Tapton Church Blog

Leader: Rev. Suzanne Nockels

Reading  :  John 2   The wedding at Cana

Suzanne and her husband did a sketch about wine at a party in modern times.  The best wine was served last.

At the wedding in Cana only the servants knew that Jesus had turned the water into wine  that  miracle had been performed.   Jesus is amongst us now and still performing miracles but no one is aware of these  so no one says thank you to Him.

None of us are happy when we run out of something but usually we find some way to replenish our stocks.

If God asks us to do something He will be with us and help us to do it.

Bible study led by Darryl Lomas

Matthew 14  v 44  A man found treasure and bought the field it was in so he could keep the treasure.  This gave him contentment and joy

Paul in prison writes to the Phillipians in  Ch4  v 10 – 23  thanking them for their gifts and thoughts and telling them how content he was with his life.

What brings us joy and contentment?  When is it easier to be content?

Could we be content in a prison or in other difficult circumstances and would it be easier if  we had contact with good friends  who sent gifts and letters ctc.?   Joy can be from giving generously and sacrificially   and can be from receiving as well as giving.

These points were discussed and this proved very interesting.    Different personalities and situations affect how we give or accept gifts  butalways  friendships are important in being part of the contentment and joy in our lives.

Due to snow and the problems of getting to and from Crosspool  it has been decided to cancel the service today.

Leaders: Fulwood Preaching Team  Fred, Claire, John

“God’s Grace”

Psalm 148   Praise The Lord

Ephesiaans 2   1  You were dead in your transgressions

Paul told them they were dead spiritually, they had followed the ways of the world, they had been led away from God,  they had followed their natural desires.

God raised them to life again – He has created us for a life of good works for Him

What good works have you done or are going to do    in His Name?

Bible study with Keith Bradley

Matthew Ch.2

Matthew’s gospel is the only one to mention the visit of strangers from the East to see baby Jesus.  It is a very interesting passage to read and discuss ….                                                                 a.  There is no mention of how many men came   but it has been assumed because there is mention of  three gifts that there were three.                                                                                               b. It is not clear what Magi were – some bibles say they were astronomers, some   magicians, some seers, some kings.  But again it is assumed these were wealthy men because of the gifts they brought.                                                                                                                                                      c. There is no mention of their names and yet through the ages they have been known as Caspar,  Melchior, Balthasar.       Is this fact or fiction?                                                                            d. They had followed a star until it brought them to Jerusalem where they asked Herod   “where is the baby born to be king of the Jews?”  this upset Herod and when he asked his wise men they told him Bethlehem.      We all know the rest of the story BUT do we realize that this  would probably have taken place about 2 years after the baby was born…these men had travelled from far off lands, on camel which would have been a very long slow journey –  hence Herod wanting to kill all babies of 2  and under.                                                                                         e. This would also account for why the visit was to a house and not a stable  – Mary & Joseph had by this time managed to find themselves a house to live in.

These men had faith to follow a star wherever it led them, even to Herod’s palace, and  in the end they found Jesus and worshiped him.       Are we following a star to lead us to Him?      Do we expect Him to come to us ?   Have we faith that our journey will  lead us to Him.        How bright is your star?

Led by Rev Suzanne Nockels

Readings:   Opened with Psalm 29  & Mark 1:4ff

Suzanne recounted that in 18 years of  ministry she has conducted numerous baptisms and weddings, yet could not immediately recall the names of those involved. She could remember the families all dressed smartly and it was always obvious who did or did not go to church.

Superficially the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist presents a lovely picture with with white fluffy dove against a blue sky with sunshine above the azure blue River Jordan.  However in the ancient world the earth was flat above which was a domed firmament. The stars were seen as holes in the firmament providing access to and from heaven. Humans were earthbound with God held at a safe distance.

At the baptism of Jesus, God removed that safe barrier when he RIPPED and TORE open the sky as in the other occasion God tore the curtain separating the Holy of Holies in the Temple.  The dove wasn’t as we know it white but a Rock Dove or pigeon which was the lowest form of sacrificial animal in the Temple. This pigeon is tough and resilient carrying messages huge distances.

Then God’s voice took over providing affirmation and assurance but using what tone?  Was it all powerful or meek and peaceful?  Certainly the first time in centuries God had spoken to anyone.

Invited guests might expect those conducting the baptism to be suitably dressed but Jesus presented himself before the the scruffy John the Baptist, not only unkempt but an outsider who disagreed with most things and forgave sins without the involvement of the hierarchy in the Temple.  John asked for repentance not just in the past but also for the future.

What will 2018 hold for us? We will all face different circumstances, some hard some wonderfully warm, loving and kind.  Think more during all these times of Jesus, remember the Holy Spirit in us is tough and we have God’s goodness, love and grace to see us through.

Amen

Led by Mr Darryl Lomas

Readings:  Ezekiel 33:7  ff &  1 Corinthians  15:50 ff

Darryl hoped whatever situation the congregation found themselves in over the Christmas period, they put God at the centre.

At this end of 2017 service Darryl asked us to look back, reflecting on his visit to see the great Bob Dylan who sang his anthem ‘Times they are a changing’.

Darryl suggested the majority of us don’t like change citing New Year resolutions to change something, only to remain the same. However he highlighted we do accept change – e.g. our cars, hairstyles and jobs.

Our minister’s influence has led to change at Tapton but are we ready for more? We must embrace change or at least compromise, we cannot remain the same and move forward.

Ezekiel the prophet warns us about our duty to change the lives of others or become responsible for their sins, even if they don’t wish to change. We are not to hide our light.

According to Malachi  nothing stays the same, but God does remain the same and in whom we need to put our trust – now not tomorrow.  God is our rock providing our comfort.

Using Lego bricks children met together to celebrate the birth of Christ.