After 40 yrs in the wilderness, God prepares Joshua to cross the River Jordan. This caused great change in Canaan and Malcolm asks, "How will Thurrock, Essex and beyond change if we can fulfil our vision for CHCC ?" We are reminded of the parable of the 10 Bridesmaids and Malcolm finishes by asking us "Will you (Church) be ready?"
*We apologise for the slight interference in sound at the start of today's message*
In the last of our mini series looking at where we are going as a church, Joachim encourages our congregation to commit to the vision. We are shown how we can be more of a shining light in our community so that we can make a difference. We are asked to give our 'Time' to help the church and the Kingdom. Joachim finishes by asking 'What are we going to do today?' He also asks that we make a commitment to our church and help wherever we can!
David’s message today quickly summarises the word from last week, to remind us of our purpose and values here at CHCC. He shows us our Vision Statement and encourages us to really take hold of the importance of it and how it affects us as Christians. He then breaks that statement down into five main points and takes a much deeper look at them individually. We are encouraged to think carefully about what the Vision means to us and decide which route we would like to take.
To start his message, Malcolm talks about trams and uses them as an analogy to set the scene for a new mini series looking at our vision and where our church is going in the next 3-4 yrs. He reminds us of our ‘Purpose’ and our ‘Values’ and breaks them down into four defined points. We are reminded that we are to be ‘The Light of the World’ and it doesn’t matter if we don’t shine very bright, because if we live or work in a very dark place, we'll still stand out!
Until today, I think Leon had forgotten the old saying "Never work with children and animals!!......"
We hear one of the most beautiful and charming biblical stories today as Leon looks in depth at it and dispels some of the myths and distortions that have crept in over the past 2000 yrs. We learn that the Magi were astologer priests who were fascinated by the stars in the night sky and how the birth of our Lord Jesus was revealed to them by the bright object that was shining in the sky over Bethlehem.
Steve starts his message today by showing us a video entitled "If Joseph and Mary had Facebook". Copy this link into your browser www.youtube.com/watch?v=sghwe4TYY18 and have another look before listening to today's message. Steve brings us the Christmas Story in his own unique style and in a way that is relevant today. He reminds us of the fact that Jesus was born to this earth to save us....Amen to that!
I would like to wish you all a "Very Happy Christmas" as we remember the birth of our Saviour!!
Deb tells us the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth today. They were both righteous in the sight of God and walked blamelessly in all of the commandments and requirements of the Lord. This was recognised by God and even though they were both into old age, He had answered their prayer and Elizabeth became pregnant and gave birth to a son.....who was to become John the Baptist.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus this coming Christmas, Alastair takes us back in time to before Jesus was on earth and looks at what we can learn about Him from the Old Testament. Alastair tells us that the fall of man really highlights why Jesus had to come and die for us on the cross so that we could be saved. We hear two stories from the Old Testament that really brings home the point why, as christians, we celebrate the Christmas story so much.
Our speaker today is from Grays Baptist Church and he gives us a dramatic and powerful message and asks, are we hearing and seeing God as we should. Are we like the Seraphim, on fire for God? If we are close up and personal with Him, something BIG will happen! Listen to the story of the married couple and ensure that YOU aren't on the 18th train carriage!!
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