reflections (Page 2)

reflections (Page 2)

Tender Hearted

The miracle and becoming tender hearted The disciples had been out with Jesus and had seen the miracle of feeding thousands of people with five loaves and two fish.  After everyone had eaten they gathered up twelve baskets of left overs.   Jesus then told them to get into the boat and go ahead of him towards the other side of the lake.  As night fell Jesus was still on land and the disciples were out on the lake and having…

Wondering about Easter

Wondering about Easter? Why is it important or even relevant today? We would love to welcome you to these two special occasions as we explore God’s grace and love.   Friday 9am 30th March and Sunday 10am April 1st Family Easter Trail On Friday from 2 – 4pm there will also be a Family Easter Trail. Starting at The Anchor Church, on to St Mary’s and finishing at North Porirua Baptist Church. Spot prizes for dressing up, easter eggs, activities…

Who do you say I am?

Last Sunday I spoke about the questions Jesus asks in the gospels. Theses questions invite us deeper into the heart of who Jesus is, and deeper into his mission. Further still the questions can challenge us and make us consider our own hearts and responses to his truth. One such example is found in Mark 8:27-30. Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” They…

Drenched

Have you ever been drenched? Drenched right through every layer of clothing? Recently I was out walking and got caught in torrential rain. I kept trying to pull my hood tighter around my face as I could feel the water getting in and running down my body. My jacket was failing to protect me. As I reluctantly squelched along, out the corner of my hood I saw a lady walking past me. She looked like she was enjoying herself, she had stripped off her wet jacket and had tied…
Christianity Explored

What motivates us?

What motivates us? At this time of year many of us are jumping into new roles, maybe at work, school, uni or church. It’s worthwhile asking ourselves what’s motivating us, what gets us out of bed in the morning to do what we do? Maybe it’s the need to be loved, valued and approved of by others. Maybe it’s simply money – either the burning desire to accumulate wealth or the more desperate struggle just to make ends meet. Maybe…

Church Camp Weekend

What’s so important about this weekend – church camp Numerous reasons come to mind why church camp weekend is important.  The overarching role of the weekend is embedded very clearly in our mission. We come together as God’s people, we seek to be transformed through God’s word, we deepen relationships and we spend some time in worship. Can’t we do all that in small groups and getting along to church on Sundays without going away for a weekend – the short answer to that question…

Defining Greatness

How do you define greatness or worth? Some might consider such things as authority, wealth, position or the esteem of others as the hallmark of greatness. A person displaying all these ‘attributes’ might expect to be on the receiving end of great service. Self becomes the overarching motivation in thought and conduct. Mark 10: 42 – 45 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not…

Be an encourager

God-centred encouragement for those in the family of God is by no means optional. Looking for ‘gaps’, finding problems, seeking to push people into a corner, elevating oneself over others are the antithesis of Christian love and encouragement. That’s not to say that building people up to do a better job is not warranted, we are to spur one another on. However, relationships that only point out the ‘inefficiencies’ seldom encourage the good and produce an unhealthy environment. Barnabas is called the “son of encouragement for good reason”, he epitomised…

God’s grace

By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10) Grace is not only God’s disposition to do good for us, He does it even when we don’t deserve it. God acts according to His perfect will in order to make good things happen in us and for us. God’s grace was complete and…

Slow Down this Christmas

Slow Down this Christmas by Moriah Simonowich Last Christmas, my mom and I tackled errands together in chilly December weather. As we buzzed through store after store with a list that always seemed to do more stretching than shrinking, I noticed how hectic everything was. A continual pattern of long lines, crowded aisles, and packed parking lots accompanied the bright, glittering decorations and festive music. People rushed to purchase gifts and groceries in order to be properly prepared for the holidays…
video montage

A video montage

We have a video montage of clips, reflective ones, fun ones, thoughtful ones and ones that show some things about us. Enjoy them.

My Heavenly Friend

My Heavenly Friend from http://www.georgemuller.org/devotional/my-heavenly-friend The precious Lord Jesus Christ is our friend.  Let us seek to realise this!  It is not merely a religious phrase or statement, but truly He is our friend. He is the Brother “born for adversity”, the one who “sticks closer than a brother.” Who will never leave and never forsake us. How precious even on earth to have a heavenly friend, for this brings the joys of heaven in a little degree into our hearts…