Inspired by Acts 4:32-5:11
On the surface it looked so good – it was what was lying below the surface that really made us think!
We were all together, sharing and giving as we were able. There was something amazing about being one in mind and heart and not being territorial with the possessions we each had. And the joy in sharing with anyone and everyone ensuring that no one among us was in need – surreal really. So foreign to what we experienced in the world around.
Easter is a special time for many around the world – a time to reflect, to be thankful, to lift our minds and hearts above the day to day and to appreciate the world we live in.
Arguably, more than any other event in history, Easter has shaped our world. The coming of the man Jesus and then his arrest, trial, crucifixion and then resurrection stunned the world. What Jesus taught about life, love, good works, sin, justice, forgiveness, hope has shaped cultures, governments, legislation, education, tradition and so much more. Yet his death and resurrection transformed people’s lives and gave a personal hope beyond the grave. Love him or loath him, he has left his mark for the benefit of generations across history.
In this trilogy of Easter talks, we walk with Jesus through the pages of John’s Gospel from his arrest to his resurrection.
– David Shead
Read the Bible Text – John 18:1-27
– David Shead
Read the Bible Text – John 18:28-19:42
– David Shead
Read the Bible Text – John 20:1-31
Being core in membership at church is about loving God and loving others before ourselves. Being core in membership at church is about putting the gospel first.
Here are ten practical suggestions (which may seem obvious), but will help you express your membership in Church.
We all like and want justice – yet justice is not possible unless there is judgement (vindicating the good and condemning the bad). In Jesus you have a judge – who is just, right and good. Can we say the same about our own judgements?
Read the Bible Text – John 5:16-30; John 12:44-50
Talk Outline – Who says I will be judged
– Ken Noakes
– David Shead
Universal Church Only – a vertical relationship.
From time to time, I will hear a believer say that they don’t have to be a member of particular local church – because they are ‘in Christ’.
The closing scenes of David’s reign show the now familiar realism of saint and sinner. He moves from despotic self-interest to a shepherd ready lay down his life for the sheep and the temple is foreseen in David’s altar. God is revealed as unchanging in his justice and his mercy.
Read the Bible Text – 2 Samuel 24:1-25
– David Shead
Draw Near to God and to Others
Hebrews is helpful for anyone wanting to think about the importance of Church.
In Chapter 10 the author writes to Christians who were losing confidence – some were persecuted, some were leaving the faith to avoid suffering, and others were abandoning Christ because they wanted to fit in with the world around them. His advice? – draw near to God and draw near to others!
David’s songs are a commentary on his experience of the God who reigns and saves and to which David owes everything. They are words that are sung by all who depend on God for their salvation in a fallen world.
Read the Bible Text – 2 Samuel 22-23
– Ken Noakes
When you became a Christian, your membership in the church took both a universal and a local shape – a wide and narrow view if you like.
What is the difference?
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