February 2011 Newsletter

Verse of the Month

"Who is this?"

Mark 4:41

 

Focus
 

Now that ‘Christianity Explored’ is underway (a study of Mark’s Gospel), perhaps this month we could look at Mark’s main characteristics, and a summary of ch. 1.

It is one of the three synoptic Gospels (with Matthew and Luke). ‘syn’=together: ‘optic’= view.   It is the shortest in length, just 16 chapters, yet there are 18 miracles recorded as being performed by the Lord Jesus (19, if we count the resurrection); 5 concern nature, 8 disease; 4; demons and 1 death.  It is a Gospel of WORKS rather than WORDS, hence some call it the Gospel of the SERVANT.  The speed in which it is delivered is impressive, with the words ‘straightway’, ‘immediately’, ‘anon’, mentioned some 41 times.  
Mark dispenses with the early life of the Lord, and opens ch. 1 with the bold statement of fact, the good news that Jesus is the Son of God, which is confirmed by the witness of John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit and the word of God from Heaven.  After revealing the temptation of the Lord in the wilderness he moves swiftly to the first words spoken here by the Lord  “the time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand, to repent and to believe the Gospel.”  Then there follows instances of the Lord’s power and authority and the response of obedience of them that heard Him.  First with the calling of 2 sets of fishermen brothers who forsook their nets and followed Him, then the utter astonishment in the synagogue at Capernaeum as He spoke, for His doctrine was with authority. Also with the casting out of an unclean spirit who recognised who He was and obeyed.  This led to much debate, resulting in Him being made known throughout the region.  The gentle healing hand of the Lord is sufficient to repel completely the fever of Simon’s mother-in-law so that she was able to minister to them . Many were those who were healed after sunset at the house of Simon.  Private prayer is next seen as necessary for the Lord to continue His work and preaching the Word is continued into the next towns. It was imperative that all must hear.  The chapter finishes with the Lord moved with compassion, touching and healing a leper, who had faith in His ability to do so, but subsequently could not contain his joy and disobeyed the Lord which had repercussions for the furtherance of His ministry.

Does His word, power and authority still motivate us? Does His presence and compassion still captivate us? Do we find prayer necessary to continue?  Is there the desire to spread the Word into the next towns?  Does His touch still have healing influence on us?  Do we put obstacles in the way through disobedience?  It is certainly a challenge! What a wonderful Saviour is Jesus our Lord!

                

 

For Your Information

SUNDAYS

18.30 - Evening Service
6th:     G. Dunbar - Ayr
13th:   D. Rollo - TCF
20th:   J. Clunas - U.S.A.
            (Tea afterwards)
27th:   R. Neilly - TCF  

 9th:      David                                                                                                                    
 23rd:    David                               
 30th:    David
 

THURSDAYS

19.30 - Prayer +
3rd: Ministry - M. Cordiner (Kilwinning)
10th: Ministry - M. Cordiner (Kilwinning)
17th: ‘Priesthood in the New Testament’  - T.Grayston (TCF)
24th: Ministry - S. Leitch (Auchinleck) 

FRIDAYS 

Anytime 10.30 - 12.00 - Coffee Morning

 

Special Events This Month

CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED
TUESDAYS  19:30 - 21:00   

SATURDAY 12th at 19:00
MINISTRY - A. Sinclair (Crosshouse)

SATURDAY 19th at 11:00
PRAYER MEETING

MONDAY 28th  at 19:30.
LADIES NIGHT
I.Preston Report ‘Revival F.M.’

 

Other News This Month

ANDREW
We heartily welcome Andrew into the Fellowship and know that the Lord will honour him for his decision and pray it will be to our mutual benefit.

SPECIAL  BIRTHDAY - 11th
Many congratulations, Yvonne, on your 40th birthday! Enjoy your Day.

RUTH
We thank God for answered prayers as Ruth arrived safely in Bolivia.  Please continue to remember her in your prayers as she serves the Lord there for a few months.

STUDENTS
Remember in prayer all those who are living away from Home this month.

NEW JOB
We send our congratulations to Lisa as she starts her new job this month and pray the Lord will bless her and protect her especially as she will be travelling quite a lot.  Continue to pray for all those in the Fellowship and associated with us who are still seeking employment.