The Great Worship Lie We’ve All Believed The modern lie that has shaped much of contemporary worship is this: We gather in church primarily to see what God will do – to coax, invite, or manipulate His presence and power through our efforts, our singing, our prayers, and our emotional intensity. When Worship Gets the Direction Wrong This approach reverses the true direction of worship. It assumes God is distant or unresponsive unless we push hard enough, perform sufficiently, or escalate our fervor to draw Him near. It mirrors pagan worship, where devotees must manipulate indifferent or capricious deities through rituals, cries, and sacrifices. Baal’s Prophets vs. Elijah’s Quiet Confidence The prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel “called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, ‘O Baal, answer us!’ But there was no voice, and no one answered. … And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice, no one answered, no one paid attention” (1 Kings 18:26, 29, ESV). Their frantic, escalating efforts produced nothing because false gods cannot hear or act. In stark contrast, the true God answered Elijah’s calm, faith-filled prayer with fire from heaven, demonstrating that He initiates and responds sovereignly – not because of human manipulation. The Father Is Already Seeking Worshipers Jesus reveals the Father’s initiative in true worship: “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23–24, ESV). The Father seeks worshipers; He pursues, not waits to be summoned. You Already Have Access – Right Now Through Christ, believers have constant access: “For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18, ESV). “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, ESV). We enter God’s heavenly presence by faith even now (Hebrews 12:22–24), participating in the worship of angels and saints. Every Lord’s Day, Christ fulfills His promises: He gathers His people (Matthew 18:20), speaks through His Word (Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 4:2), forgives sins (John 20:23), and feeds His church (1 Corinthians 11:23–26). These are assured by His finished work: “It is finished” (John 19:30, ESV). We gather because God has acted decisively in Christ – not to discover if He might act. Chasing “What God Might Do” Betrays Unbelief The obsession with “what God might do” often reflects unbelief in what He has already done and continues to do through the ordinary means of grace. The church needs not flashier experiences, but sounder theology: Worship is God’s gracious summons to His redeemed people, centered on Christ’s mediatorial work. Worship God’s Way – Not Ours “The acceptable way of worshipping the true God is instituted by Himself, and so limited by His own revealed will, that He may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men…” — Westminster Confession of Faith 21.1 What If You Don’t Feel God at All? Yet even with this biblical understanding, many believers face a related struggle: What if we don’t feel God? Seasons of spiritual dryness – where God’s presence feels distant, hidden, or absent – can be deeply painful and disorienting. When Even the Psalms Cry Out “Where Are You?” The psalmists openly lament this experience: “Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1, ESV). “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” (Psalm 13:1, ESV). “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1, ESV) – words Christ Himself cried on the cross (Matthew 27:46). Yet God’s promises remain unshakable: “He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5, ESV). “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, ESV). These are objective realities rooted in God’s covenant faithfulness, not in our subjective feelings. Talking Back to Your Downcast Soul The psalmist models fighting unbelief with truth: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (Psalm 42:11, ESV). God may hide His face for gracious purposes – to humble us, wean us from dependence on feelings, test and strengthen faith, purge sin, or deepen reliance on Christ (Isaiah 54:7–8). God Hides His Face – But Never His Love “God has a design of mercy in hiding his face from his adopted ones… When God hides his face he does so for the good of his children, to strengthen resolve, faith and love.” — Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity Hold On When Feelings Fail In such seasons, do not measure God’s presence by feelings – trust His promises. Persist in the ordinary means of grace: Scripture reading (even when dry), honest prayer (as the psalmists poured out complaints), church fellowship, the Lord’s Supper, and patient waiting. Faith often flourishes most when feelings fade, teaching us to rest solely on Christ’s finished work. He Is Near – Even in the Silence God is near, even when He feels far. He works in the silence for your good. Cling to Romans 8:38–39: Nothing can separate you from His love. The night of testing often precedes the dawn of renewed joy. Hold fast – He has not left you. The One Thing the Church Desperately Needs The church’s need is the same in both cases: not better feelings, but better theology. Return to the gospel truth that God initiates, sustains, and completes worship and fellowship through Christ. Whether in corporate gathering or personal dryness, rest in what He has done, is doing, and will do. Your Next Step: Rest in the Finished Work Today God is not waiting for you to perform, feel more, or manufacture His presence—He has already come near in Christ. So take one simple, faith-filled step this week: This Sunday , go to gathered worship not to make  God show up, but to receive what He has promised to give: His Word, His forgiveness, His Supper, His people. In your quiet time , when feelings are flat, open your Bible anyway, speak honestly to God (even complaints), and preach Romans 8:38–39 or Psalm 42:11 back to your soul. Share this truth  with someone who’s weary, dry, or chasing experiences—forward them this blog, start the conversation, remind them: God is the pursuer. The gospel doesn’t depend on our intensity of feeling; praise God! It rests on Christ’s “It is finished.” Let that truth free you to worship in spirit and truth- today, tomorrow, and every Lord’s Day.

New to faith? Exploring Christianity? Or just wanting a solid refresh? Join us for Christianity 101—a 20-week Tuesday evening course starting 27 January 2026 at 7:30pm. We will walk through who God is, what went wrong in the world, how Jesus saves us, and what life looks like as His people—all grounded in the Bible’s big story of God’s faithful promises. Perfect for enquirers, new believers, those considering baptism, longtime attendees or members. 20-min talk + 10-min Q&A each week, followed by a time of corporate prayer. No pressure, no homework—just good teaching, discussion, and community.   Block 1: Who God Is – The God of the Covenant Week 1: 27 Jan – The God Who Speaks and Reveals Himself (Heb 1:1–4; Deut 29:29) “Is God silent—or does He want to be known?” Week 2: 3 Feb – The Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Spirit (Matt 28:19; 2 Cor 13:14) “Is God lonely—or relational at His core?” Week 3: 10 Feb – God the Sovereign Creator (Gen 1:1–2; Ps 103:19) “Where did everything come from—and does it have meaning?” Week 4: 17 Feb – God’s Holiness and Love (Isa 6:1–8; 1 John 4:7–10) “How can a holy God love sinners like us?” Week 5: 24 Feb – God’s Covenant Faithfulness (Gen 12:1–3; 2 Tim 2:13) “Can we trust anyone’s promises?”   Block 2: Us, Sin, and God’s Rescue Plan Week 6: 3 Mar – Made in God’s Image (Gen 1:26–28; Ps 8) “What makes humans so valuable?” Week 7: 10 Mar – The Fall and Tragedy of Sin (Rom 3:9–23; Gen 3) “Why is the world so broken?” Week 8: 17 Mar – The Gospel: Christ’s Death and Resurrection (1 Cor 15:1–4; Rom 4:25) “What is the heart of the good news?” Week 9: 24 Mar – Saved by Grace Through Faith Alone (Eph 2:1–10) “How can anyone be right with God?” Week 10: 31 Mar – Adoption: Becoming Children of God (Rom 8:14–17; Gal 4:4–7) “Can we really call God ‘Father’?”    Block 3: New Life as a Follower of Jesus Week 11: 7 Apr – Union with Christ (Col 3:1–4; Rom 6:1–11) “What does it mean to be ‘in Christ’?” Week 12: 14 Apr – Repentance and Faith Day by Day (Luke 9:23; Acts 20:21) “Is following Jesus a one-time decision or daily choice?” ·Week 13: 21 Apr – The Holy Spirit’s Transforming Work (Gal 5:16–25; Ezek 36:26–27) “How does real change actually happen?” Week 14: 28 Apr – The Word of God: Scripture Alone (2 Tim 3:14–17; Ps 119:9–16) “Why trust the Bible?” Week 15: 5 May – Prayer: Communion with Our Father (Phil 4:6–7; Matt 6:9–13) “Does God really hear us when we pray?” Block 4: Living Together as God’s People Week 16: 12 May – The Church: God’s Covenant Community (Eph 4:11–16; Heb 10:24–25) “Why can’t I just follow Jesus on my own?” Week 17: 19 May – Love God, Love Neighbour (Matt 22:34–40; Deut 6:4–5) “What’s the most important thing in life?” Week 18: 26 May – Work, Rest, and Stewardship (Gen 1:28–2:15; Col 3:23–24) “Does everyday work matter to God?” Week 19: 2 Jun – Money and Generosity (Matt 6:19–24; 2 Cor 9:6–11) “What should Christians do with money?” Week 20: 9 Jun – Witnesses to the World (Matt 28:18–20; Acts 1:8) “Why share the gospel?” We want as many people in our fellowship  to engage with this teaching as possible, and we strongly believe the best way to do this is in person, however if you are unable due to circumstance to attend, speak to Pastor Carl for access to the recordings and notes.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15. 'When we read the word of God ... we do it not to any other end and purpose, but to be instructed in good doctrine, that is to say in doctrine as is profitable to our salvation' (John Calvin, Sermon on Titus I:I-4). “John Calvin was the greatest exegete of the Reformation age: he was the Reformation's greatest theologian. And he was the practical genius of the Reformation. We do not say he was the practical genius of the Reformation in spite of his learned commentaries and his profound and profoundly reasoned theology. We would better say it was in large part because of them. Calvin probably never did a more practical thing than expound the Scriptures day by day with the penetrating insight and the clear, searching honesty of comment in which he is unsurpassed. And he certainly never did a more practical thing than write the Institutes of the Christian Religion (Selected Shorter Writings of Benjamin B. Warfield, 1:403). The verse from 2 Timothy 2:15 calls believers—especially teachers and pastors—to study and expound Scripture with accuracy and integrity, avoiding distortion or frivolous disputes. John Calvin embodied this ideal. As he preached on Titus, the ultimate purpose of engaging God’s Word is not mere knowledge or debate, but instruction in doctrine that profits our salvation—drawing us closer to Christ and conforming us to His truth. Benjamin B. Warfield’s tribute (from his essay on Calvin and the Reformation) rightly highlights this. These quotes together remind us that true biblical handling isn’t merely academic exercise (although it should involve it) —it’s faithful labour that glorifies God, equips the saints, and advances the gospel. May we all strive to be such workmen, approved and unashamed. We don’t need less study, we need more of the right kind.

A PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR Length of days does not profit me Except the days are passed in Thy presence, in Thy service to Thy glory. Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains Sanctifies, aids every hour, That I might not be one moment apart from Thee, But may rely on thy Spirit To supply every thought, Speak every word, Direct every step, Prosper every work, Build up every mote of faith, And give me a desire To show forth Thy praise, Testify Thy love, Advance Thy kingdom. I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year, With Thee, O Father, as my harbour, Thee O Son, at my helm, Thee O Holy Spirit, filling my sails. Guide me to heaven with my loins girt, My lamp burning, My ear open to thy calls, My heart full of love, my soul free. Give me Thy grace to sanctify me, Thy comforts to cheer me, Thy wisdom to teach, Thy right hand to guide, Thy counsel to instruct, Thy law to judge, Thy presence to stabilize. May Thy fear be my awe, Thy triumphs my joy. From: Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions Launching into the New Year As we stand on the threshold of a new year, the unknown stretches before us like uncharted waters. The Puritan prayer from The Valley of Vision  beautifully captures this moment: we launch our “bark on the unknown waters” of the coming days, not in our own strength, but with the Triune God as our guide—the Father as our harbour, the Son at the helm, and the Holy Spirit filling our sails. The prayer begins with a profound truth: “Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed in Thy presence, in Thy service, to Thy glory.” Mere longevity means little if our time is not rooted in God. Instead, we seek His grace that “precedes, follows, guides, sustains,” never leaving us apart from Him. This year, may we rely fully on His Spirit to supply every thought, word, step, and work, building our faith and stirring a desire to praise Him, testify to His love, and advance His kingdom. Scripture echoes this dependence. In Lamentations 3:22-23, we are reminded: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Each dawn of 2026 brings fresh mercy—reason enough to face the year with hope. Yet the prayer also calls us to readiness: “Guide me to heaven with my loins girt, my lamp burning,” prepared like the wise virgins awaiting the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13). And in Psalm 90:12, Moses prays, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Recognising life’s brevity urges us to live wisely, prioritising God’s presence above all. As you enter this new year, pray with the Puritans: May God’s fear awe you, His triumphs fill you with joy, and His presence stabilise every step. In Christ’s love, Pastor Carl, Caroline and the Peet family. Prayer O Lord, As we launch into these unknown waters, be our harbour, helm, and wind. Let Your mercies renew us each morning. Teach us to number our days aright, That we may live fully in Your presence, service, and glory. Amen.

Dear friends, Tomorrow morning, Sunday 7th December at 10:30 am, we dive deeper into the heart of God’s greatest promise during our Advent series at Honiton Evangelical Congregational Church. Last week, we explored how the very first whispers of hope after the Fall – promises to Adam and Abraham – pointed straight to Christmas. This week, we turn to Moses and David, and how the Tabernacle and the throne were always crying out for something more. “Every sacrifice in the Tabernacle and every king on David’s throne was shouting the same thing: ‘We are not enough! We need a perfect Priest and a perfect King who is Himself God with us.’ The manger is the answer.” Join us as we unpack how the Old Testament shadows – the portable dwelling of God among His people, the imperfect rulers who foreshadowed a greater one – all find their fulfillment in the Baby born in Bethlehem. It’s a story of God’s relentless pursuit to dwell with us, not just in tents or temples, but in human flesh. Whether you’re new to this series, returning from last week, or simply seeking the real hope of Christmas amidst the busyness – you are warmly invited. No church background needed; come as you are. 10:30 am (doors open 10:15) Communion will be celebrated as part of the service. Children warmly welcome Accessible building with free parking and hearing loop Bring a friend, bring your questions, and discover how the God who once tabernacled in the wilderness now invites you into His presence forever. We can’t wait to see you tomorrow! With love and anticipation, Pastor Carl and the church family at Honiton Evangelical Congregational Church High Street, Honiton EX14 1PJ 01404 44923 | www.honitonecc.org “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:23) See you tomorrow morning!

Tomorrow everything changes – Advent begins at Honiton Evangelical Congregational Church Dear friends, Tomorrow morning, Sunday 30 November at 10:30 am, we begin the greatest journey in history. Four weeks. Four promises. One Baby who keeps every single one of them. This Advent at Honiton Evangelical Congregational Church we’re walking together through the ancient promise God made again and again: “I will be their God, and they will be My people. I will come and dwell with them.” From the first whisper in the Garden (“the seed of the woman will crush the serpent”) to the final shout of Revelation (“the dwelling-place of God is now with man”), every page of Scripture has been pointing to Bethlehem… and beyond, to the day when He will wipe away every tear forever. Tomorrow we start at the very beginning: the promise given to Adam and to Abraham – the promise that God Himself would come to fix what we broke and bring us home. Whether this will be your very first time in church, you’re returning after many years, or you’re simply longing for the real meaning of Christmas this year – you are warmly invited. - 10:30 am (doors open 10:00am) - Followed by refreshments - Children warmly welcome - No dress code, no expectations – just come as you are Bring a friend. Bring your questions. Bring yourself. Christmas starts here – tomorrow – with the God who crossed the universe to find you. We can’t wait to welcome you. With love and hope, Pastor Carl and the church family at HECC “Behold, I am coming soon.” (Jesus) See you tomorrow morning!

You’ll hear much on the news over the next few days about the murder of Charlie Kirk, perhaps a name you’ve never heard before. Kirk was murdered by a shooter (still at large) during an organised public debate on a University campus in Utah. The secular, liberal press will make much of Kirk’s links to Trump, the political right and American politics. All of which are evident, sadly what we won’t hear is how his evangelical faith in Christ, and belief in the absolute truth of Christ’s claims over and against the madness of a secular, individualistic identitarian worldview and agenda drove his work. In an interview before his death, an interviewer asked him what he’d like to be remembered for, he looked uncharacteristically surprised by the question, but then answered ‘my faith’. The Evangelical Times have published a fitting tribute, to a Christian husband, father and public speaker who died doing what he loved to do, encouraging free speech, open debate and answering the craziness of this world with the sanity found in Christ. The church needs more men willing to do the same with courage and conviction. He leaves behind a wife and 2 children, pray for them. https://www.evangelical-times.org/evangelical-debater-charlie-kirk-shot-dead-in-america/

Church History Traces the ‘Footprints’ of God. Helpful article on the utility and necessity of church history to our present day faith and practise. https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/why-study-church-history

Carl and Caroline Peet It's now nearly 5 months since I took up the role of pastor here at HECC, so I thought it was about time I put together a post! My name is Carl Peet, I am a 47-year-old Welshman. I am married to Caroline, and we have four children: Daniel, Matthew, Rebekah, and Martha. I have been in ordained ministry since 2014, first serving in reformed churches in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, whilst studying for my Honours Degree in Theological Studies at Highland Theological College in Dingwall, before returning to England to serve in FIEC, and then, EFCC churches. Before my call into the ministry, I worked for over 10 years in the field of criminal justice, addiction recovery, and secure unit mental health. My family and I have fallen in love with Devon and its people, and we are excited for what the Lord is doing here in Honiton. It's a privilege to serve a church with such a long history as HECC, and I desire to see the church rediscover and strengthen its roots as a reformed, confessional, evangelical gospel community here in East Devon. If you are looking for a church that preaches and believes the Bible and is seeking to live that out in its faith and practice, you are very welcome to pay us a visit. Who knows, you may even stay, we did!

On Easter Sunday 2023 Mike Plant preached his last sermons as our pastor and on Saturday 15th April we held a farewell service to say goodbye to Mike and Margaret. They have now completed their move to Middlesbrough and have begun a well-earned retirement. After over six years of faithful service in Honiton, we will miss them and they will miss us. The church commenced the search for a new pastor some time ago and this process continues. Our weekly meetings continue as normal. Mike and Margaret have particularly asked for prayer that they may settle into their new life in Middlesbrough: they will be attending a local church that is new to them and taking up some new activities. Likewise we would value prayer as we work through this period without a pastor and seek God's help in the search for the right man to take up the task. We give thanks for the ministry of Mike and Margaret and for God's goodness to us during those years, not least during the exceptional challenges of Covid. The church's verse for the year of 2023 remains very apt - "Till now the LORD has helped us".

Margaret and I will write a prayer letter and circulate it to everyone before we leave Honiton which will update you on our plans and hopes for our return to Middlesbrough. In this newsletter we focus on the Easter message. A book I am currently reading is on the History of Apologetics. Apologetics is not apologising for the Christian Faith but an ‘apologia’ (Greek word) is something written as a defence of whatever it may be that we have done or said or believe. So, Richard Dawkins attacks Christianity as being unscientific and illogical, and an apologetic response would be to point out that some of his arguments are illogical and that scientifically proven facts do not conflict with the Bible. One subject that dominates the defence of Christianity is the evidence for the resurrection. There are really two questions we need to focus on here: Firstly: is the resurrection historic fact? One of the best booklets on this subject is, Val Grieve’s ‘Your Verdict on the Empty Tomb’. One person who attended the evangelistic Bible Study we ran at Holyshute said that he wished he had read it earlier because he had always assumed that the resurrection and Christianity were not true. At the other end of the size spectrum N T Wright, a former Bishop of Durham, has written a brilliant 817pp book defending the resurrection. I have read a great deal of it and it is written in such a way that you can understand it if you don’t mind reading that makes you think. It is fascinating and deals comprehensively with the ways in which the obvious teaching of the Bible, that Jesus rose bodily from the dead, has been dismissed and disbelieved and does so very effectively. Secondly: what does the resurrection mean? It is vital to remember our defence of truths like the bodily resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a debate about history. It matters that Jesus rose from the dead because the gospel we proclaim and want others to believe makes that not just a claim but a foundational part of the good news. 1 Corinthians 15: 3 – 5, ‘For I delivered unto you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.’ The phrase, ‘according to the Scriptures’ tells us that the prophetic witness of the Old Testament anticipates and predicts what will happen in both Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. It makes sense and we can understand it as part of the great plan of God to rescue and redeem not just individual humans, but the world over which humanity is the fallen lord. Outside of God’s great plan to forgive sins and ultimately to liberate creation from the bondage of sin the resurrection event is remarkable but without its full meaning.

Looking back for the past year our verse has been Acts 2: 42, ‘they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.’ We felt that was a particularly relevant verse for the church as we emerged from the trauma of lockdown. Sadly, in that our attendances on a Sunday morning have been down on pre-Covid levels, there is a degree of disappointment but generally we have recommitted ourselves at this time. I think one worrying trend in church life is the illusion that provided we have good teaching we can continue faithfully as believers. That the Lord will faithfully provide for and keep Christians who cannot meet with other believers is of course true. I don’t believe this is a reassurance for Christians who are choosing to be disobedient to texts such as Hebrews 10: 24 + 25, ‘And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as we see the day drawing near.’ Mutually stirring one another up and encouraging one another requires meeting together and the decision not to do so regularly is damaging both the individual believer and to the church. A New Emphasis as We Look Forward Why the choice of, ‘Till now the LORD has helped us’? The obvious emphasis in the text is that it is about looking back, and this is reflected in every translation (NIV/NKJV), ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us’ and the AV, ‘Hitherto hath the LORD helped us’. That is certainly a relevant thought for us as a church. In the Anniversary Year we have been surveying the history of the church which reveals how often the church might have drifted away from the gospel and into decline and closure. We are very aware that the Lord has been faithful and has preserved a gospel witness. However, the verse for the year, read within the context in 1 Samuel, is not for the purpose of arousing a nostalgia that is backward looking and robs us of energy. The purpose of remembering, ‘Till now the LORD has helped us’ is to spur his people into the future with great confidence in the LORD who is a faithful covenant God who has committed himself to his people. The immediate context is a Philistine invasion which has terrified the people of Israel. They go to face the enemy with the confidence given by a God-ordained sacrifice and the intercession of Samuel on their behalf and are delivered and it is a lasting deliverance. I am sure that this quite deliberately is spelt out to focus the modern Christian on Christ’s sacrifice and intercession as the grounds of our confidence. May the LORD remind of us his past faithfulness and strengthen us for faithful prayer and activity in the coming year.