From Sunday 20th September we are starting a new series called Good News People, and we are reading the book of the same name together as a church.

It works like this. We hear it preached on a Sunday, we read a chapter during the week, and then we get together in small groups to talk it over. Six weeks, six themes, starting with what we actually believe and moving through being brave and kind, staying relevant without selling out, being hopeful and realistic, decisions and discipleship, and being united and diverse.

Every one of us is a Good News Person, but the book is called Good News People, because living out God's good news happens together.

Groups run through the week from the week beginning Sun 20th Sep. There are groups on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturday morning. Most meet at the church building, some meet online, and one meets in a home. In person groups run about an hour and a half, online groups about an hour.

You do not need to have read the book, and you do not need to be a great reader. Every session starts with a short video introducing the theme for that week, so there is always a way in, and nobody is asked to read out loud.

The book is Good News People by Gavin Calver and Phil Knox. There is also a podcast, six episodes, one for each of our six weeks, along with videos and other resources at goodnewspeople.church.

If you need more details get in touch and we'll help you out.

Things will look a little different at 360Life Church during August, so we thought we'd give you a heads-up about what's pausing and continuing, and three special chances to spend time together over breakfast, a picnic and a BBQ:

Taking a break during August

Some of our regular activities will pause during August: Youth, Toddlers, Small Groups, Wednesday Early Morning Online Prayer, Who Let the Dads Out, Community Prayer Space.

Continuing during August

The following activities will continue:

Tuesday Evening Prayer Meeting

Continue to join with others for an hour of focused prayer. Thanking God for all he's done, presenting our requests to him and listening to what he says. Tuesdays, 8–9pm

Warm Welcome Space

The time will change, but it will continue through August. From Thursday, 23rd July, the time will switch to 10am–12pm and return to normal in September.

Saturday Board Games

The monthly Cale Green Board Room event will go ahead as usual on Saturday, 1st August, 1–5pm.

Summer Sunday Socials

We also have three opportunities to spend time together over the summer:

Pre-Service Breakfast

Sunday 2nd August at 9:30am Join us before the service for breakfast together. Food will be provided free of charge, with donations welcome.

Bring-Your-Own Picnic

Sunday 16th August, 12–2pm Cale Green Park Bring your own picnic and join us for lunch together after the service. If the weather is poor, we will stay at the church building instead.

Youth Takeover and Post-Service BBQ

Sunday 30th August Our young people will be taking over the whole service from start to finish, including hosting, worship, preaching and serving. It is going to be a brilliant opportunity to encourage them and celebrate what God is doing in their lives. Afterwards, we will have a BBQ together from 12–2pm. Food will be provided free of charge, with donations welcome.

Have a wonderful summer!

Join us for Football Fever Funday & BBQ a free World Cup-themed community event at 360Life Church, packed with football fun, food, games, prizes and plenty for all ages to enjoy. Whether you’re football mad or just looking for a relaxed afternoon with family, friends and neighbours, we’d love you to come along on Saturday 11th July, 1pm–5pm. Entry is free, BBQ donations are welcome, and everyone is invited.

Cale Green Board Room

Whether you're a seasoned strategist, a casual player, or someone who's always been curious about board games, there's a seat at the table waiting for you.

Cale Green Board Room is a monthly board game club held on the first Saturday of every month, from 1pm to 5pm, at 360Life Church. It's a relaxed, friendly afternoon where people come together to play, chat, and have fun — no experience necessary.

We've partnered with an experienced group that already runs successful board game clubs across the city, so you can expect a well-organised, welcoming event with a brilliant range of games to choose from. Dig into our portable gaming library or bring your own favourite to the table either works perfectly.

Hot drinks are available throughout the afternoon on a suggested donation basis, so you can settle in, get comfortable, and enjoy a proper afternoon of good games and good company.

Everyone is welcome, whether you're coming solo, with friends, or with family. It's a great way to meet new people in the local area and discover (or rediscover) just how much fun tabletop gaming can be.

📅 When: First Saturday of every month, 1pm–5pm 📍 Where: 360 Life Church, 71 Adswood Road, Stockport, SK3 8HR

Follow the Cale Green Board Room Facebook Page for updates, or check out upcoming dates in our events calendar.

Come down and join us for a game or two, we'd love to see you there.

Standing United in Prayer: Turn the Battle | 21-23 January 2026

A National Call to Prayer and Fasting

From Wednesday 21st to Friday 23rd January 2026, 360Life Church is joining Christians across the UK in three days of united prayer and fasting for our nation. This initiative, called Turn the Battle, brings together believers from multiple denominations, networks, and streams to seek God together at a critical moment for our country.

Why "Turn the Battle"?

The name comes from Isaiah 28:6:

"He will be a spirit of justice to the one who sits in judgment, a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate."

We believe we are at a decisive moment, a "battle at the gate" where the Church must be alert, prepared, and aligned with heaven. This is our opportunity to stand together in prayer, asking God to move powerfully across our nation.

Why This Matters Now

Christian leaders across the UK sense that we are at a pivotal moment. We're seeing the beginnings of revival, but we also recognise the spiritual battle at hand.

2 Chronicles 7:14 reminds us: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Corporate prayer with fasting is powerful. As the Church across the UK recognises this decisive moment, we're boldly seeking God with fresh intensity.

Three Prayer Themes

The Turn the Battle initiative focuses on three key areas for renewal:

1. A Fresh Commitment to Prayer Seeking God with hunger and humility We're called to seek the Lord afresh, with urgency and expectation, asking for His presence, wisdom, and power for this season. Key Scripture: Colossians 4:2 - "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

2. A Fresh Commitment to Consecration Returning to holiness and wholehearted obedience This is a time to examine our hearts before God, to return to holiness, and to set ourselves apart again for His purposes. Key Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 - "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through."

3. A Fresh Commitment to Bold Living Courageous witness and living out the gospel with power and clarity We're asking God for courage in our witness, boldness in faith, and the confidence to live lives that provoke questions, carry hope, and display the Kingdom. Key Scripture: Acts 4:29-30 - "Enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders."

How You Can Get Involved

1. Pray About Your Personal Involvement Take time alone with Jesus and ask Him how He would like you to participate. Consider: • Full or partial fasts (water only, liquids only, one meal per day) • Fasting certain foods (the Daniel fast approach) • Fasting other activities if health restrictions prevent fasting food (social media, television, etc.) The point of fasting is to create time and focus for increased prayer. As we hunger physically, we increase our hunger for the things of God.

2. Join Our Daily Zoom Prayer Gatherings We're hosting 30 minutes of prayer on Zoom at 7am each day from 21st-23rd January to start the day together. We understand this time won't suit everyone, but we encourage you to join at least once if possible. Contact the church office for details.

3. Arrange Your Own Prayer Times If 7am doesn't work for you, consider: • Praying with one or two others at a time that suits you better • Setting aside dedicated prayer time during your lunch break or evening • Using the daily prayer themes to guide your personal prayer time

4. Use the Prayer Resources The Turn the Battle website (www.turnthebattle.uk) provides: • Daily prayer themes and Scriptures • Guides for praying the Psalms • Information about different types of fasting • Apostolic prayers to guide your intercession

Let's Stand Together

This is a movement of united prayer across the entire UK Church. Denominations, networks, and streams are coming together in a Spirit-led response to this critical hour. The timing is also significant: these dates coincide with the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, called by Churches Together in Britain & Ireland, making this moment both strategic and prophetic.

Let's make the most of this national and spiritual opportunity for our nation. We believe that as we stand together in prayer, we will see a greater Kingdom shift in the months that follow. This is our moment to be the Church that turns back the battle at the gate.

Looking ahead to the new year, we're thrilled to welcome Mark Ritchie for a powerful two-session course called Soul Focus. This is all about learning the daily discipline of guarding your soul and taking charge of your emotional and spiritual well-being. Mark will guide you through a difficult season and the revelation that gave him about leading his own soul, his thoughts, emotions, and will. More details to follow, but mark these dates in your diary now; you won't want to miss this opportunity to invest in yourself.

After Christmas, we'll gather for a shorter bring-and-share service. It's a lovely, informal way to come together during that in-between week, share some food, and enjoy fellowship. Please bring something to share if you're able, whether that's a plate of leftovers, some festive treats, or whatever you have to hand.

We're delighted to invite you to join us for an exceptional Christmas Day service at 11 am. Whether you're spending the day with family nearby or enjoying a quieter morning, you're warmly welcome to celebrate with us. It's a relaxed, joyful gathering where we can mark the actual reason for the season together. Come as you are and share in the joy of Christmas morning.

Christmas Carol Service - Sunday 21st December, 4:30pm

Join us for a special carol service as we celebrate the heart of Christmas together.

As evening falls, we'll gather to sing timeless carols and hear seasonal readings that remind us of the hope and joy found in Jesus. It's a moment of tranquillity amidst the festive busyness. A chance to pause, reflect, and experience the warmth of community.

Whether you're a regular churchgoer or haven't been in years, you'll find a place here.

Come and join us for beloved Christmas carols in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

When: Sunday 21st December, 4:30pm Where: 360Life Church, Cale Green Life Centre, 71 Adswood Road, SK3 8HR

Christmas Extravaganza - Saturday 13th December, 1–5pm

Our Christmas Extravaganza is back by popular demand!

Join us for an afternoon of festive fun featuring the fabulous magician Cam Welsh, who'll be bringing his spectacular magic show once again. Browse our market stalls packed with unique gifts and goodies, get creative with Christmas crafts, and soak up the seasonal atmosphere.

Whether you're looking for handmade presents, want to try your hand at festive crafts, or simply fancy an afternoon out with the family, there's something for everyone.

When: Saturday 13th December, 1–5pm Where: 360Life Church, Cale Green Life Centre, 71 Adswood Road, SK3 8HR

Free entry • Refreshments available • All welcome

Guest Speaker: Dr John Andrews - Sunday 7th December, 10:30am

This Sunday, we're delighted to welcome Dr John Andrews as our guest speaker for our morning service.

John brings warmth, wisdom, and a gift for making biblical truth come alive in everyday life. Whether you're a regular at 360Life or exploring faith for the first time, you'll find his message both encouraging and thought-provoking.

Join us for what promises to be an inspiring morning as we gather together to worship and hear from our special guest.

When: Sunday 7th December, 10:30am Where: 360Life Church, Cale Green Life Centre, 71 Adswood Road, SK3 8HR

Christmas Craft & Relax - Friday 28th November, 6–9pm

Take a breather before the festive rush truly begins! Join us for an evening of creativity and calm at our Christmas Craft & Relax night.

We'll be designing and printing our own Christmas cards and wrapping paper, along with making other seasonal creations. It's the perfect opportunity to get hands-on with festive crafts whilst enjoying a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

All materials are included, plus we'll have festive treats to enjoy throughout the evening. Whether you're a crafting pro or haven't picked up a glue stick in years, you'll find this a welcoming space to unwind and create.

Cost: £10 on the door When: Friday 28th November, 6–9pm Where: Cale Green Life Centre, 71 Adswood Road, SK3 8HR

Spaces are filling up fast, so reserve your place soon!

These aren't simply aspirational statements on a wall but the foundations we're building upon, the compass by which we navigate, and the culture we're actively cultivating together. They form a complete framework for discipleship and church life. Each commitment flows naturally into the next, creating a pathway that takes people from their first encounter with Christ through to becoming mission-minded, generous contributors to God's Kingdom.

We invite you to explore these commitments and discover how they can guide your own journey of faith.

We are Christ-centred in all we do. When Jesus occupies the centre of our lives, everything finds its proper place and perspective. He is the foundation upon which we build, and everything revolves around Him. His teachings guide our decisions, His character shapes our culture, and His mission directs our purpose.

We are committed to creating opportunities for people to encounter God personally, experience His forgiveness, find freedom in Him, and enjoy the abundant life He promises.

When people are centred on Christ, their lives are marked by transformed priorities, Christ-like character, and decisions that reflect His kingdom values.

Every person is created with a divine purpose, specific gifts and passions that reflect His heart for the world. Discovering your calling brings confidence and deep fulfilment that enhances spiritual growth and mission.

We are committed to helping people discover this calling as they surrender to the kingship of Jesus and grow as His disciples. We are cultivating a purpose-driven community filled with people who recognise why God has placed them on earth, actively living out their calling each day.

When people embrace their calling, they serve with greater joy and passion, tangibly demonstrating the kingdom of God.

Every follower of Christ is sent as an ambassador, entrusted with engaging in God's redemptive mission in the world. As representatives of His kingdom, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring hope, healing, and transformation wherever we go.

We are committed to actively engaging with our local communities and beyond, reflecting His kingdom through compassionate service, authentic witness, and love demonstrated through action. We aim to equip and enable every believer with the tools necessary to live this out fully.

When people embrace their commission, God's love powerfully transforms lives and communities.

God’s power transforms lives, bringing freedom from past wounds, unhelpful mindsets, and controlling habits. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be disciples as we are transformed to become more like Jesus.

We are committed to creating an environment where transformation can flourish, helping people maintain an open and teachable heart, and fostering opportunities for discipleship, prayer, and Spirit-led growth. As a church community, we remain responsive to how God wants to shape, challenge, and develop us, never allowing ourselves to become complacent.

When people experience God's power in their lives, they become catalysts of hope for those around them.

God designed us to live in community, so no one is meant to go it alone. In God's community, we encourage, comfort, care for, and serve one another. Together, we experience God more fully than we ever could alone.

We are committed to building a loving community where people are known and valued, and where everyone feels at home, regardless of their circumstances or background. We intentionally create opportunities for people to forge genuine connections.

When people truly belong, our community operates with greater unity and confidence.

Our God-given gifts and resources realise their true potential when directed towards God’s Kingdom purposes in the world. We believe that generosity is a lifestyle arising from a transformed heart, recognising that everything we have belongs to God. Everyone has something valuable to contribute. Through faithful stewardship of our talents, generous giving of our resources, and wholehearted investment of our time, we enable ministry to flourish.

We are committed to fostering a culture of generous partnership, providing everyone the opportunity to utilise what God has given them for His work. We encourage people to embrace both the privilege and responsibility of being part of His church.

When people live with open hands and generous hearts, our impact is multiplied beyond anything we could achieve alone.

Summer at 360Life Church

Summer is a wonderful time when our whole church family comes together for relaxed worship and special community celebrations.

Summer Service Format

Throughout the summer months:

• Services continue at 10:30am but will be shorter than usual
• No children's or youth groups during the summer break
• Everyone worships together as one church family

Three Sunday Community Events

We're hosting three special Sunday gatherings this August that bring our community together around good food and great fellowship.

Sunday 3rd August: Pre-Service Breakfast

Arrive between 9:45-10am to grab your Sausage butties, croissants, fresh fruit, tea & coffee. Good food and great chats before our service begins.

Sunday 17th August: Church Picnic

We'll be heading to Cale Green Park, weather permitting (or in our building if weather doesn't cooperate!) Bring your friends, family and bring your appetite for community.

Sunday 31st August: Church BBQ + Bring & Share

We'll be ending the summer with fellowship and a shared feast. Enjoy some BBQ food and bring something to share with everyone to make it an extra special day.

See you there!

Whether you're a regular part of our church family or exploring what community with us looks like, you're warmly invited to join us for any or all of these summer celebrations.

Guest Speaker Sunday 20th July

We're really excited about our upcoming guest speaker who flys in all the way from New Zealand. Jesus really does connect us across continents and decades!

Ben, was born in Ashton-under-Lyne and after spending his first five years right here in Romiley, Stockport, Ben's family emigrated to New Zealand in 1985. Fast-forward nearly 40 years, and Ben has returned to visit the place where his life began and share with us as a community.

This isn't just any visitor; Ben serves as Associate Pastor of Faith City Church in Whanganui, New Zealand, alongside his wife Jenna-Marie. Their church has grown into a multicultural, intergenerational flagship congregation within the Assemblies of God in New Zealand. Ben's journey of faith began at age 10 at a Christian holiday camp, and his passion for God's Kingdom has driven an incredible ministry spanning youth work, national leadership, and church planting.

For 15 years, Ben directed the Youth Of The Nation Conferences and served as National Youth Facilitator for the Assemblies of God in New Zealand. His heart for seeing young people called into their purpose and commissioned for God's mission is infectious. We're absolutely delighted to welcome Ben home to Stockport and hear what God has been doing through his life and ministry in New Zealand.

You've got to be there! Sunday 20th July 10:30am

The Big Picture

This is the third and final article in our "How to Read the Bible" series. We began by exploring the right way to read the Bible, focusing on four motivations for reading and the importance of guarding our hearts as we approach Scripture relationally. In our second article, we considered reading with the right perspective, examining the importance of literary and historical contexts, and understanding different biblical genres.

In our previous article, we zoomed in to examine specifics, but now we're zooming out to look at the big picture of the Bible and discover how we find our place in it. Understanding both the details and the whole story is crucial for effective Bible reading.

We Are Story Creatures

Have you ever picked up a book and been so gripped that you couldn't put it down? Or started reading something that just dragged on with a disappointing ending? Great stories are brilliant—they can teach, inspire, and delight us. They give us hope, take us to new places, entertain us, challenge us, and shape our thinking.

Research has shown that stories affect our brains in ways that other forms of communication don't. When we read, not only do the language processing parts of our brains activate, but all the other areas we would use if we were actually experiencing the story's events! Our sensory cortex lights up when we read descriptions of smells or textures, our motor cortex is stimulated when we read about a character running, and the same happens with our emotions.

Research points to us being made as "story creatures," and since stories have the power to reach us and shape our thinking, it's almost like God planned it. Just under half of the Old Testament and around 60% of the New Testament comes to us in story form. These stories fit together to create a narrative "backbone" for the whole Bible—God's complete story of how He is working out His relationship with people, giving the Scriptures profound cohesion.

The World's Greatest Story

The Bible is the world's greatest story because no other story addresses our purpose and deep need as human beings to know God and live in relationship with Him. The Bible contains an astounding 63,779 cross-references that capture its remarkable unity and beauty. Written over 1,500 years by more than 40 authors using various genres, all the parts fit together to form one coherent narrative.

To understand this big picture, let's break it down into three great acts, like a play with Acts 1, 2, and 3.

Act One: God's Plan for All People

The story begins in Genesis with God creating the heavens and the earth. Everything owes its existence to God and should be understood in light of God. Human beings were created in God's image, blessed with responsibilities, work, and established as part of a family.

Scene 1: The Bible starts with Adam and Eve walking with God in the garden, knowing His presence and enjoying perfect relationship.

Scene 2: Everything goes wrong when Adam and Eve rebel against God, choosing their own wisdom instead of trusting God's. This is known as "the fall." Because they turned their backs on their face-to-face relationship with God, as humanity multiplied, so did evil.

Scene 3: God brought judgment on the earth, destroying almost all life with the flood and scattering people across the earth.

This first act establishes that God created us as human beings as part of His good creation, but we now face the devastating effects of sin. Still, God desires to be present in our lives through relationship with us.

Act Two: God's Covenant People

Throughout the story, we see God repeatedly reaching out to humanity, working out a plan of redemption to bring people back into relationship with Him.

Scene 1: The redemption plan starts with God creating a covenant people through Abram (later Abraham), who was old, and his wife Sarai (later Sarah), who was barren. Abraham trusted God's promise that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars and that God would give them a land. Abraham and Sarah had Isaac, who had Jacob and Esau. Jacob (renamed Israel) had twelve sons who became fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel, including Joseph.

Scene 2: The Israelites became slaves in Egypt, but through Moses, God delivered them after sending ten plagues. The Passover celebration was established to help them remember God's miraculous deliverance. The sacrifice of the Passover lamb, along with the near-sacrifice of Isaac, points toward the coming of Jesus, our ultimate deliverer.

Scene 3: God led His people through the wilderness, providing for them and teaching them His ways, preparing them for the Promised Land. The tabernacle was built and priests were ordained, but because the people repeatedly rebelled, they stayed in the wilderness for forty years.

Scene 4: Despite their rebellion, God kept His promise and brought His people into the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership, dividing it among the twelve tribes.

Scene 5: The people were led by spiritual and military leaders called Judges. A clear pattern emerges: the people rebel against God, experience judgment, then are delivered by a Judge. This cycle repeats until the people demand a king to rule over them.

Scenes 6-8: The kingdom period includes the united kingdom under Saul, David, and Solomon, then the divided kingdom. David was the best king until Jesus, and God promised David that one of his descendants would reign forever—another anticipation of the Messiah. Solomon built the temple but eventually turned away from God. The kingdom divided, with the Northern Kingdom (Israel) destroyed by Assyrians in 722 BC and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) eventually exiled to Babylon in 587 BC.

God delivered His people again when King Cyrus of Persia allowed them to return and rebuild the temple. After the exile, under Ezra and Nehemiah's leadership, the people focused on the Law and abandoned idolatry.

Act Three: New Covenant People

Scene 1: Four hundred years later, God sent Jesus, the Messiah, born in Bethlehem, David's town. Jesus lived a perfect life and began His public ministry around age thirty. He reconstituted the twelve tribes by calling twelve disciples and brought the Kingdom of God to earth, spiritually returning God's people to His rule.

Scene 2: Jesus taught people how to live in His Kingdom and performed miracles proving that a new era of God's power and rule had come.

Scene 3: Jesus dealt with the problem of sin and death that had plagued humanity since the fall. He offered people the possibility of entering a new covenant with God, bringing complete forgiveness and renewed relationship. Jesus died, rose again, and ascended to sit at God's right hand as Lord of all.

Scene 4: Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live in people's hearts, write God's laws on their hearts, and help them live for God. His people became the new temple—the place where God dwells. Together, we are His church, sent on mission to reach the world with the good news that Jesus is Lord. This covers the book of Acts and the letters written to early churches.

Scene 5: Revelation gives hope to persecuted Christians and anticipates Jesus' promised return at the end of the age.

Finding Our Place in the Story

At the center of the entire story is God, who has always longed for a people who would walk with Him and know Him. This thread runs from Creation to Revelation. He is a holy God with particular ways our relationship with Him must follow, but His ways ultimately lead to life.

As we respond to God and become part of His people, the church, we join this great story. Yes, your individual story might be important—whether you're a solicitor, nurse, or mechanic—but if you're a follower of Jesus, you belong in an even greater story that gives meaning to all other aspects of your life.

As 2 Corinthians 5:15 tells us: "And [Christ] died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised."

George H. Guthrie writes: "As we live deeply engaged with the grand story of Scripture, that greater story really does become the framework by which we understand all the other aspects of our lives."

How Do We Live This Story?

1. Immerse Ourselves in the Story

The best way to know the story better is to read it ourselves. As we keep reading over time, we gradually see the story take shape. Use reading plans or good guides that provide background context. Many free options are available through apps like YouVersion or websites like Bible Gateway.

2. Ask 'Story' Questions as We Read

To gain greater understanding, ask good questions:

• When and where did this take place, and why?
• Who are the main characters?
• How are their lives similar or different from ours?
• Are there obvious tensions or conflicts?
• What does this passage tell me about God, people, or our relationship with God?
• How might I work out these truths in my life?

Take time reading, invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you. When you hit questions you can't answer, use study guides or trusted websites. Journal what you read and what you sense God saying.

3. Keep Jesus as the Focus

All of the Old Testament builds to its climax in Jesus—His life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. All of the New Testament flows from His identity and mission to bring us into new covenant relationship with God the Father.

Hebrews 1:1-2 captures this beautifully: "Long ago God spoke to our ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son."

Jesus is the key that brings all parts of the Bible together and makes sense of the whole story.

Our Part in the Greatest Story

Will Herberg wrote: "Redemptive history is not merely a recital that we hear and understand. It is also a demand upon us, for out of it comes the voice of God. Faith is responding to the call of God…[when we read the Bible] it is though we are sat witnessing some tremendous epic drama being performed on a vast stage, when suddenly the chief character, who is also its director, steps forward to the front of the stage, fixes his eyes upon us, points his finger at us and calls out: 'You, you're wanted. Come up here. Take your part!'"

As we understand the story better, we understand our part better and recognize the amazing privilege of playing our role in the greatest story ever told. Let us be people who allow this grand narrative to shape our individual stories and our corporate story as the body of Christ, keeping our calling central and seeing every moment as an opportunity to obey and share the story, making Jesus known.

This concludes our three-part series on "How to Read the Bible." We hope these articles have equipped you to approach Scripture with the right heart, the right perspective, and an understanding of your place in God's magnificent story.

The Right Perspective

Previously, we explored the benefits of reading the Bible - for guidance, correction, stability, and delight - and discovered that above all else, we must guard our hearts and approach the Bible not as a chore or item on our to-do list, but as the primary way we grow in our relationship with God.

This week is all about understanding what we are reading.

Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God."

Our faith and relationship with God grows through actively engaging with Him through His Word with the help of the Holy Spirit. If we don't understand the principles we'll explore today, our understanding and relationship with God will be limited, and we won't be able to live it out effectively.

Context Is Everything

The first thing we need to do to understand what we're reading is to read in context. Context is vital for any kind of communication. If you come to a stop sign while driving, you know you must stop. But what if that stop sign is in a quirky café that collects signs? You wouldn't stop then, would you? The context is important.

The Bible was written in a very different era, in very different cultures, and in different languages. We can't simply read our 21st-century understanding into a completely different time and place. Instead, by understanding some of the historical and cultural background, we can grasp a better understanding of what we read.

Words can have a range of possible meanings. If I were to say, "Give Nathan a hand!" some of you might start applauding him, while others might ask what he needs help with. Since words are so flexible, the only way we really know what someone means is through context.

When reading the Bible, if we learn to pay attention to various contexts, it will dramatically improve our understanding. Since God gave us Scripture at particular times, in particular places, and in particular ways, it's important that we pay attention to when, where, and how He has communicated to us.

Two Types of Context

Context can be divided into two broad categories that will help us when reading the Bible:

Literary Context

Literary context refers to how a passage of Scripture fits and functions in the Bible. Rather than plucking a verse out or reading a paragraph on its own, we pay close attention to what comes before and after it. We ask why the author said something in a particular way or made a particular statement at that point.

Here's a popular verse that's often misunderstood:

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

Reading this verse on its own helps us understand why it's so often misused. People quote this verse to say we can do anything because of God's power, but I couldn't just pick up Helen's violin and play a tune, no matter how much I quoted this verse—because I'd be taking it completely out of context.

Let's read around it:

"I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble." (Philippians 4:10-14 ESV)

Paul's subject is actually about being content whether he has a lot or very little. The heading translators give these verses could be "God's provision" or "Thanks for their gifts." This isn't about doing anything we set our minds to—it's about finding strength in God regardless of our circumstances.

Historical/Cultural Context

Historical context refers to historical events in Bible times, while cultural context relates to attitudes, patterns of behavior, or expressions of a particular society at a particular time.

Let's look at Jesus' words on his way to be crucified:

"A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Jesus turned and said to them, 'Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, "Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!"'" (Luke 23:27-29)

Historically, two important things help our understanding. First, the Roman Empire had been ruling Israel for about 90 years—that's why Jesus appeared before Pilate and was executed by crucifixion, the most shameful form of Roman execution.

Second, when Jesus says "For the time will come when..." he's foretelling what happened forty years later when Jewish people rebelled against Rome. The fighters were trapped in Jerusalem and killed in horrific ways. We can understand the basic meaning without knowing these details, but we get much more of what Jesus was saying with this additional understanding.

Culturally, children were considered one of God's greatest gifts in ancient Jewish society. They provided labor and were essential for caring for aging parents in a time without retirement plans. Jesus was saying that everything would be so upside-down in the future that what was then considered the biggest blessing for a woman would seem her greatest curse.

Understanding Different Types of Literature

Just as different sports have different rules, each genre or type of literature in the Bible has different guidelines for reading. Poetry in the Psalms needs to be read differently than stories, laws, biographies (like the Gospels), histories (like Acts), and letters.

Reading the Bible, you'll find: Narrative (story-telling), Law (instructions), Poetry, Wisdom Literature, Writings of the Prophets, Gospels (biographies), History, Letters, Sermons, and Apocalyptic Literature.

Let me give you an example with Old Testament Narrative. When reading these stories, remember three things:

1. God is the main hero. The stories weren't written as inspirational tales about people like Moses, Abraham, or David becoming successful. Instead, we should read them to understand what God is doing. With David and Goliath, it's not a "poor boy grows up to be king" story—it's about God using David to deliver His people from the Philistines.

2. The stories have strategic tension crafted in. Look for the tension or crisis and ask why it's there. In David and Goliath, the Philistines had an enormous enemy whose words caused Israel to lose courage. If they had won, God's people would have become slaves. This creates tension that makes way for focusing on David's faith in the God of Israel whom Goliath defied.

3. Read in the light of God's great story and find your place in it. We can read David and Goliath to point us toward Jesus, who brought ultimate salvation. We also have adversaries that defy God and seem overwhelming, but we have a conquering King who has defeated these enemies, and we can trust in Him as David did.

The Benefits of Understanding Context and Genre

As we understand different contexts and read the various types of literature more effectively:

• We begin to hear the Bible more clearly. As we understand what the authors were trying to achieve, the Bible will have greater impact on us.

• Our overall experience of Scripture becomes more cohesive. As we're drawn deeper into narratives, the music of the Psalms, the wisdom of Proverbs, or New Testament letters, we're affected in different ways, but each type of literature is important for our overall Scripture experience.

• We see how each type builds the overall story of Scripture. The laws of the Old Testament and the teaching of Jesus in the New Testament are both necessary for understanding the whole story.

We need to understand the various parts and functions of different types of biblical literature and the context for each part. As we get to grips with these things—zooming in to various sections for a clearer picture—we can then zoom out and have a greater understanding of the Bible as a whole: the greatest story from Genesis through Revelation, where we can find our place too!

Resources for Further Study

If you're interested in learning more about different types of literature in the Bible, I recommend "Read the Bible for Life" by George H. Guthrie as a good starting point, or "How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth" by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart for a more detailed guide.

We'll conclude our series with "The Big Picture"—finding ourselves in the greatest story ever told.

The Right Way

When we engage with the Bible, our goal should be

"to draw meaning from Scripture rather than reading one's presuppositions into it,"

as John MacArthur wisely noted. The Bible is the primary way we learn God's ways and what God has to say about things. Written 2000-3500 years ago, we need reliable methods of interpretation to avoid misunderstanding what we read.

As George H. Guthrie points out,

"Various surveys in different cultures, over the past half a century, have determined that the number one predictor of a person's spiritual health is the regular practice of personal Bible reading. Nothing else comes close."

Our Three-Week Journey

Over the next three Sundays, we'll explore:

• The Right Way to approach the Bible (this week) - focusing on our heart and motivations
• The Right Perspective (next week) - understanding the original writer's meaning, genres, and contexts
• The Big Picture (final week) - finding ourselves in the greatest story ever told

It All Starts With Our Hearts

Has anyone ever thought "I need to read the Bible less!"? Probably not! But many of us, at different times in our lives, have felt challenged to read the Bible more. While it's important to consider when and how we read the Bible, I believe the key to reading it consistently and transformatively goes much deeper than scheduling — it comes down to our hearts.

Psalm 1:1-3 tells us: "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers."

God's Word is a resource of life, refreshment, and nourishment. Those who delight in it, meditate on it, and set their hearts on it will be blessed, fruitful, and prosperous.

Our hearts need to be in good condition — teachable, open to hear, in the right posture before God, and receptive to the Holy Spirit. As we read and meditate, we will be transformed and our reading will be life-giving. As Proverbs 4:23 reminds us:

"Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life." (CSB)

Four Motivations for Reading the Bible

Guidance

"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path" Psalm 119:105

The image of a light illuminating dark paths where footing can be uncertain beautifully illustrates our need for God's Word as we navigate difficult situations. Regular Bible reading helps us think the way God wants us to think, shaping our decisions and actions.

Correction

"For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" Hebrews 4:12-13

Like a surgeon's scalpel cutting away cancers and infections, God's Word cuts out harmful motivations, sins, and attitudes at the deepest levels of our thoughts.

Stability

"Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn't collapse, because its foundation was on the rock" Matthew 7:24-25

In our unstable world, acting on Jesus' words provides stability, belonging, and confidence even amid massive uncertainties.

Delight

"How sweet your word is to my taste—sweeter than honey in my mouth" Psalm 119:103

The Bible is a delight because it leads us to know God himself. Through His Word, we meet with God, learning to know and love Him. God's Word reveals the heart of God who is with us, powerful over anything we face, and beautiful beyond all others.

Cultivating Good Soil

In Mark 4:13, Jesus shares the parable of the sower, telling his disciples that unless they understand this parable, they won't understand any other parable—it must be important! The parable describes four different soils where seed is planted, but only one type produces a harvest.

The soil we should cultivate in our hearts is good soil—soil that has been well prepared. In farming, cultivation involves plowing, weeding, removing obstacles, watering, fertilizing, controlling pests, and removing weeds.

This is a perfect analogy for our hearts—we need to prepare our hearts as we come to God's Word and keep tending them as we live. This is how we thrive in the Word and produce good fruit. Remember, the Bible is not primarily a historical document or information source, but the way we get to know the God of the universe.

We can meet with God in the pages of the Bible, but we can also study the Bible for knowledge or out of routine and miss God entirely. Listen to Jesus' stark words to the Pharisees in:

John 5:37b-40 "You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life."

The Pharisees were committed to Bible study, but their approach was spiritually unproductive. They read to reinforce their understanding rather than allowing the Scriptures to lead them to Jesus.

We are invited not merely to read or grow in knowledge, but to spend time with God and read for relationship. As George H. Guthrie writes,

"the solid bedrock for a lifetime of transformational reading is relational."

Practical Takeaways

If your Bible reading has dropped off the priority list or has become more of a to-do item each day, I encourage you to approach it afresh this week and make it about a face-to-face encounter with the living God.

Here are two simple takeaways:

1) Read Spiritually Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and speak to you in your reading. The Bible tells us that when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide us into all truth (John 16:13). Charles Spurgeon said,

"…the Spirit, who inspired Holy Scripture, lives forever, and he delights to open the Word to those who seek his instruction."

2) Read Rhythmically Choose a place and time to meet with God regularly. Many of us have busy schedules, but be encouraged by these words from Leah Boden:

"…what if the real formation comes from the in-between moments; the sacred spare time; the tea break; the quiet; the closed door; the unpaid no-one is watching time. Maybe, it's our recreation and rest, how we read and relate to others, that truly marks our lives."

Reading our Bible should be a time of recreation, a precious in-between moment of sacred spare time when only God is watching. Bible reading such as this will mark our lives, transform and bring life to us, deepen our relationship with God, and elevate our everyday.

Join us next Sunday as we continue our series with "The Right Perspective" - understanding the original writer's meaning, genres, and contexts.

ALIVE: A Journey of Discovery, Wednesdays for five weeks.

What Does It Really Mean to Be Alive?

We all know what it means to be living, but are we truly alive? In our busy world of deadlines, responsibilities, and digital distractions, many of us find ourselves searching for deeper meaning, genuine peace, and authentic purpose.

Starting on Wednesday 20th April at 7:30pm, we invite our local community to join us for ALIVE – a thought-provoking five-week series exploring life's biggest questions through the lens of historical encounters with Jesus after his resurrection.

What to Expect

Each Wednesday evening features a beautifully produced short film followed by relaxed group discussions where all perspectives are welcome. The series explores universal human needs we all share:

• Finding transformative love in a world of shallow connections
• Discovering hope when life seems uncertain
• Experiencing peace amid life's chaos
• Living in freedom from what holds us back
• Fulfilling our unique purpose

Whether you're spiritual, skeptical, or somewhere in between, ALIVE creates space for authentic conversation without pressure or judgment. The content is accessible to everyone, regardless of background or beliefs.

A Community Experience

ALIVE isn't just about watching videos – it's about connecting with others in our community. Our entire church family is pausing their regular activities to create a welcoming environment for everyone. Refreshments will be served, and the atmosphere will be casual and friendly.

This is an ideal opportunity for anyone curious about spirituality, interested in historical perspectives on Jesus, or simply looking to connect with others in a meaningful way.

Details at a Glance

When: Starting Wednesday 30th April 7:30pm, continuing for five weeks

1. Wednesday 30th April
2. Wednesday 7th May
3. Wednesday 14th May
4. Wednesday 21st May
5. Wednesday 28th May

Cost: Free
What to bring: Just yourself and an open mind

No registration required – simply show up and you'll be warmly welcomed.

For more information, contact admin@360life.church

ALIVE is for everyone – because there's more to being alive than simply living.

Resurrection Hope in the Letters and Revelation

"From the dust we will rise to shine, like stars in a new creation."

As we conclude our Living Hope series on Palm Sunday, we arrive at the final chapters of God's great story of resurrection hope. Throughout this journey, we've witnessed how God consistently pushes back the forces of death and brings forth life across the entire biblical narrative. Now, in the New Testament letters and Revelation, we see this hope reach its magnificent culmination.

The Letters: Living in Light of Resurrection

The New Testament letters show us that resurrection isn't just a historical event or future promise—it's the foundation that underpins all Christian teaching and living. Because Christ has been raised, we live in the light of resurrection now, even as we look forward to our own future resurrection.

Paul, whose own dramatic encounter with the risen Christ transformed him from persecutor to apostle, emphasizes the centrality of resurrection:

"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)

Notice how Paul connects Jesus' resurrection to the pattern of "third-day deliverances" we've seen throughout Scripture—Isaac, Hezekiah, Jonah, Esther, and others. These earlier examples weren't coincidental but were laying the groundwork for understanding the significance of Jesus rising on the third day.

Jesus: Our Resurrection Priest

One of the most profound implications of Christ's resurrection appears in the book of Hebrews, where we learn that Jesus' resurrection establishes Him as our eternal high priest:

"Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." (Hebrews 7:24-25)

This overflows with living hope! Previous priests would eventually die and need replacement, but Jesus is a priest forever, able to save us completely, always living to intercede for us. His resurrection makes possible what no earthly priest could accomplish—giving us confidence to approach God's throne of grace.

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to feel sympathy for our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Already But Not Yet

The letters reveal a profound truth about resurrection: it has both present and future dimensions. While we await the final resurrection of our bodies, something of resurrection has already begun in us:

• We have been "raised with Christ now" (Colossians 3:1)
• We are "seated with him" in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6-7)
• We have been transferred from "the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light"

When we were spiritually dead in sin, God showed us mercy and brought us to spiritual life in Christ. This present spiritual resurrection enables us to "shine as lights in the world" (echoing Daniel's language that Paul uses in Philippians).

Yet we also recognize that we live between the "already" of Christ's kingdom coming to earth and the "not yet" of its full consummation. The world remains broken, and physical death reminds us that the fullness of Christ's victorious work is still to come. As Peter beautifully expresses:

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade." (1 Peter 1:3-4)

Revelation: The Culmination of Resurrection Hope

The book of Revelation presents the glorious fulfillment of resurrection hope. Through complex imagery and rich Old Testament allusions, two truths shine clearly: Jesus is the glorified risen Savior, and the future resurrection will bring eternal life to God's people.

John's vision begins with seeing the risen, glorified Christ, who declares:

"Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the living one; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades." (Revelation 1:17-18)

This stunning declaration reveals that Jesus isn't merely someone who experienced resurrection—He is "the living one" who conquered death and now holds authority over it. The keys symbolize His power to unlock death's prison and release those held captive by it.

Throughout the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3, we see recurring promises of resurrection life:

• The "tree of life" in God's paradise for those who overcome
• The "crown of life" for those faithful unto death
• Warnings to churches that appear alive but are spiritually dead

These messages remind us that how we live matters eternally. Spiritual resurrection should produce visible fruits of repentance and obedience. As Paul writes, "Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:11).

All Things Made New

Revelation culminates with the magnificent vision of resurrection hope fully realized:

"Then I saw 'a new heaven and a new earth,' for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away... He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away... I am making everything new!" (Revelation 21:1, 4-5)

Here we see that resurrection isn't about escaping this world but about God setting it right. The presence of death that has haunted humanity since Genesis 3 will finally be abolished. The tree of life, which first appeared in Eden, returns in Revelation 22, now accessible to all believers from every tribe and tongue who follow Jesus.

Our Living Hope

As we conclude our journey through Scripture, we've witnessed how God consistently overcomes the forces of death from Genesis to Revelation:

• Throughout the Old Testament, the God of life pushed back the forces of death with irresistible power
• In the Gospels, Jesus demonstrated how his power defeats the effects of sin and death
• His resurrection makes possible both our spiritual life now and bodily resurrection in the future
• His return will complete what began when He first brought the Kingdom to earth

This is our living hope—that from the dust we will rise to shine like stars in a new creation. We will display a glory and life flowing from our unbreakable union with Christ. Even as we face struggles in this broken world, we can endure with confidence, knowing that all things will be made new, including us, the people of God.

"Christian affirmation of resurrection is not chiefly about escaping this world but righting it. Resurrection is not about denying this world but rather enabling believers to have an honest assessment of their experience and yet to have a real hope for restoration beyond it. Pain is real, but it is not the only reality." – Kelly Kapic

This article concludes our "Living Hope" series exploring the theme of resurrection hope throughout Scripture.

Resurrection Power in Acts!

As we approach Easter Sunday, we continue our Lenten journey exploring resurrection hope throughout Scripture. This week, we examine how the early church carried the message of the risen Christ into the world through the book of Acts.

Acts: Resurrection Hope in Action

The book of Acts opens with a crucial transition – Jesus ascending to heaven after His resurrection. Unlike His departure at the cross, this departure empowers rather than discourages the disciples. Why? Because Jesus has conquered death, and His physical body has taken on immortality.

"Jesus died bodily, rose bodily, ascended bodily, now reigns bodily sitting at God's right hand, and He will return bodily at the end of the age."

This ascension demonstrated that His glorified, resurrected state was preparation for humanity to inherit the kingdom of Heaven. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:20-21, Christ "will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body."

Pentecost: Resurrection Power Released

The Holy Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost was only possible because Jesus rose and ascended. What we see in Acts is the disciples teaching and ministering in the name of the risen Jesus – living hope empowering their mission with remarkable boldness.

Resurrection: Central to the Gospel Message

Throughout Acts, one pattern becomes unmistakable – every time the apostles preach, they emphasise Jesus' resurrection. In fact, Jesus is often referred to as "Jesus Christ... who God raised from the dead" (appearing as many as 10 times in Acts). This wasn't just a detail; it was His defining characteristic and the evidence of His claims to be God's Son.

In Peter's powerful Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:22-39), he declares:

"But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him."

Peter explains that Jesus' resurrection fulfilled Scripture, linking King David's prophetic words to this world-changing event. The resurrection was proof that Jesus was "both Lord and Messiah," compelling the crowd to ask, "What shall we do?"

Resurrection Hope and Forgiveness

In Acts 13, Paul connects resurrection hope directly to forgiveness of sins:

"It is on account of this resurrected Jesus that the forgiveness of your sins can be promised. He accomplishes, in those who believe, everything that the Law of Moses could never make good on." (Acts 13:38-39, MSG)

This powerful truth shows why resurrection was central to their message – without it, there could be no forgiveness, no new life, no salvation.

Resurrection Power Demonstrated

The book of Acts doesn't just talk about resurrection – it shows this power in action. In Acts 20, when Eutychus falls from a third-story window and dies during Paul's lengthy sermon, Paul demonstrates resurrection power by bringing him back to life.

This miracle served as visible proof that God's resurrection power that raised Jesus didn't end with Him – it continued to work through His followers. As Paul would later ask King Agrippa, "Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?" (Acts 26:8)

Living in Resurrection Time

What does this mean for us today? Like the early church, we live in what we might call "resurrection time" – the period after Jesus inaugurated new life through His resurrection. We're not waiting for God to begin His resurrection work; we're living in the time when resurrection power has already been unleashed into the world.

As Paul boldly proclaimed to Agrippa in Acts 26:22-23:

"The Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles."

Jesus was not merely the first person to be brought back to life (as we've seen throughout our series, there were others). Rather, He was the first to experience a new kind of resurrection – one that leads to "embodied glory" and immortality. Every other person brought back to life eventually died again, but Jesus established "the pattern of a new kind of existence."

Our Living Hope Today

As we approach Easter Sunday, the book of Acts reminds us that resurrection isn't just a historical event – it's the power that fuels our mission and purpose as followers of Jesus. The same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us.

Like the early church, we can allow this living hope to energise our discipleship and gospel-sharing. What the disciples discovered was that resurrection hope is contagious – "when you start talking about it, it has effects beyond the immediate, like a ripple effect."

This Easter season, let's embrace and proclaim this living hope, knowing that God's resurrection power continues to work in and through us, bringing new life to a world desperate for good news.

Resurrection Hope in the Gospels

"In Jesus, the age of the resurrection has come because the life He gives defeats sin and conquers death!"

As we continue our Living Hope series, we now turn to the New Testament Gospels where resurrection hope finds its most powerful expression in the person of Jesus Christ. Over the past three weeks, we've traced God's pattern of bringing life from death throughout the Old Testament. Now, as we enter the Gospels, we see this pattern not just continuing but reaching its magnificent crescendo.

Jesus: The Firstfruits of Resurrection Glory

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly spoke of His coming death and resurrection, telling His disciples: "The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day" (Matthew 17:22-23).

Jesus is not simply another example of resurrection in Scripture—He is the firstfruits of resurrection glory. The Hebrew word Bikkurim (firstfruits) literally means "promise to come." This beautifully captures Jesus' role as the pioneer of resurrection life. Others had been raised from physical death before, but they would die again. Jesus, once raised, is alive forevermore!

When Jesus rose from the dead, He launched the new creation work of God through His victory over death. His resurrection wasn't just a one-time miracle but the inauguration of a new age where death's power is fundamentally broken.

The Ministry of Life

Before His own resurrection, Jesus' entire earthly ministry was characterized by pushing back the forces of death and bringing forth life. Compared to what we've seen in the Old Testament, the ministry of Jesus is like comparing "a fast-flowing river to Niagara Falls!"

Consider the abundance of life-giving miracles Jesus performed:

• Cleansing lepers from disease
• Opening blind eyes and deaf ears
• Enabling the lame to not just walk but dance
• Setting captives free from tormenting spirits
• Feeding thousands with just a few loaves and fish

These weren't just kind acts of compassion. They were declarations of war against the forces of death—acts of victory over the effects of sin and death in our world.

Resurrection Authority

One of the most powerful demonstrations of Jesus' authority over death came in His raising of the dead:

• The widow's son at Nain, raised during his own funeral procession
• Jairus' daughter, called back from death with the simple words, "Little girl, arise"
• Lazarus, who had been in the tomb for four days, yet walked out alive at Jesus' command

Unlike Elijah and Elisha who called upon God's power to raise the dead, Jesus spoke with His own divine authority. The same voice that spoke creation into being now spoke life back into lifeless bodies. These resurrections foreshadowed the final day when Jesus will command all tombs to open and the dead to rise.

As Jesus Himself declared: "Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live... a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out" (John 5:25, 28-29).

The Third Day Pattern

Notice that Jesus specifically announced His resurrection would happen "on the third day." This wasn't a random detail but a deliberate connection to the pattern of third-day deliverances we've seen throughout the Old Testament—Isaac being saved on the third day, Jonah emerging from the fish, Esther approaching the king after three days of fasting.

This repeated pattern finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's resurrection on the third day. What had been hinted at throughout Scripture now becomes gloriously clear.

A Transformed Body

After His resurrection, Jesus demonstrated the reality of His bodily resurrection by inviting His disciples to touch Him and by eating food in their presence. Yet His resurrection body also displayed remarkable new capabilities—appearing and disappearing at will, passing through closed doors.

In the beautiful account of the road to Emmaus, the risen Jesus walked alongside two followers who initially didn't recognize Him. When their eyes were opened as He broke bread with them, they realized they had been in the presence of their risen Lord. His body was real and tangible, yet transformed and glorified.

This gives us a glimpse of the resurrection bodies promised to all who trust in Christ. As Jesus told His disciples, the life-giving power of the Son of God will transform our perishable and weak condition, and as Daniel foretold, we will "shine like the stars"—and like the Son.

Our Living Hope Today

The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical event to be remembered, but the very foundation of our hope. His resurrection is the guarantee of our own. Because He lives, we will live. His resurrection is the firstfruits—the down payment and promise—of the full harvest to come.

Jesus' resurrection demonstrates that something greater than death is here. The God of life has overcome the power of death. Jesus was the last Adam, but unlike the first Adam who returned to dust, the last Adam rises back to life once and for all, setting the new creation into motion.

As we approach Easter, we celebrate not just an event from the past, but a living reality that transforms our present and secures our future. This is our living hope—that because Jesus lives, we too shall live, shining like the stars in the kingdom of our Father.

"Because He lives, we will live. This is our living hope! The life-giving power of the Son of God will transform our perishable and weak condition and as Daniel put it, we will shine like the stars—and like the Son."

This article is the fourth in our "Living Hope" series exploring the theme of resurrection hope throughout Scripture.

Resurrection Hope in the Writings

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." – Psalm 73:26

As we continue our Lenten journey exploring resurrection hope throughout Scripture, we turn our attention to the third major section of the Old Testament: the Writings. These books—including Psalms, Job, Ruth, Esther, Daniel, and Chronicles—contain some of the most dramatic pictures and prophecies of resurrection hope in the Bible.

A Love Death Cannot Thwart

Throughout the Psalms, we find countless expressions of faith in God's power to rescue from the threats of death. The psalmists don't just cry out for deliverance from present dangers; they express confidence in God's power that extends beyond this life.

In Psalm 73:23-26, Asaph beautifully articulates this living hope:

"Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterwards you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Asaph discovers what we too can experience—that we are grasped by a love that will not let us go, a power that death and the dissolution of the body cannot thwart. The word "take" in "you will take me into glory" is the same Hebrew word used when God "took" Enoch and Elijah, saving them from experiencing death. This is our living hope as followers of Christ: God walks with us, holds our hand, and His grasp is stronger than death.

From Death to Life: The Story of Ruth

The book of Ruth begins with an overwhelming picture of death's power. We meet Naomi, who has lost her husband and both sons in a foreign land, leaving her and her daughter-in-law Ruth without protection, provision, or prospects. Famine, death, grief, loneliness, and poverty surround these women—a dire situation that seems beyond hope.

Yet the more dire the circumstances, the more miraculous the deliverance.

Through a series of providential events, Ruth meets and marries Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer of Naomi's family. Their marriage leads to the birth of a son, Obed, and the women of Bethlehem declare to Naomi:

"Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age." (Ruth 4:14-15)

What began as a story of death was transformed into a story of life. And this reversal goes beyond one family's restoration—through Obed's lineage would eventually come King David, and ultimately, Jesus Christ. Out of death and hopelessness, God brought forth life with eternal significance.

Deliverance on the Third Day: Esther's Story

In the book of Esther, we find the Jewish people living under the threat of annihilation in Persia. When Esther is called to intervene on their behalf, she faces potential death herself—approaching the king without invitation carried the death penalty.

After the Jewish people fast for three days, Esther approaches the king's court and finds acceptance rather than death. Her deliverance on the third day leads to the salvation of all the Jewish people in Persia from certain destruction.

Throughout Esther, God's pattern of reversal is evident—what was meant for death becomes life, what was intended for destruction becomes salvation. Once again, we are reminded that the forces of death are no match for the God of life.

Unharmed by Death's Flames: Daniel's Testimony

The book of Daniel provides some of the most vivid pictures of God's power over death. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are thrown into a blazing furnace for refusing to worship false gods, they emerge completely unharmed:

"They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them." (Daniel 3:27)

Later, Daniel himself is thrown into a den of lions—a situation that naturally could only result in death. Yet "no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God" (Daniel 6:23). In both stories, we see not resurrection after death, but something perhaps even more powerful—the complete triumph of life over death's seemingly unstoppable forces.

Daniel 12:2-3 gives us one of the clearest teachings in the Old Testament on physical resurrection:

"Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."

This passage points forward to the ultimate resurrection hope we have in Christ—that those who trust in Him will experience everlasting life in God's presence.

From Exile to Restoration: The End and the Beginning

The Hebrew Bible in Jesus' day ended with 2 Chronicles, which concludes with a powerful note of hope. After 70 years of exile in Babylon—a kind of corporate death—King Cyrus proclaims:

"The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of his people among you may go up, and may the Lord their God be with them." (2 Chronicles 36:23)

The Old Testament doesn't end with exile but with hope, pointing to the future. God is calling His people from exile to freedom, from death to life—like dry bones coming together in a valley. This ending is actually a beginning, pointing toward the greater restoration to come through Christ.

Our Living Hope Today

As we continue our journey through Scripture, we see how the stories of rescue and prayers of faith in the Writings build upon the Law and the Prophets, stoking the fires of resurrection hope. The biblical narrative consistently reveals a God who turns:

• Darkness into light
• Death into life
• Sickness into healing
• Destruction into restoration
• Exile into homecoming

This same God holds us by the right hand today, guiding us with His counsel through whatever challenges we face. And when our flesh and heart fail, He remains the strength of our heart and our portion forever.

The earth will not hold the dead forever. There is a time to live, a time to die, and a time to rise. Our living hope isn't just in what God has done in the past or what He will do in the distant future—it's in who He is right now: the God of life whose power death cannot overcome.

This article is the third in our "Living Hope" series exploring the theme of resurrection hope throughout Scripture. Next week, we will continue our journey as we move into the New Testament and begin with the Gospels.

Resurrection Hope in the Prophetic Writings

"The God of life is active in His creation, displaying His covenant faithfulness and divine power."

From Hints to Declarations

Last week, we began our journey through Scripture exploring how resurrection hope appears throughout the biblical narrative. We discovered that in the first five books of the Bible, God consistently demonstrates His power over the forces of death—bringing order from chaos, life from barrenness, and deliverance from bondage.

As we move into the prophetic writings of the Old Testament, we see this resurrection hope becoming even stronger and more explicit. What was once hinted at now becomes clearly declared. What was suggested is now spelled out in full.

A God Who Relentlessly Pursues

The prophetic books—from Joshua to Malachi—show us a God who is relentlessly pursuing His people and drawing them back to Himself. In every time, in every place, in every way, God advances His promises in a world plagued by the forces of death.

Resurrection hope is not just something promised for a distant future. It is active in the present, as God moves people from darkness to light, from death to life, from captivity to freedom, from barrenness to fruitfulness.

From Death to Life: The Journey of God's People

In Joshua, we see the formerly enslaved nation of Israel receiving the promised land—a powerful picture of movement from enslavement to inheritance, from death to life. The geographical journey from Egypt to Canaan represents a spiritual journey into freedom and flourishing.

The book of Judges reveals a cycle that repeats for over 300 years: Israel falls into sin (moving away from God, the source of life), faces oppression, cries out to God, and is delivered through a judge God raises up. God's resurrection power to restore His people from darkness back to light is relentless—He never gives up, even after multiple cycles of rebellion.

As Hannah sings in 1 Samuel 2:6, "The Lord kills and brings to life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up." Having experienced God's life-giving power in her own body through the birth of Samuel after years of barrenness, Hannah understood that God holds power over death itself.

The First Physical Resurrections

It's in the prophetic books that we encounter the first actual physical resurrections in Scripture. These aren't lengthy, dramatic accounts as we might expect for such earth-shattering events—they're told with remarkable brevity, yet their significance cannot be overstated.

In 1 Kings 17, Elijah raises the widow's son from death:

"Then he stretched himself upon the child three times and cried to the LORD, 'O LORD my God, let this child's life come into him again.' And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived." (1 Kings 17:21-22)

This is followed by Elisha raising the Shunammite's son (2 Kings 4), and later, a dead man coming to life after touching Elisha's bones (2 Kings 13:20-21). These accounts confirm what had previously been only a reasonable belief—that God indeed has power over physical death itself.

From Individual to Corporate Hope

The prophets expand this hope beyond individual resurrections to a promise for all God's people. Isaiah declares that God "will swallow up death forever" (Isaiah 25:8), pointing to a day when death itself will be abolished for all time.

Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37) powerfully illustrates God's promise to restore His exiled people:

"Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live." (Ezekiel 37:12-14)

This vision reveals that even dry, dusty bones are no match for resurrection power! God promises not just individual restoration but corporate resurrection for all His people.

Mocking Death's Power

By the time we reach Hosea, resurrection hope has become so certain that the prophet can actually mock death itself:

"I will deliver this people from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?" (Hosea 13:14 NIV)

These words, later echoed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15, reveal a hope so strong, so robust, so certain that it can taunt the very thing that stands in opposition to it. Living hope is brazen hope—confident, strong, and unwavering.

Living in Resurrection Hope Today

What does this mean for us today? The prophetic writings reveal that:

1. God's resurrection power works in multiple ways – He can postpone death (as with Hezekiah), prevent it (as with Elijah), and reverse it (as with the widow's son).

2. Repentance leads to resurrection – As Hosea 6:1-2 shows, returning to the Lord is the path to being raised up and revived.

3. God's life-giving power is for all creation – The prophets envision a time when all creation will flourish by the power of God.

4. Living hope is confident hope – We can face the forces of death in our world with the same confidence that led Hosea to mock death's power.

In a world still plagued by the effects of death—sickness, poverty, violence, corruption—we serve a God who consistently speaks life, healing, hope, and wholeness. Where death seems to have the final word, our God of resurrection has only begun to speak.

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" – 1 Corinthians 15:55

This article is the second in our "Living Hope" series exploring the theme of resurrection hope throughout Scripture.

Resurrection Hope in the Law

"To live without hope is to cease to live." – Fyodor Dostoevsky

In a world where despair often seems to dominate headlines and hopelessness can feel just a few steps away, we as Jesus-followers are called to be people filled with a different kind of hope – a living hope.

The God Who Brings Life from Death

When we think about resurrection, we naturally think of Easter Sunday and Jesus' triumph over the grave. But God's power over death isn't just a New Testament revelation – it's woven throughout the entire biblical narrative, beginning in the very first book.

The Bible shows us that death is more than just physical – it encompasses anything that inhibits, harms, or destroys the fullness of life God intends for His creation. And wherever we see these forces of death at work, God demonstrates His power to restore, heal, and bring new life.

Glimpses of Resurrection Hope in the Torah

Even in the earliest pages of Scripture, we find powerful examples of God's victory over death:

Enoch: Breaking the Pattern

Genesis 5 presents a sobering rhythm – a list of generations with the repeated refrain "and then he died." But suddenly the pattern is interrupted with Enoch, who "walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away" (Genesis 5:24).

This divine interruption of death's seemingly unstoppable pattern reveals a stunning truth: death isn't as invincible as it appears. If God could deliver someone before death, might He also be able to deliver someone after death?

Life from Barrenness

Throughout Genesis, barrenness represents a kind of death – the end of family lines through which God's promises would be fulfilled. Yet God repeatedly brings life from this "death."

When God enabled Sarah to conceive Isaac at the age of 90, it wasn't merely a miracle of conception but a demonstration of God's power to bring life where death seemed to have the final word. Sarah herself recognized this when she said, "God has brought me laughter" – her very joy was a resurrection of sorts.

Abraham's Resurrection Faith

Perhaps the most striking example comes in Genesis 22, when Abraham is tested by God's command to sacrifice Isaac – the very son through whom God promised to establish His covenant. Abraham's response reveals extraordinary faith in God's resurrection power.

When Abraham told his servants, "Stay here... we will worship and then we will come back to you," he wasn't being deceptive. As Hebrews 11:19 explains, "Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death."

Abraham's confidence wasn't wishful thinking but was grounded in the character of God who had already demonstrated His power to bring life from Sarah's "dead" womb. If God could do that, Abraham believed, He could certainly restore life to Isaac if necessary.

Did you notice that Isaac was saved "on the third day" (Genesis 22:4)? This is just the first of many "third day" deliverances we'll discover throughout Scripture.

The God of Life

While the first five books of the Bible don't record any literal physical resurrections, they lay the groundwork for understanding God's character as the God of life who:

• Brings order from chaos and light from darkness
• Creates life where there was none
• Delivers His people from slavery and death
• Heals barrenness and illness
• Rescues from disasters and threats
• Keeps His promises against all odds

Hope for Today

What does this mean for us today? Simply this: the same God who demonstrated His power over death throughout the Law is still at work now.

Wherever you see death's effects – in broken relationships, failing health, dashed dreams, or seemingly hopeless situations – remember that these forces are no match for the God of life. The seeds of resurrection hope were planted long before the empty tomb, and they continue to bear fruit in our lives today.

As we journey toward Easter, may we be strengthened by this living hope – not as a distant future promise only, but as the present reality of a God who has always been in the business of bringing dead things to life.

This article is the first in our "Living Hope" series exploring the theme of resurrection hope throughout Scripture.

Helping You Achieve Your Potential

With exam season approaching, we understand the pressure students face. That's why we're opening our doors at Cale Green Life Centre to provide a supportive space for students to prepare for their exams.

What to Expect

Our team of experienced tutors will be available to help with a range of subjects including maths, science, English, and more. Whether you need specific help with challenging topics or just a quiet, focused environment to study, we've got you covered.

Need a break from your usual revision spot? Sometimes a change of scene can boost productivity and help information sink in better. Our comfortable space provides the perfect alternative to studying at home.

We'll provide refreshments (including plenty of biscuits!) to keep energy levels up during your revision sessions.

When and Where

Location: Cale Green Life Centre, 71 Adswood Road, Stockport, SK3 8HR Dates: 14th, 15th, 16th April Time: 10am - 1pm Cost: Free of charge (booking required)

How to Book Your Place

To book your FREE place on any or all of the sessions, please go to eventbrite or email admin@360life.church.

Don't forget to bring your revision materials on the day!

We look forward to welcoming you and helping you achieve your academic goals!

We believe in supporting our community through all of life's challenges, including exam preparation. This is just one way we're putting our faith into practical action to serve the needs of families in our area.

360Life Church is a registered charity (1051794) committed to serving the Stockport community.

Welcome to Friday Toddlers at 360Life

Every Friday morning, our church building fills with the sound of little feet and happy voices as families from across Stockport come together for our weekly toddler group. Running from 9:30-11:30am during term time, this group has become a cherished part of many families' weekly routines.

What to Expect

When you join us, you'll find a warm welcome and plenty of activities to keep little ones engaged. From creative craft corners to exciting play areas, there's something for every child to enjoy. Parents and carers can relax with a hot drink while their children explore and make new friends.

2025 Term Dates

We run most Friday mornings during term time, but we'll be closed on the following dates:

• February 21st (Half Term)
• April 18th and 25th (Easter Break)
• May 30th (Half Term)
• June 6th
• August (Summer Break - closed all month)

Join Us

You'll find us at: Cale Green Life Centre 71 Adswood Road Stockport SK3 8HR

No booking needed - just drop in! It costs just £2.00 for one adult with one child, plus an extra 50p for each additional child or adult.

Get in Touch

Have questions? Need more information? Contact our church office: Phone: 0161 850 8360

We look forward to welcoming you and your little ones!

Ever wondered about baptism? This Sunday at 10:30am, we're celebrating with members of our church family as they take this meaningful step in their faith journey.

I remember my own baptism - that powerful moment of saying "YES!" to Jesus. It's a beautiful way of showing you've found new life in Him, a public declaration of following Jesus. It is a life transforming moment!

Whether you're just curious about baptism or thinking about taking this step yourself, we'd love you to join us for this special celebration. Bring your questions, bring your friends, and experience the joy of seeing lives transformed.

Want to know more about baptism? We'd love to chat to you - no pressure, just an open conversation about what baptism means.

Join us this Sunday at Cale Green Life Centre for this celebration of new life in Jesus.

Free refreshments after the service, and children's groups available during the service.

Questions about baptism? Chat with any of our team on Sunday, or reach out through our contact details.

Happy New Year! From the leadership team at 360Life Church.

In this article, you'll find details about when all our usual activities are starting up again after the Christmas break. But first here's a short message from Hayley, Andy and Laura.

Hayley Wall While it is a new year, we are not starting from scratch. I am particularly praying that as we build on what we have already known God lead us in, he will continue to work in us and through us in 2025. Let's be faithful in all things, trusting in the One who weaves everything together to fulfil his plans and purposes. May we each know God's strength and favour this year.

Andy Eadie 2025 is a great number, it is a perfect square (45 x 45) that hasn't happened since 1936 (44 x 44) and won't happen again until 2116! That is significant but simply numerically, but I do feel that with the numeric significance comes spiritual significance for us as 360Life Church. In Romans 15:13 it says "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" That is my prayer for our church family this year and that we will have a truly significant year for the furthering of His Kingdom!

Laura Whillans A lot of people think of the new year as a blank page, a new beginning, a chance to start over. However, this year I am challenged to see the new year as a chance to build on all that we have seen God do in the last 12 months. What if instead of trying to forget 2024, and everything we saw and went through and experienced, we instead saw it all as a springboard to the amazing things that God wants to do in and through us as his disciples in 2025? What an adventure that could be for us as a church family! I'm excited to be a part of it!

Starting up After a lovely Christmas break, our usual activities are starting up again. Here are the details of what's on and when. You can also check out the church calendar on the website for future dates.

• Sunday Mornings, 10:30am.
• Prayer Meetings, Tuesdays, 8pm.
• Youth at the Whittaker's, every other Tuesday, 7:30pm.
• Warm Welcome Space, Thursdays, 10am to 2pm.
• Toddler Group, Fridays, 9:30am.
• Community Prayer Space, Second Saturdays, Life Centre, 10:30am.
• Who Let the Dads Out, 9:30am, Third Saturdays.

Join us for two special carol services on Sunday, December 22nd:

3:00 PM - Scratch Nativity Carol Service A relaxed, family-friendly celebration featuring our spontaneous nativity performance where children and adults can become part of the Christmas story. No rehearsals needed – just join in!

5:30 PM - Candlelit Carol Service As evening falls, enjoy the peaceful glow of candlelight, timeless carols, and seasonal readings. A moment of tranquility during the festive season. Both services feature beloved Christmas carols and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you're a regular churchgoer or haven't been in years, you'll find a place here.

Free admission • Refreshments provided • All welcome

Our Response

In response to recent developments regarding assisted suicide legislation in the UK, 360Life Church is urging its congregation to take action. Kevin Todhunter will address this critical issue during our upcoming Sunday service.

Open Letter from Faith Leaders

On November 21, 2024, an open letter was released to the media by significant faith leaders across the UK, including Glyn Barrett, the National Leader of AoG GB. This letter emphasizes the intrinsic value of every human life, grounded in the belief that all are made in God's image (Genesis 1:27). It calls for the protection of the vulnerable and urges against the proposed changes in legislation.

The letter underscores our collective responsibility as the body of Christ to love our neighbors (Luke 10:27) and defend the rights of the needy (Proverbs 31:9). It is a call to remind each other of our inherent worth, affirming that "it is good you are in the world."

Call to Action

As a church, we are encouraged to prayerfully consider our response to this issue and communicate our concerns to our MPs. Below is a link that enables individuals to quickly write to their MPs. This is a crucial opportunity for us to advocate for those who may not have a voice in this debate.

We believe this is a pivotal moment for us as a community to stand together in faith and action. Let us continue to uphold the dignity and value of every life through our prayers and our voices.

FREE ENTRY

Join us on Saturday 7th December from 12-4pm for a magical afternoon of festive fun! Our Christmas Extravaganza features a wonderful local makers market where you can discover unique Christmas gifts crafted by talented artisans from our community.

While you browse, treat yourself to delicious festive refreshments and get creative at our family craft stations. Take home your own handmade creations as a memento of the day – perfect additions to your Christmas decorations!

Throughout the afternoon, prepare to be amazed by our special guest magician, who'll be performing incredible entertainment for the whole family.

Located in our car park and church building, this free event promises a wonderful afternoon of Christmas cheer. Come join us for this celebration of local creativity, family fun, and festive spirit!

Saturday 7th December, 12-4pm 360Life Church Cale Green Life Centre 71 Adswood Road Stockport SK3 8HR!

Christmas Extravaganza at 360Life Church - December 7th!

Christmas is just around the corner, and we're thrilled to invite you to our Christmas Extravaganza on Saturday, December 7th at 360Life Church!

Join us for a spectacular day of festive celebrations, including:

• Stalls with unique gifts and goodies
• Kids' activities that will keep the little ones entertained
• Family crafts for everyone to enjoy together
• Live music to get you into the holiday spirit
• Festive treats and refreshments to keep you warm and merry

This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the season and create wonderful memories with your family and friends. Whether you're looking to do some Christmas shopping, enjoy some festive fun, or simply soak in the holiday atmosphere, there's something for everyone at our Christmas Extravaganza.

Mark your calendars and save the date: Saturday, December 7th, at 360Life Church. We can't wait to see you there and celebrate the magic of Christmas together!

For more details and updates over the coming months, visit our website or follow us on social media.

Let’s make this Christmas a truly special one!

Hey dads! Are you ready for some quality time with your little ones? "Who Let the Dads Out?" is back and better than ever after our summer break!

What's it all about?

"Who Let the Dads Out?" is a laid-back, fun-filled morning designed just for dads (or father figures) and their children aged 0-8. It's the perfect opportunity to:

Bond with your kids in a relaxed environment

• Meet other dads and share experiences
• Enjoy a delicious FREE breakfast (who doesn't love that?)
• Have a blast with a wide array of toys and activities

When and Where?

Join us at the Cale Green Life Centre every third Saturday of the month, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Our next session kicks off this Saturday! (21st Septemeber)

Why Join Us?

• Dad-Friendly Atmosphere: No awkward mom circles here! Just a bunch of dads having fun with their kids.
• Free Breakfast: Start your day right with a tasty breakfast barm on the house.
• Community Support: Connect with other dads who understand the joys and challenges of fatherhood.
• Quality Time: Create lasting memories with your children in a fun, engaging environment.
• No Cost, No Pressure: It's completely free, and there's no obligation. Come as you are!

Spread the Word!

Know other dads who might be interested? Share this with them! Let's build a community where dads can thrive and kids can have a blast.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to strengthen your bond with your little ones and meet other awesome dads. See you there!

Keeping Your Data Safe

At 360Life Church, we believe that caring for our community goes beyond our services and gatherings—it also means protecting your personal information. Over the past few weeks, our dedicated team has been busy behind the scenes updating our privacy policy to reflect the latest GDPR standards. We want to take a moment to explain what this means for you and why it’s so important to us.

What is GDPR, and Why Should You Care?

GDPR, or the General Data Protection Regulation, is a set of laws designed to protect the privacy and personal data of individuals within the UK and the European Union. It ensures that organizations like ours handle your data responsibly, transparently, and securely. Whether it's your name, contact details, or even the dates of life events you've shared with us, GDPR is all about making sure this information is treated with the respect it deserves.

Why is GDPR Important to 360Life Church?

As a church, we’re all about community and connection. We collect and use personal data to keep in touch with you, to support you, and to provide services that help us all grow together in faith. Whether you're a long-time member, a regular attendee, or someone who’s just connected with us recently, we want you to feel confident that your personal data is safe and being used in ways that honor your trust in us.

What’s New in Our Privacy Policy?

We've updated our privacy policy to make sure it meets the highest standards of data protection. This means we've clarified how we collect, use, and safeguard your data, and we've outlined your rights when it comes to accessing, correcting, or even deleting your personal information.

We’ve also made sure the policy is easy to understand because we believe transparency is key. You can find the full privacy statement on our website HERE. We encourage everyone to take a few moments to read through it and understand how we’re looking after your data.

Your Role in Keeping Your Data Safe

As part of this update, we're asking everyone connected to 360Life Church to review the personal details we have on record for them. You might have already received an email about this. It’s a simple process—just a quick check to make sure we have everything right, and that you’re happy for us to continue holding and using your information. If you haven't had a chance yet, we’d really appreciate you taking a few moments to complete it.

Looking Ahead

Protecting your data isn’t just a legal requirement for us—it’s part of our commitment to you as a valued member of our community. We want to continue building trust with you, knowing that we’re handling your information with the care and attention it deserves.

If you have any questions or concerns about our privacy policy, or about how we use your data, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re here to help, and we want you to feel fully informed and comfortable with the way we operate.

Thank you for being a part of 360Life Church. We’re excited to keep growing together, with transparency and trust at the heart of everything we do.

As the summer holidays kick off, we're excited to share some fantastic updates and events with you! Our summer program launches on Sunday, 28th July, and we've got a lot planned. Kids will enjoy a simpler program, while our Sunday services will be shorter and more relaxed, with our youth joining the main service.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, 4th August, when we'll gather at 9:45 am for a delightful breakfast before the service. And don't miss our bring-and-share picnic on Sunday, 29th August—we'll either head to Cale Green Park or enjoy it indoors, weather-dependent.

Throughout August, join us for our Warm Welcome Space every Thursday from 10 am to 12 noon for tea, coffee, and cake. Plus, our weekly prayer meetings continue on Tuesday evenings at 8 pm.

We can't wait to spend this summer together, having fun, building relationships, and making wonderful memories. We hope you have a fantastic summer filled with God's favour!

Christian missions are crucial in countries like South Sudan, offering both spiritual and practical support amidst significant challenges. South Sudan is the world's youngest nation, gaining independence from Sudan in 2011 following decades of civil war. Despite its rich natural resources, the country still faces immense challenges, including ongoing political instability, conflict, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Widespread poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to healthcare and education further hinder development.

However, the missionary work there can bring hope through the teachings of Christ, fostering peace and reconciliation in a conflict-ridden society. It can provide essential services such as healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid. Rooted in the Great Commission, these missions embody Christ's love and compassion, making a tangible difference in the lives of the South Sudanese people.

We're compelled by God to share our resources, time, and compassion with those in need. Selfless giving reflects Jesus' command to love and serve others, spreading the gospel and demonstrating the transformative power of Christian faith in tangible ways. Let's give this coming Sunday with glad and generous hearts as we invest in God's kingdom by supporting the mission in South Sudan. Whether you give a little or a lot, what matters most is the heart behind your giving. God can multiply even the smallest efforts to make a significant impact.

On Sunday, we'll be accepting cash donations, card payments, and online contributions. You can also give directly through your bank by adding 'SouthSudan' as a reference. If you need our bank details, please get in touch.

If you can't make the meeting this Sunday but would still like to give to this mission, you can do so online here: https://360lifechurch.churchsuite.com/donate/fund/eg4zitwn

After this one, the next CPS will take place in September.

For those new to fasting, this would be a good first step towards making fasting a regular personal habit.

Click here to watch the sermon video.

Watch this space for news on the monthly "prayer space" starting on Saturday March 9th.

In a modern world filled with skepticism, it's essential to explore the historical foundations of our faith by delving into the question: Why should we trust the Bible? This article takes a journey through the annals of time to uncover the profound historical reliability of the Bible. We will unravel the mystery surrounding the selection of books that made it into this sacred text. Our endeavor seeks to disprove a popular conspiracy theory while meticulously examining the four key criteria that ensure we have the right books in our Bible.

Why These Books?

The Bible, comprised of the Old and New Testaments, stands as a cornerstone of Christianity. However, it's not often that we ponder the meticulous process that led to the inclusion of certain texts while excluding others. This exploration, therefore, is not merely about what's within these sacred pages but about why these specific books were chosen and, conversely, why others were not.

Canon

The term "canon" might conjure images of large, booming artillery in the minds of some, but in the context of the Bible, it holds a different significance. The canon is the exclusive collection of authoritative books that form the foundation of Christian faith. The term originates from the Greek language, where it denotes a rule or standard. For Christians, these canonical books represent the supreme standard against which they live their lives.

Disproving the Conspiracy Theory

In the realm of religious history, few conspiracy theories have garnered as much attention as the one propagated in Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code." The theory suggests that influential bishops, swayed by the pagan emperor Constantine, conspired in the fourth century to cherry-pick their favorite texts, suppress others, and destroy any documents that didn't align with their views. According to this theory, the New Testament, as we know it today, was essentially constructed by a small group of powerful individuals.

However, historical evidence decisively refutes this conspiracy theory. The reality is that early Christianity did not witness an inundation of diverse and conflicting texts. Indeed, the Christian writings confidently dated to the first century align remarkably well with the books that ultimately formed the New Testament. Moreover, by the first half of the second century, a group of teachers known as the apostolic fathers were already in doctrinal agreement with the soon-to-be canonical texts. It was only in the latter part of the second century, a full century after most New Testament books were written, that dissenting texts began to appear. Even these later writings show an awareness of the earlier, widely accepted books, underscoring their position as challengers to a firmly established tradition. Therefore, the conspiracy theory's claim of a wholesale suppression of equal but differing texts lacks historical substantiation.

The thorough examination of historical records leaves little room for doubt that the New Testament canon evolved as a result of an organic, gradual process rather than a conspiracy. The criteria used for inclusion were based on apostolicity, antiquity, orthodoxy, and universality, not the whims of powerful elites seeking to manipulate religious truth. This clear, robust selection process lends credence to the notion that the Bible, as we know it today, stands as a reliable witness to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

1. Canonicity

Now, let's delve deeper into the concept of canonicity, the process by which specific texts were recognized as authoritative and included in the Bible. This meticulous process is anchored in four primary criteria:

2. Apostolicity

The first criterion, apostolicity, demanded that the books were either authored by Jesus's original apostles or by individuals who had close, direct associations with them. This criterion ensured that the selected books carried the stamp of reliability and accuracy, as they were grounded in firsthand experiences of those who walked with Jesus.

3. Antiquity

Closely related to apostolicity, the criterion of antiquity emphasized that to carry apostolic authority, a text had to originate in the first century. This requirement stemmed from the fact that the apostles were no longer present by the beginning of the second century. This criterion aimed to preserve the firsthand experiences and teachings of Jesus.

4. Orthodoxy

The third criterion for a book's inclusion in the canon revolved around its adherence to the teachings and truths that Jesus himself had imparted. Initially, much of this tradition was transmitted orally. However, as time passed and various Gospels and epistles were penned and accepted as authoritative, the canon itself emerged as the benchmark against which new texts were assessed. If a text conflicted with the already accepted books, it faced rejection.

5. Universality

Universality served as the fourth and final criterion. For a text to earn the esteemed position of being included in the canon, it needed to be cherished and employed by Christians in every corner of the known world. Any text associated with a particular sect or limited to a specific region faced exclusion. Conversely, a text found favor among Christians worldwide had a strong case for inclusion.

Conclusion

The Bible, a sacred repository of faith, morality, and divine guidance, emerges from a rigorous and meticulous process. The texts it comprises were not arbitrarily chosen but meticulously received and faithfully transmitted from one generation to another. The canon of the Bible represents the culmination of this painstaking process, serving as a testament to the dedication and discernment of early Christians. Consequently, when we open the Bible today, we do so with confidence that the words we encounter accurately reflect the life, teachings, and events surrounding Jesus Christ. The Bible stands as a testament to both history and faith, anchoring our beliefs in a rich tapestry of tradition and reliability.

The central question we're tackling is: Can we genuinely trust what the Bible records? To address this, we're examining whether the Bible, particularly the New Testament, can be considered historically reliable. We're exploring five key reasons that support our belief in its reliability, one aspect at a time.

Manuscripts and Variants

Some skeptics challenge the Bible's reliability by suggesting that because we lack the original documents penned by the authors themselves, the copies we have must be corrupt, rendering us unable to know the authors' original words. This notion implies that we're dealing with "a translation of translations of translations," obscuring the original meaning. However, this claim doesn't hold up to scrutiny.

Now, we focus on the question of transmission: Can we have confidence that the original Bible texts have been accurately preserved throughout history? Are we, as some suggest, left with "hand-copied copies of copies of copies"?

Copies of Copies of Copies?

It's essential to acknowledge that we don't possess the original biblical manuscripts. All we have are hand-copied copies, and yes, the scribes made both unintentional errors and intentional corrections. Furthermore, there are approximately 400,000 variations among Greek manuscripts.

However, this doesn't mean we can't be highly confident about the Bible's original text. The key lies in the thousands of pieces of original-language text found in papyrus, vellum, and parchment from each book of the Bible—around 5,400 distinct pieces for the New Testament alone. These ancient documents, dating back to the first 3-4 centuries of Christianity, offer valuable insights.

The Importance of Many Manuscripts

The presence of numerous manuscripts is significant. Early Christians, churches, and individuals sought copies of these biblical texts. This demand, combined with the absence of the printing press, led to hand-copied versions. While scribes strived for accuracy, they still made some errors.

The existence of so many variants is partly due to the vast number of manuscripts. Variants appear clustered around specific sections of the text. Only in a few isolated cases are there more extensive doubts about the original text.

Significant Variants

While the number "400,000 variants" may seem overwhelming, it's essential to clarify this number. Variants don't mean unique readings; they indicate instances where words, phrases, or letters may differ. However, these variations are not uniformly distributed throughout the text. Most variants are quite unremarkable, with spelling differences comprising around 70% of them.

Textual Criticism: Solving the Puzzle

Textual criticism allows us to piece together what the original document most likely said, just like solving a logic puzzle. By identifying why a scribe introduced a change, we can infer the original text. Some variations are accidental, while others are intentional corrections or clarifications.

Scholars use these variants to arrive at confident conclusions about the original text, and this isn't a critique of the Bible. It's a method for discovering the original message. The vast number of manuscripts, along with textual criticism, underpins our confidence in understanding the Bible's original text.

Conclusion

The charge that we cannot know what the originals said is unfounded. The gap between the original documents and our earliest copies is not extensive. The numerous manuscripts we have, even with variations, enables us to reconstruct the original text with a high degree of historical confidence like the picture on a jigsaw box. The Bible's reliability remains intact.

As we continue this series, we'll explore more facets that affirm our trust in the Bible. But beyond these scholarly discussions, the core question remains: Are we truly trusting the Bible in our daily lives? The Bible offers wisdom for various aspects of our lives, from marriage to finances, calling us to heed its teachings. We'll address this fundamental aspect in the weeks to come.

Bridging Language and Meaning

Do our English translations of the Bible from its original language into our language accurately reflect the original Bible texts, or is it saying things the original never did?

Now, this is no small matter. Translating the Bible from ancient languages like Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek into modern English requires a meticulous approach. Most of us aren't fluent in the original biblical languages, and this raises essential questions about the trustworthiness of our English translations.

The first obstacle to overcome is the question of whether translation is even possible. We must convert ancient scripts like this:

"Μὴ θησαυρίζετε ὑμῖν θησαυροῦς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ὅπου σὴς καὶ βρῶσις ἀφανίζει, καὶ ὅπου κλέπται διορύσσουσιν καὶ κλέπτουσιν· θησαυρίζετε δὲ ὑμιν θησαυροὺς ἐν οὐρανῷ, ὅπου οὔτε σὴς οὔτε βρῶσις ἀφανίζει, καὶ ὅπου κλέπται οὐ διορύσσουσιν οὐδὲ κλέπτουσιν· ὅπου γάρ ἐστιν ὁ θησαυρός σου, ἐκεῖ ἔσται καὶ ἡ καρδία σου,"

into a comprehensible message, such as:

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt. 6:19–21)

Translation is, without a doubt, a challenging endeavor that demands extensive knowledge of both the source and target languages. It involves understanding the essence of words or sentences and crafting an equivalent meaning using different words to make it accessible to a different audience.

Scholars have devoted centuries to the study of Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, and English, and their expertise allows them to perform accurate translations between these languages.

You may wonder why there are so many Bible translations and whether they cast doubt on the original message. In truth, while different translations may use distinct words to convey the same Greek or Hebrew phrase, they do not leave us uncertain about the original message.

For instance, consider Mark 10:50 and its translation by various English Bibles. In its original Greek form: "ὁ δὲ άποβαλῶν τὸ ἱμάτιον αὐτοῦ ἀναπηδήσας ἦλθεν πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν."

Several English translations render it differently, yet the essence remains unmistakable:

• English Standard Version: "And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus."
• New American Standard Bible: "Throwing aside his cloak, he jumped up and came to Jesus."
• New International Version: "Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus."
• New Revised Standard Version: "So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus."
• King James Version: "And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus."

Despite variances in these translations, the action described is evident. The man swiftly removes his outer garment, rises, and approaches Jesus. Different translations do not obscure the original message. In fact, comparing multiple translations often provides a clearer understanding of the text.

While certain words and phrases pose translation challenges, it's important to remember the following:

1. Scholars have substantial disagreements about the translation of only a tiny fraction of words or phrases in the Bible. These instances represent a minuscule portion of any given biblical book.
2. When disagreements or uncertainties arise, reputable translations include footnotes, providing alternative interpretations or indicating when the meaning of the original language is uncertain.
3. The abundance of scholarly translations aids in identifying and rejecting misleading translations. Such diversity helps ensure the preservation of major doctrines of orthodox Christianity.

The multiple translations serve different purposes, allowing readers to choose between strict, word-for-word translations and more readable, phrase-for-phrase approaches. Rather than causing doubt, these variations provide a comprehensive view, enhancing our understanding.

As we continue this series, we'll address more questions that help us build confidence in the Bible's reliability. Alongside exploring these questions, we must examine our own commitment to trusting the Bible. It's essential to value the truth of God's Word and incorporate it into our daily lives, for, as Jesus said, the truth will set us free.

In today's world, we face an inundation of information and, unfortunately, misinformation. With the rise of fake news on the internet, it has become increasingly difficult to discern what is true from what is false. We live in an age where scepticism towards authority and claims to truth is encouraged, making it no surprise that this scepticism extends to the Bible.

Should We Trust the Bible?

If you're a Christian, you may have thought yourself, or had someone ask you: why you trust the Bible? How can you explain to someone who doesn't believe in the Bible why you trust it? This new series aims to equip you with answers to these questions, not just to win an argument, but to engage in meaningful conversations. As Christians, we are encouraged to be prepared to defend our faith, and this includes addressing the fundamental question of why we trust the Bible.

Christianity as History

Christianity is not merely a set of teachings or philosophical musings—it's also a claim rooted in history. At its core, Christianity asserts that something extraordinary occurred in the course of time—something real, concrete, and historical. To explore the reliability of the Bible, we must approach it as a historical document, rather than just assuming it is the Word of God from the outset. This approach invites scrutiny, allowing the documents to stand on their own merits in the court of historical opinion. Can the historical documents we believe are God’s Words stand up to this kind of scrutiny? Through this series we aim to show that they undoubtedly do!

A Chain of Reliability

To establish the reliability of the Bible, particularly the four Gospels, we must address a series of five critical questions. This process can be likened to examining a chain of reliability that extends from ourselves to the events in question:

1: Translation: Can we be confident in the translations? Can we be confident that the translation of the Bible from its original language into our language accurately reflects the original, or is it saying things the original never did?

2: Transmission: Are the manuscripts accurate? Can we be confident that copyists accurately transmitted the original writing to us, or did they (deliberately or not) alter it significantly?

3: Testaments: Do we have the right books? Can we be confident that we're looking at the correct set of books, or is there a possibility that we've missed equally reliable perspectives on Jesus?

4: Trustworthy: Are the authors reliable sources? Can we be confident that the original authors genuinely intended to provide an accurate account of events, or did they have other motives, such as writing fiction or deceiving us?

5: True: Were they telling the truth? Can we establish that the authors indeed intended to provide an accurate account? Can we be confident that what they described genuinely took place, or do we have better reasons to believe they were mistaken?

By addressing each of these questions, we can build a robust chain of reliability that connects us to the historical events described in the Bible.

Conclusion

In a world where trust in information is at a premium, it's crucial for Christians to have a well-founded basis for trusting the Bible. This series will delve into these critical questions and offer insights into why, as Christians, we can confidently place our trust in the Bible as a historically reliable source. To further your exploration, we will provide an information sheet listing recommended books and websites for those eager to delve deeper into this topic.

Over the last two years, it has been our utmost joy and privilege to welcome everyone. We have cherished every moment spent with families and have watched children grow and flourish. Together, we have created a safe and nurturing environment where friendships have blossomed, and memories have been made. We are immensely grateful to everyone who walked through the doors, shared stories, and enriched the community with their presence.

While we may be bidding farewell to Bibs and Bots, we want you to know that this is not the end of the journey. Our commitment to supporting families in our community remains unwavering. We are thrilled to announce that our toddler group will continue to meet every Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 during term time. These gatherings are suitable for children aged 0 to preschool and will provide a space for little ones to learn, play, and grow.

Additionally, our "Who Let the Dads Out" sessions will continue to be held on the third Saturday of every month. These sessions are specially designed for dads and other male caregivers to connect with their children in a meaningful way. We believe that strong, supportive communities are built on the involvement of all caregivers, and we look forward to seeing these sessions thrive.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported Bibs and Bots. As we navigate this transition, please know that the love and support of the 360Life Church community are always here for you. We are excited about the future and the opportunities it holds for us to continue growing together as a church family.

Once again, thank you for being a part of Bibs and Bots. We cherish the memories we have made together and look forward to creating new ones in the future. If you have any questions or need further information about our toddler groups or "Who Let the Dads Out" sessions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

But fear not! 'Who Let The Dads Out' is here to change that. It's a fantastic space where dads and their little ones, aged 0 to 8, can come together, bond, and have an absolute blast. No overwhelming mom circles to navigate, just a laid-back atmosphere filled with laughter and joy. You deserve this special time with your children, surrounded by like-minded dads who understand the joys and challenges of fatherhood.

And the cherry on top? It's all completely free, including a delicious breakfast barm to kickstart your day! Who doesn't love a free breakfast?

Join us at the Cale Green Life Centre every third Saturday of the month, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. You'll be greeted with warmth and refreshing beverages like tea, coffee, and juice, and a wide array of toys and activities to keep your children engaged and entertained.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey of fatherhood. We understand the importance of fatherhood and want to provide a supportive community just for you.

Take the plunge and be a part of 'Who Let The Dads Out.' Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity for dads to connect, relax, and create lasting memories with their little ones.

See you there!

As we head into the spring, the format of our Warm Welcome Space has changed.

Starting on April 20th, and throughout the summer months, we will be open every Thursday at Cale Green Life Centre from 10am-2pm for coffee, cake and a light lunch.

Same welcome, same space, same fun, new time!

Let's continue to build upon the community spirit we have seen at our Warm Welcome Space as we move into a new season with expectancy that God will continue to work.

Through this ministry we want to meet practical, spiritual and emotional needs in local neighbourhood, build strong and lasting links with members of a local community, create a safe places to make disciples - who will go on to make disciples.

Neighbourhood Chaplains consist of 4 teams working together - Lead Chaplains/connectors, Helping Hands Team, Befrienders team and Prayer team.

Before we ed in April, we were prayer-walking the streets around the church and lifting the community in prayer.

You can join us in prayer when you are doing your daily commute, walking the dog or you could meet with friend to pray together.

Here are some prayer points you could start with:

Pray for the local community - Pray that the Lord helps our Chaplains to begin meaningful relationships with local residents and build trust. That people we build relationships with and ones we help become curious about Jesus and start seeking Him. That they are saved!

Pray for the wisdom - Pray for wisdom for our Chaplains when they speak to neighbours and local residents. That God may use their strengths, weaknesses and personal stories to help them connect with people they meet.

Pray for the safety - Pray for our Chaplains' safety when they go out to meet people. Ask the Lord to protect them from physical or verbal abuse and give them discernment and wisdom when dealing with difficult situations.

Pray for the support - Pray for support and cooperation from local authorities and services - Stockport Council, social services, outpatient services, GP surgeries, police, social prescribers, foodbanks, local charities - to build relationships and to work together.

360Life Church has newly partnered with Compassion UK and has been offered opportunity to sponsor children in Ghana. Yesterday during the service a lot of forms to sponsor a child have been filled in and those children will be starting to receive suppport in next 10-14 days. Support includes school resources, medical supplies and check-ups, recreational activities, vocational training, healthy meals and more.

If you couldn't come to church yesterday or haven't decided if you want to sponsor a child yet, you can find out about available sponsoring and sign up online here .

Also, this Sunday we will have paper forms and information leaflets available at the back of the main hall. Prayfully consider if you could sponsor a child in Ghana and transform their life.

If you have any questions please speak to Hayley or Viktorija.

You can find it here on the Home page, under Most Recent Service.

Or visit the Video Gallery page to see lots of church videos.

Here is the video for last Sunday, 20th February.