[This reflection by Helen Ruffhead was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 29/Mar/2026]
‘Connect in Faith’ has recently been looking at the names or titles of Jesus and I have been struck by how often these names were given to him by people outside the Jewish faith. It was astrologers from the East who first called him a king (Matthew 2:2) and a Roman centurion who called him Lord (Matthew 8:6).
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[This reflection by Michael Goble was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 22/Mar/2026]
There is no doubt that Jesus first came to this world at the best time, as He had decided. The city of Rome and its emperors ruled over a vast empire including Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, and our country too. The Romans had built a massive road network for their army to keep control over the whole area, and as a result there was peace over the whole empire. If God was going to bring the truth of His Kingdom into the world in people’s hearts it was 2000 years ago.
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[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during February 2026]
So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.
Ezra 8 v23 [ESVUK]
In her reflection on Sunday, Helen wrote about the period of Lent. She drew a comparison between Lent and Ramadan and concluded with a prayer that all who are earnestly seeking God will indeed find him.
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[A miscellaneous reflection originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during December 2025]
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3 v16 [ESVUK]
To my Father, who is in heaven, epitome of holiness, worthy of all glory and respect, by whose word heaven and earth were created and are maintained; the very essence of love, patience and justice; you are unwilling for anyone to perish and so you sent your Son to provide a way back to you;
I give you thanks.
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[This reflection by Michael Goble was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 21/Dec/2025]
I was interested to see during recent services that each Advent candle was given a name when it was lit. We’ve also received a Christmas card this year with four named candles on the front – peace, hope, love, joy.
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[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during December 2025]
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
Psalm 91 v11 [NIVUK]
It was a wintry evening in Bucharest, the temperatures were dropping, the winds were blustery, the snow was piling up in drifts. Inside the airport it was warmer but crowded with people anxious to complete their journeys. Then came the dreaded announcement – all flights were cancelled. As we tried to get more information from the airline desk there came a second announcement – the airport was closing. What was I to do?
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