For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; ¹⁵ and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 ESV)

As the clocks change and the nights begin to draw in we get to that time of the year when we remember those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to Queen and Country. We remember those that have lost their lives in two world wars and numerous other conflicts since. It is a time to remember the cost that our freedom has been, and continues to be, bought at. We also remember those touched by the effects of war such as the families of the fallen, veterans and those still serving. It is good to be reminded of these things, to have time to reflect, to pray and to give thanks for those that have been willing to risk so much. It is also a reminder to believers of the one who paid the greatest sacrifice at Calvary’s cross. We have been blessed to just have had our communion weekend where we remembered the greatest ever sacrifice given for our freedom, Christ willingly and in perfect obedience to the Father suffering and dying on a cross to secure freedom from the power of death and sin for all those that believe in their heart and declare with their mouths that Jesus is Lord. The poppy has become the symbol of remembrance for the fallen and at the Lords table simple elements speak of all that Christ has done in the shedding of his blood and the giving of his body and yet we did not come to the table mourning but in thankful celebration that we serve a risen Saviour, death is not the end and all those that trust in the Lord can have new life as they share in his resurrection. This life is one that knows the joy of serving the risen saviour and one day being with him in his glorious presence for eternity. As the dark nights close in we remember that even with all the spiritual darkness in the world the light of the good news of the gospel has broken in and that it is spreading and Christ’s kingdom is growing. So as we approach Remembrance Sunday this month we come with hearts that are heavy from the loss that conflict brings but we also remember that there is one conflict that has been won, through the sacrifice of one, Christ has conquered sin and death and there is hope, life and joy for the believer in the Masters service.

Every blessing

Gordon