![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/pdf.png)
05_pew_sheet_15th_may_2022.pdf |
Today's thought from Tim KellerThe gospel calls us to keep an equal concern (a) to speak the truth and honor what is right, yet (b) to be endlessly forgiving as we do so and (c) to never give up on the goal of a reconciled, warm relationship. First, God requires forgiveness whether or not the offender has repented and has asked for forgiveness. This does not say “forgive him if he repents” but rather “forgive him right there—as you are praying.” Second, God requires speaking the truth. We must completely surrender the right to pay back or get even, yet at the same time we must never overlook injustice and must require serious wrongdoings to be redressed. This is almost the very opposite of how we ordinarily operate... we are to speak openly about what has happened with a desire to help. Lord Jesus, may I be a vessel of God’s grace given by the work of your power. To you be glory in my life, in the church and in Christ Jesus, to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (adapted from Ephesians 3: 7, 20) ![]()
Today's thought from Tim KellerChristians inwardly give up the desire to get even. To forgive is to give the perpetrator a gift they do not in any way deserve. While the perpetrator has been sinfully unfair to you, now you are mercifully unfair to them. You give them something not fair—it is better than fair. It is mercy. This “attitudinal forgiveness” is something you can do whether or not they have repented. It is a promise not to constantly bring the wrong up to others, to yourself internally, or to the perpetrator for the purpose of payback. It is a commitment to refrain from nursing your grudge and rooting for the person’s unhappiness. It is something you can do regardless of the behaviour of the perpetrator, for it is done in and from the heart. Lord Jesus, may I be a vessel of God’s grace given by the work of your power. To you be glory in my life, in the church and in Christ Jesus, to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (adapted from Ephesians 3: 7, 20) ![]()
For catering purposes please visit https://nativityblenheim.breezechms.com/form/pentecost
It was so great to kick off our children and youth ministry again this Sunday after the time away. Thanks to the team – the kids had a great time.” Chalk art from our youth, Mothers' day freeze and surprise team drawings by the Nativity Kids!
Today's thought from Dietrich Bonhoeffer “Those who follow Jesus’ commandment entirely, who let Jesus’ yoke rest on them without resistance, will find the burden they must bear to be light. In the gentle pressure of this yoke they will receive the strength to walk the right path without becoming weary.…Where will the call to discipleship lead those who follow it? What decisions and painful separations will it entail? We must take this question to him who alone knows the answer. Only Jesus Christ, who bids us follow him, knows where the path will lead. But we know that it will be a path full of mercy beyond measure. Discipleship is joy.” Lord Jesus, may I be a vessel of God’s grace given by the work of your power. To you be glory in my life, in the church and in Christ Jesus, to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (adapted from Ephesians 3: 7, 20) ![]()
Today's thought from John Stott Yet how seldom do we heed Christ’s call for immediacy of action! If murder is a horrible crime, malicious anger and insult are horrible too. And so is every deed, word, look or thought by which we hurt or offend our fellow human being. We need to be more sensitive about these evils. We must never allow an estrangement to remain, still less to grow. We must not delay to put it right. We must not even allow the sun to set on our anger. But *immediately*, as soon as we are conscious of a broken relationship, we must take the initiative to mend it, to apologize for the grievance we have caused, to pay the debt we have left unpaid, to make amends. Lord Jesus, may I be a vessel of God’s grace given by the work of your power. To you be glory in my life, in the church and in Christ Jesus, to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (adapted from Ephesians 3: 7, 20) ![]()
Today's thought from Rick Warren The seventh biblical step toward restoring a relationship is to emphasize reconciliation, not resolution. It’s unrealistic to expect everyone to agree about everything. Reconciliation focuses on the relationship, while resolution focuses on the problem. When we focus on reconciliation, the problem loses significance and often becomes irrelevant. We can re-establish a relationship even when we are unable to resolve our differences. Christians often have legitimate, honest disagreements and differing opinions, but we can disagree without being disagreeable. The same diamond looks different from different angles. God expects unity, not uniformity, and we can walk arm in arm without seeing eye to eye on every issue. When you work for peace, you are doing what God does. That’s why God calls peacemakers his children. Lord Jesus, may I be a vessel of God’s grace given by the work of your power. To you be glory in my life, in the church and in Christ Jesus, to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (adapted from Ephesians 3: 7, 20) ![]()
Today's thought from Miranda Warner The welcome that the father offers the son in this story is generous and extravagant. The younger son sees himself only as worthy of being treated as an employee. The father sees him, first and foremost, as a beloved son, even though he is also a family member who has deeply hurt him. The response of the father is a picture of the love of God for each of us. Our God runs towards us; offering grace, restoration and celebration as we turn towards home. When we receive and belong to this love, we encounter the courage and grace to let it flow through us towards others who have hurt and disappointed us. How does it feel to receive this abundant love from God, who sees your shortcomings clearly, and responds not only with forgiveness but with an embrace, an insistence that you belong, and with joyful celebration? Lord Jesus, may I be a vessel of God’s grace given by the work of your power. To you be glory in my life, in the church and in Christ Jesus, to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (adapted from Ephesians 3: 7, 20) ![]()
|
Categories
All
Archives
June 2024
|