St. Luke's, Ramsgate

This week many children have returned to school and colleges. Hopefully, they are ready to learn as step by step they grow in their abilities and talents and are equipped to be successful members of society.

As Christians, there is a sense that we never grow up. We are always wanting to develop our thinking, understanding and attitudes in the light of the good news of Jesus Christ. The aim is that we to live lives that please God.

The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Jesus starts by teaching them what to pray for (the Lord's prayer), then he encourages them to pray by reflecting on how we relate to God.

What makes you happy? Adverts often tell us that their product will make us happy, but the truth is material things or one-off experiences never lead to a settled happiness. Christianity, however, calls us to a real joy despite the problems and struggles of life. What can we learn from this teaching of Jesus about reasons to be happy?

As Christians, like the 72 in this passage we are called to share God's Kingdom with others. However, when we do so we will be welcomed by some and rejected by others. How do we respond to that? This is the issue Jesus tackles in this team talk to the 72 he is sending out.

How do you interpret times of desperate suffering? How do you understand God's salvation?

In this story as Shechem is experience all the suffering of a terrible siege, the king blames Elisha and by implication God. Yet, God is the one who provides a deeply unexpected salvation.

The Bible and Old Testament are full of comedy and in this story, the King of Aram, the one who in theory is the most powerful political force around is the butt of the humour.

Yet, this is more than a story that laughs at kings. It is a story that shows us the deeper reality of where power really lies...

Is God an inclusive God? What is a Biblical vision of inclusivity?

In this story a general of the enemy of God's people who has a polytheistic belief system is pointed by a slave girl to go the man of God in Israel. He is remarkably healed of his skin disease, but more than that his beliefs are transformed.

Do we live in a world that cares for children? It's a big question ask. In some ways the protection and rights of children are better than ever before. Yet, the incidents of mental health in children suggests that maybe the focus of our culture is not as child-friendly as we would like to think.

Back in the time of Elisha, in the Middle East, child sacrifice was common (see 2 Kings 3:26-27). Yet, in this passage we see that the God of Israel is deeply concerned to give for the welfare of children.

Jesus tells his disciples that it is better if he goes away. How can that be? Because then He can send the Holy Spirit on us. So, what has the Spirit come to do?

Jesus promises his followers the Holy Spirit. But what does the Holy Spirit come to do in our lives?