Canon Matt Barnes – A Way Through the Sea
Exodus 14.19 – end & Matthew 18.21 – 35

The Israelites stand trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the sea. All they can see is an obstacle. Yet God is already making a way forward.

In Jesus’ parable, a servant receives extraordinary grace but then forgets the scale of the gift he has been given. The challenge is not simply about forgiveness. It is about remembering that we are people who live by God’s grace.

As Christians, we are called to trust that God is already ahead of us, making a way into his future. When we remember God’s grace, we become more Christ-like. As we grow in Christ, we become a blessing to others. And as we share that grace, communities are transformed.

At All Saints we already see signs of God’s work through prayer, hospitality, Breakfast Church, Open the book and work in schools, our care for families, and our service to the wider community. God is inviting us not to look backwards with anxiety, but forwards with hope.

The question is not “How do we get back?” but “Where is God leading us next?”

Key Thought
The Israelites saw a sea. God saw a road.

A Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for your grace.
Help me to trust you, follow you,
and take the next faithful step.
Amen.

The full text will be included in October Threefold magazine or you can listen to Matt speak on our website (13^th September service). There is a shorter version of the questionnaire which AS PCC would love you to consider and complete. There will be a box at the back of church for your responses.