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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

 

Trust and its reward

Paul reflects on what has been and what is to come (2 Timothy 4.6-8,16-18)

 

Context

• Theft of the decade takes place at The Louvre in Paris.
• Pioneering eye devices restore sight to the blind.
• Chaos caused by internet outage.

 

Ideas for sermons or interactive talks

The AWS outage on Monday caused severe disruptions affecting services and apps used by millions. Whilst it was amusing to see social media users who were locked out of Snapchat being forced to take to TikTok to explain their plight, for many other users the outage was much more serious. People depend on the internet; they trust the servers; they rely on it being readily available. They are in dire straits when they are let down. Paul was not online;  he had no social media; yet he knew he could trust, depend and rely upon God to sustain and support him.

Watching the news about the Great Parisian Jewel Heist, one began to wonder if the channel had mysteriously slipped and instead of watching the news, a crime thriller feature film was being shown instead. In less than 8 minutes the thieves had got away with some of France’s most valued treasures. They were quick and deliberate - they knew what they were there for. Paul did not steal jewels but he earned a crown, a crown of righteousness. He earned it in part through the same level of single-minded determination that the thieves showed. He too followed a plan but the plan he followed was God’s plan and he followed it despite all sorts of threats, difficulties and challenges.

Groundbreaking research at Moorfields Eye Hospital has restored reading vision to formerly blind eyes. In order to achieve this success the researchers needed volunteers to be brave enough to be part of the programme. One volunteer was quoted as saying that she wanted to take part in research to help future generations. Here we see courage, perseverance, trust and blessing. What do we notice in Paul’s reflections on his discipleship as he writes to Timothy reflecting that his life may soon be at an end.

 

Questions for discussion

• What do you think Paul meant by a crown of righteousness?
• Who or what do you absolutely depend upon?
• What sort of things distract you from being a single-minded disciple?

Stuart Wild is the Superintendent Minister of the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit in Lancashire.

 

 

Check-in

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

Strictly Come and Evangelise?

Its Strictly season once again. Even if you are not a fan it is difficult to avoid the programme which exemplifies glamour and glitz. Every time I turn my computer on, the newsfeed bombards me with items about the programme, the judges, this year’s celebrities, celebrities of previous years, this year’s professionals and professionals who have retired or been sacked.

However I should confess I am a bit of a fan. I don’t so much like the early stages where those with two left feet and no sense of rhythm are rightly voted off by the public and the judges. I also get irritated by those who are too good too early as well. Week 3 is too early to be awarded a 10 out of 10. The only way is down!

I like the middle range - especially those in whom the judges identify potential. I enjoy watching those who make mistakes but listen carefully to the judges and learn from their mistakes and come back the following week - not perfect but much better. I support the dancers who are most improved.

A television dance programme may seem very different from the life story of one of the greatest evangelists and theologians of the early church but ask yourself what was it like for Paul? He struggled; he made mistakes; he had set-backs but he persevered. He kept on trying, knowing that victory was in sight.

That is the similarity but there are also two differences. Firstly, Paul was working with and for God and secondly, he knew that in the power of God he would win not a glitterball trophy but something much more valuable - a crown of righteousness.

Let's learn from Paul and keeeeep trying!

Revd Stuart Wild is a Methodist minister in Lancashire who achieved a bronze medal for Latin American dancing many, many years ago.

 

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