Something Old, Something New: Part 3 - 'Small Town Boy'

This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
 
The talk will be available via live stream at 9.30am on Sunday 18th December, on our YouTube channel.
 
Once you have listened, here are some questions to consider:

Readings:

Matthew chapter 2 verses 1-6 (NIV)

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”


Micah chapter 5 verses 1-2 (NIV)

Marshal your troops now, city of troops,
    for a siege is laid against us.
They will strike Israel’s ruler
    on the cheek with a rod.
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
    one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
    from ancient times.




Prayer and Reflection:

Loving God, thank you that you have a place for us in your plans and in your family. Thank you that you are our ruler and our shepherd, Thank you that you put us on the map in this world and in the story of humankind. Help us by your Spirit to bring your good news into other people’s lives. Help us to put EBC as a house of prayer and as a shining example of Christian love and fellowship. Help us to put Bracknell on the map as a Godly town, dear Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
 
AMEN



Questions to Consider:

  1. Where are you from? Is there anyone who you would say puts your hometown on the map, so to speak?
  2. If you would call yourself a Christian, who is the person (or the people) who helped put Jesus on the map for you? Who brought you to church or into your faith?
  3. Have you ever thought of Jesus as your ruler? What does that mean to you – how does it play out in your life?
  4. How about Jesus as your Shepherd? What does that mean to you and how is it affecting your life?
  5. Is there anything you feel called to do (or stop doing), by your Ruler and Shepherd, Jesus, that you are not doing (or have not stopped doing)?
  6. Is there anything you personally could do for someone, that might bring Jesus into their life, or help them take a step closer to God?
  7. In relation to questions 5 and 6 above… what’s holding you back?
Simon Lace, 18/12/2022