The service on Sunday evening included songs and prayers, after which Mick Quirk encouraged people to "live such good lives that unbelievers might glorify God." Even a cynical husband might be won over by the "gentle and quiet spirit" of a wife who is a believer, the Bible says, and it is possible to apply this principle generally. Christians often earn respect when people perceive faith in their life, rather than just in their words.
The pastor, Rev. Peter Richmond, then talked about Joshua's last farewell to the Israelites before his death (Joshua 24).
Joshua told them to choose whom to serve. It is impossible to mix the one true God with the worship of idols. He said "as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
When they heard this, the Israelites readily agreed, but it was a glib response. Joshua told them they were utterly unable to serve God and told them to get rid of the idols they had picked up from their enemies.
It is easy to make a vow and hard to follow it through. Some people are ready to accept this situation. But if a car started only one out of three times, would it be considered reliable? Peter said that Christians need to realise they cannot defeat sin on their own.
Joshua challenged the Israelites three times to make sure they were serious about following God, then he wrote it down in a book called the 'Law of God.' He also set up a stone to mark the occasion, which may have been one uncovered by archaeologists recently.
The next service takes place on Sunday at 6 pm at the Avenue Centre, Greenhill Avenue, Tenby. Telephone 01646 681805 or visit http://www.hesed.co.uk">www.hesed.co.uk for further information.