Vicar's Report from the APCM on 14th May 2023
These notes formed the basis of the Vicar's Report at the APCM on Sunday 12th May 2024.
‘Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.’ (Acts 1:21-22)
The Christian faith stands or falls on its accuracy: did Jesus really do what he said? Did he really die and rise again? Did he really ascend into heaven? When apostles replace Judas, they look for someone who has been a witness to Jesus' life and ministry. We have that witness passed on to us, will we read it and learn more about our amazing saviour? Will we pass it on?
Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realise how true it is that God does not show favouritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. (Acts 10:34-35)
Who is the most unlikely person to want to hear about Jesus? It is Peter’s turn to share the good news of Jesus, to some more unexpected people. What will happen this time? Is anyone excluded from hearing about Jesus? Does God have favourites?
Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. (Acts 8:35)
Who is the most unlikely person to want to hear about Jesus? As Philip travelled, he met possibly the most excluded person, and introduced them to Jesus. What would be the end result?
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
When Jesus says that he is the good shepherd, what does he mean? Is it good news for us? And, if he is our good shepherd, is is still good news if the good shepherd dies?