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29th June 2025

Sunshine and light

Isaiah 60:1-5

1 John 1:1-5

In the Bible, light is a powerful symbol representing God's presence, holiness, goodness, truth, and guidance. It is often contrasted with darkness, which symbolizes sin, ignorance, and spiritual blindness. Jesus is frequently referred to as the ‘light of the world’, and we as Christians, are called to be ‘children of light’, reflecting God's character in a dark world.

The Bible begins with God creating light to dispel the darkness, signifying the beginning of creation and God's power over chaos. The light is a manifestation of His glory and presence, right from the very beginning. Throughout the Bible, light remains as a symbol of salvation and truth; representing God's word, His law, and His wisdom, and guiding people towards righteousness. And we often view the teachings of Jesus as a source of spiritual light, leading people out of darkness and towards eternal life. We are called to walk in the light, thus reflecting God's character and truth in our lives.

But to have light, we need a contrast, dark. Biblically, darkness symbolizes sin, evil, and separation from God, and those who reject God and His truth are said to be walking in darkness. This whole book [LIFT BIBLE] encourages us to turn away from darkness and embrace the light.

So when God comes to earth  in human form, Jesus declares himself to be the light of the world, and offers salvation and guidance to all who follow Him. We  are called to be lights in the world, shining their good deeds before others to glorify God.

So, when we open our Bibles, from start to finish, we are blessed with images of light.

Genesis 1:3: And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light.

John 8:12: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

Psalm 119:105: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

1 John 1:7: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

And in the natural world, we physically see light as radiating from the sun. The sun, our greatest star, is at once both a source of light and warmth, and a powerful symbol of God's presence and love in our lives. Just as the sun dispels darkness, God's love and truth can illuminate our lives, bringing joy and purpose. We are called to reflect that light, letting our actions and words shine, so that others may see God's goodness.

So light is both a physical and metaphorical representation of goodness. Physically, we need light to live. Spiritually, we do so too. Just as the sun rises each day to overcome the darkness, God's love and truth can overcome the darkness of sin, doubt, and despair in our lives.

Just as the sun is essential for life on Earth, providing light and warmth for growth. Similarly, God is the source of our spiritual life, offering hope and sustenance.

And in the same way as a mirror can deflect light into a dark crevice, Jesus calls each of us to be a light to the world, letting our good works be seen so that others may glorify God. We reflect the light upon others, we share God’s word, we help the needy, we lift each other. Our whole lives should reflect God's light.

And as we let our light shine, we enable others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of positive influence.

This, like much in our lives, should cause us to be thankful for God's blessings; blessings that include the gift of sunshine We should always recognize the light as a reminder of God’s goodness. In doing so, and recognizing that our time is limited, we should be diligent in our work for God, making the most of the opportunities He gives us. May we all be aware, may we not take the easy life of lazing in comfort, but rather all do what we can whilst we are here.

For, just as the sun warms the earth, God's love can ignite our hearts, leading us to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Him.

So, both physical and spiritual light are good.

Physical light is necessary for physical life. The earth would certainly change very rapidly if there were no longer any sunlight. A forest full of trees with very thick canopies of foliage high above has very little plant life on the ground except for moss or lichen, which needs little sunlight. Plants will never move away from the light—they are said to be positively phototropic, drawn to the light. In the same way, spiritual light is necessary for spiritual life, and this can be a good test of our standing in Christ. The believer will always tend toward spiritual things; tend toward fellowship, prayer, the Word of God. The unbeliever always does the opposite (John 1:5; 3:19–20) because light exposes evil.

Following Jesus is the condition of two promises in John 8:12. First, His followers will never walk in darkness, which is a reference to the assurance of salvation we enjoy. As true followers of the Light, we will never follow the ways of sin (1 John 1:5–7). Rather, we repent of our sin in order to stay close to the light of the world. The second promise is that we will reflect the light of life. Just as He came as the light of the world, He commands us to be ‘lights’ too. In Matthew 5:14–16 we see believers depicted as the light of the world. Just as the moon has no light of its own, reflecting the light of the sun, so are believers to reflect the light of Christ so that all can see it in us. The light is evident to others by the good deeds we do in faith and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

So, let us embrace the symbolism of the sun and strive to reflect God's light in all we do. By allowing His love to shine through us, we can bring hope and joy to a world most certainly in need of His grace.

In the name of our crucified and risen Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

 

 

22nd June 2025

Walking in faith

Micah 6:6-8

Hebrews 11:1-3,8-10

Was it last week I was at Blaby Congregational Church? The week before? When there I surprised them by selecting the upbeat ‘Send the fire!’ as a hymn. Not like me at all. I am on firmer ground with the Victorian offerings. And what a hymn Lead, kindly light is. Thank you so much, Sue. Many of the Victorian hymns have fallen out of vogue, for various reasons, not least the language can appear aged and the subject is often dark. Lead, kindly light, that we have just heard by John Henry Newman, even I must confess, is shrouded by a hanging morbid, gloom. However, there is one line that is very apt for today’s message, I do not ask to see the distant scene; one step enough for me. How better to describe our journey in faith?

But, what do me mean when we say ‘walking in faith’? My personal definition would be something along the lines of, the Christian concept of living a life guided by trust in God and His promises, even when circumstances are unclear or challenging. You may think likewise? Indeed, the notion of faith in itself is difficult to grasp, for faith is not simply a belief system, but a way of living that involves obedience, reliance on God, and persevering through trials. And make no mistake about it, we are all tested in this life.

So, let us delve deeper.

Firstly, I suppose we should define ‘faith’ itself. I would say that faith is trust, for we have to believe; it is not a blind leap into the unknown, but rather a confident step towards a future that God has promised. Faith is not based on feelings, but is simply about believing what God says, even when circumstances may suggest otherwise. And, of course, faith is a journey. It is not a one-time event but involves ongoing trust and obedience.

If the above is true, we can then ask ourselves how we can live by faith. As I said, we all have difficulties in our lives, but walking in faith means obeying God's commands, even when they don't make sense or are difficult. It involves acknowledging our need for God's guidance and provision in every aspect of life.

And as with all things Godly, it is a partnership. We are trusting God to guide us, but we still have to act. For, faith is not a passive state, but an active force that helps us endure trials and temptations. It helps us to move forward.

And, of course, we have to trust what we cannot see, what we cannot prove by earthly means. Faith enables us to see beyond the limitations of our physical senses and trust in God's promises.

When we open our Bibles we are beset with stories of faith. In this time after Easter we are constantly reminded of the faith of the disciples. They believed. They were scared, they were confused, but they believed. The journey of the disciples, including their struggles and triumphs, provides numerous examples of how faith is developed and tested.

Of course, Jesus Himself lived a life of faith, demonstrating unwavering trust in God's will.

But the greatest story of faith in the Bible is surely that of Abraham, the ‘Father of Faith’ himself. During most of His life, Abram was ordinary, there was little special about him. But then He was called by God. Called by God to commence on an incredible journey of faith that would lead the world to Jesus and onward to all of humanity. To us. Abraham was unsure, he questioned, he stumbled along the way, but he remained faithful.

Those of you with pew Bibles to hand may wish to turn to Genesis 12. The first few lines of Genesis 12, as God is calling Abram, Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed’ (Genesis 12:1-3).

Abraham is being called, but is under no doubt that God is with him. Look at that passage again. There are no ifs and maybes on God’s side. I will. Not maybe or perhaps, but I will.

So Abraham set out on his journey. Things were not easy for him, but he remained faithful. And look where it led. For, if we turn to the very beginning of the New Testament, to the opening lines of Matthew’s gospel, we find a genealogy. That that traces the line of Abraham forward to Jesus. And from Jesus, we know that all are welcomed. In the final lines of Galatians 3, So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. So, due to the faith of Abraham, we, we, are heirs according to the promise.

Abrahams journey was difficult, both geographically and spiritually, from Ur to Canaan on a winding road of trust. A road of twists and turns, highs and lows, but each step taking him nearer to his goal.

And so it is with us. Our lives are not easy. Our lives are not straightforward. But onwards and upwards we march. And where do we travel if not in to the unknown. Unknown to us, but known to God. In some ways it is similar to an earthly journey, we may encounter easy stretches and then be tested by barriers. On an earthly journey we can plan our route, we know what to expect.

[MAP]

But on our journey of faith we have no idea what lies before us. But we must trust, as Abraham trusted. And we have an advantage. In fact we have several. For we are told that, if we trust, then Christ is with us. Again from Galatians, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20). We are not alone, for Christ is with us. We are also not alone, for we have each other. However long we have been connected to this church, let us all think of those times that we have been supported through fellowship. What strength that brings! Friends, we are not alone. However difficult things get, we are not alone. We have Christ and we have each other. And in a way we can only marvel at, if we recognise Christ in others, which we are taught to do, we not only look at our neighbour and see a friend, but we also see Christ. Christ Himself is with us, and He is also in others who are with us.

The eternally magnificent mystery that we will never fully understand.

God cannot be tamed or tied down. He cannot be predicted. But He can be trusted. The ancient Israelites knew this, as did our forebears, but do we? God is, and always will be, a mystery. Yet, without seeing the final scene, we set out in faith. We are essentially taking a chance on mystery. Like Abraham we do not know where we are going. Yet we are encouraged by God to set off into the strange and unfamiliar. We do this because it is the way to our inheritance, which is the gradual unfolding of that peace and harmony which is our safest and truest home.

Irrespective of what stands in our way, surrounded by our friends, with the encouragement of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, and emboldened by the Holy Spirit, may we all continue to put one foot in front of the other and walk deeper into this great mystery.

Amen.

 

 

15th June 2025

Focus on God (Matthew 6:19-24)

What an interesting passage today’s key text is. The words are based on those of Jesus preached during what we call the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ and follow that great passage we now know as The Lord’s Prayer. One could therefore say the message is central to His teaching, and is one we often ponder; that we should focus on God rather than earthly matters. Like much of what we are called to do, this is easy to understand, but often difficult to put into practice, for we are often self-centred and by nature tempted by the material wealth that surrounds us.

The analogies used follow nicely from last week’s passage from 1 Corinthians 12, which Jo will have expanded upon last week.

So let us break down the passage and see if we can learn from it.

‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’. These initial verses are encouraging us to focus on the heart. The meaning of the words would perhaps have been easier to understand in the time of Jesus, or even a decade or so ago. For whilst we are now becoming more reliant upon our web-based banking, touch-screen payments and the like, the people gathered as Jesus spoke would have fully understood the value of physical objects, and thus be very aware of how their metals could tarnish, clothes be eaten by moths, cattle stolen, crops blighted by disease or insect infestation. Their ‘things’ could be taken from them. We can still relate to this; an accident or theft can deprive us of a car, a spillage of tea can destroy the workings of a laptop, and many of us dread losing our mobile telephones and all of the information they contain. Again, things can be taken away from us. But Jesus shows us something better. He points us to the treasures that are found in heaven. Treasures that cannot break or be stolen. They cannot be faked, cannot be affected by market trends. These treasures are safe, imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. But it is not easy to see them as treasures, especially when we are satisfied by our earthly belongings. So we are encouraged to focus on the heart. We can do this by praying to desire God’s riches, searching for the riches in His word, and then prioritising these riches over our earthly temptations. Focus on the heart.

Jesus then encourages us to focus the eye. ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!’ This can be quite confusing. But Jesus is saying that the eye shows us where to go, it sets our direction. We need to see where we are going. Therefore, if we set our gaze on earthly riches, that is where we will head. But if we set our sight upon God, then to God we shall move.  We must therefore focus on God. Jesus tells us that if our eyes are full of light, we shall be healthy. For the direction of the eye helps determine the direction of the heart. We aim for bad things, we find them. We aim for material wealth, we find it. We aim for God, and the light floods into our lives. Anything that impedes our spiritual eye, we must clear away. Temptations abound, yes, but we must rise above them.

We then come to the age old problem of serving two masters. ‘No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth’. Here Jesus uses the term ‘master’ in the sense that we are completely devoted to someone. Everything we do is for them. Jesus is saying in the passage that our master can be God, or it can be money. In some early translations the word ‘mammon’ is used. This is a Syriac term for riches, gain, possessions, as well as money. God or mammon? That is the question we must ask ourselves. Of course, this notion is further complicated by the fact that good things can be obtained or done with money. Money in itself is not bad. Money can be used to help others, it can be used in many good ways. It is the selfish use of money Jesus is warning us about, and perhaps (more so) our coveting of it.

For, if we are focused on money and possessions we will not be able to see the vision that God has given us. We will not be able to see that sacrifice is better than selfishness, that generosity is better than greed, that the divine is better than the earthly. We must focus our hearts, our eyes, and our lives on God.

But the notion of focusing can itself be confusing. What does it mean to focus in the way Jesus implies? When I read this passage, for whatever reason, binoculars come to mind. Anca and I love our binoculars. Watching the birds, checking the shipping off the Kent coast when we visit Millie and the girls. So what do binoculars do? They don’t necessarily show us things we can’t see with the naked eye, but more they bring detail to them. They bring focus. Without the bins I can see the clock at the rear of the church. I can even read the time. But with them I see every detail. I can see with focus. That perhaps, is what we should do when searching for God. God is always there. He is there in good times and bad, this is when many notice Him. But He is also there in the everyday, the mundane; perhaps this is when we should really focus on Him. When it is easy to ease back into our comfortable chairs. When it is easy to enjoy the luxury of our earthly possessions.

So, in this passage, Jesus is not instructing us this way because He wants to punish us. Not at all. He doesn’t want us to miss out on riches. He wants us to see what true riches are.

He wants us to see that love is better, peace is better, grace is better, forgiveness is better, and best of all is adoption into the family of God, made possible by His sacrifice on the cross. It is all we need.

I often speak of my concern for the fading of Christianity in modern Britain. But what is the greatest threat to Christianity? Is it the spreading of other religions? Is it the rise of secular people who don’t believe in God? Or is it a lack of genuine godly living among those of us who profess to be Christians? How many of those in Britain professing Christianity are in churches today? We are.

So, what sets us apart from others? It is our faith in the risen Saviour and our belief in a better place.

This coming week may we all focus on God, treasure heaven, and allow our lives to reflect the light. The light that shines in the darkness and that will never be extinguished.

All of this in Christ’s name.

Amen.

 

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8th June 2025

Togetherness 

(JS de Klerk)

We first heard Jason read these words from Psalm 133: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” The psalmist’s words ring through the centuries, carrying forth the yearning of all humanity for harmony. The description of unity likened to precious oil, running down Aaron’s beard and upon his robe, evokes not only sacredness but a deep sense of blessing and joy that comes when the people of God stand together, undivided.

This call to unity is not some abstract sentiment, nor a fleeting ideal. It is, as we heard  from Hilary, reading Paul’s instruction in his first letter to the Corinthians, foundational to our very existence as Christians and members of Christ’s body. “There are many parts, but one body.” Paul does not mince his words: it is God who places each part of the body—each individual, each culture, each background—in its proper place, “just as he wanted them to be.”

In our contemporary world, unity and its challenges are on display not only in our churches but on the world stage, as seen in recent current affairs. I’m referring to a recent BBC article, drawing on the contentious and dramatic Oval Office meeting between President Trump and President Ramaphosa of South Africa. The atmosphere, described in this article is charged with accusations, political pageantry, and attempts at provocation and starkly illustrates the human tendency toward division—racial, political, and national. In that meeting, as in so much of our world, lines are drawn. The “us” and “them,” the “insider” and the “outsider,” become categories by which people are measured, elevated, or dismissed.

Yet, as Christians, we are called to transcend all such barriers. Paul writes, “For we were all baptised by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free.” He could as well have written—English or South African, Conservative or Liberal, black or white, privileged or marginalised. The boundaries that the world so often draws, our scripture compels us to erase.

Let us not imagine that such unity is always comfortable, or that it is achieved by ignoring our differences. Rather, Paul insists that each part of the body matters, precisely in its uniqueness. The foot cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” The eye and the ear, though different, each serve their irreplaceable purpose. Unity, then, is not uniformity. It is the divine weaving together of diversity into a single tapestry—a tapestry that reflects the grace and beauty of our Creator.

So how do we, as Christians rooted in this tradition and living in an age marked by ideological, political, and religious competition, take up our calling as unifiers?

Firstly, our unity is not a fragile peace maintained by ignoring hard truths. Rather, it is a robust solidarity born of mutual concern and sacrificial love. “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.” When our world is wounded by injustice, prejudice, or indignity—whether across the globe or right here in Leicester—we do not stand apart as spectators. The suffering of one is the suffering of all.

Secondly, our calling is not to hide from difference but to bear witness to a God who delights in it. Ours is a faith that proclaims both truth and grace; that calls all people, regardless of history or identity, to the foot of the cross. Here, in the presence of Christ, worldly distinctions are not effaced, but are transformed. We no longer view one another “from a worldly point of view,” as Paul says elsewhere, but as beloved children of God, co-heirs in the promise.

But let us not keep this vision only to ourselves. Our world is filled with competing doctrines, both religious and secular. Today’s intellectual landscape is a crowded marketplace: ideologies jostle for attention and hearts can easily be led by the loudest or the most sensational. Whether compelled by ancient faiths or by purely secular ambitions, the desire for justice, peace, and unity is universal.

Within our own Christian doctrine is a truth that reaches beyond our church walls—a radical declaration that each person, of whatever faith or background, possesses infinite worth. Our doctrine of the Imago Dei—the belief that all are made in the image of God—demands that Christians always strive to transcend division, and take a stand against any ideology, policy, or rhetoric that dehumanises or divides.

Moreover, Psalm 133 reminds us that when God’s people dwell together in unity, God’s blessing follows. It is not merely for our own benefit that we seek union, but for the blessing and witness of the world. The world does not need more division; it needs people willing to reach across divides, to work for reconciliation, to defend the dignity of all, and to speak truth with compassion and humility.

As we reflect soberly upon the political theatre of our time, let us be clear: the Christian response is not to descend into the divisive language and behaviour that so often characterises worldly power. We must never confuse the loudest voice for the truest voice, nor mistake provocation for courage. In humility, we pursue the ministry of reconciliation—not by flattery, not by show, but by the quiet strength that transforms hearts and societies.

Let us be reminded then, that Christ himself crossed the greatest divide of all—between God and humankind. He broke down every wall that would keep us from receiving and sharing his love. If we are to be his body, his hands and feet in the world, then we too must be bridge-builders and peacemakers. We must open our doors, our hearts, and our lives to others, striving with all dignity to be faithful witnesses of God’s reconciling love.

So then, brothers and sisters, let us take up our charge. Let each of us, in our uniqueness, serve as an indispensable part of Christ’s body. May we affirm our faith not in word only, but in our actions, our conversations, and our prayers. Let us embody the unity that scripture commands and Christ enables.

And may the Lord, who blesses “even life forevermore” where unity prevails, keep us steadfast in his service, gentle in our speech, and courageous in our reconciliation—today, and always. Amen

 

 

1st June 2025

The Ascension/ Church membership

As I mentioned earlier, Thursday marked the Ascension, the day we remember Jesus ascending into heaven.

‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled’. Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written’ […] ‘See, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’ Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven (Luke 24:44-46, 49-51).

The ascension comes forty days after Easter, reminding us that Christ had forty days on earth to pass on His final teachings to His disciples. Unbeknown to them, but now known to us, those He left would in a mere few days’ time experience the power of the Holy Spirit upon them. Jesus was, to use a phrase, ‘handing the baton’ to them. Or to us, as I should say. For we are the disciples of Christ. It is our calling to take the teachings of Jesus and use them to advance ourselves and all others. We have been shown the way. So it is with added significance that we shall welcome our new members shortly. What could be considered the first church started shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven. We continue after two millennia of tradition, unity and division, success and failure, to do the same. The early church, as we read in Acts, consisted of a ragged assortment of varied and flawed individuals, and here we are today. They were confused as to what they should do, which direction to take, and here we are today. And they took heart from their togetherness and their bond with Jesus. Here we are today.

So on this day of celebration here at Clarendon Park Congregational Church, let us all accept that we are not perfect, far from it, but let us all aim for perfection, that found in Jesus Christ. Let us help each other, help those in our community, help all we come into contact with. To do this we need strength. So may we be buoyed by all who have gone before, supported by those we meet here each week, and let us never forget that with the Father looking down upon us, enthused by the Spirit, and with Christ in our hearts, that we do have strength. The strength of the Lord.

In His glorious name, Amen.

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1st June 2025

Church membership

It is fair to say that the Church is not held in the regard that it once was. There are many reasons for this, many of which are the fault of Christians failing to act in the ways of Jesus. However this came about, our job today is perhaps more difficult than ever.

Many on the outside question the relevance of church, perhaps seeing churches as institutions putting form before substance, tradition before truth – a closed, old-fashioned place, which doesn’t necessarily feel the problems of the modern world. In today’s society, spirituality may well be fashionable in some forms, but organised Christian religion is most certainly not.

But we know different.

As we gather together, we feel the love flow among us. We come together each week in varying circumstances, in sadness and in laughter. We support and encourage each other through all.

And let us not forget that church membership is deeply rooted in the Bible. In Acts 2:41-42, we read that about 3,000 people were added to the disciples after Peter's sermon at Pentecost. This passage highlights the importance of being part of a community of believers. Additionally, Ephesians 1:22-23 and Colossians 1:18 emphasize the significance of being part of the body of Christ. These scriptures illustrate that church membership is not just a modern concept but has biblical foundations.

Being a member of a church comes with responsibilities, but these responsibilities help members grow spiritually and contribute to the church's overall mission. We stand together, and this mutual support is crucial for spiritual growth and maintaining a strong relationship with God. When members encourage each other and hold each other accountable, it fosters a healthy and supportive community. That is what we have here.

So today, Mirielle, Tony, and Jo will make a commitment to become members of Clarendon Park Congregational Church. In doing so, they will add to the church’s stability and growth, ensuring that it can continue to serve the community and spread the gospel.

Amen.

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