Feeding 5000 people sounds like a mammoth job, and with few resources, it seems an impossible problem! But Jesus pulled it off, and it became one of his most famous miracles. What do we do when we are facing a tricky situation? Do we look to Jesus to help us? If not then perhaps we should because, as this story shows, Jesus can be the solution to any problem!

The book of Nehemiah is a great place to look when searching for a story of hope, joy, grace and renewal. The joy of the Lord was their strength and can be ours today!

Does life sometimes feel like a rollercoaster?! In the ups and downs that we face, where can we turn for help? Psalm 46 has the answer! It tells of an unshakeable God who offers us his power, presence and peace.

Everyone loves a wedding! But would you be willing to go out into the streets and extend an open invitation to anyone who would come? As we come near the end of our series about the Kingdom of God, we see an open invitation to any who will respond to be the people of the Kingdom. No matter our background, culture or nation, we are all invited to come and be a part of the Kingdom of God, but are we willing to make the sacrifices to enter into a life of complete commitment to Christ?

This week the UK has been to the polls to decide which political party will be in power for the next 5 years. In other countries, similar elections have recently taken place or will soon be held. Around the world, governments exercise power with varying degrees of wisdom, integrity and competence. As Christians, we are also citizens of another kingdom, the Kingdom of God. But what is the source of power in the Kingdom of God and who exercises it? Perhaps you have more power than you think!

What is the parable of the Sower all about? The seed? The types of earth? No! The clue is in the name - it's about the Sower, who represents God. A God that spreads his love (the seed) across all types of soil (our hearts), regardless of whether they are hard, stony, chocked with seeds or fertile.

Kingdom Peace comes through having a different vision - the vision of Isaiah, one of the Old Testament's greatest prophets. The apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, implores us to be ambassadors of this Kingdom Peace. But how can we do that when every day we look upon conflict between people and nations? It seems impossible to us. But maybe our judgement is wrong and God’s vision is correct. If that were true, it would give us something significant. It would provide us with HOPE.

Do religion and politics mix? Some may want to view them like oil and water - things that separate themselves out. But the Bible shows us that God is always concerned for the welfare of humanity and good governance. Leadership and social issues are very much part of the faith and life and how we engage with politics matters.

How does one participate in the Kingdom of God? Well, in His parables, Jesus gave examples - something that could grow from small beginnings, like a mustard seed, or something that could affect great change, like yeast in flour. And how best to action this? Check out 2 Peter 1:5-7 - there is a clear answer!

"Surely the Lord was in this place, and I was not aware of it…How awesome is this place!". This is what Jacob said in Genesis 28. There are places where God seems closer than normal. Celtic Christianity speaks of “thin places” where the distance between heaven and earth collapses. Was this the experience of Pentecost when the Spirit came and moved among the followers of Jesus? And where is your “thin place”? Maybe walking on the beach, on top of a mountain, in a religious building or even at church on Sunday?