The Spirit’s presence when we preach is more than an attractive option.

Moreover, the Spirit is not the sole property of preaching’s often fanatical fringe.

Instead, He—the Spirit is a Person, not an It—is an imperative part of any sermon worthy of the name.

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified” (Isa. 61:1-3).

There, in one paragraph, is Isaiah’s justification for being a preacher.

(Extract: Leslie Holmes Sermon Central)

Polycarp, bishop of the church of in Smyrna.

His martyrdom stands as one of the most well documented events of antiquity.

Polycarp’s martyrdom is [a] historical reality. He died for one reason—his unyielding faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Yet Polycarp’s well-recorded death is only one of many lives that were given to reveal and proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ.

In light of the cruel and torturous deaths of the first and second generation Christians, all theories that Christianity is a fabricated myth, created for the personal gain of its followers, must be rejected.

Even today, many will die for a belief, but none will die for a lie. God allows the deaths of His saints not because He is a helpless or indifferent Lord, but because their deaths are powerful declarations of the free gift of life that is offered to us through the Person of Jesus Christ.

If you have any doubts about the truth of Christ as revealed in the Bible, reexamine the biblical text in light of the wilful deaths of nearly all of its writers, men who were eyewitnesses to Christ’s life and ministry.

Polycarp, like many other Christians to this day, was only able to die for Christ because he lived for Christ. His life was radically transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit—the desires, worries, pains and fears of this world no longer bound him. Polycarp’s life and death provides an inspirational example for all Christians.

He gave his earthly life for Christ, and in the midst of his sacrifice, he gained eternal life.

(Theopedia.com)

In the Bible in Colossians Paul says we should be devoted to prayer.

Devoted in the Oxford dictionary means to give time & allocate resources to.

However we often make time to pray then fined the actual praying difficult.

Paul prays for the Ephesisn , Colosian, Philippian Christians and his prayera re worth noting as a possible template for our praying. See Ephesian Chapter 1 and 3

Colossians Chapter 1 & Philippians Chapter 1.

A short Drama suitable for performing in a church service

Requires 8 players

Main Points :-Nobody is insignificant in the body of Christ  If we work together, celebrating our differences, acknowledging our gifts, each bringing what we can we can achieve more. Each part of the body is important and has a role.

Contact:  colincd@hotmail.co.uk

Find Friendship. Change Habits. Discover Freedom

What is Fresh start?

Your local Fresh Start is a friendly group where you will find support to help you overcome any life controlling issue that you are facing. This could include smoking,drinking,gambling to name a few.

Fresh start is based on the 12 steps principles and is completely confidential, creating an environment of tryst and mutual respect for every member. The groups are run by trained volunteers dedicated to helping you achieve your goal.

contact jonrowlands@capreleasegroups.org