Media

As part of a series on the Psalms - the King's Church Prestwood set aside a Sunday for Psalms of Praise.. people chose the songs and hymns which were formed into a journey that gave meaning to the text of Colossians ch3v12-17. Colin then brought the journey together, looking at how music should contain and point to the message of Christ, God's character and purpose for Jesus, for us and for the world.

Psalm 3 is a simple Psalm with some strange words... but its simplicity belies the context of the story behind it. Chris speaks about the failures, the family feuding, the betrayal, the revenge the anguish that David was going through at the time of its writing. An ancient soap opera to challenge anything on TV - played out in 2 Samuel. In the end God is forgiving and gracious, but there are serious consequences to actions.

Concluding the series on the letter to the Hebrews we consider the Author, Audience and Aims of the writer, considering the aims as Worship and Warnings which should result in Equipping and Evangelism. AWE is the mnemonic and the writer's heart is to refocus the worship and service of these christians on Jesus and the way he lived, died and rose again - worshiping with reverence and awe!

In one sense the writer to the Hebrews (H) is promoting worship throughout the letter, and yet looking into the purpose of worship and the words H uses, it becomes clear there is a challenge to move from merely the gathered worship of the christian community - to the humble servant hearted, sacrificial offering of our lives that ascribes to the Lord the glory and honour that is due Jesus, our Saviour and Lord... thus reaching the whole world!

Hebrews chapter 11 is the great hall of faith. We consider these examples, whilst remembering that the writer has, in ch 10, told them of the amazing promise of God if they persevere in faith.

King's Church, Prestwood Sunday 12 July service on zoom. The series of talks on pray-ers of the Bible. Lead Elder Colin Veysey speaks about Hannah from 1 Samuel 1-2:1-10 and how lessons from 3000 years ago can still be relevant today. Hannah's longing for God's kingdom and to know God's will despite a very antagonistic culture led her to pray - to grow in faith and to wait for God to fulfil her longing - a lesson that many need to learn today.

The centre piece of Matthew's gospel has Jesus asking the disciples if they understand the Kingdom of Heaven... their response is 'yes'. Jesus then tells a brief parable which enables us to see that within each of us there are gems of the Kingdom in our memories and understanding, but there is much that the Holy Spirit can enable us to do that are the new treasures - and both are valid and important.

Each person is unique, and every Christian is uniquely qualified to share their story of God's rescue and relationship. Chris shows how Paul wanted to use his unique position in prison (probably in Rome) to speak into the lives of those he was meeting. He applies this to each of us - our opportunities are God given with our specific memories in mind.

Chris challenges us to consider how easy it is to add to God's grace the rules that make us feel safe, and make us feel we are able to achieve what God wants - just as the Pharisees did... Jesus confronts this approach and likens it to how yeast grows in a medium and changes the very nature of what was there originally.

An all age service in which Colin begins to explore direction as a part of discipleship, referring to the great command and the great commission, as well as the call of the disciples, and 1 Thessalonians 3:5 in which we are directed to God's love and Christ's perseverance.