Author Archives: Andrew Gillham

Remembrance Sunday (Micah 4:1-4 Joel 3:9-17)

“[The LORD] will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” (Micah 4:3)

When you look at the reality of humanity and history, it is hard to see how people can ever achieve lasting peace. There is no hope. Yet Micah portrays a hope rooted in the God of the Bible. It is only by his actions that wars will one day cease, that peace will come.

Dare to Stand Out (Daniel 1:1-21)

”Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

This week we begin a series on the book of Daniel. The book includes some well know Bible stories, such as Daniel in the lions’ den, but also weird dreams and visions similar to those in Revelation.

Biblical Vision 6: New Earth (Revelation 22:1-5)

“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 22:5)

This future vision gives us hope now. The evil in our world is temporary, but what is good has a future and our relationship with God will truly flourish. This is God’s vision for the future, but as well as giving us something to look forward to, it should inform our plans and what we invest in and work for now.

Biblical Vision 5: Discipleship (Matthew 28:16-20)

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:19)

The key phrase in this vision is: ‘make disciples.’ The rest elaborates what that means. Disciples are to come from all nations and be given a new identity through baptism as those who belong to the God who is now known as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are to be taught to obey all that Jesus had taught and they are to know that Jesus will always be with them. Whatever our vision is, it must have making disciples at its heart.

Biblical Vision 4: New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:27-34)

“This is the covenant that I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:33)

This week we return to our theme of Biblical Visions and look at Jeremiah’s prophecy of a coming ‘new covenant’, which will bring forgiveness and transformed hearts and minds.

Harvest (Matthew 6:25-33)

‘But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’ (Matthew 6:33)

In this time of harvest, we are first reminded to seek the Kingdom, trusting in God completely. Then, we are called to BE the Kingdom to others around us, showing hospitality, love, and mercy in the face of scarcity, anxiety, or fear. As Jesus said, can any one of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life? Instead, let’s trust in God’s provision and show love to those around us.