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Lord
Give me increase and progress in grace so that there may be more decision in my character more vigour in my purposes more elevation in my life more fervour in my devotion more constancy in my zeal Amen (from Valley of Vision) This is a strange chapter in the bible. But basically the issues are the same as in other weeks... Love for others? Or my right to do what I want? Which is more important? Which is more like Jesus? In chapter 11 there are two issues. A man and woman issue. And a rich and poor issue. In both situations people were thinking of themselves rather than others and it was causing huge problems. We should be big-hearted not small-minded! Loving others and wanting to see them know and grow in Jesus often means giving up rights, preferences and what we find comfortable. And that requires effort! There are traps that kill off big-hearted faith! Last time we watched the whole film, below. These coming weeks we re-watch a small clip to focus on. Here's todays: Here's the video from Sunday. Over the summer weeks we will use a short clip from this film and learn about that aspect of the parable in more depth. We're starting a new series for the summer weeks - the Prodigal God, with Tim Keller's guide on the famous parable of Jesus from Luke chapter 15. We meet most Sundays over the summer at 4pm at St Chads.  1 Corinthians 15 - click here to read it. Interesting video this. Part interview, part biography, part theological discussion. A disillusioned couple are walking along, wondering if they'd been duped by the whole 'Jesus' thing, when Jesus appears alongside them and explains to them how everything that had happened was meant to be - the old testament all pointed to this! He's alive! His kingdom is here! Check out our gospel pages for readings and videos from Luke's gospel. We have been reading through Luke's gospel since Christmas, following the birth, life and death of Jesus - and now his resurrection!
On Good Friday we had a family gathering at Paul and Steph's house, activities for children, space for quiet prayer, reading scripture and taking communion together... followed by a great lunch! It was good to be with friends and family. In Luke 18 Jesus tells two stories which tell us something about how to pray. How we need to confidently keep on praying and not give up because God IS good; and we need to come to God humbly being honest about our need of him. A sense of injustice and a sense of unworthiness can be two things that drive us away from God. Jesus says let those things drive you TO God and know he is there and will hear. Yes the temptation to give up is real, but that's where faith in who God is, kicks in.  A prayer from Lord Shaftesbury, 'friend of the poor' and social reformer (1801-1885)
O God, the Father of the forsaken, the help of the weak, the supplier of the needy, you teach us that love towards the race of man is the bond of perfectness and the imitation of your blessed self. Open and touch our hearts that we may see and do, both for this world and that which is to come, the things that belong to our peace. Strengthen us in the work which we have undertaken; give us wisdom, perseverance, faith and zeal and in your own time and according to your pleasure prosper the issues, for the love of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. |
Urban Life - followers of Jesus living life and bringing life in an urban setting!
The blog gives a snapshot of our life together as we post things we are learning about; things we believe; songs we love; readings and prayers to strengthen and help us; and general information about what is happening in our community. So here are updates, reviews, reminders and support for those who are part of our community, and a chance to 'look in' for those who are interested and wondering what we are all about. Archives
October 2019
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