Month: December 2019

Before you speak: THINK

By Robert Brown / Robert Brown, Warnings

T = Is it True?

H = Is it Helpful?

I = Is it Inspiring?

N = Is it Necessary?

K = Is it Kind?

Think carefully, before you open your mouth, and say something you later regret.

It is a natural human need to communicate, but more importantly, to have someone listen to us. But do we truly listen when someone is talking to us? Many times it seems that we enjoy talking, but have a hard time truly listening to others. It is a skill that requires much practise, because there is a big difference between hearing someone, and listening to someone. When we develop the skill of listening, it can become a powerful tool in our relationships. It will, of course, require us to stand still long enough, to let the other person finish what they are saying without interrupting them in the process, as well as keeping an open mind, in order to show that we are interested in what they are saying, we are actively listening as they speak, in order to show that we really care about what they have got to say. That’s why the Psalmist said: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth… (Psalm 141:3), because, once a word is said, it cannot be taken back.

When we are listening to others, there are a few things we must do, in order to truly listen. James says: “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;” (James1:19). Hear-Listen-Speak. We should try and make eye contact, show interest in the other person, (watch our body language), and when appropriate, ask questions that relate. When we are really listening we can learn so much more about the other person, and about ourselves. It is not easy listening to someone until at the end of their conversation, especially if it is something we are not interested in, or we don’t like what they are saying. However, when you let them finish, you can often get a better understanding of the issue or the concern the other person has. Afterwards, we can correct then wisely with love if necessary. Remember communication is a two-way process, were a message is given and received. Quite often, we want to be the talker, but we also need to be ready to listen to the response to what we have said. In turn, the other person or persons may not want to hear what we have to say, but they may be more likely to listen to us because we have taken time to listen to them.

Listening is a very valuable and powerful talent in our lives, that we all need to work on constantly because it can help us in so many ways. On our jobs, marriages and in our families, it can strengthen our relationships.

I am guilty in so many ways for not taking the time for not listening to end of what a person has to say. Therefore, let us each determine to be better listeners, and remember the words of Jesus: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear! (Matthew 11:15)

“And so this is Christmas…”

By Robert Brown / about our church

Is it okay to spend time with family and friends sharing gifts with each other and enjoying some time together? How do we answer some of these questions that christians and others in the world may ask? Are there any scriptures to show us how we can respond to such important concerns and opinions people may have about this topic.

What should faithful christians do at this time of the year when we know that there is no scripture to be found in the Bible that tells us exactly when Christ Our Lord was born. Is it right or wrong to celebrate Christmas as the day Jesus was born or should we be reminding ourselves of why He died for all mankind so that we could be saved and live with Him one day in heaven? For every faithful obedient follower of Jesus Our Saviour and Master that wants to be right with Him, we need to search the scriptures.

First of all, we must be open-minded and appreciate that the Bible is where we need to focus our hearts and minds realising that nowhere does it give a specific time and day when Jesus was born in that stable in Bethlehem. And we need to accept what the reasons why of His birth would mean so much to a world lost in sin. We have cause to celebrate the fact that God sent his Son to die on our behalf. Of course, when a child is born there is a great joy to be had on the new arrival and to be able to celebrate it with those close to us. We know from both accounts in Matthew & Luke that there was much joy, so much in fact that the Angels in Heaven instructed Joseph that he was to name His Son Immanuel which translated means, “God with us”. We also know from scripture that there is nothing wrong with giving gifts. Take the example found in Matthew 2:1-12 where wise men came bearing gifts to give to worship the newborn child with Mary.

Secondly, let’s remind ourselves who it is that we follow and why. When we obeyed the gospel and we were added to the body which is known as the church of Christ, what did we receive? A free gift from God namely the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us into all the truth. And what happened on that day when we became a newborn babe in Christ by those that witnessed our baptism into Christ. Was there much rejoicing and celebrating that we had died to self having buried our former lifestyle and to be raised up to walk in newness of life and begin life anew. There was indeed what happened at my baptism back in July 1983. Oh! what joy-filled my heart when the burden of my sin was washed away on that day.

And finally, may I say that we should not bind our own thoughts and opinions on others regarding this matter. For whatever reason, some might like to ignore Christmas altogether whilst others might celebrate this time sharing it with family and friends as a holiday and a short break away from a hectic life in such a busy world we now live in. I for one treat each day as it comes and I try my best to make each hour count by doing my best knowing that my Lord one day will return to take all those that have obeyed His teachings home to be with Him forever. So let’s not add or take away from the scriptures but instead put our total trust and faith in Him who died for both you and me.

May God continue to bless those who follow Our Saviour Jesus Christ.

“Thank you for looking at our ….. church website”

By Robert Brown / points of view

We hope and pray that you have enjoyed looking at our website and have been able to learn and share its content with others who may like to visit this church website. If you have indeed enjoyed your experience of looking at the content we have posted, then may we ask a favour to click on the “Review” button at the bottom and lets us know what you personally thought of our website. By doing this, it helps others find it more quickly in the search engines as if places our church website closer to the top of the first page on every browser search.

Of course, you’re more than welcome to send us an email directly with any questions or requests that you may have. Our email address is peterboroughchurchofChrist@gmail.com … We will do our best to respond as quickly as possible.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to look at our website and we hope and pray that you will come and worship with us soon the church here in Peterborough.