Weston Park Baptist Church

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.

John the Evangelist writes to us that if we know Jesus we will enjoy his resurrection life both now and forever! Not just in the future. But to know the reality of resurrected life even in our present circumstances and situations. As we know Jesus we know his serenity, power, holiness, love and life. These qualities are given to us as we abide in Jesus and truly open our lives up to him. The invitation is given may we say yes and live in the assurance of Resurrection life now and forevermore.

This Sunday, we dive into 1 John 5:1-5, exploring the truth that God's commandments are not burdensome. Join us as we reflect on how our love for God and one another transform the way we see His commandsturning them from heavy rules into joyful expressions of our faith and a deeper love for each other.

Watch at: https://youtu.be/6VvGCpwhQg8

Watch at: https://youtu.be/cO4dWw6NWHo

We live in a society filled with fear. We are fearful for our kids, jobs, money, elections, wars you name it and we worry about it! Yet, the Epistle of 1 John emphasizes that as we trust in Gods love fear is cast out and we will experience the peace of God. Our choice is fear or faith. Trust or anxiety. Confidence or worry. The invitation is to rest in Gods loving arms and trust that God has your back! Dont give in to fear! The Creator and Saviour of the universe is on your side.

This Sunday, well explore one of the most profound truths in Scripture: God is love. In 1 John 4:7-12, John invites us to reflect on the depth of Gods love for us. We'll dive into what it means to love others as God loves us sacrificially, unconditionally, and perfectly. Together, well discover how this divine love transforms our lives and is perfected in our relationships. Come and be reminded of the power of love that comes from God Himself.

Jesus is our example in living a loving, giving life. Indeed, he gave himself so we might have life and encourages us to imitate his practice of loving sacrificially for others. The question is Will we follow the lead of Jesus? Will we take our eyes off ourselves and see the plight of our neighbours and do what we can to alleviate their needs? May we answer the question with a strong affirmative Lord use me for your Kingdom sake.

As children of God we have the promise of continual growth through our connection with Jesus. We enjoy the gift of eternal life which begins now in our everyday. When we see Christ our transformation will enter a new phase as we become like him in our eternal state. Of course, there are incredible promises to take hold of in our broken world. Yet, the promises of God are true enabling us to live with assurance and hope as overcomers in Jesus Christ our Lord.

John (the Evangelist) uses the two images of 'master/disciple' and "parent/child" to describe a believer's relationship with God. First, we are invited to follow Jesus as both our Lord and the Leader of our lives. Secondly, we are graciously determined to be children of our Heavenly Father. Both images explore the relationship of intimacy that we share with our loving God in Christ. As a result we are encouraged to follow Jesus with zeal as we enjoy the gift of 'eternal life' now and into our eternal future.

In the heady days of the Roman Empire John cautions the church of Christ to not become overly enamoured with the glory of Rome. As a civilization it was no doubt impressive but the seeds of descent were already taking root. In light of this reality John encourages believers to see what is passing and what abides forever. The question for John's church (and for us!) is can we have "in-sight" into our cultural mors and pursue what is essential and of true value.

The First Epistle of John begins with the famous statement that God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all (v5). John the Evangelist also affirms that Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12). In both cases light communicates illumination and guidance for the way we live our lives. The Father and the Son join together to provide all the light we need to enjoy a meaningful and empowering life both now and forevermore.