When the storms hit and you’re surrounded with uncertainty, you need to know how you will stand firm. John’s gospel offers the invitation that holds firm. If Jesus is like a tree, we can be like branches – so close, so connected, so aware of the life of Jesus flowing through us. Enough for the best of days and for the very worst of days.
One of the questions that crops up at regular intervals throughout life is one of the most basic ones: ‘Can we change? Can the direction of my life change?’
Jesus offers hope that things are not fixed, that change is possible to all who are open.
It begins with the heart.
Jesus said just a cup of cold water would make all the difference.
What is the equivalent for us today?
What is the small action that shows a heart of kindness in action?
Today knowledge can feel just 2 clicks away on Google. But is that knowledge, information, what Peter meant? Sometimes it can feel like it is, and those who have this knowledge can feel superior to everyone else.
That’s dangerous.
But what if Peter meant there was a different way of growing in knowledge? What if it was about a growing relationship – both with God and others. What does it take to get that sort of knowledge?
Jesus finished the Sermon on the Mount with the simplest of commands – don’t just listen to all this, live it out!
It’s hard being right all the time!
What if we could take the burden of judging others off our shoulders.
What if we believed that they don’t have to answer to us?
What if we practised grace a bit more?
Would that mean we would become gullible or lose discernment?
Can you be discerning and not judge?
Prophecy is for the sake of others. It’s a clear reminder that we listen to God because we are part of a community that we care for.
Hearing from God is not a personal luxury – it’s a church necessity.
They came looking for a king. But they had no idea what sort of king he would be – or indeed the type of leadership/service he would ask of his followers.
The people are gathering ready for their return to Jerusalem. However they can’t commence their journey until everything, or maybe more appropriately everyone, is in place.
We’ve spent a good deal of time looking at how we offer hospitality to one another, but what does it look like to offer hospitality to those people we find difficult to deal with?
How can we change the story?
Salford Elim Church St. James Hope 3 Vicarage Close Salford M6 8EJ
info@salfordelimchurch.org
07771 558 058
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Elim Foursquare Gospel Alliance
Registered Charity 251549 (England & Wales) SC037754 (Scotland)
