Estuary Elim News & Blog
Estuary Elim News & Blog
News, wit and wisdom from our church ministers, department leaders and members of our church.
Note: The views expressed by individuals within this blog are their own!
2024
Advent Love:
Don't Forget Your Gift to Christ This Christmas
Christmas is a season of giving, rooted in love. It's a time when we show our care for family and friends by choosing gifts that express how much they mean to us. But amidst the wrapping and celebrating, let's pause to consider this: have we prepared a gift for the One whose love is the reason for the season?
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Redeemed by Hope:
The Story of Ruth and the Light of Advent
Advent is a season of anticipation and reflection, a time when we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ. Often, we turn to the familiar nativity story for inspiration. But today, let's journey to an unexpected place - the story of Ruth.
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Advent Peace: The Promise of Peace
During Advent, we are reminded of the beauty of anticipation. Advent is a time of preparation, a season when we pause to reflect on God's promises fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Among these promises is one that resonates deeply in a world often characterised by chaos and strife - the promise of peace.
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How Do We Acknowledge God in All Our Ways?
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, a familiar sense of anticipation begins to stir. Advent is approaching fast - a season of hope, reflection, and preparation. While the world around us rushes headlong into the hustle and bustle of Christmas, Advent invites us to pause, breathe, and reflect on the deeper meaning of this time of year.
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Advent is Approaching
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, a familiar sense of anticipation begins to stir. Advent is approaching fast - a season of hope, reflection, and preparation. While the world around us rushes headlong into the hustle and bustle of Christmas, Advent invites us to pause, breathe, and reflect on the deeper meaning of this time of year.
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The Importance of Safeguarding Children and Adults in the Church
Safeguarding has become an essential focus for churches across the UK, and each year thousands of churches come together to observe Safeguarding Sunday. This isn't just an annual event; it's a vital opportunity for us as a community to examine how we protect children and adults from harm and to create a church culture that is safe, welcoming, and secure for all.
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Honouring the Brave: Reflections on Remembrance Sunday
On Remembrance Sunday, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to protect our freedom, defend our values, and shape the world we live in today.
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The Hidden Dangers of Celebrating Halloween
As Halloween approaches, many Christians find themselves in a quandary - do we participate, or do we sit it out? For some, it seems like harmless fun: costumes, sweets, and time with friends and family. But when we dig a little deeper into Halloween's origins and the themes it embraces, we might find that this is a celebration that deserves closer scrutiny.
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Delighting in God's Will: Finding Joy in Surrender
In Psalm 40:8 (NLT), David writes, "I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart." This verse is a powerful reminder that God’s will is not something we should dread or resist—it’s something we can take joy in. But how do we move from seeing God's will as a duty to finding true delight in it?
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Wait on the Hills
Recently I had a dream. In the dream, a figure approached me and whispered in my ear, "the message for you is to wait on the hills".
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Why the Alpha Course Changes Live
Have you ever wondered why the Alpha Course has had such a powerful impact on so many people around the world? From small church gatherings to large group events, Alpha has become a global phenomenon. But what is it about Alpha that changes lives?
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Jesus, Lord of the Harvest:
A Call to Action
When we think of Jesus, many of us picture Him as the Good Shepherd, the Healer, and the King of Kings. But did you know that He is also the Lord of the Harvest? This title, found in Matthew 9:37-38 (NLT), carries powerful implications for us as His followers.
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The Gospel Changes Everything
When we talk about the Gospel, we're talking about something that has the power to transform every aspect of our lives.
This isn't just a religious catchphrase - it's the very foundation of our faith.
The Good News of Jesus Christ isn't just about salvation; it's about changing our past, our present, and our future.
Imitating God: A Life Transformed by Truth
We are called to reflect the character of our Creator in every aspect of our lives.
But what does it mean to truly imitate God? Let's explore three ways we can live out this calling by:
- walking in love,
- living in holiness, and
- shining as lights in a dark world.
Transformed by Truth: Justified by Faith, Loved by God
In a world where people often strive to earn acceptance and approval, God's truth transforms us through the power of His grace. We do not earn our salvation; it is a gift from God. Our faith in Jesus Christ brings us into right standing with God, not our works or efforts. Today, let's explore the liberating message of justification by faith and God's unwavering love.
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Trusting God When Fear Strikes
Fear is a part of life. We have all experienced moments when fear seems overwhelming, whether it's fear of the unknown, failure, or loss. But God gives us powerful promises in His Word that provide comfort and strength. Let's explore two such promises in Psalm 56:3 and Isaiah 41:13.
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Ministering to the Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired
In our fast-paced world, many of us encounter people every day who are struggling with being hungry, angry, lonely, or tired (HALT). As followers of Christ, we are called to minister to these needs with compassion and love, just as Jesus did. Let's briefly explore how we can respond to these states of vulnerability and be the hands and feet of Jesus in today's world.
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Confidence in Prayer:
Aligning with God's Will
In 1 John 5:14 (NLT), we are given a powerful reminder: "And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him."
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Embracing God's Masterpiece
In Ephesians 2:10 (NLT), we are reminded of a profound truth: "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."
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The Power of Prayer
Praise God! We are grateful for the power of answered prayer, which has brought about large community gatherings marked by great policing and an atmosphere of peace. This peace has been released through the unity of the Church.
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An Urgent Call to Prayer
7pm Tuesday 6 August @ Estuary Elim Ashingdon.
In these turbulent times, when the UK is experiencing unrest and protests, it is more important than ever to come together in prayer.
The Importance of Christian Missionaries
In 2024, the role of Christian missionaries remains as vital as ever. In a world marked by rapid technological advancement and shifting cultural landscapes, the timeless message of the Gospel continues to need voices that will carry it to every corner of the globe. Let's explore why Christian missionaries are indispensable in this contemporary era.
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Timeless Lessons: What Doctor Who Can Teach Us About God
Today, I want to draw some spiritual lessons from an unexpected source: Doctor Who. While not a religious show, Doctor Who contains themes that resonate deeply with our faith. Let’s consider three key lessons from Doctor Who that can teach us more about God and our spiritual journey.
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A Call to Prioritise God's Work
Today, we're diving into a powerful message from the book of Haggai, where the prophet Haggai delivers a wake-up call from God.
This message urges the people to reconsider their ways and prioritise God's work above all else.
Abundantly More: Embracing God's Limitless Power
Today, I want to share some reflections on a powerful passage from Paul's letter to the Ephesians that has deeply impacted my understanding of God's limitless power and glory. Let's explore Ephesians 3:20-21 and see how it can transform our lives.
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What coffee can teach us about God
Today, we're going to explore an everyday item that many of us cherish - coffee.
You might be wondering how something as simple as coffee can teach us about God. But as we delve into this, we'll see how God's truths can be found in the most ordinary of things.
So let's brew up some insights and see what the Lord has for us today.
Transformed by Truth:
Lessons from Jesus' Ministry
Today, we're diving into the transformative power of Jesus' ministry through a few key passages from the Gospels of Mark and Matthew.
These scriptures reveal Jesus' compassion, His healing power, and His call to find rest in Him.
The Vumba Massacre:
A Tragic Tale of Faith and Sacrifice
The Vumba Massacre, a harrowing event that occurred on June 23, 1978, in the Vumba Mountains of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), remains a poignant reminder of the perilous journey of missionaries who serve in volatile regions. This tragic incident involved the brutal murder of nine British missionaries and four children at the Elim Mission Station by guerilla fighters during the Rhodesian Bush War.
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Celebrating Fatherhood:
Reflecting on the Heart of Our Heavenly Father
Father's Day is a special time to honour and celebrate the fathers in our lives. It's a day to express our gratitude for their love, sacrifices, and guidance. But as we celebrate our earthly fathers, it's also an opportune moment to reflect on the love and attributes of our Heavenly Father.
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Transformed by Truth:
Walking Wisely in Today's World
Ephesians 5:15 (NLT): "So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise."
Ephesians 5:15 provides us with a timeless principle that is essential for navigating the complexities of the 21st century. Let's dive into this verse and explore how we can live wisely and purposefully.
Divine Power and Precious Promises
2 Peter 1:3 (NLT): "By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life."
Today, we delve into 2 Peter 1:3-4, a passage rich with encouragement and assurance for every believer. Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, writes to remind us of the incredible resources we have in Christ. Through His divine power and precious promises, God equips us to live godly lives and partake in His divine nature. Let's explore how these truths can transform our lives.
Rejoice and Be Glad:
Seeking God in All Things
Psalm 70:4 (NLT): But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, 'God is great!'
Today, we delve into Psalm 70:4, a verse that calls us to rejoice and be glad as we seek God and celebrate His salvation. This Psalm, written by David, is a plea for God's help in times of trouble, yet it contains profound truths about joy and worship that are relevant to us today. Let us explore how searching for God can fill us with joy, how loving His salvation leads us to proclaim His greatness, and how these truths transform our lives.
Rejoice and Be Glad:
Seeking God in All Things
Today, we delve into the profound call to empathy and compassion as followers of Christ, rooted in the timeless wisdom of Romans 12:15.
Romans 12:15 (NLT): "Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep."
In this verse, the apostle Paul encapsulates a core aspect of Christian empathy - to enter into the joys and sorrows of others, sharing in their experiences with genuine compassion and solidarity.
The Awakening Prayer Guide
For too long, prayer has been relegated to a secondary role, often neglected in the planning of important programmes and activities. This, in turn, has created a vulnerability in the spiritual realm. The underlying assumption was that God's presence would naturally accompany our acts of faith. However, a powerful awakening to the centrality of prayer is sweeping across the Church, both here in Britain and internationally. Every new church planting, outreach initiative, and programme is now being saturated in prayer - before, during, and after its execution.
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The Liberating Power of God's Truth
Today, we explore the profound truth of God's liberating power as revealed in John 8:32 "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
In this verse, Jesus unveils the transformative impact of knowing and embracing God's truth, leading us into a life of spiritual liberation.
Revealed in Creation: Knowing God's Power and Nature
Today, we explore the profound truth of God's revelation through creation, as declared in Romans 1:20. This verse illuminates the majesty and glory of God displayed in the natural world, inviting us to recognise His existence and character through His creation.
"For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God." (Romans 1:20, NLT)
Transformed by Truth: The Power of Listening and Self-Control
Today, our journey into Scripture brings us to the profound wisdom found in James 1:19-20, "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires."
This passage holds within it a treasure trove of principles that can reshape our lives and relationships if we are willing to heed its counsel. Let's unpack these truths together.
The Art of Waiting:
Lessons from Abraham's Journey
In life, waiting is inevitable. Whether it's waiting for customer service, transportation, or significant life outcomes like job offers or medical results, the waiting game can stir up a whirlwind of emotions - impatience, frustration, anxiety. We've all been there.
As Christians, our waiting can take on a unique dimension. We pray and expect swift answers, often on our terms. But what happens when God's timing doesn't align with ours? Are we prepared for the waiting room of faith?
Living in the Reality of Jesus:
The Resurrection and the Life
Today, let us uncover the profound truth embedded in the words of Jesus Himself.
In John 11:25, Jesus boldly declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying." Let's unpack this powerful statement and explore how it shapes our lives today.
Grounded in Truth: The Historical Reality of Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
In today's world, where scepticism and doubt often overshadow faith, it's essential to anchor our beliefs in the bedrock of historical truth. As Christians, our faith hinges on the foundational events of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Let's delve into the significance of these historical realities and their profound impact on our lives.
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Transformed by the Triumph of Palm Sunday
As Palm Sunday approaches, Christians around the world prepare to commemorate Jesus Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Beyond its historical significance, Palm Sunday holds profound lessons for us today, reminding us of the transformative power of Christ in our lives.
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Embracing God's Promise of Purpose
Romans 8:28 (NLT): "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them."
Romans 8:28, is a verse brimming with hope amidst life's trials. Let's dive into its depth and uncover the transformative power of God's promise to weave everything together for good.
Embracing God's Promise of Purpose
Romans 8:28 (NLT): "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them."
Romans 8:28, is a verse brimming with hope amidst life's trials. Let's dive into its depth and uncover the transformative power of God's promise to weave everything together for good.
Leap Year: Embracing Transformative Opportunities
A leap year presents us with a unique opportunity to embrace transformation and growth - as a leap year adds an extra day to our calendar, let's seize this additional time to reflect on God's truth and pursue personal and spiritual development.
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Embracing God's Call: Transformed by His Purpose
Let's explore the transformative power of God's calling in our lives, as revealed in 2 Timothy 1:9-10. Let us delve into the depths of this passage and discover how God's purpose transforms us and empowers us to live out His truth.
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The Transformative Power of Love
Today, we delve into the profound truths of 1 Corinthians 13, where the Apostle Paul expounds on the transformative power of love. In this passage, Paul reveals the essence of genuine love and its indispensable role in our lives as followers of Christ.
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Serving with Purpose: The Vital Role of Deacons in the Local Church
In the tapestry of a vibrant local church, each thread plays a crucial role in weaving together the fabric of community and service. Among these threads, the role of deacons stands as a cornerstone of support and service. Let's explore why deacons are essential to the life and mission of a local church.
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Grace's Teaching: Transformed by Truth
Titus 2:1-2 (NLT) "As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience."
In Titus chapter 2, the apostle Paul speaks of God's transformative truth that leads to godly living. Join me in exploring the profound impact of God's grace and truth in the process of transformation.
Grace's Teaching: Transformed by Truth
Today, we delve into the transformative truth found in Galatians 3:26-28 (NLT), a passage that emphasises our unity in Christ. As we explore these verses, may our hearts be opened to the transformative power of living in the truth of God's Word.
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Walking in the Spirit: Transformed by Truth
Today, let us explore the transformative power of God's truth found in Galatians 5:16-18, "So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves."
This verse invites us to walk in the Spirit, embracing a life led by the transformative truth of God's Word. As we delve into the Bible, may our hearts be open to the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Eternal Perspectives: Transformed by Truth
John 14:1-2 (NLT): "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?"
Today, we delve into the timeless words of John 14:1-3, where Jesus unfolds profound truths that have the power to transform our lives. In a world often clouded by uncertainties, these verses offer an eternal perspective that transcends the challenges of our earthly journey.
Truth that transforms
On the first Sunday of 2024, we will embark on a transformative journey through God's Word in our new preaching series, "Transformed by Truth."
The foundation for this series rests on the profound words of Jesus found in John 17:17-19, "Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth."