Being Church During These Strange Days
In these strange days, we’re being forced to think about what it means to be church together. These are some initial thoughts that might help us.
In these strange days, we’re being forced to think about what it means to be church together. These are some initial thoughts that might help us.
When Peter was imprisoned, the church prayed with conviction and passion for his release and yet seemed astonished when he was. How do we pray when faced with a crisis? How do we make sense of both the answered and unanswered prayers?
Matthew’s gospel tells two stories of outsiders who come to Jesus determined and confident that he will do something incredible for someone they care about. Will we do the same for one another?
It’s easy to become discouraged when we don’t see the results of our prayers but, as the story of Abraham reminds us, we must take our place as priests who will intercede on behalf of the world.
Psalm 23 is much more than a scripture to read at funerals. It’s a radical reminder that we pray to a God who is the shepherd of our lives.
Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians reminds us of the core business of prayer – that we may know God better.
Luke’s telling of the birth of Jesus reminds us that God acted at a real time in history, in a real place, with real people. If we pause from our busyness, we might just be amazed again at the one who comes close to us.
The genealogies at the end of Ruth & at the start of Matthew’s gospel are full of remarkable people. What has God called you to continue to be committed to?
The end of the book of Ruth is much better than a simple love story; the actions of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz have much bigger consequences.
We’d love for you to join us at one of our free events at Salford Elim Church this Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.