Thoughts & Testimonials 

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10 Things we can learn from Noah's ark

1. Don’t miss the boat
2. Remember that we are all in the same boat
3. Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark. 
4. Stay fit. When you’re 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. 
5. Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done. 
6. Build your future on high ground. 
7. For safety’s sake, travel in pairs. 
8. Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs. 
9. When you’re stressed, float a while. 
10. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting.

Author Unknown
Matthew 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

Dear Friends, 

What a beautiful passage from God’s word! We as Christians, would all agree about the awesomeness of Jesus’ words. 

But, if we pause for a moment and think about this and what does it mean, does it pull at our conscience to make disciples? Do we love people, image bearers of God, enough to give them the solution for the world’s greatest problem, sin? 

If we agree all scripture is breathed out by God, even this passage, should we then do a serious self-evaluation? Are we to study how to evangelize and share our faith? 

Even amongst Christians there are varying views on this call to “make disciples”, but what is the ultimate authority? Do we stand on our own authority, or the authority of Jesus? 

Do we even go back to our most basic presupposition? Do we hold to a Biblical worldview, where God is all knowing, and He has revealed to us some of that knowledge? 

Friends, what are we to do with this passage from Matthew? 

My hope is that this will be food for thought for you. What is my view? 

I believe we must make disciples, we must by the grace of God, share the Only way to the Father. 

Christianity is not an inclusive faith, but instead an exclusive faith. What I mean is this, there is One way and only One way to have peace with God. Do we love people enough, to warn them about Hell and share the truth with them? 

Friends I ask respectfully, with deep love, what should we do with this passage? Obey it? Ignore it? 

Bless you all my dear online friends.  
John Nel (Deacon at Long Sutton Baptist Church)


Reference:
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Mt 28:18–20). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

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Book: The Forgotten Trinity 

The Trinity is one of the most important teachings of the Christian faith. It defines God's very essence and describes how he relates to us. In this book, Dr. James R. White offers a concise, understandable explanation of what the Trinity is and why it matters. While refuting the distortions of God presented by various cults, Dr. White shows how understanding this teaching leads to renewed worship and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian. And amid today's emphasis on the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, The Forgotten Trinity is a balanced look at all three persons of the Trinity. May this book deepen your understanding of this important doctrine while also drawing you closer to the triune God himself. 

If you would like to borrow a copy of this book, please see John Nel (Deacon). It is also available on Amazon. 

Book: Systematic Theology

Wayne Grudem believes that 'theology is meant to be lived and prayed and sung' - but before this can happen, it must be understood. In this best-selling textbook, each chapter begins with a clear definition of the doctrine under consideration and moves on to a thorough exposition of its basis in Scripture. Then follow questions for personal application which help to bring out the relevance of the doctrine to the life of the individual and the church; and finally, a hymn suitable for corporate use or personal meditation. Controversial issues such as the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit, male-female roles in marriage and church, and the nature of final judgment are given a full treatment. Where he differs from other theologians, Professor Grudem is firm but courteous. Wayne Grudem's warm, pastoral and practical approach to systematic theology has been widely appreciated. He demonstrates on page after page how important biblical doctrine is both for the spiritual health of the individual and for the well-being of the church at large.

If you would like to borrow a copy of this book, please see John Nel (Deacon). It is also available on Amazon. 
Church online: 
Read the article written by Rob Beamish, also published and shared by the Baptist Union
where we reflect on church online
Reflection:
  • What do people need from your church right now?
  • What is the good news of the gospel in a time of global pandemic? 
Read the full article HERE

Book: Dangerous Prayers

Synopsis: Prayer moves the heart of God. He wants more for us than a tepid faith and half-hearted routines at the dinner table. He's called you to a life of courage, not comfort. This book will show you how to pray the prayers that search your soul, break your habits, and send you to pursue the calling God has for you. But be warned: if you're fine with settling for what's easy, or you're OK with staying on the sidelines, this book isn't for you. You'll be challenged. You'll be tested. You'll be moved to take a long, hard look at your heart. But you'll be inspired, too. You'll be inspired to pray boldly. To pray powerfully. To pray with fire. You'll see how you can trade ineffective prayers and lukewarm faith for raw, daring prayers that will push you to new levels of passion and fulfillment. You'll discover the secret to overcome fears of loss, rejection, failure, and the unknown and welcome the blessings God has for you on the other side. You'll gain the courage it takes to pray dangerous prayers - Craig Groeschel. 

Read more HERE. If you would like to borrow a copy of this book, please let us know. 
Scripture
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. —Colossians 3:16
Thoughts
Christians are to rejoice. To do that, you need only to think of the great things God has done for you. Then we are told not to be anxious, but in our prayers to make our requests known to God. In your biggest problems you have One to whom you can go; and before Him you can pour out your heart with the assurance that He will not leave you without an answer to that great problem. Then we are to fill our minds with those things that are good. They are mentioned in the Scriptures as being things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and of virtue. It is upon these things that we are to think. Live positively, not negatively. Once you learn that secret, God will have given you the victory.

- Billy Graham, Daily devotion. Read more HERE