Have you ever been asked to try something new? Or to do something, that is just so far out of your comfort zone? Maybe to try a new food or a new experience – like bungee jumping and every part of you is screaming – No don’t do it! It’s not safe!
A while ago (pre-Covid) I travelled to India to visit some friends working in a poor community there. They took me to visit a family who lived in a slum on the edge of a river. The host, a solo mum, offered us cha or tea as a way of honouring us as guests. She was excited to be able to host us and to give her guests something to drink. Every part of me said ‘No don’t take it – it’s not safe’ but I did, it was my way of honouring her.
Being faced with new experiences or new ideas can at times be pretty scary and especially when they challenge our long held beliefs about how things should be. But just because something makes us feel safe doesn’t mean we should stay in that place. Sometimes we need to be pushed out of our comfort zone so we can grow and develop as people.
Peter, one of the Apostles had a dream that pushed him out of his comfort zone and which changed the future of Christianity – it allowed non-Jews to become part of the church. I wonder what God might be inviting you to do that takes you out of your comfort zone? Why not give it a go?
This Sunday we return to a series we started last year based on the Book of Acts and Luke’s ongoing story of Jesus. Today we will explore the story of Peter and Cornelius.
Mainly Music - Meets this Wednesday from 10.00am. This programme is a fun way for parents and their children to spend quality time together based around music and movement. It is a way for us as a church to connect with and offer something back to the community of which we are a part. It’s also a way for us to demonstrate care, concern and support for those with young children.
Small Groups are now up and running again. Contact the church office@pb.org.nz if you would like to join one
Oh and for those who are unable to join us we will still have an on-air service for you @10.30am and again @ 8pm on Thursday evening on Coast Access Radio 104.7FM or you can livestream at
http://coastaccessradio.org.nz/Listen/index.aspx The message and prayers will also be posted to the sermon page on this website.
If at this time you need someone to chat with then please call the church office 04 2987766 or email office@pb.org.nz and we’ll get back to you.
And we are also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/paraparaumubaptist
Grace and peace