Weston Park Baptist Church

The resurrection of Christ is the defining point in the history of humankind. Death has been defeated and resurrection life is ours in Jesus Christ! As a result we are invited to live the abundant life even now as we make our journey under God's sun. May our reflection on Matthew's account of the empty tomb (Matthew 28) fill us with the hope and joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on this Easter weekend.

A key question continues to be "Who is Jesus?" It was asked in the first century (Matthew 21:10) and continues to be asked today. Is Jesus primarily a great teacher? A good model for living? A crazy person? Or our ever present living Lord? During this Easter season may we keep exploring this pivotal question of 'Who Jesus Is?' and continue to deepen our relationship with our living Lord.

As we come to the close of our reflections on King David we hear the exciting words of "an eternal covenant" instituted by Yahweh God. God wants to be in relationship with David and all in his train forever. And through Jesus the Son of David we are members of this eternal covenant. Let us rejoice and give exuberant thanks to our gracious God for the wideness of his mercy and love.

Throughout First and Second Samuel we hear about David. But in 2 Samuel 22 we hear the voice of David speaking in first person David speaking directly to his loving God. No longer the voice of a Warrior but David speaking as a poet announcing his love to his loving Father. In this Psalm we also are invited to offer our praise and devotion to our Most High God who remains faithful and kind throughout each and every generation.

Join us this Sunday as we explore Davids powerful confession after being confronted by the prophet Nathan. Through this moment of truth, we see both the consequences of sin and the boundless grace of God. No matter our failures, God offers forgiveness and restoration when we turn to Him in repentance.

King David is described as a person who has a heart after God, yet he is also a person who carries his own foibles. The story of his relationship with Bathsheba and his orchestration of Uriahs death makes this fact very clear. Nevertheless, the Lord remains faithful to David despite his unfaithfulness. It is this response of grace and forgiveness towards David that brings encouragement to our sinful hearts today. Gods amazing grace is available for us all so let us go to him continually with honest and authentic hearts.

David has experienced the compassionate love (kindness) of God and he wants to share it with others. Specifically he remembers his deep friendship with Jonathan and wants to express his loyal love to Jonathan in a tangible way towards members of Jonathans and Sauls families. David does not hold on to enmity with the descendants of Saul but rather demonstrates an attitude of forgiveness and kindness to them. In this action we have a linkage to the kindness of God (v3) and how we are also called to forgive our enemies and forsake our attitudes of bitterness, anger and holding on to old grudges. May we have the grace to emulate King David and his greater King Jesus Christ.

In the mercy of God the Shepherd King is not only established on the throne of Israel but his heirs are to be established as a dynasty forever. This Davidic Covenant becomes the genealogical foundation that culminates in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God (Matthew 1:5-6). As a result the Davidic Covenant becomes the connection point for our own relationship with Jesus and our participation in the new Israel of God (Galatians 6:16).

Davids journey to the throne was long, but he remained faithful, trusting Gods timing. In2 Samuel 5:1-12, well see how discipline in waiting, obedience, and stewardship prepares us for Gods plans. Join us as we learn to trust His process!

Watch at: https://youtu.be/3wCmHyd0vno

Our passage tells the famous story of David having the opportunity to kill King Saul in the cave but he chooses to spare his life. Indeed, Saul is delivered into the hand of David but David waits upon God to act in his behalf. The narrative invites us to reflect upon the question What is in our hand? We also are given opportunities and capacities to know and serve God. May we recognize our chances to serve God and do so with grateful and trusting hearts.

David is on the run from King Saul who wants to kill him and there doesnt seem to be any opportunity for a peaceful resolution. It is in this stressful situation that Prince Jonathan seeks David out to encourage him and to show him loyalty and support. Indeed, Jonathans desire is to strengthen Davids hand through the Lord. When everything seems to be falling apart for David he has at least one friend who risks all to support him in his ongoing crisis. May we also experience Gods strengthening hand through our friends and be individuals who strengthen the hands of others.

The story of King Saul, his son, Jonathan and the shepherd, David, is triangular in nature. King Saul is envious of David and wants to kill him; Johnathan the son loves David and is committed to him; David is not ambitious himself but is chosen by God to become the new King of Israel. Hence it is a complicated web which is difficult for all three players to navigate properly. For the reader it is an opportunity to consider our own loyalty, faithfulness and commitment to God. Do we pursue simply our own interests (and comfort) or do we wish to faithfully serve God regardless of our own personal trajectory?

What giants are you facing today? Whether it's fear, uncertainty, or overwhelming challenges, the story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17 reminds us that the battle belongs to the Lord. Join us as we explore how Davids unwavering faith in God helped him overcome impossible odds. Through this powerful narrative, well uncover how Gods strength triumphs over human limitations and how we, too, can face our giants with bold, God-centered faith.

God chooses the shepherd boy/musician named David to become the new king of Israel. By physical appearances he is not as striking as King Saul but interiorly he has a heart after God (and God above all looks at our heart.) God takes the smallest of Jesses sons to replace the tall and mighty Saul. Even so, God can take us in our littleness to do powerful things for His kingdom. In this new year of 2025 may we offer ourselves completely to our Lord and above all may we seek to have a heart after God.

Join us this Sunday as we dive into Philippians 3:12-21 and explore how to press onward in faith. Together, we'll embrace God's call to leave the past behind, focus on the goal ahead, and live with purpose as citizens of heaven in the year to come.

As we approach this Christmas canticle we hear of the faith of both Elizabeth and Mary. They demonstrate the ability to both listen to God's voice and to act with intention and purpose. Their commitment is to serve God above all and to do so with enthusiasm and zeal. Doing so they become models of Christian discipleship for us to learn form and to emulate in our own journey of faith.

The Messiah of God is a Leader who is completely concerned for the well being of his people and of all creation. Gone are the days of selfish ambition, avarice and exploitation of the environment. It is a day of The Peaceable Kingdom where everyone is respected, valued, and loved. Together with the prophet Isaiah we look forward to this blessed season of Advent pastpresentand future.

Advent is a season of preparation, a time to ready our hearts for the Lord's arrival. Isaiah 40:3-5 calls us to clear the obstacles in our lives and embrace the transformative work of God. As we anticipate the revelation of His glory, were reminded that true preparation leads to hope, renewal, and deeper communion with Him.

The birth of a child is a story of new beginnings. Not only for the baby born but also for the family unit. (A new start how exciting!) Similarly, the prophet Isaiah foretells the birth of a child who will usher in a new day of peace, hope and salvation. It will be a day of new beginnings where war, hatred and oppression will be overcome and a pure day of joy, hope and reconciliation will be established through the efforts of the Royal King. Later we hear from Matthew the exciting news that Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiahs vision. Indeed, Jesus becomes the Prince of Peace for both the greater world and our personal human journey.