“…each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.”
(1 Corinthians 7:7)
How does God guide us? If we truly love God and are serious about being disciples of Christ, then we should always want to act and make decisions in line with what God wants.
For many decisions we make, God does not really care what we choose: what to eat for breakfast, what to watch on TV, where to go for a walk, what clothes to wear etc. But for many more important decisions, we do need to follow God’s will. So how can we know that will? How does God guide us?
Often it is as simple as following God’s commandments. Adultery is always wrong. Murder and theft are always wrong. When we consider whether what we choose to do is truly loving God and neighbour, the answer is often clear.
For other decisions it is a matter of wisdom. Growing a natural ability to make day to day practical decisions from a Christian perspective. For example, knowing when to speak out and when to stay quiet takes wisdom to assess the context rather than simply following clear rules. The Bible encourages us to pray for and work at growing in wisdom.
In a few areas, God’s guidance will be specific to us. The verse above talks about different people having different gifts from God. In the context, the gifts in question are the gift of marriage and the gift of singleness. Working out what your gift is from God on issues such as who to marry or what job to take requires prayer and careful honest discernment.
Finally, there is another clear principle that Paul expresses in this chapter. In answer to the question: “Where does God want me to be?” the answer is usually, “Where he has put you!” If we are not presented with clear opportunities or a clear calling from God, then our present situation is probably just where God wants you to be and where he will use you most effectively.
Paul Worledge
St. George’s Website
- What’s On – a page which lets you know what is happening this week and gives information about upcoming events.
- Notices – You can read the latest notices on this page.
- Sermons – Read a transcript of a recent sermon or watch the YouTube version recorded at St. Luke’s. There are now videos for all the sermons over the summer.
Weekly Calendar
Sunday 26th November
Eucharist (St George’s, 9:30am) –Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:1-17
Let there be Light! (St George’s Church) – 5:00pm
Monday 27th
Daily Prayer (St Luke’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Craft Group (St. George’s Hall, Soup Kitchen) – 2:00-3:30pm
Study Group (South Eastern Road) – 7:15-9:30pm
Tuesday 28th
Daily Prayer (St George’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Coffee Morning (St. George’s Hall) – 11:00am-12:00pm
Community Meal (St. George’s Hall) – 5:30-7:00pm
Wednesday 29th
Study Group (Langdale Avenue) – 10:00-12:00 noon
Study Group (South Eastern Road) – 7:30-9:30pm
Thursday 30th
Daily Prayer (St Luke’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Friday 1st December
PCC Meeting (Soup Kitchen) – 2:00-4:00pm
Saturday 2nd
Churches Together Prayer Breakfast (???) – 9:00-10:00am
Sunday 3rd
Joint Service (St Luke’s, 11:00am) –Reading: Mark 13:24-37
Joint Advent Sunday Service – Next Sunday
Sunday 3rd December is Advent, and we will be holding a Joint All Age Service at St. Luke’s at 11am. There will not be a 9:30am service at St. George’s this week, but do join us at St. Luke’s for a great celebration of the start of Advent.
Let there be Light – THIS SUNDAY, St. George’s
After the Christmas lights have been switched on in Ramsgate Town Centre at 5pm, GB Carnival and their band Samba Ya Wantsum will lead the way from the town centre up to St George’s, where visitors will be welcomed to the church to warm up with hot drinks and mince pies.
The facade of the tower will be lit by James Brown AV and there will be a performance by Free Range Orchestra with animations by the students of University for the Creative Arts. Do come along and bring others for this exciting event.
If you would like to volunteer to serve refreshments or steward at the event please see Janet or Jemima.
Christmas Fair – Saturday 9th December – St. Luke’s
The Social Events team will be holding a Christmas Fair in St. Luke’s Church on Saturday 9th December from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Do come along, enjoy the fun and bring friends and family. Donations of Tombola items are welcome.
There is No Rose! (Baroque Concert)
Petra and friends will be holding another Baroque concert in the beautiful setting of St. George’s at the end of the Christmas Tree Festival on Sunday 17th December at 7pm. Tickets £15 on the door, £12 online and £10 in church. Under 18s are free.
Links to Share:
Why I am now a Christian – Reflections
Glen Scriverner reflects on Aayan Hirsi Ali’s conversion to Christianity. (See article from last week). Listen…
TearFund Transformation in Zimbabwe
Watch how TearFund giving helps enable transformation through the local church in Zimbabwe. Watch
Finally, let’s keep seeking to follow Jesus wherever he places us.
Yours in Christ
Paul Worledge
(Priest in Charge of St. George’s)
St. George's Church Ramsgate 