D. A. CARSON ON THE TWO JEWS TALKING THE DAY BEFORE THE FIRST PASSOVER: This week's passage from 1 John speaks of the victory of faith (1 John 5:4). I was reminded of a helpful gospel illustration from D.A. Carson: "It’s not the intensity of our faith but the object of our faith that saves. They overcome him on the ground of the blood of the lamb." (see Revelation 12:11)

CAN YOU HEAR THE CONGREGATION SINGING? We are able to sing together again this week, so this article by Blake Long is a timely reminder: “Congregational singing — which includes the one who sings like it’s an American Idol audition and the one who can’t find the right key — is the most heavenly sound you’ll hear on earth. Because of this, it’s important to find a church that has congregational singing. It ought to be a priority when looking for a church home.”

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT MARRIAGE? With a number of weddings in our church family over the coming months, here is a helpful summary from Christoper Ash on what the Bible says about marriage. "In a Nutshell — Marriage is the public family unit formed by one man and one woman in which sexual intimacy is to be enjoyed"

I’VE MISSED YOU: After months of lockdown, here is an important reminder from Andrew Seaman: “I’m so glad that you are pursuing God on your own. But your spiritual life isn’t intended to be lived out alone. It’s not even designed to be lived out with just you and your family. Part of God’s purposes for you are only found in the context of the gathered family of God.”