Psalm 1 As the new year kicks off, many want to shake off the cobwebs from 2024 and put their front foot forward. Resolves of all kinds are being considered. We long for fulfilment, improvement, something more than what we presently experience. Is there more? The opening Psalm of the Psalter introduces us to 'the Blessed Man'. He is put forward as a godly individual, favoured by the LORD, who is an example for all God's people. He is known not only by what he shuns but also by what he embraces. Can there be a better pursuit or resolve than seeking to imitate the Blessed One?

'Lord, Protect us as we Wait' James 5:7-11 The brother of our Lord Jesus, James, is bringing him epistle to a close and wants to leave his readers with a memorable and helpful farewell. He exhorts these believers to keep on keeping on; to patiently endure suffering; to persevere through hardships; and to stay in harmony with one another. NONE of these are easy. James knows this, so He reaches for our greatest motivation - Jesus Christ and His soon return! Themes include: endurance, patience, trials, the Lord's return, unity and love for one another.

Luke 8:40-56 Luke has filled chapter 8 with a series of miracles highlighting Jesus' supreme authority. Jesus has demonstrated power and authority over nature, Satan's powers, and now sickness and death. This all confirms who Jesus is and that He can be trusted. And yet, the encounter before us puts the faith of some to the ultimate test. When Jesus operates differently to how and when we would like, can we still trust Him?

Repeat the Sounding Joy

Having made it through the storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus and the disciples reach "the other side", Gentile lands. Instantly they are confronted by one of the most frightening cases of demonic possession ever to occur in history. It's a showdown between light and darkness. Jesus vs a battalion of demons. There are eyewitnesses of the outcome and the power of light seems to frighten the spectators more than the power of darkness. Despite mass rejection, the story on a triumphant missional note.

Luke 8:22-25 The disciples have professed faith in Jesus as their Lord. They have left everything to follow Him. But as they get into a boat with Him, that faith is immediately tested. The storms and winds come and death seems inevitable. But what happens next forever changes how the disciples view Jesus...

Sharing and carrying one another's burdens - carrying together that which is too much for one to bear alone. Restoring in a spirit of gentleness and fulfilling the Law of Christ: Love One Another. We must each individually account to the Lord for our actions, but whilst here, we must help one another to carry our load, bringing each other back from the brink of sin and trouble into which we can sometimes wander.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 As the saints of old looked for the arrival of the Christ, we now wait for the Son from heaven.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 'Be hopeful and alert for the day we meet King Jesus in the air.'

'Use it or Lose it' Luke 8:16-21 On the heels of his sermon on the parable of the soils, Jesus exhorts his disciples to respond appropriately. True hearing involves the application of truth. The seed is the Word and the Word needs to be utilised. Jesus gives the principle of using what one is given or run the risk of losing it. Luke then includes a short incident involving Jesus' family. Again, the Word must take precedence even over one's closest familial ties...

Luke 8:4-15 We encounter the first major shift in Jesus' teaching ministry. From this point onwards, the Great Teacher primarily uses parables for the crowds that follow him. Through these parables mysteries are both revealed and further concealed. "Ears to hear" are required as the good news of the kingdom goes out. In this passage Jesus delivers what has been hailed as his most important parable. The Word goes out, but the hearts that receive it are in different conditions...

'Christ Our Example' We will be considering the incredible suffering Christ experienced and the example he left us in going to prayer to the Father. Jesus endured much affliction and is able to help those who are afflicted. Themes include: Prayer, suffering, Christ's sacrifice

Luke 8:4-15 We encounter the first major shift in Jesus' teaching ministry. From this point onwards, the Great Teacher primarily uses parables for the crowds that follow him. Through these parables mysteries are both revealed and further concealed. "Ears to hear" are required as the good news of the kingdom goes out. In this passage Jesus delivers what has been hailed as his most important parable. The Word goes out, but the hearts that receive it are in different conditions...

Isaiah 66:1-5

Luke 8:1-3 After an unforgettable dinner at Simon the Pharisee's house, Jesus continues his tour through Galilee preaching the good news. Christ knew his time here would be short and devoted Himself to doing the Father's will. Not only did He make the most of what was before Him, He transformed followers to do likewise. Luke pauses his fast-paced narrative to give us a glimpse of some unlikely converts who responded to mercy by devoting themselves to deeds of love. They used what they had to advance the kingdom. The exhortation for us is to make the most of the time and to serve faithfully. Like the previous passage, great forgiveness produces great love.