Stainglass window
Christmas 2011
3rd Dec Advent Party
12th Dec @ 2pm
Carol Service at Oak tree Court
16th Dec @ 2.30pm
Carol Service at Stratford Court
17th Dec @11am
Carol Singing outside Co-Op
18th Dec Nativity and Christingle Service and Carol Service
24th Dec @ 11pm (Service starts at 11.30pm
United Service at URC Etwall Rd
25th Dec @10am
Christmas Day Service
Such Things Must Happen
Dear Friends,
Mark Chapter 13 is one of the most misunderstood part of Jesus' teaching. Many people think it describes the end of the world, but Jesus specifically makes it clear that the things he is describing happen before that: 'the end is still to come' (verse 7). Rather, Jesus is describing what life is like for US.
Three reassuring commands sum up what he has to say.
1. DO NOT BE ALARMED
Jess begins by talking of 'wars and rumours of wars......Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various paces, and famines' (verses 7 and 8).
There cannot be one of us who has not been saddened and shocked and horrified by the terrible events in Beslan, southern Russia, over the last month. and yet Jesus assures us that we should not be alarmed in the light of these events- 'such things must happen'
We live in a world that has been marred and spoiled by sin, a world where people have turned their backs on God and gone their own way. That's why it's inevitable that 'such things happen'. But God's loving care is not in doubt; he has not abdicated from the throne of the universe, even when evil makes its most concerted attacks.
In the midst of all the fear that seems to be around on this third anniversary of the 9/11 events in New York, we need to hear Jesus' command: Do not be alarmed.
2 DO NOT BE WORRIED
From world events, Jesus move on to personal events that affect us as individuals. He concentrates on the inevitable opposition that his followers must face. But he reminds them of the gift of the Holy Spirit, the comforter, the strengthener, the encourager - and in that context tells them (and us), 'Do not be worried' (verse 11).
His words are applicable to all our life situations, not just when we are facing opposition for being a Christian: Do not be worried.
As you read these words, I'm sure your mind is filled with personal anxieties. They may be about your own health, or perhaps about the health of a member of your family, or a close friend. You may have other concerns about your future, or that of someone you care about. Perhaps even your concerns about the church here at Hall Green.
Whatever they are, Jesus reassures us, 'Do not be worried'. He has given us the gift of his Spirit, and therefore we can be confident. He will not let us down. as God has helped us and led us in the past, so he will continue to do so, whatever the future may bring: Do not be worried.
3.DO NOT BE DECEIVED
The third thing which Jesus warns of are he 'false Christs and false prophets' (verse22). People will appear who will tell you they have all the answers, that they are the one to follow, that theirs is the true way to heaven. 'Do not be deceived,' warns Jesus. When things are tough, either for us personally as individuals or in the world scene, it can be easy to have doubts and be led astray. 'Be on your guard' says Jesus. 'I have told you everything ahead of time' (verse 23). Do not be deceived.
We are to continue to trust in God 'through all the changing scenes of life', as the old hymn puts it. He will not fail us.
'He who stands firm to the end will be saved' (verse
13). we have that promise from Jesus' own lips. What more could we
ask for?
Your friend and pastor,
Jonathan Calvert