Weston Park Baptist Church

Jesus makes the bold declaration that he is the bread of life and that all who receive him will experience eternal life. He is to become our soul food and as we chew on him we receive his Spirit that enables us to become our true selves in Christ. May we say yes to Jesus so that we become fully available for the purposes of Gods kingdom.

Jesus invites everyone who is thirsty to come to him and drink. We all are thirsty for something but are we thirsty for Jesus? We long for many things but do we long for him? This is the question we must face as we listen to Jesus proclamation during the festival of Booths. It is risky if we turn to him then we must turn away from other choices and possibilities. Yet, Jesus offers us living water. He offers us abundance and life. May we drink deeply from Jesus and know the power of his Spirit as we face the hurdles that life inevitably brings our way.

The story of Jesus conversing with the woman at the well (John 4) reminds us of the truth that Jesus is interested in us all as persons created in the image of God. Every person is valued because every person is human. No one is left out. It is for this reason that we are invited to worship God in spirit and in truth. Our spirit to Gods Spirit person to Person. In truth because God is the Ultimate Reality so our worship must flow from genuine and honest hearts before our loving God.

The season of Pentecost reminds us of the indwelling and empowerment of the Holy Spirit within us. We are never alone because the Spirit of Jesus is with us at every turn. No matter how big or small, the Spirit is our companion through all of the ups and downs of life. For this reason the angel of the Lord announces to the prophet Zechariah the clarion call, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). As we hear these words may we be encouraged as we face our own mountainous struggles and daunting challenges.

In our narcissistic and utilitarian culture we choose to be the centre of our own universe. Furthermore, we often make God a useful agent in furthering our own agenda. It is to such self-centred attitudes that Ezekiel addresses his prophetic writings. He encourages the people to give up their selfish desires and be receptive to the Spirits overtures of having awakened hearts and minds.

The season of Pentecost is a celebration of the work of the Holy Spirit in our world. A prime evidence of the Spirit's work is the birth and experience of the church in every nation. Yet, the Spirit's creative energy has been demonstrated from of old including the very creation of the heavens and the earth. It is to this universal creative speak that we turn to as we begin our Pentecost reflections.

The Book of Hebrews ends with a magnificent doxology giving all praise to God through Jesus Christ. In this great benediction of praise we are reminded that nothing is too hard for God! He is able to restore and refit us so that we achieve full standing as sons and daughters of the High King. May we add our voices to give praise and glory to our loving God forever and ever.

The writer of Hebrews outlines the contours of the Christian life. The author's admonitions show us what it means in a practical way to follow Jesus. These directives include a lifestyle shaped by charity, hospitality, solidarity, fidelity, and security. All of these qualities are founded on the unchangeable love of Jesus Christ. Indeed Jesus, our Lord, is the same yesterday, today, and forever - which is good news for us all!

The writer of Hebrews describes two ways of relating to God the way of Sinai based on fear and the way of Sion founded on access and intimacy. The question for us is how do we relate to God today? Do we continue in fear or can we move towards a relationship of closeness where we engage in heartfelt praise and service to our loving God? May way move forward in confidence knowing that Jesus is our compassionate Saviour. He is the one who escorts us into the very presence of our awesome God.