Stand Firm - Reflections
As a Christ-following church, we know how important it is to stand firm and hold on to God’s Word daily. We are surrounded by mixed messages in daily life, questions, and confusion. So, this year we decided to present a conference that would help both young and old to focus on biblical truth and answer many often-asked questions and doubts. It was the first conference of its kind, but it truly was successful!
We hosted a team of people from Grace Community Church in the USA who helped us to set up for the conference. They ran many of the activities before, during, and after the conference, and supported us in many ways. That support extended to preparing the church building, fixing broken things around the building, cleaning, gardening, and many others.
The weekend of 22-23 October was packed with biblical preaching by speakers including Pastor Leon Coates, Pastor Drew Waller, Pastor John Glass and Pastor Alberto Solano. Every person who registered received a free welcome pack from us which included faith-strengthening literature.
Children were able to take part in a variety of crafts, singing, fun games, listening to Bible stories, and learning Bible verses. They also enjoyed Jonah-themed snacks.
We were so encouraged to see people from other churches and from the community coming to join us to learn more. So, our prayer is that God will allow us to run many more conferences like this in the future.
Thank you to all for your encouragement, amazing feedback, and donations towards the cost of the conference. If you attended the event and you haven’t filled in the feedback form you can still do it below:
And if you feel you also would like to contribute towards the cost of the conference, please follow the LINK. If you were not able to join us you can still view the sessions on our YouTube channel HERE.
Let’s pray that we all Stand Firm on the foundation that is in God - Jesus Christ! We hope you were blessed by what you heard, and that you are encouraged to stand firm wherever the Lord has placed you. If there is any way we can support you to stand firm please get in touch.
What we have learned during the weekend:
Stand Firm Conference, Session 1: Standing Firm in the Unity of the Gospel, Philippians 1:27-2:4 (Leon Coates)
The letter to the Philippians could be said to be about Christian mindfulness, as Paul exhorts his readers to think rightly so many times in this short letter. Paul tells us to live worthily of the Gospel, which is to stand firm with brothers and sisters in Christ. We stand firm together fearlessly against external opponents. We do this as we stand firm together internally. The means and the method of Gospel worthy living is in what He supplies, not our own strength, as we adopt an “economy of slavery” – adopting humility towards one another, with the example of our Saviour. Having an economy of slavery in the church is the opposite of the economy of equality in the world today.
Stand Firm Conference, Session 2: Standing Firm in a Troubled World, John 16:28-33; Hebrews 10:32-37 (Alberto Solano)
Jesus tells us that in this world we will have trouble
You and I will fail to stand firm (like the disciples did)
Jesus never fails (e.g. His temptation and passion)You cannot stand firm apart from union with Christ. The point is not to try harder. I’m in the world – therefore have trouble, I’m in Christ therefore I have peace. How do I stand firm then?
Remember what you have in Christ
Confidence - access to God (10:19)
A High Priest - interceding and helping (20-21)
Because of what Christ allows me to do
Come to God (10:22)
Cling to Hope (10:23)
Consider one another (10:24-25)Our faithfulness is because of His faithfulness. The fact that the “day is approaching” gives a sense of urgency to stand firm, but also encouragement in the face of trouble as He is coming to make it all right.
Stand Firm Conference, Session 3: Standing Firm, Lessons in the Life of John Calvin, 2 Corinthians 4:1-16 (John Glass)
We looked at:
Calvin’s Life in Geneva
Calvin’s Ministry in Geneva
Calvin’s Legacy in Geneva
Calvin’s Battles in Geneva
Calvin’s Steadfastness in GenevaThen 7 Keys to Standing Firm during the Challenges of Life and Ministry:
Embrace Your Call (4:1)
Live Life Holy (1:12; 4:2)
Uphold the Word (2:17, 4:2)
Consider Your Enemy (4:3-4; 1 Pet 5:8)
Focus on Christ (4:5-6)
Count the Cost (4:7-10)
Anticipate Your Reward (4:11, 17)Doing all this, do not lose heart! (4:1, 16-18)
Stand Firm Conference, Session 4: Standing Firm in Your Salvation and Prayer, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5 (Drew Waller)
Stand firm in the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ
Be comforted by Christ who encourages us to stand firm
Pray to be faithfulGod’s people are chosen to be saved, His choice is based on grace – nothing you do. Stand firm then in the sovereign call and choice of God – stand firm in this truth. God is our faithful encourager. When people come to faith wicked disruptive people crop up – hence Paul’s prayer, for Gospel progress, protection for Gospel people, and preservation of the faithful. Christ is the root of all this. If the advance of the Gospel was up to us we would fail, but He is faithful. He is the foundation of our salvation – rely on Him, not self. what is the foundation of your life?
Stand Firm Conference, Session 5: Standing Firm: Instructions to an Infiltrated Church, 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (Leon Coates)
We live in a “Corinthian” world, the attitudes of which have seeped into the church. What is a Christian to do? 5 Instructions:
Be On Guard
Stand Firm
Be Courageous
Be Strong
Do Everything in LoveWe do these things together, not in isolation. Note that Paul is more concerned with the conduct of the Christian than that of the world.
May the Lord bless you as you stand firm in Him, for Him.