St Augustine's Church

The Bible has much to tell us about our everyday lives

Listen Lord, to my prayer; hear my cries for help.
I call to you in times of trouble because you answer my prayers.

From Psalm 86 v 6 and 7

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Trust in Him

Our world seems to spin faster every day. As we struggle to keep up, we grow tired physically, mentally, and spiritually. At our deepest level - in our very soul - we feel a deep emptiness. The Bible offers refreshment for your soul. Since the days when Jesus walked the earth, people have found strength and meaning in the life-sustaining wisdom and truth of the Holy Scriptures.

Whether you thirst for the presence of God himself or for peace, love, hope, and truth, the Bible can answer your need.

For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it.

You say: "It's impossible" God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27) You say: "I'm too tired" God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30) You say: "Nobody really loves me" God says: I love you (John 3:16 and John 13:34) You say: "I can't go on" God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 and Psalm 91:15) You say: "I feel lost" God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6) You say: "I can't do it" God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13) You say: "I'm not able" God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8) You say: "It's not worth it" God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28) You say: "I can't forgive myself" God says: I forgive you (I John 1:9 and Romans 8:1) You say: "I can't manage" God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19) You say: "I'm afraid" God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7) You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" God says: Cast all your cares on me (I Peter 5:7) You say: "I don't have enough faith" God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) You say: "I'm not clever enough" God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30) You say: "I feel all alone" God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7)

Just One Step

One step won t get you very far —
You’ve got to keep on walking.
One word won’t tell folks who you are —
You’ve got to keep on talking.
One foot won’t make you very tall —
You’ve got to keep on growing.
One trip to church won’t tell you all —
You’ve got to keep on going!

Anon

10 ways to read the Bible

How well do you know your Bible? If you would like to know it better, but find it daunting, here are some tips to get you started:

1. Study with others Find a friend or two and agree to read the same section of the Bible each week. Make notes, and when you meet for coffee, be that weekly or whatever, chat about what you have read. Try it!

2. Fall in love See the Bible for what it really is: a love letter from God to you. Start with the gospels or the Psalms and make your reading a dialogue with him. When you read a verse that touches you, tell him. Worship him as you go along. If you can’t understand something, stop and tell him. And so on.

3. Write your own Bible Read a passage and then try saying the same thing in your own words.

4. Use a system There are some excellent daily Bible reading notes around — sample a few and see how you get on. Any Christian bookshop will stock them.

5. Verse on the move When you read, be on the lookout for a verse or verses that mean something special to you in your situation. Copy them out onto a card, and carry them about with you. Memorise them. Let them sink into your soul.

6. Respond in your own way If a passage moves you, draw a picture of it, write a poem about it, or create a dance inspired by it.

7. Create a sense of place Sometimes having a set place in which to meet God can help us. A certain chair, the kitchen table, whatever. You can enhance this with an icon or candles —anything to help focus you down on the spiritual side of things.

8. Vive Ia difference Vary the way you read the Bible. Sometimes, read a whole book through at once. Other times, follow a character like David or Peter. Or, with the help of a concordance, work on a biblical theme such as gentleness, grace, prayer, or whatever.

9. Be honest about yourself When are you most alert? Give that time of day to God. Don’t give God the part of the day when you are at your most sleepiest.

10. Listen You can listen to the Bible

SERMON NOTEBOOK: ‘Location, Location, Location’

Malta: Acts 28: 1-10
At the end of the book of Acts we find Paul sailing for Rome, following his trial before Festus, when he appealed to Caesar. As a result of a violent storm the prisoners and crew were shipwrecked on the island of Malta. This story is an object lesson in how God is alongside of us in our trials and difficulties.

The Shipwreck

There is no denying that the hardships we face as Christians often come from the way life is. Even Paul was not exempt from the violent storm and shipwreck. However, his confidence in God enabled him to take control, and save the lives of all those on the ship.

After being shipwrecked on the island of Malta, they immediately set up camp and built a fire. Paul’s practical side is shown in the way he gathered brushwood and dealt with the viper that fastened to his hand. Despite the difficulties, he was able to take the necessary practical action.

The Sickness

Publius, a key man in the island of Malta, and one who had shown great kindness to Paul and the others, fell ill with fever and dysentery. Sickness stuck as suddenly as the shipwreck. However, Paul lay hands on him and prayed for him, resulting in his healing. We are also called to pray with expectancy to God in the face of disease and sickness.