Burnside Presbyterian Church
Mill Road, Portstewart, BT55 7SW
  • Home
  • Latest Blog
  • Services
  • Sermons
  • Find Us
  • Newsletter
  • About Us
  • Prayer Room
  • Photos
  • Activities
  • Why Jesus
  • Trypraying
  • Blog BSTB

Monday 18th January 2021

18/1/2021

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
This week our studies continue we follow the theme of Lamenting from Sunday - When Storm Clouds Gather Turn To God. Each day we look at Psalm 77.

Let’s Pray For James and Heather Cochrane (global mission workers, Portugal) 
Give thanks for a good week of team planning. Pray that Comunidade Pedras Vivas would continue to be guided by God and keep focused on making Jesus known. Pray too for calmness and patience in the midst of challenging days. 


Leaders-in-training
Pray for students from overseas partner churches whose studies are supported by PCI, as many of them are adjusting to studying online in areas where internet connection is poor.
Picture

Love
Join J.John for the third of a three-part series on Faith, Hope and Love.

New Beginnings
Keith & Kristyn Getty have released an EP - New Beginnings, Hymns for the New Year. Each day this week we are sharing one of the hymns. Today - “Come People Of The Risen King”

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases. God Rested

Christians And Politics
This is an interesting article written by an Australian but applies to the events in USA and has some challenging thoughts to apply to life in Northern Ireland.
When Christians become involved in politics, we must be careful to do so without sinning and being self-serving; without conflating church and state; without confusing the gospel with common grace; without limiting the consciences of others.​

https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/article/4-considerations-for-christians-wanting-to-engage-in-political-activism/
Picture

Christians And Politics Part 2
80 Years Ago C. S. Lewis Warned Against Making Faith a Means to a Political End. In this short article Justin Taylor reminds us of advice that Lewis’ Screwtape gave to his apprentice Wormwood in the Screwtape Letters. If you have never read the Screwtape letters it is well worth investing some time.


https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/evangelical-history/80-years-ago-c-s-lewis-warned-against-making-faith-a-means-to-a-political-end/
Picture

The Screwtape Letters - Audiobook
If you would like to listen to the Audiobook read by John Cleese click this link.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA8BAC9375345E6C7

Picture

Finding Out About Other Churches (25 minute video)
Sometimes finding out about another church that we don’t agree with helps us understand what we do as a church much more clearly. Today starts a series of videos where Matt Whitmann visits a number of different churches and asks the questions we wish we could ask. You may not agree with everything he says but this is a fascinating insight.



He writes about today’s video as follows -
“Greek Orthodoxy has always been a bit of a mystery to me, and I wanted to get a clearer sense of what it's all about so I drove down to the Assumption Cathedral in Denver, Colorado and spent the morning getting answers straight from the source.
Huge thanks to Father Chris Margaritis for taking the time to hang out!”

Finding Home
Last week Rev. Adrian Adger died after a long battle with cancer. He has recorded a number of videos and Eileen shared this one with me, titled “Finding Home”.

This Is My Story
Allen Langham was a professional Rugby player who found himself in and out of prison. But after an encounter with God, he not only found himself back in society, but back on the Rugby pitch. Listen to his story now on UCB Player!
https://t.co/RvmjdYLxjx
Picture

Trivia Question
From Friday - 
Question - What is the shortest book in the New Testament?

Answer - 2 John

Monday’s Question
Question - Who takes Jesus’s body from the cross? 

Picture

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 10:50
​Derek 14:41

We ended last week with a puzzle of Mussenden Temple, so we begin this week with the Temple from a different perspective.
Play the "Mussenden Monday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=004a5fbd9598

1 Comment

Friday 15th January 2021

15/1/2021

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
This week our studies continue the theme from Sunday - Now And Not Yet. Each day we look at another passage helping us focus our thoughts on what we have now from God and what will be fulfilled.

Let’s Pray For Social Witness
Pray for all who are living with an addiction, that they may become receptive to advice and
help at this difficult time in their lives. Give thanks for all those working in the area of addictions – in offering therapeutic programmes and a place of safety to stay and recover.


Debt
Give thanks for organisations like Christians Against Poverty and others who support people
overwhelmed by debt and financial challenges. Pray that those who are in difficulty will find ways to access the support they need.
Picture

Lockdown
Julie shared this poem with me (which a friend had shared with her) which captures how many of us are feeling during Lockdown.
Picture

Ray Ortlund
Let’s remember:
God has been preparing us all our lives for these hard times. We’re more ready than we feel. 
By His grace, let’s keep taking one brave step after another. Let’s keep praying. Let’s stick together. 
If we’ll do the obvious basics, we’ll do really well!
Picture

J.John (30 minute video)
In this video J.John interviews Philip Yancey author of “What’s So Amazing About Grace”.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
“And Behold It Was Very Good”

Living With It - Living With New Realities
Having moved out of 2020 into 2021 the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is still with us. Even though hope of the return of a greater normality is on the horizon, we still find ourselves ‘living with it!’ Rev Stephen Richmond, minister of Donegal Town and Stranorlar congregations, reflects on his experience of living with new realities.
https://www.presbyterianireland.org/Blog/January-2021/Living-with-it-Living-with-new-realities.aspx
Picture

FREE Christian Audio Book
The free book this month from Christian Audio is now available for download. Hope Your Heart Needs - 52 Encouraging Reminders Of How God Cares For You.
christianaudio.com/free
Picture

What Does It Mean To Share In Christ’s Inheritance? 
Watch this powerful message by Bob Gass from a previous Foundation Event. He reflects on Revelation 1:5-6 and explores our God-given inheritance! Watch now on UCB Player.
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21321/193573
Picture

Trivia Question
Here is a little teaser to ponder over the weekend.
What is the shortest book in the New Testament.
Answer on Monday

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

​Janice 1:59
Jean 2:46
Derek 3:25


​A slightly more difficult one for the weekend.
Play the "Mussenden Friday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3b28422a327f

Picture
1 Comment

Thursday 14th January 2021

14/1/2021

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
This week our studies continue the theme from Sunday - Now And Not Yet. Each day we look at another passage helping us focus our thoughts on what we have now from God and what will be fulfilled.

Let’s Pray For Roberta Irvine (Deaconess in Greystone Road, Antrim)
Pray for seniors linked to the congregation who have received special activity packs. Pray that they will be used by the recipients to make decisive steps in their journey of faith.  


Arklow Presbyterian Church 
Give thanks for excellent attendances when the congregation has met. Pray for pastoral contact to be well maintained during the new lockdown and for plans for a summer Bible Club.
Picture

Ray Ortlund
“You are a hindrance to me” (Matt 16:23).
Jesus said that to no one less than the apostle Peter. If hindering Jesus was an apostolic problem then, no surprise it’s a Christian problem today. It’s my problem. It’s yours. 

Nothing matters more than figuring out what that means.

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
“Be Fruitful And Multiply”

A Beginner’s Guide to Apologetics – Complete Series
Solas have just released “A Beginners Guide To Apologetics” - which is the discipline of defending the faith through argument. If you follow the link you will discover a whole series of short articles, setting out the reasons why we believe what we believe.​

https://www.solas-cpc.org/a-beginners-guide-to-apologetics-complete-series/
Picture

A Clean Start - Any Time Of Year
A new year is often a time for reflection, a fresh start and the wiping of the slate - clean. When it comes to actually cleaning on the farm, Charlotte Stevenson writes that as she was power hosing the calf buckets, she began to think about the New Year’s resolutions that people will make to hopefully achieve that fresh start. 
Read the Blog here.
Picture

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

​Janice 1:55
Derek 3:25

Play the "Wheel Portrush Thursday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3ac0dcabf61b

Picture
1 Comment

Wednesday 13th January 2021

13/1/2021

0 Comments

 
Beside The Burn
This week our studies continue the theme from Sunday - Now And Not Yet. Each day we look at another passage helping us focus our thoughts on what we have now from God and what will be fulfilled.

Let’s Pray For Edwin and Anne Kibathi (Global mission workers) 
Pray for Edwin and Anne as they continue to minister to the East African expatriate community in the UK and lead the congregation in London. Pray for them as they continue doing so during changing Covid-19 restrictions.


Evangelical Christian Church in Timor (Indonesia) 
Pray for the work and witness of the church, including its social-economic development work in the community. Pray too for wisdom for church leaders.
Picture

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
“The Image Of God”

PRAYER
Today the theme of the Blog is Prayer. If you would like to join our prayer time via ZOOM today at 12noon please email [email protected] for the link to the meeting. Below are lots of prayer updates from organisations and missions.

Christian Unions Ireland

9th – 14th  January
– Pray for the International Student Ministries (ISM) Ireland Team during the 13th – 15th January: The team will be ‘attending’ the Friends International Annual Conference via Zoom, focusing on Lament and the Goodness of God, led by Chris Wright.
– Pray for creative and personal opportunities to welcome and re–welcome international students to our campuses in January.
Picture

Belfast City Mission
The latest prayer update from the Belfast City Mission.
This is a great tool to help us as we pray and to inform us about the work of the Mission.
bcm_exchange_autumn_winter_2020_2021.pdf
File Size: 3371 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Picture

United Beach Missions
The latest prayer update from United Beach Missions
ubm_2021_01_01_prayer_letter.pdf
File Size: 417 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Picture

Mission Africa
The Latest prayer update for January is now available
ma_january_2021.pdf
File Size: 832 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Picture

Struggling to pray? 
You're not alone! Billy Graham’s daughter, Anne Graham Lotz, chats to Presenter Vicky about her own difficulties with prayer and how overcoming them has reshaped her conversations with God. Listen now on UCB Player.

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw

Jean 2:48

Play the "Dunluce Castle Wednesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=25345328ce66

0 Comments

Tuesday 12th January 2021

12/1/2021

1 Comment

 
Beside The Burn
This week our studies continue the theme from Sunday - Now And Not Yet. Each day we look at another passage helping us focus our thoughts on what we have now from God and what will be fulfilled.

He Will Hold Me Fast
On Sunday and today we were looking at Philippians 3 and one person commented how 6 words seemed to stand out to them from the passage.  "Christ Jesus took hold of me" Philippians 3:12
That made me think of this hymn sung by the Gettys.

Let’s Pray For Michelle Purdy (Deaconess in Ballyclare)  
Give thanks for the generosity that has enabled the foodbank and Together Ballyclare to assist families. Pray that the leaflet ‘Christmas hope in a COVID world’ given to families will lead people to Christ. Pray for Michelle as she begins working with Rev Jonathan Moxen.


Alt Presbyterian Church
Pray for Rev Colin McKibbin and the elders of Alt in these difficult days. Pray too for Clodagh Dickson, Alt’s youth worker, as she prepares and leads youth work online.
Picture

New City Catechism
I hope you have been following the Catechism each week. It isn’t too late to start now. You can begin at question 12 this week and catch up by using the left arrow button at the top of the page below to see previous questions. A Catechism is a great way to reaffirm our faith and the video each week helps us understand what we believe.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/new-city-catechism/what-does-god-require-in-the-ninth-and-tenth-commandments/
Picture

Heroes Of The Faith- Elizabeth Fry (7 minute audio)
The story of how a middle-class lady was able to reform the appalling conditions under which prisoners were treated in Britain and in many other countries, is a classic example of the way God can use unlikely people to extraordinary effect.
https://canonjjohn.com/2021/01/09/heroes-of-the-faith-elizabeth-fry/
Picture

Glen Scrivener
“Reading Between The Lines” a series working through the bible looking at the well known phrases.
“Let There Be Light”

Too Busy (30 minute video)
One for the kids from UCB. Join Jovis Bon-Hovis for some fun Bible stories and songs from Philippians! This week Jovis Bon-Hovis' day gets off to a bad start as he doesn't spend any time with God and tries to do his daily tasks in his own strength. But Jovis soon realises it's better to start the day praying to God.  
Philippians 4:6
https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21321/197578
Picture

Why Trust the Bible? (27 minute video)
Andy Bannister speaks with author Amy Orr-Ewing about the updated edition of her book "Why Trust the Bible?"
Picture

Jigsaw
The times for yesterday’s Jigsaw
Jean 2:20​
​Derek 3:15
​

Play the "Balintoy Tuesday" puzzle!
https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=32ab01869e37

1 Comment
<<Previous
Forward>>

    General News

    Latest News!

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    October 2019
    May 2018
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014

    Categories

    All
    BMI
    Books
    Christian Aid
    Community
    New Horizon
    PCI
    Prayer
    SU
    Websites

    RSS Feed

Registered Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC 105542)
Picture