Join us in this service or prayer and reflection with reading of the coming Christ, as members of our congregation considered the them of loss. Losses that may stir the emotions of the heart, whether it is loss around those no longer with us, loss of liberty and health, finance, or relationships, this time of year can be difficult for many.

So, listen in as Pastor Mike Weaver, and minister in training Carol Christie lead this service with a reflective time of Communion at the end.

We pray and hope you will enjoy this service from our Advent season.

The GMC Podcast is a production of Gillespie Memorial Church, Chapel Street, Dunfermline, Scotland. Our website is www.gillespiechurch.org where you can find details about who we are, how to contact us and to financially support our work and ministry for the Kingdom, just click on the ‘Support us with Stewardship’ icon.

This episode was produced by Mike Weaver and Carol Christie. It was mixed by Jack Wiggall, and edited by Mike Weaver.

Music was performed by Richard Harrison

Pastor Mike Weaver starts the Advent series at GMC with an exploration of Luke 1:5-25 reminding us of God's sovereign work in our lives. The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth teaches us about faithfulness, divine intervention, and the importance of trusting God's promises. We the Lord using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes, preparing the way for Jesus through the conception and birth of John who will be the Baptist.

This narrative challenges us to examine our own faith when faced with seemingly impossible situations. Are you, like Zechariah, sometimes doubtful of God's power? Or can you embrace the miraculous with trust and joy? As you reflect on this passage, be encouraged to recognize God's hand in your life, even in unexpected ways, and be open to His transformative work within and through you.

Pastor Mike Weaver closes the series in Paul’s letters to the Thessalonian church by exploring 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, where there is a challenge to examine our understanding of work and faith. The passage reminds us that idleness isn't just about unemployment, but about our attitude towards work and service. We're called to follow the example of the apostles who worked tirelessly while spreading the Gospel. This teaches us that there's no divide between the sacred and the secular in a Christian's life - all that we do should glorify God.

The message Pastor Mike delivered encourages us to maintain a balanced perspective: living in the present with purpose while keeping our eyes on Christ's future return. As we reflect on this, let's consider how we can better integrate our faith into our daily work and actions, showing the world the transformative power of the Gospel through both our words and deeds.

Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 (NIV)

Title:         The Progress of the Word of the Lord

Blurb:

"To be, or not to be, that is the question:

Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

Or to take arms against a sea of troubles

And by opposing end them." [Hamlet]

— “Brothers — take up arms and — PRAY!”

Carol Christie, candidate in training for OLM delivers a wonderful exploration of the difficult to fathom passage of 2 Thessalonians 2:1-15, where she reminds us of the importance of discernment and steadfastness in our faith. The passage warns us about deception concerning Christ's return Paulo made to the Thessalonians, also urging us not to be easily unsettled by false teachings today. We're introduced to the mysterious 'man of lawlessness,' a figure opposing God's truth, serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle we face.

The key message? Hold fast to the truth of the Gospel. In a world full of conflicting voices and apparent signs of end times, we're called to stay grounded in God's word and the teachings of the apostles. It's of course a challenge but the question remains: are we actively choosing to love and believe the truth, or are we susceptible to deception? Carol’s message encourages us to deepen our understanding of Scripture, strengthen our relationship with God, and remain vigilant in our faith journey.

This episode was produced by Mike Weaver and Carol Christie. It was mixed by Mike Weaver and Andrew Kember. It was edited by Jack Wiggall.

Our soundtrack music is ‘Blessed Assurance (All My Attempts to be Satisfied)’ by Jaywan Maxwell, Michael Farren, Nathan Singh & Rhyan Shirley (City Alight Music), performed by Gordon Eastop & Mike Weaver.

Following last weeks introduction to 2Thessalonians, Pastor Mike Weaver explores the 1st chapter reminding us of the enduring strength of faith and love in the face of adversity. Just as the Thessalonian church's faith was growing and their love increasing, we too are called to let our faith shine brightly amidst life's challenges. The message beautifully illustrates how our current struggles can refine us, making us worthy of God's kingdom where His justice will prevail. We're encouraged to focus not on a place, but on the person of Jesus Christ, whose glorious return promises both judgment for the unrighteous and eternal joy for believers.

This overview challenges us to live our faith actively in the present, allowing Christ's glory to be revealed through us daily. It's a stirring call to make the most crucial choice of all - accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ, which has eternal consequences far beyond any earthly decision we face.

This episode was produced by Mike Weaver and Carol Christie. It was mixed by Mike Weaver and Jack Wiggall. It was edited by Barbara-Anne Hoey.

Our soundtrack music is ‘Blessed Assurance (All My Attempts to be Satisfied)’ by Jaywan Maxwell, Michael Farren, Nathan Singh & Rhyan Shirley (City Alight Music), performed by Gordon Eastop & Mike Weaver.

It's been a while since our last Testimony Time, in fact almost a year, but we're back with the 7th instalment of the Testimony Time Podcast. In it we hear from three very different people, different ages, backgrounds and stages of life, but all with a deep love of the Lord and an expectation that He will move in their lives.

This podcast is a production of GMC, Dunfermline and copyright remains with the producer, Mike Weaver.

In this exploration of 2 Thessalonians, Pastor Mike Weaver reminds us that God's Word is never redundant or outdated. Just like an overlooked Ming vase, the Bible holds immeasurable value, we only need to take it off our shelves and truly engage with it. In St. Paul’s 2nd letter, he addresses three crucial challenges we all face: discrimination-persecution from the world, deception from the enemy, and our own disobedience. Yet through it all, followers of Jesus Christ are assured of God's grace, His unchanging Word, and His peace that surpasses understanding. The central prayer in 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 beautifully encapsulates our hope: eternal comfort and strength to persevere. As we navigate life's storms, let's remember we're not just living for future glory, but also to glorify God in our present circumstances. This message challenges us to see beyond our immediate troubles and recognize the unseen reality of God's presence, much like Elisha's servant in 2 Kings 6.v17. Are we truly living in God and allowing Him to work through us for His glory?

The GMC Podcast is a production of Gillespie Memorial Church, Chapel Street, Dunfermline, Scotland. Our website is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gillespiechurch.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can find details about who we are, how to contact us and to financially support our work and ministry for the Kingdom, just click on the ‘Support us with Stewardship’ icon.

This episode was produced by Mike Weaver. It was mixed by Mike Weaver and Jack Wiggall. It was edited by Jack Wiggall.

Our soundtrack music is ‘Blessed Assurance (All My Attempts to be Satisfied)’ by Jaywan Maxwell, Michael Farren, Nathan Singh & Rhyan Shirley (City Alight Music), performed by Gordon Eastop & Mike Weaver.

Carol Christie, a candidate for Ordained Local Ministry preaches her first sermon at GMC.

In it she explores the closing verses of 1 Thessalonians in chapter 5, where she reminds us of the importance of mutual respect, encouragement, and patience within our faith community. The passage calls us to acknowledge those who work hard among us, to admonish gently, and to support one another in love. We're challenged to 'rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances' – a seemingly impossible task that becomes attainable through God's grace. This message invites us to reflect on how we interact with our fellow believers and leaders, urging us to strive for what is good for everyone. It's a call to live out our faith actively, not just in times of ease but especially in times of difficulty.

As we consider these words, consider how can we better embody these principles in our daily lives? How might our faith community be transformed if we truly lived by these exhortations?

This episode was produced by David Melville, Mike Weaver and Carol Christie. It was mixed by Mike Weaver and Stewart Hair. It was edited by Jack Wiggall.

Our soundtrack music is ‘Blessed Assurance (All My Attempts to be Satisfied)’ by Jaywan Maxwell, Michael Farren, Nathan Singh & Rhyan Shirley (City Alight Music), performed by Gordon Eastop & Mike Weaver.

Are we living in the light of Christ's return? This is the message from 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 that Pastor Mike Weaver challenges us with, in order to examine our spiritual readiness. We're reminded that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, 'like a thief in the night.' But as children of light, we shouldn't be caught off guard. The stark contrast between living in darkness versus living in the light urges us to stay alert and sober, clothed in the armour of faith, love, and hope. This isn't just about waiting passively; it's about active preparation, encouraging one another, and living out our faith daily. The beautiful assurance is that those who know the Lord are destined for salvation through Jesus Christ and not wrath, and should this not inspire all Christians to share this hope with others. Are we truly living as children of light, ready for Christ's return at any moment?

The GMC Podcast is a production of Gillespie Memorial Church, Chapel Street, Dunfermline, Scotland. Our website is ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.gillespiechurch.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can find details about who we are, how to contact us and to financially support our work and ministry for the Kingdom, just click on the ‘Support us with Stewardship’ icon.

This episode was produced by Rev Mike Weaver and Carol Christie. It was mixed by Mike Weaver and Andrew Kember. It was edited by Barbara-Anne Hoey.

Our soundtrack music is ‘Blessed Assurance (All My Attempts to be Satisfied)’ by Jaywan Maxwell, Michael Farren, Nathan Singh & Rhyan Shirley (City Alight Music), performed by Gordon Eastop & Mike Weaver.