Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

2 Peter – Participating in the divine nature!

2 Peter 1v4 “he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

As we head back into increasing restrictions and our news channels focus on the rising figures, it is vital that we focus on God’s plan.

God’s plan is this – for us to “participate in the divine nature”! That is quite a purpose. That is the reason behind the promises he has given us.

So what does it mean to participate in the divine nature? It is (obviously) not saying that we are God, but let me suggest the following from the passage:

• To have true life based on a knowledge of God and godliness (v3)
• To escape the corruption caused by evil desires (v4)
• To possess the qualities of faith, goodness, knowledge of the truth, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. (v5-8)

The divine nature comprises all these things. This is what God has saved us for.

This is vital news for today, because we can so easily define ourselves and the quality of our lives by external measures of what we can or cannot do. But God is moving us to define our purpose in the same way he does – by the measures listed above. And the more our goal for ourselves is defined in that way, the more we will find that we can live through the circumstances. It’s not too late to change direction!

May our purpose in life be in line with God’s purpose for us.

With love and blessing,

Roland

News

• This Sunday
  • We will meet as normal in Admaston House and online.
  • Please note the latest update from Tony as Telford enters “Tier 2” and follow Covid-19 procedures when on site.
  • We will be celebrating communion together on Sunday in a Covid-safe way.
• Prayer Day & Live worship evening
  • Thank you to all who led and participated in different aspects of the day and evening.
• Monday Prayer Evening 7.30pm
  • There will be 1 hour of prayer on Zoom on Monday 2^nd We will be joined by other Christ Central Shropshire churches praying for us at Admaston.
• Christmas Community Carol Event – Sunday 20^th December
  • Thank you to all who joined our meeting on Monday and have picked up different roles, please pray for the development of this event which is not impacted by Tier 2 status.
• Youth Activities
  • Note that youth activities are exempted from the Tier 2 regulations and are still able to meet, while other groups will be purely on-line (or outdoors!).

Programme – Please contact roland@hopeadmaston.org.uk if you would like to join any of our meetings via Zoom.

Sunday morning worship is now live-streamed on both YouTube and Facebook from Admaston House at 10.30am.

Prayer

Give thanks:

• For those who are participating on Alpha courses at present – and particularly those wo have only been able to meet in person.

Prayer:

• For one another in the spiritual battle – especially as several have been unwell recently.
• Let’s pray for spiritual breakthrough in our neighbourhoods.

Other general information

Pastoral Care – If you are in isolation and need support (eg shopping), please contact natalie@hopeadmaston.org.uk who will arrange with the team of helpers.