Rev Mike Smith from St John’s in Hartford laid on the wedding, complete with organist, photographer, reception and a three-tier cake.
Beth and Lee Southern from Norwich were the first couple to take advantage of the ‘Grand Wedding package’.
The newlyweds had been unable to afford a church ceremony for their big day as they were also trying to save up to buy a house.
Beth told the Mail Online: “Because weddings are so expensive we thought we’d have to wait.
“Then we spotted this offer and it meant we could do both at the same time.”
“I couldn’t have asked for a better day.
“The wedding was perfect.”
Rev Mike Smith previously told Premier’s News Hour where the inspiration to provide three affordable weddings a year came from.
“It was an idea that came a few years ago now, when we had a couple who cancelled their wedding in church for cost reasons.
“That was followed by a couple more who did the same thing. It was about that time the Church of England decided to put a massive hike on its wedding fees and I felt uncomfortable with that and so began to put together a team of volunteers, with the idea that we could do somebody’s whole day for an affordable price.”
The average cost of a wedding in the UK this year has now risen to over £30,000.
While the dress wasn’t included in the package, Beth managed to pick up a frock for…
The word “outcasts” seems strong. Perhaps it is. But, after over 30 years of working with thousands of congregations in North America, I think the nomenclature is close to reality.
When I use the word “outcast,” I am referring to those who are neglected at best and ostracized at worst. And lest anyone think I am compromising biblical views on marriage, sexuality, or other issues, I am not. In a number of churches, however, some of these groups are truly marginalized and, perhaps, shunned by members in the church.
Each of these examples are true examples from church members who have shared with me their stories. I may not have perfect recall from our conversations, but the essence of the story is true. The names are pseudonymous.
Divorcees. Mary was in an abusive marriage. She was beaten physically on more than one occasion. “I stayed with the marriage for our son,” she told me. Ultimately, her husband left her after he had numerous affairs. “When people heard I got a divorce, they began to treat me like a leper. My husband still had family in the church, so you can guess how a lot of church members felt about me. I couldn’t take it, so my son and I left the church.”
Special needs persons. They could be adults or children. For certain, a number of churches embrace special needs individuals. But too many churches simply don’t know how to respond. “We visited seven different churches before we could find a place for our son,” William told me. “In one of the churches, we…
I may be the only person who reads this article who has not yet seen Avengers: Endgame. This is a coincidence of calendar, not an expression of intent.
At my first opportunity, I intend to conform to the will of the masses and see the highest-grossing movie (through its first weekend) in history. Avengers: Endgame earned more than an estimated $1.2 billion over the weekend, nearly doubling the global box office record held by Avengers: Infinity War, which made $641 million in its opening weekend last April.
I’d like to explore a different angle, one that is relevant whether we’ve seen (or intend to see) the film or not.
Avengers: Endgame is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, comprising twenty-one previous films that have made more than $19 billion worldwide. Taken together, these incredibly popular movies tell us something vital about ourselves and our culture.
Raccoons, trees, and other heroes
The film series comprises more than thirty different main characters. They include a raccoon named Rocket and his mobile tree friend, Groot, a tiny superhero (Ant-Man) and a giant (the Hulk), two Captains (America and Marvel), and a scientist (Iron Man) and a brawler (Drax the Destroyer).
None of the superheroes could have sustained the franchise alone. Nor could they defeat their cinematic enemies by themselves. Their intertwined stories make the…
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the archbishop of Colombo, said the church may not be able to stop people from taking the law into their own hands unless the government conducts a more thorough investigation and prevents further attacks.
The cardinal said he is not satisfied in the manner in which the government has carried out its investigations so far.
Cardinal Ranjith told reporters: “All the security forces should be involved and function as if on war footing.
“I want to state that we may not be able to keep people under control in the absence of a stronger security programme.
“We can’t forever give them false promises and keep them calm. (We ask the government) to implement a proper programme in order that the people don’t take the law into their own hands.”
More than 250 people were killed when seven Islamist suicide bombers blew themselves up, targeting worshippers in three churches and in three luxury hotels.
The victims included at least 40 tourists who were having breakfast at the hotels.
Two other suicide bombers died by triggering blasts – one to avoid capture by the police, and another at an inn he was staying.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility, and investigators are looking into the extent of their direct involvement with the local radicalised Muslims who carried out the attacks.
Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian…
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. — Psalm 16:11
The presence of the Lord is always with us, but we do not always recognize it or take time to be conscious of it. I think this is why there seems to be a lack of joy in the lives of many believers. There are a lot of unhappy people who are spending their lives chasing things when nothing can keep us satisfied except God Himself.
When people are not satisfied inwardly, they usually look for some outward object to satisfy their hunger. Often they end up in a fruitless search for that which cannot fill the emptiness within. We’ve heard it said, many people spend their lives climbing the ladder of success, only to find when they reach the top that their ladder is leaning against the wrong building.
When we keep our priorities straight, we discover that everything we really need in life is found in the Lord. Seek to dwell in His presence. In Him is the path of life, the fullness of joy, and pleasures forevermore.
The reason we can laugh and enjoy life in spite of our current circumstances is because Jesus is our joy.
Prayer Starter: Father, You are everything I need. Help me to keep the proper perspective and look to You as my source of joy instead of the things in this world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.
37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
THE MESSAGE:
Paul and Barnabas had been working as partners for years, planting Churches and spreading the gospel together.
However, even partners do disagree sometimes. The disagreement between Paul and Barnabas brings some things to the fore. Paul’s reason for refusing John Mark to go with them on this mission was because he had deserted them at some point on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:13), perhaps out of fear, exhaustion or discouragement. Paul and Barnabas are two dedicated men who had just helped bring unity to the Church, and yet here they could not settle their own disagreement!
Disturbing and painful as these conflicts are, they have often been found in the Church throughout history. Good and godly people in the Church do disagree; we must accept this fact. But we must be careful that our disagreements do not hinder the work of God.
Perhaps for Paul and Barnabas, it was a difference of perspective: Paul looks at people and asks, What can they do for God’s work? while Barnabas looks at people and asks, What can God’s work do in them? Both questions are important to God’s work and a lot of times, it is hard to keep things balanced.
As a result of the contribution of Barnabas to the growth of Mark, Paul came to love and appreciate Mark quite fondly (Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 23-24). Never write anyone off.
Matthew 10:34, ‘Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.’
Matthew 10:34-42
This statement seems like a contradiction to some prophecies concerning Jesus and some of Jesus’ own statements concerning peace, as well as what was written of Him in the New Testament Epistles. However, the peace that Jesus purchased was peace between God and man. We have peace with God (Rom. 5:1). We are exhorted to take this peace and extend it to all men, but it is also made very clear that not all men will receive it.
Peace can only come when we relate to God on the basis of faith in what He did for us, instead of what we do for Him. A person who is thinking that he must perform up to some standard to be accepted by God will have no peace. That puts the burden of salvation on our shoulders, and we can’t bear that load. We were incapable of living holy enough to please God before we were saved, and we are incapable of living holy enough to please God now that we are saved (Heb. 11:6). We were saved by faith, and we have to continue to walk with God by faith (Col. 2:6). Not understanding this has made many Christians, who love God, unable to enjoy the peace that was provided for them through faith in Jesus.
The Gospel will always produce opposition from those who don’t receive it. This ‘sword of division,’ even among family members, is not God’s will, nor is it God that causes it. But, it will inevitably come, and Jesus was simply preparing His disciples for that time. As much as we would like everyone to receive the good news, we must not think it is strange when even our loved ones don’t receive it. Jesus was rejected by His own, and we will be also. We must remain faithful to continue preaching the Gospel, for there are others who will receive. Keep sharing the ‘Good News!’
This message was written by The Association of Related Ministries International (ARMI) is an extension of Andrew Wommack Ministries (AWM). ARMI is a unique partnership committed to providing resources to help like-minded ministers succeed in a spirit of excellence and to draw from the experience and expertise of both the AWM and Charis Bible College staff. (www.awmi.net).
“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeded out of the mouth of God”. Matthew 4:4 KJV
The same trick Satan played on Adam and Eve was what he played on Jesus. God the Father had just spoken: “…This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17 KJV) In the next chapter, the devil came and said, “if thou be the Son of God…”(Matthew 4:3 KJV) In other words, I am not sure you are the Son of God. Prove it!
You must learn to turn the Word on the devil and his cohorts. There is something about a new creation opening his mouth and declaring: ‘It is written’ When you do so, the devil is reminded of Jesus Christ; the Word that was made flesh who, when he walked this earth, rendered satan’s power ineffective.
Every time you say ‘it is written,’ he doesn’t see you; he sees Jesus because Jesus and His Word are one. When you say ‘it is written,’ you are saying, Satan you are too late because the Word of God precedes whatever the devil did or has done or will ever do. The Word has already been spoken before the foundation of the world concerning you. So the devil is too late! When you say ‘it is written,’ you are saying to the devil, ‘you cannot undo in time what God has perfected in eternity.’
Child of God, everything about you has been perfected. That is why God allowed you to be born. There are things that God has lined out concerning your life. When He had finished packaging it, He allowed you to be born, so that you will fulfil that destiny. You are not one of those playing children’s games. God is orchestrating and arranging your life. But you have a responsibility to speak out. Speak over your life! Speak over your future! Speak over your job, over your ministry, over your family and over your children, because death and life are in the power of the tongue.
Further Reading: Proverbs 18:21; Hebrews 4:1-13; John 6:63
Daily Bible Reading: Morning- 1 Kings 6-7; Evening- Luke 20:27-47
Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.
Key Verse: “Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them” (Leviticus 15:31).
MESSAGE:
The case of separation from defilement which we find recurring in the book of Leviticus is an inevitable experience to work acceptably with God. C. A. Tindley, the great hymn writer, wrote: “Nothing between my soul and the Saviour, Naught of this world’s delusive dream; I have denounced all sinful pleasure, Jesus is mine, there’s nothing between.
Nothing between my soul and the Saviour, So that His blessed face may be seen; Nothing preventing the least of His favour, Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.” Any speck of uncleanness separates one from God who cannot “behold iniquity”.
The text today reveals the Levitical laws on uncleanness and separation from defilement. God’s desire for all His creatures in every generation is to be holy and free from pollution and sin. This is because sin is deadly and damnable. It is clear that many people are defiled in our generation not because of their own sin alone, but because they are lured into sin by others.
Jesus Christ, the Spotless Lamb of God, made full atonement for sin. Sinners and backsliders can come unto Him for cleansing and purification. By this law, we are also taught to preserve holiness and purity of life and keep ourselves from all sinful and moral pollution.
Thought For The Day: Impurity separates one from God.
The Bible In One Year: Joshua 11-14
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
Flatimes’ Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:
Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.
TOPIC: Keys to Explosive Success in Business (II) (Mountain Of Fire and Miracle Ministries, MFM Daily Devotional 29 April 2019)
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 20:27-47
FIRE SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 48:15-19
MEMORY VERSE: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” – Jeremiah 29:11
The MESSAGE:
The second key to an explosive success in Christian business is Vision. Vision is a driving force that brings growth and explosive success in business. To succeed in any business as a child of God, you must see the future (i.e Vision) of the business you are doing for sustainability.
God wants to give you a greater vision of who He is and the plans He has for your business. You can tap into the power of God’s vision for your life and business by meditating on Scriptures of promises such as Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you…”
The third key is hardwork. Honestly, hard work is required of any believer who wants to succeed in life, be it physically, spiritually, financially, even in business. The Scripture says in Proverbs 19:24 “A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.”
There is no room for laziness and procrastination if you want to experience explosive success in business, Romans 12:11 says: “Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord…”
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE: YOUR ATTITUDE TO BUSINESS WILL DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF YOUR SUCCESS AS AN ENTREPRENEUR.
PROPHETIC WORD: Your life will be repositioned and your business shall be established.
PRAYER POINTS:
MORNING
My life and my business, hear the word of the Lord, come alive by fire, in the name of Jesus.
Every demonic power attacking my business, die, in the name of Jesus.
Power of my father’s house, assigned to swallow my business, die, in the name of Jesus. EVENING
I receive divine power and strength to grow my business into the next level, in the name of Jesus.
Every spiritual contamination in my life and business, catch fire, in the name of Jesus.
O Lord, deliver my glory and business from destruction, in the name of Jesus.
Favour of God, overshadow my business, in the name of Jesus.
MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE is a daily devotional by Dr. D.K Olukoya (General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Worldwide)
Flatimes Notice Board: Until you are born again, God ever abiding presence will never be with you. You must be born again to enjoy continuous victory. Please say the displayed prayer below in faith:
Lord Jesus, come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and Personal Saviour. I believe in my heart You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name Amen.
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation online please send your testimonies and prayer request to [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.
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