What is “the church” to you?

As we’re continuing through our sermon series in Galatians, I got to preach on Galatians 4:8-20 at our Wimbledon Venue. It is a fascinating set of verses, that give us an insight into Paul’s relationship with the Galatians. He tells us of how they met (v13) and how kind and caring the Galatians were towards him (v14-15). But the passage is remarkable for the depth … Continue reading What is “the church” to you?

Little Disciples #5 – Children and the Holy Spirit

We want our kids to become 3D followers of Jesus. We want them to connect UP with God, IN with God’s people, and OUT to serve the world. This (little?) “Little Disciples” series has been all about how we help our kids to connect UP with God. So far, we’ve explored Bible reading (Little Disciples #2), praying (Little Disciples #3) and singing (Little Disciples #4). … Continue reading Little Disciples #5 – Children and the Holy Spirit

Little Disciples #4 – Children and Worship

Question: What is the chief end of man? Answer: Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. Hear me out before clicking away. The “Westminster Catechism” was written by the Church of England and Scotland a few hundred years ago to say what they believed. With great imaginative flair, they then shortened it to the “Westminster Shorter Catechism” (WSC). Thanks, guys. … Continue reading Little Disciples #4 – Children and Worship

Little Disciples #3 – Children and Prayer

An American writer called E.M. Bounds wrote this about a 100 years ago: “To men who think praying their main business and devote time to it according to this high estimate of its importance does God commit the keys of his kingdom, and by them does he work his spiritual wonders in this world.” Obviously, as 21st century Westerners we’d want to change the “To … Continue reading Little Disciples #3 – Children and Prayer

Little Disciples #2 – Children and the Bible

I wish that I could start this post as eloquently as the following quote. But I can’t. So here it is. Tony Reinke, writer (and notorious introductory voice to the Ask Pastor John podcast) says this: “To live an abundant life in this insatiable consumer society, we must plead in prayer for God-given power to turn our eyes away from the gigs of digital garbage … Continue reading Little Disciples #2 – Children and the Bible

Little Disciples #1 – Families, Where Children Become Christians

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Freddos, action songs and “the floor is made of lava” aren’t mentioned in the Bible. Perhaps surprisingly, neither is “kids work”. I wonder how you’d feel if we shut down “Everyday Kids” entirely? Reactions would likely range from “how inconvenient!” to “how dare you!” with every flavour in between. Why am I asking this? Because in the Bible, families are seen as the … Continue reading Little Disciples #1 – Families, Where Children Become Christians