CCBC

This page displays messages, notes and articles written by our Pastor and our Leadership Team.

“Great is Thy faithfulness” – 17 March 2024

At the meeting of FACCTS directors on Thursday morning we reflected on Psalm 36 – David refers to his context (v1-4), his confidence (v5-9) and his call to God (v10-12). Right at the heart of the psalm he talks about the ‘height’ of God’s love and faithfulness – which reach to the heavens and to the skies respectively – and the ‘depth’…

A mother’s perspective – 10 March 2024

We celebrate again today ‘Mother’s Day’ when we especially give thanks for our mums. I referred recently to John Wyatt’s short book ‘The Final Lap’; he reminds us of the principle of dependence which God has built into our world. In our early years we depend totally on our parents – especially our mums – who in later years may then depend…

The ‘all round’ Word of God – 3 March 2024

Whilst driving this week I was listening to a sermon on the armour of God (Ephesians 6v10-18). The preacher helpfully noted that the various pieces of armour, which Paul describes, both start and finish with the Word of God. We are told firstly to buckle the belt of truth around our waist and lastly to take the sword of the Spirit, which…

Sleep well! – 25 February 2024

I’ve just read a short book which Gill recently bought me called ‘The Final Lap’ by John Wyatt. It’s all about ‘Navigating the transitions of later life’ and is an excellent short guide to retirement and later life written by a former consultant paediatrician. He notes, in particular, the wonderful distinction that Paul draws in 1 Thessalonians 4v13,14: “Brothers [and sisters], we…

Covering up – 18 February 2024

I wonder if you are ‘giving up something for Lent’ – perhaps chocolate, social media?! This year Lent began on Wednesday (14th) and, of course, refers to the 40 day period (not including Sundays) leading up to Easter. At its best, Lent may be seen as a time of spiritual preparation for Easter and as a time of self-denial in order to…

Pray continually – 11 February 2024

We have just concluded our special week of prayer. Are you tempted to think: “That’s good; now let’s move on to ….”? But what does the apostle Paul mean in 1 Thessalonians 5v17 when he writes “pray continually”? In the Monday afternoon homegroup we are studying the whole subject of prayer. Recently we considered Nehemiah’s example and noted that he appeared to…

Meaningless – 4 February 2024

You’ll probably recall the somewhat stark opening words of the Teacher in the book of Ecclesiastes: “Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” You rather get his point don’t you?! The King James Version translation for “meaningless” is perhaps also well known – “vanity of vanities”. I’m told that the term literally means ‘vapour’, pointing to something that is fleeting and elusive.…

Divine sympathy – 28 January 2024

I was struck – even moved – a couple of days ago when I read these words in Isaiah 63v9: “In all their distress He too was distressed.” Although Israel’s suffering resulted from their own sin, God ‘entered into’ His people’s distress and was Himself distressed. The idols of this world remain unmoved by the sufferings of their followers. I often reflect…

Week of Prayer – 21 January 2024

We’re looking forward to particular opportunities this week to pray together. Our programme of meetings and main themes are as follows: It would be great if as many as possible can gather at the church premises to pray together. However, if you are unable to come, why not set aside the various times / days to pray, particularly for the proposed main…

20 : 24

Two thoughts this week – although they do merge together! As I began to write I noticed on the BBC news the discovery by scientists of a “gigantic, ring-shaped structure in space”. This is “so big it challenges our understanding of the universe”. Apparently such a structure shouldn’t exist according to our understanding of astronomy! A professor of physics at the University…