May June 2016 Faith in our own words

I started our series for May and June by calling it “Faith in our words” - based on the crowd at Pentecost hearing in their own languages the wonders of God (Acts 2:11). During May I have become aware that some of my reluctance to put into words the wonders of God arises from my reluctance to put them into practice. By trying to put into words the wonders of God I become aware not only of the ways in which I put them into practice, but also of the ways in which I do not. My current summary of faith in my words therefore includes “I want to believe” rather than “I believe” as a way of acknowledging the incomplete way in which I live as one who believes these things. I want to believe that there is nothing better than to be loved and to love; I want to believe in love shown in generosity; in thankfulness; in truth; and in humility; I want to believe in the Justice of seeking to rectify and stop oppression by exposing it for what it is; and I want to believe in the forgiveness that stops relationships being dominated by hurt. I believe that Jesus faithfully lived out and was all of the above, leading to his death on the cross. The resurrection gives me assurance that Jesus does take away the sin of the world, and gives me hope in an eternal loving relationship with the God shown in Jesus. For the present I can live in peace, and purity of purpose I hope and pray that we will all be encouraged to more fully believe, put into practice and tell others about, the wonders of God as we look at five more passages: The last 5 passages are: In Matthew 5:1-12 (Sun 5 Jun) we look at Purity & Self control. In Luke 17:6-10 (Sun 12 Jun) we look at Faithfulness. In Luke 15:11-32 (Sun 19 Jun) we look at Generosity. In John 15:9-17 (Sun 26 Jun) we look at Love. In Matthew 11:28-29 (Sun 3 Jul) we look at Humility & Growth.