[This reflection by Helen Ruffhead was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 27/Oct/2024]
Do you worry about the state of the world? Growing up in the early 1970s, I was consumed with anxiety about all the things that were happening, like wars in the Middle East, terrorist bombs going off at home, Russian aggression in Europe, wars and famines in Africa, corruption in US politics and a dire economic situation in the UK. Does any of this sound familiar? (more…)
[This reflection by Dazz Jones was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 03/Nov/2024]
This month in our sermon series we’re looking at the story of Gideon. When we feel overpowered, outnumbered, or just plain overwhelmed, it can be hard to find the courage to keep going. In the Bible, we see many stories of God’s people facing impossible odds. One of the most striking examples is Gideon, a man who saw himself as anything but a warrior, yet was called by God to lead Israel to victory over the mighty Midianites. Gideon’s journey from fear to faith gives us a map for finding courage in the middle of our challenging circumstances. (more…)
[A ‘Tuesday Challenge’ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during October 2024]
“Speak oft with thy Lord”[1]
Three weeks ago our reflection about whole-life worship concluded with a verse that included the words above.
Note how the opening line above recommends speaking with our Lord. So many times we are tempted to speak to God, making our prayers a monologue rather than a two-way conversation. Do we offer him time to respond or even get a word in edgeways? (more…)
[A ‘Tuesday Challenge’ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during October 2024]
As often happens when preparing these reflections, it starts with a question: “Where do I begin …” Fortunately, the actress Julie Andrews is able to offer some advice:
Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start [1]
For us as Christians (and for everybody else but few admit it) that takes us to the earliest verses of the Bible. (more…)
[This reflection by Michael Goble was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 20/Oct/2024]
Last week we returned from a visit to Alnwick in Northumberland, as part of our celebrations for our 60th wedding anniversary. As we would be going to travel north, our daughter, Wendy, arranged to visit a retired minister and his wife who had been our friends for years. He had married Wendy and Nick 30 years ago. After lunch, we then reminisced together and we were saddened to learn that he had lost his faith and no longer went to church with his wife, whose faith was still strong. (more…)
[A ‘Tuesday Challenge’ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during October 2024]
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God.”
Isaiah 43 v12 [NIVUK]
The words above were part of a ‘Verse of the Day’ earlier this week.[1] What do they mean? What are the implications for us? (more…)