Do Battle in Worship - 2 Chronicles 20 and Acts 16

Today is all about a fundamental decision that our 2 baptism candidates have taken - a decision about who (or what) is no. 1 in their lives. We all have our no. 1 (often ourselves!), we all worship something. Today 2 young people are saying 'Because of Jesus God is their no. 1'.

Not Just Good Looks - 1 Samuel 16

We all know the phrases 'First impressions count' and 'Don't judge a book by its cover'. We know the power of first impressions, yet we also know there is wisdom looking deeper for a more informed understanding. Samuel was a man of God who spent much time seeking Him and listening for His voice. He was given a job by God to call out the new king of Israel.

[UP] Where is your 'quiet place'?

Challenge: Find your quiet place / Discipline of OFF

Gideon - Judges 6:25-29

We start this new series on male spirituality by looking at Gideon (the series will be good for women too!). Gideon lived in dark times for the Israelite people. They had lost sight of following God, and were oppressed by the Midianites who rampaged their land.

[OUT] What distracts you from your God-given call?

Challenge: Ask God: 'What is my next growth area?'

Community Shapes Us - Heb 10:24 - 25

In recent visits to projects in Sierra Leone I was struck by how each had a sense of extended family among the people (often with disabilities or other challenges) involved. It became clear to us that they worked as family together, rooted in Jesus.

[IN] How am I a gift to this community?

Challenge: Get to know someone different to you

The One Who Serves - Luke 22:24 - 30

We can all be incredibly stupid - saying the dumbest of things! The disciples were just the same. Jesus had shared the passover meal, portraying his death and even betrayal ... and then they start talking about which of them is the greatest! Jesus sees it as a learning opportunity and cuts in on their conversation.

[UP] Do you relate to God to become greater or lesser?

Challenge: Be pro-active in self-giving

Christians are Hopeful - Colossians 1

Paul writes to the Colossian Christians, encouraged by their faith and love. He writes that their faith and love 'spring from hope stored in heaven' (v5). Faith and love are not simply good qualities that those local Christians have made themselves good at, something naturally found in a few. Instead they result from an incredible treasure chest, a wonderful store. That store is hope - a solid anchor in the future.