Last Sunday morning we had a harvest thanksgiving – it is important for a city congregation to do this – to remind ourselves of where our food ultimately comes from. We also had the baptism of Lois – who although a child was baptised on her own profession.
Songs: Praise to the Lord, Psalm 139 (New Scottish); Ps 112; How Deep the Father’s Love; You Alone Can Rescue
Readings: Acts 10:1-23, Psalm 112
Sermon: Romans 8:35-39 – Who Shall Separate Us From the Love of Christ?
(Note if you want to hear the sermons only you can get them on the St Peters website here)
“The love of Christ was eternal, for it was that love which moved him to leave heavens throne and come down to the earth to redeem us. That love was deep, for it was that love which urged him on to the end of the road as he humbled himself to death, even the death of the cross. That love was broad, for it was that love which opened the arms of God to all the world of sinners and made it possible for the very ones who nailed him to the cross to be forgiven and come back to the Father’s heart. And that love is unchanging, for it is that love which comes to us to day in the midst of our need, whatever it may be, and takes us our of darkness and into light, and from doubt to certainty and from death to life” (Donald J Barnhouse)
In the evening it was with fear and trepidation that I preached on Genesis 1 and 2 – God Made Humanity – Male and Female – the Question of Gender. We only managed to do the first part so this week we are looking at Gender in the Church
Songs: Come O Fount; Indescribable; Psalm 8; Jesus Paid It All
Reading: 2 Kings 23:1-30
Sermon: Genesis 1and 2 – Humanity – Male and Female.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy” Martin Luther-King
This is the version of Ps 139 we sang –
Finally here is the Ministers Monday Message
Yesterday it was good to welcome young Lois Kennedy into membership in the congregation – she was baptized on her own profession of faith. It is lovely to see children coming to faith.
I think the theme of yesterday was children. We had the harvest thanksgiving in the morning – thanks again to David and Morag Miller for their usual magnificent display of real food. What struck me, as the platform was crowded with the children is how they are also fruit – ‘the womb’s fruit his reward’ (Ps127). We have been greatly blessed with many children in St Peter’s.
That was also the theme at night as we looked at a very difficult subject – the question of gender and transgender – God made them male and female. I’m not a big fan of doing these kind of thematic sermons – but sometimes they are necessary. I really appreciate the prayers of the Lord’s people for all preaching but especially these more difficult sermons. It is so easy to get the balance wrong and to get side tracked from the main issues. It was good to see so many out at night and I hope it was helpful to people. As usual the sermon will be online
midweek so you can judge for yourself. A key part of what we were looking at is how we educate and teach our children these things. In a world where the secular education system is going to at best be neutral and in most cases be actively anti the Christian worldview, and where social and traditional media are
indoctrinating our children, we need to help them to think biblically and clearly about issues such as these. I hope last night helped.I mentioned one book that could be really helpful to parents and youth leaders, it’s called “Gender – a Conversation guide for Parents and Pastors” by Brian
Seagraves and Hunter Leavine. I will have several copies available next week, when we hope to go on to part two – looking at gender issues within the church.Meanwhile in all the madness, and whatever faces you this week, remember the morning’s message; whatever happens, nothing can separate the Christian from the love of Christ. Nothing. Have a great week….
David
PS. Don’t forget that next Sunday morning is communion – if you would like to become a member please let me know….
The Christians Great Assurance- Romans 8; The Treasure Hunt -Proverbs 2; Only a Holy God
The Re-imaging of Humanity – 3 – The Transgender Revolution
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