In Mark Chapter 12 Jesus uses a story to explain God’s history with man and also what will happen to Jesus himself. But from this account comes undeniable hope for all regardless of their history.
Bible Texts: Mark 12:1-10; Psalm 118:22-24; Luke 7:36-50; John 13:8
A snap shot look in to the life of Gladys Aylward and her journey too and in China. We look at her trust in God throughout the many obstacles that stood in her way. Gladys was seen to be “not qualified” to do the things she did, but through her trust in God and his provision in her life, great things happened. Listening to this, you will learn that “God’s provision is AWESOME! We just need to trust in him!”
In this short talk, on a child dedication Sunday, Robin unpacks a short interaction between Jesus and his disciples regarding the priorities of God, the nature of God and the way to God.
Text: Mark 9:33-37
Have you been a Christian a while but feel like you could grow more in your faith or have a refresher? Have you ‘moved into’ the Hill and want to know more about us, what we believe, where we’re headed and what part you can play in it all?
If the answer to any of these is ‘ Yes!’ then you are invited to come along to Starting Point!
Starting Point is an 8 week foundations course, where you can learn more about the vision and values of the Hill church, as well as receive practical teaching to help you become a stronger disciple of Jesus Christ, and prepare you for more of the exciting journey of faith!
Each evening will begin with a simple meal of soup and rolls to satisfy any hunger, as well as an opportunity to simply eat together and get to know one another better. This will be followed by a different teaching each week by leaders in the Hill Church, followed by a time to talk about the material and ask any questions!
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Session 1 |
24th January |
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Session 2 |
31st January |
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Session 3 |
7th February |
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Session 4 |
14th February |
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Session 5 |
21st February |
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Session 6 |
7th March |
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Session 7 |
14th March |
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Away Day |
16th March |
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Session 8 |
21st March |
Find out about The Alpha Course at our Alpha Introduction Evening at Matthew’s House
Thursday 11 October From 7.30pm – 9.00pm
Matthew’s House, 82 High Street,Swansea, SA1 1LW
Dinner provided
Vegetarian and vegan option available
For more information about Alpha visit Alpha.org
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol. For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed. Proverbs 31v4-5 (NLT)
Aside from having to watch The Lion King film too many times when my kids were young, I actually rather enjoyed it.
One of the most moving scenes is where Rafiki, the wise Baboon, walks Simba, the foolish Lion cub, to a watering hole and encourages him to study the reflection in the water.
Rafiki says the reflection shows Simba’s father (the late King) but all Simba sees is himself. Rafiki makes Simba look harder and then Simba sees the image of his father. Rafiki says “You see? He lives in you”. Then Simba hears his father’s voice saying “Simba, you have forgotten me… You have forgotten who you are and so have forgotten me. Look inside yourself Simba. You are more than what you have become”.
Being wise, focused and responsible like a king is not meant to be an optional extra. It is who we are meant to be. We are our Father’s children and must seek to remember that and respond to that. We are not meant to surrender our responsibility and duties for the “fleeting pleasures” or “tough times” in Egypt.
As I conclude my 31 day journey into Proverbs I am reminded to start again. Every day, every month and every year… because only by wisdom can I do what I have been born to do, and foolishness will harm me and hurt others. None more so than the Father who made me.
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. Proverbs 31v4-5 (ESV)
Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery. Proverbs 29v1 (NLT)
I love these kind of Proverbs. The reason is simple, because criticism is painful and hard to take. I guess it is for most people.
Last night my daughter was discussing personality types and she concluded that I don’t take criticism personally. I am not sure that is true! Whilst I take a degree of comfort that I may have a degree of resilience to criticism which helps me, but the other side of that coin is that it can make me stubborn and unyielding. Over the long haul that is dangerous territory. Key to criticism acceptance is identifying a core of people who have free reign to criticise you. You must know, before the criticism begins, these people are for you, love you and want you to win. Don’t let the criticism change your perception of that. I have seen too many people confidently declare a trust in people, only to distrust them when the criticism comes.
He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. Proverbs 29v1 (ESV)
A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops. Proverbs 28v3 (NLT)
I read this Proverb and think it says that anyone who oppresses anyone, going through a similar experience as them, should know better. Rain should be good for the crops. It should not destroy.
In the past year I have seen acts of kindness and acts of selfishness or oppression of others. Some people should know better and some should definitely know better – especially those in the same boat.
There is no excuse for oppressing the poor, and less so if you are poor yourself. This principle applies to any number of circumstances (see the parable in Matthew 18).
We should stand up to bullies and lay firm boundaries in their lives regardless of their background. Background may explain bullying, but it should not excuse it.
A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food. Proverbs 28v3 (ESV)
The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. Proverbs 27v9 (NLT)
This is a short one today. It has been a long one and a good one.
Just a moment is needed to reflect on the blessing of genuine friendship. When this proverb was written “oil and perfume” or “perfume and incense” would have been considered valuable commodities. Therefore so should the input and advice of those people you know love you and are for you. Value friendship because friends are valuable, especially when their friendship is demonstrated by honest communication.
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. Proverbs 27v9 (ESV)
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness. Proverbs 26v11 (NLT)
This has always been one of my favourite and most helpful Proverbs – which might seem strange as I am not a fan of dogs! It screams out to me learn from your mistakes.
Like a dog we will vomit out our mistakes, don’t be surprised when that happens. The key is to reflect and review why the mistake happened. Be rigorous about it, don’t settle for the first answer your ego provides to protect you!
Once whilst being away in a city where I could barely speak the language (barely is me being kind to myself), I had a pathetic grasp of their culture and felt out of my depth in tackling the everyday things.
This meant several “mistakes” which cost me money. Some I could immediately learn from and so revise my plan for the following day. Others lessons would have to wait for the next time I leave my country.
On reflection, the mistakes and consequences (on my wallet) hurt and were annoying, but now I come to see that these things are inevitable and caused by a willingness to step into new things. Making a mistake does not make me a fool, but repeating one does.
Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly. Proverbs 26v11 (ESV)
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