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NEWS FROM THE BBC

 
'God walking on the earth is more important than man walking on the moon'.
18/07/2019
'God walking on the earth is more important than man walking on the moon'.

II know some people who can tell you exactly where they were fifty years ago when men first walked on the moon. It was a momentous occasion! This week some of those individuals felt goose bumps when they saw footage reigniting those memories. Around twenty years ago, I recall being extremely excited having visited the Kennedy Space Centre with friends and having touched moon rock. I felt small and overwhelmingly privileged. I was also compelled to consider the infinitude of God and the magnitude of His creation.

Click here to read Jon's full article
 
Lifting the hands of Moses and application for today
11/07/2019
Lifting the hands of Moses and application for today
Though a great amount has been written about the wider context and implications of the victory over the Amalekites in Exodus 17:8-16, it is worth zooming in on a part of that; the raising of Moses’ arms and how we can serve the Lord and help his ministers, wherever we find ourselves. I know of a dear brother who rightly wished to help a pastor by raising his arms in a similar way to that of Aaron and Hur that inspired me to write this small piece.
 
Consider that Moses had a huge responsibility and wisely accepted the counsel of his father-in law in the following chapter by appointing seventy others to help him to judge Israel. It would be an understatement to say that he had a mountainous workload and they could assist and relieve him of many duties and enable him to prioritise his most important ministerial tasks.

Please click here to read Jon's complete article
 
Beyond Wimbledon
03/07/2019
Beyond Wimbledon
On the opening day of the tournament, a talented teenager by the name of Cori Kauff gained victory over her opponent and heroine Venus Williams in an entertaining match that brought out the best of both youth and experience. Kauff maintained remarkable composure, brilliant shot selection and high- top spin shots that the crowd marvelled at. She may even go on to win the tournament and not only live her dreams, but continue fulfilingl them. Wimbledon is the pinnacle of tennis tournaments but what is there beyond Wimbledon and the tennis world?
 
To read Jon's complete article please click here.
 
Artistic Impressions vs The Historical Jesus
20/06/2019
Artistic Impressions vs The Historical Jesus
From previous visits to the National Gallery, I was struck by the amount of biblically themed art and artistic license employed. A visitor from a newly discovered tribe or remote region, may well be led to assume that the Lord and His disciples were of distinctly European origin. Based on their attire, they appear to have somehow walked on this earth either in the late Middle Ages or possibly during the renaissance or Victorian era. That much was evident from observing many finely produced paintings from an array of the work displayed.

Please click here to go straight to Jon's complete article
 
A few concise yet solid reasons why writing letters is worthwhile
12/06/2019
A few concise yet solid reasons why writing letters is worthwhile
There is much biblical precedent for writing letters and a skilfully and prayerfully worded letter can have a great influence for good. I can testify of having been greatly encouraged by receiving timely notes of encouragement. In addition, there was a time when I quipped that it would in theory be a brilliant idea to write to people in high positions of power or even royalty, though the likelihood of obtaining a response was remote.  A friend frankly yet humbly responded that she had written to a member of royalty and received a response and even one that was meaningful.
 
Please click here to go to our blog page and read Jon's complete article
 
A Brief Note on the Indelible Signature of God
01/06/2019
A Brief Note on the Indelible Signature of God
A seasoned tracker will be able to identify from the spoor of the creature they are following, the identity of the creature, the approximate size and in some cases by taking measurements of the markings of the prints a likely indication of gender as is the case with tigers. By observing the distance between prints forming a gait, an indication of the speed of the animal can be estimated and by the freshness and warmth of the scat (dung) how recently the animal has been in the vicinity. The contents of the scat reveal the subject’s diet.  In addition, scratch marks on a tree reveal something of the animal’s height and of the length and power of the claws themselves. In some ways this is similar with how a crime scene investigator can observe the marks left by the culprit and their weapon.

To read the rest of Jon's article please click here
 
Using Genesis 3 to Reach out to those from the New Age with the Gospel
01/05/2019
Using Genesis 3 to Reach out to those from the New Age with the Gospel
The Diagnosis
New Age isn’t really new at all and the gospel provides real hope and the answers to age old questions. There are four lies that Satan presents to Eve that appear to have positive benefits yet only result in misery and death.[i] The first is in the idea that we can discover our own truth and is found in verse 1 when the serpent asked “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of every tree in the garden’?” The reality is that without God we can do nothing and that if we seek truth outside His truth it will inevitably be a departure from the truth since Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).

 
APRIL 2019 BUILDING PROJECT FUNDING NEWS
22/04/2019
APRIL 2019 BUILDING PROJECT FUNDING NEWS
In respect of new Building Project Fund Raising we have had a magnificently blessed start to this year giving us confirmation of the Lord’s hand in our work and the confidence to start planning how the construction process might proceed.
At the start of the year, much as we had done in 2011 we reached out to a number of charitable trusts and organisations showing them our progress to-date with the Phase One Community Building and putting the case for financial assistance with our new Phase Two designs.
 
 
Passover remarkably foreshadows Jesus the Messiah
09/04/2019
Passover remarkably foreshadows Jesus the Messiah
It is an amazing providence that both the Jewish people and the Passover have been preserved. Exodus 12 provides the background when God delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt. A male lamb without blemish was killed on the 14th Nissan. Jesus is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). He was pure and without blemish and was crucified on the 14th Nissan.

Please click here to read the complete article

 
Haggai Part 2 Priorities Changed
03/04/2019
Haggai Part 2 Priorities Changed
Haggai rallied Judah to rebuild the temple and this offers valuable lessons in how we need to order our lives. The temple had been in ruins whilst Judah remained in luxury panelled houses. Haggai had summoned Israel to consider her ways and gave the command to fetch some wood from the hills and build the house of the Lord.

Please click here to read Jon's complete article

 
Helping people who have been influenced by false teaching
26/03/2019
Helping people who have been influenced by false teaching
Jude was eager to write concerning salvation. Nonetheless, apostasy had crept into the church, so he found it necessary to write, contending for the faith. Paul had spoken of savage wolves not sparing the flock (Acts 20:28-32) and Peter provided extensive appeals to be vigilant of the same (2 Pet. 2:1-3:7) and now Jude was gravely aware they had arrived. Jude focusses his attention on these challenging issues and his letter has been appropriately deemed ‘The Acts of the Apostates’.

Please click here to read Jon's complete article.
 
Haggai Part One- building priorities for God's glory not our own
12/03/2019
Haggai Part One- building priorities for God's glory not our own
Fifteen years previously Cyrus had given the go ahead for the Jewish people to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Astoundingly, the temple lay in ruins whilst the people were living in their panelled houses tantamount to relative luxury. There was a mismatch of priorities which is something we all at times struggle with today. Essentially, Haggai is about building the temple and setting our priorities in order. Haggai’s robust response declaring God’s message rings clearly for us also, “Consider your ways”.

Please click here to read Jon's complete article
 
 
Understanding and responding meaningfully to universalism – Review of 1982 Film, Ghandi
24/02/2019
Understanding and responding meaningfully to universalism – Review of 1982 Film, Ghandi
I remember watching the 1982 version of Ghandi starring Ben Kingsley thirty years ago and not really understanding all that was going on. Watching it last week afforded great insight about how he came to hold those views and what he was aiming to achieve. This also helps to explain his claims about various religions being compatible when their respective positions about who God is and how to be reconciled with God are so different. Once it is understood what universalists are aiming towards, it is then easier to show how the system of thought falls short and how the gospel provides a certain hope, good news and assurance of salvation.

Please click here to read Jon's Complete article
 
Devotional time must be prioritized
18/02/2019
Devotional time must be prioritized
There will never be a shortage of excuses for missing out on times of prayer, Bible study and meditating on God’s Word. That isn’t to say that regular daily devotions are easily established and maintained. Let’s be realistic. Until we are with the Lord in heaven there will no doubt be a constant spiritual battle ongoing in this area. Even logic itself would persuade us that we cannot function in the way that we were designed to relate to God without this crucial time of personal fellowship with the Lord. The battle is spiritual, and we would do well to remind ourselves of that when the excuses try to break into our thought processes.

Please click here to read Jon's complete article
 
Are you trusting the ground crew, the engineers, the Pilot or yourself?
01/02/2019
Are you trusting the ground crew, the engineers, the Pilot or yourself?
Some say that seeing is believing and understand faith in God to be intellectual suicide. Therefore, it follows that we should trust our sensory perceptions and ourselves. The reality is; however, we exercise faith in something or someone every day usually without giving it a second thought. To demonstrate just one subset of examples, if we take a train or a bus somewhere, we are exercising faith in the driver to drive us safely to our destination. The same is true when we take a flight, though when we do that, we exercise even greater faith than on terra firma. Undoubtedly, nervous flyers are elated when they land safely on firm ground! We need to walk by faith, not by sight.

To read Jon Taylor's complete BLOG article please click here
 
The work of the Holy Spirit
11/01/2019
The work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit has a tremendous and vital importance upon many aspects of our lives. To consider what the Holy Spirit does, it would be helpful to consider the little we could do without the Holy Spirit! The Spirit works in perfect fellowship and unity with the Father and Son. For those who are saved, think about how you first came to faith. The Holy Spirit was active in your regeneration (John 3:3-8). In the same way that we cannot see the wind but we can see the effect of it, it is the Spirit that brings about our spiritual birth and also enables us to walk in His ways (Rom. 8:1). Thereafter, we walk in the Spirit and not according to the flesh though the flesh tries to resist the Spirit.

Please click here to read Jon's complete article
 
Your eyes will see the King in His beauty, they will see the Land that is very far off (Isaiah 33:17-24)
30/12/2018
Your eyes will see the King in His beauty, they will see the Land that is very far off (Isaiah 33:17-24)
These verses have provided hope for many over countless years since they focus our attention on what really matters; glorifying the King and trusting in His promises. At the time of writing the Assyrians were steadily gaining power, The northern kingdom had been taken and now Sennacherib would launch a campaign to take Judah.
 
Please click here to read Jon's complete article
 
Good carols are immeasurably more valuable than nice words and nostalgia
18/12/2018
Good carols are immeasurably more valuable than nice words and nostalgia
Carols are surprisingly popular with a wide audience. Classic FM play a great selection throughout December each year. Some will appreciate certain lines and verses or have a favourite carol even though they subscribe to a different religion or have nominal beliefs. A few carols are just nice sentiments and nostalgia revisited annually. On the other hand, meaningful carols proclaim the gospel and explain why God took on human form and entered our time and space. An excellent carol is not just descriptive of events but also has expository value. In other words, not simply what happened but why.
 
This time of year presents an exceptional opportunity to invite people to services and share the gospel with them. It is peculiar that many sing great truths from God’s Word though give little attention to what they sing on an annual basis. Asking someone what their favourite carol is and why that is, is a great conversation opener.
 
For the sake of brevity, not exclusivity, here are a few brief comments on half a dozen of my favourite…

Please Click here to go the BBC Blog page and read Jon's full article 
 
Using Questions and Listening Effectively in Gospel Outreach
16/11/2018
Using Questions and Listening Effectively in Gospel Outreach
Iron sharpens iron. Recently I had the privilege of spending a day with someone who has a similar role to myself to do some gospel outreach. We discussed and swopped ideas about how we share the gospel and questions to use that steer the conversation towards the essentials of our faith. Early on I will often ask, “Do you have faith in God?” to ascertain where they are coming from followed by “Do you have an assurance of where you are going in the next life?” to determine who they are trusting upon or not even. This saves preamble and going around the houses and after I have listened to them carefully, will explain succinctly why I have an assurance based on what the Lord has accomplished that is not based on my efforts to be ‘good’.

Please click here to read the complete article
 
Special Events Planned for November & December
10/11/2018
Special Events Planned for November & December
Come and join us throughout November and into December for our "Mission Month" special Tuesday Evenings and Sunday Mornings/Evening and then seasonal events as we approach Christmas. 

Please click here to go straight to our events page 
 
John the Baptist-An important historical figure, biblical character and link in the chain of Messianic Prophecy
04/09/2018
John the Baptist-An important historical figure, biblical character and link in the chain of Messianic Prophecy
Many cult leaders are self-appointed and attract a following often through their charismatic delivery, ability to work a crowd and the persuasiveness of their delivery, more so than the actual message they present. The timing and significance of the ministry of John the Baptist pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ as Messiah and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world goes against the flow of the spiritual fads that fizzle out as quickly as they rise to prominence and directs us to the Saviour who is the way, the truth and the life.  
 
John the Baptist in history

Please click here to read Jon's full article.
 
How to use Biblical Prophecy in a simple and structured way to share your faith
29/08/2018
How to use Biblical Prophecy in a simple and structured way to share your faith
Some of us may have used the ‘Roman Road’ using seven verse/s from the book of Romans to share the gospel. The references can be written on a small card (see summary at the end) and kept in a wallet and can either be given to someone; or used as a tool for witnessing. In the same way, we can use a Scripture or two about the Lord’s birth, John the Baptist as a forerunner, the Lord’s miraculous ministry and speaking in parables, His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension in the form of a timeline to share our faith. On the other side of the card, you can list the seven references from the Roman Road (again see summary at the end). This can be used to make a tract to give out to others.
 
If your Bible has margin references, it is worthwhile circling the New Testament references and if possible, committing the references to memory. In the same way, with the Roman Road, writing R1,2,3, 4, 5, 6,7 next to the corresponding verse/s in your Bible will help you to find it quickly. They will prove invaluable for sharing the Scriptures. Whilst phones and electronic devices are useful for finding these passages, having a Bible to hand is of great benefit for having an orientation of Scripture and linking passages with other ones.

Please click here to read the full story

 
Jon's Blog - The Wisdom of Agur-Living Parts One & Two
19/08/2018
Jon's Blog - The Wisdom of Agur-Living Parts One & Two
Every word of God proves true. Why do we read the Bible and Proverbs rather than Aesop Fables daily? Not the latter isn’t interesting or of no use. God’s Word is true and life changing, is entirely reliable and authoritative, provides instruction and insight, helps us to live godly lives, we are commanded to do so, and it is for our good. The book of the Lord draws us ever closer to the Lord of the book and we can know Him. He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

What does a godly life look like? Agur is a fascinating character who we know little about, though he may have been a contemporary of Solomon. It is obvious that he was a godly man; yet his opening statement upon the first occasion of reading is somewhat bewildering and doesn’t appear to constitute a suitable introduction for a solid spiritual CV. He describes himself as ‘more stupid than any man, and do not have the understanding of a man, I neither have learned wisdom nor have knowledge of the Holy One’ (Prov. 30:2-3).’

Please click here to be redirected to Jon's Blog page to read Parts One and Two in Full
 
Sola Deo Gloria-Glory to God Alone
27/06/2018
Sola Deo Gloria-Glory to God Alone
In John 17 there are many things that we could consider as our Lord prayed for Himself, His disciples and all believers in His words that were spoken just prior to His betrayal and arrest in the garden of Gethsemane. To mention just a few, we could expound the doctrine of election, assurance of salvation or equality within the Godhead. These doctrines are unquestionably of vital importance although they also serve the ultimate purpose of glorifying God.

Please click here to read Jon's full article on our Blog pages
 
Elder Affirmation of Faith
20/06/2018
Elder Affirmation of Faith
To supplement and enhance our Statement of Faith (see "What We Believe" under "About Us" ) we have now introduced an "Elder Affirmation of Faith". Please click the link below to open the pdf document 

Click here to download the "Elder Affirmation of Faith"
 
Daniel in the lion's den, the resurrection of the Lord and what that means for us today
14/05/2018
Daniel in the lion's den, the resurrection of the Lord and what that means for us today
Some commentaries note the similarity between the stone that was sealed over the lion’s den to prevent the possibility of anyone assisting an escape for Daniel and the stone that was sealed over the tomb where our Lord was buried, to ensure that His body wouldn’t be stolen. There are many other astonishing parallels between the two events, ultimately demonstrating the divine seal of God’s sovereignty throughout the ages and for all time.

To read Jon's complete article please click here to be redirected to our Blog page
 
Resisting the World, the Flesh and the Devil
04/05/2018
Resisting the World, the Flesh and the Devil
Our spiritual opponents fall into three categories. It is a solemn and salutary fact that we are continually at odds with the world, the flesh and the devil. At the dawn of creation, the world wasn’t our foe initially; because Adam and Eve resided in Eden which God created in its perfect uncorrupted state. However Adam and Eve both succumbed to the temptation of the flesh. They were influenced and failed to resist the devil’s lies and deceptive scheming. This resulted in both their and our spiritual death and the need for sin to be dealt with through substitutionary atonement. As sin entered the world, the world itself immediately became a hostile environment and also our enemy.

To read the full article please click here to be redirected to Jon's BLOG page
 
Little Children, keep yourself from idols (1 John 5:21)
24/04/2018
Little Children, keep yourself from idols (1 John 5:21)
Idolatry expressed as the worship of inanimate objects is a curious thing. Isaiah 44:15-20 employs godly logic that we are familiar with. Idols fashioned by human hands which are then venerated is both an absurd thing to do and is greatly offensive towards God. No doubt those advocating the worship of idols would point out that the power and purpose of the practise is not in the object itself, but in what it represents. However, that doesn’t fully explain the deeper motive for the practise and to enable one to do that, it is helpful to consider cultural settings of idolatry, contextually, geographically and historically.

To carry on reading this article please click here to be redirected to Jon's Blog page .....
 
Home Group Notes for Week Commencing 23rd April 2018
23/04/2018
Home Group Notes for Week Commencing 23rd April 2018
Loving God with our minds
Colossians 3:1-4: What are you thinking?
How do the four foundational statements below, motivate us to seek the things that are above, and set our minds on those things?
- We have died with Christ
- We have been raised with Christ
- We are hidden in Christ
- We shall appear with Christ
We said that seeking the things that are above, and setting our minds on those things, means thinking much on Christ. What else might it mean?

See 1 John 1:3, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 6:10
While we live on earth, what do you think is the ultimate goal in seeking the things that are above, and setting our minds on them?
Discuss what practical changes you may need to make, to your current lifestyle, to enable you to seek the things that are above, and set your mind on those things?
 
Initiating Gospel Conversations
06/04/2018
Initiating Gospel Conversations
Often we are encouraged to share the gospel with others, yet we can struggle at first with how, where, when and with whom to start. However, if we know God and are willing to be used by God, He can use us as He wills and the short answer is anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes starting a conversation can be like getting an aircraft off the ground. It is difficult gaining momentum on the runway, though conversation usually runs more smoothly after take-off.  Paul encouraged the Corinthians to become all things to all men to save some (1 Cor. 9:22). There are many ways that we can apply this and begin sharing our faith by using a little forethought, preparation and much prayer that can open exciting opportunities for sharing our faith.

 
THREE NEW APPOINTMENTS TO STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH LEADERSHIP
01/04/2018
THREE NEW APPOINTMENTS TO STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH LEADERSHIP
As the church family grows so the leadership and supporting personnel need to expand to manage as far as possible the pastoral and spiritual needs of all.
Very recently three new appointments have been constituently approved to strengthen the church leadership and administration functions.
 
Clive Baines has been serving the Lord as part of the BBC Diaconate since 2004 and at recent members meeting his move from Deacon to the Eldership was affirmed. Clive joins existing elder Stephen Pettifer to jointly support Pastor Tim Gamston.

Clive tells us:-I now serve as an Elder and my desire is to reflect what Paul writes to the Ephesians in Chapter 1 verses 15-23 to continually pray for those under our care so together we may know Christ better.
 
Brian Rawlings now joins the Diaconate taking the maintaining the numbers of Deacons at four individuals to share the many roles and duties. Brian tells us:- It is a privilege but huge responsibility to be elected to serve as a deacon. Whilst a daunting prospect, I know from previous experience that the Lord will give me the necessary resources and enabling to fulfil the role. I trust that my gifts of administration and organisation, experience of major building projects, and heart for mission will be of value to the diaconate.  
 
Finally we have an administrative assistant to support the Pastor and free him from the time consuming tasks of running the church in all its functions. Lis Webb who is already a Missionary Representative alongside Brian Rawlings has taken on the administrative role in a voluntary capacity.
 
emf News from Matt & Judith Hill in Spain
30/03/2018
emf News from Matt & Judith Hill in Spain
Please go to the Missionaries page to read the latest (January 2018) "Hills Happenings" Newsletter from Spain Missionaries
 
Home Group Notes for Week Commencing 25th March 2018
26/03/2018
Home Group Notes for Week Commencing 25th March 2018
Be Filled With the Spirit  - Ephesians 5:18

Taking deeper
In Luke 11:9-13, Jesus indicates that we need to desire this Spirit filled life. We need to ask, seek and knock, believing that God will give the Holy Spirit.
 
Why might we not want to be filled with the Holy Spirit? (Consider Acts 8:29, 16:6-7, Matthew 4:1)
 
Application
We saw five things we can do that will open up the way for the Holy Spirit to work as he wishes. These were;
 
  1. Desire to be filled with the Spirit - Luke 11:9-13
  2. Offer your body to be filled with the Holy Spirit - Romans 12:1-2
  3. Meditate on the Word of Christ - John 6:63
  4. Believe the Word of Christ - Galatians 3:5
  5. Obey the word of Christ - John 14:22-23
 
What changes will you make in order to put these five things into practice? How can you practically change things, so that you can give room for the Spirit to working your life?
 
Worship
Jesus said,  (John 16:12–15 (ESV))
 
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own
authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
 
What aspects of Christ’s life, has the Spirit revealed to you, that has caused you to worship Jesus?

 
A few brief thoughts about Music and the Bible
09/02/2018
A few brief thoughts about Music and the Bible
Music is an incredibly powerful medium of expression evident throughout the Scriptures with enormous potential for both blessing and harm. Therefore we should consider the roots and fruit of our music. We shouldn’t forget that Jubal was the father of those who play the harp and flute and he was descended from the murderous lineage of Cain and Lamech (Gen. 4:21, 16-20). This doesn’t mean that Jubal was necessarily using music for evil purposes because of his chequered ancestry in the same way that Tubal-Cain wasn’t ‘wrong’ to be an instructor of bronze and iron, though the use of music and metal work throughout history has produced both holy and unwholesome compositions and instruments for the benefit of some and also for the destruction of others.

Please click here to read the complete article.
 
Psalm 22-The prophecy, suffering, ultimate sacrifice and plan of the Messiah
27/01/2018
Psalm 22-The prophecy, suffering, ultimate sacrifice and plan of the Messiah
Psalm 22 foretells astonishing detailed prophecy of the suffering and death of Messiah in addition to the cost of His sacrifice. Since we have finite capacities we are unable to fully comprehend that cost. It was written by David around 1000BC (before crucifixion was invented), though it describes this event. His execution was also attested by Jewish, Greek, Roman, Syrian and Early Church sources in addition to the Bible itself. The implications of the first verse reveal the depth of His love, when the Son of God who had enjoyed perfect fellowship with the Father from eternity past, was separated from His Father. The end of the Psalm speaks of the triumphs of the Messiah and His kingdom and of all the families of the earth that will worship Him.
 
 
Review of the film 'The Case for Christ' (based on a true story)...
09/01/2018
Review of the film 'The Case for Christ' (based on a true story)...
Lee Strobel was a successful reporter with the Chicago Tribune and was promoted to be their legal editor. He had a nice wife, one beautiful child and another on the way. Everything seemed perfect. They celebrated at a restaurant when suddenly their daughter couldn’t breathe as some gum became lodged in her throat. A Christian nurse stepped in removing the offending article, thus saving her life. Lee was grateful but attributed the timing to coincidence; though Leslie his wife was convinced there was more to it. What follows is an unlikely twist of events, journey of faith and a fascinating and scrupulous investigation regarding the resurrection.

Read the full film review by clicking here which will take you to the Blog zone.
 
NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE from PASTOR TIM:
06/01/2018
NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE from PASTOR TIM:
All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isaiah 40: 6–8, ESV)
 
2017 didn’t end in the way I had anticipated. By God’s mercy, I am alive to write this short message for the bulletin, but I may not have been. Both the surgeons in Poole and Southampton have emphasised that the injuries I received from my accident were life threatening, and I am, to quote them, “Lucky to be alive.” Let, me say, I don’t believe in luck. I believe in a sovereign God, who has determined the day of our death, and determined that the 27th October wasn’t going to be the day of my death.
 
However, I have had cause to reflect on what it would mean to die. During that time of reflection, the Lord has taught me much, including the truth of Isaiah 40:6-8. In fact, in one of the darkest times after the accident, the Lord used these verses to really humble me and encourage me.
 
They teach us that God’s promises are unchanging and that he isn’t dependent on any one preacher to feed his people from his word. For sure, God in his mercy is pleased to raise up preachers and use them. But he isn’t dependent on keeping them alive until the return of Christ, in order to have his word declared. If the Lord had taken me home to be with him, then the word of God would continue to have been preached here at Broadstone Baptist Church.
 
The evidence of that is the way this church has been blessed with good preaching over the last two months. God has continued to speak to us through those who have stood in for me.
 
How we need to grasp this as a church. Although at the moment, the Lord has called me to preach his word here, he is free to use others, and he will use others. Let’s be thankful to God for those he sends to us. And let’s support them in prayer. And let’s ask the Lord to speak through them to us.
 
With much love, Pastor Tim
 
With the Lord a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day
05/01/2018
With the Lord a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day
Last year seemed to race past at the speed of light and it felt like multiple events were condensed into about half that time. In one sense each year may appear to pass more quickly since each successive year represents a smaller proportion of our lives. When Peter speaks of a thousand years for the Lord being as a day and a day being as a thousand years, he is speaking in the context of the certainty and timing of the second coming. Indeed God’s promise is not slack and He is long suffering towards us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). This also helps us in our finite understanding to comprehend something of God’s essence and purpose; He is from eternity, from outside time and space though His Son entered into our sin-contaminated world and dwelt among us.

To read Jon's full article please click here
 
Contemplating the reason for the Saviour's birth
19/12/2017
Contemplating the reason for the Saviour's birth
 The lives of John the Baptist and Jesus our Messiah were unmistakeably and purposefully intertwined from their remarkable births. Before they were born, Gabriel visited their respective parents. They met whilst in their mother’s wombs, each had a miraculous birth and were filled with the Spirit from birth, were named before their births, were introduced prior to their births and many rejoiced at their births!
 
These events were known to God before they happened since God is from eternity and is infinite and knows all things. It is astonishing to grasp the fact that when Jesus took on flesh and dwelt among us, He stepped into time and space as Immanuel-God with us. Reassuringly David wrote of God’s perfect knowledge of man recognizing that ultimately God formed him in his mother’s womb.
 
 
Anna Testifies of the Redeemer-Luke 2:36-38
11/12/2017
Anna Testifies of the Redeemer-Luke 2:36-38
Anna was greatly used by the Lord to bear testimony of the Consolation of Israel and was in the right place at exactly the right time. It wasn’t merely the case that Anna was simply an incredibly devoted and faithful worshipper who could be counted on to be present for the prayer meetings despite her great age and since she was pious it was likely that she would be there when Jesus was presented at the temple. Anna was another faithful witness like Simeon looking specifically for the redemption in Jerusalem. This required knowledge of the Scriptures and when Messiah arrived she was ready to speak of Him.
 
Please click here to read Jon's complete article of Anna's Tesimony 
 
Simeon sees God's salvation and predicts the fall and rising of many in Israel (Luke 2:25-35)
05/12/2017
Simeon sees God's salvation and predicts the fall and rising of many in Israel (Luke 2:25-35)
Simeon’s ultimate desire was to see the Messiah before he died. And he did; and similarly, that is our greatest need and should be our greatest concern in this world, even if we don’t realise that yet. “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God (Matt. 5:8).” Many Jewish folk are still waiting for the Consolation of Israel whilst some have recognised and believe in Him as Messiah. There were those who saw our Lord’s miracles, heard His teaching and witnessed His precise fulfilment of detailed and specific prophecy, though they still pondered his exact identity and asked whether he was one the prophets, namely Moses, Elijah or Jeremiah.
 
These things are revealed by the Spirit of God. It was revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Messiah. These events were foreordained by God and it is no coincidence that Simeon was in the temple as the parents of Jesus were presenting Him to God. As Matthew Henry stated, ‘Those who would see Christ must go to His temple"
To read the full blog article from Jon Taylor please click here.
 

 
Review of 'Why The Reformation Still Matters'-Part 2
18/09/2017
Review of 'Why The Reformation Still Matters'-Part 2
Previously we established that the Reformation was not supposed to be limited to a one- time event but more accurately a continuing process… We looked at justification, scripture, sin and grace and their relevance today. We saw how Reeves and Chester traced Luther’s former view of sin back to Aristotle where righteousness was seen as something to be earned by doing righteous deeds and then recognised that we could never accomplish that in a lifetime of lifetimes.  Our sin needs to be forgiven by God and we need to be declared righteous by Him. Justification is by grace through faith. Though only a small part of the overall book is being reviewed here, it is time now to look at ‘How do we know what is true and how can we know God?

To read the full article please go to Jon's Blog or click here
 
Review of 'Why The Reformation Still Matters' by Michael Reeves & Tim Chester
12/09/2017
Review of 'Why The Reformation Still Matters' by Michael Reeves & Tim Chester
This book is worthwhile reading not simply because it is the 500th anniversary of the Reformation this year and it is important to understand our history. The Reformation still matters today. We should consider the implications of the Reformation concerning issues in the continuous present rather than relegating it to the annals of the past. Reeves and Chester provide an excellent means of communicating that, both in this book and on You-Tube. For the sake of brevity this part of the review is mainly limited to the first four chapters, though of course, that will hopefully be enough to encourage you to purchase it for yourselves!

To read Jon's complete review of this excellent book please click here
 
5 ways to celebrate the Reformation 500 years on...
22/06/2017
5 ways to celebrate the Reformation 500 years on...
It is five hundred years since Martin Luther famously nailed his ninety five theses on the church door in Wittenberg Germany, bringing an enormous change that affects us still today. The Reformation was monumentally important since the Bible became increasingly accessible in English when previously it was mainly read only in Latin by the privileged few who were using it mainly for personal gain whilst exploiting the masses. Salvation by grace not works was preached according to the scriptures replacing the numerous erroneous traditions that were largely outside of Scripture or a misinterpretation of it.
 
The five guiding principles were:
 
·         1. Sola Scriptura: by Scripture alone
·         2. Solus Christus: by Christ alone
·         3. Sola Gratia: by grace alone
·         4. Sola Fide: by faith alone
·         5. Soli Deo Gloria: glory to God alone
 
We have a tremendous opportunity to celebrate the Reformation in this five hundredth anniversary in the following ways…
 
1 At the Bournemouth and Poole Convention this year from 3rd-7th July, during the evening presentations, Tim Chester will be preaching from Galatians and specifically linking in his sermons with the Reformation. Together with Michael Reeves, Tim Chester has authored a book entitled ‘Why the Reformation Still Matters’.
2 Michael Reeves has also produced a series on the Reformation and the Puritans on You Tube. Why not watch some of these and also share them with your friends on Facebook?
3 I will be writing a series of blog articles on the Reformation and will be focussing on some of the key individuals which will include some book reviews. I will also do an article on John Wycliffe, known as ‘The morning star of the Reformation’.
4 On the 31st October, we will be celebrating Reformation Day at Broadstone Baptist Church which will fall on a Tuesday, so we will have a special evening service. Specific details will follow.
5 Why not tell and invite your friends to the events above? Ultimately we want to be changed and transformed by God and His word so that we are conformed to His image.
 
Reflections on the Gideons South West Scripture Focus
20/06/2017
Reflections on the Gideons South West Scripture Focus
On Saturday we split into three teams to give out scriptures and engage in evangelistic conversation in Wimborne, Bournemouth and Christchurch Quay. My team was based at Christchurch Quay. It was a mixed experience since it was initially hard going though half an hour or so in, constructive conversations began to develop and handing our scriptures became easier.
 
Please click here to read Jon's complete blog article
 
Make use of the Christian Institute Election Briefing 2017
27/05/2017
Make use of the Christian Institute Election Briefing 2017
This helpful guide enables quick comparison and analysis concerning issues that matter to Christians. Since we don’t live in a theocracy, there will always be conflict in trying to live as Bible based Christians, observing Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17 and Acts 5:29 in our sphere of influence… It wisely doesn’t state who to vote for, but by providing a systematic layout of the  particular views, positions and policies held by the respective parties, it makes it far easier to not only determine which party to vote for, but to be able to meaningfully articulate your view from ideally a biblical perspective. 
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Enduring and worthwhile thoughts from the 2017 Gideons National Convention
19/05/2017
Enduring and worthwhile thoughts from the 2017 Gideons National Convention
I arrived at the conference feeling already tired before the first meeting, although I returned greatly encouraged and refreshed. It was an especially full and excellent itinerary which was incredibly well planned and administered.
 
The theme of the weekend was memorably introduced by watching a clip of Jim Peters attempting to run the last lap of the marathon at the 1954 Commonwealth Games in Vancouver. Though he was literally miles ahead, his only mistake was failing to pace himself in a race where the temperatures soared in unbearably inclement conditions.
 
It was an emotionally charged and sombre experience seeing a man who was severely dehydrated and had given his all, known by some as the greatest marathon runner ever, staggering bewildered like a drunk man in plimsoles, trying to run in a straight line and complete what would have been his victory lap. Peters was eventually stretchered off and soon announced his retirement. He was awarded an honourary medal for his courage, though never fully recovered from that race.

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5 Reasons to Study Genealogies in the Bible
16/05/2017
5 Reasons to Study Genealogies in the Bible
God’s word is rooted in history and concerns real people involved in real events that affect us today and will continue to do so. History and genealogies are provided for a reason .The way in which the precise historical record and extensive lists of ancestors are presented in Scripture and linked to massively significant events is unmistakably unique, especially when compared with other religious texts, many of which have either less or no concern regarding historical accuracy. Therefore, history is ‘His story’.
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God is Light and terrifyingly holy yet approachable and knowable through His Son
25/02/2017
God is Light and terrifyingly holy yet approachable and knowable through His Son
God is light and in Him is no darkness at all and He is perfect in all His attributes. He is of purer eyes than to behold evil (Hab.1:13).Though the entirety of His understanding is unfathomable because we are finite and He is infinite and He isn’t limited by time and space as we are, God is still knowable and we created in His image. He is indescribably holy and can only be approached on His terms not our terms. God’s glory is so great that no one has seen God at any time although, the Lord Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son has declared Him. Encouragingly, Jesus said that He who has seen Him has seen the Father (John 14:9).
Jon Taylor 
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Use Biblical Terms but Define Them
11/02/2017
Use Biblical Terms but Define Them
Some of us have been attending church services and mid-week services for decades and so we are familiar with Christian vocabulary. Sometimes we need to be reminded that for the unchurched this can be both a confusing and bewildering experience, so we need to present and communicate the gospel in a way that can be understood by everyone present.
 
As a child I sang tremendous hymns that were frequently long without understanding much of their content. Now I really enjoy them, though I wish they had been explained to me simply so I could have grasped their meaning.

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The benefits of using maps for Bible Study
08/02/2017
The benefits of using maps for Bible Study
Effective teachers are usually aware of visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learning styles and incorporate that into their presentation for the benefit of their students. The use of a Bible atlas or the maps provided at the back of some study Bibles are an excellent aid to gaining more insight from God’s Word and help to bring it to life. Here are some useful applications for personal study, group work, sermons and visiting biblical sites.

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Broadstone Baptist Church History 1968-1976
26/11/2014
Broadstone Baptist Church History 1968-1976
Continuing the serialisation of the book “A Tale of Two Churches on Baileys Hill” we are pleased to release on-line Chapter Three detailing the years from 1968-1967 (Pages 24 – 36).   With Pastor Rogers having retired the helm was taken by Pastor Harold Perrett but only for two years and there followed a number of inter regnum years when a number of key leaders stepped up and kept the church together.  One individual in particular, Mr Leonard Henman will always be remembered for laying down the plans for the new church building. His heritage lives on.
Click here to open the Part 3 pdf