A follower of Jesus:

Spends time with Jesus.

Becomes like Jesus.

Does the things Jesus did in the power of the Holy Spirit.

One of my favourite Bible encounters is when Jesus restores Peter after breakfast on the Beach.

Peter had been forgiven, like we all have been, on the cross. Jesus wants to give Peter real closure before both of them move on to the next stage of the mission of God.

Jesus doesn't want to hear what Peter believes, nor any promise of future good behaviour. No! Jesus wants to hear a declaration of love.

Healing and restoration can only come through the giving and receiving of unconditional love. And that is what happens here. With each declaration of love from Peter, Jesus ordains him in a new task. The final healing comes when Jesus utters the call "Follow me". Everything is alright again.

The proof of this happens on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit falls on Peter and he preaches the sermon that gives birth to the Church.

It is fitting that we celebrate here the 322nd anniversary of Cullompton Baptist Church at Pentecost which is on 5th June. We have been given a calling to go into the world and make disciples of all people. Pentecost is a celebration of that calling and equipping us for the task. It is also a day of celebration and thanksgiving.

We will be making our thank offering through a financial gift to the Church. We will also be holding a celebration meal after the service on 5th June during which we will be thanking God for the 70th year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, our Queen.

You are all welcome to join us on 5th June for these two special anniversaries. Our preacher on that day will be Reverend Patrick Barker from Tiverton Baptist Church.

Please make full use of the What's On page and put the dates in your diaries.

May the Holy Spirit fall afresh on us all today and every day.

Yours in Christ.