Carrying the Cross

Hey,

The service was started in a moment of silence to think about those who were affected by the Grenfell fire; those who have lost loved ones, those who are recovering from injuries, those who are risking their lives to save others. However, through this tragedy a great message of hope as presented itself through the community that have come to help those affected.

We send prayer to those who have lost love ones, people in hospital, the carers helping them, prayer that homes will be available soon, and prayer for God to comfort them. Gill thought of this verse in relation to this tragedy.

1 Peter 3:14

“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats, do not be frightened.’”

The talk this week was spoken by Kiran, who spoke briefly about multi-culturism and it’s definition, that is culture value and how not one culture as the right to think it is better than the other. Kiran spoke about how he personally didn’t believe in multiculturism as he believes that everything is about family. I relate to this by looking at not just our individual families but also how we are all one big family as we are all children of God.

The reading for this service is a continuation from the verse Gill shared with us through prayer for the fire tragedy. This is . . .

1 Peter 3:14-16

“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats, do not be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have, But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

Psalms 46:1-5

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most high dwells. Gods is within her, she will not fall; God will help her break of day.”

It is not difficult to talk and start conversations with those of a God culture as they share our belief in God, but you need to remember that we live in a multi-cultural country so there are many different cultures and beliefs. We need to reach out to these cultures, well really reach out and spread the word of God to those people, whatever they believe.

2 Corinthians 6:1-2

“As God’s fellow workers we urge you not receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, ‘In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation.”

In the Bible, there are many people such as the Hebrews and Jews who can be examples for us to understand and learn what Jesus teaches us and who he is, but also how we should act to become more like him for he is our salvation.

What should we cling to?

1 Kings 1:50-52

“But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, went and took hold of the horns of the altar. Then Solomon was told ‘Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon and is clinging to the horns of the altar He says ‘Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’ Solomon replied ‘If he shows himself to be worthy, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground; but if evil is found in him, he will die.’”

We carry the cross with us as God works through us and delivers us from evil so that we do not fall into temptation of evil.

Exodus 30:10

“Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on it horns. This annual atonement must be made with the blood of the atoning sin offering for the generations to come. It is most holy to the Lord.”

God will forgive us no matter what just confess your sins to him as Jesus died on the cross for this very reason and we carry him with us. When talking about the cross I feel that we could be talking about the physical cross that Jesus carried but you could also be talking about Jesus, as the cross is a good symbolism for Jesus as well as belief in God.

He is the beginning to the end as God made the choice to intervene by choosing to send his only son down to earth and to live with us and our weaknesses. Jesus went from a safe place to a place full of weaknesses but he still came and sacrificed himself for our sins but mainly for each and everyone of his children. You are the father’s sons and daughters

When writing this blog post a verse was showed to me which I would like to share with you. This verse was . . .

2 Corinthians 6:18

"I will be a father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

Kiran believes God wants to be our father but he wants us to carry to cross with him. To die with him and to then rise with him.

Prayer

The prayers this week mainly focused on the tragedy of the Grenfell tower fire but also some general prayers about giving the leaders wisdom to guide them in leadership of our country, as well as healing for those who are ill and are suffering.

After the prayers, we sang ‘Be thou my vision’ which I felt linked well with the prayers as they were about healing and wisdom. This song is inspirational and demonstrates that God is always with us.

Songs

Undignified (I will dance)

This is a new and energetic song that I actually enjoyed and liked.

This I believe (The Creed)

This is an old hymn that is really emotional.

Jesus, All for Jesus

I feel this song is about bringing yourself closer to Jesus by giving yourself to him.

Thanks for reading,

Any questions or comments please use the contact box

Amy x