Now Jesus’ mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not get near him because of the crowd. 20 So he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” 21 But he replied to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” Luke 8:19-21 NET
“ “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”” Mark 3:31-35
God, Who we call Father,
At first read it seems that Jesus is being rude to his family. But You wanted us to know that Your family is not defined by genes! A Jew is someone born to a Jewish mother. A Christian is not a person born to a Christian mother! Children have to find their own faith. Baptising a baby does not make them a Christian, it does bless them and bring them into the family of God where they can be loved and cherished and told about Jesus Your Son. Choosing Christ, and joining Your family in Christ entitles us to take the name of Christian – belonging to Christ.
I like Luke’s version best. He does not separate His natural family from the family of disciples. They are included if they too hear the word of God and put it into practice.
Hear and do. Makes it seem simple. How can it be any other way? We hear the gospel, we receive God’s grace. God’s riches at Christs expense. We want to do what He says. We need to find a family of like minded people, worshipping You, God, and learning from the Bible. Church at its best. No wonder the rest of the world feels threatened by us, mocks us and calls us do good’ers! Faith and works, hear and do.
Thank you. Help us to love our own family and our Christian family. We are a mixed bunch. And help us to love those outside, into the family of Christ.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God our Father,
We pray:
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. Be their help and strength and provided today.
For our town to provide employment and housing and all society needs to be healthy and good.
For our local council and MP’s to be encouraged to do their best.
For our King and His family to be blessed and follow You and serve this nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, for a miracle ceasefire and an end to war. For the world to work to help promote peace.
For Putin, the Russian people and Ukraine, for men and women to choose peace over endless war.
For those areas in Afghanistan, Libya and Morocco that need it, to have provision for the winter.
For all the bad news we have heard. That You would be there, a God of present help and comfort.
For ourselves, for our days needs and the blessing of Your Word, Your people and Your love.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wed 1st November 2023
I pray that You have found a church fellowship that are like family or that You are helping them become one.
Welcome to the family
We’re glad that you have come
To share your life with us
As we grow in love and
May we always be to you
What God would have us be
A family always there
To be strong and to lean on
May we learn to love each other
More with each new day
May words of love be on our lips
In everything we say
May the Spirit melt our hearts
And teach us how to pray
That we might be a true family
Lyrics: Ernie Rettino.
Psalty Praise 3.