This is our first Sunday back in the church building after the longest lockdown in our history. We have been shut out of our church for over 100 days. During this time I have spent many days alone at the church preparing sermons, bible studies and having private devotions. Over this protracted time I have…
I am very aware how we all need to express our deep gratitude and thanks to the Lord for His profound goodness and constant provision for us as individuals and for our church. This Sunday we will hold our AGM. As you read through the reports from the various departments of our church it will…
It’s good news, really good news! This week the announcement has been made that there is every possibility of us returning to church and the joy of Christian worship again soon. As you may well know by now a traffic light system will be introduced with Auckland being in the red initially. That means that…
In this week’s message about the cost of discipleship for the Lord Jesus, there is a lovely and comforting illustration that Jesus gives. He said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent, yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Heavenly Father knowing about it.” How wonderful to know that our…
As we gather for worship this Sunday, we will join with many other churches in N.Z. and around the world to remember the persecuted church. This Sunday has been set aside for us to pray for their strength, encouragement and resolve to stay strong in the face of growing opposition. Radical Islamic forces in the…
As this Covid-19 lockdown has now passed the 70 day mark, I have become increasingly concerned for the wellbeing and unity of our church. Every day when I walk into the church building alone, I am reminded that it is designed for a fairly large number of people. As I have spoken to the Lord…
As this lock down continues and we find ourselves locked out of church, I have felt the Lord direct my attention to Philippians 1:12 “these chains have served to advance the gospel”. This passage refers to the fact that, despite being incarcerated, the apostle Paul saw his imprisonment and chains as an opportunity to advance…
I read this week of a lady by the name of Mary Hedges, who was at a shopping mall when two boys who were fooling around, pushed a supermarket trolley over the railing, causing it to fall on Mary. Mary lost the sight in one eye, had her foot amputated and was in a coma…
This past week I have been contacted by a past congregant who has opened a discussion with me regarding concerns over being vaccinated. They have been influenced by antivaxxers with strong views on the dangers of the vaccine and its long term effects, directing me to a very lengthy and disturbing video slating the Covid-19…
Many years ago I used to run marathons and ultra marathons. I never ran to win. That was the domain of just a few in the race. The vast majority of the participants aimed to keep going as well as possible to the end and to finish well. I want to encourage you to stay…
