In July, we were thinking about service in the context of meeting the practical needs of others: www.oakscc.org.uk/servicepart1 Definition: Service is the expression of Christ-like love through meeting the practical needs of another. It’s fair to say that we are all good at this! But this month we were challenged Read more
Often our concerns and issues are our focus but there is always a bigger heavenly perspective to prayer. Life lived with the understanding of eternity can take us to another level. Scripture tells us that God hears the prayers and cries of His people, they are answered and never wasted. Read more
Read Jesus wants to encourage his church, and he wants the church to encourage the church too – ‘mutual encouragement’ (Romans 1:12)! The word ‘encourage’ (encourages, encouragement) occurs 39 times in the New Testament alone. Not all are positive, but the vast majority are. It is a word that ‘does Read more
After June’s Sanctuary on God using our weaknesses, the verse from 2 Corinthians 12:9, just wouldn’t go away. But this time the emphasis was on a different part of the verse, on the words “My grace is sufficient for you.” My Grace, God’s grace… is sufficient. It is enough. His grace is enough. Read more
Definition: Service is the expression of Christ-like love through meeting the practical needs of another. I admit to a slight sense of trepidation as I prepared to talk about the practice of service. Facing a group of people who have served their socks off over the years, and continue to Read more
Theme: power of Jesus when He is lifted up in our prayers for the UK. How do you feel when the media bombards you with yet more news about people exposed for wrongdoing, disasters, riots, shootings etc. in our national life? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by it all, helpless Read more
Christian joy is a deep, abiding confidence in God’s love and faithfulness that remains even in times of difficulty. It is grounded in Christ’s finished work, sustained by His presence, shared with His people, and strengthened by the hope of His return. Through exploring communion, we see that it reveals Read more
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when Read more
Our God is the ultimate example of generosity, the giver of all things! And as we aim to become more like Jesus we are challenged to consider where our heart lies towards the poor, the church and the gospel. Watching a video from the Practicing The Way series, we heard Read more
We spent valuable time on Sunday listening to the Holy Spirit as we prayed for each other. Of course, when we pray for someone, we are ministering to them in prayer. “To pray for someone is the kindest thing we can do for them” – Charles Spurgeon In Paul’s letter to the Read more