Hello Readers.
After our 3 baptisms in January, a Dedication of a Toddler February, we now have 2 requests for baptisms this April!
Alpha is going well. 11 Attendees. Although have run several, every course gives me new insight into the significant reasons we have for believing in Christ and all that he stands for.
Jeff Taylor was our visiting Guest Speaker from the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS). He made the point of lots of differing hats across the globe, but all the heads are very similar, with similar hopes and fears.
He gave a clear overview of BMS history, starting over 200 years ago, through to their global effective outreach today. Our church is partnered with their incredible works. Please visit their website and watch an enjoyable 2 minute explanatory video at http://www.bmsworldmission.org/
I attended the 3 day East Midlands Baptist Association (EMBA) Minister’s Conference. The theme was ‘Pick up your cross (not your mattress) and follow Jesus’. Obviously the emphasis here is that following Christ takes effort, so let’s work as a team, inspiring each other, and walking close with our Lord.
As we approach Easter we have been exploring the identity of Jesus through the seven ‘I Am’ statements Jesus makes in the book of John. This has taught us 2 key things….
1) Read scripture like a love letter…examine every word.
2) Scripture often has 2 levels; the day to day story along with the huge symbolism helping us to understand more.
So this month the woman at the well was only interested in the bucket of water, which is relevant at the first level. But at the higher level Jesus tells her Joh 4:13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, Joh 4:14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Please don’t just get through your day at the lower level. You are perfectly loved, have a purpose, and we would love to show you more at our church. Phone or email me anytime for more info J
Be blessed, Pastor Andy.