I've kept diaries for years. There is something ethereal and releasing about writing down on paper what is on your mind. If you ever read one of my diaries, it's likely you would find it something of a jig-saw. Lots of snippets and pieces of thoughts, that require too much knowledge to really seal together. They are a collection of memories, and thoughts, and not just thoughts, but thought-processes, that i go through on a daily basis.

And then spend the night reflecting on, pen in hand (a Parker 51 obviously), and enabling my whole self to pour out.

A blog online, like this one, is not going to be such a thing. I don't think anyone wants to read my innermost diatribe of delapidated diarnals.

So instead, this blog will be used for sharing snippets of preparation, words of wisdom, and theological reflections, as i put together a sermon. Bear in mind though, as you read. If God wants something changed of a Sunday Morning, I have to take Fathers lead and not my own.

So welcome to my desk. I'm looking forward to sharing further insights into this sermon series on 1 Thessalonians. As you can see from the picture, these two books are my bread and butter sermon makers. I always start with what those of our heritage have preached. I'm keen to hear where we've been theologically and circumspectly regarding scripture.

It was in Rev James Denny's book, that I stumbled upon the link between 1 Thessalonians and the activity of Acts 17. Go have a read. It's Luke's snapshot of what happened in this big metropolis at the time before the letter was written. Denny also took my down a rabbit hole regarding what kind of 'sufferings' (1 Thes 1:6) in that the church's sufferings were profound.

They were shouted at in the street.
Their rights and priviledges were taken, including not able to use public santiation systems (can you imagine?)
The had their access to fair justice removed

And loads more. It's terrifying to us today in the West, and yet this beautiful church in Thessalonica flourished and matured and grew despite it all. No wonder Paul says they didn't just have words, but the power and conviction of the Spirit. When you read this stuff, even modern-day persecution of the church, you realise the persecuted church endures because of the power that is in them.

It's the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

I'll share more soon. Promise.


Geo x