In a world where we cannot tell what is real and what is fake, as God’s people we are called to live lives which are genuine and not artificial.

Paul in Romans 9.9 encourages his readers (and us) to live authentically.

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good…

The word for genuine here has the meaning of not hiding behind a mask or putting up a facade. In a world full of the artificial, we are called to be sincere in our love for each other and for the world.

What does living and loving genuinely look like for you this week?

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This preaching series walks through the story of Nehemiah, using the idea of building as an image to learn from as we labour to see God’s kingdom come today.

Every blessing, Patches.

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If you would like to cook food of your nationality and bring so as we can share together, please get in touch with Jac our Church Administrator by Thursday 8th October.

This will be a great opportunity of fellowship and to invite a friend. The more we have food from all nationalities in our church the better!

It will be helpful to indicate the ingredients, so people are aware. There will be a signing sheet on the table by the entrance door to the worship area.

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We would like to encourage any member of the congregation to complete this training (providing you have completed the basic safeguarding training) as you will be actively supporting St John’s to be a safe church whilst increasing your own knowledge in this important area of church life.

To book a place please contact Anna the Parish Safeguarding Officer.

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As he undertakes the project, it becomes clear that much more than physical building is required, and Nehemiah with the other leaders seek to rebuild the 
people as well. Though our context is very different, the principles that shine through Nehemiah about building for the Lord are tremendously helpful as we build on the vision God has given us to be the light of Christ in our community and beyond.

This preaching series walks through the story of Nehemiah, using the idea of building as an image to learn from as we labour to see God’s kingdom come today.

Every blessing, Patches.

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This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4.10

The former footballer Micheal Owen has been in the news this week after revealing that he never tells his children that they are loved. [BBC]

Michael Owen doesn’t tell his children he loves them – how big a deal is that?

In the article, Owen admits he finds it difficult to express words like ‘I love you’ but rather shows his love by actions. Which is quite right. Words are empty if not backed up by actions. Personally, I think it’s important to tell our children that they are loved.

Of course our upbringing, heritage/culture along with other factors, can contribute to how we express affection.

The good news is that God’s love is shown both in words and also in actions.

God’s Kingdom is fueled by love, therefore our words should also be seen in what we say and do.

‘Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.’ 1 John 3.18

Have a great week.

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I read an article by Jacob Elordi (who plays Hig) this week:

The 29 year old says he resonates with his character’s struggle to be content with life. “Everything is sweet for us – we’re able to walk around on the street, go to the shops, go to the park, have dinner with each other and we still go to bed and think ‘What else is there? What am I missing …?’

Blaise Pascal, the 17th century philosopher recognized that human beings are missing something which ‘things’ just cannot fill.

‘… since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words, by God himself.’

This is often quoted as ‘the God-shaped hole’. It’s the idea, that we saw illustrated in the Parable of The Rich Fool, that tangible and less tangible wealth like health, relationships etc can never give us the security we need. Only Jesus can bring us true fulfillment, peace and hope for the future. When by faith we come into a relationship with Him, we find that we can experience how life should be. Life in all its fullness.

In Jesus we find what we’ve been missing.

‘I came that they might have life and have it abundantly’.

John 10.10 NRSV

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‘Short and sweet’ can certainly be said of Psalm 117, it’s not only the shortest

Psalm but also the shortest chapter in the whole Bible. In just 17 words (in Hebrew), the writer calls on all nations to praise God for his love and faithfulness.

So, it’s short – but also sweet.

Why should we praise the Lord?

• because the Lord’s love is great. We are loved with an ‘everlasting love’ (Jeremiah 31.3); a love which is deep, wide and high (Eph 3.18).
• because the Lord’s love is a faithful love. His love for you is consistent, rock solid and inseparable. (Romans 8.35).
• because the Lord’s love for us is an enduring love. (Hebrews 12.2). Jesus endured the cross for us.

I loved the song that we sang last Sunday at the 10.30 service which captures the essence of the final words of Psalm 117. ‘Praise the Lord.’ Hebrew: Hallelu Yah

Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There’s salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ, my living hope

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Robert Beckford replied with ‘our response should be to lament’.

You can listen to the conversation on BBC Sounds. Look for ‘Sunday’ on 16 Aug.

It’s said that over forty percent of the Psalms are Psalms of lament. It’s an odd word really. What do we mean by Lament?

Lament is expressing sorrow and grief over travesty, injustices, sicknesses, death, or other brokenness within a fallen world. To lament is to bring to God our anger, pain, distress – and it’s ok to do so.

Mark Vroegop defines lament as, ‘a prayer of pain that leads to trust.’

In the Psalms of lament, we see a pattern that develops – beginning with deep emotional distress and ending with trust and praise.

In lament we direct our voice towards God.

In lament we describe our situation.

In lament we depend on Christ who is our hope.

In lament we dwell upon God’s character and faithfulness.

Here are some examples of ‘lament’ Psalms which you can look at this week.

Psalm 42 / Psalm 3 / Psalm 13 / Psalm 22 / Psalm 10

Lament is not complaining to God or trying to find trite solutions when things are tough, but rather it’s about being honest with God about how we feel. Lament is about ultimately finding hope amidst pain. Hope in God’s faithful character, hope in his love and then finding ourselves to be able to praise, despite our circumstances.

Psalm 28:7

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped…”

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Growing old (despite the challenges which accompany ageing) is of course, a privilege that we should never take for granted. Sadly, many people never reach old age.

The Bible has a lot to say about ageing and older people feature heavily in God’s big plan to save the world. Can you think of characters in the Bible who were older, and who God used?

Psalm 71 is the last of King David’s Psalms. He is now an elderly man and he recognises his vulnerabilities, vulnerabilities that many of us face.

Failing strength. v9

Loneliness and helplessness. v11

David also recognizes that God has been with him all through his life and will be with

For David, despite the challenges that ageing brings and the many struggles that he has experienced (v20), the Lord is his:

• Refuge v1
• Fortress v3
• Hope v5
• Focus v’s 15-16
• Comfort v21

What was true for David can also be true for us.

Isaiah 46:4

Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

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The psalm is a reminder that riches and wealth cannot secure eternal life. Those who put their trust in riches cannot avoid the inevitable. It reminds me of the Parable of the Rich Fool that Jesus tells (Luke 12).

In verse 8 the psalmist makes a statement which says that it’s too costly to set a soul free, the price is just too high. The word ‘ransom’ has the idea of ‘buying back’ someone held in captivity. The Bible Project has an interesting video on the meaning of ransom. Find it here: The Bible Project – Learn the Meaning of “Ransom” (Kopher) in the Bible.

Of course, there was someone who paid the ultimate price to set us free – and that’s the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Timothy 2.5).

If we belong to Jesus, we have been set free – let’s live in the light of what Jesus has done for us.

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