The Bethel - Old Trafford Christadelphian Church

This morning Sheila draws us together in thinking about the journey we are all on. We gather on a Sunday morning to meet with our fellow travellers as well as our guides and companions on the road - the Lord God and His son Jesus Christ. Sheila shows us a view of the finish, the coming kingdom, the common goal we share as disciples.

In the letter to the Romans, Chapter 12, Paul explores some improtant qualitites. We are taught abot equality, dignity and diversity. Charles explores how we value ourselves and others and what we can do to combat the instant gratification, superficial short-cuts that seem to be hard-wired into our society.

David walks through an exploration of the questions and points that are thrown up by Acts 13 and Paul’s journeys and interactions.

The good news reached us in the end due to the tenacity and courage of him and others. And gratitude is our response.

Jacob wrestled with God and was strong enough to stand up against the representation of God that he met. In his struggle, he was only stopped by divine intervention. David explores this and proposes that in equipping us properly, God often gives us a tough workout. It is the faithful endurance of Jacob that wins through and is proven as a result of his wrestling. Whilst it isn't always easy to see our path when we are in the thick of the struggle, zooming out to see the bigger picture can show us the tools that God has given us to cope with whatever we are wrestling with.

We've all fallen asleep at inappropriate moments. There area many lessons we can learn from these experiences but even more that we can learn from the unfortunate-fortunate plight of Eutuchus. Jonathan walks us through some basic steps to stop us being at risk of falling out of windows and dying. Stay Close to God and Christ, Don't let ourselves fall asleep and stay close to other people that stay awake and watch out for others at risk of sleeping

Time is something we struggle with and learning to allow God to work in His own time rather than in our time will help us to live in peace. This morning’s take-away: we are called to not only be humble, but to also be bold in our faith.

Malachi's mandate was to call people back to God.

They had become lax and mediocre in the way they were treating God & their relationship with him.

God's starting point was from a very close, personal relationship of love for Israel.

How would our lives change if we constantly had the physical presence of Jesus next to us? Maybe we just need to ask “lord, speak to me today” on a more regular basis.

Looking at what is below the surface in the story of Anna + Simeon, charles explores the importance of patience. They were patient, waiting for many years for the coming of the Christ. What was it that that enabled them to be dso patient? Hope! When you have hope, patience is that little bit easier.

What buisness did three mystics from the East have, coming to meet a toddler in Bethlehem? Malcolm explores the ancient story from the angle of these magicians / astronomers / astrologers being referred to as 'wise men'.

Martyn centres this advent service around Joseph, and his silent and strong dedication to God, and to his wife-to-be Mary. Just like Joseph, we need to listen to God - and the word of God is a great place to start. Martyn exhorts us to find a sustainable and challenging Bible Reading habit for 2020, and to allow ourselves time to listen to our God.