28 June 2025 “But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience” (Romans 8:25, CSB). Hope and waiting belong together. One fuels the other. Paul reminds us that gospel hope does not make waiting disappear. It transforms it. Mark explains, “You’re not waiting for relief. You’re waiting
Waiting Is Worship Read Post »
A few general meetings ago, we shared a plan to bring our church constitution in line with our biblical convictions and current practice. We believe our structure should serve our mission. It should reflect our values. It should honour Scripture. So we formed a committee. It includes our elders (Mark Penrith, Andre Broodryk, Robin Sammons,
Changes to our constitution are ready for review Read Post »
27 June 2025 “…the first fruits of the Spirit…” (Romans 8:23, CSB) Your longing for something more is not a sign of weakness. It is evidence that God has already started something in you. Paul says we have “the firstfruits of the Spirit.” That is not poetic language. It is a declaration of spiritual reality.
You’ve Tasted the Future Read Post »
26 June 2025 “…we ourselves…groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:23, CSB). Groaning is not a failure of faith. It is faith under strain. Paul says, “we ourselves…groan within ourselves,” and Mark explains why that matters: “Your groans are sacred.” Your weariness, your sighs, your longings that leak
Your Groans Are Not Wasted Read Post »
25 June 2025 “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now” (Romans 8:22, CSB). Creation is not silent. It groans. It aches. It strains toward something more. Mark put it this way: “Creation groans together. There is a universal, collective agony. Like labor pains. Creation’s suffering isn’t
Creation Groans With You Read Post »
Our evening service is this Sunday, 29 June, at 7:00pm in the fellowship hall. These once-a-month gatherings are a valuable time of learning and worship. I’ll continue our series on the elements of our worship service. This week, we’ll look at seeing the Word through the ordinance of baptism. I know it’s dark. And cold.
Are We Ready for a Second Service? Read Post »
24 June 2025 “…not worth comparing with the glory…” (Romans 8:18, CSB) Paul does not ask us to pretend suffering is light. He faced stoning, shipwrecks, and prison. His readers faced Nero’s cruelty. In Mark’s words, “Christians faced persecution. Real persecution. Brutal persecution. Deadly persecution. They lost their homes. They lost livelihoods. They lost their
The Math of Eternity Read Post »
23 June 2025 “The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18, CSB). Suffering is not a theory. It is felt in the bones and borne on the shoulders. Mark began his sermon with real stories: “A pastor mowing his lawn
Suffering Is Real, But It Isn’t Final Read Post »
21 June 2025 “…if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him” (Romans 8:17b, CSB). Glory is not a vague future; it is an inevitable outcome of your union with Jesus. Every trial is headed toward triumph. Mark Penrith reminds us, “If indeed we suffer with him. What on
Dear church family, A few weeks ago, a dear older lady sat across from me in my office. She had a piece of paper in her hand. On it were her funeral plans. She wanted a specific song played. She asked that we’d sing As the Deer and How Great Thou Art. She chose Isaiah
What happens when I die? Read Post »
