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How can I resist sin?


A series of articles, each answering one big question in 300 words. 

Hebrews 12:1-2a says:

''Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross …' (ESV)

Notice how the author, having painted a picture of the Christian life as a demanding race, turns our attention away from the heat and the agony, and towards Jesus. The author claims that to run the race and resist sin we must fix our eyes on Jesus.

This may seem overly simplistic - perhaps even Sunday-school-like - but I know from my own experience that it is SO easy to get preoccupied with my life, my struggles, my challenges - and even my attempts to improve my running ability and endurance levels. Fix your eyes on Jesus.

It's important that we notice that part of the reason the author encourages us to look to Jesus is because he wants us to see and learn something about the way Jesus himself endured. He wants us to consider the way Jesus pressed through the agony that he faced at the cross. 'For the joy that was set before him [he] endured the cross ...'

- How did Jesus endure the pain and brutality of Roman crucifixion?
- How did Jesus face the mocking of people whom he had created?
- How did the Author of Life taste the bitter waters of death, as he had his life snuffed out as a common criminal?

The answer: 'for the joy that was set before him'.

My point is this: Jesus did not set us the example of holding on by his fingernails. No, we’re told that great oceans of joy, pleasure, and delight where the means by which Jesus endured his harrowing race of redemption at the cross.

So what will help up to lay aside burdens and sins and run the race? When we look to Jesus’ example we see a heart consumed with joy and delight - not guilt or effort. May our hearts be captured by such a potent delight that our temporary burdens and sin lose their power! 

* Adam & Lorna Bradley

Adam works full-time for Life Church, where he leads the eldership team. He and Lorna moved to Peterborough in December 2009. Before joining Life Church they lived in Attleborough (Norfolk) where they planted Christ Community Church. Prior to that they lived in a variety of places from Central London to Sheffield. Life church http://www.life-church.eu

For more resources to encourage Intimacy, connection and trust in Father God please download the Dream Revolution smartphone App by clicking the link. http://http://get.theapp.co/4ee1

Adam Bradley, 10/06/2018
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Welcome! Whether you've just moved to the area, or have lived here all your life, we hope our website helps you to find out everything you want to know about our Church.

 

Some key information about the church...

 

Where & when does the church meet?

The church meets every Sunday at 11:00 am for our Sunday Service. There is plenty of free parking around the CCK building. We are walking distance from Plumstead Train station and local buses. It’s good to get to the meeting 15 minutes early to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee before the service starts.

We meet at the church building in the middle of Plumstead

The address is:

46 Lakedale Road
Plumstead
London
SE18 1PS

You can see a map on our contact us page.

 

What should I expect when I visit the church?

You will receive a very warm welcome particularly from our Welcome Team who will be able to answer your questions and direct you to where you need to go.

Sunday is special because it’s the main opportunity in the week for the whole church family to gather, worship God, enjoy his manifest presence together, minister to one-another, receive encouragement and exhortation from God’s word and be refreshed by God’s Spirit and one-another’s friendship and support.

There will be approximately 45 mins of singing with opportunity for church members to pray, prophesy or read a passage from the bible. After the notices there will be a preach, we take time to understand the bible’s message and how this can teach us about God, about ourselves, about the world that we live in and about what authentic Christian lifestyle looks like in practice. At the end of the preach there is always a chance to respond.

Tea, coffee and biscuits are served after the service where there is plenty of time to meet new people and ask more questions.

 

What happens to the kids at church?

As a family church we are thrilled to have people of all ages involved in our Sunday morning meetings. Typically, after worshiping together for 30 minutes or so, the children and young people will leave for their own activities.

We have a fantastic programme for the kids at the Church for ages 0–14. Children stay with their parents at the start of the service as we worship (sing songs!) together for the first part of the morning. Someone will announce when the children need to go to their programme.

For more information about what happens in the children's work please visit the relevant age groups for you under church life.

Is there a dress code?

No! Please just be yourself and come dressed in your 'normal' clothes.

 

Will I have to join in?

Not at all!
You are free to simply observe or participate as much as feels comfortable for you.

 

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