Wednesday evening’s homegroup studied together the theme of going from the (spiritual) mountain top to the valley floor, based on Mark 9v2-32 – the transfiguration followed by the deliverance of a boy with an evil spirit.  How often do you go from a spiritual high to a spiritual low – as it were from a Sunday morning to a Monday morning?  The…

The 75th anniversary commemorations of D – Day on Thursday 6 June were especially moving, particularly because of the advanced age of the dwindling number of veterans.  Three simple thoughts occur to me in regard to D – Day: The great theme of D – Day revolves around the sacrifice of so many to achieve, for so many others, freedom from evil…

On Thursday (30 May) we remembered again Ascension Day when Jesus was “taken up …. into heaven” (Acts 1v9-11).  What is the significance of this extraordinary event for us today?  Let me suggest three outcomes: Worshipping – the Ascension dramatically fulfils Daniel’s prophetic vision (7v13,14) of “one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven” into the presence of…

I recently came across this quote by my (earthly) hero Charles Spurgeon: “Repentance is as much a mark of a Christian, as faith is.”  You may be aware that the word “repentance” in the Bible means to change one’s mind for the better, with this change primarily involving turning from sin and turning to God.  It is often linked to a 180°…

These wonderful words are from Hebrews 13v20 and link back to that glorious song of praise, Psalm 23, that we read and thought about at yesterday’s thanksgiving service for Sid.  I may have mentioned it before but I was particularly struck by Tom Wright’s comments on this Psalm in his ‘Lent for everyone’ book which many of us enjoyed reading through recently. …

Four of us endured a somewhat frustrating afternoon / early evening on Wednesday.  We were at the Oval in South London hoping to watch the One Day International between England and Pakistan but the match was eventually abandoned after heavy rain and a hailstorm!  The limited amount of cricket that did take place between the rain means, however, that we will receive…

I hope that as many as possible are aware of the exciting opportunity we are considering to add to the leadership of CCBC.  This was explained at last Sunday afternoon’s AGM and will be formally presented at a Special Church Meeting of members following next Sunday (12th) morning’s service.  To assist our consideration Luke will be speaking and answering questions on Tuesday…

You may remember how Jesus graciously forgives and recommissions Peter on the beach beside the Sea of Galilee following His resurrection.  Jesus goes on to indicate to Peter the kind of death he would suffer by which he would glorify God (John 21v18,19).  Jesus appears to be suggesting that Peter will be crucified and it is traditionally held that he asked to…

Instead of Brexit, the news has this week been dominated by the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.  You may have wondered whether the timing of this fire, during ‘Holy Week’, as well as its particular location, have any special significance.  Undoubtedly God can speak to us through all the circumstances of life.  I did also note one French commentator’s…

We’ve been listening in the car to a CD by the American Christian singer / songwriter Lauren Daigle.  Her voice is very similar to Adele’s – or perhaps it’s the other way round?  Anyway, I’ve been continually playing one track called “Love like this” which contains these simple, yet glorious words: “What have I done to deserve love like this?  I cannot…