Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Assurance in Trouble (Coronavirus)

Romans 8v35-39 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we will be more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demon, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

As a 21st Century western society, we take many things for granted and it is easy to feel upset or fearful when these things are potentially removed.

Emotions are very important signals for us. They indicate to us what is important to us deep down. The emotion of fear that we see prevalent in our society does exactly that: what are we most afraid of? The most common command in the Bible is generally cited to be “do not fear”. God is always telling people to trust Him and not be afraid: why? Because he loves us and is working all things for our good (Romans 8v28). Maybe we need to allow our emotions to be based on the truth of who God is and is totally dependable love for us: that means that his love for us is not only more important than anything else in all creation, but it is more important to me personally.

It is worth meditating on this truth though outlined in the lyrics below: “I do not know what lies ahead … but I know who holds the future”.

I do not know what lies ahead,
The way I cannot see,
But one stands near to be my guide,
He’ll show the way to me.

I know who holds the future
And He’ll guide me with his hand
With God things don’t just happen,
Everything by him is planned.
So as I face tomorrow,
With its problems large and small,
I’ll trust the God of miracles,
Give to Him my all.

I do not know how many days
Of life are mine to spend,
But one who knows and cares for me
Will keep me to the end.

I do not know the course ahead,
What joys and griefs are there.
But one stands near who fully knows,
I’ll trust His loving care.

Jesus says “My peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14v27). May you rest in God’s peace.

Roland

 

News/Prayer

  1. Hour of Prayer (Coronavirus) – we are having an hour of prayer on Wednesday 18th 7pm-8pm. We are advertising this as widely as possible to the community for people to engage in different ways. See attached poster.
  2. Socials – Quiz night moved to Friday 27th March (doors open 6.30pm, quiz 7.15pm)
  3. Prayer –  Let’s pray for our world and it’s leaders, praying particular for our own nation and spiritual revival.