Patient & Fathful - James 5

We have spent this year thinking about 'His Story - Our Story', seeing how God has been at work all through history. More recently we have considered how we learn along the journey. It is a journey that by God's providence has a trajectory. With God things are not random but has an intended destination, which includes peace and wholeness - the Biblical concept of Shalom. On the journey there are big God-intervention moments, such as the exodus, and of course later the cross, itself enabled by God sending his Son to live as a human. Yet the journey is one for the long haul, and not just a series of fleeting moments.

Faith & Deeds in Freedom - James 2

Imagine two scenarios. One of a man declaring he is to be married, but you quickly work out that he has no plans to spend any meaningful time with his fiance or consider her needs. Naturally you doubt the substance of the marriage. Second of a lad who is into lad things ... until one day he meets a girl. Strangely from that day he is into things that she is into, things he would never have previously gone near. Of course you conclude he has fallen in love!

[UP] Where does your faith and your actions not match up?

Challenge: Ever closer to Jesus

Pure Joy - James 1

James starts his letter with one of the most illogical verses in the Bible: "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds". You what? When things are going wrong we surely have the right to be grumpy, to complain, to ask 'where is God?', and question everything.

A People in Glory - Exodus 40:34 - 38

This part of our series draws to an end as we skip to the end of the book of Exodus. It is not the end of the story, however, but just one episode in His Story, one in which the Israelites find they have a place, just as we find we have a place.

[OUT] What is the next phase of the journey?

Challenge:        Look ahead

Priority Jesus - Philippians 3

We all have things we are passionate about. This letter from Paul shows his passion, the fact that he was sold out and totally driven for relationship with Jesus. We also like to collect badges and certificates - things showing our accomplishments. Perhaps you are studying and hope to get good grades along with everyone else. Yet for this Paul has a surprising message ...

A People Redeemed - Exodus 12

What do we do with food that is rotten? Of course we throw it. What of appliances that break down? In our culture we throw them, even though they might be repaired or usefully recycled. But what do we do when people are bad - do we simply discard them?

A People Provided For - Exodus 16 & 17

As the people continue their Exodus journey God is shaping them, providing conditions where they can learn to trust Him. Chapters 16 and 17 effectively give two parallel stories about God's provision. It is no surprise that these stories come so early in the journey - they are a basic lesson for the people!

[IN] Where is God calling you to trust Him?

Challenge: Put trust into practice – stop the 'woe is me' thinking!