The Death that destroyed death

At a time when death is the lead story in our news and at the front of our minds, we want to think about the death that destroyed death. It certainly doesn't look like Jesus death destroyed death. It's very obvious that death has not been eliminated. So in what ways has Jesus death destroyed death? Each day this week we'll look at a different way that Jesus death destroys death. Here's the first...

1. Jesus death destroys death by freeing us from the fear of death

Death is one of our greatest fears, our death or the death of our loved ones. We work hard to keep death away from us and our families. We don't want to talk about it, see it or even think about it. We push the fear deep down. Yet when it surfaces, the fear can be paralysing.

Why do we fear death?

Deep down we know death is not the end of our lives. If we thought it was, what would there be to fear? It's the unknown that we fear. It's the feeling that we will have to give an account. We know life is precious gift and we cling to it. We know that our life will one day be put on the scales. We fear the results of that assessment.

But what if someone else life was put on the scales instead of ours and what if the judgement of our life was taken by someone else. That's what happens for those who trust in Jesus. In that way Jesus death destroys death by freeing us from the fear of death.

Are you full of fear when you think of death? Come to Jesus today and know His peace in the face of death. Watch the video below produced by Joel's grieving parents see how they are dealing with his death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n38PQx6AFtU

We All Dream of a Better World

We work hard to make this world a better place for us and our loved ones but there are many things that we cannot change. No amount of hard work can take away the grief and pain we often face. If only this world was different. 'The World We All Want' is a course where we explore God’s promise of a better world and what He has done and is doing to bring this about. It’s a great introduction to the whole bible story yet it doesn’t require you to know any of the bible to do it. It may even be an advantage if you know very little of the Bible story. Here’s what someone who has completed it says about it:“Like most people, I knew a few bible stories, but this course connected the whole thing together for me; and it helped me to see where Jesus fits in.” (Tim, 33). This seven week course is open to all. You can talk and ask questions or simply sit and listen whatever works best for you. It begins Friday 25th September at 7.30pm. We start with tea/coffee and biscuits and finish at 8.45. If you have any question please contact me on 07512677530. Andrew

Mission:Possible

Packed full of ... Bible Stories, Craft, Quizzes, Drama & Much More!

This year our Holiday Bible Club is called "Mission:Possible" and runs from Monday 29th June to Friday 3rd July.

It's for all children starting school in September, right up to those finishing P7 in June.

Friday night - we finish with a Sports Night for the kids and a family barbecue for everyone.

Sunday at 11 am - an all-age Shine Family Service in the hall, which will be decorated with the children's art and craft. Don't rush off at the end but join us for some refreshments.

Close Encounters

Try asking a parent the year a world event happened and they will often work it out through when their children were born ('oh, that happened when our eldest was 4 years old...'). But even the proudest parent would not expect the calendars to be reset when their first child was born. Yet our calendars were reset from the birth of Jesus Christ. 2015 means 2,015 years (approx.) since Jesus Christ's birth. Though Jesus is an historical figure he is not dead, he is alive. What do you think would happen if you met the One whose birth reset the calendars? Whatever might happen, it would be life changing. You would not, could not be the same again. 

In January 2015 we plan to run a 4 week course that looks at five people whose lives were turned around when they met Jesus. The aim of the course is to introduce us to Jesus Christ. And who knows maybe our lives will be reset through this Close Encounter with Jesus Christ.

If you would like more information about you course click the link below or ring me.
Andrew Dawson 07512677530

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-Hhu4xX3lY

A message from Andrew Dawson Community Outreach Worker

So what will I be doing?

Jesus Christ is Lord. Yet there are many who haven't given much thought about how this truth impacts their lives. I look forward to getting to know people young and old in Dromara and having the opportunity to speak to them about who Jesus is and the difference He makes to our lives. I've begun by visiting families who sent their children to Shine, but I trust under God this will only be the beginning. I believe God when He says the church is the light of the World (Matthew 5v14-16). So I will also be encouraging God's church as they shine out to the world around them. A one man band can be fun to look at but an orchestra makes a much more beautiful sound.  I can be contacted at 07512677530 and would love to hear from you. Andrew

Shine Holiday Bible Club

Packed full of ... Bible Stories, Craft, Quizzes, Drama & Much More!

This year our Holiday Bible Club is called "Brave!"

It's for all children starting school in September, right up to those finishing P7 in June.

Friday night - we finish with a Sports Night for the kids and a family barbecue for everyone.

Sunday at 11 am - an all-age Shine Family Service in the hall, which will be decorated with the children's art and craft. Don't rush off at the end but join us for some refreshments.

Who We Need to Know

“… true and sound wisdom, consists in two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves.” So begins the Reformer John Calvin’s Christian classic, “Institutes of the Christian Religion”. Who we need to know, is both God and ourselves. But how can we hope to attain such lofty wisdom? The answer is through God’s word, the Bible. Where God tells us the truth about Himself: that He is the one true God who has made the universe and given us the job of being its stewards, who love and follow Him. As well as giving us the truth about God, the Bible also presents us with the often rather uncomfortable truth about ourselves: that we have messed up the world and failed to love God with all our hearts. We have wanted to be our own Boss and run our own lives. The Bible calls our failures and our deliberate rebellion against God sin. Amazingly, God hasn’t given up on us. Quite the opposite. For He has sent His Son Jesus into this messed-up world, to fix for ever our messed-up lives. Jesus has done this by dying on the cross for us. To take away our sin and God’s punishment that we justly deserve for it. If you’re free on Sunday mornings for an hour or so, from 11.30 am, we’d like to invite you to our morning service. We are currently looking at the BIG MESSAGE of the Bible. What’s the Bible All About? Join us, as we ask questions, and look to God’s word for clear and coherent answers. For, “… true and sound wisdom, consists in two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves.” (John Calvin)