St Marks Jeffreys Bay

09/01/2024

09/01/2024

The Message of the Cross
by Rev. Dr Bruce Woolard

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

1 Corinthians 1:18

The meaning of a cross around one’s neck does not ensure protection or secure salvation. A lit up cross on a church wall or a huge cross erected on the bridge of death outside the city in Van Stadens gorge has no power in itself. It’s not the sign of the cross that saves – it is the message of the Cross that saves. The shortest distance between a sinner and the Creator is the Cross.

The whole Christian life, purpose and power is vested in the work of the Cross. Central to our faith is the Cross. It’s not without significance that the Cross is a plus symbol. It adds a whole new dimension to the equation of life. If sin causes loss then gain comes through the Cross.

I sometimes think about the cross
And shut my eyes and try to see
The cruel nails and crown of thorns
And Jesus crucified for me.
But even could I see Him die,
I could but see a little part
Of that great love, which, like a fire,
Is always burning in His heart.

Prayer

Lord, I embrace Your work on the Cross with my whole heart, soul and spirit.
Amen

08/01/2024

Follow the Path!
by Rev. Dr Andrew Lamont-Turner

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Psalm 119:105

Picture a dark path. A lamp provides enough light for the next step. Similarly, God's Word lights our journey, guiding each decision.

Beyond immediate steps, God's Word is a broader light for our life's journey. It provides principles, wisdom, and a moral compass to navigate challenges. Spend time praying, asking Him to reveal His truth through His Word. Romans 12:2 encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Take a moment to identify an aspect of your life that needs renewal. Dig deep into the Bible, strive to see God's perspective, and allow His Word to change you from within.

We live busy lives, so, unfortunately, we relegate Bible reading to a routine. Challenge yourself to make God's Word a vibrant part of your daily life. Whether through a devotional, reading plan or studying a particular book, commit to improving your understanding of God's Word.

Prayer

Lord, we thank You for the light of Your Word that guides our steps and lights our path. Help us strive to renew our minds through Your Word, allowing Your truth to transform our minds and hearts.
Amen

06/01/2024

I Trust You!
by Pastor Warren Holmes

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Psalm 18:2

King David wasn’t perfect. He was weak in certain ways but strong in others. We see how he seemed to get it wrong some of the time and in all fairness, got it right some of the time too.

We, who are weak in serving the Lord at times, but serve well at other times, must be encouraged. The question is then - what made David a man after God's own heart? He praised and worshipped God extravagantly in the good and bad times, and adopted a practice of genuine repentance when he realised his transgression.

Prayer

Father, I want to love You, praise You and worship You extravagantly and intimately. Help me to be like David who was quick to repent. In Jesus name.
Amen

04/01/2024

God Chose You
by Rev. Raymond Butler

“For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you,”
1 Thessalonians 1:4

Notice two important words in the verse: 'loves' and 'chosen'. You may think you chose God but before a person chooses Christ, God has already chosen him or her before the foundation of the world.

I can understand why we would choose God. We need Him. But God choosing us? That doesn’t make sense. God doesn’t need us, yet the God who chose you and me, did it because He loves us.

Remember when you were a kid in school at physical training? There were usually two captains and they would choose sides. They’d say, “I choose you.” “I choose you.” I can remember being in a group not yet chosen. I was the smallest boy in the entire school. I’d wave my hand and say, “Choose me! Choose me!” I was always picked last. But looking back now, I realise that the most important choice that was ever made for me, was when God chose me.

God chose you and then you chose to accept God’s will for your life. Why did the Lord choose you? Why did the Lord choose me? God chose you just as you are, mistakes and all because of His great love for us.

He loves you and chose you to be part of His beautiful family.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me. I don’t deserve it and am not worthy but because You love me You have chosen me.
Amen

02/01/2024

Old and New
by Rev. Dr Bruce Woolard

“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Isaiah 43:19

A new door has opened. The old door must be closed. Do not take the baggage and burdens of last year into this new year.

Close the door on the past, lock it and throw away the key. You cannot afford to look back down the corridors of time especially because God has brought you to the threshold of new opportunities.

Let go and let God do new things.

Prayer

Lord, help me to walk in step with You, because You know the way.
Amen

01/01/2024

Focus on what's important!
by Rev. Dr Andrew Lamont-Turner

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It's that time of the year again when we will make countless resolutions about how we want to improve our lives in the coming year. It's usually something like, "I want to eat less," or "I want to be more friendly," and any other promises we want to make, thinking that this will make us feel better about ourselves. But there is another way! Instead of focusing on ourselves and what we want, allow God to tell you what you need.

Reflect on the joy that comes from knowing Christ. Rejoicing isn't reserved for special occasions; it is a constant condition of our hearts. Slow down and find joy in the little moments, the beauty of creation, and God's love. Rejoicing is always a choice that changes our perspective.

Prayer is not limited to a specific time or place; it's an ongoing conversation with our loving Heavenly Father. Let your heart constantly reflect on God as you go about your day. Share your joys and fears with Him. Include Him in every aspect of your life.

Being thankful helps shift our focus from what we think we've lost out on, to God's blessings. In any circumstance and situation, we can find something to be thankful for. Giving thanks for everything doesn't mean denying the difficulties we face. Through our thankful attitude, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and trust for His work in our lives.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I acknowledge I don't need to make resolutions to live a fulfilled life. Please help me to focus this year on You, to be more thankful and, in so doing, become more joyous living for You.
Amen

29/12/2023

Things will work out!
by Pastor Warren Holmes

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28

We should be excited to hang onto this Biblical truth. We forget that if we are doing God's will, plan and purpose in our lives, that “all things work for our good,” even if we sometimes feel otherwise. Focusing on getting His will done affords us the encouragement of seeing Him do great and wonderful things through us. He gets the glory, and that is more than we could ever hope for, dream or even think of.

If we focus on pleasing Him with our lives, we will powerfully experience His love in a way only He can love.

Prayer

Father, help me to do Your will. Please move powerfully in and through my life.
Amen

28/12/2023

Stand firm for Truth
by Rev. Raymond Butler

“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.”

2 Thessalonians 2:15

How can a Christian stand firm in an unstable world?

Paul tells believers to do two things: stand firm and hold onto the Word of God. Knowing the truth and hanging onto it can give you stability and peace. Sometimes God’s people find themselves standing alone. It may be painful, but a true champion can stand alone if he or she stands on the side of God’s truth. We don’t have to make up truth; we only need to stand on God’s truth. What is truth? Jesus said in John 17 that God’s Word is truth.

Before Martin Luther’s trial, a Catholic priest had warned him, “The whole world is against you,” to which Luther responded, “Then I’m against the whole world.” That sounds like a true Champion who can stand alone—even when under attack. It takes nothing to join a crowd, but it takes everything to stand alone.

Stand up for what you believe in even if it means standing alone.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Your Word is truth and a lamp unto my feet. Let Your truth shine through me today.
Amen

27/12/2023

Life’s Safest Pathway
by Pastor Solly Bendrau

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

In Greek mythology, when Achilles was a baby, it was foretold that he would die young. To prevent his death, his mother, Thetis, took Achilles to the river Styx, which was supposed to offer healing powers to those who dipped in it. However, Thetis held Achilles by his heel when dipping him in the river, and his heel was not washed over by the river’s magical water. Achilles grew up to be a man of war who survived many battles. One day, a poisonous arrow shot at him, lodged in his heel and killed him shortly thereafter. That is the background to the saying “Achilles’ heel.”

Today, we have numerous modern myths we believe and allow to guide our thinking and decision-making, such as: 'trust is earned'; 'money is the root of all evil' and 'be true to yourself.'

Do these sound familiar? We believe them at our own peril, for God’s Word teaches us that: trust is given, not earned; the love of money is the root of all evil and our heart is deceptive and being true to it will lead you astray.

When we rely on our own understanding, we consider ourselves to be wise and become vulnerable.

Prayer

Father, thank You that in Your Word I have all the wisdom, guidance and ability I will ever need for all I will ever face in my life. Holy Spirit of God, guide and instruct me away from my poor knowledge into the unlimited wisdom of God.
Amen

26/12/2023

Bear with one another!
by Rev. Dr Andrew Lamont-Turner

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”

Colossians 3:12-14

The Apostle Paul was a prolific writer of the New Testament, and he certainly knew that churches did not comprise the buildings in which people met but were made up of those within the building, united in Jesus Christ. Our text for today is a blueprint for nurturing a loving and harmonious family life, whether in our personal or church family.

We are encouraged to develop virtues that improve our relationships within the family: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. These qualities bind family members together, uniting them to form a beautiful, rich, vibrant tapestry of life, promoting love and understanding. Unfortunately, disagreement and conflict do happen. Paul handles this by encouraging us to bear with one another and to forgive. Forgiveness underscores family relationships, just like the grace with which God forgives us.

Love is not simply an emotion but a conscious choice to put others before ourselves. Love is the glue that holds the family together in perfect harmony. The result is a solid foundation for physical and emotional growth and fulfilment in a difficult-to-live-in world.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of family. May our home be a place of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Please grant us the strength to forgive one another as You have forgiven us, and may love unite us in perfect harmony.
Amen

26/12/2023

He Is With You
by Rev. Dr Bruce Woolard

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23

Christmas salutations and greetings to you my friend. The day has arrived for the world to pause and reflect on the meaning of Christmas. There are several significant facts related to God’s entrance into humanity but the greatest of all is that Jesus was and is Emmanuel which means “God with us.”

Rejoice in the reality today, that Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth is with you. Wow! What a thought.

Prayer

Lord, how comforting to know that You are with me. I’ll cherish the thought.
Amen