Rocky Road Epistles Chapter 16
Chapter 16Cycling along some of the lanes around where we live it is noticeable that the nettles and brambles are creeping closer, for on some stretches we can no longer cycle side by side. In fact, in some places, the only way to avoid getting nettled or scratched is to keep doggedly in the centre which is easier said than done when there are overhanging tree branches to avoid as well. The biggest danger for me is swerving to miss a nettle on one side and ending up clipping the bramble on the other – ouch. The best thing is to keep my eyes fixed on the road ahead. Following the advice in Proverbs 4 v.25-27 is sensible for any journey, physical or spiritual, “Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Not getting distracted and losing concentration is important as we travel through life as Christians. The chorus “Turn your eyes upon Jesus” is good advice, we need to fix our eyes on Jesus as individuals and as a fellowship. As we start services again and think through going forward as a fellowship let us be open to God’s guiding and follow his way ahead. Be encouraged by the words from Hebrews chapter 12 v.1-3, “ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Services in church start again
The inside of the church looks a little different now, although not quite as much as in the cartoon! The seating has been rearranged in line with social distancing rules, there will be hand sanitiser placed inside the door and a reminder not to move around the building too much. There won’t be coffee in the hall at the end of the service and instead we will leave through the front door. I appreciate that not everybody will want to or feel able to return straight away. For those reasons I intend to continue with these weekly chapter of our epistle, and will have a service available for you to listen to on the church website at www.rrbc.org.uk ReflectionFrom Phillip on Romans 5 v.1-11 Symbols of our Faith – The Cross Every Christian is familiar with the symbol of the cross. Rockingham Road Baptist Church has a large cross on the outside of the building and other smaller crosses inside. Yet I wonder if familiarity with the cross causes us to forget what it is all about. It is through the cross that we have atonement for sin and are put right with God.
As sinners we need a saviour. We need someone who will redeem us, will set us free, and that is what Jesus has done. The price is paid, is what we sing in the hymn by Graham Kendrick, and that is what Jesus has done. Just as the item in the pawn-brokers shop needs to be redeemed by its owner, so Jesus by his death has redeemed us and restored us to God. His death is that perfect sacrifice that covers over our sins. We sometimes talk about being washed in the blood of the lamb and I know that is language that causes some to cringe. Yet that is what happened on the cross. When you accept what Jesus has done for you and welcome him into your life, then God doesn’t notice the dirt on you, for there is none there, your sins have been washed in the blood of Jesus. In the cross we see the nature and character of God’s love. We live in a world which is acutely aware of pain, suffering and misery. No one is interested in a God who is aloof and untouched by human need, or even in a God who might save sinners from a distance. In the cross of Jesus, the words, “God is love”, take on concrete expression. People will believe a demonstration of love in action before they will believe a person who declares it only in words. God’s love for us is no idle expression. As John writes in the first letter of John, God, in Jesus Christ, became involved in this life. He assumed its burdens and entered fully into its tragedies. Finally, he took on the full responsibility for this life by becoming sin for us, Songs for Sunday
The price is paid, Alleluia
Graham Kendrick 1. We sing the praise of Him who died, 2. Inscribed upon the cross we see, 3. The cross! It takes our guilt away, 4. It makes the coward spirit brave, 5. The balm of life, the cure of woe, Thomas Kelly (1769 – 1855) CCLI #5638 In next week’s Reflection we will be thinking about There is no Bible Study on Wednesday 8th July, PrayersGracious God We pray for our country: We pray for people in need: We pray for those in the circle of friendship and love around us: We pray for this our church Eternal God: hear these our prayers, Ecclesiastically Correct Toilets? |