Kirkcaldy Church of Christ

14/06/2026

He’s listening. Prayer.

Talking to God, listening to him and abiding in the vine.

“The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭35‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.1.35-39.NIV

What does it mean to be a deciple. Mathitis in Greek. Or apprentice.

1 Follow him - how do we follow Jesus today? The goal of the apprentice is not just in following but learning how to do the jobs of the master. We need to try to

2 Be like him - examples of how when you work with people you sound and pick up their phrases and mannerisms.

3 We do as he did. The critical journey.

Suffering builds perseverance.

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.5.3-5.NIV

Great friendships

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.27.17.NIV

Prayer

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.6.18.NIV

Prayer is not just talking to God but also listening to his answers - the whispers, the gut feelings, the seeing the same thing happening over and over from different places or avenues. Hold it up against scripture. How does it stand up?

Being with God - for example being in the car and not talking to each other. That’s spending time with someone. That’s what prayer can be like. Prayers is a continuous being with God and in his presence. It’s recognising that presence and being deliberate with it.

A continuous interactive relationship with God.

Abide with me song

“Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭13‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.24.13-35.NIV

Sounds like they had the lords supper together.

Looking at stained glass and how it was the earliest colouring pages and how it told the story of Jesus to those who could not read. Dunfermline abbey example of Jesus on the road to Emmaus

Came a nice with me. Come be with me. To stay with us all the time.

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.15.4-5.NIV

“Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭17‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.7.17-20.NIV

Learn to pray like Jesus to stay connected to the vine.

““This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.6.9-13.NIV

“Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.5.15-16.NIV

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.4.1-2.NIV

You shouldn’t feel bad about falling asleep while praying as it’s just like God tucking you in at night.

Fasting like a type of prayer.

Be with Jesus, God is listening.

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning aro

07/06/2026

“They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of Lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.””
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭17‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/rev.17.14.NIV

It is covering a great struggle between good and evil, between light and dark, between God and the Devil.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.6.10-20.NIV

This titanic ongoing battle.

2 certain facts:

1 we are engaged in the fight or the struggle.

2 the victory is already won.

God is supreme.

So what is our role?

We are the deciples of the lamb, called, chosen and faithful.

Called - with Jesus. How did you become a Christian. What brings you to this point. How does it all begin? God called us. Family influence, friends brought you to it, but of primarily it is God doing the calling. The gospel calling

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/1co.15.3-4.NIV

Mathew 22: the calling to the wedding feast.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/1pe.2.9-10.NIV

Calling out of the dark and into the light.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.8.28.NIV

Chosen

Was it predestination and did I have no choice? Did God chose me on a whim and neglected others? No matter of what we want or think. Some churches believe this. On what basis are we chosen?

“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/1ti.2.3-6.NIV

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/2pe.3.8-9.NIV

Knowing that we need God and we trust in him.

There will always be more called than chosen.

““For many are invited, but few are chosen.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.22.14.NIV

Chosen 3,000

“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭41‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/act.2.41.NIV

““Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.7.13-14.NIV

Faithful.

We made the choice and God expects this to be for life.

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/rev.2.10.NIV

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/2ti.4.7-8.NIV

Take some time to reflect today on who you are today as a Christian.

We are called, chosen and faithful.

They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

24/05/2026

Wait for it.

Look at the chaos and wondered where is God or what’s going on. In our world of instant gratification and satisfaction.

We have a microwave view to life. Getting instant food - want everything now. But God does not see life in this same way.

We pray and want God to instant respond - this give space for the devil to sow seeds of doubt - but God has said

“Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. “See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright— but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness—”
‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/hab.2.2-4.NIV

1. V2 write the vision and make it plain to see. A permanent public record - pick up a tool and take action. This requires patience.

Read the one who runs - a herald or messenger so that they can spread the message easily.

2. Trust the appointed clock - for an appointed time. What clock are you using? Chronological I’d set by us.

God operates by appointed time. Every promise God has ever spoken over your life has and expiration date on its delay and an activation date on its arrival.

Gods time is perfect.

“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/gal.4.4-5.NIV

3. Swap control for Faith - the waiting room of life is separated into two, the proud expect the answer now. They are not upright and trying to play God out of their own strength. The just will show their Love through Faith. A firmness and stability in the will of God. It’s a solid anchor in and with God.

I don’t need to see the map because I trust the guide. Example.

God is protecting us - for the right thing at the right time.

God gives numerous examples of toppling nations and empires at the right time and all for our good.

He has an appointed time for all things, Gods time not our calendars

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

17/05/2026

I am with you.

He’s got you. God is in control.

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will sn**ch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can sn**ch them out of my Father’s hand.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.10.28-29.NIV

Rooted in his finished work. The completed message of salvation once and for all, through Christ.

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.37.23-24.NIV

Safe in the shepherds hold.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.10.27.NIV

You are secure in his hands. He will never let you go. Rest in that. The father’s hand does not weaken.

He’s got you.

Let your heart settle into the truth that Jesus spoke.

“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can sn**ch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.””
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭29‬-‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.10.29-30.NIV

No one can sn**ch you out of the father’s hand.

““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””
‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.16.33.NIV

“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.40.31.NIV

“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.10.9-11.NIV

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will sn**ch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can sn**ch them out of my Father’s hand.

26/04/2026

He is risen.

The cornerstone of our faith.

Victory over death
Hope and Renewal
Faith and assurance

“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.28.5-7.NIV

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;”
‭‭John‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.11.25.NIV

“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.6.8-10.NIV

He invitation of a personal call to a life with and in Jesus.

Jesus appeared to many after death, Mary Magdalene, other women at the tomb, Peter, Thomas and the eleven. And more

“Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭13‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.24.13-35.NIV

Jesus is alive. He wanted to encourage people.

Their eyes were opened and they recognised him. Are our eyes open? Would you recognise Jesus today?

V33 - what happened next.

Reminder to stay alert and be prepared to welcome Jesus into our lives. Share your knowledge and experience of and with Jesus.

The Christian message is never truly ours until we share it with someone else.

Each one reach one.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then g

29/03/2026

God cares for you. He provides for us.

Golden thread is that God cares about you.

Shepherd, father, comforter. And many more.

Who is God - he cares deeply.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.23.1.NIV

Our father - Lord’s Prayer

““This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.6.9.NIV

“Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.6.8.NIV

God took care of people with manna, crows, rivers, oils that never run out, loaves and fishes and ensures his people are provided with in their times of need.

His greatest provision was himself

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.3.16-17.NIV

Provided Salvation once for all.

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.8.32.NIV

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.6.26-27.NIV

“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.34.19-20.NIV

Some of the blessing we may not see in the right moment, but God works for the better of those who trust in him.

Provision requires trust and that requires submission and submission requires a lack of control that requires faith.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/php.4.6-7.NIV

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.3.5-6.NIV

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.6.33-34.NIV

Gods never late with his provision.

““I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.”
‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/mal.3.6.NIV

God sees
God provides
God cares

Leave today knowing
God Loves You

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

15/03/2026

His plans for us.

We all make plans for our future, SMART targets, personal goals. Personal growth and business models or chats.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/jer.29.11-13.NIV

Gods plans might not always be our plans.

Gods ultimate plans are more powerful and greater.

A seventy year exile then God will come.
Their return required:
Repentance
Seeking God
Turning from idolatry
God will gather them from all the nations they have been scattered.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.19.21.NIV

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.””
‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/jas.4.14-15.NIV

We must TRUST God. His plans are sometimes outwith our understanding. It takes FAITH.

““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.55.8-9.NIV

We are called to live by FAITH.

We are called to pursue Gods plan for us.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.2.10.NIV

Gods plan is that everyone is saved. Everyone gets into heaven.

Love the lost by helping them to get back to God.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/2pe.3.9.NIV

Each one reach one EORO.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.19.10.NIV

God has a loving a purposeful plan for us all.

Let’s stick to the plan - his plan.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.3.5-6.NIV

08/03/2026

His Faith in Us

Readings: Acts 9:10–19, Joshua 1:9

Opening Illustration – The Relay Baton
Take on from the NT reading
Imagine watching a relay race at the Olympics.

No single runner completes the race alone. Each runner runs their part of the race and then passes the baton to the next runner.

Everything depends on that moment of trust.

The runner handing over the baton must trust that the next runner will take it and carry it forward. If the baton is dropped, the race is lost.

Now imagine the greatest runner in the world finishing the first leg of the race…
and then turning and placing the baton into your hands.

That would be a big responsibility.

But it would also show something else.

Confidence.

In many ways, this is what God has done with the gospel.

Jesus accomplished salvation through His life, death, and resurrection. But the message of that salvation has been placed into the hands of ordinary people.

People like Ananias.
An Ordinary Disciple – Acts 9
“In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬-‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/act.9.10-19.NIV

In Acts 9:10, we are introduced to Ananias.

Not an apostle.
Not a famous preacher.
Just a disciple living in Damascus.

Then the Lord appears to him in a vision and calls his name.

“Ananias.”

And Ananias responds with the words every servant of God hopes to say:

“Here I am, Lord.”

But the task he receives is not easy.

God tells him to go to a house on Straight Street and ask for a man named Saul of Tarsus.

The problem is that everyone knew Saul.

He had been arresting Christians and persecuting the church.

So Ananias responds honestly:

“Lord, I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done.”

In other words, Ananias is afraid.

But God replies:

“Go! This man is my chosen instrument.”

So Ananias goes.

He walks into that house, lays his hands on Saul, and says something remarkable:

“Brother Saul.”

Think about that moment.

The man who had come to persecute Christians is now being welcomed as a brother.

God used one obedient disciple to help begin the ministry of the man who would become the apostle Paul.

Ananias appears only briefly in the Bible, but his obedience helped shape the future of the church

The Pattern of God’s Calling

This story reminds us of something important about the way God works.

God often chooses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

And He does so because He has confidence in what He has created within us.

We see this pattern throughout the Christian life:
• We were once lost, yet He forgave us.
• We feel weak, yet He gives us strength.
• We may be afraid, yet He calls us to courage.

God entrusts imperfect people with His perfect message.

Courage From God – Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/111/jos.1.9.NIV

We see the same principle when God speaks to Joshua.

Joshua had just taken over leadership of Israel after Moses. The responsibility before him was enormous.

So God tells him:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Notice something important.

God does not say Joshua is strong enough on his own.

The courage Joshua needs comes from God’s presence.

The same was true for Ananias.

He wasn’t fearless.
He was simply willing to trust that God would be with him.

The Mission Entrusted to Us

The explorer David Livingstone once said:

“Only Christ can save the world, but Christ cannot save the world alone.”

What he meant is this.

Jesus accomplished salvation.

But the message of salvation must be carried by His people.

God has entrusted us with the greatest mission ever given: telling the lost about Jesus.

And He gives us that responsibility because He believes in the new life He has created within us.

He does not just command us to go. He trusts us to go.

Closing Illustration – The Teacher’s Confidence

Think back to school for a moment.

Most of us remember a teacher who asked us to do something we didn’t think we could do.

Maybe they asked you to lead something.
Answer a difficult question.
Or take on a responsibility.

And you might have thought:

“I’m not the right person for that.”

But the teacher believed you could do it.

And sometimes their confidence in you helped you discover that you were capable of more than you realised.

In a far greater way, God does something similar with us.

He calls us to serve.
To speak.
To share the gospel.

Not because we are perfect.

But because He believes in the work He has begun within us.

Final Thought

Ananias was not famous.

He appears for a few verses in Acts and then disappears from the story.

But at a crucial moment, he trusted God and said yes.

And because of that obedience, Saul became Paul, and the gospel spread across the world.

Sometimes God’s work doesn’t require a great apostle.

Sometimes it only requires one faithful Ananias.

And the remarkable truth is this:

God believes that we can be that person

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”