Dear all,

We continue this week with our look at the answer to Question 1 of the Heidelberg Catechism.

He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil.

Here, the authors of the catechism hold together two wonderful truths from Scripture about what Jesus has accomplished.

Paid in full

1 John 1:7 tells us that Jesus’ blood cleanses from sin. Those who walk in the light and have fellowship with one another are those who have been saved. What is so amazing about this gift is that nothing could be more costly. It is worth far more than gold or diamonds or status or comfort because, for our sake, Jesus chose not to grasp at what was rightly his.

Set free

Later on in the same letter (1 John 3:8), John the Evangelist writes that Jesus appears to destroy the works of the devil. Though we do not like to think about it in the modern West, we must recognise that the devil is real. He is at work in this world, even being called the ruler of this world by Jesus. And yet, it is by Jesus’ death that we are set free from the power of the devil.

All of this is by God’s grace. Jesus has paid a debt that we could never pay and he has broken chains that bound us to our enemy. May you go through your week thanking God for this wonderful gift.

Coming up!

AGM

We will hold our AGM on Tuesday, 17 June at 7:30pm.

There will be time reflecting on the previous year and all that God has done. We will also be discussing matters regarding the future ministry of Ardgowan. Because of this, it is imperative that all members make every effort to be in attendance at this meeting.

If you are unable to attend, please contact the elders so that we can note your absence in the meeting minutes.

Acts sermon series

Our June series in Acts continues this Lord’s Day as we travel with Paul to Athens.

Membership Updates

At the end of April, the church completed the transfer to our new charity scheme and charity number. Because of this change, as laid out in the constitution, we need to update the information that we have on current church members. Forms will be available to be filled out in the Back Hall after the service on Sunday.