“Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”, some words from the Lord’s Prayer, was the theme of our service last Sunday morning, which was led by our minister, the Rev’d Mark Lawrence who was welcome by Bunty Hodgkins. Rod Smith was our organist. Mark’s call to worship comprised words of praise by the Psalmist. There was an element of the military in Mark’ choice of hymns and the first being a great Charles Wesley hymn, “Soldiers of Christ arise, and put your armour on, strong in the strength which God supplies through his eternal son”.”
After prayers of praise and adoration, Mark introduced two videos concerning the work of the Christian charity “Open Doors” as it seeks to support Pastor Barnabus in Nigeria, whose Christians are constantly being persecute for their faith by militants. The second video by Prayer cast illustrated the constancy of faith shown by many Nigerians which is a most dangerous country for Christians at the present time. There followed short prayers for Nigeria and other troubled states in the world where many are persecute for their faith.
Our morning’s bible reading from James, chapter one, was read by Norma Buckley. Here are some stirring words from James being practical instructions on Faith and Wisdom, Poverty and Riches, and Testing and Temptation.
Mark led our thoughts to consider the plight of the poor and persecute in Nigeria and the work of “Open Doors” in which he described his familial interest through one of his daughters. Mark gave examples of the persecuted and the horrors suffered by many. He led our thoughts on the temptations we all receive, as did Jesus when he was tempted for forty days. He overcame these temptations and so can we by God’s grace. He illustrated his statements with extracts from biblical texts reminding us of the importance of the bible in maintaining our faith. Mark reminded us of the Means of Grace which are prayer, scripture and the sacrament of holy communion.
Prayers for others followed after which we shared in the sacrament of Holy Communion, the elements being given out by Mark assisted by Jill Harrison. Our service was concluded as we sang “Stand up! Stand up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross!”.