The notes are taken from the weekly Newssheet
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Sunday 3 May
am Security - in an uncertain world Genesis 7:5-23
pm Hope and a future Psalm 25
Steve Fenton
Hope is a word that mingles optimism with uncertainty. In this psalm we have a picture of someone who is not immune to adversity and yet their pain and disappointment is interwoven with prayer and praise to God. The psalm inspires us that when ‘the wheels fall off’ and our plans go awry we have a hope in the Lord that is steadfast and certain whatever may befall.
Sunday 10 May
am Resolving Conflict Acts 15
Steve Fenton
The way Christians go about resolving differences of opinion can either make or break a church. In this passage the early Christians strongly disagreed about how Gentile believers should be incorporated into the church community. This episode in the life of the early church is an encouragement for believers today to protect the integrity of the gospel but at the same time to protect the unity of the church.
pm Doing the right thing … in Genetics Psalm 139
John Low
Since the discovery of DNA in 1953 and the mapping of the entire human genome 50 years later, dramatic advances in genetic and stem cell research are promising treatments, and potentially cures, for a wide range of debilitating conditions. But the practice of this science raises very real concerns that Christians cannot ignore. Finding unequivocal answers to specific issues can be hard, but the Bible does give us a toolkit of principles we can apply as we seek to balance practical ethical concerns with real life pastoral situations.
Sunday 17 May
Am
Paul Davies
pm Doing the right thing … in death Luke 12:4-7: Ps.139:13-16
Steve Fenton
The Bible makes it clear that every human life is unique and of immense worth to God. However, there is mounting pressure to legalise assisted dying or euthanasia, particularly where people are suffering from incurable illnesses, such as motor-neurone disease. No one wants to see another human being suffer, but at the same time we want to honour the sanctity of human life. We can only hope to do that by setting the issues and questions raised by ‘assisted dying’ in a biblical context.
Sunday 24 May
am Following the Spirit. Acts 16:6 - 17:15
Steve Fenton
Paul’s missionary exploits continue as the Holy Spirit prompts, sends and links him with those ready to hear the gospel message - amongst them a businesswoman, a slave girl and a jailer. These three could hardly be more different, their circumstances more diverse and yet, it is the same gospel that liberates them and brings them into a relationship with Christ. The Holy Spirit still prompts and sends us today; the diversity of need is unchanged, and it is the same gospel we preach that changes lives.
pm Doing the right thing ... in a politically correct age. Luke 7:37-45
John Low
In an age of increasing political correctness, discrimination is outlawed and the rights of long oppressed minorities are now protected as they ought to be. But it is far from a level playing field and the rights and freedoms traditionally afforded to Christians are in jeopardy, as we find ourselves increasingly in the unfamiliar role of a minority dominated by the majority view.
Sunday 31 May
am City of Idols. Acts 17: 16-34
Ken Barrett
pm Doing the right thing ... by the poor.
Dawid Konotey-Ahulu
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