Jesus, or those around us don’t want to change how they are living to come to him, then like Jesus we find ourselves in a desolate place. Perhaps you have felt spiritually desolate at times recently. COVID had reminded me why it is such brilliant news that Jesus has defeated sin death and sickness for us. But not everyone in society has responded to Jesus in faith. It’s easy to be discouraged. But it is normal that when following Jesus we find ourselves with him in a desolate place.
Jesus shows great compassion on the crowds, teaching and healing them (14:14). He takes what little they have and provides a feast, like manna in the desert. Unlike Israel’s history, they trust him, there’s no grumbling that day. And the Apostles learn a little more how Jesus can provide for them, care for them and keep them until that future banquet. One day he will gather all his people for his feast in heaven.
In the midst of whatever challenges you are facing, how is he leading you to grow in trust of him, that he can provide for you, that he cares for you and that you can trust him. Let’s look forward to the coming feast!
Hymn
Prayers
Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Let your merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of your humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions make them to ask such things as shall please you; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
You may like to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.
Conclusion
May Christ, who has nourished us with himself, the living bread, make us one in praise and love and raise us up at the last day, and the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Resources for Sunday 2nd August 2020
Dear friends,
I hope you are keeping well. As we are resuming services in our buildings, the resources below are a copy of what we are sharing in the planned services. These services resources will be posted here fortnightly for the sake of those who aren’t able to gather with us in the building. I hope you find these an encouragement in the riches of grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.
This week, Geoff Nankivell has kindly prepared our service, so our very many thanks to him for his preparation and teaching.
Church at Home
“Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
(1 Cor. 15:57)
Preparation
Heavenly Father, we thank you that we can join together this morning to worship you. We realise that you know our hearts and desires, for nothing’s hidden from you. We ask that by your Holy Spirit you will purify our hearts, help us to love to you more and bring glory to your name through our lives. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Confession
Our first reading this Sunday is Psalm 93:1-5. Please read this, then let's join together in confessing our sins to God:
Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
we have sinned against you and against our neighbour
in thought and word and deed, through negligence,
through weakness, through our own deliberate fault.
We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us,
forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you
in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen.
Prayers
Almighty Lord and everlasting God, we beseech you to direct, sanctify and govern both our hearts and bodies in the ways of your laws and the works of your commandments; that through your most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Please continue with your own prayers and the Lord's Prayer.
Hymn
Here is love, vast as the ocean
Reading
Our second and third readings this Sunday are Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 and Romans 8:26-39. Please read these, then let's join together in affirming our faith:
We believe and trust in God the Father, who made the world.
We believe and trust in his Son, Jesus Christ, who redeemed mankind,
We believe and trust in his Holy Spirit, who gives life to the people of God.
This is our faith.
We believe and trust in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Reflection
Paul, as he wrote to the Christians in Rome set out the main truths of the Christian Gospel. In the early chapters of his letter he revealed our sinfulness as ‘There is no one righteous, not even one;’ (3:10); and the fact that God, because He is holy, had to judge sin. But Paul revealed that there is salvation; for we can be made right with God, by grace, through faith by believing on Jesus Christ. (3:22). Therefore, Paul shows us, because we ‘have been justified through faith’ (5:1) we now have new life in Christ by the Holy Spirit. We are no longer under condemnation (8:1), and we can have the assurance that we can never be separated from God. That’s great!
However, we know that we ‘groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to son-ship, the redemption of our bodies’ (8:23). We are saved, because our faith is in Jesus Christ, but we all know that we have various weaknesses. We are still human, therefore we see in verses 26-27 that:
We are Weak and Need help.
There are many times when we’ve all needed help in one way or another.
My wife and I, a few years ago, came back from our holiday, opened the front room door and found water dripping through the ceiling onto the floor – it was not a happy situation! We needed help – so we called in the plumber. If the car breaks down we call the RAC. Why do we call for help? Because we know that we can’t sort those things out without help.
Paul reminds us that there are times when ‘We do not know what to pray for’. Have you ever been there? Some kind of crisis has come and you don’t know how to pray? Well, Paul tells us that ‘the Spirit himself intercedes for us’. God knows our hearts and our needs better than we do. Sometimes we just don’t know what to pray for, or how to pray, because the situation is beyond our understanding. But thankfully God’s Holy Spirit, who lives in us, actually prays ‘for us through wordless groans’ when we’ve come to the end of what we can do – we groan. The Holy Spirit, like the plumber or the RAC man, comes alongside and helps us by interceding in heaven according to ‘the will of God.’. God reminds us in 2 Cor. 12:9 that “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore, we can see that God helps us as we pray; but also in verses 28-30 we can see that God, being sovereign, is working out his purposes in us and for us.
God Works for our good.
When the plumber came to stop the water dripping through our lounge ceiling he had to cut holes in our bedroom floor to find the problem. He found that when the house was built the joints where the water pipes met had never been properly fitted. It was a disaster waiting to happen! Paul tells us that ‘God works for the good of those who love him’. It didn’t seem good when we came home to find water dripping from the ceiling but actually it was – it could have been far worse another time.
Paul reminds us that God works for our good and he has a plan and purpose for us; for you, and for me, and for all of us here. How do we know this? Well, God says:
Firstly: We’ve ‘been called according to his purpose’. We realised we needed Jesus, and we received that message and trusted Jesus as our Saviour. In 2 Timothy 1:9 Paul reminds us that ‘He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace’
Secondly: Paul also shows us that God ‘foreknew’ us. God told the prophet Jeremiah (1:5). ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart’ God knew him, as he has known us, way before he was born.
Thirdly: We see that God’s ordained purpose for us was always that we should ‘be conformed to the image of his son’. We’re shown in 1 Corinthians 2:18 that we are ‘being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory,’ as God, by His Holy Spirit changes us so that we become more like Christ. God has done everything and it was always God’s intention that Jesus would be the ‘firstborn among many brothers and sisters’ who all have God as Father through faith in Jesus Christ. That’s you and me and all other Christians.
Fourthly: Paul tells us that because God has predestined us and called us He has also ‘justified’ us by removing our sin through Chris’s sacrifice for us on the cross; and he has also ‘glorified’ us. Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:6-7 that ‘God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.’
Having thought about God’s help and how He has worked for our good Paul goes on in verses 31-36 to show us:
The witness of what God has done.
How are we going to respond to all that God has done for us? Paul states ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’
‘If’? Paul gives us the proof that God’s on our side!
Firstly: God gave Jesus to die for us. Therefore, He will ‘graciously give us all things’. He will give us everything we need to live godly Christian lives.
Secondly: Who’s going to accuse us of doing wrong? Paul says we can’t be charged because God has already justified us through the death of Jesus. The penalty has already been paid – our sin is covered.
Thirdly: Now, Jesus is seated at the right hand of God the Father and intercedes for us. He knows what we need and he prays so that we are helped to live our Christian lives.
Fourthly: Because of all these things ‘Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? – Can ‘trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword’ separate us from God’s love? The world may not like us, people may be against us, we may be considered irrelevant and out of touch, but God is for us! Therefore, because God’s on our side Paul in verses 37-39 reassures us that:
Through Christ we win
Paul maintains. ‘No’! ‘No, in all these things’ whatever they may be, whatever may happen in our Christian experience, because God is with us and for us ‘we are more than conquerors’. We don’t just manage to scrape through the problems. God enables us to overcome them as we bring them to him and depend upon his help. It’s not because we’re clever; or good at getting out of problems, like calling for the plumber to come and stop the water coming through the ceiling; it’s not because of what we can do. We’re conquerors ‘through him who loved us’. It’s all thanks to God because, as Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:57, ‘He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’
In fact Paul tells us that he’s ‘convinced’, he’s absolutely certain, that ‘neither death’, which happens to us all and Christ has conquered, ‘nor life’ and all that it throws at us because we are Christians, is going to separate us from God. Paul also tells us that nothing in the spiritual realm can harm us; and as God is eternal, sovereign, and in control of time, nothing in the vastness of His created universe will ever ‘be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus or Lord.’ In Colossians 3 Paul reassures us that ‘your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.’ Our salvation is eternally secured. Through Christ we win!
Heavenly Father, thank you for the victory that Jesus won on the cross for us. Help us to live in the certainty that our salvation is assured and that nothing in all creation can ever separate us from your love. Amen.
Hymn
It is well with my soul
Closing Prayer
To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy, to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
(Jude 24-25)
Resources for Sunday 19th July 2020
Now that we are resuming services in our buildings, the resources below are a copy of what we will share in the planned services today. In future these service resources will be emailed out fortnightly to those who aren’t able to gather with us in the building.
Preparation
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing
with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Psalm
Join in the words of Psalm 139:1-11,23,24.
Confession
The Lord is full of compassion and mercy,
All slow to anger and of great kindness.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
All nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
All so great is his mercy upon those who fear him.
All Holy God,
holy and strong,
holy and immortal,
have mercy upon us.
As far as the east is from the west,
All so far has he set our sins from us
As a father has compassion on his children,
All so is the Lord merciful towards those who fear him.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
All and all that is within me bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
All and forget not all his benefits.
cf Psalm 103
Song of Praise
All Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Readings
Our readings this week are Romans 8:12-25 and Matthew 13:24-30,36-43.
Reflection
Would you say you were an optimist or a pessimist? Is your anthem “things can only get better” or “raindrops keep falling on my head.” As we have our first services in person for about 4 months, our attitude to the future might be shaped by our personalities and expectations.
But what about the Christian life? Are we meant to be optimistic or pessimistic about our Christian experience now? Between Jesus’ first and second comings, in our individual stories, what should we expect?
Perhaps you expect struggle: a continual struggle in the slough of despair, the spiritual doldrums of battle with sin, awaiting a dramatic rescue to glory (a flat-line before a sudden peak).
Or do you expect victory: step-by-step progress in the Spirit, hope of freedom from today’s struggles and a progression onwards in joy towards God’s coming future (a bumpy but steadily upward line).
In these recent chapters of Romans we’ve heard threads of both answers. We know that in this life, we continue to struggle in the battle between our spiritual ‘inner beings’ and our fleshly ‘sinful natures’. We know that this battle will be lifelong until we are freed from our mortal bodies. We also know that, because we belong to Christ, we will have victory: “he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you” (Romans 8:11).
So are you a spiritual optimist or pessimist? If you’re struggling at the moment then perhaps, like me you’re tempted to be a spiritual pessimist too. Maybe you feel in a spiritual plateau, or this week has at times felt more than you can bear. This chapter of Romans will help us to be optimistic. Not a worldly optimism of hope despite the odds, but the godly optimism of Christian hope. A realistic optimism that knows the gritty reality of our battle and groans yet is full of assurance and hope: a spiritual realistic optimist.
Know you are adopted as royal heirs (v14-17)
Those who have God’s powerful indwelling Spirit have a powerful new identity. We are called to live as newly adopted members of God’s family.
Everyone who has begun trusting in Jesus has received his powerful Spirit. If we have the Spirit, we’re in the family.
We have a new identity as sons of God (v14) — that is sharing the honour, welcome and status of Jesus the Son.
We are adopted and welcomed into the family so that we have a secure and permanent place, not one of fear or insecurity (v15)
And if all this is true then we are heirs of all God’s promises and will inherit everything (God himself and all his gifts).
Imagine an adopted child in their new family. They are welcomed and accepted from the first day, but they need to learn they can trust their new parents. As days go by they will discover that they truly are welcomed, loved, accepted and included. They will grow in confidence that they will not be excluded, shamed or condemned. So with us, from our first moments of Christian new life we are adopted and welcomed into our new family. One of the joys of the Christian life is to increasingly discover the security of our Father’s love for us in Christ.
The assurance is to know we are his. The beautiful picture of verse 15 gives us confidence to come to our Father in intimate prayer. The word Abba (‘Father’ in Aramaic) shows us that we can approach God with the familiarity of those held dear within the family circle.
I’d like to add a work about our experience of human families too. None of us received perfect love from our human parents. I’m sure that there are some here who have been very hurt by family relationships in the past. I understand that it may be harder for you to find comfort in the idea of God as a loving Father. But I pray that you will continue to grow in trust of him. The flawed relationships of this world show us how much we long for and need the true parenting of God. We are offered to begin the journey of adoption with him and grow in increased trust of his love, care and welcome.
Secondly, as we join this new family, we are called to join in the family battle.
Royal heirs must suffer (v12-13, 17)
Following this pathway of the Spirit is joining in the family task. That’s what the end of verse 17 is showing. Literally “if we ‘co-suffer’ with Christ we will also be glorified with him.” Christ suffered to do away with sin, and so we join in the family’s battle against sin and so share in his glorious reunion. The realistic optimism for this age is that Christ’s people share in his suffering. We are led and empowered by the Spirit on this pathway.
One form this suffering takes is that the Spirit leads us into battle with sin. That is clear from our obligation to fight sin in verses 12-13. The writer and leader John Stott comments on verse 13, “There is a kind of life which leads to death, and there is a kind of death which leads to life.” We have been given insight through the gospel to know where each path leads and to know one from the other such that we take the extreme step of seeking to kill our sinful natures. Stott explains that we now have “a clear-sighted recognition of evil as evil, leading to such a decisive and radical repudiation of it that no imagery can do it justice except ‘putting to death’.” [1]
This realism (that suffering is certain) might seem a downcast message but its realism is wonderfully hope-filled.
Groan for the coming glory
The groaning in mind is not the groaning of despair or torment but of hope-filled struggle. Hope transforms suffering. Think on this comparison:
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)
In the midst of our struggles they can loom over us with such terrifying magnitude that they consume almost all our vision. But Paul invites us to look with eyes of faith and hope.
There are such riches in these verses, but let me briefly draw three implications from the groans of creation, of ourselves and of the Spirit.
Creation’s groans hint to us the scale of how glorious our future will be (v19-22). Things break, corrupt, decompose and fail. Every part of this world groans under a longing for re-creation. But if you’re in the hospital and hear a scream across the corridor, it makes a huge difference to know you’re in the maternity unit. The pains and brokenness of our world are birth pains leading to new life. When we feel the groaning of a creation under bondage, join in the groaning for a world to come. How glorious the scale of that future, that the entire universe currently longs for it.
Also we groan (verse 23). Our groaning leads us in deeper longing for our redemption. We need to feel the weight of verse 23 saying “not only the creation, but we ourselves.” John Piper explains, “even we, even we who have the Holy Spirit, even we who are united to Jesus, even we whose sins are forgiven, even we who will have eternal life, even we who are totally justified, even we who are so loved by God—he works absolutely everything for our good — even we groan waiting for the redemption of this thing. This old, wrinkled, glasses-needing, balding, aching thing called body, even we.”[2] Have realistic expectations that our experience now is full of hope-filled groaning.
The third groaning is from the Spirit (v26). The Spirit’s groaning in prayer assures us of our certain future. Prayer is the voice of faith in action. By it we ask for mercy and long for eternity. We pray “Thy kingdom come.” But what if we fail to persevere in prayer — my prayer is so weak and failing! Even our prayer is underwritten and empowered by the Spirit. He prays in ways we don’t understand at the Father’s throne for us. If the Spirit is praying for us when words fail, we are assured of our future.
Father, give us the godly optimism of Christian hope, that knowing we are adopted into your family we will consider our present sufferings as not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us, in the name of Jesus Christ, whose Spirit empowers our lives. Amen.
Hymn
In our services we will listen to the hymn Great is thy faithfulness.
Prayers
Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Merciful God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as pass our understanding: pour into our hearts such love toward you that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
You may like to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.
Conclusion
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing and the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Church at Home: A problem in the law?
Dear Friends,
Warmest greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I think it is our sixteenth Sunday since we met together, although it may be that we are close to being able to meet again in our buildings. I’ll write as soon as I know what our plans are.
We are working through guidance documents from the diocese and the national church, and our PCCs are hoping to meet virtually this coming week to decide a way forward. Please pray for all those planning and deciding when we can reopen for our services. We know that (at least initially) our meetings will look and feel very different for a while.
With my prayers,
Steve
Resources for Sunday 5th July 2020
“Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
(Romans 7:25)
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn
All hail the power of Jesus’ name!
Confession
"Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24–25)
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you
and against our neighbour,
in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault.
We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen.
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," (Romans 8:1)
Word of God
Our reading today is Romans 7:7-25 (in the video below) and you may also like to read Matthew 11:16-30.
Creed
Let us declare our faith in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ died for our sins
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he was buried;
he was raised to life on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures;
afterwards he appeared to his followers,
and to all the apostles:
this we have received,
and this we believe.
Amen.
from 1 Corinthians 15.3-7
Sermon: A problem in the law?
Song: Jesus strong and kind
This is a modern song that gently calls us to come to Jesus for his mercy and tender grace.
Prayers
Let us join together in prayer for these areas:
For our church: that we would be united in love and truth. And as we prepare to reopen to be able to do so safely and in a right manner, remembering those who may not be able to join us.
For our community: that with renewed freedom they may seek the Lord and his people, to find meaning and hope for this life and the next.
For our nation and world: for wisdom for our government and the global leaders to relieve the suffering caused by COVID-19. That Christian people worldwide would be salt and light in dark times.
Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
You may like to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.
Conclusion
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that with you as our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not our hold on things eternal; grant this, heavenly Father, for our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Hymn: Praise, my soul, the King of heaven
Church at Home: Does grace encourage sin?
Dear friends,
Warmest greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Well, it’s been a busy week of announcements for churches. Since I last wrote All Saints’ has opened the building for private prayer and the government have announced a timetable for churches to begin meeting again (not before the 4th July).
Both of these involve significant planning to allow for social distancing and safety for all involved. We feel it is not yet the right time to open St Mary’s for prayer and I’d be happy to chat about how we’ve come to that decision. We’re preparing so that in due course we might be able to offer the church building for small funerals.
We pleased that All Saints’ Gobowen is now open on Wednesday afternoons from 2-4pm. Any are welcome to come for private prayer. A welcomer will be there to help explain hygiene and social distancing for all our safety.
Please pray for all those planning and deciding when we can reopen for our services. We know that (at least initially) our meetings will look and feel very different for a while.
With my prayers,
Steve
Welcome & Preparation
"For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
(Romans 6:23)
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn
Praise him! praise him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Confession
"Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest." (Hebrews 2:18–3:1)
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you
and against our neighbour
in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault.
We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen.
Remembering God’s gracious gift, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
Word of God
Our readings today are Matthew 10:40-42 (read by Helen from All Saints') and Romans 6:15-23.
Creed
Let us declare our faith
in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ died for our sins
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he was buried;
he was raised to life on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures;
afterwards he appeared to his followers,
and to all the apostles:
this we have received,
and this we believe.
Amen.
from 1 Corinthians 15.3-7
Sermon: Does grace encourage sin?
Hymn
There is a Redeemer
Prayers
Our prayers this morning are led in the video below by Alan from St Mary’s.
Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Conclusion
Almighty God, you have broken the tyranny of sin and have sent the Spirit of your Son into our hearts whereby we call you Father: give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service, that we and all creation may be brought to the glorious liberty of the children of God; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Hymn
I will sing the wondrous story
Church at Home: Still in Sin?
Dear Friends,
Warmest greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This week’s reflection has been prepared by Mikey Reade from All Saints’. Romans 5-8 helps us explore the life-changing truths of the gospel so that we might be overflowing in praise, united in worship and sent out in mission.
We greatly long to be able to meet once again in person. We’re not yet able to do that, but churches are now allowed to open for private prayer where social distancing and resources allow. We feel it is not yet the right time to open St Mary’s and I’d be happy to chat about how we’ve come to that decision. We’re preparing so that in due course we might be able to offer the church building for small funerals sometime next month.
We are hopeful that All Saints’ Gobowen can open on Wednesday afternoon from 2-4pm. Any are welcome to come for private prayer. A welcomer will be there to help explain hygiene and social distancing for all our safety.
Later today is our monthly Prayer Supper online at 6pm. We will use the same meeting link as for our virtual ‘coffee time’ at 12 noon. Please email if you would like to be sent the link.
With my prayers,
Steve
Preparation
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” (Romans 5:1,2)
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn: Jesus Shall Reign
Confession
"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” (Romans 3:20)
There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"
(Romans 3:22–23)
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you
and against our neighbour
in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault.
We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name.
Amen.
Hear this promise for all who turn to Christ: “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)
Word of God
Our first reading is Matthew 10:24-39.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Sermon: Shall we go on sinning that grace may increase?
Please turn to Romans 6:1-14.
Hymn: ‘Tis Finished, the Messiah dies
Prayers
Our prayers this week are led by Betty from St Mary’s (recorded by phone).
Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Lord, you have taught us that all our doings without love are nothing worth: send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtues; without which whoever lives is counted dead before you. Grant this for your only Son Jesus Christ’s sake, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
You may like to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.
Conclusion
God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love, defend you on every side,
and guide you in truth and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty,
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Hymn: How deep the Father’s Love for us
Church at Home: Justified by Faith
Dear Friends,
This Sunday we are beginning a mini-series looking at Romans 5-8 as we see some of the wonderful implications of the gospel for living the Christian life. I pray it will help us in the present time, and in any and every circumstance, to be grounded assurance of God’s love and purposes for us in Christ our Lord.
It has been announced that churches, if able, can now open for private prayer. We are in a planning and risk assessment phase to decide if it is the right time for us given the particular features of each building. It will be very different to before to enable social distancing and services are not yet restarting. If you would be willing to help with either cleaning or being on the door for a session, are not in a vulnerable group, please let me know.
Also please may you remember the family of Leslie Gee in your prayers after his funeral this week. After years of involvement at All Saints’ he passed away at the end of last month and his funeral was at Hengoed Cemetery on Friday 12th June.
With my prayers,
Steve
Preparation
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” (Romans 4:25–5:2)
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hymn
This hymn leads us to ever increasingly praise God for salvation.
Confession
"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” (Romans 3:20)
There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:22–23)
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you and against our neighbour in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault.
We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past and grant that we may serve you in newness of life to the glory of your name. Amen.
Hear this promise for all who turn to Christ: “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)
Song
This song is taken from Romans 5 to remind us of God’s great love to us.
Word of God
Our readings are Matthew 9:35–10:8 (read by Christine from All Saints’) and Romans 5:1–11.
Creed
We believe in Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself
and became obedient to death, even death on a cross!Therefore God exalted him to the highest place,
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Amen.Philippians 2:6-11 NIV
Sermon
Hymn
In our next hymn we remember the immeasurable grace that is ours in Christ.
Prayers
Our prayers this week are led by Lorraine from All Saints’.
Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
O God, the strength of all those who put their trust in you, mercifully accept our prayers and, because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without you, grant us the help of your grace, that in the keeping of your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
If you wish, please continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.
Conclusion
God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love, defend you on every side,
and guide you in truth and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty, Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Hymn
Church at Home: Trinity Sunday
Dear friends,
This Sunday, Trinity Sunday, we are looking together at the Great Commission from Matthew 28. I hope you find these resources an encouragement in our Lord Jesus Christ, knowing we are united across the world with believers from every tribe, nation and tongue. Please be in touch if I can help with anything.
With my warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve
Notice for those at All Saints:
We’re keen to make sure that people are cared for well. I’ve been so encouraged by how welcoming and caring our church family has been over recent weeks. We want to make sure that no one is being overlooked, so we are seeking to set up Pastoral Care Circles. Each group will try to keep in touch with each other; some people you’ll already know well, and others may be new to you. They’re not groups that will be meeting together at the moment, they are simply a way to ensure no one is isolated. We hope they’ll be really good at helping us to deepen our relationships as we walk in discipleship together, and also helpful for our community as we look out for one another.
Welcome & Preparation
Hymn
In our first hymn we join together with the heavenly chorus to praise Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Confession
God the Father forgives us in Christ and heals us by the Holy Spirit, Let us therefore put away all anger and bitterness, all slander and malice and confess our sins to God our redeemer.
Lord Jesus, you wept over the sins of your city.
On our neighbourhoods: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you heal the wounds of sin and division, jealousy and bitterness.
On us: Christ have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you bring pardon and peace to the sinner.
Grant us peace: Lord have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
May the Father forgive us by the death of his Son and strengthen us to live in the power of the Spirit all our days. Amen.
Word of God
Our readings are a retelling of Acts 16, and also Matthew 28:16-20 read by Robin from St Mary’s.
Creed
Let us proclaim the Church’s faith in Jesus Christ.
We believe and declare that our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Son of God, is both divine and human.
God, of the being of the Father,
the only Son from before time began;
human from the being of his mother, born in the world;
fully God and fully human;
human in both mind and body.
As God he is equal to the Father,
as human he is less than the Father.
Although he is both divine and human
he is not two beings but one Christ.
One, not by turning God into flesh,
but by taking humanity into God;
truly one, not by mixing humanity with Godhead,
but by being one person.
For as mind and body form one human being
so the one Christ is both divine and human.
The Word became flesh and lived among us;
we have seen his glory,
the glory of the only Son from the Father,
full of grace and truth.
from the Athanasian Creed
Sermon: All-encompassing message
Prayers
Our prayers this morning are led in the video by John from All Saints'.
Christ be with you, Christ within you,
Christ behind you, Christ before you,
Christ beside you, Christ to win you,
Christ to comfort and restore you.
Christ beneath you, Christ above you,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all who love you,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
Almighty and everlasting God, you have given us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity and in the power of the divine majesty to worship the Unity: keep us steadfast in this faith, that we may evermore be defended from all adversities; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
You may wish to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.
Conclusion
Jesus said, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:20)
God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love,
defend you on every side,
and guide you in truth and peace;
and the blessing of God Almighty,
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
Hymn
Church at Home: Pentecost Sunday
Dear Friends,
Welcome to our resources for Pentecost Sunday. This week, Rev. Alan Reynolds has kindly prepared our service, so our very many thanks for his preparation and teaching.
For those from All Saints’, this Sunday would have seen us meeting jointly with Preshenlle URC church so you may like to include them in your prayers this week.
This will be (I think) our eleventh Sunday at Home. I would greatly value hearing any reflections on what we are doing, and what our priorities should be as we seek to witness to Christ and his grace in this time. Perhaps if you have thoughts, you would like to be in touch. Our buildings remain closed but God’s message is not chained:
"Remember Jesus Christ,
raised from the dead, descended from David.
This is my gospel, for which I am suffering ...
But God’s word is not chained" (2 Timothy 2:8–9)
It was lovely to see many faces for 'coffee time' after the service last week. This Sunday you are also invited to join us again via Zoom. Please email if you would like to be sent the link.
With my warmest greetings in Christ our Risen Lord,
Steve
PENTECOST – FESTIVAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Theme: The life giving breath of God.
Welcome to our worship together today. After the Ascension of Jesus we enter the Age of the Holy Spirit.
We hear today from St. Luke’s Acts of the Apostles that dramatic moment.
Opening Prayer
Your Spirit is with us
Your Spirit is with us
Your Spirit is with us
Your Spirit is with us
Your Spirit is with us
Your Spirit is with us
Your Spirit is with us
Your Spirit is with us
The Lord is here
We need not fear
We are surrounded by love
We are immersed in peace
We rejoice in hope
We travel in faith
We live in eternity
The Lord is here
Hymn
O Breath of Life
Preparation & Confession
Almighty God to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and glorify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
As we remember our sins, and the sins of the world ……. so we pray:
Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Word of God
Our first reading is Acts 2:1-13, read by Janet from All Saints’.
Earlier this year one of the gales brought a wind that ripped off part of the roofing of my small study summer house. The rain came in. By contrast I write this in a heatwave with a gentle warm breeze that is relaxing. Wind comes – to circulate the rain – to scatter the pollen – to test the roots of the trees, besides being an outdoor play companion for windsurfers, paragliders and kite flyers.
The disciples were naturally unprepared for the full impact of the wind of the Spirit. As the first generation they had much to learn, some of it painful. The ‘new’ stretches us and our imagination is often limited.
Hymn
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me
Our next reading is from Acts 2:14-21, read by Barbara from All Saints’.
St. Luke gives us two imaginative images for the Spirit – wind and fire. They express the inner spiritual experience of God, who is active and dynamic with us.
The symbol of ‘wind’ has a long and varied usage in the Bible:
Active in Creation - “moving over the face of the waters.” Genesis 1. vs. 2
“Breathing life” into Adam, into humanity. Gen.2.7
“Breathing life” into lifeless Israel. (Ezekiel 37.1-14) dry bones can live again!
St. Mark introduces us to Jesus as the man filled with the Spirit. Mark 1.9-13
St. John tells of Jesus ‘breathing’ the Spirit upon the disciples. John 20.22
they too will experience the ‘living water of the Spirit’. John 7.38
Our final reading is from John 7:37-39, read by Caroline from St Mary’s.
We have an advantage over the disciples in that we can draw upon all the Old and New Testaments (Gospels and Letters) to help us as we reflect upon the work of the Spirit with us, our inner life. How we have come to see God’s work in the world and within us.
Today we can focus on three key words : LOVE - LIGHT - LIFE All of the Spirit.
First, let us affirm our Faith as we declare:
We believe and trust in God the Father, who made the world.
We believe and trust in his Son, Jesus Christ, who redeemed mankind,
We believe and trust in his Holy Spirit, who gives life to the people of God.
This is our faith.
We believe and trust in one God, Father Son and Holy Spirit.
Hymn
The Spirit lives to set us free
Reflection
The first of the three key words is LOVE
Everything is grounded in LOVE – the creation we see around us and all that is within us.
God creates out of LOVE. “For God so loved the world ….” (John 3.16) A love that goes on giving.
We experience this love through the grace and ministry of Jesus Christ. His love is brought to us through the Spirit, who will lead us to the truth that is Jesus Christ. The Spirit will make known, glorify Jesus. We move from learning about Him, to a deep personal knowing Him. As we continue to ‘abide in Him’ so the divine love grows within us. (cfJohn 14-16) Those crucified arms are still stretched out to embrace and include. We remember that, “ … we love because he first loved us ...” (1 John 4. 1-12) As a child learns to love by being loved, so the Spirit leads us to the Father’s love in Christ.
LOVE leads us to LIGHT
It is amazing to think that the physical light in the universe comes from the terrifying heat generated in the midst of the stars. We are bathed, even roasted, in the suns light. The light of the soul is born of the light that is brought to us by the Spirit from our Lord. This dimly burning wick burns ever brighter as we allow the ‘Spirit of Truth’ to lead us. (John 15.27) St, John records Jesus declaring that those who believed in Him would receive “living water”, that is the Spirit. (John 7.38) For Jesus is ‘the Light of the World’ (John 8.12). Out of the vastness of the darkness that is space, the light reaches us.
Gods love and light generate LIFE
Our material world us shot through with Life. We have both matter and Spirit. As human beings we have the gift of life that is ‘breathed’ into us.’ We are called to a special relationship with our Creator. We are alive with something of God’s life. We have the ability to respond. This life is fully seen in all its human potential in Jesus, “In Him was life ...” (John 1.1-12) He is the living Word of Life who comes to Bethlehem – to be born in us – through “the Spirit who will blow where he wills” (John 3.8)
There is a difference between being alive, and living. Many are certainly alive, but not necessarily fully living. To be fully alive requires the ‘water of life’ to flow through us in many different ways.
So, on that Pentecostal Day, Luke tells us “... and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit ...”
Wind and fire. In the midst of the Temple festivities the disciples experience the wonderful presence of God in Christ. ‘The living water’ flowed through them. Their uncertainties were dispelled as the life and energy of Jesus came to them, and through them. “His Spirit is with us.” Now there is a Christian community and fellowship that becomes the Church – entrusted with the future. The dynamic of Jesus’
Love – Light – Life will now break out into a needy world. As St. Paul encourages us, “Let us walk by the Spirit.” (Gal.5.25)
Prayers
We come now to our prayer and intercessions:
Holy Spirit of God, all powerful as the wind you came to the Church that day of Pentecost, to quicken its life and empower its witness. Come now as the wind of heaven and breathe new life into our souls: and revive your work among us that God in all things may be glorified.
We bring to the Lord those for whom we would pray today:
The needs of our troubled world. Those whose lives have been forever changed.
World leaders and those who make long lasting decisions on health and the environment.
The Church's ministry and healing work,
The many who are troubled through sickness, anxiety, bereavement, despair ….
Neighbours, friends, family ….
renew the face of the earth
renew the face of the earth
renew the face of the earth
renew the face of the earth
renew the face of the earth
renew the face of the earth
renew the face of the earth
renew the face of the earth
Come Holy Spirit come ……….
Holy Spirit bring your direction to our lives
Holy Spirit bring many to living faith
Holy Spirit breathe your life to refresh and restore
Holy Spirit help us to use all gifts and abilities
Holy Spirit help the dry bones to live
Holy Spirit kindle hearts that are dull and cold
Holy Spirit fill your Church, our hearts and minds
Please continue with your own prayers and with the Lord's Prayer.
Hymn
There is a Redeemer
Conclusion
Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord
in the power of the Spirit and in the name of Christ. Amen.
Stand firm in grace: Church at Home
Welcome
Hymn
Our first hymn calls us together to praise God that he keeps us all through life’s journey.
Confession
Seeing we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, and make our confession to our heavenly Father.
O King enthroned on high, filling the earth with your glory:
holy is your name, Lord God almighty.
In our sinfulness we cry to you to take our guilt away,
and to cleanse our lips to speak your word,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
“God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand,
that he may lift you up in due time.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
(1 Peter 5:5–7)
Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness and keep us in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Word of God
Our readings are Acts 1:6-14 (read by John from All Saints’) and 1 Peter 4:12–5:14.
Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Sermon: Stand firm in grace
Hymn
This hymn is a comfort for weary souls in the trials of this life.
Prayers
Our prayers this morning in the video are led by Alison from All Saints’.
Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
O God the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: we beseech you, leave us not comfortless, but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us and exalt us to the place where our Saviour Christ is gone before, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
You may wish to continue with your own prayers and the Lord’s Prayer.
Conclusion
"The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:10–11)
Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Hymn
A Life of Blessing: Church at Home
Dear friends,
I hope you find the resources below an encouragement as we consider our place as exiles and strangers in this world. As ever if you need assistance with any practical needs or errands, I am happy to arrange and coordinate people with offers of help in the church family, so please get in touch.
From Thursday 21st I will be sending out some resources for the ten days to Pentecost as part of the global prayer initiative “Thy Kingdom Come.” It is a time to join together in prayer for our community and the world so I hope you can join with us.
It was lovely to see many faces for 'coffee time' after the service last week. This Sunday you are also invited to join us again via Zoom. Please email if you like to be sent the link
Also this evening at 6pm you are invited to join us for our Virtual Prayer Supper. We'll meet at 6pm and use the same login as today's coffee time.
With my warmest greetings in Christ,
Steve
Welcome
Hymn
This hymn reminds us of God’s amazing and saving grace to us in Jesus. Once found by him, we are his forever.
Confession
Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us. Let us therefore rejoice by putting away all malice and evil and confessing our sins with a sincere and true heart.
O King enthroned on high, filling the earth with your glory:
holy is your name, Lord God almighty.
In our sinfulness we cry to you to take our guilt away,
and to cleanse our lips to speak your word,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24)
Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy on us, pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness and keep us in life eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Song
Our next song is a favourite in our household, and reminds us that we can rely on God in every situation.
Word of God
Our readings today are Acts 17:22-31 and 1 Peter 3:8-4:11.
Creed
Let us declare our faith in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; he was buried; he was raised to life on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; afterwards he appeared to his followers, and to all the apostles: this we have received, and this we believe. Amen.
from 1 Corinthians 15.3-7
Reflection: A Life of Blessing
Prayers
Heavenly Father, our ever-present help in trouble, our fortress and our God: calm the anxious fears of all who turn to you; give strength and healing to those who are sick, and courage and skill to those who care for them; grant wisdom and clarity to those in authority; and humble us all to call upon you that we may be saved not only in this life, but also for that which is to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
God our redeemer, you have delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of your Son: grant, that as by his death he has recalled us to life, so by his continual presence in us he may raise us to eternal joy; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Today's prayers are led by Geoff from All Saints' in the video.
Conclusion
"You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)
Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Closing Hymn
As we're thinking about being a blessing, here's a sung blessing recorded recently by some UK churches. Let's pray for our nation and community that God would give the blessing of faith in Christ to many at this time.