Kelly's Eye

Kate reminds us to take time and remember our first love - Jesus.

When it comes to debating with people about creation, realise that it’s the devil we need to overcome, not scientific theories. Know your stuff and be able to give answers, for sure. But it’s the Gospel that is the power for salvation, and intelligent design or whatever arguments for God’s creative work you share - they are only useful if they point to Jesus, glorify the Father who sent him and challenge people to put their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ.

We all set priorities and this is where each one of us is challenged the most. If our priorities are not in order, then our lives will not be in order. If our priorities are not right, we won't be right. We don't have to pray about what our number one priority in life ought to be. We shouldn't really have to think about it. We don't have to discuss it. We don't have to do some soul searching for it. We don't have to go on a pilgrimage to find it. We just have to do it, because Jesus has already told us what our first priority ought to be, "Seek the Kingdom of God above ALL else."

In this final week a combined message from Mark & Kathi open up aspects of the final chapter of James, focusing in on the 'stressors' of trial and adversity and that to 'bust' these we must be patient, persevere and pray!

The Horsforth Life Group continued our exploration of James (this week chapter 4) through this short talk which was followed by discussion and feedback.

How easy it is to insensitively offend others with our words. This raises two issues: How can we best avoid using destructive words, and if we fail, how can we handle the hurt we have caused?

We all need to take steps to demonstrate our faith. The wonderful news of the Gospel is that faith does work. How? By demonstrating that faith in acts of kindness and goodness - acts of love - helping others in practical and tangible ways.

It doesn't matter whether people are rich or poor, famous or unknown, all need to know and experience the saving grace of Jesus. Be sure of this: there is no discrimination or favouritism at the foot of the cross!

Trials and adversity are the challenges that life throws as us. In difficult times, our attitude and response make all the difference. Our natural reaction can be to grumble, complain and resent them. However as believers we must remember that we have a divine resource to draw on to sustain us through them.

Sarah begins our series based around the book of James by encouraging us not to forget who we are in Christ.

Ian Rossol continues his theme from his last visit which was based around the idea of changing culture. He expands on it by suggesting we primarily change our culture though love. (Ian's also promoted his excellent book which is available here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Win-World-Escape-Earth-Controversy/dp/1908393149)

Starting with Matthew 12:34 Geoff takes us on a journey helping us understand that as we reach out to unbelievers we must first make sure we are speaking out of a heart that is both positive and encouraging.

John Casey encourages us to give to the upcoming outreach programmes - re:fresh and Alpha - as well as exhorting us to enjoy life knowing that our reward is an intimate relationship with our Father.

John Casey continues the theme of reaching out to the lost and seeing His Kingdom come.

Using Matthew 28:16-20 and Luke 19:10 Mark encourages us to place Jesus' command as number one priority in our lives and to do all we can 'to seek and save that which is lost'.

Kathi Kelly takes us on a personal journey as she shares about living a life of gratitude and thanksgiving.

It is good to be different, and God designed it to be this way. If we think of God as our source of light we express that light as a spectrum of different colours.

John & Kate Casey give folks time to share testimony and present this around a popular children's story - "The Day it Rained in Colours".

John and Mark open up the plans for membership and how we hope to help bring people into fellowship with us as a local church and how we help them stay connected.

Patricia Gray concludes the series based on our acronym and encourages us to 'go out into all the world' and be a 'sent' people, even if that means you stay exactly where you are!