James 1:25Mge

MARKS OF MATURITY (Part 1)

(May 16, 2025) Dr Richard Winter shares a vital challenge…

The Roman Catholic Church recently elected a new Pope and the eyes of the world are currently on him… Who is he really? What new changes will he bring about? Will he be backed up?

While his name is Robert from Chicago, he will be called Leo 14th. The world will be inquisitive about his family and his life before his election as Pope. For example, I wonder if his brothers ever called him Bob? No doubt many will wonder if they ever thought he would be elected Pope.

Position
Life in families is always interesting because sometimes we don’t know how our brothers will turn out. Come with me to another family from the first century… to Mary and husband Joseph’s.

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CALLED TO SERVE? ENCOURAGEMENT NEEDED, NOT DISCOURAGEMENT

(January 24, 2022) Robert McQuillan challenges…

Most of us are ‘moving on’ into 2022 believing that ongoing tragedies such as covid-19 won’t hinder us from enjoying life, and doing whatever God wants us to be about. Whether our church is a ‘Zoom’ one – as many churches are now called – or with limited attendance, individual members have needs, as do those outside the traditional four walls.

Previous years’ catchcries such as ’Moving On’ or ‘Moving Forward’ or ‘Moving Ahead’ are being echoed afresh. This is good, for we all need such inspiration so as not to be living in the negatives and disappointments of the past couple of years.

And it’s been interesting to hear of pastors – backed with good sermons and challenges – encouraging their people to be involved in growing their church, that it’s all not just up to leadership.

But… I’ve also heard some sad outcomes! Take this story for example…

Discouragement
Jon (not real name… but, interestingly, means ‘gift of God’!) responded to such a challenge some time back to help his church move on, move forward.

Seeing a great need among the men, he became burdened and very enthused to play his part by running a men’s group… but sadly, to his surprise he wasn’t greatly encouraged by his pastor (who had just delivered a challenging message about being involved!).

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