Ancient Words For Today
The artwork around the Chapel is
Matthew 11:28-30 – Ever feel completely wiped out by life? This is Jesus saying, “Come here, I’ve got you.” He’s promising that his way of living won’t pile more stress on you – it will actually make things easier. It’s like finding someone who gets how exhausted you are and offers real relief.
So what’s got you feeling worn down lately? What would “rest for your soul” actually look like for you right now?
Romans 8:28 – Life throws curveballs, right? This verse says that even when everything goes sideways, there’s somehow a bigger plan where your struggles aren’t wasted – they’re actually working toward something good. It doesn’t mean everything that happens is good, but that God can bring good from the worst possible situation. It’s about holding onto hope when things look & feel pretty bleak.
Think back to a rough patch you’ve been through – can you see any ways it actually made you stronger or led somewhere unexpected?
Acts 1:4-8 – This is about getting equipped with real power to make a difference, starting right where you are but potentially reaching way beyond. It’s not just about personal transformation – it’s about becoming someone whose story can actually help others. Your experiences matter to someone else out there.
Who might need to hear about how you’ve grown or changed? How could your story give someone else hope?
Galatians 5:13-18 – Here’s a twist on freedom – it’s not about doing whatever you want, but using your freedom to genuinely care for others. Love your neighbour like you’d want to be loved. Let wisdom guide you instead of just going with whatever feels good in the moment.
What’s one simple way you could put someone else’s needs right alongside your own today? How might that change how freedom feels?
Psalm 37:8 – Don’t just think about whether God is good – actually take a step and see for yourself. It’s like being invited to sample something rather than just reading the menu. Experience beats theory every time.
Instead of just wondering about spiritual stuff, what if you actually tried “tasting” – maybe through prayer, quiet reflection, or just being open to seeing God around you?
John 14:6 – This is Jesus making a really bold claim – that he’s the only way to reach God. It’s been inspiring some people and really bothering others for centuries. He’s not saying there are many roads up the mountain; he’s saying he IS the road.
Whether this idea excites or annoys you, what are you actually looking for when it comes to life’s big questions and spiritual truth?
John 8:12 – We all know what it’s like to stumble around in the dark. Jesus is saying he’s like a torch for life – follow him and you won’t be wandering around confused and bumping into things. You’ll actually know where you’re going.
Where do you feel like you’re stumbling around right now? What areas of life could use some clearer direction or light?
These ancient words still hit pretty close to home, don’t they? Pick whichever one made you think – or maybe the one that rubbed you the wrong way. Sometimes the passages that challenge us are exactly what we need to wrestle with.
The final two pieces of art are prominently displayed at the front of the Chapel as they underpin everything we do.
They set out our purpose statement which motivates everything we do and our values which we seek to embody as we do it.
You may find something that resonates deeply with your own journey.
If you’d like to discuss your response to any of the artwork or reflections, we’d love to chat with you over a coffee.
Get in touch – details below 👇🏻