Hi Newport Church Family,
We hope that you are well and in good health and spirit
A New Season
Last week the buds on the fig tree in our garden began to leaf and the first fruit of the season began to form. As I looked at our tree and welcomed the arrival of spring, I thought about these words of Jesus:
“Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Luke 21:29-33 NKJV
Spring is here and with it the beginning of a new season. Jesus had much to say about seasons and in this parable, in which He talks about the last days, there are several important things to note about how to navigate the different seasons of life.
The Faithfulness and Constancy of God
“When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near”
Each new season reminds us of the faithfulness and constancy of God. Whatever may be happening in our world or may have happened throughout the passage of time, God’s faithfulness is exemplified in the constancy of the cycle of seasons.
God is faithful and whatever may be happening in our lives or world in any season, we can know His constant presence and hold onto the hope we have in Him.
Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful. Hebrews 10:23
God’s Plan and Purpose is Continuing to Unfold
“Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near”
As the seasons come and go, God’s eternal plan continues to unfold and we, who have come to know Jesus, are invited at this very moment of time, to participate in the continuum of His purpose. Just as the sun rises every day bringing new opportunities with it, so does every new season.
When Jesus explained the meaning of the parable of the fig tree, He said, when uncertain times come, don’t fall asleep, stay alert and attentive and don’t be weighed down by the cares and distractions of this life.
As we enter this new season let’s learn from the parable of the fig tree and not fall asleep, but awaken to all that God wants to do both in our own lives and in our church.
Jesus’ Words will never Pass Away
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”
Some things will change, some things will pass away but God’s Word will never change and never pass away. That is the confidence that we can have in God’s word and in his unfailing promises.
The same Word that spoke all of creation into being now brings hope to us, because God’s word never changes nor will it ever pass away.
And because of that the writer of the book of Hebrews said:
For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Heb 13:5-6
God is faithful, His plan and purpose are coming to pass and His Word will never fail or pass away!
Daylight Saving
Daylight saving starts this Sunday, so don’t forget to adjust accordingly and join us for a coffee before our service at 11am, or if you are watching online enjoy a coffee or tea at home before our service!
New Service Times Starting Easter Sunday April 4th
Starting on Easter Sunday we will be changing the time of our morning service from 11am to 10am. We will also be holding a special Easter Spanish Speaking Service that day at 11.45am!
Easter is a time when many people who don’t normally attend church will come to church, so let’s invite our family and friends and pray that God will open their hearts to the love of God through the power of the Easter story.
For God so loved the world that He Gave….
It was God’s immeasurable generosity that brought Jesus to our world.
Paul said, “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will He not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32
God demonstrates His great love for us in that there is no good thing that He withholds from those who love Him.
Let’s do through our generosity, for our community and world, what God did for us through His generosity. When we do, this is what God promises He will do:
God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. 2 Cor 9:6-11 NLT
Thank you for your generosity and for partnering with us in our mission and vision as a church.
If you would like to give now, you can do so by clicking here.
See you Tomorrow at 11am!
We are very much looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at 11am either in person or online.
Never forget how much your presence makes all the difference!
We love and appreciate you all greatly!
With love and blessings,
Jonathan and Dianne Wilson
Senior Pastors