Coming to know the Lord The first two August Sunday 10.30 ABC Communion Services have concentrated on the passage Acts 9:1-18, the story of Saul’s (or Paul’s) conversion on the road to Damascus. As I was reading this passage in preparation for my talk at the service on 10th August, I reflected on that moment of accepting and acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Paul’s conversion was as dramatic as can be, and although some can identify with having such extraordinary and vivid moments of first engagement for the majority of us it is far less extraordinary but no less powerful and awe inspiring.As I stopped to reflect the great Charles Wesley hymn came to mind ‘And can it be’ the song I chose for my full immersion baptism all those years ago, and in particular the lines ‘I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free; I rose, went forth and followed Thee’. In those words it summed up my becoming a Christian in 1991. It wasn’t a Paul moment, but I do remember all of a sudden having a clearer picture of the type of person I needed to be. My journey had started a few years earlier, but I was not listening, however through the prayers of others, Jesus eventually found his way in.So this week’s, thought for the week is both a challenge for those of you who are reading this, and have not yet let the Lord into their lives to take the opportunity to do so, and an encouragement to those praying for others to come to know the Lord.Alan
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK - From Daniel KhanFaith, Fellowship, and the Finish Line: The Christian Value of SportAs summer unfolds, the UK is once again caught up in the energy and excitement of sport! From the exhilaration of Wimbledon and our striving for a British champion; to the thunder of cricket balls in the latest Test match; we witnessed the sweat, bellow, and crunch of the British & Irish Lions on the rugby pitch; and who can forget the nail-biting victory of the Lionesses! At these times, we see a mirror of dedication, resilience, and community. For Christians, however, these moments are opportunities not just to cheer, but also to reflect.In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Paul writes: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize... They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”Sport reminds us of the discipline and commitment our faith calls us to. Athletes train relentlessly—not for fleeting glory, but often for love of the game, of country, and of team. Likewise, we are invited into a life of faithful perseverance, with eyes fixed not on medals, but on the eternal crown.Beyond the physical, sport also builds community. We gather in stadiums, parks, or front rooms to witness moments of unity that transcend differences. How powerful, then, to consider how church communities can foster that same sense of belonging. As Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together... but encouraging one another.”We see this in grassroots sports—local clubs offering young people mentorship and friendship; schools supporting enjoyment and team-building among classmates; and parents on the sidelines (in all weathers!) to cheer, encourage, and console. We see it when competitors comfort each other after defeat, showing grace and humility. In these moments, sport becomes a parable of Christ-like character.And of course, sport is joyful. There is something holy in laughter, in movement, in shared delight. Ecclesiastes 3:13 reminds us: “That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”This week, as you watch or play, cheer or coach, remember that sport is not a distraction from God, but a place where His glory may be revealed - in effort, in teamwork, in joy, and even in defeat.Let us give thanks for the gift of sport, and pray that in all things, we may “glorify God in our body” (1 Corinthians 6:20), whether in the pulpit, or on the pitch.BlessingsDaniel Khan
