Week 52
Your Weekly Round-up Sunday!
As we draw the curtain on another year and stand on the threshold of 2026, our hearts overflow with gratitude for God's faithfulness. This year has been woven with threads of joy and challenge, triumph and testing, yet through it all, the scarlet thread of God's redemptive love has remained constant and true.
At Christmas, we celebrate the most magnificent moment in human history. In Bethlehem's humble stable, the scarlet thread that began in Eden's garden took human form. The promise whispered, the covenant sealed with Abraham, the prophecies declared through faithful prophets—all converged in one glorious moment as heaven touched earth and the Saviour was born.
That scarlet thread didn't end at the manger. It continued through Christ's perfect life, through Gethsemane's agony, and culminated at Calvary's cross where He cried, "It is finished". The thread that began with a promise was completed with a sacrifice—the Lamb of God taking away the sin of the world. On resurrection morning, that crimson thread blazed with glory as Jesus conquered death and secured our eternal victory.
Now, as we look towards 2026, we grasp that same scarlet thread by faith. It extends from Calvary to this very moment, offering forgiveness, restoration, and life to all who will receive it. The Christ who was born in Bethlehem lives within us by His Spirit, empowering us to press forward towards the mark of our high calling.
This new year isn't merely another chapter in human history—it's another opportunity to participate in God's eternal purposes. The same Jesus who split time in two with His birth continues to work mightily through His body, the Church. We are the hands and feet of the risen Christ, called to demonstrate His love, proclaim His truth, and advance His kingdom in practical, tangible ways.
As we move forward, let us do so with renewed faith and unwavering commitment. Let us remember that the God who orchestrated empires to bring about a census that positioned Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem is the same God who orchestrates the details of our lives today. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).
The scarlet thread continues. From Eden to Bethlehem, from Calvary to glory, and now through you and me as we walk by faith in this new year. May we press forward with confidence, knowing that He who began this good work will faithfully complete it. May 2026 be a year where we grasp that crimson thread more firmly, where we walk more closely with the One who bled and died for us, and where we fulfil our calling with renewed passion and purpose.
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift" (2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV). As we remember Christ's birth and look ahead to the opportunities before us, let us live worthy of the calling we've received, holding fast to the scarlet thread of redemption that connects us to our Saviour and to one another in His glorious body…
Building Your Faith on Biblical Foundations! Discover core Christian principles and deepen your relationship with Christ through biblical teaching and practical application…
Building Your Faith on Biblical Foundations!
A Year-End Reflection on Christian Essentials…
As we close another year, there's no better time to refocus on what truly matters in our faith. In a world of constant noise and distraction, we must return to the unchanging foundations that anchor our souls. Our foundation is God's Word—the Bible as our ultimate authority. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105, KJV). In shifting cultural sands, Scripture remains our steady ground, given by God's inspiration for teaching, correction, and equipping us for righteous living.
Jesus Christ stands at the heart of everything we believe. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given amongst men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12, KJV). Salvation comes through His grace alone, not our efforts: "For by grace are ye saved through faith...not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9, KJV). Christianity transforms every moment of our lives. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV). This means being "doers of the word, and not hearers only"—applying biblical truth to relationships, work, finances, and daily choices.
Jesus commanded us to love one another as He loved us. True love isn't merely feeling—it's action that seeks others' highest good. This love extends even to enemies: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you" (Matthew 5:44, KJV). God designed us for community. "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:17, KJV). We need fellow believers for encouragement, accountability, and strength through life's challenges.
We're called to holiness—not legalistic rule-keeping, but genuine heart transformation. "Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15-16, KJV). This involves putting off sinful habits and putting on Christ-like character through the Spirit's power. "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV). Prayer is our lifeline to God, bringing peace that surpasses understanding. Alongside prayer, we're called to share the gospel boldly: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations" (Matthew 28:19, KJV).
At Back to Basics: Christian Living, we're committed to biblical teaching that's accessible and transformative. When we return to faith's essentials—knowing God through His Word, living obediently, and sharing His love—we experience the abundant life Christ promised. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV). This is authentic Christian living—getting back to basics…
"Something to think about" is a phrase that indicates there is a topic or idea presented that the reader should consider and contemplate, for further reflection or discussion. Published weekly on a Monday…
Monday 22/12/25
Part One: The Scarlet Thread!
From Eden to Bethlehem…
The Promise Unfolds
From the moment sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden, God began weaving a scarlet thread of redemption through history—a divine tapestry revealing His unchanging love and eternal plan to reconcile humanity to Himself. This thread winds through the promise spoken to the serpent, through the blood-stained garments provided for Adam and Eve, and onwards through the faithful patriarchs. It flows through Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac, where God provided a substitute ram, and through Jacob's prophecy of Shiloh, the coming peace-bringer from Judah's line. The thread becomes vivid crimson at the Passover in Egypt, where the blood of lambs protected God's people, and continues through the elaborate sacrificial system established through Moses, with its repeated offerings that could never truly remove sin but only point forward to the perfect sacrifice to come. The prophets wove this thread with increasing clarity—Isaiah painting portraits of the suffering Servant who would bear our iniquities, Micah pinpointing Bethlehem as the birthplace of the eternal Ruler, Daniel revealing the timing, and Zechariah describing both triumph and betrayal. After four hundred years of silence, the scarlet thread reached its pivotal moment when the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would bear the Son of the Highest. Through Caesar's census decree, God's sovereign hand moved Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, where in a humble stable the eternal Word became flesh. Angels proclaimed to shepherds the birth of the Saviour, Christ the Lord—the promised seed of the woman, the seed of Abraham, the Lion of Judah, the Prophet like Moses, the suffering Servant, and the Son of David, all converging in one infant King lying in a manger…
Messages from the Outpost: Join us at our home church (186, Greenacres, Wetheral, Carlisle CA4 8LU, UK) every Tuesday & Thursday at 7:30 pm.
Tuesday 23/12/25
Part Two: The Scarlet Thread!
From Bethlehem to Glory!
The Ministry of the Messiah…
The scarlet thread of redemption weaves through every page of Scripture, from the promise whispered in Eden's garden to the victory declared at Calvary's cross. This profound study traces God's unbroken plan of salvation as it unfolds through generations, revealing how every sacrifice, every prophecy, and every promise pointed towards one magnificent moment—when Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, would take away the sin of the world. At Bethlehem, God's eternal plan took human form. At Calvary, the sinless Son bore our transgressions, crying "It is finished" as the temple veil tore open and access to the Father became available to all. On the third day, He rose victorious, crushing Satan's head and securing eternal victory over sin and death. This Christmas season, discover afresh the wonder of God's passionate pursuit of fallen humanity. From Genesis to Revelation, the crimson thread reveals not merely a baby in a manger, but the incarnation of divine love—God's unspeakable gift to a world in desperate need of redemption. The thread that began with a promise now extends to every person who will grasp it by faith, offering forgiveness, restoration, and eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord…
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🎄 Over the Festive Period...
Whilst we're away celebrating Christmas with our families, we encourage you to explore our extensive library of content!
This is the perfect opportunity to:
Catch up on teachings you may have missed throughout the year
Revisit messages that particularly spoke to your heart
Discover playlists you haven't explored yet
Share your favourite videos with friends and family
Spend time in devotional content during the quieter moments of the holiday season
Our YouTube channel, podcasts, and website remain fully accessible with hundreds of hours of biblical teaching, devotionals, and practical Christian living content. Let this be a time of spiritual refreshment as you reflect on God's Word and prepare your heart for the new year ahead!
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)
Morning!
Welcome to "Morning" inspires you to walk in the Spirit and remember that faith comes from believing. Join us in making each day an opportunity to live for Him and fulfil His purpose. We look forward to seeing you each morning. God bless...
Something to Think About?
Our "Something to Think About" playlist offers brief, thought-provoking reflections on Christian living. Each video presents meaningful topics designed for contemplation and spiritual growth, encouraging viewers to examine their faith more deeply. Whether you're seeking inspiration or wrestling with questions, these concise messages provide valuable insights to carry with you throughout your day and spark meaningful discussions with fellow believers….
Shorts: messages from the Outpost!
Discover the truth of God's Word. We're addressing the erosion of Biblical teachings in today's world and inviting everyone to join us on this journey. Our mission is to uphold the true teachings of Jesus, challenging misleading interpretations, and promoting accountability…
Write this Down…
Our Write This Down playlist features essential Christian teachings and biblical insights you'll want to remember. Each video highlights key principles for your faith journey that are worth noting down for future reference and spiritual growth….
Back to Basics: Christian Living
…Laying the foundation for a Christian life…
Back to Basics: Christian Living guides viewers through core principles of faith. Each video explores essential topics like prayer, scripture and community, offering practical advice and spiritual insights. Whether you're new to faith or deepening your understanding, this series provides key teachings for a life rooted in Christian values…
Our YouTube content features these playlist series:
Back to Basics: Christian living Q&A - A question-and-answer format addressing viewers' faith-related inquiries.
Let's Read the Word Together! - A series dedicated to Scripture study and its practical application to daily life.
What's on my Heart: Unfiltered Faith! - A playlist featuring brief spiritual insights where I share God's wisdom on specific topics with practical applications for your Christian Walk.
Archive Collections: Under the Tree! - Building a solid foundation for a Christian life -Reflecting Christ, Overcoming Challenges, and Standing Strong in Faith offering insightful discussions on several topics related to Christian living & spiritual growth.
Subscribe to our channel and tune in to strengthen your faith today! Perfect for listening whilst commuting, relaxing or seeking daily inspiration...
Note: Remember, these schedules are subject to change, but we're committed to bringing you content that enriches your spiritual journey….
Back to Basics: for KIDS! - Content specifically designed for children and families - Animated short-form content coming soon!
Blazing Apostles & Saturday Conversations Podcasts…
Ignite Your Faith: Explore Our Podcasts
Watch on YouTube to connect visually with our teachings. Whether you're new to faith or well-established, these podcasts offer practical biblical applications to deepen your spiritual life.
Discover our podcasts "Blazing Apostles" and "Saturday Conversations" with hosts Dave and Elaine. Through engaging discussions, stories and practical teachings, we explore foundational Christian principles that refresh your faith.
Back to Basics: Christian living - Unscripted!
Whether you're a long-time believer or just starting your spiritual journey, our podcast will inspire and challenge you to live a life that truly reflects your Christian values. Discover practical ways to apply biblical truths in your daily life and gain a renewed sense of purpose and connection with your faith...
Subscribe to our channel and tune in to strengthen your faith today! Perfect for listening whilst commuting, relaxing or seeking daily inspiration...
Note: Remember, these schedules are subject to change, but we're committed to bringing you content that enriches your spiritual journey….
NEWS! Updates and announcements about Back to Basics: Christian living, including content changes, newsletters, website updates, and valuable information for our audience…
🎄 Christmas Holiday Schedule (Updated)
Closing for Christmas: Tuesday, 23rd December 2025
Reopening in the New Year: Monday, 5th January 2026
We'll be taking a short break to celebrate the birth of our Saviour and spend time with family over this years Holiday season. During this period, our regular content schedule will pause, but we encourage you to revisit our extensive library of teachings, devotionals, and podcasts on YouTube and our website.
We wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas season filled with the peace, joy, and love of Christ. Thank you for being part of our community this year, and we look forward to continuing our journey of faith together in 2026!
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."(Luke 2:11, KJV)
Back to Basics: Christian Living - Your Faith Journey. We're excited to share insights and practical guidance to help strengthen your faith journey in 2025…
Pressing Forward…
Renewing Our Commitment to God's Call…
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it's vital that we take stock of our spiritual position and renew our commitment to what God has called us to do within the body of Christ. The Christian life isn't a passive existence; it's an active, dynamic walk that requires constant vigilance, renewed believing, and unwavering faith.
The Apostle Paul understood this principle profoundly. He wrote, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14 KJV). Notice the active language—"I press." This isn't casual strolling; it's determined, focused advancement towards God's purpose. We must adopt this same mentality, pressing forward with renewed vigour towards the specific calling God has placed upon our lives.
Each member of the body of Christ has a unique function and calling. Paul reminds us, "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another" (Romans 12:4-5 KJV). Your calling matters. Whether you're called to teach, serve, encourage, give, or lead, your contribution is essential to the health and effectiveness of the entire body.
However, knowing our calling and actively pursuing it with renewed faith are two different matters. Life's challenges, disappointments, and distractions can cause our initial enthusiasm to wane. We can become weary in well-doing. This is precisely when we must draw upon God's strength and renew our commitment. "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31 KJV).
Renewed believing begins with remembering God's faithfulness. He who called you is faithful and will complete what He's begun in you. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6 KJV). This confidence isn't based on our ability but on His unchanging character and promises.
Faith is the engine that propels us forward. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1 KJV). When circumstances seem contrary to God's promises, faith enables us to see beyond the natural realm and trust His Word implicitly. "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). This walk of faith isn't blind optimism; it's confident trust in God's revealed will.
As we renew our commitment, we must also be willing to lay aside anything that hinders our progress. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1 KJV). Weights aren't necessarily sins; they're anything that slows our spiritual progress—distractions, misplaced priorities, or even good things that aren't God's best for us.
Finally, remember that your strength comes from the Lord. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13 KJV). This isn't a declaration of self-sufficiency but complete dependence on Christ's enabling power. With Him, we can fulfil every aspect of our calling.
This is your moment to push forward with renewed believing and faith. God hasn't changed His mind about what He's called you to do. Press on, trust Him completely, and watch as He works through you to accomplish His perfect will within the body of Christ…
With Christ's love,
Dave & Elaine
