By Series

Programmes like ‘Mastermind’ & ‘Eggheads’ give people an opportunity to demonstrate an ability to recall their encyclopedic knowledge of very obscure facts. Have you ever thought how much time, effort and energy the contestants invest in amassing such information? The Book of Proverbs encourages us not to focus on gaining knowledge, but to acquire wisdom. ‘Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.’ Proverbs 4:7 In many different ways, the Book of Proverbs trumpets out a vital practical message for each of us today – put God’s wisdom into action. We won’t be able to cover the myriad of themes contained in the book, but we will focus on ‘wising up’ to friendship, work, family life and trusting God. It’s unlikely that any of us will ever appear on ‘Mastermind’, but with God’s help we can all ‘wise up’ to living life the way He wants.

There is no doubt about God’s intention for His church. When Jesus declared “I will build my church”, He made it obvious. God’s plan is for the worldwide church and the local church to grow, to have influence in the community and further afield, to be healthy and to be powerful. Jesus is in the business of building His church and He can only do it through people like us. The numerical and spiritual growth of any church will depend to a great extent on the spirituality and vision of its leaders plus the commitment and dedication of its members. This is a short 3-part series entitled ‘Church Matters’. During this series we focus on the role and responsibilities of the Pastor, the Elders, Deacons and members.

We open 2010 with a study of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.