The first Bible reading from Daniel Ch.2 v. 26-45 introduced the theme for the morning's sermon, preached by Pastor Tom Torok.
In these verses, Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The dream is an allegory of the rise and fall of four successive world empires, after the death of the King, culminating in their supersession by a kindom of a different order; the Kindom of God which will replace all the kingdoms of this world and will be everlasting. Pastor Torok began his sermon with a quote by William Barclay: "Oh the bliss of those who realise the destitution of their lives, for the blessings of the Kingdom of Heaven are theirs here and now." Jesus reminds us that we, as His followers, are here primarily to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth and in Matthew Ch. 5. He lays down the attitudes which can help us to bring it about.
The first of these Beatitudes as we know them reads 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven'. You are blest indeed, when bankrupt of any resources of your own to work out the problems in your life you can turn to God who will help you.
The second of these tells us that we are blest when we can see the deep needs and problems of the world and mourn for others and are given comfort when we give our help and support.
So was Paul sustained for two years, prior to his execution, as he shared the knowledge of the Kingdom of God with all who would listen. The Kingdom of God is an inward, spiritual Kingdom, deep in the mind and soul of those who know Him. Each of us should be working to change ever closer to the ideal represented by Jesus Himself. It involves us letting Christ reign and rule in our lives and according to His bidding in the Lord's Prayer, to pray, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done!"
This Sunday, the morning service starts at 10.45 am, when the Rev. Peter Richmond will be preaching.
There is a prayer breakfast every Thursday morning. This is held at 7.30 am in the vestry at the rear of the church. All are welcome.