GET RID OF FEAR

That’s the title of tonight’s ‘Winter Bible Study’ – Get Rid of Fear.

This is the second out of three studies on ‘Fear’. Fear is a natural, and sometimes healthy emotion, but at other times can paralyse us and rob us of experiences and growth that are ours. So often Jesus tells us, “Fear Not!”

May His love that drives out fear impact us as we study the Bible together and pray for one another.

Tonight’s study will be led by Ian Bull.

THE OTHER SIDE

What a fantastic Sunday morning it was in God’s Presence yesterday!! Wow and ‘many wows’ again!! How privileged are we in Golden Valley Church that God in His love and kindness continues to show up at the meetings and connect with us in His awesome holiness.

After giving thanks, as it was Remembrance Sunday, for all those who gave their lives in war so that we could have freedom, and taking time to pray for the personnel and families at our own local NATO unit, wishing to give honour, we began in worship, thanking Jesus for His death that brought us life and freedom, and there was an immediate way open into the Father’s awesome Presence.

It was the kind of morning where we could have stayed there forever, as He continually invited us to come in deeper, as we are!

One was aware of God being there, seeing us, and speaking. We were aware of angels joining us in our worship. How holy it was. How tangibly we were in His Throne Room!!

The speaker later in the meeting was Mick Taylor, regional ‘Catch the Fire’ representative. Mick spoke on ‘Crossing Over to the Other Side’, basing his talk on Mark ch. 5 where Jesus crossed over to the Gadarenes -  a land forgotten and dark. And yet He had an appointment there with a man who was deranged, chained, and rejected, but who despite the demonic in his life, ran to worship Jesus and call for His help. Jesus met him where he was, and healed him, and set him free.

Maybe at this time God is calling us to ‘cross over’ into areas of life that are unfamiliar and even ‘threatening’ to us, and yet where He has divine appointments lined up. What will we do? Stay in the familiar and comfortable (boring), or go on an exciting adventure with Him into new things, and carry His awesome love and presence with us to others who are in need?!!

 

WINTER BIBLE STUDIES

This evening we begin a series of Bible Studies as part of our home group sessions. There are six studies before Christmas and three after. We wanted to put in some more formal structure for a few weeks over the winter season.

Before Christmas, there will be three studies on “FEAR” and three on “WORSHIP”.

We begin this evening with “What is Fear”. There will be time to look at scripture together, discuss, share, and pray for each other.

We trust that this will be a profitable time for everyone who attends, full of fresh revelation, and being impacted by the love of God.

PARTNERS IN HARVEST CONFERENCE

Last week several of the leaders of Golden Valley Church attended the bi-annual European Partners in Harvest conference in Hemel Hempstead.

The conference was a momentous few days of Holy Spirit impartation, teaching, testimony, and friendship; making us aware again of how much we appreciate this family of churches, to which we are affiliated. Stories of what God is doing in the nations abounded, as well as testimonies of God’s love and healing.

The main speakers were John & Carol Arnott, Rolland & Heidi Baker, Dan Slade, and Jerry Anderson (LaRed). Between them they addressed a variety of pertinent issues, and exhorted all who attended in their relationship with God. Worship, led by teams from Northern Ireland and Sunderland was truly first class and an awesome experience to be part of.

The conference was well oversubscribed, with several who attempted to book places late, having to be turned away. How fantastic is it when there is so much demand to be in God’s Presence and to go to ‘church’?!

God is very much alive and well in Europe, and we are thankful to be a part of what He is doing.

ANOTHER ALPHA COURSE BEGINS

Great News!! Another Alpha course has just begun on Wednesday mornings at the Churchdown Community Project in Coriander Drive.

It’s great to see the interest in “Alpha” and its non-threatening approach to evaluating the Christian faith.

Pray for this course, and for all those who are taking part. The gospel of Jesus Christ is Good News!