[This reflection by Helen Ruffhead was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 15/Dec/2024]
For some time now I have been working my way through the Bible and after wading through the history and poetry books I have finally reached what I see as the jewel in the Old Testament crown – the book of Isaiah. (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 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…)
[A ‘Tuesday Challenge’ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during September 2024]
You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.
Deuteronomy 5 v11 [NLT]
How do you react when someone mentions God in your presence? Do you ignore it, dismissing it as blasphemy or ignorance, or does some sort of image come to mind? Perhaps you recall that mankind was made in the image of God but, as we look around at the various shapes and sizes of people, we feel inclined to be somewhat selective in trying to reimagine God. (more…)
[A devotional reflection originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during September 2024]
Prayer presents us with a wonderful opportunity, to acknowledge the magnitude of God, to glorify his name, to praise him for salvation, to thank him for all his blessings and to invite him to continue to help us.
Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!
Psalm 141 v2 [ESVUK]