[This reflection by Michael Goble was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 08/Dec/2024]
With Christmas approaching, we often have requests from family members about what we would like as a present. I must admit that these days I am quite happy to receive a surprise gift however small. When I was young I received a gift that was the best and most important in my life, and that has been the case ever since. (more…)
[A ‘Tuesday Challenge’ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during December 2024]
Are there aspects of the Christian faith that you do not understand? Of course there are, but I suspect that many of us think that we have a good grasp of our faith and are content with our current knowledge. However, even King David admitted that he did not understand the full extent of God’s relationship with mankind:
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.
Psalm 139 v6 [ESVUK]
[This reflection by David Makanjuola was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 01/Dec/2024]
I was at work one Sunday morning a few weeks ago. I had this heavy feeling in my heart. I just felt weighed down. I realised that it was to do with what I’d heard on the news that morning. The conflict in the Middle East grabbed the headlines. It was depressing news. The other news stories weren’t that uplifting either. The rhetoric and conduct of those involved the US Presidential campaigns, stories closer to home, of people dying while crossing the channel …, the situation felt hopeless, and I felt helpless. (more…)
[A ‘Tuesday Challenge’ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during November 2024]
In many parts of the USA the Friday after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday. The official date for Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday of November, which means that, in theory, Black Friday 2024 is 29th November but the particular activities that gave the day its fame are rarely confined to just that date. (more…)
[This reflection by HBC Team was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 24/Nov/2024]
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13 v8 [NIVUK]
Well, the world keeps surprising us—or maybe not. With President Trump re-elected, emotions are running high across the globe. Closer to home, we’re grappling with a new government, budget changes, and, of course, the British weather doing its usual best to keep us guessing. It’s tempting to feel like everything is spinning out of control. (more…)
[A ‘Tuesday Challenge’ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during November 2024]
‘Trust but verify’ is an expression that came to prominence in the mid 1980s, particularly in relation to the discussions between the leaders of the USA and the USSR about limiting the proliferation of nuclear armaments. The expression itself is alleged to be based on an old Russian proverb but that cannot be verified! Does the concept of trust but verify have a spiritual application? (more…)