Barnes Baptist Church - A Word in Passing

JULY

The Seasons of Life

The changing of the seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres is a cycle that fascinates many. Watching one season gently give way to another is one of my favourite sights of the year. I love how each season has its own unique character and personality. Autumn is my favourite season. The beauty of the leaves changing from green to shades of gold, yellow, orange, brown, and red creates a breathtaking display. Flowers begin to die down and other garden plants begin shedding their leaves, preparing for their Winter slumber. This shedding of old leaves and fading blooms is necessary to make way for new growth.

Then everything becomes still as Autumn gently ushers in Winter. Winter is cold, and the long, dark days can seem dreary. The trees stand bare, and most plants in the garden lie dormant. Everything appears grey and lifeless, yet Winter serves an important purpose. It gives every living thing time to rest, recover, and prepare for the new life that will follow.

As Winter fades and a new year begins, Spring slowly ushers in new beginnings and fresh life. Everything that has lain dormant begins to awaken. Little lambs are born, along with many other young animals. Birds fill the air with song, flowers bloom, and trees burst into bud. The days gradually grow longer, and the cold of Winter is replaced by the crisp freshness of Spring. Everywhere, creation seems alive with joy.

As Spring gently gives way to Summer, it brings welcome warmth, and everything reaches full bloom. The trees, the flowers, the animals, and all of creation display their beauty in splendid abundance.

We are now in July, the heart of summer. Nature has reached its peak, yet quietly it is already preparing for another transformation. Before long, Autumn will return, and the cycle will begin once more.

This yearly cycle carries an important message for us: don't let another Summer pass without God in your life. In Jeremiah 8:20, the prophet laments: "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." These solemn words speak of a missed opportunity. The harvest refers to the early Summer harvest, while the end of Summer marks the close of the final harvest of the year. Once the season had passed, there would be no further opportunity until another year. Matthew Henry explains that this is a powerful metaphor for lost opportunities and the danger of delaying repentance.

Don't let another opportunity to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He is patiently waiting for you to come to Him. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, He has promised eternal life to those who believe in Him.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Do not delay. As the Apostle Paul writes:

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2

Esther Pulham

JUNE 2026

'Revive us again, O Lord!'

On a recent visit to Norwich I was struck by how the city embodies a much larger story of English history and religious change. As I walked through the city, I noticed the many churches that dot its streets. At one time, Norwich is said to have had around fifty church buildings within its medieval walls, in addition to monasteries and the magnificent Norwich Cathedral.

What saddened me most was seeing that many of the churches have now been declared ‘redundant’ and converted into antique shops, arts venues, community centers, and other commercial enterprises. In some, memorial plaques on walls bearing the names of faithful believers whose lives testified to their faith in Jesus Christ are either covered with or stand alongside displays of jewelry and other items for sale.

All reflecting the significant decline in attendance at Christian worship over the last two centuries. Places where the Word of God was once faithfully preached have now been recommissioned to serve contemporary wants; preserved simply on the basis of them being interesting historic structures. And yet each building's architecture still speaks powerfully of their original purpose. The soaring naves, stained-glass windows, and intricate stone carvings bear witness to generations of faith.

The profound social changes that have reshaped Britain over the last century are remarkable. Although a great many church buildings still remain, many now tell a very different story from the one they told when they were first built many years ago.

And why might that be? Could it be that we have become lax in our evangelism? Has our zeal for sharing the gospel and leading people to Christ diminished? Have we allowed worldly concerns to distract us from the mission Christ has given His Church?

Jesus commissioned His followers to go into all the world and preach the gospel. And yet for many their Christian faith has become a private matter that speaks to no one and changes nothing. The mission field of our own communities has too often lain neglected.

But we must not lose heart. There is still time to go and share the gospel, to tell others of God's love, and to proclaim that there is eternal hope in Jesus Christ. We are called to make disciples and to baptise them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19–20). We are to continue His mission with confidence, knowing that He has promised, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

And perhaps, by God's grace, these ‘redundant’ churches will once again be filled with Christian worshippers. Once again the gospel will be faithfully preached within their walls and once again worship and gospel truth will flow together out from them and into the communities for which they were built - to the glory of God, and for many, many generations to come!

Esther Pulham

May 2026

'But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you

know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy

Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.'

2 Timothy 3: 14-15

The Bible is truly a book to be treasured. Indeed it is a treasure trove filled with the richest council of God - a treasure trove that He has made available to us and one that we neglect at our peril. For when we recognise the Bible as God's word and open it to discern his will, when it is studied and obeyed, it is used by God's Spirit to become a powerful, life-giving, life-affirming force on our lives.

The more we study God's word the more help we will discover. For the more we study God's word the more God will 'come alive' for us, His will and His ways becoming like a subtext running through and under our lives, informing, guiding, prompting, allowing us to better understand and live in His world as His people.

So cherish your Bible. The best way to do that is to read it, study it and meditate upon His word. And that you will do if you know what the Bible is and if you want to grow in your understanding and service of the One who has made His will and His ways available to us.

A Prayer of intent.

'I have hidden your word in my heart

that I may not sin against you.

Praise be to you, O Lord;

teach me your decrees.'

Psalm 119: 11

Graham Pulham

APRIL 2026

"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified.
He has risen. He is not here. See the place where they laid him." Mark 16:6

Does the empty tomb of Jesus Christ matter? Yes. It matters absolutely. It matters as a public vindication of Jesus' self-offering on the cross. It states that the price for sin has been paid in full and that forgiveness and acceptance by God are available to all who will accept that Jesus died in their place; available to all who will accept Him as Lord of their life.

It matters absolutely as a guarantee of the resurrection of the dead and as a sign of the judgment to come - the judgment that awaits us all. It matters absolutely as proof that God's will will be done, and although mankind might seek to frustrate His will, in the end nothing can prevent God's will from being carried out to the full. All things will, in the end, turn out as God has decreed they should, whatever men do, whatever the wisdom of the worldy-wise may say.

The empty tomb of Jesus declares that God is in control. Even through the days of darkness and suffering. The empty tomb of Jesus declares that there is hope, an eternal hope, given to us through His life, death and resurrection.

Graham Pulham.

Christ is risen! henceforth never
Death nor hell shall us enthral;
We are Christ's, in Him for ever
We have triumphed over all;
All the doubting and dejection
Of our trembling hearts have ceased,
'Tis His day of resurrection;
Let us rise and keep the feast.

Christ is risen! hallelujah!
Risen our victorious Head;
Sing His praises; hallelujah!
Christ is risen from the dead.

J.B.Mansell

March 2026

'Make every effort to live in peace with men and to be holy; without holiness no-one will see God.' Hebrews 12:14

What for man is impossible God has made possible. The holy life is not funless, nor is it repressive or boring. It's life as it's meant to be; glorifying God, reflecting the character of Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Holiness is about becoming and being the person God created us to be; the person Jesus calls us to be as we follow Him. And as Paul wrote to remind the churches of Colossae, it's not about coming out from the world and finding refuge in the company of the perfect, it's about being in the world and yet being different from the world.

Holiness doesn't get the best press even in Christian circles. But Jesus' call to holiness is not optional. Nor should we treat it as such if we are sincere in our following of Him. The 'Way' has already been prepared. God, in and through Jesus, has done all that is needed to enable our living of such a life, and our response to His grace will evidence the depth of our commitment to Him.

The world needs to see what it means to be truly human; what it means to truly reflect the image of God in which we were all made. And God has commissioned each and every disciple of Jesus with that task. We are to be windows into humanity's future. And what people do with what they see may well depend on the quality of holiness, the quality of Christ-like life, we live out before them.

Graham Pulham

February 2026

A Song in the Waiting Room

I was recently in a hospital, accompanying my sister for a medical procedure. It took nearly the whole day. While she was in surgery, I sat in the waiting area with a book, though from time to time I found myself looking up and observing what was happening around me.

Staff and patients moved up and down the corridor as expected, but one nurse in particular caught my attention. She would step out of the doctor’s office to call patients in—and every time she did, she sang their surname.

It was a small thing, but it changed the atmosphere. Faces lifted. Smiles appeared.On one occasion, she called out, “Mr. O’Sullivan.” As he stood up, she sang “O Sull-i-van” to the tune of O Sole Mio. Mr. O’Sullivan walked forward laughing and praised her for lightening the mood. She replied that singing just came naturally to her.

As they walked toward the doctor’s office, I overheard him begin to explain the background of the name O’Sullivan—how it was Irish and dated back many years. Their voices faded as they entered the room.

Later, I spoke with the nurse and asked where she was from. She told me she was from the Philippines and that she loved singing. Despite it being nearly eight hours since the first patient of the day, she was still cheerful and enthusiastic, helping patients feel at ease. She even made me a cup of tea and offered me a packet of biscuits.

Her name was Ella. She also came from the same city in the Philippines as I do.

We can be like Ella. No matter our circumstances, we can choose to encourage others—to lift their spirits and serve with a smile. As the apostle Paul reminded the Thessalonian believers: “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Even after a long day of work, Ella carried on as if it were the beginning of her shift—still cheerful, still serving others, and still smiling genuinely.

Esther Pulham

January 2026

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16

What an incredible thing it is that the Creator of so vast and unimaginable universe should be so interested in us. That His desire should be to share the closest of relationships with us. And yet it's true! God wants us to know Him as our Heavenly Father. He wants us to love Him and experience His love for us. That after all is why Jesus came.

He came because God so loved the world. He came because God so loves you and me. He came to show us what God's love is like - and to show us the extent of His love. He came into this world as only God can break into world history. Breaking into it for you and me. Breaking in that we might not be content with petty resolutions but that in Him and through Him we might have life to the full. Life as only He can give it.

'Welcome to 2026!' And 'A Happy Year to You!' But in the end the exact year this is and the hour we celebrate its beginning is irrelevant in the light of the eternal relationship God holds out to each one of us in Jesus. What matters is that we grasp and experience the Person and love of the God who is Himself Lord of time. The God who beckons every one of us to come to Him, exchanging our uncertainties about the future for His certainties, so that whatever successive todays and tomorrows bring we will know that 'nothing' - be it in the present or in the future - 'will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Romans 8: 39.

Graham Pulham

December 2025

'Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no-one will see God.' Hebrews 12:14

What for man is impossible God has made possible. The holy life is not funless, not is it repressive or boring. It's life as it's meant to be, glorifying God, reflecting the character of Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Holiness is about becoming and being the person God created us to be; the person Jesus calls us to be as we follow Him. And as Paul wrote to remind both the Church at Colossea and us, it's not about coming out from the world and finding refuge in the company of the perfect (an impossibility!), it's about being in the world and yet being different from the world.

Holiness doesn't get the best of presses - even in Christian circles - but Jesus' call to holiness is not optional. Nor should we treat it as such if we are sincere in our following of Him. The 'way' has already been prepared. God has done all that is needful to enable our living of such a life, and our response to His grace will evidence the depth of our commitment to Him.

The world needs to see what it means to be truly human and God has commissioned each and every disciple of Jesus with that task. We are to be a window into humanity's future. And what people do with what they see may well depend on the quality of the Christ-like life we live out before them.

Graham Pulham

November 2025

'Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.' Hebrews 10:25

When Jesus calls us to follow Him He also calls us into fellowship with His family, our brothers and sisters in Christ. A family that like all families isn't perfect. It has its weaknesses and strengths, its squabbles and its celebrations, its failings and its achievements. And yet it is God's chosen vehicle for furthering His great work of salvation. And that's a work that we can do if we stand together and grow together for the glory of our Saviour and Lord.

If we want to be effective followers of Jesus we need to recognise that, whatever our spiritual experiences and expectations, whatever our worship preferences and prejudices, 'Church' is not an optional extra. It's integral to what it means to be a discipe. It's the body (1 Corinthians 12) to which each and every believers belongs; a living organism of which we need to be part if we are to experience the full and genuine life of a follower of Jesus.

Together with God's Word, Prayer and the Holy Spirit, the Church is a resource we neglect and seperate ourselves from at our own peril - and in disobedience to the One who has called us into it. Jesus calls His followers to 'Church'. And though it's all too easy to recognise that His Church is

very much a work in progress, yet it's also important to recognise that ultimately what counts is not what we the church are but what we are allowing Jesus, the Lord of His Church, to be in us and through us.

So let's not give in to the temptation of excusing ourself from the life of the Church, but let us be obedient to our Lord's calling and seek to be as gracious and as patient with one another as He is with us. After-all, where better than the Church to practise and mature in the fruit of the Spirit?

Graham Pulham

October 2025

'Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no-one will see God.' Hebrews 12:14

What for man is impossible God has made possible. The holy life is not funless, not is it repressive or boring. It's life as it's meant to be, glorifying God, reflecting the character of Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Holiness is about becoming and being the person God created us to be; the person Jesus calls us to be as we follow Him. And as Paul wrote to remind both the Church at Colossea and us, it's not about coming out from the world and finding refuge in the company of the perfect (an impossibility!), it's about being in the world and yet being different from the world.

Holiness doesn't get the best of presses - even in Christian circles - but Jesus' call to holiness is not optional. Nor should we treat it as such if we are sincere in our following of Him. The 'way' has already been prepared. God has done all that is needful to enable our living of such a life, and our response to His grace will evidence the depth of our commitment to Him.

The world needs to see what it means to be truly human and God has commissioned each and every disciple of Jesus with that task. We are to be a window into humanity's future. And what people do with what they see may well depend on the quality of the Christ-like life we live out before them.

Graham Pulham

September 2025

'... he will meet all our needs according to his glorious riches in Christ.' Philippians 4:19

When God promises He will provide and His supply will always be equal to the demands of His calling. And despite our weaknesses and failings such is God's grace, such is His integrity, He will continue to work with and through those He has committed Himself to.

God is forgiving and slow to anger and yet there comes a time when God can do no more for those who persist in their grumbling and disbelief. A time when - as the Israelites experienced on the very border of the land promised to them - God gives people over to whatever else their heart is set on and the consequences of their choice.

That sadly, would be the fate of all but a tiny few of the Israelites God had called out from Egypt to be His people. They had responded to His call and set out in faith - and yet failed to trust Him to deliver on His promises. But to those who remained faithful - though the journey ahead was far from easy - there was the assurance and the experience of the God who did provide and who did prove Himself to be absolutely trustworthy.

As then, so now. To those who remain true, to those who trust Him, though the journey of faith may not be an easy one (is it ever?), we can be assured that God will supply all we need. He has, after-all, placed His integrity on the line. An integrity that calls out to us from the cross of Jesus with a demonstration of love and commitment that should stiffle any grumbling, and still any doubt that may arise in our heart.

The question for the follower of Jesus, today and every day, remains as it was long ago on the border of the promised land. 'Will you trust me?' God asks. Will you live your life of faith trusting in and trusting for divine providence?' The goal is assured. Let's pray that with God's help we will indeed live out that assurance each and every day.

Graham Pulham

July - August 2025

A Little more like Moses?

There are many lessons we can learn from the life of Moses and here's just two of them -

First of all, like Moses, we should always be looking to deepen our relationship with God, asking Him to show more of Himself to us as we read His word, as we worship, as we go about our daily lives. Asking, 'Lord, what have you to show me today? What more can I learn about you as in this place of work, or as I go through this experience?' Even asking Him to make us aware of any false pictures we may have of Him and being willing to discard them - however dear and comforting they may be.

Let's all seek to better know God' the God who knows each one of us by name, so that with,

'...unveiled faces we reflect the Lord's glory (into this lost and needy world) as we

are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes

from the Lord, who is the Spirit.' 2 Corinthians 3:18

Secondly, like Moses, let's make sure we always approach God with humility, remembering who He is and what we are. That's not to think of our-self as being so base and repellent as to be unlovable by God, but simply to ensure our relationship with Him is as respectful and honouring as it should be. All too easily the God of high church Christianity can seem remote and unreachable, while the God of evangelicals can seem more God all-matey rather than God almighty! Both are wrong. Both are disrespectful. And both can be dangerous. Even Moses approached God with caution and we'd be wise to do so as well.

O Lord of all might,

How boundless Thy love!

While angels delight

To hymn Thee above,

The humbler creation,

Though feeble their lays,

With true adoration

Shall sing to Thy praise.

Robert Grant

Graham Pulham

June 2025

The Brevity of Life

At the back garden of the church is a small peony plant I planted in April. The first buds appeared in early May and gradually grew until they burst into a display of beautiful flowers. The blossoms were bold and stunning, attracting much attention from those who passed by. But only a few days later, the flowers began to wilt—the petals drooped and soon were gone. It was “here one minute and gone the next.” Life is much the same—short and fleeting. We may live to 80, or for a fortunate few, even 100 years. Then we breathe our last. But unlike the peonies, whose beauty fades into finality, we are not gone forever. After our earthly life ends, we enter the afterlife—an existence that never ends.

The question is: where will that eternity be spent? In Luke 16:19-21, we read about the two eternal destinations:

“The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and

was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and

Lazarus at his side.”

And John 3:16 offers hope and clarity:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not

perish but have eternal life.”

God gives us a choice. Those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will have eternal life. Those who do not, will perish.

As John 3:18 further explains:

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already,

because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

Such is the brevity of life—we have only a short time to decide our eternal future. So I ask: Which eternal destination do you

choose?

Esther Pulham

May 2025

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Matthew 5:16

The Hawthorn Tree

In the back garden of the Manse is a large Hawthorn tree that is covered with its beautiful blossoms at this time of the year. The flowers are highly scented, white or occasionally pink and lovely to look at during the day but even more beautiful when its blossoms are shining in the evening light. The light reflects on the flowers and they brighten the surrounding area.

This image of the Hawthorn tree, with its blossoms catching the light and reflecting it in such a serene way, perfectly parallels how Christ’s light shines through us. It’s like His presence illuminates our lives, and in turn, that light spills over to others, offering warmth, hope, and love in ways we may not even fully realise. It also high lights the idea that the beauty isn’t just in the initial blossoming, but in how it continues to shine even in the quiet, reflective moments—like how Christ’s influence can bring peace and radiance in our hearts at all times. It’s such a powerful image for the way we are meant to reflect His goodness in us to the world.

What about you? Do you often find yourself reflecting the light of Christ and brightening your surrounding in this way?

Esther Pulham

April 2025

Regret, Repentance and Restoration

'And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” So, Peter went out and wept bitterly.'

Luke 22:61-62

After Jesus told Peter that he will deny Him three times before the cock crew, Peter replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Yet we read that after Jesus was arrested, Peter did not stand by him,he did exactly what Jesus said he would do - deny Him.

Perhaps like Peter, you once reckoned you would always stand strong and felt like you could handle anything in your walk with God, only to have found yourself stumbling when confronted with trials or difficult moments. Boldpromises of faith faltering when it mattered most. The guilt and regret that follow can be overwhelming.

It was when Jesus turned and looked at Peter - it was that look, not the cock crowing - that brought about the tears; the reaction of sadness and regret. It was the gaze of Jesus that caused that moment of deep conviction for Peter. Thankfully, that look was not the end of the story, for the resurrected Jesus was to appear to the disciples and to especially seek out Peter to forgive, restore and reinstate him; calling him into a yet greater service, (John 21:15-17).

It's one of many examples in the Bible of God’s grace and mercy. A reminder that,

‘If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.'

1 John 1:9.

God’s forgiveness isn’t just about wiping the slate clean; it’s about transforming us. After Peter’s failure, Jesus didn’t abandon him. Instead, He reinstated him and called him to a greater purpose: a reflection of God’songoing work in our lives. For despite our shortcomings, God doesn’t give up on us. Indeed, He can use even our failures as stepping stones toward growth and the fulfilment of His calling upon our lives.

The grace that restored Peter is the same grace that is available to all of us, to all who repent, no matter how far we’ve fallen. Have you had moments in your life where you felt similar regret or failure, and yet found God’s grace reaching and transforming you?

Esther Pulham

March 2025

Regret, Repentance and Restoration

"Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?'

Matthew 11:3

It's important to recognise that for the believer doubts do not signify a loss of faith. Rather they signify a faith that is being tested; a faith that's being stretched; a faith that's needing to rethink and readjust in order that it may grow. And that may be the case whether we've been a follower of Jesus for six months or sixty years!

But where can we find understanding and encouragement at such times? A physical encounter with Jesus here in this life may not be impossible, but for the majority it will be a remote possibility. But there again, so it was for John the Baptist locked up in his prison cell. And yet, like John, we can still encounter Jesus through the reports brought back to us by fellow Christians as they share with us what Jesus is doing in their lives. And, better than John, we can encounter Jesus through the reports of who He is and what He has done and is doing recorded for us in Scriptures. And, of course, we can ensure - whether we feel like it or not, whether we feel spiritual or not - that our life is open to Him as we wait upon the Spirit of Jesus "to guide us in all truth" John 16:13; to "teach us all things and remind us of everything Jesus has said." John 14:26.

Understanding and encouragement through the testimony of our brothers and sisters in Christ. understanding and encouragement through the reading of God's Word. Understanding and encouragement through the ministry of the Spirit of Jesus Himself. All these are available to us in our times of questioning and doubt as a means of encountering Jesus. But as with John, so with us. In times of questioning and doubt the onus is on us to do something to take the initiative away from the negativity, and so channel our efforts into a positive seeking of God that we might 'see Him as He is.'

Doubts and discouragements will come. And understanding and expectations about God may have to change. Comforting projections may have to go. Our Christin calling may need to be redefined. But however deep the doubts God is deeper still.

Graham Pulham