Most people make plans for the future - but always the question is 'What then?'. Mick Quirk spent a few minutes telling how Henry Brash Bonsall, of the Birmingham Bible Institute, asked a young man his plans, one after another, repeating the question, 'what then?' until his student, perplexed, replied "well then I suppose I'll die!" There followed the most important question of all: 'What then?'
Later on the pastor, Rev. Peter Richmond, gave the introduction to a new series of talks on Joshua, the 70-year-old who had to step into Moses' shoes. His task was to cross the Jordan river, defeat the inhabitants and give the land as an inheritance to the tribes of Israel.
Peter displayed a map that showed the original land of promise in the Bible - as well as the country known as Israel today, it included threequarters of Syria, half of Iraq, a third of Saudi Arabia and a quarter of Egypt!
God's promise to Joshua was "I will never leave you or forsake you." It was the same promise given by Jesus, whose name is Emmanuel - God with us. Perhaps he would not have been encouraged by the people saying, "just as we obeyed Moses, we will obey you," since they had often given their leader a hard time - but their words echoed the message God had already given him three times: 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be discouraged.'
Peter concluded: "Most Christians forget what God has done, but a people of faith face each day as Joshua did, with His purpose, power, promise and presence."
Songs included Amazing Grace, Blessed Be Your Name, and Be Bold. There was a time for prayer and a question for discussion, based on a real life dilemma: where should a Christian draw the line if his friend, who is not in need, nevertheless keeps asking for things as if it is a right?
If this question sparks your interest, why not e-mail your thoughts to Peter, using the 'Contact us' link on the website, http://www.hesed.co.uk">www.hesed.co.uk ? This Sunday's service takes place in the Avenue Centre, Greenhill Road, Tenby, at 6 pm.