"Jesus is a realist. He makes no false promises of an easy life," was the message on Sunday morning of guest preacher Mark Bedford. Jesus' words to His disciples were: "If anyone would come after Me he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me," (Mark 8:34). In many parts of the world Christians today are being called upon to risk imprisonment, torture or death rather than deny their Lord and Saviour, and through their faithfulness the church continues to grow.
Mark works for an organisation called 'Open Doors' which supports Christians in 24 countries worldwide where the Christian faith is restricted or forbidden. He and his co-workers visit isolated groups of believers to encourage them, offer areas of training, supply Bibles and meet practical needs.
In the Western Church we can easily become complacent, enjoying the blessings without wanting the cost, but if we are faithfully following in Jesus' footsteps we can expect trials. However, God is God - He does not let up on us, and His promises are true. He has promised eternal life to all who believe in Him and that means living with Him in heaven for ever.
In place of the evening service, Mark showed a very challenging and thought-provoking film entitled 'Stripes of the Zebra' which graphically depicted the plight of the suffering church in Africa.
This Sunday, the preacher in the morning will be Pastor Tom Török and in the evening, the Rev. David Cardwell. All welcome! Light Seekers youth group meets at 7 pm on Monday, Women's Fellowship at 2.30 pm and house groups at 7.30 pm on Tuesday. Bible study at 11 am and prayer meeting at 7.30 pm on Thursday. For further information about any of these events, ring Tom on 845838.