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In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues

 

Promise fulfilled, light shining

God’s promises are fulfilled when the light of the Kingdom  shines (John 1:10-18).

 

Context

Death of former US President and Sunday School Teacher Jimmy Carter.

Post Office campaigners honoured for services to justice.

Parents of women killed by ex-boyfriends receive honours.

 

Ideas for sermons or interactive talks

The New Year is traditionally a time for honours in the United Kingdom. This year over 1200 people have been honoured. Some names are familiar because they are famous for being involved in sport and entertainment. Others are less well-known but are honoured for important service none the less. Many gifted people use their gifts for the benefit of others and that benefit brings light into the community. They are doing God’s work and playing a part in fulfilling God’s promises.

The Horizon IT scandal had an appalling effect on the lives of hundreds of sub-postmasters and their families. It could easily have remained hidden were it not for those brave women and men who fought for justice and shone a light on what had happened. 

God’s promises are fulfilled when justice is seen to be done.

Carole Gould and Julie Devey co-founded the group Killed Women after their daughters - were killed in their homes by men they had ended relationships with.

Another campaigner, Nick Gazzard, whose daughter was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2014, was also recognised for his work around domestic violence and stalking. These campaigners are committed to continue to shine a light on domestic violence and ensure that there is more public awareness of the issue. God’s promises are fulfilled when people commit to continue ensuring the light of justice is shone.

The death of former US President Jimmy Carter has brought tributes from international statesmen past and present. Carter himself summed up his legacy as a commitment to peace. However historian Bill Leonard described Carter’s identity as inseparable from his vocation of over 70 years as a Sunday school teacher: “He has lived every week of his adult life in the study and teaching of the scriptures.” God’s promises were fulfilled through Carter in both a global and very personal way.

 

Questions for discussion

• Who would you give honours to and why?
• In what ways have you seen God’s promises fulfilled?
• In a world of darkness how is the light of Christ shining?

Revd Stuart Wild is a methodist minister serving on the Lancashire coast.

 

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it!” John 1:5

What a powerful verse for any time of year, but most certainly so uplifting to read on such a dark January. Usually at this time of year our Christmas decorations and lights are going back away, the once beautifully lit-up streets turn back to regular rows of houses and shops, and the cheer which fills the air in December shrinks away.

But this week it has felt even more dark and damp then ever with huge amounts of fog covering the UK, disrupting many festive travel plans, and now the threat of storms and high winds cancelling New Year’s eve’s celebrations. 

Admittedly when we look out into the seemingly dark and gloomy world of January it can feel like the darkness has over come the light; cancelled plans, cancelled celebrations, cancelled light displays! But these things are not the true light which we have been promised. Does it highlight more greatly to you that the only promise we can then actually trust in is the promise of Jesus’ light? We may have promised to visit family over this week but the weather got in the way. Big bands such as Texas were promised to be performing on New Year’s ever, but the weather meant it has been cancelled. Ultimately we cannot fully trust the promises we make to others and them to us, as we’re not in control.

This week, please don’t feel disheartened if your promised plans have been broken - this isn’t the darkness winning. But it can show us how our trust should be put in the light and promise of the coming of Jesus Christ, the only promise that we know will stay real.
Throughout this week and indeed this new year, pray that you see how wondrous Jesus is, even when the world isn’t.

Natasia Bullock is Company Director of The B Tales Theatre Company.

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