2012 GAULBY FESTIVAL OF GRACE

 

The 13^th Gaulby Festival of Grace was held at Gaulby Parish Church in Leicestershire on Saturday afternoon 8^th September 2012.

 

Around fifty folk, including several young people, gathered together on a glorious sunny afternoon to hear the speakers who, this year, were Derek McDonnell who gave a presentation on the work of Blythswood Care in providing both humanitarian aid and gospel proclamation among the poor and disadvantaged in Great Britain, Europe, Africa and parts of Asia.

 

This was followed by Rev John Cheeseman, vice-chairman of Church Society, who spoke on  worship today from Philippians 3: 2-3, when he reminded us that worship in not something that is done just on a Sunday; but rather a spontaneous whole life attitude that permeates every single moment of our lives. Rev Cheeseman affirmed that the gospel of Jesus Christ is one of grace alone, with nothing taken away, or anything added such as ritual, baptism or good works.

 

Alistair Armour from the Christian Institute then gave an introduction into their work and an overview of some of the issues that are being tackled at the moment: same sex marriage, the victimisation of Christians in the workplace for their beliefs, and the very disturbing attempts by some godless elements in society to promote evil lifestyles into the school curriculum to subvert our children and grandchildren. Some have already been incorporated. These matters need serious prayer in the dark days which seem to be approaching our nation.

 

Nevertheless in spite of the difficulties that Christians face, and our Lord told us that the Christian life would not be an easy one, we all left with a deep gratitude for God’s abundant grace to undeserving sinners, challenged in the way we respond to the issues we encounter, and determined to be more faithful servants of our Lord Jesus Christ.