Jun 14

burma_200.jpgAs cyclone disaster-relief efforts continue in Burma (Myanmar), Sovereign Grace Ministries has the opportunity to provide assistance through our relationship with a local group of churches in that country. This ministry includes more than 40 churches, six of which are located in the hardest-hit areas of Burma.

Since the cyclone, we have established a Burma Disaster Relief fund and are contributing financially toward aid efforts in that country. Thanks to the giving of members and friends of Sovereign Grace churches, $50,000 of aid is already being distributed and we are preparing to send another $50,000. People from the churches we support have traveled to the devastated Delta region to distribute aid in many villages, including some where no aid had yet reached. Drinking water and more than 40 tons of rice have been distributed to more than 10,000 people. Those who are providing aid have also had opportunities to preach the gospel.

The need for aid in Burma continues. In addition to providing immediate relief to churches and their communities, we hope to assist with rebuilding efforts in the future. Many families will need new homes, and many churches will need new places to meet.

To donate electronically to the Burma Disaster Relief fund, click here.

Jun 12

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Here’s the list of resources we mentioned at last Saturday’s Family Matters: Parenting Seminar.

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Craftsmen by John Crotts

This book is an easy, short (relatively – 160 pages!) book for men. The subtitle captures the essence of the book – “Skillfully leading your family for Christ.”

John Crotts teaches and instructs us on how to be wise and skillful leads of our families and homes by opening up the wisdom in the book of Proverbs. The wisdom provided in this book will no doubt help us to equip our sons to be men too!

proverbs-for-parenting.jpgAnother book recommendation was:
Proverbs for Parenting complied by Babara Decker.

In this book the author has gone through the book of Proverbs and categorised the various verses under particular headings – such as: anger, drunkenness, lust, etc. It’s perfect reference guide to help quickly find verse that address specific issues we face in our own lives and the lives of our children and bring God’s wisdom to bear on them!

bridges-proverbs.jpgFinally, for book recommendations…

A commentary for the study of Proverbs is a handy tool, and I’d suggest:

Proverbs by Charles Bridges.

For those interested in the article and questions on proverbs that we mentioned, you can download them by clicking the relevant links.

Finally, an audio message by Al Mohler on “Being Men, Raising Men.

Jun 10

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Audio and notes from Saturday 7th June 2008…

Session 1:
Boys To Men: Raising Sons for the Glory of God – Nathan Smith

Audio (42mins) Notes

Session 2:
Parenting Daughters – Peter Bowley

Audio (51mins) Notes

Jun 09

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For your ease and comfort we’ve collated all the message from our recent series exploring the person and work of the Holy Spirit into one post.

Part 1: The Person & Broad Work of The Holy Spirit (John 16:5-15)

Part 2: Variety & Unity (1 Corinthians 12:1-31)

Part 3: Prophecy 101 – Answering 6 Essential Questions Regarding this Gift

Part 4: The Holy Spirit Brings Assurance (Romans 8:1-17)

Part 5: Tongues 101 – Answering 5 Essentials Questions Regarding this Gift

Part 6: Pursuing God

Jun 07

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Just wanted to give you a head’s up of what you have to look forward to over the coming weeks at Grace Church!

This coming week – Sunday 8th June 2008 – we wrap up our 6-part series on the person and work of the Holy Spirit, entitled Engaging with the Holy Spirit.

We are planning on answering some more essential questions regarding the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Questions like: How does the Holy Spirit fill us? How should we pursue God?

Then, throughout June we’re hoping to dip into the Old Testament minor prophets!

boys-pictures-cd3-173.jpgOn Sunday 15th June 2008, Matt Chapman will be preaching his second part of his short Hosea Series enitlted: “Can I Know God?

If you missed the first part it is available to download or listen to here.

Even if you were here back in April and heard Matt preach part 1, I’d encourage you – if you get the chance – to revisit that message again, so as to maximize the benefit of part 2 on your soul.

Please pray for Matt as he continues to prepare his message.

dave-bish.jpgOn Sunday 22nd June 2008, we once again welcome my friend Dave Bish to Grace Church. I’ve really enjoyed the deepening relationship I have with Dave and count him a valued friend. It was great to have Dave travel with us to the “Together for the Gospel” conference recently. You can read some of his reflections here.

I’ve asked Dave to preach a message from the book of Micah, exploring the great theme of the incomparable grace of God. Should be a cracker!

Please pray for Dave as he prepares to serve us. And please be on the look out for him and his wife, Em, when they visit us that Sunday morning!

gareth_angela.jpgFinally, on Sunday 29th June 2008, we have the wonderful opportunity to once again be joined by Gareth Lloyd, and his family – all the way from the sunny climes of Merthyr Tydfil.

Jun 06

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The third, and concluding part of CJ’s thoughts on enjoying God-glorifying family holidays is available to read here.

Alternatively, download the entire blog series in one handy document from here.

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