Church in the Peak: Recent Episodes
Church in the Peak
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19620150-wirksworth-09-08-26-jesus-feeds-5000-bethan-ward.mp3
Bethan spoke about the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19620136-matlock-09-08-26-caleb-wholehearted-for-god-nev-kelvey-brown.mp3
Nev spoke about being wholehearted for God.
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19593343-wirksworth-02-08-26-lean-not-on-your-own-understanding-vicki-mottram.mp3
Vicki spoke about how we need to lean on God rather than ourselves.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19593247-matlock-02-08-26-feet-jenny-hardy.mp3
Jenny spoke about the importance of feet in the bible.
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19551191-wirksworth-26-07-26-prophetic-gift-ian-parfitt.mp3
Ian continued our series on church fundementals, looking at the gift of Prophecy.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19551177-matlock-26-07-26-who-is-in-control-phil-hardy.mp3
Phil reminded us that the Spiriit is in control, not the flesh.
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19514556-wirksworth-19-07-26-the-virgin-birth-julia-garratt.mp3
Julia continued our series of church fundementals, looking the virgin birth.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19514482-matlock-19-07-26-isaiah-6-being-displaced-by-god-dave-watmore.mp3
Dave spoke from Isaiah 6 about how we need to be displaced by God.
Matlock & Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19481103-matlcok-12-07-26-zaccheus-lost-found-neal-garratt.mp3
Zacchaeus meets Jesus
I want to spend just a few moments to put this story into context – One of the main themes of Luke’s gospel is that Jesus welcomes sinners /lost people– he doesn’t reject them, even though the scribes and pharisees could not understand this – they thought their works would be enough for Jesus but Jesus always looks at the heart and seeks to restore peoples heart to him – no matter their sin or shame! This is good news for those Jesus meets in his earthly ministry and good news for us as well!
Luke 15 vs 2 – “Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of the religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people- even eating with them”
This is the background and before we meet Zacchaeus in chapter 19 Jesus has told the stories of the lost sheep, the lost coin, the prodigal son and in chapter 18 the parable of the pharisee and the tax collector and the rich young ruler – Jesus seeking lost and sinful people - and then we meet Zacchaeus
Luke 19 vs 1-10
Zacchaeus was despised by the Jews as he was a tax collector for the Romans as was Matthew and he was in fact the chief tax collector – The jews viewed tax collectors as traitors to the Jewish community and in fact were viewed as “robbers”. Luke also says that Zacchaeus was wealthy and how did he become wealthy? By taking advantage of those people whose taxes he collected and making himself money on the side – he was corrupt there is no doubt about that! He was the last person that Jesus should have been associating with and yet Jesus invites himself for tea!
Vs 7 But the people were displeased – “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner they grumbled”
You see the problem was they had completely misunderstood Jesus ministry on earth which he reveals in vs 10
“ For the son of man came to seek and save those who are lost”
This is so important – we are ALL lost spiritually until Jesus Christ finds us –
Dictionary definition of lost
“ spiritually or physically doomed or destroyed “lost souls”
This is us and what’s the opposite of lost?
FOUND – we have been found by Christ
Luke 15 vs 6 “ When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbours saying “ Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep”
Luke 15 vs 9 “And when she find its (the lost coin) she will call together her friends and neighbours and say “ Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin”
Luke 15 vs 24 “ for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was LOST but now he is FOUND” So the party began”
This is so important – was Zacchaeus lost – YES – But Jesus found him – salvation came to his house that very afternoon!
Ephesians chapter 2 explains our position before we meet Jesus
Vs 1 – You are spiritually dead in your sins –
Vs 4 – BUT GOD – is so rich in mercy, and he loves us so much that even though we were dead – he gave us LIFE when he raised Jesus from the dead
Vs 8-9 “ God saved you by his grace when you believed and you can’t take credit for this it is a gift from God- Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done , so none of us can boast about it”
The world is quick to condemn - but Jesus is quick to forgive!
So Jesus visits Zacchaeus house and Zacchaeus is convicted of his sin and says
Vs 8-9 “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes I will give them back four times as much and Jesus responds Salvation has come to this home today”
The conviction of our sin or our position before Christ is a ministry of the Holy Spirit
John 16 vs 7-8
Jesus says this “But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness”
There has to be conviction of our sin before a Holy God – that we are lost and need to be found – before salvation comes.
Watch Video – Start at 2.03mins in
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GeGqm4ocg8&t=168s
Amazing story of bring lost and then found – this is what happens when The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and we realise we need a saviour!
Tell the story of Mr Lee – Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners!
Zacchaeus was visited by Jesus in his home and yet we have that same invitation every day to walk with Jesus
Roger – Prophetic word – take my hand and walk with me every day – so good
Lamentations 3 vs 22-26
“The faithful love of the Lord never ends – His mercies never cease – Great is his faithfulness – his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself The Lord is my inheritance therefore I will hope in him – The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord”
Jesus wants to find and rescue you this morning – He doesn’t care what you have done – how bad you have been – what you are carrying – Lost people have a lot of baggage- but he is here to find you, rescue you and pour out his amazing love and grace into your life – you know we all have a moment when we can say “Salvation came to this house today” – why not today for you?
Luke 19 vs 1-10
Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town.
There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich.
He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd.
So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.
When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.
But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham.
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19446779-wirksworth-05-07-26-giving-peter-williams.mp3
Peter continued our series of church fundementals, looking at giving.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19446768-matlock-05-07-26-father-god-jonny-burton.mp3
Jonny spoke about Father God and his characteristics.
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19412640-wirksworth-28-06-26-holy-spirit-neal-garratt.mp3
Neal continued our series on church fundementals, looking in particular at the Holy Spirit.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19412631-matlock-28-06-26-prophesy-ian-parfitt.mp3
Ian gave a practical introduction to the gift of prophecy and how it applies within the life of the church.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19386845-matlock-21-06-26-faith-hope-love-andy-hamill.mp3
Andy spoke about Faith, Hope and Love.
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19386860-wirksworth-21-06-26-the-gifts-of-the-spirit-jo-hassan.mp3
Jo continued our "Church Fundementals" series, looking at the Gifts of the Spirit.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19307008-matlock-07-06-26-forgiveness-dave-watmore.mp3
Dave spoke about the power of forgiveness.
Justice and forgiveness
I have been stirred over the last few months about the culture around us in this country. My youngest son spoke with us about various news items and is angry about the injustice that is in our face day after day. Not a week goes by when we don’t have a good example of injustice but what do we do when we face injustice on a small scale or we feel we have been wronged.
When I stand here and say I’m going to tell you about the good news of Jesus and his forgiveness of your sins, you should all sit on the edge of your seats and wait in expectation for a life affirming experience. When I say to you that involves you having to forgive people who have hurt you or wronged you, you can’t wait for me to finish and you can flee to the Fuel Stop for a coffee or go and get your children from the children’s work even if they are now 30 years old.
So I’m addressing a difficult subject but if we are serious about living a holy life and a healthy life it is something we must grasp and where necessary deal with.
I will do my best to be as gracious as I can be.
All forgiveness has merit but biblical forgiveness has significant and far reaching power outside of yourself and into families and even to societies.
Let’s look at a couple of examples of forgiveness that are secular but not biblical.
Therapeutic forgiveness.
I will call this the Frozen forgiveness. The song famously says “Let it go , let it go”
It is fine as far as it goes. It only impacts you and does not deal with the other person or people. It only focuses on you.
Merit forgiveness
You will forgive someone when you see they are suffering as much as you are.This is somehow that you hope it pays you back but this is you seeking revenge and it is not for you to do this.
Putting the two together looks like forgiveness but it puts forgiveness in opposition to justice.
The cross shows us God’s forgiveness and fulfilment of God’s justice.
At the moment people are raging for justice but say that forgiveness can only be achieved when they see the person or people grovelling. It’s a recipe for hate, bitterness and anger.
Let’s look at some scriptures
““Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.””
Mark 11:23-25 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/mrk.11.23-25.NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.17.1-4.NIV
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19307017-wirksworth-07-06-26-baptism-in-the-spirit-steve-bagnall.mp3
Steve continued our series about the fundementals of church life, looking at baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19267496-wirksworth-31-05-26-the-king-is-coming-ray-novotny.mp3
Ray spoke about the coming again of King Jesus.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19267490-matlock-31-05-26-about-faith-andy-townsend.mp3
Andy spoke about Faith, where it comes from and what it means for us.
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19190001-wirksworth-17-05-26-the-priesthood-of-all-believers-neal-garratt.mp3
Neal continued our series on church fundementals looking at how the church is the Priesthood of all believers.
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19153001-wirksworth-10-05-26-the-trinity-andy-hassan.mp3
Andy continued our series on the fundementals of church, looking at the Trinity.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19152101-matlock-10-05-26-revalation-9-neal-garratt.mp3
Neal continued our Revelation series, preaching from Revelation 9.
Neal's notes (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fpTcR79MR7sPNYqev3qqOqupLvRgqHmg/view?usp=drive_link
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19116070-wirksworth-03-05-26-salvation-through-jesus-alone-steve-bagnall.mp3
Steve continued our series of church fundementals, looking at salvation being through Jesus alone.
Buxton
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19191044-buxton-03-05-26-salvation-through-jesus-harry-thompson.mp3
Harry continued our series looking at the fundementals of church life, focusing on our salvation being through Jesus alone.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19116064-matlock-03-05-26-revelation-8-phil-hardy.mp3
Phil continued our Revalation series, looking at Revelation 8.
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19085872-wirkworth-26-4-26-by-royal-appointment-jo-hassan.mp3
Jo continued our series looking at the fundementals of church life, reminding us that our commission comes from God himself.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19095473-matlock-26-04-26-revelation-worship-caroline-mcken.mp3
Caroline continues our series on Revelation looking at worship in Revelation 7.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19039037-matlock-19-04-26-the-four-horsemen-of-the-apocalypse-dave-watmore.mp3
Dave continued our series looking at Revelation 6 and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19039205-wirksworth-19-04-26-worship-julia-garratt.mp3
Julia continued our series looking at what makes a church a church, focussing on worship.
All Together
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/19001107-all-together-12-04-26-the-invitation-richard-thomas.mp3
At our All Together service today, Richard spoke from Numbers 10 about the inviation Moses gives to Hobab "Come with us".
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18964449-wirksworth-05-04-26-rolling-the-stone-steve-bagnall.mp3
Steve spoke in our Wirksworth Easter Sunday service.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18940461-matlock-29-03-26-the-passover-neal-garratt.mp3
Neal explains the importance of Passover.
Neal's notes, in PDF format: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K1D70UhTmtVkQ9g8U3tUQy1HIY6hMTDe/view?usp=drive_link
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18886655-wirksworth-22-03-26-on-a-mission-together-jo-hassan.mp3
Jo continued our series about the fundementals of church life, looking at the importance of being a church on a mission together.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18886632-matlock-22-03-26-kings-and-priests-phil-hardy.mp3
Phil continued our series looking at the book of Revelation, focusing on Revelation 5.
Buxton
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18940636-buxton-22-03-26-prepare-yourself-with-the-holy-spirit-ray-novotny.mp3
Ray spoke about the need to prepare ourselves with the Holy Spirit.
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18850058-wirksworth-15-03-26-prayer-andy-hassan.mp3
Andy continued our series on what church means, focussing this week on the importance of prayer.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18848356-matlock-15-03-26-journeying-with-god-jenny-hardy.mp3
Jenny spoke about journeying with God through the seasons of our life.
Buxton
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18896730-buxton-15-03-26-community-on-a-mission-andy-hamill.mp3
Andy continued our series looking at the fundementals of church life, focusing on our being a community on a mission.
Buxton
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18896712-buxton-08-03-26-living-stones-harry-thompson.mp3
Harry continued our series on the fundementals of church life, looking at us being living stones.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18811910-matlock-08-03-26-the-world-needs-a-hero-neal-garratt.mp3
At our joint Matlock and Wirksworth meeting today. Neal continued our series on Revelation, looking at Revelation 5.
Neal's notes, in PDF format: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PJFOdAMir2ovzfQH-HK4b41Il1RBDqcs/view?usp=drive_link
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18771307-wirksworth-01-03-26-holy-spirit-in-community-ray-novotny.mp3
Ray Novotny spoke about the Holy Spirit.
Buxton
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18771231-buxton-01-03-26-radical-giving-peter-williams.mp3
Peter spoke about the power of radical giving.
Peter's slides, in PDF format: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m-eINBCSMgcO4Rp6OoKUFrDuk3DUyNwV/view?usp=drive_link
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18789627-matlock-01-03-26-the-scroll-phil-hardy.mp3
Phil continued our preaching series on Revelation, looking at Revelation 5 and the Scroll.
Buxton
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18742178-buxton-22-02-26-carriers-of-god-s-glory-phil-hardy.mp3
Phil spoke about the ultimate purpose of the church being carrying God's glory.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18727162-matlock-22-02-26-cherubim-peter-wililams.mp3
Peter continued our series on Revelation.
Peter's notes, in PDF format: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dxAfp6Rnisj3e4ngPh-DXWr1j-xYxdhD/view?usp=drive_link
Peter's slides, in PDF format: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VV-DgpC_GdMSAgW0GNcZ1MfN_YfNDKDd/view?usp=drive_link
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18727497-wirksworth-22-02-26-church-as-a-community-helen-bagnall.mp3
Helen spoke about the church as a community.
Wirksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18708754-wirksworth-15-02-26-communion-neal-garratt.mp3
Neal continued our series looking at what the church believes, concentrating on Communion this week.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18708595-matlock-15-02-26-come-up-here-peter-williams.mp3
Peter continued our series on Revelation, preaching from Revelation 4.
Peter's slides (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/18p5Ny24e4dC5-SrBXhNwE9i8VEwM86fi/view?usp=drive_link
Buxton
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18723761-buxton-15-02-26-devoted-to-god-s-word-andy-hamill.mp3
Andy contined our series about the church, looking at how the early church was devoted to God's Word.
WIrksworth
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18643675-wirksworth-08-02-26-the-fundamentals-of-the-church-the-bible-steve-bagnall.mp3
Steve spoke about how fundamental the bible is to us and our church.
Buxton
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18721668-buxton-15-02-26-worship-caroline-mcken.mp3
Caroline continued our series on the church, looking at worship.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18643623-08-02-26-the-throne-of-grace-dave-watmore.mp3
Dave continued our series on the book of Revelation, looking at the Throne of Grace.
Dave's notes (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_0pQ0QZLwfikz5Q5txRp2uVQxcSMY-5A/view?usp=drive_link
Buxton
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18721667-buxton-01-02-26-prayer-nev-kelvey-brown.mp3
Nev continues our series about the church, looking at prayer.
Buxton
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18721664-buxton-25-01-26-eating-together-phil-hardy.mp3
Phil continues our series about what the church is, looking at eating together.
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18567918-25-01-26-giving-peter-williams.mp3
Please note the recording cuts out randomly. The gaps have be removed as much as possible. This results in the audio appearing to 'jump' periodically.
Matthew 6
Do we trust?
Jehovah jireh
What do your spending patterns tell you about what you value?
What can't you do without?
Certain types clothing,
make up,
hair do,
technology,
sky TV sports package,
every penny into mortgage,
giving your children what you never had,
investment for the future
Security, vanity (pride), self gratification
Look at the flowers of the field, and birds of the air
Do we really trust God?
Psalms 4:6-8
2 Corinthians 9:8
Malachi 3:10
This is not like a slot machine, we give, God provides.
However, there is a command we should tithe.
But it is a command with a promise.
Proverbs 3:9-10
If it doesn't hurt, is it sacrificial?
Why are we giving?
How does that fit with our vision?
What are we believing for?
And do our actions express that?
Adventurous giving
When was the last time you gambled on an investment in the kingdom of God?
Joseph said to his brothers and his dad.
Genesis 45:20
Don’t worry about your personal belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.’
Jesus says don't worry, for the kingdom is yours…..
Buxton
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18626550-buxton-18-01-26-what-is-the-church-phil-hardy.mp3
Phil preaches from Isaiah about what the church is.
Phil's slides (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WfY8hHEUHWGl-QUxfUW9cJ0zEMWOcW57/view?usp=drive_link
Buxton
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18626540-buxton-11-01-26-what-is-the-church-for-phil-hardy.mp3
Phil preaches from Acts on what the church is for.
Phil's slides (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m_QYIWW7rBFgxJCj5iG3rc2E3E4XGYE_/view?usp=drive_link
Matlock
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18488865-11-01-26-when-the-going-gets-tough-neal-garratt.mp3
Neal spoke from 1 Peter 5:8-11 about God being with us at all times.
Neal's notes (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/15NINod1VpF5r64AsozLLy1PXGNmyI5N-/view?usp=drive_link
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18350315-14-12-25-revelation-the-letter-to-the-church-in-laodicea-phil-hardy.mp3
Phil continued our series on Revelation, looking at the letter written to the church in Laodicea.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18311899-07-12-25-revelation-the-church-in-philadelphia-peter-williams.mp3
Peter continued our series on Revelation, looking at the letter to the church in Philadelphia.
Peter's slides (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g9e-vNNBg-HOYr53RkRt1WERkP5epge8/view?usp=drive_link
Peter's notes (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J_DzbkStOsJD-Mhe878dLGwKtEAdE9dp/view?usp=drive_link
[Very edited below]
Revelation 3:7-13
Philadelphia named after a king of Pergamum.
Also means brotherly love
Agricultural area, which is afflicted by earthquakes, including ad37
Now called alasehir, city of god in Arabic. There are ruins there but no current church listed.
Romans used Philadelphia as the eastern outpost of the empire.
It was a missional post for the promotion of Roman values.
Only church that Jesus has no complaint about
Pillars
The Philadelphian city had unstable pillars from the earthquakes.
We are promised crowns, to be pillars, and new name which is our heavenly identity in Christ.
Prophecy for citp.
Before the pandemic, promise of pillars.
During pandemic Matlock 100 to 50, Buxton 100 to 30.
God has sent us pillars. You know who you are! The job we were given as leaders was to raise them into place! We need to do that. We need to release more leaders. Forgive us in our slowness.
V12
Signature of God - write on them a new name
The synagogue Jews were not authentic followers.
A signature shows it's authentic
A signature shows it's owner. (Andy on foot of woody)
A signature shows authority.
When you sign a cheque you are giving authority to the person to take your money.
Jesus has promised the Philadelphians that they though weak will have his strength. They have His authority
A signature shows the guarantee. We have a guarantee of heaven.
Your identity in Christ supercedes all other identities. Race, colour, language, occupation, sexuality etc
So what?
Jesus wants us to know we are saved, and that we won't need to suffer the tribulation
Jesus wants us His church to lean into His teaching, remaining true to it, and not to waver.
Jesus wants us His people to know our salvation, not to doubt that, and in that be an ambassador for Him in the world in which we live, because, time is short.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18273111-30-11-25-revelation-the-letter-to-the-church-in-sardis-dave-watmore.mp3
Dave continues our series on Revelation, looking at the letter to the church in Sardis.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18238120-23-11-25-the-letter-to-the-chruch-at-thyatira-lesley-watmore.mp3
Lesley contines our series looking at the book of Revelation, in particular the letter to the church at Thyatira.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18198137-16-11-25-pergamum-peter-williams.mp3
Peter continued our series on Revelation, focusing on the letter written to the church in Pergamum.
The quality of this recording has suffered as a result of the technical issues experienced this morning.
Peter's slides (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zLXIzot6y-bK16thYEzr98pqaX5licj5/view?usp=drive_link
Revelation 2:12-17
Pergamum means height of elevation.
Situated over 300m over sea level, and on a rocky outcrop to give a view of any potential invaders.
But it can also mean….
Per - unacceptable
Gamum - marriage
100 miles North Smyrna and it was an important city. It was a political centre, and a hotbed of Zeus worship. Zeus is like Almighty God of the Greek gods.
Cultural centre for fashion like Paris or Milan.
Big temple to Zeus, which is where you'd give your pinch offering to be able to follow Caesar and another god. Christians were being regularly martyred for refusing to do this. And so people started preaching that you could offer the pinch and then worship God.
Church and state were blurred
2 edged sword. Christian art shows Jesus with a sword, not with it coming out of his mouth. Ch 1 Jesus
Heb 4:12-13
“Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth”
Strange thought. Jesus will.come and wage war against sinners with His word.
Antipas, disciple of John, Bishop of pergamum, martyred likely under emporer domitan due to not making the pinch offering
False teachers 2Pet2:15 warns this will happen
Balaam and balak, see nicolatian church too. All about false teachers
Balaam of donkey fame, disobeys God, and seeks financial gain through using God's name.
Church and state
CofE
Catholic
Russian Orthodox
Greek Orthodox
Chinese churches that are allowed to meet
There is a compromise of the word for these churches to exist.
Leaders are venerated.
Way to god is through the priests
This was the whole point of the reformation
But we have to be sure not to fall into this trap too. Biblical, no compromise
Jesus will wage war with the sword….
Division of churches by the word
CofE and episcopal church, African union. Divided by the word, approach to homosexuality, and leadership. Catholic church would be similarly if it were not for their strong papal leadership.
Hidden manna - there was some in the ark of the covenant
John 6:32-5 bread of heaven
Ultimate lords supper at the feast of the lamb in heaven
(Was, is, is to come)
White stone
Jewish law, white stone innocent, black stone guilty.
New name - Rev 22:4 new name on our foreheads.
New name is collective, bit individual.
We have a new identity in Christ now.
Our new name, righteous, forgiven, free, (identity)
Look at James 4:1-10 about being a friend of the fallen world. Divided loyalties
Little compromises could cost you dearly all that God has on offer for you
1 John 3:1-3
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18167596-09-11-25-the-smyrna-church-dave-watmore.mp3
Dave continued our series looking at the book of Revelation, focusing on the letter sent to the church at Smyrna.
Dave's notes (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YiEVa1zYiEUHxzj05MoEI_4ZF3OFiznE/view?usp=drive_link
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18118308-02-11-25-revelation-the-letter-to-the-church-in-ephesus-phil-hardy.mp3
Phil continued our Revelation series, looking at the letter to the church in Ephesus.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18078655-26-10-25-god-is-with-us-phil-hardy.mp3
Phil gave an update on his recent trip to India and then preached on God always being with us and how knowing that effects how we live and what we do.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/18038539-19-10-25-esther-dave-watmore.mp3
Dave talked through the story of Esther and how God puts us where he needs us to be.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17997141-12-10-25-all-hail-king-jesus-neal-garratt.mp3
Neal continues our series looking at the book of Revelation.
Neal's notes - in PDF format - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lVG5yzX2cWcJcpJLwiAOOfUJgeudaEgx/view?usp=drive_link
Questions:
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This revelation of the Son of Man should encourage our faith, expand our heart and mind and full us with awe – does reading this passage help with our view of Jesus?
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Timothy Keller says this “If your God never disagrees with you, you might as well be just worshipping an idealized version of yourself – a sharp sword cuts. The words of Jesus cut through our stubborn resistance and our reputation for always being right and we are better for it”
What can we learn from this quote?
- What can we learn from what we have read and put into practice in our daily lives?
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17959527-05-10-25-revelation-2-7-dave-watmore.mp3
Dave continued our series looking at the book of Revelation.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17941228-28-09-25-revelation-1-1-8-peter-williams.mp3
Peter continued our series looking at the book of Revelation.
Peter's notes (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zP_soxe0lYRbSK_sVhdbwQuUAiK45VrC/view?usp=drive_link
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17879743-21-09-25-the-book-of-revelation-introduction-neal-garratt.mp3
Neal launched our series on the book of Revelation.
To see Neal's notes in PDF format, click here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DP9fCtBNG_gCLVd2ms9HKx59YlEeJqkN/view?usp=drive_link
Revelation means an unveiling or a revealing – and that’s exactly what this book is – its not an unveiling of heaven as such – it’s an unveiling of Jesus Christ as we have never seen him before – and its magnificent!
Questions.
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Has my view of the Book Of Revelation changed after this talk? Are you excited to read more and discover what God has to say.
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Has my view of Jesus changed or does it need to change.
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Phil Moore says: It’s a simple fact, but a fact which changes everything – God is on the throne of the universe and he is working out his strategies from the control room of heaven.”
Does this help in my understanding of who God is and my view of the world and all that’s going on?
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17840275-14-09-25-but-god-andrew-davies.mp3
Andrew rounded off our Week of Prayer prophetically reminding us of the impact that the "But God..." in Ephesians 2:4 should have on how we live together as a family and the effects that this will have on those around us.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17801991-07-09-2025-the-earth-belongs-to-the-lord-phil-hardy.mp3
Phil spoke from Psalm 24.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17761942-31-08-25-about-the-week-of-prayer-pam-and-nev.mp3
Pam and Nev outline some of the things that are happening during our week of prayer, 7th to 14th September 2025.
Please pray.
"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17762067-31-08-25-prepare-for-revelation-dave-watmore.mp3
Dave gives a pre-introduction to both our week of prayer (7th to 14th Sept) and our forthcoming preaching series looking at the book of Revelation.
Don't limit what God can do because you are looking through the binoculars the wrong way.
Preface to Revelation
Introduction
We will be preaching on the book of Revelation of Jesus Christ in the next few months.
I met someone who I respected very much, some years ago, that said “Jesus was 100% man and 100% God – work that one out!”
I have recently been wrestling with this issue in the context of studying the book of the Revelation Of Jesus Christ and a commentary I read by Phil Moore.
First let us look at the context;
The gospel of John was written AD 85-90, 20 years or so after Matthew, Mark and Luke. The book of Revelation was written in AD95.
What I have been looking at and studying the change from the image of the God man to the glorified risen Christ who is seated on the throne.
Let me make this clear first!
I am very much in favour of talking to Jesus as a friend, as a brother as a confidant. However, we also must remember he is the glorified and risen Christ, seated on the throne in heaven and this should challenge our concept of Jesus but propel us to pray with a rising faith and adoration for who has saved us.
John starts off in his gospel stating Jesus’ deity.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Then he describes Jesus turning water into wine, telling a woman how many husbands she has had, rescuing a woman from a self-righteous mob, seeing Jesus transfigured before his eyes, seeing Jesus arrested, tried and crucified – then rising from the dead, walking through walls to be in a locked room and even ascending to heaven.
John doesn’t fall flat on his face until he sees the glorified, risen Jesus in his natural place, seated at the right hand of God.
Why? The glory of God. What is the glory of God?
· It is not just a bright light.
· John sees Jesus as holy
· John sees Jesus as perfection beyond our scale of perfect.
· The glory reveals the wisdom of Jesus
· The glory reveals that Jesus has created everything in heaven and on earth.
· The glory shows that Jesus knows everyone and everything about everyone that has lived and died and is still to be born.
· The glory of God reveals his beauty.
· The glory of God reveals that he loves us even before the beginning of time, whoever we are, whatever we have done and yet that is why he was sent to rescue mankind and was prepared to suffer the pain and torture of crucifixion because he loves us unbelievably.
This vision of Jesus that John experienced was no accident, not a conjuring up of spiritual fervour.
The clue is in the name. Revelation.
Jesus revealed himself to John not as the human form of God but as the fullness of God who spoke and the stars came into being etc.
The revelation of Jesus on the throne, in his glorified body was to encourage the persecuted church that there is a hope and a future not JUST in death but NOW.
So, when we pray, pray to the Jesus who carries you in times of great emotional and physical stress but has all the power and authority to know what you are going through.
What do we do about this? What is my point?
Let us meditate on the word of God.
Here are some examples;
Colossians 1 v 15 - 20
John 17 20 - 24
Revelation 1 v12-18
Colossians 2 9-10
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17685051-17-08-25-the-power-of-testimony-steve-bagnall.mp3
Steve explained the power of our testimony. Emily and Kimberley shared their experiences at 1Newday.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17655662-10-08-25-the-healing-at-the-pool-of-bethesda-jonny-burton.mp3
Jonny spoke from John 5 about the healing at the Pool of Bethesda.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17606576-03-08-25-saved-to-bring-heaven-to-earth-andy-hamill.mp3
Andy spoke from Philippians 3:7-15 about the impact that we are having in our communities.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17571179-27-07-2025-god-first-not-ego-julia-garratt.mp3
Julia explains how we should listen to God first, rather than the bellows of our own ego.
To see Julia's notes (in PDF format), click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XFUmcFtZL0gQ683meU9gJoJGSO-8qE_2/view?usp=drive_link
Questions
1. How much do we walk around feeling proud, full of our own EGO? How often do we feel that we are right about something, and others are wrong? That we are doing something right, and they aren’t?
2. So, like the people Paul was speaking to…Are we more concerned with what we think. So sure about our opinions, our wisdom or ideas. Are we so well educated that we base our thoughts and opinions on our qualifications, degrees or work experience, church experience even rather than the word of God?
3. Are we also constantly worrying about what people think about us? Even those close to us I would dare to add? I would say most of us do, and especially those close to us. Church is a place where this can be an unhealthy dynamic. Do we care more about what others think of us than God does?
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17532422-20-07-25-through-the-valley-vicki-mottram.mp3
Vicki spoke about our travels being _through_ the valley of the shadow of death, rather than stopping in the middle of it.
Vicki's slides (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ptrAbzPikO5PRptOayVsYqQeM6DTmWrG/view?usp=drive_link
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17497187-13-0-725-jesus-is-the-true-vine-sarah-earlam.mp3
Sarah reminds us that Jesus is the true vine.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17456124-06-07-25-waiting-bethan-ward.mp3
Bethan speaks about waiting for God.
To view Bethan's slides (in PDF format), click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SpcHKn8J6smZCdM7O78ND1BafhhJ8g-8/view?usp=drive_link
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17456024-29-06-25-ruth-part-7-phil-hardy.mp3
Phil concludes our look at the book of Ruth.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17375993-22-06-25-ruth-part-6-dave-watmore.mp3
Dave continued our series looking at the book of Ruth.
To see Dave's notes (in PDF format), click: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_djYicpcGmXcUSn4m7MofK6bSkOctzy_/view?usp=drive_link
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17353090-15-06-25-ruth-part-5-contract-or-covenant-neal-garratt.mp3
Neal continued our series looking at the book of Ruth.
To view Neal's notes in PDF format: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hPuxClMEIN_ZgKU1SdnDd1H4mjexkDsn/view?usp=drive_link
Questions for this week.
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Today we highlighted the different motivations by the nearest Kinsman redeemer and Boaz – does this help in our understanding?
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Do we understand the difference now between a contract and a covenant?
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How should this affect our relationship with God?
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How has God shown his motivation towards us in our lives?
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17306392-08-06-25-ruth-part-4-peter-williams.mp3
Peter continued our series on Ruth.
Peter's notes (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R-wxKjMGqopjfPNI6QgX7nXtVKQzzlM8/view?usp=drive_link
Peter's slides (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nue4Oad9rgWyJGy4qzCCzWUZ1URcxG8p/view?usp=drive_link
3 questions for you
Is Jesus asking for you to come to Him for redemption? Come and lie at His feet.
You don't do anything to be redeemed, the price is paid for you.
You just need to ask…..
Is Jesus threshing you?
Had Jesus got you on the threshing floor.
Breaking off the unnecessary bits, that impede the best flavour for your life?
Do you feel like you are tossed in the wind?
Jesus is getting you to be pure, like He wants you to be.
Transformation can be hard and sore.
Do you need to trust in His provision for you?
You might feel lost, with nothing left.
If so, are you now listening to Him?
Will you now trust Him to rescue you, and provide for you?
Let Him be your full kinsman redeemer
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17260779-01-06-25-what-does-serving-look-like-for-you-steve-bagnall.mp3
Steve's notes, in PDF format: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HKluS97XJDSgNIdMc4QkolS14urDkCHb/view?usp=drive_link
Steve spoke about serving in all its different ways.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17231599-25-05-25-the-excitement-of-being-a-christian-today-ian-hardy.mp3
Ian spoke about the excitement of being a Christian today.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17182752-18-05-25-the-book-of-ruth-part-3-neal-garratt.mp3
Neal continued our series looking at the book of Ruth.
For Neal's notes and questions (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1piWyYRVS93dr9UAOl2mdAcsYgtC7SM1m/view?usp=drive_link.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17138348-11-05-25-ruth-part-2-dave-watmore.mp3
Everything happens for a reason?
· There is NO accident with God.
· If chance exists, then God doesn’t.
· Chance would mean there is something out of His control.
· God ordained it. God either orders it or gives permission.
· We miss miracles sometimes because we label it chance.
· God has left nothing to chance luck or coincidence.
· God’s day to day interactions with you is called providence.
· It goes unseen but He is always working.
Ruth 1 v 19 – 22, 2 v 1-3.
Recap
· Ruth was married to Naomi and Elimelek’s (God is King) son Mahlon (weakness). Boaz means Strength.
· Barley harvest occurs during Passover when the barley is harvested for the poor.
· Naomi has lost her husband and her two sons and decided to return to Israel and Bethlehem where her husband’s family came from.
· The whole of scripture points to the work of the Almighty to bring about His plan of redemption.
· God wanted to use Ruth (a gentile) in His redemption plan. Naomi and Elimelek had to go to Moab for Mahlon to meet and marry Ruth, his father, his and Mahlon himself had to die to drive Naomi and Ruth back to Judah/Bethlehem. But there is often bitterness in our daily walk in life.
· Although Naomi had returned with the Ruth showing her love and loyalty and the people of Bethlehem were delighted to see he, she blamed God for the calamity and her bitterness. It’s amazing that even though she was railing against the unfairness of God, he does not strike her down and she has the confidence in knowing the kindness and character of God to be able to express that openly without the appearance of fear.
· However, Ruth has a prompt to action and break out of the poverty mentality of her mother – in- law. Cake illustration.
· Toss of a coin at birth – Not by chance. “I don’t see that you’re working. “My Mum might have prayed for a child after 2 miscarriages.
· Twisted chain of a door. “I don’t feel that you’re working.” Lesley prayed a prayer for a man she could trust. We both had broken, long term relationships.
· Asking for a family to buy the house. “You never stop working.” Keeping his promises to us and to CitP.
Is Jesus showing you what he wants you to do?
· Is that why you had the miracle?
· It’s why the miracle happens.
The earth is the Lords and everything in it.
· God loves details.
· Trusting in Gods providence means believing a string of seemingly unrelated events to accomplish a bigger purpose. We don’t always understand what He is doing but we don’t have to.
Isaiah 45:2. It reads, "I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron."
““As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:9 NIV
Romans 8 v 28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 NIV
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17095396-04-05-25-introducing-ruth-neal-garratt.mp3
Neal introduced our new series, looking at the book of Ruth.
To read Neal's notes - in PDF format - click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fC-qnsHLvgkLFjDm-5PciEdl1O4YjsE3/view?usp=drive_link
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17050797-27-04-25-word-about-generosity-and-the-tower-of-babel-paul-basson-and-richard-thomas.mp3
Paul gave a word about generosity and Richard spoke about the Tower of Babel.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17095302-20-04-25-easter-sunday-phil-hardy.mp3
On Easter Sunday, Phil spoke about how God love us all so much that he sent his only son, Jesus, to die for us.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16991634-13-04-25-the-week-before-easter-dave-watmore.mp3
The week before Easter.
Matthew 26
What we see is that Jesus was very clear time and again that he was going to be put to death and even CRUSIFIED.
Jesus also made a claim that he was the “Son of Man” a reference we see from Daniel 7 v 13. We see this reference repeated at the end of the chapter.
Mary is not named here in Matthew but we know from John that it is Mary the sister of Lazarus and sister Martha.
Mary knew the forgiveness of her sins, she also knew that there was a resurrection because her brother Lazarus had died and Jesus had raised him from the dead. We don’t know what Lazarus said about the experience but he would have had an amazing story to tell and the sight of him coming out of the grave at the command of Jesus.
Mary had sat and listened to Jesus teach and it seems, by her actions, she understood that Jesus was who he said he was THE CHRIST.
She came in with an alabaster jar full of an expensive perfume used for preparing dead bodies for burial.
Christ and Messiah both mean anointed one.
Mary was prophetically enacting this.
The other amazing this is was that this jar of perfume was worth a years wages.
The jar was also worth a great deal but she broke it deliberately in order to pour out all the contents and leave nothing behind.
This act of worship was to say, “I give you my all and there is no returning to my old ways.” Mary would have to now rely on Jesus to supply her every need.
It would be like me giving away my whole pension. GULP!
The other disciples were indignant! “What a waste” was their reaction.
Jesus stands up for Mary again.
Mary understood that Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ, the one the Jews were waiting for and the ones the Jews are still waiting for and the one the whole of mankind is searching for. She gave Him everything because she knew he was the one who knew everything about her, good and bad, He forgave her everything she had done wrong small and large. She was following and listening to Jesus for her own salvation.
Judas and Peter and the others were following Jesus to see a political and military victory over the Romans. Peter also had acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ, the anointed one but this had not worked its way into the heart of these men. Judas was so indignant that he chose to betray Jesus, perhaps out of disappointment that the very expensive perfume was “wasted”.
Mary made a personal sacrifice that led to her worship of Jesus.
Judas and Peter and the others were indignant because they wanted someone else’s sacrifice to be reflected on them.
They wanted to be the ones who could say “we gave to the poor”.
Jesus did not say “don’t give to the poor” but what he was saying was give out of your worship of Me not out of duty or self-righteousness.
When Judas goes to the religious leaders, they give Judas the same amount as you would pay for a slave.
I didn’t know this until I studied this. It recalled the passage in Romans that Jesus became the slave to sin for us so that we can be the slaves of righteousness. Explain!!
Verse 30 they sang a hymn. Probably a traditional Psalm sung during Passover when the Jews remembered their delivery from the slavery and pain they endured in Egypt.
His love endures forever.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16926147-06-04-25-intimacy-with-god-through-the-bible-part-3-neal-garratt
Neal continued his preaching series on increasing our intimacy with God through the Bible.
For Neal's full notes and the passage from "The Book Of Mysteries", click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qwxzf5E3y34uq2XucOP64xknxCqDLedv/view?usp=drive_link
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16883327-30-03-25-listening-to-god-the-parable-of-the-sower-hannah-garratt
Hannah spoke from the Parable of the Sower.
To read Hannah's notes, in PDF format: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wxdSypFe9eLcg5BbrcIxZQSyTlC3AnBU/view?usp=drive_link
Soil types/Heart Conditions:
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A Hard Heart
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A Rocky Heart
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A Thorny Heart
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A Fertile Heart
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16843830-23-03-25-devoted-to-prayer-phil-hardy
Phil continued looking at the life of the early church, as described in Acts 2, and how they dedicated themselves to prayer.
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16801279-16-03-25-citizens-of-heaven-dave-watmore
Citizenship of heaven
Philippians 3 v 20 + Philippians 4 v 4-9
Look at the first page of your passport.
Why am I telling you this story? It is not about the power of my prayers but you can think that. No it is about the peace that comes from being a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Philippians 3 v 20.
It made me think.
I’m a UK citizen but now I’m born again, I’m now a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus is the King and the Lord of heaven.
So let’s look at that;
I was listening to an interview with Rishi Sunak and Nick Robinson and Sunak tells of his meetings with the king and how he found them helpful. I’m sure he did. It is always good to have a friendly conversation with someone you know is helpful towards you.
I don’t remember the king or queen calling me up when I was made redundant or comforting me when my children were so upset and ringing me a 3 o’clock in the morning. I’ll be honest. I didn’t expect them to. They don’t know me. They have no relationship with me. They are just humans, weak and sinful like me.
I do remember Jesus giving me a dream to prepare me before I was made redundant and a promise that he would always provide for me.
I do remember Jesus comforting and giving me words to help my son and comfort me at a very dark time.
I love being a citizen of the UK. I cheer when England play sport, I love our countryside and our culture and language but I am also a citizen of Heaven.
When I lost my passport, I lost my way back to my home and my family. Part of me lost my peace but I also knew that the King of kings and Lord of lords was with me. He would run towards me to help me in my distress.
Isaiah 26 v 3
I have a new allegiance and much more powerful King who happens to have created the heavens and the Earth and all that is in it.
When I have that in my heart I have to change too.
Philippian 4 v 4-9.
V 8. Fix your thoughts on what is good.
We live in a Kingdom where Jesus is King and Lord. He does not want you to fill your mind or body with things that are bad for you.
When we read or watch or think on the wrong things, it is like putting petrol in a diesel engine. We might do it by accident but it still needs to be cleared out, otherwise we don't fire correctly or we create a lot of black smoke of anger, unforgiveness, etc..
You have been bought with a high price because He loves you. There is no other explanation for why you are saved or why you are here today. He wants a relationship with you. Not like the one you have with king Charles or Keir Starmer or your boss at work, He was and can give you an intimate relationship. Sometimes when we feel far away from Him, anxious, frightened and lost He will say “look at my word, you are now a citizen of Heaven not of the UK”
Questions;
Your Bible has far more promises about your identify, your destination and your well being than your UK passport.
Tell each other scriptures that have helped you in the past.
Encourage those who don't have that experience, the scripture that can help them.
How do you remember to magnify who Jesus is when you are feeling small and alone?
If appropriate, tell each other or a on a one to one basis, the struggles you might have with things you know are wrong to watch or read etc..
Encourage repentance but exercise forgiveness especially
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16767052-09-03-25-intimacy-with-god-through-the-word-part-2-neal-garratt
Neal continued his preach on the intimacy that we can have with God through reading the Word.
Neal's notes and slides: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FBoIAax3WdyizsPZCkZvhDCM2tiG5Nlz/view?usp=drive_link
Please note that the first section of Peter's preach didn't record correctly.
For a full copy of Peter's notes and slides (in PDF format), click here.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kFUdWyOU4H59URANpEmoanjrBr3YqrC_/view?usp=drive_link
Acts 2:41-47 ESV
[41] So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. [42] And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. [43] And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [44] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. [45] And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. [46] And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, [47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
2:43 is the response to 2:42, and 2:44 is the response to 2:43 and 2:47 is the response to 2:44.
Who wants all these things?
Well it starts with being together, praying, worshipping, studying the word, with the holy spirit amongst us, transforming our minds and our behaviour.
Romans 12:2 ESV
[2] Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
The following verses talk about unity, and different gifts, and that together as a body we are transformed and transformational to the society around us.
And this is one of the purposes of church.
Not a holy club we all attend.
It's a community of believers that makes a difference. Both to each other and the world around us as we go on mission.
Catalyst apostolic foundation - see notes
Prayer
In Acts 2:42, "the prayers" likely refers to the set prayers that took place at the temple. The verse describes the early disciples' devotion to prayer and praise, which was a central part of their lives. They trusted in God's deliverance and regularly included praise in their prayers, drawing from the Psalms for phrases and songs.
Here are some prayers based on Acts 2:42:
Devoted to the Word and Prayer
"May we be devoted to prayer, and may prayer not be supplemental in our lives and your church. May be fundamental in everything we do".
Prayer for Acts 2:42
"Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful example of the early Church who continually devoted themselves to earnest prayer".
The prayers. Some 'earnest prayer'
Before church prayer meeting
Communion
Acts 20:7 ESV
On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.
They didn't gather to worship.
They didn't gather to hear Paul teach.
They gathered to break bread.
2 times in the short passage from acts 2. It wasn't an add on. It's an integral part of what we do when we gather. Not as much in big gatherings, but when we meet in houses.
Encourage you to do over dinner.
It's not magical, but it is mystical.
Challenge to do and see what happens. Because it changes our outlook.
Share in 1 body, and 1 blood.
There is power in this.
There’s power in the name of Jesus.
Jesus Storybook Bible: We have given out 197 Jesus storybook bibles at 4 schools, preaching the gospel. The gospel is presented as 'Jesus wants to be your friend'
We have done 9 assembly’s and schools now regularly come to the food bank! So we do jigsaw assembly’s and the kids come to learn about the food bank and raise money. Ruth and the team gained trust and created healthy relationships with all the schools in our local area! That gave us this foundation to build on.
We are going to all saints infant and junior school in matlock next month to give out 359 bibles. The school said “it would be really good for the children to meet Christian’s and tell them what is a bible and why it is important to them”
March 24th - me and Steve.
Context
Peter and John have prayed for the 40 year old man who has been crippled from birth and the Jewish officials hate it and put them in prison.
Remember they had been with Jesus, dejected when he was crucified, utterly changed when he is resurrected and filled with boldness when filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Acts 4 v 1-31
v18
This is our evangelism strategy, it's 2000 years old
The more I study Acts, the more I see the resurrection is what they preach. It's the life changer.
Teach each other. Tell each other of the stories of what Jesus is doing now.
We had a time at New Year to tell of the stories from the last year.
It was moving, encouraging and powerful.
After Pentecost, as Jews, they stayed with their culture. They went to the temple, did Jewish traditions but they saw Jesus as the fulfillment of the scriptures – the Messiah, the Holy Spirit the fulfillment of the Prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Joel.
They had to know their bible. But the authorities demanded that they stop teaching and speaking about Jesus.
I only ever heard “stop speaking.” Now I see it was even more like these days.
Teach each other about Jesus. We don’t want stunted Christians, we want you all to be changed and to know the life changing power of the resurrection.
Sow seed.
It doesn’t matter if the soil is hard or soft. Sow the seed. Jesus does not tell us to sow in fertile ground. He says sow the seed. Be generous even if it falls on the path or in the weeds.
I have a prophetic sense that where we have sown but seen not fruit, the day is coming to see a fruitfulness where we have sown before.
Let us keep sowing in the community we live in. Jigsaw, schools work, our personal evangelism with friends and neighbours and work colleagues.
If you want more opportunities and stories to tell, join Tony and Karen, join Jonny and Becca when they start Who Let the Dads Out again and a new venture called Creative Space.
Pick up your bibles. Learn about Jesus and his resurrection power. Not just the mechanism of salvation.
Acts 4 is of men who were seen as unschooled in the bible but they had been with Jesus who had taught them using scripture. Then they quote scripture; Joel at Pentecost, Genesis in Acts 3 and when they pray they use Psalm 2. The crucifixion Psalm.
The audience might change but the message does not change. We have the same job. Sow the seed.
The message of the crucified Jesus and the risen Lord
There is only seed.
Don’t break up the soil. Sow the seed.
I don’t know what I’d do without Jesus.
Tell new stories
Questions
Ask each other for a recent story of what Jesus has done for you.
For a bible study, look at the use of Psalm 2. Why did Peter use this?
Please pray for the Children’s Bible initiative that Sarah and Steve are running
Put yourselves in the place of the apostles in Acts 3 and 4 and see how being a friend of Jesus in person helped them declare the truth of His resurrection.
Pray for boldness and pray for opportunities to see the power of the name of Jes
Tony spoke about Healing on the Streets.
Please note that the first couple of minutes didn't record.
To see Tony's notes and questions (in PDF format), click here.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QMBER8vblJMmj20W4YRi5IKAmxycN59l/view
Questions
Before this morning's talk on a scale of 1 to 10 how was your faith level for asking a stranger if you could pray for them to be healed?
Was there anything in this morning’s talk that has increased your faith level?
Do you have any stories of healing either when you have prayed or been prayed for, either physical or otherwise that you could share with the group to encourage others?
Do you struggle with the idea that not everyone we pray for will be healed?
If you believe that not everyone will be healed, how would you answer anyone who struggles with that fact?
Dave spoke from Acts 2 about how the early church 'did' church - meeting together, discussing teaching and praying - and how this is a model for our revamping of Community Groups.
To see Dave's full notes, slides, questions, and the Groups Handout (in PDF format), click here.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m068c5FYD_NsbwtW0b8SqW8QAUrMoDzU/view
To view Neal's full notes (in PDF format), click here.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19JHDyUQ3Slq3jX1RGzkozw_AYQ-0Wy7j/view
We tend to think of increased intimacy with God through Worship, through prayer and contemplation and those are all good avenues for God to speak to us and reveal his nature to us but also God wants to use the Bible – GOD’S WORD – (Just think about that for a moment) to increase our intimacy with him. So I want to look at 3 different ways that God speaks to us through the bible.
- THE LIVING WORD OF GOD BRINGS TRUTH
- HE TRANSFORMS OUR THINKING
- HE DIRECTS OUR WAY THROUGH THE WORD
Les Isaac was asked to speak at a Parliamentary Breakfast Meeting in July 2022 and God gave him a sermon to preach…. This is his testimony! Wonderful!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DExZZ5moq1w/?igsh=azU4MXV3eWlraDBz
Questions
-
Why do we so often struggle to read the Bible?
-
How can I increase the quality of my bible reading not necessarily the quantity?
-
How about meditating on Lamentations 3 vs 21-24 as a start and see what God speaks you about?
-
Watch the video again and talk about what impacts you the most?
Rosie, from Christ Church Manchester, spoke from Matthew 12 where Jesus heals the man with the shriveled hand and the lessons that we can learn from it.
Sandra gave an update from her recent trip to Uganda. This time, she also went with Peter & Pamela and SueW.
Andrew spoke from 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, explaining why God chose Joseph to be Jesus's earthly father.
For a full copy of Neal's notes, in PDF format, click here.
Clip from The Chosen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjQftj3ggms-=-=-=-=-=-Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus,
I am sorry for the things that I have done wrong in my life, please forgive me. I now turn from everything that I know is wrong. Thank you that you died on the cross for me and were raised from the dead so I can be forgiven and set free. Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Spirit. I now receive that gift. I declare that you are the Lord of my life. Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me forever.
Thank you Lord Jesus
Amen.
Dave spoke about the Ascension and Pentecost.
To view Dave's notes - in PDF format - click here.
Questions
· What is your image of God?
· Are you afraid he will speak back to you things you don’t want to hear?
· Why does God want you to be filled with his Spirit?
· Pray for a fresh revelation of who he is and how he loves.
· Pray too for a fresh revelation of how much he loves your family, colleagues, and neighbours.
· How do you explain the gospel?
· Will you change your style in light of the weirdness of the gospel?
Neal spoke from Matthew 16 about how there are no coincidences with God, and that we need God to intervene.
Please note that there were problems with the audio recording this morning, so there are some quality issues with this recording.
To view Neal's full notes from his preach (in PDF format), click here.
This is the clip from The Chosen that Neal tried to show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjQftj3ggms
Questions this week.
1.What do you think of the quote from Spurgeon?
Spurgeon says this
“If you know no more of Jesus then flesh and blood has revealed to you, it has brought you no more blessing than the conjectures of their age brought to the Pharisees and Sadducees, who remained an adulterous and unbelieving generation”
2.God’s ways are not our ways – he is in control and yet so often we doubt this – how can we change our mindset?
3.What we call coincidences are often God-incidences in our lives – what can we do to make sure we are aligned with God’s plans and purposes?
To read Dave's full notes (in PDF format), click here.
Questions
· I would start by discussing whether the group has ever reflected on the horror of the cross and the control it exerted over people.
· We are in a season when many of our people are facing the harsh reality of death so wisdom should be applied in dealing with the subject BUT we have a great hope because of Jesus resurrection.
· Make sure people are in total assurance of their destiny and their future resurrection body and what that means for living a life of freedom. Romans 8 v 1-3.
· Look at the sequence of the Easter story and see that being filled with the Holy Spirit is the promise of God for us all.
· Look at the challenge the disciples had to believe in the resurrection until it becomes personal.
How would you feel if Jesus came to dinner?
To read Neal's notes (in PDF format), including the quote from G Campbell Morgan, click here.
Lesley spoke from Mark 4 and 5 about Jesus calming the storm and delivering the man from Legion.
Neal spoke about Moses's conversation with God at the Burning Bush. God knew the potential that Moses had, despite Moses's many arguements otherwise.
Ray spoke from God's letter to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2 about recovering your first love.
Dave spoke about Saul and Ananias's different views of God and how those views affected their actions.
Paul spoke about the new season that God has in store for us, both as individuals and as a church.
Slides (PDF)
Postcard (JPEG)
Phil. Ps 51. Clean heart.
We need to allow God to give us a new heart, and change us.
An encounter with Jesus is the only thing that will change things.
He used Phil 1:6
But how does that work?
What steps are needed to help that to happen?
What is our part in that as fellow Christians?
Discipling of one another.
Early part of the letters, the introductions, helps us understand why it's written, the context, as well as often having some of the key nuggets of the letter.
Phillipians starts in Acts 16:11-40
A long weekend in Phillippi
Then the introduction to the book Phil 1:1-14 makes sense.
Roman guards, at a Roman outpost.
Philippians 1:9-11
Paul wants them to understand, so he then goes on to teach them about the things that are issues, that he has spotted or heard about.
V3 they pray for them every time they think of them
V7-8 they are tender hearted, passionate, for their fellow believer.
V9-11, this is what they pray. It is a purposeful prayer. Not a ‘god bless them’ prayer. Not that that's wrong. But a very specific prayer that they would change, grow, mature, and become more like Jesus.
[9] I pray that your love will overflow more and more,
What does it mean to overflow in love.
Romans 5:5
1 Thes 3:12-13
One anothering
Mark 10:45
and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
Ps 119. Longest chapter. What is it all about? Getting into the word. Soak in it
Wisdom literature, always reflects back to getting in the word.
Soak in it, let God speak to you through it.
Jesus was the living word, the living embodiment, and through him all things were made that have been made - Jn 1
Galatians 5:7
What is hindering your growth?
Knowledge and truth
[10] For I want you to understand what really matters,
1Cor 3:1-3
Meat not milk. Getting deep into the things of God.
so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.
This is what Phil has preached about over 3 weeks. Ps 51. Gal 5
Galatians 5:16
We are pure and blameless in Christ, and we need to remember that when the enemy taunts us.
But we are being made holy as we live for God, sanctified as we walk by the Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Return of Christ - He’s coming back!
[11] May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—
Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5
Gabi. What in your past sows seeds of doubt?
Remember his victory
the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—
John 15:2
Sometimes being fruitful can be painful. When we are pruned, it might feel like your right arm is cut off!
for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
When we shine for Jesus, because we are more like him, that brings glory to God.
When we overflow with the Spirit
Doxology from Rom 11
This stuff does not happen in a vacuum.
We can't pray without action. That would just be being super-spiritual.
We should be working to see this happen.
So how do we help one another achieve this.
We are church family and it is YOUR job. It's not just to be left for someone else.
Not Elders.
Paul did not go back and help them do this in Phillipi.
We are in church community for a reason.
Action Col 3:16.
We are called to disciple one another.
So what do we do?
Find a friend
Discuss what would help your growth
Write it on the card
Pray for one another
Take away the card so that you remember to keep praying for them
Check in with them about their p
Neal spoke from Acts 7 vs 54-60, Acts 8 vs 1-3, Acts 9 vs 1-22 about Saul's conversion.
- God's call is always personal
- One touch from Jesus changes everything
- Never underestimate God's saving power
For a PDF version of Neal's full notes, click here.
To view the video of Vani Marshall's testimony, click here.
Questions for Groups:
-
Do we underestimate God’s saving power – If we do what can we do to change that perspective?
-
What about your prayer list – who is on and who is off? Do we let our own thoughts influence who we pray for? Luke 6 vs 28?
-
Does the story of Saul/Paul give you hope for others? What particularly spoke to you about this story?
-
How about Ananias? Does his reaction mirror our own reactions so often? How can we change that?
Gabi preached from Psalm 46 about how we can be still in God's strength.
Click here to read Gabi's notes in PDF format.
Hannah spoke from Matthew 4 about Jesus being tempted in the wilderness.
To read Hannah's notes, in PDF format, click here.
The catalyst of grace
1 Peter 2 v 4 – 10
Living Stones for God’s House
4You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honour.
5And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests.[a] Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 6 As the Scriptures say,
“I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem,[b] chosen for great honour, and anyone who trusts in him
will never be disgraced.”[c]
7 Yes, you who trust him recognize the honour God has given him.[d] But for those who reject him,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.”[e]
8And,
“He is the stone that makes people stumble,
the rock that makes them fall.”[f]
They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.
9But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests,[g] a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
10“Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy. Now you have received God’s mercy.
Hosea 2 v 23
At that time, I will plant a crop of Israelites And raise them for myself.
I will show love to those I called “Not loved.”
And those I called “Not my people.”
I will say “Now you are my people” and they will reply, “You are our God.””
Romans 2 v 4
Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean NOTHING to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
•Living stones – gifts: discipling, teaching, prophetic, mercy, hospitality, wisdom etc.
•Royal
•Priests
•Bowl of rotting fruit
•Grace – “Nothing less than the death of God can save me.”
•Trigger of “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy. Now you have received God’s mercy.”
•We have all the gifts our Father wants to give us. We now want the outpouring of his grace to set us apart and motivate us to tell the world around us. We are a movement to see the world around us saved. Grace is the answer.
•Grace- Be convinced of the faithfulness, kindness and power of God
•Grace – Believe that Nothing less than the death of God can save me.
•Grace- He loves me unconditionally
•Grace – It is by his Holy Spirit that I will know this
•Grace – To forgive and receive forgiveness.
Questions
1.What motivates you to share the love of Jesus?
2.Have you reflected on the grace that saved you and allowed the Holy Spirit to apply the love of Jesus to you, recently?
3.Pray for each other that the Holy Spirit will reveal himself again to you.
4.As a living stone, where do you fit in His building?
Following on from two amazing baptisms, Steve explained the importance of the resurrection and the secret message contained in Jelly Babies.
Phil continued the theme of his preach from last week, reminding us that God wants our hearts.
The Clean Heart
When David turned to God in repentance he was certain of the outcome that he would be clean and be whiter than snow
[7] Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.51.7.NLT
Our practice speak louder than our words and our practice reflects your heart
Even though David sinned he still had a Heart after God so for him to turn to God was not difficult.
Are there any practices you may need to change to reflect your heart towards God?
Living a life of integrity, looks like this - you are honest and firm in your moral principles.
What Integrity do you have ?
What would others say about your Integrity ?
Romans 8:32 NLT
[32] Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.8.32.NLT
Victory over our struggle with sin and self is one of the “all things” that God has promised to give to you.
God's plan is for us to live in the good of the everything else he has planned and promised to us
1 Peter 1:13-23 NLT Peter tells us of the cost of our salvation encouraging us to live Holy lives
John Piper
“Purity of heart is to will one thing, namely, God’s truth and God’s value in everything we do. The aim of the pure heart is to align itself with the truth of God and magnify the worth of God. If you want to be pure in heart, pursue God with utter single-mindedness. Purity of heart is to Will that one thing”.
Phil outlines where God is leading us next.
Clean Heart
Stained Carpet - Our efforts not good enough the remove the stains
Psalm 51 David's prayer of repentance
There is a Back story to this Psalm - 2 Samuel 11
What's your Backstory ?
Psalm 32 - Another about David's response to his sin
Verse 1 -5
Questions
Where do you see yourself in this story , does it apply to your life ?
How do the 2 Psalms instruct and help us ?
David's sin occurred because he lost Integrity and failed to Guard his heart
What can we do to Guard our Hearts and maintain our integrity ?
We can understand and learn from David's Mistake
Click here to view Peter's slides (in PDF format).
Mothering Sunday.
Return to your mother church where you remember your salvation.
Time to celebrate
Character of God
How do you picture God?
Father. Austere. Loving, but protective.
Commanding.
Needs sacrifice
God is love. Love is......
God’s good news is that he loves you on your good days as much as he loves you on your bad days. He loves you when you can feel his love, and he loves you when you can’t seem to feel his love. He loves you whether or not you think you deserve his love. Rick warren
Creative
Who is creative?
He made them, in his image, male and female. So he must have both characteristics
Deuteronomy 32:11
Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young, so he spread his wings to take them up and carried them safely on his pinions.
Luke 15:8-10
“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbours and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”
Psalms 22:9-10
Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast. I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born.
Psalms 71:6
Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you!
The Bible shows that Jesus was full of gentleness, tenderness, kindness, compassion, peace, courage, and patience.
Holy spirit, the comforter and counsellor.
Peace, dove
The image of God as mother may sound radical to some, but it's not new. The prophet Isaiah describes God as a woman in labour
Isaiah 42:14
For a long time I have held my peace; I have kept still and restrained myself; now I will cry out like a woman in labour; I will gasp and pant.
and as a mother who nurses and comforts her child (66:10-13).
Isaiah 66:9-13
Moses reminds God that he is the mother of the people he is leading. He is the one who conceived them, gave them birth, and carried them, and nursed them.
Numbers 11:11-12
Moses said to the Lord, “Why have you dealt ill with your servant? And why have I not found favour in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? Did I conceive all this people? Did I give them birth, that you should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing child,’ to the land that you swore to give their fathers?
John 3:3–8 – Jesus points to imagery that the God the Spirit gives birth to us. Only those who are born by the Spirit (and of water) are able to come into the Kingdom.
Today we remember the value of our mothers
But it's also important that we remember the motherhood nature of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
This is not as outrageous as it may first seem.
If we don't focus on the motherhood nature of God we miss out on half of his characteristics.
1 Peter 2:2–3 – “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Vicki spoke about the lessons God had taught her when she was (physically) in a miry pit.
Psalm 40:1-2
Sometimes in our lives we feel that God is distant and has forgotten about us and is far away from us, our prayers are bouncing off the ceiling and we are alone dealing with a situation. We can get frustrated and angry or disappointed with God and take things into our own hands to try and get them sorted out – most often with disastrous results! We only need to read the Psalms to remind ourselves how honest David was with God
Psalm 102
Psalm 13
We all feel like this from time to time in our lives.
Hagar (OT)
God has already promised to Abram that he will be the father of many nations
Genesis 15:2-5
Genesis 16:1–15
According to the prevailing culture of the day if a wife was barren (which was a sign of gods displeasure) she could offer her servant as a surrogate mother to her husband so Sarai gave Hagar to Abram and she became pregnant. This caused jealousy and arguments and such ill treatment of Hagar that she runs away into the desert. Abram and Sarai took things into their own hands rather than waiting on God. Waiting is hard – and yet that place is where God would stretch our faith and trust in him to deliver what he has promised – It's a hard lesson.
Hagar was out of Sarai and Abrams eyes but she wasn't out of God sight – she encountered God in the desert – Notice God knows her name and exactly who she is
v8
This is an amazing story of God's grace as God's covenant is with Abram and Sarai and yet we have here an Egyptian slave with no rights who God sees, directs and names her son. She is the first person in the bible to receive a visit from the angel of the Lord and her baby is the first baby named by God whilst still in the womb. Hagar comes to know God, who sees her and is invited into a relationship with the living God – something she believed was only for Abram and Sarai – and in doing so reveals part of Gods very character – Jehovah EL ROI – "I am the God who sees you"
This is a wonderful story of God's heart for all men and women. However, there are consequences to Abrams actions which he has during his lifetime with Ishmael – Hagar's son which we are still struggling with today.
Phil Moore in his commentary says:
"...Whenever we hear news reports of fighting between Jews and Arabs over who should control Palestine, we are hearing the echo of what happened between Abram and Hagar"
In the midst of our mess God's grace is wonderful – He is Jehovah El Roi – the God who sees you!
The second person I want to look at is Nathanael (NT)
John 1:43-51
The Chosen – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAbwGTcPA_k
Jesus is God and therefore is the God who sees – he sees Nathanael under the fig tree in despair and his plight is not ignored
v48
Notice that Nathanael cries "DO YOU SEE ME" and quotes Psalm 102 which we started with today – Jehovah El ROI – I am the God who SEES – what a wonderful revelation to Nathanael – so much so that he immediately declares " Rabbi you are the son of God- the King Of Israel"
God watches over you, he knows your situation, he knows the trial you are going through, your concerns and your fears – Even when you are at your lowest ebb and its 4.00am and you feel all alone He loves you and he wants the best for you – always to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:13) – Jesus is always moved with compassion in our lowest moments when we cry out to him – he is Jehovah EL ROI – the God who sees
Psalm 33:12-22
Questions
- Why do you think we take things into our own hands so often? What stops us trusting God?
- What about the similarities and differences between Hagar and Nathanael's situations? What does this show us about God?
- How does the fact that God is the God who sees us help me in my daily life?
Slides (PDF)
As we start this new year of 2024 how you view 2023? We had a good year but both Ruth and I have struggled with infections etc. I got a bit depressed, the weight of the world on my shoulders. I accepted I needed help and sought prayer. I also spent time listening to Christian music. “I just speak the name of Jesus” stood out.
We get a lot more discouragements than encouragements.
How can we best deal with all the discouragements? Hebrews 10:22-25
Thinking about encouragement, A farmer gets his animals to market by walking behind them carrying a long sharp stick, occassionally prodding them to get them to move forward.
How can we define encouragement?
The Greek word is parakletos - it describes not only giving comfort to someone but also involves exhortation, urging, and strengthening. The NT verb encourage can also mean “to comfort, cheer up, console or speak in a friendly manner”.
Jesus uses this verb in John 14:26 where he calls the Holy Spirit our helper our advocate, or as J B Phillips paraprashed it “someone to stand by you”
The ministry of encouragement is standing with one another, sometimes being the one who can reach down to help others who are struggling and sometimes being willing to reach up and accept the hand that is reaching down to help us.
This is more than a quick “hello how are you”. It is a willingness to stand with one another so that as a church community we are all-in and involved, not scrutinizing and criticising but affirming and strengthening.
I came across this quote about being members of a Church
“The church humbles us as it’s one of those places in society today where we sit togther … as we focus on one simple objective to give praise and worship to Jesus and our loving heavenly father.”
Jesus teaches and shares many commands about “one another” these include encourage one another, love one another (John 13:34-35), welcome one another (Romans 15:7), confess your sins to one another (James 5:16-18).
The gospel calls us to step out of our comfort zone as we respond to Jesus’s call to follow Him, to do what he is doing, listen to His prompting, be willing to do what he prompts, share what he gives us and go where he directs.
How can we grow in encouraging one another?
By meeting and sharing time around worship and studying the bible – community groups. If you aren’t part of a group, talk to one of the elders or email the church.
Romans 1:12
For those who have shared this morning – thankyou – for those who thought about sharing something that God showed you but didn't, I would say two things – if you have something during the week write it down and share it either with your group leader or one of the elders. Secondly just be willing to come to the front and share with whoever is leading the meeting and trust their judgement.
What other things could be done
Ask God who you should seek to encourage and pray for. And do it.
Share stories of how Jesus gets us through life – triumphs and disasters. This encourages one another.
Some other practical ways
•Thank each of the Elders for what they do in leading the church
•Send messages of encouragement or a simple how are you doing today?
•Be willing to spend time listening to those who are struggling
•Use your gifts or helping as God would prompt you.
•Work alongside someone else by offering to prepare and lead your community group or get involved with an Alpha course or a bible study
•Arrange to visit, go for a coffee or share a meal together
•Share a kind word for we never know what someone else is feeling or going through. Allow the Holy Spirit to prompt you and be brave enough to share whatever he gives you.
Hebrews 10:22-25
Serving Jesus and serving the community
Jeremiah 29:1- 14
These are famous often quoted verses. Looking at the context will help us gain the full blessing of the verses and encourage us to serve wherever we are whether in church, home or work.
Context
The Jewish nation had split into two kingdoms and Jeremiah is speaking to the Judah nation. The Jews had built idols and turned away from God. They were taken away by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon. In modern geography we would call Babylon part of Iraq.
It would have shocked the Jews who received the “letter from God” written in the hand of Jeremiah because they believed it was their evil enemy who had captured and exile them. This letter clearly declares it is God himself who put them in the hands of the Babylonians.
Now the plan of the Babylonians was to bring all the talented Jews to Babylon and then get them to conform to the Babylonian culture and in so doing have a military, moral and cultural victory.
The Almighty’s plan was to use the most talented Jewish people to cause the Babylonians to turn from their wicked ways and worship him and repent and if they don’t, He will send judgement on the Babylonians rescue the Jews and bring them back to Jerusalem.
How many of us have come from many different areas, lands?
We have all come from different lands, but God wants us to make where we live our homes even though we are all exiles or resident aliens in this land.
The jobs we do have brought us to Derbyshire, the families we have married into have brought us to Derbyshire, there are many and various reasons why we are in Derbyshire.
The culture we live in is often secular, often morally challenging, sometimes physically challenging.
God is saying make you home among the people who live here.
Work with the people who live here “And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
Acts 17:27-28
We are to serve where we live and work. But the issue is what is our heart attitude?
Jesus came to serve us and did so by not just washing the feet of his disciples but also coming to serve us by taking our punishment on the cross. Our service should not be for our own gain either financially or egotistically. We live in a world that is me, me, me orientated. Be orientated to serve people around you. That is what it is like to be Christ like and the more we serve the more Christ like we can become.
If you want to have promotion in the Kingdom of God, you serve.
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Questions
1. How did you come to be living, working and in church? Now you are where you are, do you feel the grace and peace of God where you are?
2. Do you feel you are able to pray for peace (shalom) in your work and living area? Do you have a clear strategy? Discuss and pray together your circumstances and how this can improve.
3. Do you see your role as serving your neighbours and working colleagues?
4. Where would you like to serve in the future?
5. Ensure you remember that the promise of God is - For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord.
The Samaritan Woman - John 4:4-26
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ordhsDeAt60
Jesus reveals for the first time that he is the Messiah – not to the Jews or the Pharisees or Sadducees but to a Samaritan woman who has led a colourful life. He is breaking all social and religious norms in the process and blowing apart any pre conceived ideas about who Jesus came to save!
Phil Moore: “John shows us in the first few chapters of this book that devout Jews are not good enough to be accepted, he now adds that wicked Samaritans are not bad enough to be rejected”
When Jews travelled from Judah to Galilee they would go the long way round across the Jordan River rather than go through Samaria. Rabbis were not allowed to speak to women in public including their own wives under Jewish law – and yet here is Jesus meeting a woman in public, in Samaria, telling her that he is the living water she needs to change her life forever! This is a wonderful gospel moment giving us all hope – all can receive God’s spirit – no longer just in the temple but now he lives in our hearts – This is the gospel message in a nutshell!
For Jews the temple in Jerusalem is the place of worship – “The Holy of Holies” and “The Holy Place” – Only accessible by the High Priest/Priests - Behind the great curtain separating God’s Holy presence from sinful people – this was 60’ high, 30’ wide and 6” thick! Then there was the Court Of Israel for men and a wall, then the Court of Women and a wall and then outside the actual temple was the Court of Gentiles – that’s where we would be, as far away from God as is possible!
BUT Jesus coming changes everything!
Hebrews 10:11-12
So what happens?
Matthew 27:45-46
v50-52
The curtain had to come down because it hindered access to God’s presence. Jesus came to restore our RELATIONSHIP to God – access is no longer in a building, it’s in your heart by the power of the Holy Spirit - Christ in you the Hope of Glory (Colossians 1) – no matter who you are – Worship him in Spirit and Truth.
v14
FRESH – Daily refreshed by the Holy Spirit – bringing life to us daily – A fresh touch from Jesus every day
How do you feel this morning?
Fresh or dry?
Full of life or not?
Same old Church week in week out- nothing changes?
We pray – Come Holy Spirit – Have your way – Do we really mean it – what are our expectations when we pray that? Let’s expect him to come in power and change things – this womans life was changed forever by one meeting with Jesus and yet we can meet with him every day.
Whatever we need is met in Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit – If we are dry we need Fresh Water – Why? Because we leak, live in a fallen world, sin daily and need fresh water to empower us – We need a fresh start just as the Samaritan woman!
v23
What does the Holy Spirit do?
John 16:13
He guides us into truth by revealing Jesus and witnesses with our spirit that we are sons and daughters of God
Romans 8:16
TRUTH – Brings us into all truth
WITNESS – Our spirit witnesses with the Holy Spirit
DISCERNMENT – Truth instead of lies – Discerning of Spirits
So what’s the result of this encounter?
v39
To finish - a reading from the Book of Mysteries by Jonathan Cahn – The Ruach
Questions1.How did your spirit react when you watched the clip?
2.Remember your own conversion – How did you feel and how do you feel now looking back?
3.How does this story open up the scriptures and specifically about the temple and worship and our hearts?
4.Discuss the reading “The Ruach” – what can we lear
Phil continued our series on the values of the church, looking at the importance of prayer.
Andrew spoke about the fact that we are storytellers, telling God's story in our lives. He also outlined a number of 'head-problems' that the enemy uses to try to stop us from sharing our stories.
Does money make you happy? Google – 766m hits
There are 2,350 verses about money in the bible – More than those on faith and prayer combined!
Tithing is an OT principal
Leviticus 27:30/32
In Malachi God has an argument with Israel because of their tithe and its quality! God declared that it is not right.
Tithing in the OT was mandatory, part of the Jewish Law and culture, but they recognised that everything came from God, the provider of life and sustenance.
In the NT Jesus brings a different perspective – Jesus affirms the practice of tithing (Matt 23:23) but he also urges us to think about justice, mercy and faith rather than just the law.
Matthew 23:23
It is all about what is in your heart. It’s not about following the letter of the law, it's giving out of a heart in love with God.
Luke 18:10-14
Jesus continually teaches us it's not your outward actions that count. We can't earn God’s favour by our works – it’s all by grace – We are justified by our faith in Jesus and recognising we are sinners that need to be saved by GRACE!!
Mark 12:41-44
When we give, do we hold back? Do I give as an act of obligation or of worship? The Widow dared to love God, to have faith that he would provide, to give it all. Do we have that attitude?
God owns everything anyway!
J John – God owns all the doughnuts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I03Jlj4-ZQY
The question for us – what are you going to do with yours? What if God said give your 9 away. That’s where faith comes into play – God will provide all my needs!
Proverbs 3:5,9&10
God’s promise to us. Trusts God and rely on his promises!
Three areas to be careful about in thinking about money
- Your treasure
Matthew 6:21 “that wherever our treasure is – that is where our heart will be” Conversely – where our heart is, that’s where our treasure will be.
- Pride
God owns everything, we are stewards of what he entrusts us with – Pride can enter our hearts and we believe that we OWN what we EARN – because we deserve it!
Ezekiel 28:4-5
ITS MINE is the cry of our selfish heart - It can so easily become our possession, our right and precious!
- The Enemy.
He is a liar from the beginning and will lie to you about everything including your money, possessions and heart attitudes.
A: He will say - It’s your money. You earned it. You spend it. You deserve it!
Truth - All we have is God’s – we are stewards - he owns all the doughnuts!
B: He will tell you that you won’t have enough for yourself if you give it away!
Truth – Generosity of heart enables God to give us more
Proverbs 11:25
C: He will tell you that God will not provide for you and that God is not interested in your financial situation!
Truth – God cares for every part of your life
Matthew 6:25
v33
Have faith v30. This is the key.
Luke 6:38
God’s heart for us: He is not a God that gives us just enough, he is generous and extravagant in all he does for us -he wants us to have the same heart
“Freely you have received – freely give” Matt 10:8
You cannot out give God.
Pray about money and ask God how much to give – he will often give you a specific amount.
This is how the church works: love each other through giving and sharing doughnuts!
Questions
-
How do you feel about giving after this talk?
-
Has anything helped in understanding the biblical principals involved here?
-
How do you feel about praying and asking God if he wants to use any of your doughnuts this week?
-
What is your fear when it comes to money and finance?
The Kingdom of God
Obadiah talks about a coming kingdom.
Obadiah 1:15-21
Many of the minor prophet's foretell of Jesus coming.
It was into the persecution of Israel by the Romans that Jesus is born.
What's the kingdom Jesus ushered in like?
Totally different. Countercultural
Matthew 5-7, sermon on the mount.
Turns everything on it's head
How we deal with anger, lust, divorce, oaths, getting your own back, loving your enemies, looking after the poor, how we get into heaven.
Jesus talks about a coming kingdom too
He's coming back!
What Jesus said wasn't a new thing. It was there in the scriptures already.
Isaiah 11:1-11
No weeping or pain. Wolf and the lamb together.
Clearly not the kingdom that came with Christ.
Now and not yet of the kog
It says he will come a second time.
Return of Christ
Matt 24
Now and not yet
Rebuild of a demolished temple in 3 days.
This was imminent.
The return was not straight away.
Death and resurrection
Ripping the curtain in 2
There will be wars, and famine and unrest like never before.
Persecution of the church
False prophets
Jesus talks about what Daniel had written about the coming age.
Be ready because of the signs you will see around you.
The key. But no one except the father knows the exact day and time. So be ready.
All of the world needs to hear first. Have they?
Zechariah 14, difficult reading in light of what we see in Israel.
Isa 10:20 a remnant of Israel will return to god
Rom 11 all Israel will be saved, but only after all gentiles have heard
Restoration of Israel needs to happen before the return of Christ.
Can be translated the salvation of Israel.
1 John 2:18
He was seeing the signs he'd heard Jesus talk about, still only a generation after Christ.
Here we are 2000 years on….
People said in 1st century all the prerequisites for Christ's return had been fulfilled.
Then first and second world wars
Re-creation of Israel after 2nd world war
The Israel wars 1967 war, 1973 war.
The antichrist had been named as emporers and roman leaders, Hitler, Saddam Hussein, even putin. USA. And europe
I don't know. But I know I need to be alert
Luke 17:20 NLT
We are changed when the Kingdom comes, as is society around us
Love, Joy, Peace, The effects of the Holy Spirit working amongst us
Some signs will be visible
2 men, 1 taken and 1 left. Rapture
Millennium. No point building your theology around such things. It's a mystery
1 John 2:24
So in times of trouble and persecution….
The only 4 chapters of the bible where there is not sin in the world are genesis 1+2, and revelation 21+22.
In the 1285 in-between God explains people's sin to them, and when they cannot find their way out He sends His son as a way out, a release, an escape.
Garden to a city…..
Revelation 22:20-21
Jesus talked about the kingdom he was ushering in.
We are saved for a different life now, but also saved for a life in heaven.
What will heaven be like?
No more crying. No more pain.
City on a hill.
New heaven and a new earth.
Dare to be excited.
Waiting rooms can be hard classrooms
3 responses to the return of Christ.
It's not imminent. So live life.
It's any day. So no need to buy insurance, but food, etc
It's soon, so tell everyone, so all can be saved. Give all for Christ. This is how we should be living.
Parable 10 virgins Matt 25, only half were ready. The others were not.
Are you ready?
Questions for groups
What does it mean to be ready for the return of Christ?
What do you make of current world events?
Are you ready?
Phil looks at the difference living fully for God can make. He includes memories and videos from his recent trip to India.
The service is available to watch via Church in the Peak's private* Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/visuals.citp/videos/172460012588227?idorvanity=2410174444
*not the main public one.
Dave continued our church values, looking at the difference having the Spirit poured out on us makes.
No well worn paths by Terry Virgo explains why we as a church believe in word and spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:1
If your doctrine of the holy spirit does not include the idea of the holy spirit falling upon people it is seriously grievously defective. This it seems to be has been the trouble especially during the last century. The whole notion of the holy spirit falling upon people had been discountenanced and discouraged, surely one of the prime explanations of the present state of the Christian church.
Dr MLJ
https://www.premierchristianity.com/features/rt-kendall-when-word-and-spirit-come-together-revival-will-follow/3845.article
Most of my own preaching over the years – I wish it were not true– has been almost entirely Word preaching with little power. When people listened to me they would say: “Thank you for your Word.” That is what they came for, that is what they got. They did not come to see anything; they came to hear. But the simultaneous combination of the Word and Spirit coalescing in great measure will result in spontaneous combustion
We forget our history at our peril.
We overlook what we have and we miss what God can do.
Matthew 22:29
https://thinktheology.co.uk/blog/article/guest_post_from_terry_virgo_you_foolish_galatians
We are invited into “the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,” not nominal awareness of him.
We cannot afford to underplay the role of the Holy Spirit in our personal lives or the life of the church.
Galatians 3:1-5
Word and spirit played out together
Acts of the Apostles 19:1-6
They had not had the word, and were missing out on the difference that the Holy Spirit brings to a gathering.
When they were filled they were able to do what they were made to do. They were complete.
We all have the Holy Spirit in us when we are saved. Eph 1.
But the overflow and joy of the baptism of the Holy Spirit changes our very being.
Ephesians 5:18-19
TV
When we read the Bible, we cannot fail to see that the power of God was demonstrated, through the power of the Holy Spirit. It wasn't an add on. It was integral to the way the the church was expanding in the new testament.
We won't see revival without churches grounded in the word, rooted in the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22
Word, and Spirit.
100% word and 100% Spirit, not 50/50
Changes the worship, changes the relationships we have, changes our approach and changes what we see God doing amongst us
Questions for groups
Soak in the word and Spirit and date to see what God does.
This is an abreviated copy of Neal's notes. Please do see look at the full copy available in the links at the bottom.
What Does our Church Believe?
We are part of New Frontiers which was started by Terry Virgo and was part of the growing Charismatic Movement in the UK during the 1970’s and 1980’s. The emphasis was on the word and the spirit and the gifts of the Spirit being manifest in meetings and daily life – New frontiers grew and now has nearly 2000 churches globally.
Interview with Terry Virgo giving the history of New Frontiers from the beginnings to the present day and is worth a listen for everyone!
Link to the Evangelical Alliance’s Statement of Faith, which we agree with:
What is our vision statement?
We are a worshipping community who love Jesus and serve his mission. To build a church from which we will have multisite congregations.
What is our purpose Statement?
We exist to worship God and encounter his presence, committed to advancing his Kingdom through local Church communities, caught up in mission, here, and to the nations.
So what do we Believe?
We believe in The Bible as God’s authoritative word to everyone.
We believe in the Trinity – Father son and Holy Spirit
We believe in Salvation through Jesus alone
We believe we are born to worship God
We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as distinct from salvation
We believe in Baptism in Water on confession of your faith
We believe in the gifts of the Spirit as vital in our Church life and recognise the five fold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in the Church today.
We believe in the Virgin birth
We believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
We believe in the Priesthood of all believers
We believe in The Church as a local body of God’s people to bring justice and mercy in the local area to help the poor and those in need.
We believe in local and international mission.
We believe that Jesus is coming again to create a new Heaven and New Earth.
This list is not exhaustive by any means but gives a good idea of what we stand for! So just to expand some of these for you
The Bible - is God’s word to us. We want to be transformed by God’s word not just informed- it is life to us
The trinity – One true God who lives eternally in three persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The same in substance, equal in power and glory.
God the Father – One true God -Sovereign – Creator, Sustainer of life, he rules, reigns redeems and will eventually judge the world. Multi- faceted God – Jehovah – I AM
Jehovah Jireh – The Lord will provide
Jehovah Rophe – The Lord is our healer
Jehovah Nissi – The Lord is our banner
Jehovah M’Kaddesh – The Lord who sanctifies
Jehovah Shalom – The Lord is our peace
Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord is our righteousness
Jehovah Rohi – The Lord is our Shepherd
...
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Interview with Terry Virgo:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-profile/id1188653078?i=1000621163085
Evangelical Alliance Statement of Faith:
https://www.eauk.org/about-us/how-we-work/basis-of-faith
Full copy of these notes:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L-37aVUcG5Fqp-2l_2lDNTfoTCU1qcl-/view?usp=drive_link
Whiteboard MindMap:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15mdB1nUD58EKcyP
Freedom Part 2
Intro
Last time I spoke on Freedom and following some prophetic words felt there was more to say
Jane shared about understanding that we have been made clean already through salvation and that we were to believe this truth and be living as those who are washed clean. That we are a place for God’s Glory to come
Neal followed this by saying that we need to keep our lives free from the rubbish of sin that would hinder God's Glory in our individual and corporate life
What is the Freedom won for us?
●When Jesus sets you free, He takes away your death sentence. The penalty you deserved has been removed and you now have eternal life. He literally shifted your eternal destination. Today you can rejoice because if you have Christ then you have eternal life. You no longer have to pay the penalty for your sin.
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/gal.5.1.ESV
Some believers, known as Judaizers, were insisting that Gentile converts must follow the Jewish law, particularly circumcision, in order to be saved. Paul's response is a passionate defense of the Gospel, emphasizing the sufficiency of faith in Christ for salvation and the freedom that comes through the grace of God.
He wants the Galatians to understand the importance of living in the freedom that Christ has provided, rather than returning to the bondage of the law.
As believers, we are urged to stand firm in our freedom and resist any attempt to be burdened by spiritual bondage. This may take the form of legalism, false teaching, or any other force that seeks to undermine our confidence in the grace of God.
How are we living ?
Peter was trying to be all things and fit in with the crowd, do we?
●We see this throughout Scripture, where God's chosen people live like they are not
●The Isrealites freed from slavery in Egypt yet lived like they weren't, 23K dying in the desert because of sexual immorality. Complainers. Worshipped Idols, committed theft, They had left Egypt and at times long to be back there and saying we would be better off back in Egypt.
●God did his part in freeing them from Egypt but in their heart they were still in Egypt.
●Are we living like those who are not of God?
●Are we different in or thoughts, Attitudes, Motives, and actions
●We have been chosen and called to be different.
Application
●Are there areas of your life where you still feel burdened by a yoke of slavery?
●Ask the Lord's help in identifying and breaking free from any spiritual bondage that may be holding you back.
●Stand firm in your freedom by cultivating a deep and abiding relationship with Christ, grounded in the knowledge of His love and grace.
●Resist any temptation to return to the yoke of slavery, and be vigilant in guarding your spiritual freedom.
●Be a living example of the liberating power of the Gospel, and let your life testify to the transforming work of God's grace.
"Life in the Spirit is not passive; nor is obedience automatic. We continue to live in the real world; we are, after all, both already and not yet. (an Eschatological People)
"Therefore, the imperative for the already is walk in/by the Spirit. That assumes that we live in a world very much controlled by the flesh; but it also assumes that we now live in that world as different people, led by the Spirit and empowered by the Spirit to produce the fruit of righteousness, rather than to continue in the works of the flesh."
Page 133 Paul the Spirit and the People of God - Gordon Fee
Dave encourages us to measure everything we see/hear/feel against the Bible, using the Bible as a spirit(ual) level.
In a summer special, Peter led an interactive sessions about the different ways that we can listen to God speaking to us.
Mark 4:35-41 to Mark 5:1-8 Jesus Calms the storm
Jesus has spent the whole of chapter 4 to this point explaining what the kingdom of God is like and speaking in parables to those listening and to the disciples - v9, v24
Then we come into the story of the boat on the Sea of Galilee – and Jesus discovers just how much or how little the disciples have listened and understood!
Notice Jesus decides where they are going and he wants to cross to the other side which in a non Jewish side – inhabited by gentiles and the region of the Gerasene’s.
As they set out a fierce storm erupts from nowhere and the boat begins to take on water – Jesus remains asleep throughout the storm and they have to wake him as they fear for their lives – whatever they have or have not learnt through the teachings is forgotten and they panic and wake Jesus saying that “teacher don’t you care that we are going to drown”?
Phil Moore says this
Jesus knows that his life will end on the cross at Calvary and not at the bottom of Lake Galilee and yet his disciples do not share his confidence! They have heard and forgotten – Jesus brought them into the storm to give them an opportunity to see and remember- which they fail! The wind and the waves have caused them to forget his identity and his mission. – He challenges them – where is your faith?
They need to learn to handle storms before they can start to play their own part in his story.
Identify with this?
How do we cope in the storms of life?
Do we forget Jesus identity and mission – his promises and his faithfulness?
Tom Wright
“Go on – wake Jesus up, pray to him in your fear and anger – but don’t be surprised when he turns to you and asks “where is your faith?”
Remember who he is.
Psalms 89:8-9
v11
Jesus wakes and rebukes the wind and the waves – “Silence be still” – In the Greek he speaks two words which translated are “Shush – Be muzzled” and it is this that makes us wonder if this storm is not just a normal storm but is in fact from the enemy as Jesus rebuking the wind and waves are the same words he uses when dealing with the enemy and his forces? Jesus does not need to rebuke his creation – it’s his – he can just say “be still” and it will be.
The enemy knows where Jesus is going and what’s going to happen when he gets there and will do anything to try and stop him - Chapter 5!
v41 – The disciples
They are about the find out in Chapter 5 as the demonized man knows exactly who he is!
v5 – The demons
The demons recognise Jesus who is revealed in all his power and authority in this story and they have to flee and the man is set free and in his right mind – it’s a great story! He is King of all the earth – they had to obey they had no choice! He even has to give them permission to enter the swine – they cannot just go – He is in control!
Ephesians 1:19-22
ALL things – creation, the wind and the waves, every scheme of the enemy, your life, your struggles, your work situation, your school situation, your finances, your job, your boss, your weaknesses, your sin and your health – ALL things!
Let’s see and remember who Jesus is and the authority he has – in ALL things! It’s all about FAITH – when the storm comes – have faith!!
If we look into chapter 6 we see Jesus continuing his ministry and the first two miracles are about FAITH
The woman with the issue of blood – Jesus says “Daughter your faith has made you well”
Jairus’s daughter – She died because Jesus was delayed – but Jesus says
“Have faith – she is not dead but asleep.
When the storms come – and they will come - Jesus wants us to have faith in him and trust him – he has got this!
John Ortberg says this
“Peace doesn’t come from finding a lake with no storms: it comes from having Jesus in the boat with y
Richard spoke about keeping in step with the spirit.
After the preach, Paul and others had some words that God has given him for church members.
Phil continues our "Godly Living Unwrapped" series, looking at what it means to be sanctified.
Vicki continued our "Godly Living Unwrapped" series, looking at our security being in God, regardless of what is happening around and to us.
Romans 7 shows us that Grace is amazing and outrageous.
Paul explains using the illustration of a marriage.
Mr Law
Fine and perfect man.
• Always right
• Austere with complete authority over his wife
• Never lifts a finger to help but is always right
• You can’t argue with him because you know he is right
• Marks you out of 10, but never a 10
• Is in excellent health and will live for a long time
Mrs Law
• An ordinary woman
• Married to Mr Law for years and wants to please him by her performance
• Mrs Law works very hard
Relationship
• Mrs Law says she will be home at 11.00 but when she’s late, Mr Law stands at the door pointing to his watch and says “you’re 5 minutes late.” Mrs Law feels small and condemned.
• Sometimes Mr Law goes to the wedding venue. When it gets busy Mrs Law asks him to help behind the bar. Mr Law says he is not insured to work there so won’t help.
• Mr Law marks Mrs Law out of 10. Often it is only a 5, sometimes a 7 and on the odd occasion 0. Mrs Law feels small, guilty and condemned.
• Mr Law calls her his little Sinner
• Mrs Law begins to loath her husband because he is always right but never lifts a finger to help her
Mrs Law meets Mr Grace
Mr Grace
• Is gentle and humble
• Wants to share his life with Mrs Law
• Is prepared to help her with her burdens
• Wants her to have the best in life
• Wants her to be fruitful in all she does
• Shows his love for her in giving her gifts
• Loves her because of who she is
Relationship
• She is now married to Mr Grace
• When she is home at 11.05 not 11.00 he makes her a cup of tea and asks her how her day has been
• When Mr Grace come to work with her, he sees her struggling, he gets involved and serves her and the guests
• When she asks how she can improve her business he gives her ideas and constructive comments
• Mr Grace calls her his beloved one even when she screws up
• She loves Mr Grace.
• She will do anything for him
The theological Mr Law – see Romans 7:1-6
The new relationship
• Our relationship to the Law: the law will not pass away so we must die to the Law. It is still perfect and right, but is the Old Covenant.
• We are is released from the relationship with the law by dying to the law when we are baptized. We are now in the New Covenant.
• Jesus the bridegroom left heaven to die for us so we can be saved from the marriage to the Law whether we are male or female.
• Jesus shares his life with us. He showers us with spiritual and material blessings.
• He listens to us and intercedes for us day and night
• He works alongside us and has wonderful plans for us
• He could not do this when we are married to the law. Mr Law can only say what is right or wrong
• Mr Law was impotent. Christ is fruitful.
When we live with an intimate relationship, we hear his voice when we read his word.
2 Corinthians 5 17
Romans 8 v 1 and 2
• You have a new husband/wife
• You are no longer judged by your performance
Questions
1. Why would you go back to trying to impress Mr Law? Are you free from him?
2. When we try to impress Jesus with our performance we are back with Mr Law. It’s like committing spiritual adultery!
3. If that is you, what is the way back to Mr Grace?
4. Does he call you Sinner now? No! Why should you label yourself that way? He calls you his beloved. He calls you by name. What name does He call you by?
5. You sin but your new husband is quick to forgive and keeps no record of your mistakes. Look at Romans 7 v 21-25 and discuss how you now relate to Mr Grace having left Mr Law.
6. Do we shout at those married to Mr Law and call them sinners? They are but be a friend to them and call them to meet a better husband called Mr Grace. Pray for someone and wisdom of how to app
On Father's Day, Phil encouraged us to grow our confidence in God, our perfect heavenly Father.
[Apologies for the background noise. Due to technical issues this morning, this recording was done in a different way to normal. ]
1 Kings 17:1-24
Elijah was in Israel but the Kings of Israel are worshipping Baal. Elijah is sent to declare that there will be no rain until The Lord declares it!
1 Kings 16:29-33
Ahab is married to Jezebel from Sidon who worships Baal
God tells Elijah to hide by Cherith Brook. He is fed by ravens, as God commanded
Jehovah Jireh, the Lord will provide. Ravens were considered unclean by the Jews and were forbidden to touch or eat them - Leviticus 11. God uses them to bring Elijah food.
Charles Spurgeon: “Elijah had enough, but it did not always come to him in the nicest way: for I do not imagine that the ravens knew how to get bread and meat always cut into the nicest shape! Perhaps they snatched a rough bit of meat here, and perhaps a crust of bread there, and it came in all sorts of ugly pieces, but there it was – it was enough! Whatever God provides be grateful for, for if too proud to take from the ravens mouth, it will be well for thee to go without, until hunger consume thy pride. God promises his people enough, but not always more than enough, and even that may not come to us in a way we should choose!”
v9 The brook dries up and Elijah is moved on by God
The woman worships Baal. God uses who he wants for our good.
Elijah asks for water and bread. The woman has enough to make a last meal for her and her son and then they are going to die. Elijah asks that she FIRST bake a loaf for him and then feed herself as God will provide oil and flour for the future! Elijah is asking her to believe in a God she doesn’t know and have faith that what he says will actually happen.
Proverbs 3:5-6
We often lean on our own understanding and, when we can’t work it out, get exhausted and say “If only I could understand what God is doing everything would be ok!” NO. Faith does not work like that. You have to step out not understanding and find that God is with you!
John Otberg: “If you don’t step out of the boat you will never walk on the water”
Amazing miracle of provision. One meal of faith leads to many meals of provision. Give to God first in faith and he will supply the rest. This is not just about our finances but about our time, our passions, our lifestyle and our choices as well.
Rick Warren
“You may think you can’t afford to tithe, but you can’t afford not to! The time you can’t afford to tithe is when you need God’s help the most. If you want God’s blessing on your finances, you need to put him first in your finances”
Every miracle begins with an act of obedience.
Things get worse for the woman. Her son falls ill and dies. She thinks it’s her fault because of her sin. The God of grace has favour on her.
Matthew 17:24-27
Jesus paid his temple tax by asking Peter to catch a fish. The tax is in its mouth. God showing he is in control of the whole earth and all that live within it! God has unlimited resources. Are you going to trust him with your situation, finances and provision?
God owns all the doughnuts - J John
Be encouraged. God owns everything, he owns the ravens, he owns the fish, he owns widows in heathen nations. They can all provide food for his chosen people. He has unlimited resources!
Psalm 37:18-19
Practical points
1.Let God do the unexpected in your life. Do not try and work it all out. Come to him first not last!
2.Have faith in an unchanging God. The same God that Elijah trusted is your God, your friend.
3.I remember his works of old says David in the Psalms. This is why we have the bible, it’s our manual for life! Use it!
4.Be encouraged by those around you in group and in Church. Get them to pray for your situation and ask for spiritual wisdom and discernment.
5.Pray and trust in God who has everything under his control.
Peter continued our "Godly Living Unwrapped" series, looking at God's Will.
Peter's slides for this preach can be viewed here (in PDF format).
The big questions of life
What is God's will for your life?
What does he want me to do?
Should I stay or should I go?
Who should I marry?
Do I really have to continue doing this job?
God, what do you want me to do?
Romans 12:2
How do I know what that is?
Google searches
Tests
- Is it biblical?
- Psalms 119:105
- Is it sensible?
- James 1:5-6
- God puts us in community for a reason.
- Proverbs 12:15
- What do wise people around me say about it?
Key is that it's conditional.
Change the way you think.
How is it God's will that..... I'm in pain, that I'm poor, that I am so lonely, that my loved one is dead.....
Well it's not.
These things happen as a result of the fall.
God grieves over the effect of the fall on us.
He grieves over our pain
He grieves over our sin.
It's not how he made the garden of Eden to be, or how heaven will be.
But we look at life through a prism of what is happening to us and those around us, and then describe what God is like as a result of that, rather than starting with truth and reinterpreting the world.
Hence we need to renew our minds….
Jeremiah 29:11
So how do we get to know those plans I hear you ask.
Paul in acts, god says go there, do this.
So why not us the same?
Acts of the Apostles 23:10-13
Would it have been easier if he had obeyed God and gone straight to Rome?
The onward journey involved shipwrecks and trials.
If we wonder why life is hard, it may also involve decisions we made that were not what God would have chosen for us? They may have been before we knew Jesus even.
Why are we asking the question?
Are we dissatisfied?
Are we restless?
Is God stirring us to do something different?
Who is waiting for God to answer a prayer or desire?
Good news…..
Psalm 37:4
Key is - delight!
When we become more like God, then we will know his will
like a child knows what their mother/father will say.
But perhaps also God will give us patience with unrealised desires.
Think differently.
So is this the right question?
Hebrews 3:7-8
Are we listening for his voice?
Is there stuff that's getting in the way of hearing his voice?
Sin.
Distractions
Just not making time to listen.
Do we actually stop and listen?
Do we stop, and then talk incessantly at God, and wonder why He's not saying anything?
Isaiah 30:21
So do I need to try harder?
No. We don’t need to make ourselves new, we simply need to believe what He says about us.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Romans 8:38-39
But coming to God is not like consulting a fortune teller.
If I knew the next step I'd be planning for it, and my eye would be off what God's plan for my life is now. And that means I'd be missing out.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Questions
What is God's will for your life? What is He speaking to you about?
What are you waiting for Him to speak about?
What are you struggling with at present with regards to where life is going?
Godly Living unwrapped - The Clean Heart
Intro
Hebrews 13 : 21-24
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
What does the Bible say about the Human Heart?
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
● The Hardened Heart
● The Deceitful Heart
● The Divided Heart
● The Broken Heart
● The Rebellious Heart
● The Fearful Heart
● The Proud Heart
● The Uncircumcised Heart
● The Wicked Heart
Jesus said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
Mark 7:20-23
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8
● Jesus is concerned with our heart.
● It is not enough to clean up our act on the outside.
The heart is what you are,- in the secrecy of your thought and feeling, when nobody knows but God. And what you are at the invisible root matters as much to God as what you are in the visible.
“Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). From the heart are all the issues of life.
The heart is utterly crucial to Jesus.
● What we are in the deep, private recesses of our lives is what he cares about most.
● Jesus did not come into the world simply because we have some bad habits that need to be broken. He came into the world because we have such dirty hearts that need to be purified.- John Piper
Jeremiah 17:9
Proverbs 21:2
Matthew 6:21
Matthew 15:18
Everything we say and do reveals the heart within us.
The Good Heart
Ezekiel 36:26
Psalm 51 - David's Prayer
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12
And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’
Acts 13:22
But God, But God, But God - who is rich in mercy he creates the new heart you are not the creator of your own new heart God is!
4 chambers of the Newly Created heart that God promises to give to all his people.
● A humble heart. “ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” … Psalm 51
● A believing heart.
● A loving heart.
● An obedient heart.
Conclusion
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
John 15:16 ESV
You have been called to bear much fruit, that is the full fruit of righteousness.
Refiner's Fire – Purify my heart, Can you ask/pray that?
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold
And precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold
Pure gold
Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for you Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for you my master
Ready to do your will
Ephesians 3:14-21
“When I think of all this…” Paul is referring to the previous verses where he outlines God’s great plan for mankind
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is very positive. Imprisonment did not dampen his enthusiasm for spreading the message of Christ's love and grace. It served as a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
What would your letter from Prison look like? Here’s mine!
Paul's testimony is that the power of God's love and the work of the Holy Spirit are not hindered by external limitations. Our faith should not be dependent on favourable circumstances but on the unchanging truth of God's Word and the power of Christ's love. No matter our circumstances, we can find strength in Christ and be filled with the fullness of God.
Four areas of Spiritual Growth that Paul wants us to understand:
[1] v14-16
Paul points us to the Father. God is sovereign, the source of all life and creation. We can approach God with reverence and humility, recognizing His majesty and our dependence on Him. God will empower us with inner strength through the Holy Spirit.
Fix your eyes on the God of the circumstances who has UNLIMITED RESOURCES to deal with anything that arises
John Ortberg says this “Peace doesn’t come from finding a lake with no storms: it comes from having Jesus in the boat with you through those storms”
[2] v16-17
Paul prays that the believers may be strengthened with power through the Holy Spirit in their inner being, divine empowerment that comes from God Himself. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are granted the privilege of having Christ dwell in our hearts by faith. It is through this intimate relationship with Christ that we find strength, guidance, and transformation. Paul emphasizes the importance of being rooted and established in love. You need to be in God, nothing else. That’s what keep you strong!
[3] v18-19
Our faith in Christ is built upon the foundation of love. God's love is not limited by time, space, or circumstance. It is wide enough to embrace every person, long enough to endure throughout eternity, high enough to lift us from despair, and deep enough to reach the depths of our brokenness. Understanding and experiencing this love enables us to live a life filled with the fullness of God.
This love is beyond our understanding
Paul constantly lives in this love of God – see Romans 8:35-39
[4] v20-21
Paul proclaims the greatness of God and His ability to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think. God is not limited by our human minds. He is able to accomplish extraordinary things in our lives beyond our wildest dreams. He works in us and through us by His power, bringing glory to Himself in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations.
Think of the most outrageous prayer that you can pray and God can do infinitely more than that – think of the most unlikely person that you know that could become a Christian – someone you cannot even believe for – God can do infinitely more than you can think or imagine!
Look at Paul writing here – he was Saul – persecuting the Church and killing Christians for fun - then he met with Jesus and this book along with many others is the result!!
I want to finish with a prayer from Ephesians 1:16-23 which Paul writes to the Church in Ephesus and I would like to pray over us today.
[Apologies for the background noise. Due to technical issues this morning, this recording was done in a different way to normal. ]
Dave introduced our new preaching series: Godly Living Unwrapped.
Jonny spoke from Luke 8 about the healing of the woman who'd been bleeding for 12 years (and therefore was ceremonially unclean) and Jairus's daughter who had died.
When I get woken up during the night, I now get up and pray about the things going through my mind.
Phil 4 v19 Sometimes we are fearful to approach God because we think we are not good enough. He wants us to connect with him in everything, finding our keys or finding our way out of a treacherous storm. We can pray about minor worries as well as major struggles. It’s not about the size of the issue but maintaining our relationship with God.
God’s response to Solomon’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 7.
Does that “If my people” include us today?
We can apply this to ourselves. We have chosen to fully submit ourselves to GOD & have accepted that all our mistakes & Sins have been dealt with by Jesus perfect sacrifice on the cross. God’s people are those who worship Him, who accept & follow the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord & Saviour, men & women who are truly His. 1 Peter 2:9-10
Am I, really ready to Humble myself?
Those who are humble know what it means to grieve over their sins and the sins of others. Humility means we are utterly dependent on God, the opposite of pride. John 4v16.
Are we ready to pray both individually and corporately – for prayer to be the first thing we try rather than the last when we are struggling with a problem? We need to pray individually, but we need to be willing to gather together in corporate prayer as well. Ephesians 6v18. When I get a prayer request am I willing to stop what I’m doing to spend time praying about it. Do I take time to follow-up with people I’m praying for?
Am I ready to really seek the face of God - Jerimiah 29v13
When we seek His face, we see His holiness and love, which exposes our sin & selfishness. We come with adoration, praise and worship. We are changed and want to love Him more dearly & walk with Him more intimately.
Will we turn from our wicked ways?
The human race is infected with a disease called “Personal Pronounitus” to put it more simply; we suffer from “I disease”. I want this, why do I have to do that etc. I was reminded of the many mistakes made in my 50 years of being a Christian. I had to accept that it was down to my sinful behaviour, my ability to make excuses & never dealing with the issues.
Psalm 139 esp v 23&24 - Rev 3v20
If Jesus Came To Your House - by Lois Blanchard Eades
Picture Jesus standing at the door with Mop / bucket to help clean up the mess. What messes would that be for you? Unforgiveness? Issues in your marriage? Drugs or alcohol? Some are plain to see but for many of us, we are better at hiding them & pretending everything is ok. God wants you to be honest with yourself & allow Him in to start working on those things.
God’s loving response - then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land This is the true nature of God’s Love for us and God will always respond to us.
Are we willing to respond?
Are we ready to be shown clearly our sin? We know that God has forgiven us this morning so you can grasp the truth of 1 John 1
v 9
How good are we at putting it into practice? When I’m struggling how willing am I to seek someone out and talk about my problem and seek help. How often do I just make excuses for myself? It takes time & effort to finally break free. Do we need to remind ourselves afresh that “I am forgiven?”, that I can come to God & Know I am accepted.
Father God our land needs you – but even more that that we need you come and speak afresh to us this morning.
Will you help me to bow the knee once more and truly dedicate my life 100% to you.
Would you come now and reveal more of Jesus to us as we respond to your Holy Spirit.
Will you come once more and knock on the door of our lives and may we be ready to open the door and allow you into every single bit of our lives.
At today's baptism service, Dave explains what baptism symbolises and why it's important to be a "Hot Cross Bun", not a "Hot Bun".
[Apologies for the background noise. Due to technical issues this morning, this recording was done in a different way to normal. ]
Today we are looking at Jesus trial before Pilate
John 9 vs 10-11
In Matthew 27 vs 24 Pilate washes his hands ceremonially and says to the Jewish leaders – “I am innocent of this man’s blood – the responsibility is yours”. The Jewish leaders respond and said – “we will take the responsibility for his death – we and our children”.
The Jews also state “that we have no king but Caesar” – throwing away the old testament history and heritage as Jehovah was their king. What has gone wrong here?
What Pilate said was true he did have the power to release Jesus or to crucify him and yet Jesus remains calm because as he says he knows that any power Pilate has or doesn’t have is actually only given to him by God (from Above). God’s great plan from the beginning of time is that Jesus would be the perfect sacrifice for our sins and would be crucified and rise again after 3 days.
There are over 300 specific prophesies in the old testament detailing the coming of the Anointed one – all fulfilled in Jesus. From the ”seed” who would crush the serpents head in Genesis, to the suffering Servant of Isaiah 53, to the prediction of the “messenger” of the Lord (John the Baptist) who would prepare the way for the Messiah, all prophesies of Jesus life ministry and death were fulfilled and finished at his crucifixion – This was God’s great plan for the redemption of man!
Read Matthew chapter 1 and the Messianic Line – this was God’s plan from the beginning of time – though Abraham and Isaac – spared at the last moment as a sacrifice and in the messianic line – a foretaste of what God was going to do to reconcile a way back to God – Jehovah Jirah – the Lord will provide – though Rahab the prostitute who gave birth to Boaz who married Ruth – the wonderful love story of the kinsman redeemer – pointing to Jesus who will be our kinsman redeemer – Through David and Bathsheba and a sinful union comes King Solomon and so on to Jacob and Joseph and Mary and finally Jesus – God’s plan from the beginning of time and throughout the old testament – a wonderful book of stories of how God moved in peoples lives to bring Jesus into the world - And yet Pilate thinks he has the power to stop what God has pre-ordained from before the foundation of the earth – that’s why Jesus remains calm because actually this is a hollow boast!
The important point here is that Pilate did not decide to crucify Jesus neither did the Jews – it was God and Jesus who decided together.
John 10 vs 17-18
John 17 v4
Jesus was sent to seek and save those who are lost (Luke 19 vs10), to provide a way that the sins of all who would ever believe in him would be forgiven (Romans 3 vs 23-25) and to reconcile sinful man to God..
2 Corinthians 5 vs 18-21
So how does this help us in our daily lives?
In our lives people think they have power over us and control us, but the truth is they only have what God lets them have.
God has got you – he knows and understands your circumstances – Honour God and he will Honour you – trust him and have faith in him – he will get you through no matter what? He is faithful and true – we may not understand everything but the challenge to all of us is to walk by FAITH and not by SIGHT which is hard as our whole horizon is taken us by what is in front of us – we tend to walk by sight and not by faith most of the time!
Proverbs 3 vs 5+6
Matthew 10 vs 28-30
Philippians 2 vs 5-11
Jesus is Lord of all the earth and he has your back! Believe in him, trust in him and have faith in him that he will get you through – because he will.
Phil reminded us that God's desire is for us to endure with him despite the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual stumbling blocks that are put in our way.
[Apologies for the background noise. Due to technical issues this morning, this recording was done in a different way to normal. ]
A "POWERFUL" PRAYER FOR BLESSING - Hebrews 13 v 20-21
Intro
•Meditating on these 2 verses for some time
•The writer of Hebrews final words / prayer of blessing for the reader
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/heb.13.20-21.ESV
Topics in these 2 verses
1.The God of Peace
2.Jesus is…
a.Our Good Shepherd
b.Our Chief Shepherd
c.Our Great Shepherd
1.The Blood Covenant Endures Forever!
2.Salvation based on the covenant
3.“Make you fully complete,” or “fully fitted”
4.The Goodness of God to works in us
5.Real Holiness
6.The Glory of the Son
The area that God has been speaking to me about from these 2 verses is about being equipped or Fully Fitted or Complete
Commentators put it this way
“Equipped by God for a Superior Life In Christ”
God works in us, so we can work it out
for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:36
There are many areas of equipping we could look at
•Ministry Gifting
•Spiritual Gifts
•Fruits of the Spirit
•Resources - Money, time, opportunity
Photo: Equipped for a day at Beach !!! -
•Speaks of Pleasure, Fun,
Although you can look at this picture in another way
•Carrying so much stuff of our own for our own comfort or pleasure, if God was to try and give us something we could not possibly be able to pick it up.
Spurgeon - “We ought to request earnestly that we may be qualified, adapted, and suited to be used of God for the performance of His will.”
one area God spoke to me about and Probably not what you thought we needed to be equipped with and I certainly didn’t
1.Endurance - (Side 2)
Lamentations 3 is entitled - The Faithfulness of God
When you start reading you don’t immediately get that
It starts with a lot of negative complaining, grumbling, self pity,
so I say, “My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord.”
Lamentations 3:18
Jeremiah knew what is was to lose hope and the feeling he could not carry on, A great prophet appoint to speak to the nations yet was found in this place of despair and defeat
For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
Hebrews 10:36
being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;
Colossians 1:11
and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
Romans 5:4
Andy reminded us that God's desire is for us to belong and not to be lonely.
Apologies for the background noise. Due to technical issues this morning, this recording was done in a different way to normal.
Jenny challenged us to consdier what is holding us back in our relationship with God.
Apologies for the background noise. Due to technical issues this morning, this recording was done in a differnet way to normal.
Vicki reveals the extra depth of meaning contained in some of the original Greek words used in the New Testament.
Pray boldly
Ephesians 6:19-20
I am concluding the teaching on the armour of God today.
We live in a time when people are divided into factions. The message of Ephesians and the gospel is that we are united - not by class, sex or race but at the cross. The whole of Ephesians explains this. Chapter 6 shows us how. By being in Christ, by walking in the truth , by sharing the gospel, by being filled with the Spirit, and knowing our salvation is secure in Christ alone.
Paul prays for boldness. Acts tells of Paul’s visits and riots in Ephesus.
Acts 19:23-31
It was definitely a “here! Hold my coat or toga” moment.
Paul is in chains in Rome writing to the Ephesians. They will know that he has been in dangerous situations before and not shied away from confronting injustice and sinful behaviour.
Paul prays for Holy Spirit boldness that his words will bring salvation because of the gospel (good news).
Why did Paul have to be bold and courageous? What was the culture around at the time.
Lesley touched on this a couple of weeks ago.
- The accepted way for men in the Greek and Roman culture was very much like Harvey Weinstein. They assumed that they could have sexual favours from any woman and even men. Hence the context of the teaching on the roles of men and women and marriage and slaves.
- Idol worship was part of the economy. They worshipped the gods but also turned leaders like Caesar into gods. Ephesus had the temple to Artimus or Diana and this created such a great deal of money. Ephesus became a banking centre for the region.
- They went to the temple to worship and sacrifice to Artimus. Paul uses the knowledge of the temple to explain the church and our individual security in Christ in Ephesians 2:19-22
What should we draw from these two small verses in scripture?
In the context of the whole book we are to be bold to be counter cultural.
- Although our culture now rails against the behaviour of Harvey Weinstein, it still encourages sex outside marriage as a good thing. Heterosexual or homosexual. Christians should walk a different path not because it is a higher moral way but because that is Gods word and plan.
- Our culture is very similar to the Greek and Roman culture, worship of money, sexual experience and superstitious false gods. The Ephesian people believed that Artimus had fallen from heaven and they had to give sacrifices to her. Paul preached that God (Jesus) came from heaven to earth by choice, then made himself the sacrifice for us so that we can be seated in heavenly places. Ephesians 2 v 6.
- Paul taught that you could be seated with Christ but also filled with Christ by his Holy Spirit.
All counter cultural points.
All were highly contentious.
All very relevant for our current culture.
How do we apply this?
- We see the deep divisions being played out in the CofE at the moment. Let us not stand by and carp. There are many very excellent Christians in the CofE. We must stand with them and hear their hearts as they are breaking as many of the leaders go with the culture and against the word of God. PRAY.
- Pray for ourselves to be as bold as Paul and our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted. It is very likely to be us soon if not happening already. PRAY
- Pray for the evangelists in the church and those support them.
- Pray that the circumstances that we find ourselves in, God will use for His glory and purposes
- Pray that we will all know His purpose for us when we go through difficult times.
Ephesians 6: 10-20
v18 How do we actually put the armour on? Praying in the spirit.
J John says this about prayer:
“Prayer helps us put ourselves in a right relationship with God and in doing so places both us and our problems in perspective. Prayer brings us close to God: it allies us with him so that we are involved in his purposes and it makes his priorities ours. Effective prayer deepens our relationship with God – It builds bonds with God that will last. It lays the foundations in the light that we may need in the dark”
Romans 8:26-27
I want us to think not of the individual pieces of armour as such but what they represent.
TRUTH (Belt) - We believe what God says – The truth of who God is – That what he says is true and what he says about us is true – Knowing Our position in Christ and not listening to the lies of the enemy.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
RIGHTEOUSNESS (Breastplate) – Not our righteousness but Christ’s righteousness makes us right with God. We are righteous in God’s eyes because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross. He has reconciled us to God. This protects our heart.
Romans 5:1
PEACE (Shoes) – We need God’s peace in our minds and lives – commit decisions to Christ – let him bring peace to our hearts and minds or not as the case may be – align your thinking with Christ through the Holy Spirit. Be prepared to bring the good news of the gospel – the peace that a relationship with Jesus can bring – the reconciliation of God and man - God’s eternal plan
Hebrews 13:20
FAITH (Shield) – Protection from the accusations the enemy
Trust in what God says even though you cannot see the outcome. Trust that God will be with you and protect you – Believe God and his promises – no matter HOW YOU FEEL! Don’t doubt in the dark what God told you in the light.
Isaiah 41:10
SALVATION (Helmet) - Protects your mind – Declare your position in Christ – Set your mind on things above – Determine to believe God and all he says – You are precious in his sight – you are God’s masterpiece – Who does Christ say I am? Chosen, adopted into his family, sons and daughters of the King.
Romans 5:9-11
THE WORD OF GOD (Sword) - IT’S GOD’S WORD TO US AND FOR US
Important for us to know the word of God and be able to quote back to the enemy when he attacks. Have verses committed to memory or on your fridge – ready to use as your sword. This is GOD speaking to us directly – Its full of his promises and full of truth for us to stand on.
Psalm 91:14-16
I could use so many other scriptures here but I encourage you to find your own and print them off or memorize them.
Pete Greig’s book “God on mute”. He introduces Lecto Divina which is a way of reading the bible and hearing from God which has been used for centuries. It has four sections – READ – MEDITATE – PRAY – LISTEN. Phone app “LECTIO 365”.
Video https://www.24-7prayer.com/podcast/introducing-lectio-divina/
See 08.11 – 13.47, but do watch the whole video!
“This is the moment when I have a personal encounter with Christ – guaranteed”
“Have faith, open expectant hearts and read with Love – remember this is the revealed word of God”
“He is limited only by how much I hope and believe in him He has unlimited treasure – God’s power transforms me”
READ – MEDITATE – PRAY – LISTEN
Invite the Holy Spirit into your prayer times that you may align with the will of God – The Holy Spirit knows what you need to pray and at all times pray in the Spirit!!
Questions
Romans 8:26-27
Have you ever thought about your prayers being in harmony with God’s own
will? How do we make sure this is the case?
Have another look at the video – what challenges you about what she says – what blesses you about what she says and what can we learn from what she says? Please look at this as an encouragement not as a discouragement!
Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6:17 NLT
Lot richer than this first looks.
Logos
John 1:1-5 NLT
Steve last week
Not even a piece of armour, but it's more important.
If you don't have a helmet, the sword is a little unwieldy
Sword offensive and defensive
Would you attack someone who had a sword?
Jeremiah 1:4-10 NLT
Moses, burning bush.
Daniels compartriates in the fire, another was there with them.
This was Jesus. The word.
Do we know the word?
Both Jesus and the Bible
How do we use the sword?
If God says….. how do we check that it is true?
Against the plumb line of the word
Accuracy of prophecy
Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV
Proverbs 4:13 NLT
Proverbs 4:20-22 NLT
Psalm 119 Longest Psalm for a reason. All about reading and learning the word.
So how are we engaging with the word?
How are we using it to fight back against the devil's schemes?
How is this corporate rather than individual?
Teaching
Speaking into one anothers lives
Prophecy
Being Jesus to one another, and also to the poor and lost
All of these are us corporately wielding the sword of the spirit.
But the Bible bores me?
I struggle to read….
I've tried, and failed at numbers…..
Look at which version you are using.
What ways are there to get the word?
Bible study, personal and corporate.
Small groups - Pastoral care. Input. Prayer
Sermons
Books
Songs - prob most powerful way that anybody learns the word.
Memorising
Don't be put off.
This is a battle.
Pray, read the word, wield your sword
Questions for groups
What is your relationship with the word like?
Where do you struggle with scripture?
What application do you have for how we wield the sword of the spirit corporately?
Life is not always as we would choose it to be whether saved or not but as christians we are also aware of Satans schemes he cannot take us from Christ. John 10 v 29 but he does try to destroy our faith and walk
Ephesus a culture with similarities to the world today see any ?
the enemy the same.
Ephesians - our standing in Christ what has been done for us .
Instructions on how to be to each other , as men and women and children . To live in righteousness and unity in the faith. Our battle is not against each other . It’s spiritual .
We are ambassadors for Christ to bring the message of reconciliation and peace with God to the lost .
Finally to stand in these truths of who we are in Christ
David when faced with Goliaths insults and threats knew Gods faithful love and power so knew his ability to defeat the enemy .
Picture of bouncy castle and trying to stand while fighting with swords .
Question. What are you standing on .
Jesus. Luke 6 v 4
Moses. Deut. 32 v 3-4
Hannah 1 Sam. 2 v 1-2
David Psalm. 18. v 1-3
40 v 1-2
Isaiah Isaiah. 26 v 3-4
God is a rock solid , unshakable , ever present , merciful faithful foundation on which to build our lives on which to stand on
What is the foundation to your life ?
what do you stand on in trouble ?
Are you standing on the Rock eternal Is Jesus the Cornerstone the sure foundation on which you build ?
Is your life anchored on the solid unshakable protective all merciful love of God our Father through Christ our one and only Saviour . ?
Are you fully persuaded or wavering .?
Who do you trust to stand with you when you wobble ? Do you stand with other when they wobble ?
Other scripture I used ;
Micah 7 v 8
Psalm. 42 v 5
144 v 1-2
“and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.”
Ephesians 6:15
Peter encouraged us to embark on the Armour of God theme back in the summer but to view it with the eyes of the Church and not as individuals.
I was born and brought up in Bromley. The town centre is built up of 1960’s and 1970’s office blocks. Ugly and, grey.
When I went back in the late 1990’s as a Christian the 1960’s and 1970’s towers had largely been pulled down and replaced with more classical but modern buildings.
The Holy Spirit told me that he would pull down the morality of the 1960’s and 1970’s and replace it with his Word. I’m still waiting for this to be fulfilled. The moral issues have become significantly worse and people have moved further away from the cultural heritage of Christianity.
It is not difficult to look around us and be depressed at the pain and suffering.
The spectre of death is looming larger than ever every day.
Disagreements have become polarised, even between friends and family, often with a shocking level of hostility. It is often blamed on social media but for me the issue runs right though the heart of mankind. That is where the battle should be fought.
We are called to interpret the times we live in. What do we do about it? How can we be fully prepared?
1.Address the difficulties with tenacity. As individuals, don’t give up meeting together and as a church, reach out to society. Food bank, debt help, church planting.
2.Speak the truth in love. As a church we teach grace, as individuals we act in grace. Forgiveness in action.
What are the dangers we could fall into?
1.We lose hope and compromise on doctrine to please others
2.We withdraw from society
3.Become combative. Paul encourages us to “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3
Where is the hope?
1.The global church is growing. A typical Christian now would be African or Chinese not European or North American.
2.Jesus said “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18.
3.The secular humanistic philosophy of the last 60 years is not satisfying the hunger in the heart and spirit of people around us. Non-Christians are starting to say that the mess we are in might be because we have turned our backs on God and the bible for an atheist “religion” based on the individual being the centre of the universe and not God.
Spectator article: “Back in early 2019, my wife discovered that she was pregnant with our fourth child. A few weeks later, we discovered that the child, a girl, had Down Syndrome. The NHS asked if we wanted to abort her. We did not. My wife, brave and stoic, soon accepted the news as a blessing. I wanted to do the same, but I felt shocked and scared and morally inadequate.
How bad would her disability be? How would our other children cope? How would we cope? Would the rest of our lives be spent looking after this child? I spent a lot of time worrying. I took to praying and, as I pondered the matter, a line from Pope Benedict XVI kept repeating itself in my head:
‘We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary.’ “
1.Pray for opportunities to show grace to people around you. Share stories to raise faith too.
2.Pray for our nation.
3.Pray that the nation is restored to a country that is aware of the positive, long lasting effect Christianity has had.
4.Pray for leaders to be raised up who stand up for Godly ways of acting and against the destruction of human dignity.
Steve continued our series based on the Ephesians 6 Armour of God, looking specifically at the Helmet of Salvation.
Ephesians 6 vs 10-18 – The armour of God.
Terry Virgo quote from this week
Christians are warned to put on the armour. Why? Because we live in a dangerous war zone! Powerful enemies can ruin your life. To ignore the armour that God has provided is foolish, risky bravado. God’s protection isn’t a cosmetic you can do without!!
Vs 15 – “For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the good news so that you will be fully prepared”
Shoes are important – they protect your feet, keep them safe, warm and protected and if you have the wrong shoes in a particular situation it can be a disaster.
The Roman shoes were made of leather and brass and were strong but not so heavy as movement was as important as stability. They had a large stud on the bottom of the shoe rather like a football boot which meant you could stand firm but also could be used to push off and aided movement – this is what the Roman soldier needed and this is what Paul suggests we need as well.
We stand in the good news of the gospel, the peace that Jesus died to bring to us – we stand in the truth of our position in Christ and from that position are able to share the gospel of peace with others.
Romans 5 vs 1-2
This is our position and where we stand In Christ and remember that we are in Ephesians and Paul has spent the whole of chapter 2 explaining about where we were and where we are now?
Once you were dead in your sins – now you have been made alive in Christ Jesus. He saved you by his grace when you believed.
You were outsiders – living apart from Christ – excluded – without God and without hope – You have been brought near to God through the blood of Christ – for Christ himself has brought peace to us.
Ephesians 2 vs 17
This good news is the same good news that we bring when we tell others the gospel message.
Isaiah 52 vs 7
After a victorious battle the messengers would return from the battlefield bringing good news of victory and that the King would be returning – Hence the reference to the messengers here – But this is the same news we have to bring to the world – Jesus has the victory over sin and death and the King is coming back!
Jesus returns to Nazareth and goes to the synagogue to read from the scriptures and he reads the following from
Isaiah 61 vs 1-2
What a moment that must have been in the temple – the prophetic scripture from Isaiah fulfilled in their midst – How powerful and amazing! – and this is the still the gospel message today –
He is still bringing good news to the poor
Captives can still be released
The blind can still see – both spiritually and physically
The oppressed can be set free in 2022 as it is still the year of the Lord’s favour, until he comes again. This is the gospel message that we need to be ready and willing to share – it is good news!
Romans 10 vs 9
Vs 13
We have been sent! Jesus said go into all the world and preach the gospel – and Paul reconfirms this in Corinthians,
2 Corinthians 5 vs 19-21
This is the message we have – this is the gospel of peace – That Jesus came to reconcile us to God and make peace with God through his sacrifice. Want to have beautiful feet? Then be God’s messenger of good news!!
Homework
Read Ephesians chapter 2
Write your 2 minute testimony – It’s not as easy as it seems – and be prepared to share it with others
The righteousness of Christ and his church Ephesians 6 :10 &11.
Before I address the subject of the righteousness of Christ I want to be clear on a couple of things.
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
We are all seeking His kingdom to see people changed and see Him glorified.
Our theology in this church is that you are saved by faith once and forever. You can not lose your salvation if you have been truly born again.
See Romans 6 and 8.
I always look at the way a father or mother loves their children. I qualify that with “though you are evil know how to give good gifts therefore how much more will your father in heaven give you the Holy Spirit”.
The story of the prodigal son shows how much a Heavenly Father still runs after his wayward son when he is on his way back to the family home.
What a secure place to be in.
The second point is saved by works or by faith?
Tim Keller: “If you are saved by works there is a limit to what God can ask of you. Like a tax payer. You’ve paid your dues but can’t ask just anything. But if you’re saved by grace , there is no limit to what He can ask of me and my obedience is unconditional. I owe Him everything, I don’t have the right to make all the decisions in my life. I’ve got to do what the Lord says motivated by joy.”
“Jesus did not redeem us to make us workers, He redeemed us to make us worshippers and then out of the blazing worship of our hearts, springs our works.“ AW Tozer
Religion says “I obey therefore i am accepted." Christianity says “I’m accepted therefore I obey. “
I want to look righteousness and how to stay guilt free in your walk in life.
Remember righteousness is the breast plate that guards your heart.
There is a song Before the Throne of God - that has the lines: “When Satan tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within, upward I look and see him there, who made an end of all my sin”
How do we counter the temptation or accusations of Satan?
Go back to Peter’s preach. Know the truth. Read you bible and let the Holy Spirit guide you.
Like our conscience we get warnings. Stop!
But if you make a mistake, don’t justify your action.
Admit you’re wrong. But if Satan tempts you to despair remind him that the cross was the place of his defeat and where you are fully forgiven.
If it is an habitual sin then put in place with people you trust a plan to flee from that sin.
Use the washing liquid of the Holy Spirit to help convict you and also soften your heart.
Not used on Sunday but feel free to reflect on these notes.
As a church.
This is more difficult to explain.
However we have to remember that the things we do in this church are not to earn our salvation, but to show we love Him by being obedient.
That can come from basic Christian values or from prophetic words.
Jigsaw came out of the bible Isaiah, confirmed by prophetic words: Isaiah 58:6-12
Evangelism comes from the great commission. Alpha story eating round tables.
He hasn’t told me to stop.
Questions
1.Have you always known that once you are saved you are always saved? If not, are you fully convinced now?
2.I used the A.W. Tozer quotation. “Jesus did not redeem us to make us workers, He redeemed us to make us worshippers and then out of the blazing worship of our hearts, springs our works. “ AW Tozer. It is so easy to slip into works or a feeling of obligation so please give yourself a check up.
3.I used the example of washing your clothes regularly. Is this something you struggle with? Pray for each other and ensure you ask the Holy Spirit to help you.
4.If an habitual sin is a problem for you, find someone you trust to work out a plan to break that habit
Peter continued our series on the Armour of God.
You can view Peter's slides, in PDF format, here.
Truth is not relative
Not shades of grey
World would say it is
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Ephesians 6:14 ESV
What do belts do?
Hold up our trousers, which reduces the embarrassment of our trousers falling down.
Truth stops us being embarrassed.
You can't fight a battle with your trousers round your ankles!
Protect our backs by helping take the strain and distribute the load.
Belts hold your sword. Without your sword you cannot do battle.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Ephesians 6:14 NKJV
God's feeling about lies.
Cannot stand firm without the truth.
If we are swayed by every new doctrine, or the lies that society tells us, we will never be able to stand tall for God.
What does this say to us corporately?
Truthful with one another. Honesty
Got each others backs.
God didn't put us in community for no reason!
It's God's truth, not ours
We have the truth, and we mustn't keep it in jars of clay.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
2 Corinthians 4:6-7 ESV
Its importnat to be honesty about mental health.
Pray with honesty
God is big enough to hear you tell it how it is!
Not whitewashing when issues arise
Move on. There's nothing to see here
How do you know what the truth is if you are not immersing yourself in it?
Read word
Worship
Meet together, we sharpen one another
The devil wants to distract us from the truth, from our mission.
He will lie to us to achieve that.
How do we stop ourselves being distracted and lied to?
Holding on to the truth together.
Holding one another to account.
This is our job, to hold on to truth together, so at the end of the day we can stand…..
Questions
Which aspect of truth struck you most on Sunday?
What bit of corporate truth do you think we need to work on?
How do you feel about breaking your jar and letting the truth out?
Ian continued our series on the Armour of God, looking in particular at Ephesians 6:11 and 13 about using the Armour to enable you to stand your ground.
God is on the move
There are many Prophecies around in the UK all saying the same thing - there is a Spiritual change beginning.
Ephesians 6:10-12 NLT
We are in a battle – Whether you feel you are or not we have an enemy.
Our enemy is unseen. How do you stand firm against an unseen enemy.
David was going to fight Goliath and Saul gave him his armour but David could not move in it. Physical armour
The spiritual armour we have been given fits perfectly on each one and on the church collectively. To fight an unseen enemy
1 Samuel 17:46-47 ESV
3 Enemies
○ The world - seen
○ The flesh - seen
○ The Devil - don't see, only the effects
● Paul here is talking about our battle with the devil and his schemes
● His tactics are to kill, steal and destroy.
How?
Division and isolation.
God has divine connections lined up for your life.
There is power in connection. Connections lead to life. The devil fears connection. His ultimate aim is to cut you off from God. He tries to split marriages, to split friendships, to divide churches, to divide denominations and to isolate people. Although our culture is more connected than ever, people are more isolated than ever.
Ephesians 4:1-10 ESV
A stronghold - A fortified place where someone or something has rule and Authority. (satan)
It can be
● Cultural (Society)
● In a community
● In a Particular people group
● In the church
● In individual
The church out of Egypt / Egypt out of the church - embraced the culture of our nation.
Knowing your battle –our battle is not with flesh and blood but principalities and powers
● What are our Cultural Strongholds?
● Its time for Church to wake up
● Given opportunity to the enemy to take ground
● Where in your / our life have you /we given opportunity for the enemy
● Are there any areas where you are allowing him to build a stronghold in your life or the life of the church ?
● A pattern of behaviour, an attitude, a deliberate acting opposite to what God would want.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT
What are weapons?
Knowing who we are, we have been given authority to stand against, resist and demolish.
When we came to Jesus accepted him as Lord and saviour we were given a new identity that gives us authority over every work of the Devil.
Our authority comes from our identity in Christ Jesus
Here's some things the bibles says;
● I am eternally loved by God – Jer 31, Eph 1:5
● I am personally chosen by God – Eph 1:4, John 15:16
● I am saved by Gods Amazing Grace – Eph 2:8-9
● I am adopted into Gods Family – Rom 8:15-17, Eph 1:5
● I am completely Forgiven – Col 1:13-14, Eph 1:5
● I am the Righteousness of God Rom 5:17, 2 Cor 5:21
● I am a new Creation – 2 Cor 5:17
● I am Gods Masterpiece Eph 2:10
● I am being sanctified – Rom 6:1-4
● I belong to God – Rom 14:7-8, 1 Pe 2:9
● I am the dwelling place of God – 1Cor 3:16, Gal 2:10
● I am Gods heir and co heir with Christ Rom 8:16-17
● I am deeply and Unconditionally loved by God Rom 8:38-39, Eph 3:18-19
The Whole Gospel - Salvation, baptism in water, baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Worship –in the mist of difficulty sing, when everything is good sing, Praise a Worship of Jesus brings us close to God and the enemy hates it.
Prayer – Pray in the spirit at all times, When we pray to the right person (Jesus ) our focus becomes him not our enemy our problem, situation and he does answer prayer!
Conclusion
Matthew 11:11-12 NLT
Are we the ones who will partner with God to advance his kingdom in the face of every opposition using the weapons he has supplied?
Questions
1) What Battles are you facing? And what's your view if them?
2) How are you standing in the battle
3) In what ways are you able to fight knowing that Jesus has already won the Victory?
4) How do you see yourself before God? And
Ephesians 6:10–18 – Paul is speaking to the Church here as well as individuals within the Church. As we do battle individually we also fight in the strength of the church, whose power comes from the Holy Spirit.
v6 - Most important word in this verse: “HIS strengh not OURS”
Three times in these verses Paul tell us to STAND – not fight or take ground but to STAND Firm – That sounds easy but its not in practice!
BEARS – General advice is to Stand still and talk loudly. 90% of people run.
The enemy is still there and can roar at you and is a threat – But we are not standing in our own strength – we are standing in God’s strength.
Does this mean there is no battle? NO far from it, there are many battles. But ultimately God has the victory and we know the final result!
In the original Greek v10 and 11 mean
Keep on being made strong in the Lord
Keep on being clothed with the full armour of God
This is the same word the Paul uses when he talks of being filled with the Holy Spirit - keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit. This is key to us applying these verses in our lives and having God’s power in dealing with the enemies attacks.
This is not a one off experience. It is for us every day. We need to made strong every day and we need the armour of God every day. How do we be strong in the Lord and in his strength?
- Know God and know his promises.
Ephesians 3:20
Isaiah 40:22-31 - This is our God – No situation is beyond him or troubles him – This is our God that we can trust and have faith in and find new strength in him!
As we read the bible we see the strength and might of God
The Israelites crossing the red sea
David killing Goliath
Gideon defeating the Midianites
(Ever been in an impossible situation where you are out-numbered? Sometimes God wants us to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was he that was at work!)
Daniel in the Lions Den and Shadrak, Meshak and Abednego in the fiery furnace.
This is our God! Get to know him and his wonderful power!
Who holds all the aces? God holds all the aces.
- Know your enemy.
He is a liar from the beginning – He always distorts the truth and tries to being a lie instead. He is also an accuser – not good enough, not worthy enough, not having done enough, not being strong enough, you are not loved, you are not important and that God does not love you because of your circumstances.
It's not a coincidence that the first piece of armour that Paul mentions is the belt of TRUTH – Every other piece of armour is attached to the belt and so it’s vital – So is knowing the truth about God so you can challenge the enemy when he attacks. Stand firm on the word of God! Quote the bible back to the enemy!
2 Thessalonians 3:3
Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 91:14-16
- Exercise your faith muscle!!
We do not need to fear – we need to have faith! The opposite of fear is faith!
2 Corinthians 5:7
Do we walk by faith? Often it's other way round – we walk by sight not by faith? Whatever is in front of us (Our circumstances) takes our view and that’s when fear comes in – We need to keep our eyes fixed on God. When we looked at Colossians earlier in the year we were encouraged to fix our eyes on heavenly things not earthly things.
Romans 4 is a great chapter on faith and Paul says this about Abraham
v20-25 - This should be a great encouragement to us all
Three things to remember!
Get to know God and his promises.
Know your enemy.
Exercise your faith.
Ephesians 3:14-21
Questions:
- Does the picture of the bear help in our understanding of standing and not running away?
- Why do we invariably use our own strength to try and resolve situations? How can we stop doing this?
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight” Do we?
4.
Vicki continued our series on the Armour of God set out in Ephesians 6 by looking at the Shield of Faith.
The sermon included a practical demonstration from the children* on the effectiveness of an army of shield-wielding soldiers.
*mainly
Peter started our series looking at the Armour of God.
Our world is one that focuses on self. It's egocentric.
Church life is often no different.
Self is not wrong
God is interested in you
Jesus died for you
Much of the bible is written not to individuals but to the people of God corporately. But we don't read it that way.
When we read the bible we often read it personally.
Eg Isaiah 43:1-5
BUT
This is written to God's people, Israel and Judah. It is corporate.
We need to sometimes read the word with a wider perspective.
This is the point of this next series.
Ephesians 6:10
The you in this passage is plural, not individual.
How can we be strong in the lord?
I'd suggest when we try to be strong in isolation we become weak.
Yes it's good to pray and worship alone.
But when we cease meeting together. When we don't fellowship with one another we become weak in our faith.
Many have wandered away.
We have seen this as people become disillusioned with church, and it's often church, not God, because it doesn't seem to be meeting their needs.
And they become weak.
Start of our church
Isaiah 41:17-18
This is a promise to us as a church.
As we gather it's like there is an oasis where we can drink
Look at back wall. "I will open up rivers for THEM on the high plateaus. I will give THEM fountains of waters in the valleys."
Isaiah 41:6
Isaiah 41:9-10
When we see that He called us from all over to be together, to serve His purposes, and that He will strengthen US….. wow. That's a source of strengthening.
Jesus asks us to come together and serve one another.
Mark 10:43-45
If we re-read some of the great passages of Ephesians, they point us to what God wants to do for us as a corporate church.
Ephesians 1:18-21
Ephesians 2:19-22
Ephesians 3:16-19
Ephesians 3:20-21
and find out what pleases the Lord.
if we please God, we will be stronger
Ephesians 6:10
Questions
How does the word from Sunday feel?
How does it feel to think about the Bible being written to us as a people rather than to individuals?
Does it change our outlook?
I encourage you to pray for the church.
Paul spoke about needing to keep our edge sharp.
Please note the beginning of the preach was not recorded due to technical difficulties.
Phil outlines the Elders vision for the coming, exciting period of church life.
To view Phil's slides, in PDF format, click here.
Further notes will be added in due course.
Who does our Father choose?
When Jesus was looking for disciples he did not at first choose the obvious candidates perhaps the ones we would choose.
He chose ordinary people, Matthew - a tax collector who was more like a mafia enforcer, Peter the fisherman, James and John.
In Luke 9 54
We see a snapshot of the wrong attitudes of man and the mercy of Jesus and the Father.
“When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. So they went on to another village.”
Luke 9:54-56 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.9.54-56.NLT
Then we look at Paul - the perfect Jew.
Philippians 3:7-11 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/php.3.7-11.NLT
Lizzie Henson Kermit story
“Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.””
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/1co.1.26-31.NLT
After such a wonderful morning you might have many things to discuss but here are some questions as a potential focus.
Questions
- Read Luke 9 v 54-56 It is easy to say “I wouldn’t be like John and James” but our society constantly acts the way they did. How do we move in the opposite spirit and be more like Jesus? Think of some examples to make it real.
- Read Philippians 3 1-11 Paul has much to boast about but his humility points to Christ’s work that makes our efforts at righteousness pale into insignificance before the cross of Christ. What were the things you once thought valuable but now count as loss? Sometimes just reading scripture just speaks to each one of us in different ways. I chose “How deep the Fathers love for us” based on this scripture so I suggest you play it and see how it speaks to each one of you. I like the Celtic Worship band version.
- I told the story of the creation of Kermit. Some of you guessed the punch line! 😂 We are not muppets but we are told we are considered the foolish things of this world. 1 Corinthians 1 v 26-31. My main point was that when we give our Father the whole of our lives with our damaged parts, unfashionable ideas, misshapen views our Father helps to shape us to be the best version of who he wants us to be but we must be open to hear from Him and to cooperate with Him.
Have you ever thought of sanctification in this way? Paul doesn’t use the idea of Kermit but says we are clay in his hands. Are you still clay in his hands?
What does it mean to be a fool for Christ in our day?
There were so many high points to the testimonies but please pray for all the people baptised and the visitors who heard stories of a God who is personal and alive.
John 5 Vs 1 – 18 The Healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda
Three thoughts on the passage read and acted out this morning!
First of all Bethesda means “house of mercy” or “house of grace” – How cool is that! This was a great place for Jesus to show mercy and grace!!
Vs 6 – When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him Would you like to get well?
I love the fact that the Holy Spirit revealed to Jesus that the man had been there forever (38 years) – he was the one man who needed a miracle perhaps more than anyone else! If it was not for Jesus the man would never have been healed as he himself said – “When the waters stir I cannot get there in time – someone always gets there before me!” Jesus didn’t use what was available – he could have waited until the waters stirred and thrown him in but he didn’t – he supernaturally healed him on the spot – How often do we look at what surrounds us and our circumstances and think there is no way out? Its hopeless!
Remember what God challenged me about in my work situation – They have all the aces – WHO HAS ALL THE ACES - It’s impossible – there is no way out – what is God going to do? Wait on God – he does the things we cannot even see or imagine!!
Ephesians 3 vs 20 – “Now all glory to God who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think!”
Vs 8 – Jesus told him Stand Up, Pick up your mat and walk
This is a huge step of faith – he has been there for 38 years and not been able to walk –The Greek work here for paralysed is “XERON” which means all dried up and withered – His legs were useless! Jesus arrives and says take up your mat and walk and he does – straight away – are we like that or do we question God with our situation and circumstances? Faith has to be exercised for the miracle to be realised – It’s the same in our lives – We have to exercise our faith and step out /step up to see what Jesus can do – don’t limit him by what you can see and the normal – we have a supernatural God that transcends the normal!!
Vs 14 – Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you!
The man was miraculously healed but his heart needed to be changed as well – Jesus tells him to stop sinning – we may be healed physically but there needs to be a changed heart as well – Only Jesus can do this – and this was the point that the Jewish leaders could not cope with – Who is this man that says he can forgive sins as well as do miraculous signs? They didn’t recognise who he was and were not interested in him being the Messiah – he challenged their interpretation of the law and they had no grace to give to either him or those he healed.
They take no joy in the healing at all and care nothing for the man who has been healed and whose life is transformed forever – They had hard hearts and just wanted to catch Jesus out – so different from Jesus who speaks to the man who would never be healed in the natural – but Jesus comes and changes everything! Let that be your testimony – Let Jesus come into your life and change everything – This man had new legs and a new heart – you may not need new legs but you can have a new heart this morning!
Ezekiel 36 vs 26+27
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart, And I will put my spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations”
This was God’s promise to Israel but it is his promise today as well – he is here to take our hard hearts and soften them through Jesus.
Jenny spoke about continuing to journey with God.
"Desert Road" by Casting Crowns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM3aM-bN_LM
To see Peter's slides (in PDF format), click here.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
What are you living for?
Are you prepared to take risks for God?
Why are you here this morning?
Our Mission Statement
“To build a church from which we will have Multi site congregations across the Peak District”
Our Purpose Statement
“We exist to worship God & encounter his presence, committed to advancing his Kingdom through local church communities, caught up in mission, here, and to the nations”
Where there is a lack of vision, the people perish.
Proverbs 29:18 KJV
Literal become naked, it's embarrassing, it’s revealing
What are you doing to see us attain our mission?
Matthew 9:35-38
So, it's someone else's job right?
Luke 10:1-4
There is an urgency to this….
God will provide
It's kinda dangerous!
Matthew 10:1
What might we encounter as we go to the harvest field?
What was the last thing you wrote a complaint letter about?
What do you think of when it goes quiet, or when you are awake in the night?
What exercises/agitates you the most?
Matthew 10:37-39
Jesus was properly serious about mission
What is most important to you?
Jonah 4:9-11
How many people in Derbyshire Dales? 70,000
As we gather we sit and get fat, rather than fuelling for the fight.
‘God wants us to have soft hearts and hard feet. The trouble with so many of us is that we have hard hearts and soft feet.’ Jackie Pullinger
EA 2019 poll 1in 6. 2022 1 in 3 are open to the gospel
This is a missionary opportunity
That's nearly 25000 in the Dales that are receptive to hear the gospel
The leaders can't do it all, the church must do it.
Why do we gather?
Why are you here this morning?
Let worship be the fuel for mission's flame
Matt Redman
Questions for Groups
What part is yours in the church's mission?
What challenges you the most about what we have said? God's response to Jonah, or Jesus' challenge about family? And Why? - Does that mean we need to allow God to change our thinking?
I’d encourage praying for one another about the difficult areas we find as we go about mission, and then to pray for much salvation.
Keith spoke about pushing through for God.
Questions
To what extent do you embrace discomfort in your life?
What areas do you need support in?
How could you take some risks for God's Kingdom? What would that look like for you?
Ephesians 1:1-8
My context for this morning is what is God like?
Three questions the whole of humanity asks at some point:
Is there a god?
Can I know him?
What is he like?
The people in the world are asking questions about their existence and our Father wants people to know who he is.
This is not a talk to harangue you to knock on your neighbours doors or a competition to see who has had the most conversations about Jesus this year.
NO. I want to encourage you all. Very many of you are having conversations, are living your lives out waiting for the opportunities to share what God is like.
People are seeking to find answers so keep on being prepared to give an answer for the hope we have in Jesus.
I have a company training day about Purpose
Love God, love your neighbour, make disciples.
Make it simple but not simplistic
Ordinarily people are the epicentre of Gods plan and he wants people to know him. He is not remote, bleak and unknowable as many believe. That is a satanic lie. He is much much kinder than we can ever be.
1.Dad and Steve. My brother had treatment for bladder cancer 4 years ago and has since had a triple bypass. My Dad is 93 and he loves my brother and I very much. He said he would rather he had the pain than my brother. What a picture of the Father sending Jesus to pay for our sins. There is a desire for family and for our families that is very powerful and even overwhelming.
2.Have you even seen Billy Elliot. They go through all the trials of the death of the mother, the miners strike, Christmas with nothing, the dementia of the mothers mother who lives with them. But the scene that chokes me is near the end where the father and son and sitting on a low wall and they have a small play fight and fall off backwards and lie on their backs together and laugh. That is what our Heavenly Father is like.
3.You can’t hide from the way God has made you and who you come from.
4.People will search for meaning and who they are so be ready to tell them what their Father in heaven is like.
5.Long lost families. How then children ache to know who they come from. They want to introduce the new found brother, sister, mother, father to their families. What a picture of evangelism.
6.Simon Pryor. Parents never forget their children. Our Heavenly Father aches for us to find him.
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.”
Application
Know the Fathers heart for you
There is a desire for family and for our families that is very powerful and even overwhelming.
That is what our Heavenly Father is like.
You can’t hide from the way God has made you and who you come from.
People will search for meaning and who they are so be ready to tell them what their Father in heaven is like.
Our Heavenly Father aches for us to find him.
When you tell people about your faith, tell them about your Father, tell them stories of Jesus from the bible,
Questions
What is your image of the Father?
Think of stories from the New Testament that convey the loving Father.
Example the prodigal son. I used the example in Billy Elliot.
How can you change the way you explain the gospel to convey the love of God to people? We are a family, think about the way people are excited to connect with long lost family members.
God - An Intentional Father
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.
Ephesians 1:3-6 NLT
· An intentional Father
· Some men plan to have Children
· Some have them by accident
· Some have them and then decide they don't want to be fathers after all
· Some have them but don't know how to be fathers
7 Truths from these 3 verses
1. Even as in His love
2. He chose us, actually picked us out for Himself as His own
3. in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy consecrated and set apart for Him and blameless in His sight,
4. even above reproach, before Him in love.
5. For He foreordained us, destined us, planned in love for us to be adopted as His own children through Jesus Christ,
6. in accordance with the purpose of His will because it pleased Him
7. and was His kind intent
Ephesians 1:4-5 AMPC
https://bible.com/bible/8/eph.1.4-5.AMPC
Questions
· what's your relationship like with the Father?
· do you know the love of the father and his acceptance like Jesus did?
· What truth from the list is easy to believe and hard to believe?
· How do they affect your relationship with the Father?
[Apologies for the audio quality.]
God is our friend!
When we think of “God” what comes to our mind?
Father, Wise, Healer, Creator, Author, Provider, Shepherd, Sanctifier, Peace maker, Righteousness, He is There (Omnipotent), Reconciler, All power4ful, I am, All bountiful, Blessing, Almighty, Master, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, etc
We can think of many ways of describing God But would we describe or think of him as our friend?
Romans 4:25-5:11 – “… FRIENDS OF GOD”
God is our friend because of Jesus! Jesus died on the cross to reconcile us to God. Before we were enemies, now we are his friends.
Enemies? Really? I’m just sitting on the fence? There is no fence!
Ephesians 2 explains that we were dead to God and Jesus has to come and make us alive – death to life – darkness to light – we are by our nature enemies of God – Until Jesus comes and reconciles us to God.
Why are we made friends of God?
We have to go back to the garden of Eden. God had relationship with Adam and Eve and walked with them. This was God’s heart for mankind. Sin destroyed that relationship. Jesus came to restore that relationship with God. The good news is that God wants to have relationship with all of us!
When you invite friends round for a meal you don’t expect them to help or serve you in any way - you just want them there for their friendship. It’s the same with God – so often we want to serve God (offerings, work, sacrifices and do stuff for him) but he wants is us to have a relationship with him, share our troubles, ask for help, ask for advice, talk to him, commune with him. It’s not just a one way street! When was the last time you just sat and listened for Gods voice to speak to you? You have to give time to God to improve your relationship with him.
How much time do we spend doing other things? How much time do you spend on your phone? We need to be careful of social media in all its forms – It’s just another thing that takes us away from having a chat with God.
God is not interested in what we can DO for him, he is interested in our heart attitude towards him. What is in your heart? This was the point with the Pharisees and Sadducees – they thought their actions following the law were enough – but in their heart they despised Jesus and wanted him crucified.
Let’s not get distracted by what we can do for God or bring to God – let’s come with our undivided attention and give him our heart, our time and our friendship – you will be amazed at what you receive in return!
This is our position in Christ… and what a position it is!! Don’t let it over become over familiar – it should always thrill us – you have received this “undeserved privilege” – How blessed are you!
Romans 5 vs 1 -2
Questions:
1.Why do you think we see Jesus and the Holy Spirit as our friends but not God the Father?
2.What distractions does the enemy use to stop you having time with God?
3.How can I improve my relationship with father God?
4.Do I think that God is interested in all of my life-even the small things?
On Penetecost, Vicki spoke about how the Holy Spirit helps us to reprogram our earthly ways of thinking to be God-focused.
Introduction
● Our Confidence can but undermined
● Our Confidence can be stolen or lost
● Or we can give it away
The feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something.
Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
“For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay.
And my righteous ones will live by faith.”
But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.
But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.
Hebrews 10:32-39
https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.10.32-39.NLT
3 Areas to hold on with confident trust
-
In The finished work of the Cross - Confident trust in our salvation
And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty
consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have
been washed with pure water.
Hebrews 10:19-22
https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.10.19-22.NLT
For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for
all time.
Hebrews 10:10
https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.10.10.NLT -
Confident trust in God and in his promises
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his
promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25
https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.10.23-25.NLT
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6
https://bible.com/bible/116/php.1.6.NLT -
Confidence trust in God and not in our feeling, circumstances or own sufficiency
But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.
Hebrews 10:39
https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.10.39.NLT
Questions
● How can we keep the wonder of our salvation, and our confidence in the Gospel?
● Confidence is “The feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something.” how do you apply this to our christain life each day especially when everything in our lives says the opposite to what God has said?
● What areas of your life are you lacking confidence? How do you restore your confidence?
We have been addressing forgiveness recently on Sunday mornings but this morning I want to look at our perception of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
I heard someone in a secular setting recently say “worship is what you imitate”.
The Holy Spirit led me to John 13 v 1-17. The story of Jesus preparing his disciples for his final journey to the cross.
Jesus was trying to spell out the role of humility and having a servant heart in the Kingdom of God.
Nothing is too small in your life for Him to be involved in and to show his love for you. No fears too small, needs too silly or stresses too insignificant that he does not care about.
Jesus washing their feet shows us how to imitate Him in our lives.
We are called to be servants of others, to live in humility and love in every situation.
Ephesians 4:2-4
Jesus is saying that when you are born again your sins are washed away and you can come into a relationship with the Lord.
When the disciples had been sent out by Jesus and they saw great miracles. John and James rejoiced but when they came across opposition in Samaria, they asked Jesus if they should call down fire on the people to destroy them.
Jesus rebuked them. They hadn’t understood that Jesus is counter cultural.
Their worship was of power not God.
James and John ask if they will sit at His right hand in glory.
Their intimacy with Jesus had turned to spiritual pride. This was not the example Jesus had been setting with his servanthood in his ministry. Their worship was of their status in the group not God.
Another rebuke.
Thomas and Philip were sent out to pray for the sick and demon possessed. Philip says “show us the Father and we will believe” Jesus says if you’ve seen me you’ve seen the Father.
Thomas says I won’t believe Jesus is resurrected unless I can put my hand in his side and see him in my own eyes.
His worship was of his own wisdom not the Father.
It wasn’t a soft option for them but they had not grasped the full magnitude of who Jesus is.
Until the resurrection and Pentecost.
They had some head knowledge but when the Holy Spirit fills them they finally understand the message.
We are called to be counter cultural.
John and Peter - Acts 3:1-12
Before the resurrection and Pentecost I think they might have reached for the purse, now they’re pointing to Jesus. What a transformation.
We don’t see Thomas in Acts after the time of doubt but legend has it he went to India to start the church there.
Philip has a major effect when he goes to Samaria and the people hear his message and see the miracles. A few years earlier they were disinterested in the message but now they are turning to Christ. Even Simon the sorcerer asks to repent and be prayed for when Peter and John help Philip handle the revival by praying for the people to be filled with the Spirit.
The disciples have been changed by the power of witnessing the resurrected Jesus and the filling of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
Application
Jesus has called us to be counter cultural by serving the community around us with humility not for status and to love one another.
Peter was shocked at the humility Jesus showed when he washed the disciples feet.
As a Christian, are you what the world expects?
As a follower of Christ do our expectations line up with the example Jesus set us?
Have you put Jesus in a box thinking he should work in a certain way?
Jesus is never the way I expect him to be full of holy grace and mercy. Are we being different to the world view of the church?
Rejection seems to be a part of the life the enemy wants to reinforce. It comes in an endless variety:
•not getting the job
•a parent whose approval is out of reach
•a parent who decided not to be your parent
•a spouse who says they no longer love you or they love someone else
•a friend that suddenly betrays you
•a child who turns their back on your love.
•Gender, Sexuality
•Ethnicity
Was Jesus Rejected?
Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus is not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness
Does this say anything about the pain of rejection? Sympathizing is one thing, but does Jesus know this kind of hurt? Yes. Jesus experienced it.
Being fully God, he chose to become human to experience human suffering. Every part of Jesus' life on earth was touched by rejection.
Rejection by family members
•John 7:5 “even his brothers did not believe in him”
•Jesus’ family rejected him as the Messiah
•He had human relationships that hurt him, when love wasn’t returned, wanted, or accepted
Rejection from his community
•Matthew 13:57 Neighbours and family friends “took offense at him”
•He was “without honour” in his hometown
•Jesus “did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (v. 58)
•He knows what it’s like to lose the love and support of a community, to feel unwelcome in a place that was once home
Rejection from people who once claimed to love him
•Jesus, in his God-ness, predicted both Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial
•He saw it coming. But his humanness still experienced the hurt
•John 13:21 Jesus was “troubled in his spirit” as he foretold of Judas
•He had just washed the disciples feet, symbolizing the laying down of his life for them
•Peter, who professed his love and commitment to Jesus more fervently than any other disciple, would deny and reject any association with him in hours
•Sudden, total, heartbreaking rejection
Rejection from his Father
•Matthew 26:38 Jesus was “very sorrowful, even to death”
•Luke 22:44 He sweated blood
•This was more than thoughts of the approaching physical pain. It was the knowledge that he would soon be separated from and abandoned by his Father
•Matthew 27:46 Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He didn’t ask, “Why I am I in such pain?” or “Why do I have to endure this?”
Redeemed from Rejection
•Rejection is a significant source of pain for many of us
•Jesus understands our pain in the most real way, and he shares the burden
•He experienced everything that we now experience in order to redeem it all and cover it in grace
•The gospel stands as the unfaltering, unchangeable answer to rejection
•Rejection created the need for the gospel in the first place
•Sin entered the world because two people rejected God and his command. For this, they faced God’s eternal rejection. We too were placed under a curse of separation from his favour and bound to his wrath
•Jesus redeemed us from that curse by taking it upon himself
•To redeem is to buy back, to accept, to choose
•Redemption is the opposite of rejection. By the power of the gospel, we have received the “Spirit of adoption” Romans 8:15
•That’s permanent, binding acceptance
•We know that, now, nothing can separate us from the Father’s love Romans 8:38-39
•Man’s rejection is made small in light of the truth that, through the gospel, we have God’s eternal love and acceptance, unconditionally
•What can man’s rejection do to us if Almighty God is for us?
Questions
1. If Jesus identifies with our weakness and experienced what we did, are you able to identify with Jesus and the rejection he received?
2. What type of Rejection have you suffered in your life?
3. How should we handle rejection?
4. What steps do you need to take to be healed of the Hurt and Pain of rejection?
Jenny encourages us to let God move us into the freedom of the summer pasture, away from the restrictions of the winter barn.
Forgiveness – Steve mentioned Radical Forgiveness last week. This is what Jesus has done for us
Luke 7:36-50
Simon the Pharisee invites Jesus to dinner. The woman is a prostitute.
Let’s note the following from the story
The woman knows exactly who Jesus is, comes to anoint his feet with perfume, is overcome with emotion, cries on Jesus feet and wipes the tears away with her hair. This breaks so many taboos in Jewish culture.
Simon judges her.
Jesus the son of God knows exactly what kind of a woman she is and he also know what Simon is thinking.
Jesus shows amazing grace in the way he deals with Simon and he asks him a question about 2 debtors – Who loved him more? Simon correctly answers that the one who has been forgiven the greater debt!
The woman who Simon judges actually followed tradition and showed respect more than Simon. She washed Jesus feet, greeted him with a kiss and anointed his feet with perfume.
“A person who is forgiven little shows only a little love” “Those who are forgiven much love much”
Simon thought he was better than the woman and didn’t see his need of a savior. The woman showed Jesus so much love because she had been forgiven much.
Jesus “I tell you, her sins, and they are many, have been forgiven. So she has shown me much love. Your faith has saved you. Go in peace”
John Piper
“The grace of Jesus actively seeks out the underserving and bestows upon them the favour of heaven”
That’s what happened to the prostitute in the story and that is what happened to you when you became a Christian.
We have all been forgiven much and so love much. We love Jesus, but what about each other?
Think of the Lords Prayer: “And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” The question is do we?
Matthew 6:14
We often hold unforgiveness against people – generally when we have been hurt or unfairly treated – and yet that unforgiveness actually holds us back more than the other person!
Unforgiveness brings anger, hatred, revenge, resentment, bitterness and hurt amongst other things.
Forgiveness brings, restoration, healing, peace, freedom, release, health and well being.
Forgiveness is an act of will, an act of faith. This is so important in our Christian lives and yet we can hold onto unforgiveness for years sometimes.
The enemy will always say that if you forgive:
“You are letting them off the hook” – Actually you let yourself off the hook!
“They don’t deserve your forgiveness” – Good job Jesus didn’t think that!
They are getting away with it – Let it go – Trust that God will deal with it!
Colossians 3:13-15
Ephesians 4:32
We are most like God when we forgive. Forgiveness is a full pardon, it’s a fresh start, another chance, a new beginning. It’s the cancelling of a debt. This is what Jesus did for us when he died on the cross, undeserved favour. We must show this to others.
Matthew 5:43
Quote from bible reading plan
“You will never be happy until you let go of the bitter root of resentment and forgive those who have hurt you. Forgiveness is not for their benefit, it's for yours. Forgiveness brings health and peace. It brings emotional and sometimes physical healing. Forgive those who have offended you and watch your relationship with God blossom. Forgiveness is, first, an act of your will. Forgiveness will release a healing force that will forever change your life. Your mental, emotional and physical health will surge with new life!
Let’s pray together. Think of someone you know you haven’t forgiven and pray this prayer of forgiveness with me
Heavenly Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, today I forgive [name of the person] for [what happened, when and how], and now that the spirit of forgiveness has been released from my lips and from my heart, I am liberated from the burden I have carried for too long. May the Lord Jesus Christ fill me with His love an
Luke 23:32–24:12
This is the story of Jesus death and resurrection – Friday to Sunday!
But why did Jesus have to die? Couldn’t there have been another way?
The problem is that Sin separates us from God and always has done – right from Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden to us today – we all have the sin DNA in us and that sin DNA has to be dealt with before we can be reconciled to God. The punishment for sin is death and the shedding of blood, so the old testament system of sacrifice was established to atone for the peoples sin, through the High Priest.
We need righteousness to be acceptable to a Holy God but we are not righteous. We are sinners.
Isaiah 53:6
Romans 3:23
Romans 3:24-26
God has what we need and don’t deserve – righteousness - and we have what God hates and separates us from God – sin. So what’s the answer to this problem? Jesus is the answer. Jesus dies on the cross as the perfect sacrifice, his blood is shed for our sins and he takes our place and takes our rightful condemnation.
Romans 5:18-20
Who was the offering? Jesus
Who took our sin? Jesus
Who is made right with God? Mankind
This is the great exchange that happened at the cross – God lays our sins on Jesus and punishes them in him, and fulfils his righteousness and credits (imputes) it to us.
2 Corinthians 5:21
To redeem means to buy something back- Jesus Christ died on the cross for the primary purpose of dealing with our sin and paying the price that we would never have been able to afford.
1 John 2:2
Propitiation: Turning Gods wrath into love, through sacrifice.
The cost of our redemption was the blood of the perfect son of God – and he made this sacrifice in our place. Because the father accepted Christ’s payment, we have been set free from our bondage to sin. Only with the substitutionary death of the perfect son of God does the father have a legitimate basis by which he can forgive sin for whoever comes to him in faith. There is nothing we can do to earn our forgiveness or our salvation.
If we think there is then we make the sacrifice of Jesus less than it should be – what is the point of Jesus dying for us if we can work to gain our forgiveness?
Jesus cries from the cross “It is finished” – The Greek work is Teleo – It means something has been perfectly completed – this was not a cry of defeat but of victory! Jesus had completed the task to secure man’s salvation and restore our relationship with God. The agony of the garden of Gethsemane was over – the debt had been paid.
Now when God looks at us, all he sees is Christ’s perfection. We are no longer guilty but are declared legally righteous, even if we still sin because Jesus paid for our past sin, our present sin and our future sin.
It is all about what Jesus has done to reconcile us to God – he takes our sin by the shedding of his blood as our perfect sacrifice and we receive his righteousness (Goodness) in return – It’s not what we deserve –that’s what grace is all about - it’s all because of his love for us. When we receive this by faith we begin to understand that it is all because of Jesus and it is all by his grace and love.
He received what he didn’t deserve - and we receive what we don’t deserve! The great exchange has taken place!
Example - The Yorkshire farm – Lamb and Mother – acceptable with new coat.
You are acceptable to God because of what Jesus did on the cross – nothing of what you have done!
“The wonderful news of the gospel is that Jesus frees us from trying to impress God or others because he has impressed God on your behalf!” Jonathan Dodson
Colossians 1:19-22
“Why do you seek the living among the dead – he is not here he is risen!”
It is finished – Jesus not only died and took all our sin as a sacrifice but he was raised from the dead by God’s power and lives today and the promise is for us as well
1 Corinthians 6:14
The Garden of Agony
Matthew 26:36-46
Luke 22:39-46
Mark 14:32-42
Each writer has a slight differences and additions in their recording of that night
•The real difference is that Jesus knew and understood the time
•The disciples were unconcerned and went to sleep, not able to keep their eyes open although 3 did as they recorded that evening for us.
What do you think the Disciples perspective was on the situation?
Were they aware of what was about to happen?
Do you think they could have understood the enormity of what Jesus was about to do?
Jesus had tried to prepare them for this moment, telling them many times what was going to take place, what must happen to the Son of Man, and Peter being rebuked for saying that would never happen.
Jesus warned his disciples not to tell anyone who he was. “The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.” Luke 9:21-22
Isaiah Prophesies this in Isaiah 50:4-9.
Jesus had always known this was his Destiney he was the only one who could carry the sin of the whole world upon and pay the price for it once and for all your sin and my sin
There's one constant in the recordings – Jesus "I want your will to be done not mine"
It was the most awful situation you could imagine, but Jesus saw a bigger picture he knew what the consequences of his death and resurrection would be, He had heavens perspective even though it meant suffering and a cruel death.
Heavens perspective Jesus would be the perfect sacrifice, giving up his life to death that we might have life, freedom from sin, shame, guilt and fear.
How different would we approach things in our lives if we had heavens perspective on the events that took place in our own lives.
It did not men Jesus didn’t have to suffer, but as it says for the Joy set before him
What about your life?
Your circumstances
Your present and future
What about your past, where was God in that that has already taken place and led you to this point?
We can so easily look through our worldly tainted eyes and not see clearly
God's perspective is always different from ours:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God’s throne.
Hebrews 12:1-2
There was a prophetic word at our last Catalyst leaders gathering: The church has been sleep walking into a battle
Questions
1) What's your perspective on the events leading upto Jesus death?
2) What do these accounts tell us about the disciples?
3) What do they tell us about God?
4) What can we learn from these events?
If you feel like you’re in a garden of agony then may I encourage you to look to God who will strengthen you and share with another and ask for prayer.
Using the Parable of the Talents, Steve spoke about using the talents that God has given us.
Ian spoke from Acts about unity and forgiveness.
Please note that there is an echo on the first 3m45s of this recording.
To view Paul's full notes (in PDF format), click here.
To view Paul's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Walking Through Life’s Storms
The thoughts for this morning were triggered as I studied Psalm 46 and the fact that the only way, I believe we can manage to survive the “Storms of Life” is by actually putting into practice “Be still and Know that I am God” (v10a).
Do we expect the storms of life or are they just for the bad people around us? I was taken back to the story of Job as well as the parable that Jesus told of the two builders.
So should we expect “the storms of life” or do we hail from a rose-tinted glasses journey with Jesus where we will have a lovely life without any troubles. Quite simply NO WAY! In this fallen, damaged and wicked world troubles will come and following Jesus will not insulate you from them.
Job 1-2
Matthew 7:24-28
Psalm 88:3
Isaiah 43:1-2
Matthew 8:23-27
John 16:33
Psalm 46
Isaiah 2:4
Romans 8:28
Here is the challenge whatever we face the good the bad or the ugly – we need to seek our father God and draw close to Jesus to be willing to be still and make the time to share our heart and our worries with him. The to listen to His response and be reminded again and again just how much he loves and cares for each one of us.
Romans 8v28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose
As I was preparing, I was listening to the song WAYMAKER.
The words “Even when I don’t see it, you’re working, even when I don’t feel it you’re working, You NEVER stop working”
So, this morning we need to turn to God whatever we face and whatever we are going through.
And turn to Jesus who died that all our sin and all our shame could be dealt with. So, that all our guilt could be removed. Today, whatever you have done – God’s promise in Jesus is that it has all been dealt with.
Whatever you face today & in the coming week Jesus is there to walk with you through it & when your strength fails to pick up and carry you.
So, as we’ve been praying for those in Ukraine whose “Troubles” make ours fade. We need more of Jesus as Colossians reminds us Christ is all and Christ in us is all we need.
For this I have Jesus - For the joys and for the sorrows, The best and worst of times, For this I have Jesus, For this I have Jesus, For this I have Jesus, I have Jesus (Repeat)
Questions
So, this morning are you stuck in the midst of the storm?
Do you need Jesus to still the wind and the waves?
Are you ready to be “Be Still and know that I am God”?
Are there things that are stopping you – do you feel God has let you down or forgotten you? Whatever it is you need God is here to meet with you afresh this morning.
He wants you to know that whatever you face, whatever makes you feel unloved, whatever you would hear from that inner voice accusing you of – Jesus wants to tell you afresh that. He wants to come and wrap His loving arms around you and declare He loves you and wants you to know afresh His peace that passes all understanding
Prayer
"Jesus, I don't know what tomorrow may bring,
let alone next week or the next decade.
But today, knowing you and all you have done for me,
I chose to follow you into the unknown.
Amen"
Intro
● Paul encouraging Archippus to fulfil or complete his ministry
● We are all to be minister of the Kingdom of God
● We know this because just as Jesus sent his Disciples in Matthew 28 and Mark 16 it also applies to us
● Mathews recording of the event is straight to the point
So what does is look like for us
What does it mean to make disciples? Jesus said, "Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you."
Simply put, it means that you demonstrate discipleship for them by the way that you live. And of course, verbally communicating God's Word.
● There is an assumption here that you are already obeying the truth you have received
● Does your life reflect the new creation, the person you have been saved to be?
● I was reminded again this week, it's about our Character, our Character matters
● you can be the most gifted, anointed person on the planet but without the godly character its nothing. While I was being prayed with, Colossians 3 was read out to me, God reminding me that my character matters to him.
● We have to model this in the way we live our lives in the good the bad and the ugly of life – When I first Joined this Church I felt God simply say to me I was to stand with the Leader and that’s what I did for nearly 30 years and yes sometimes it was good sometimes bad and sometimes it got ugly, but I simply did what God asked of me.
● The challenge for us today is to become a disciple of Jesus Christ - not just a fair-weather follower or simply a churchgoing person. you may have made a decision to follow Jesus but haven't started or maybe you never have!
● Would you be His disciple? If so, your life will never be the same.
● Whatever our ministry, gifting, calling – whatever you want to call it, it was always meant to be worked out in the context of the community of believers, not independently no super heroes, No special ones but everyone being dependant on one another working it out together.
● The great commission is Gods mission we get to partner with him and one another
I could have used several passages from scripture concerning Gifts but will just look at what Paul says to the Romans in Chapter 12 v 4-6
● Dependant on one another
● Not in competition with one another
● For a body to function we need each other and to work together.
Romans 12:4-6
Romans 12:6-8
God has not set the bar so high we cannot attain the standard it's that we are to do what we do well! Not because we have to, or ought to, it's not that that’s the rules
And finally
Romans 12:9-10
Conclusion
When Jesus chose his first disciples they were not ready for what was about to happen
If he can train teach and equip them and much of it was on the job training he can use anyone of us. It doesn’t depend on our upbringing, training, level of education position in society. Jesus has a whole mix from the illiterate to the Doctor
He can use anyone who truly believes and is willing to lay down their life for the sake of the Gospel.
Available – Elevation Worship
Questions
-
In what ways can our life reflect the new creation, the person we have been saved to be?
-
How can we demonstrate what discipleship is and looks like that makes it easy for others to believe
-
If we are to work out our service to God in the community of believer
a. How do you think this best works?
b. What are the benefits of doing it together? Are there any negatives?
- When Paul tells us to really love and not fake it, what are the challenges to this, how do we overcome them?
Phil continued our series on Colossians looking at Colossians 4:17
'And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfil the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”'
Colossians 4:17 ESV
· This is not just for an individual while Paul directs this to Archippus
· We each have a responsibility to fulfil our part
· There's corporate ministry and Individual ministry
· God's intent for us that we each get to be involved, that’s why he gave us the Holy Spirit to empower us to be his witnesses and through us demonstrate the Kingdom
The Great Commission
Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20 NLT
· Mandate to make disciples
· Baptising them
· Teaching them
Mark goes a bit further
And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptised will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”
Mark 16:15-18 NLT
Gordon Fee in his book - Paul the Spirit and the People of God
"Our task is not to share or "good view" about God, but to offer his great and glorious "good news" which includes his presence as a reality in people's lives and the church".
At the last Holy Spirit night the other week I was talking about how we needed the Gift of Faith to see and experience particularly Miracles, Healings,
Questions for Group
-
How are you able to fulfill the great commission in your everyday life?
-
Are you experiencing the Holy Spirit speaking to you and leading you through your day?
-
How can we be sure that what we are sharing with people is not just a Good View of God but the Good news?
-
Are there any blockages you need to deal with that stops you being a Disciple or from giving away what God has given you?
Vicki spoke from Colossians 3:23.
How we spend our time when we’re not at church varies from person to person. Whether it’s paid employment, caring, volunteering, ministry, raising a family or any of the other variations possible, God has put you in a place. The world is difficult (VUCA – volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) and frequently our paths are unclear.
Biblical texts:
-
Mtt 25:14-30. The parable of the talents. We have a responsibility to use and invest our God-given resources wisely.
-
2 Thess 3:10. If you don’t work, you don’t eat. The early church struggled with the practicalities of implementing kingdom living. Societies have struggled with these same issues ever since – it is difficult to find the right way of supporting those who cannot work, whilst carefully stewarding resources against any who could support themselves but do not want to.
Pitfalls of work / occupation
-
Losing sight of the goal. Are you worshipping God and trying to serve him where he has put you? It is easy to slip and begin to worship the role you are in, to treat it as a false idol.
-
Burn out. Sometimes God lets you get to the end of your own resources so that he can step in. Adversity can show the weak spots, and can shake you out of a rut. Beware of postponing spending time with God until you have enough energy / time – this is akin to putting off eating because you are too hungry.
Love as a vocation.
We are called to be experts in love in difficult situations. The place God has put you is your personal intersection of heaven and earth. The kingdom of heaven is touching earth through you in that place. It is not easy. Practically we can look to break the cycle of transmitted anger / irritation by letting the ripples stop with us. Remember God’s influence can creep in almost imperceptibly and grow into something huge (the parable of the mustard seed, Mk 4:30-32)
Questions:
-
How has God used you in the past in your place of work (broad definition of work including all the aspects mentioned initially)?
-
Where does your strength come from? How do you recharge?
-
In what practical ways can you demonstrate God’s love in your day to day life?
-
Remember the 3 whats. What is your personal “Now What”?
What? (what’s going on?)
So What? (what does this mean for you?)
Now What? (so what are you going to do about it?)
Following the instructions of Colossians 4:16, we read out the letter to the church at Colossae.
Devoted to prayer
Preach on a subject I have preached many times
Prayer is an immense privilege for us, whether we are praying from within or we verbally
No one can stop us talking with our heavenly father except ourselves
What's your prayer life like?
How many prayer meetings do you have?
Do you know how many church prayer meetings we have?
How much time do you spend praying when you pray?
What do you pray for?
Paul’s instruction on Colossians is clear and direct.
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.
Colossians 4:2-4
We find on Acts 2 the early church prayed. They knew how to devote themselves to prayer and they also knew the results of devoted prayer.
Acts of the Apostles 2:42-43
Devoted
- Give all or most of ones time or resources to (a person or activity)
“I wanted to devote more time to my family"
When I was younger I heard the phrase a lot
Prayer changes things
I have to say I don't fully agree as it depends on who you pray to
I heard a story recently from a lady who days she prays to her dead mother. Don't think she's going to answer
The God we pray to changes things and more so when we pray from a place of faith.
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
James 5:16
Interesting here that James mentions
Confession
Accountability
Healing
Earnest or devoted prayer and how it affects the results of prayer.
Personally I think our prayer meetings are the best meetings of the week.
Paul is writing to the Colossian church and the Church in Laodicea from Prison, prison in those days maybe a hole in the ground not pleasant place to be but he is not concerned with his own condition and circumstance. He does not ask from a selfish place
Paul's concern is the proclamation of the Gospel, the very reason he's in prison.
It's not wrong to ask for personal prayer, for healing for help in time of need. But in this passage Paul's focus is the advance of Gods Kingdom through proclamation of the Gospel.
He's not asking for an individual (S) to be saved. He knows that once the gospel is proclaimed people will hear and believe. But they can't if they have never heard the Gospel.
Its good to pray that for ourselves individually and as a church which we do at the prayer meetings each week
Application
Just in these few verses there are lots of challenge for us
How can you apply this to your life?
What are the hindrances to prayer - Time, being able to focus, more important things?
Do you have a concern for friends and family, colleagues, neighbours who don't know Jesus and have never heard the Gospel?
How often do you pray for them?
Do you confess your sin to another?
Do you pray for one another that you might be healed?
Are you aware of how powerful your prayers are when they come from the right heart motive?
Conclusion
The church in the west has become more about consumerism rather than participation.
We as elders cannot do this for you
We can model, it but there is personal responsibility on each of us
Our prayer life is ours to develop and nurture.
God loves it when we come to him he gave us prayer as a way to communicate with him and when we do anything is possible
What have you prayed for recently (doesn't matter how big or small a thing) and seen God Answer? Give thanks for that and be motivated to pray more.
Please note that the first part of the talk was not recorded.
To view the slides (PDF format), click here.
Neal’s Notes
Colossians 3:20-21
Context: Paul has spent the rest of the chapter telling us about the new life we have in Christ. We have put new clothes on and this changes our behaviour, and out of this spirit filled life this is how we then lead our lives
See v10
Children can bring the most amazing joy and love but also the greatest frustration and push us to our limits and beyond! Parenting is not easy and none of us get it right all the time – But by clothing ourselves in the Holy Spirit we have a much better chance of making it through!
Mark Twain: “When I was 14 my father was so ignorant I could hardly bear to listen to him, but by the time I was 21 I was amazed to see how much he had learnt in 7 years!”
For children, what Paul says here is actually from the ten commandments – the fifth commandment Exodus 20:12
The word honour means to treat someone with respect due to them and their role. This is the only commandment with a promise attached to it - “That your days may be long.” Not just meaning a long life, but one that is filled with God’s presence and favour.
Phil Moore: “Children are to be cherished, encouraged and loved. The power of the Christian Parent is to be directed towards bringing out the best in their children and building up their self esteem in preparation for adult life”
Hannah’s Notes
Why a focus between relationship and obeying?
All week- when my parents ask me to unload the dishwasher, I find it really tricky to obey.
Ephesians 'children obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do, honour your father and mother'
Why is there such a focus on the relationship between children and parents?
Children and parents- beautiful relationship: Matt playing keyboard and his daughter runs up and hugs him round the legs.
Parents teach us, guide us, lead us, help us, give us advice, comfort, pick us up when we fall.
But parents aren't perfect. Humans aren't. Christians aren't. Angry, disappoint us, leave us, hurt us with their words- physically and mentally.
But as a Christian, you have a father who won't leave, won't hurt you, who loves you. God is the ultimate father.
Lockdown- everything can be taken away from me- my social life, my education, my family, my job, my friends. Everything can disappear like that. But God doesn't, he remains.
Our circumstances may change but God doesn't.
He is going love you despite your many failings/sin/mess up. Still going to care for you and want a relationship with you.
When you give your life to Jesus, you're invited into the Fathers house. You are a child of God.
Failure won't define you. Past won't define you. Your situation no longer defines you. God does. You walk through that door and leave everything - shame, guilt, regret - behind you.
He is such an amazing father.
Jireh - means Provider - if he dresses the lilies with beauty and splendour, how much more will he clothe you? If he watches over every sparrow, how much more does he love you?
We are his prized possession. You are precious to God. Go home and write it on the fridge. You are a precious child to God.
Luke 15:3-7
God doesn’t grab you and sling you over his shoulder because you've been naughty and ran away. He joyfully does it.
Cory Asbury- his love leaves the 99 to find the one every time. To many practical adults is a foolish concept - what if he loses the 99 when finding the one? What if? Finding that one lost sheep is and will always be supremely important.
God is amazing father, he will joyfully put you back on his shoulders.
Peter and Pamela spoke from Colossians 3:18-19.
The world says that there is no difference in men and women, and that women can do everything men can do, and men can do everything women can do.
It's not true
Men and women are different.
This does not make one superior to the other.
Both are created in gods image gen 1:26-8
Both are heirs of eternal life gal3:28-9
This is the same in marriage.
There may be some different functions, but there is no hierarchy.
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.
Colossians 3:18-19 ESV
Men - scribble out the line about your wives submitting, that was not written for you.
Women - scribble out the line about your husbands being harsh, that was not written for you.
Headship.
Does not denote superiority.
https://youtu.be/YelXdFhQxRQ
Headship.
Does not denote superiority.
Headship is about judgement.
For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church.
Ephesians 5:22-23 NLT
Adam judged for eve's sin
Husband will be judged for the household.
Christ for the church
Key is
And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Eph 5:21
Historical context.
for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:26-28 ESV
Women not being in subjection was radical.
Women leading all the decisions was becoming a cultural turning, and Paul is making sure that there is some balance here.
Complementarianism does not suggest hierarchy, but that the differences are good and work together for good.
It says submit, not obey
Respect the leadership of your husband
Equally men, respect and cherish your wife.
Taking a dominant position does not do that
Conclusion
Equal, but different. Husband and wife complementing each other
We try to have a talk on vision to start the new year the KJV says people perish for lack of vision. I’ve felt challenged to talk about continuing to grow more Christ like. I want to look at a couple of characters in scripture and mix that with my own experience of suffering or challenging times.
The whole world has experienced suffering in the last two years. Clearly some have experienced this more intensely than others but still there has been an increased level of exposure to suffering for us.
We have been deprived of relationships, deprived of work, deprived of income, deprived of physical contact. Add to the list it is not complete.
The question is how do we handle this and how does that effect us for the coming year ahead.
Romans 5:1-5
Let me layout the context first.
We are terrible sinners YET Christ chooses to make us righteous. Why? because he loves us. How? Because he chose to love us.
The gospel is that those who are called useless by others are loved unconditionally by God. Those who think they are so great are still sinners but God is prepared to save them because of his love.
Your identity has been changed. You are now in Christ. That is your identity. Christ plus nothing.
Personal stories
Procrastination led to major money worries, but God would not let me get past this hurdle without changing. I needed the love and help of Lesley but in the end I had to make the choice to change. To know that God loves me, to declare that He loves me, to praise Him because he loves me. That saw me through and saw me change.
Joseph story.
Genesis 50:20-21
Peter story
What is our attitude in suffering?
You can be proud of your suffering. What I call Suffering Top Trumps.
“No one has suffered like me”
I am not suggesting stiff upper lip or Que Sera Sera. You are not Doris Day.
Suffering can make you bitter. If you think that God only loves you because you really love him and you have given everything up for him, you can become bitter. “Look what I’ve done for you Lord. Where’s your part of the deal?”
You can become anxious
In spite of how it feels, I know God loves me and he loves me more than I can possibly imagine.
What is the vision?
There is a hope a hope more certain than anything in the world, God loves you and Jesus died so you can enjoy the benefits of that love.
Take time to talk with him about it,
Declare out loud that he loves you especially when you don’t feel it.
Remember that this is for a reason. I don’t pretend to know what that reason is and you may not know until you are in circumstances that reveal it.
Get people around you to talk with you and pray regularly about it. The Father expresses his love through others often. Give example of Mike Pilavacci at Catalyst.
Finish where we started
Romans 5:1-5
Questions
1 . The bible is full of theology but also examples of people who are not perfect, some who overcome like Joseph and some like David who overcome but then fall. I used the examples of Joseph and Job but who do you identify with?
Peter? With his arrogant “I will never deny you” claim
David? Started well following after Gods heart but then became bored and fell with Bathsheba.
Paul? Very zealous but then totally transformed by experiencing Gods love by revelation.
Job?, Moses? Abraham? Joshua? Elijah? I could go on.
1.How are you adapting to the pandemic and the suffering that brings? Has it exposed any of your character weaknesses? Are you prepared to stand with each other to pray through the challenges?
2.I raised the issue of anxiety and used the illustration of the plug that has to be pushed down hard to release the plug and drain the water out. How are your anxiety levels? Discuss the basic position of accepting Gods love for you.
Phil started the New Year looking at how God restores our hope.
Hope Restored - The King has Come
Watching the Hunger Games movies over Christmas President Snow makes this statement “The only thing stronger than fear is Hope”
Lives were ruled by oppression and fear for most with a few Privileged ones.
I was thinking as we celebrate Christmas that we don’t celebrate the coming of Jesus but that he has already come
The angles declared the King had come, we can have hope because Jesus the King has come
An old song that we used to sing many years ago has been on my mind over the past couple of weeks
King Has Come, The King Of Love Has Come
And Troubled Minds Can Know His Peace
Captive Hearts Can Be Released
The King Has Come, The King Of Love Has Come
In Ephesians 1 Paul prayed for the Ephesian church that they would know the Hope to which they had been called.
“I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.”
Ephesians 1:16-18
Song Saviour KIng by Hillsongs has the line in it “Hope which was lost now stands renewed”
After the past 2 years people are looking for some hope, perhaps people did not expect this to go on this long.
During the first year there was a prophetic picture from John Groves a respected Leader within the Newfrontiers family of churches. He saw a Helicopter coming to rescue people and as the helicopter came to people many would reach out and want to be saved but also there were many who ran away from the the helicopter and refused to be rescued This was interpreted as the helicopter being the church and there to help and rescue people through offering salvation and Hope.
Praise God we have been able to be that rescue for some and want to be more so.
The hope Paul talks about in Ephesians 2 where he starts with our hopeless situation, But God bringing hope. 2 v4-10
“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:4-10
This is the hope to which we have been called and that we are to call other into
Reflecting on that Prophetic Picture I also had this thought - what if God's rescue plan was the Vaccine that many have refused,
There's a lot in scripture about Hope and while we may have hope in a lot of things and hope and dreams for this year what is our hope built on?
Questions
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Blood and righteousness - Christ alone song
What Is your hope built on, is it Jesus?
What is it that you are hoping for?
Have you lost Hope? Maybe through life's trials and tribulations you have lost hope, How can your hope be restored?
Steve spoke about Jesus being the greatest Christmas gift at our Christmas Celebration.
Representatives of the Gospel Colossians 3:17 / 1 Corinthians 10:33
“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
Colossians 3:17
“I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”
1 Corinthians 10:33
I watch and listen to lots of podcasts secular and Christian. I try to line them up with the bible and whether they are in line with scripture. I was listening to a secular podcast some months ago and someone said “what you worship, you imitate”.
When I was first born again and told my father that I was going to be baptised and insisted him to come he said “live the life of a Christian for a year and then decide. Grow more like Christ in that year”
I took the second part of that advice but I was baptised the following week. My father came to the service.
Those words have always resonated with me knowing that my Father in heaven was speaking to me through my Dad.
What made me start to change?
- I was called by Him.
- I knew He loved me.
- I was baffled why he chose me but learnt that it was His grace, his unmerited favour that saved me.
- This gave me a new purpose that still motivates and sustains me to try and convey that love to anyone around me that I can.
I am going to use a non Christian testimony but it draws parallels with how we should build our relationship with God and how that then reflects to the world and I hope brings glory to Him.
Ian Wright on Desert Island Discs.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=CqooI8RCSEY&feature=share
This is just like the encounters with God in Daniel and Revelations, but also the accounts in the gospels.
1. Calling. He said “Come with me” and that changed my life. Jesus said to Peter and Andrew come follow me in Matthew 4 19. It certainly changed their lives.
2. Loved “I was so scared of him but I knew he loved me." The woman who anoints Jesus’ feet in Luke 7, the woman caught in adultery, Act 9 Paul’s conversion. The mixture of Holy fear that you are standing before the creator of the universe but deeply loved. We hear so much about the veil being torn in two and that we are invited in to the Holy of Holies but this is not an invitation to lean up against the wall with our hands in our pockets.
3. Grace “I don’t know why he loved me and I don’t know why he chose me” 1 Corinthians 15 v 9-10 “For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church. But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results.”
4. Purpose The results of these encounters “I felt important", he brought discipline, “I had the feeling I had some use”. Zacchaeus was a tax collector for the Romans’. Made himself important by siding with the Roman occupation but was despised by the Jews, his own people. Jesus called him down from the tree, said I’m coming to your home. That made him feel important and of use. Luke 19:8-9
Do you want to be a representative of Jesus?
Firstly have you heard his call. Worship is to imitate Him as well as stand before Him raising your hands in abandonment to Him?
We have 4 areas:
1. Calling. Have you heard Jesus call you?
2. Loved. Do you know how much Jesus loves you?
3. Grace. Have you stood before the cross? “There on a cross made for sinners”
4. Purpose. When you have experienced the first three has that given you a motivation? to love people, to show grace to others? Are you a representative of the Good news, the gospel?
How excited are you about Christmas coming?
What about?
Family.
Presents
Time off work?
We know what it's all about, but do we really give him the attention he deserves?
Colossians 3:16 NLT
Richness
Colossians 3:15-17 MSG
Rich chocolate cake.
Something opulent, you can't miss it.
Turn up on a Lambo, everyone would have been asking whose is that car?
Unmissable
What is the message?
Daniel 2:44 NLT
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 NLT
1 John 1:7, 9 NLT
Do you know this message?
How can it fill our lives?
How much time on the above, or watching tv, Facebook, playing games on your phone?
How much time in worship, in meditation, in talking about what he has done for you?
How do we teach and counsel one another?
Doing life together. Where the rubber hits the road of faith.
Honesty of how life is with each other that I encouraged a few weeks ago.
Good year, or bad year?
Whatever, be thankful
This is corporate.
We do this verse together.
It starts in you, but it is worked out in community.
This is where Christmas is good, it brings people together, something we have missed so much in the last couple of years.
We cannot do this alone.
How will we prioritise Christ this Christmas?
Discuss how you do Christmas…
What could you not miss if it was to be a proper Christmas?
What things do you do that's helps you focus on Christ?
How excited are you about Christmas coming?
What about?
Family.
Presents
Time off work?
We know what it's all about, but do we really give him the attention he deserves?
Colossians 3:16 NLT
Richness
Colossians 3:15-17 MSG
Rich chocolate cake.
Something opulent, you can't miss it.
Turn up on a Lambo, everyone would have been asking whose is that car?
Unmissable
What is the message?
Daniel 2:44 NLT
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 NLT
1 John 1:7, 9 NLT
Do you know this message?
How can it fill our lives?
How much time on the above, or watching tv, Facebook, playing games on your phone?
How much time in worship, in meditation, in talking about what he has done for you?
How do we teach and counsel one another?
Doing life together. Where the rubber hits the road of faith.
Honesty of how life is with each other that I encouraged a few weeks ago.
Good year, or bad year?
Whatever, be thankful
This is corporate.
We do this verse together.
It starts in you, but it is worked out in community.
This is where Christmas is good, it brings people together, something we have missed so much in the last couple of years.
We cannot do this alone.
How will we prioritise Christ this Christmas?
Discuss how you do Christmas…
What could you not miss if it was to be a proper Christmas?
What things do you do that's helps you focus on Christ?
Questions
What are your barriers to being thankful?
What circumstances do you need to let God's peace 'rule in your hearts'? - both currently and past/future.
How are you getting on with 'learning to be content in every circumstance'? Just signing up like me, first steps, further education?
I said that it's not easy and we need to be real with each other about the struggles we face. How can you stand together now as a group and support each other and encourage each other to declare God's goodness over circumstances? Maybe worship together/speak out truth.
● Restored back to our rightful place with God in Christ Jesus
● We have thrown off our Old Garments (Filthy Rags)
● Clothed in Righteousness: it's not one single garment but in his letters Paul refers to a number of Garments that make up the whole
Colossians 3:12-14
You must clothe yourself in:
Tenderhearted Mercy - Non Judgemental, not quick to dismiss or reject the ones who are not like you or maybe exasperate you, wind you up/grates on you
Kindness - what is our auto response to everyone, easy to be Kind to those we like, love, admire, would like to be like, what about the rest, are we kind in our response our language, our treatment of others
Humility - That's a hard one to swallow, the moment we declare ourselves humble we rob ourselves, Our own pride is a stumbling block to use it seems it always catches us out. You’ve met those people who only talk about themselves only want to share their life not interested in yours, if you do get to say anything they always have a better story to tell. Have a sober assessment of yourself, get over yourself, You may need to get out of your own way to become humble.
Gentleness - Jesus known for being Gentle, meek and Mild? Actually he showed great strength, wisdom and understanding When he was there at the attempted stoning of a prostitute, or the woman who grabbed his tunic, or the rich young ruler. Jesus has the right words said with gentleness but full of truth and power
Patience - How Patient are you?
Bear with one another,
● frustrated
● Annoyed
● Impatient
● It's got to be done now
● A toe tapper - Stood there tapping your foot in a queue because you're impatient.
Forgiveness - This is such an important issue. The quote they use in the Freedom in Christ course is “Unforgiveness is like Taking Poison and hoping the other person dies.” Unforgiveness damages you. The Vow ‘I will never forgive that person’ is the start of a slow death inside. It will eat you up, it will become a root of bitterness and can lead to Physical, Emotional, Spiritual and mental health problems.
That's why Paul is urging the church in Colossae to make allowances for each others faults and failures, that does not mean we affirm that behavior but we do not take offence
Matthew 18:21-22
Forgive 490 times!
We are never let of the hook. Jesus said that if we have something against our brother or Sister we should go and put it right before offering our sacrifice as the altar
Matthew 5:23-24
Similarly if we also know someone has something against us we should go to them and seek to put it right as far as it depends on us.
Matthew 18:15-16
Love - Above All else - over every other garment love must cover it all. "A new commandment I give you - Love one another just as I have Loved you"
Love God
Love One Another
Love All People
Love for Jesus and Love for one another will hold us together through all trials to the fulfilment of God's calling, plan and mission.
Paul said “Without love we will be like clanging symbols, what an awful noise we would make!”
We have been called to a life of Love
https://youtu.be/zRL7ufdVzn4
Could I be wearing any more clothes - Not until you are fully Clothed with all that God has intended for us to wear. Are there any clothes you are missing? Is there any outstanding, unresolved issues between you & God, You and another person that needs to be addressed?
Questions
1. Which of the clothing Paul talks about do you feel you lack in?
2. What can you do to grow in that area?
3. Is there anyone that has offended you? How have you resolved it? Can you share from your experience to help others?
4. When it comes to loving others, how well are we doing? a. Personally b. As a Church
5. In what ways can we
Colossians 3:5-11 – Get rid of your old self and put on your new self.
One of the problems that Paul was facing in the early church was the people were becoming Christians but then carrying on exactly the way that had before and Paul wants to explain why that is wrong.
Paul here talks of stripping off our old nature and all its wicked deeds and putting on your new nature and thereby being renewed as you learn to know God and become like him. This is a picture they would understand as this is what happened in Israel at this time when people were Baptised.
Those being Baptised would take off their old set of clothes and leave them at one side and then get baptised and as they came out of the water they would receive a new set of clothes which would normally be a white robe signifying their new life in Christ.
This still happens today in Israel as we saw when we were there
Read this passage in The Message version: "You are done with that old life….."
This is so important as its by Christ’s blood alone that this change takes place not of our own doing?
1 Corinthians 1:2
v30
OUR YORKSHIRE FARM - ILLUSTRATION
Lamb skinned and put on orphan – accepted by mother – New Life comes through the sacrifice of another.
So Paul contrasts for us what the old life was like and what our new life should be like – all this worked in and by the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is not done by our own efforts!
v10
Old Self – Sinful Nature | New Self – Christ In You
Sexual Immorality | Tender hearted Mercy
Impurity | Kindness
Lust | Humility
Evil desires | Gentleness
Greed | Patience
Anger/Rage | Caring for each other
Malicious behaviour | Forgiving each other
Slander | Clothed in Love
Dirty Language | Harmony
Lies | Peace
You can see the contrast in what we are naturally and what we should be – In Christ.
Galatians 5:16–24
v24
When are right with God and the Holy Spirit is leading and guiding our lives we are like different people and that is exactly what Paul is trying to tell the Church in this passage. Stay close to God – let the Holy Spirt lead and guide you – be full of the spirit and your life will be full of the fruit of the spirit which is listed here , love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
Hebrews 10 talks of Jesus sacrifice for sins – once and for all time – This is what he has done for us!
Hebrews 10:11-“Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the alter day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. BUT our high priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time…. For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made Holy, and the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so: for he says
“This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day says the Lord, I will put my laws in their hearts and I will write them on their minds”
This is so important to understand because no longer it’s about a set of rules and regulations that we must keep (external) rather its about our hearts and our hearts being changed from the inside – effecting the outside and how we act – We know when we have sinned because we are convicted by the Holy Spirit who lives in us – Christ in you….. The recurring theme of Colossians.
Colossians 3:11
THE RESULT OF THE NEW COVENANT?
v19 – “And so dear brothers and sisters we can boldly enter Heavens most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus”
Romans 8:28 - Read the whole chapter!!
Let’s be like Isaiah who is thrilled at what God has done
Isaiah 61:10
It’s all about Jesus – our wonderful saviour and sacrifice – that makes us acceptable to God and loved by him for eternity.
Peter continued our series looking at Colossians 3:9-10
How are you?
We often don't tell the truth when we are asked that.
If I asked you, "do you lie?", you'd likely answer no.
And that would be a lie.
Leviticus 19:11, Lying seems like the least of all the commandments
Lying is not that bad. Not compared to other sins?!
White lies
Good lies
How do you reply to, "does my bum look big in this?"
Lying is our natural response quite often, like we did to our parents as children.
It wasn't me. Carries on into our adult life.
Colossians 3:9
Lying is serious. Like immorality, it's mentioned on purpose. As big an issue as the rest.
In fact, it gets a whole verse to itself, so it may be more important.
Ananias and saphira Acts 5
It's soooooo serious.
It's all about the honesty of the heart and mind.
This has major consequence.
Anana and sapphira were lying to the church, but more importantly to God.
Psalms 24:3-6
So we are all stuffed!
But we are redeemed…..
Proverbs 12:22
Do you lie to yourself?
Reason away the truth..
Proverbs 24:26
Proverbs 25:18
The devil lies to you all the time
Genesis 3:4-5
John 8:44
He lies to you, and he loves it when you lie back!
So what?
What do we do about it?
- Tell the truth
- Train yourself in godliness, in truth. Work at this.
- Accountability. What lies have you told this week?
Questions
How has your week really been?
Is lying something you struggle with?
Do you lie to yourself?
What lie of the enemy gets you every time?
God’s wrath. Colossians 3 v 6, 7 & 8
“Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behaviour, slander, and dirty language.”
Colossians 3:6-8
As I always say, let’s look at the context of this first.
Paul has explained the position of Christians now in Christ but he is emphasising what it means for those who haven’t hear or received the good news of Jesus.
It is made clear by Paul and by Peter and john that as Christians we do not face the wrath of God.
“And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbours. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honourable behaviour, and they will give honour to God when he judges the world.”
1 Peter 2:8-12
How do we deal with our bad habits such as anger, rage, malicious behaviour, slander, and dirty language?
I have been considering over the last few months what it means to receive the gospel. The good news?
Only by understanding this can we really tackle these remnants of our old spiritual nature and see ourselves become more like Jesus.
How do I communicate the good news? How do you? Let me give you an example that has helped me.
Is it like someone telling you about a new self-help book? Or something more life changing?
Let’s look at the different ideas of “good news”.
“I’ve won a pay rise”
“The baby is born! Mother and child are doing well”
“I’ve bought a new car and it was cheaper than Peter’s deal”
All good news but would it change your life, your neighbours life or the life of someone in another country? No.
I’ve been trying to find a way to explain it and they the Holy Spirit dropped the date 8th May 1945 into my mind.
Any good ideas what is special about the date?
It is my Dads 16th birthday of course.
It started with the bad news that war was declared, my Dad and my uncle were separated from their parents for most of the 5+ years of war. Suffered bullying, fleas, rejection, crippling home sickness.
On the 8th May 1945, on my Dads 16th birthday, that changed. Why? Because the good news that war was over. It effected everyone. No longer would the war separate them from their parents, have to put up with homesickness etc.
The gospel’s message that Jesus has victory over sin and death has an even greater effect than the end of war.
Look at the news headlines. 8th May 1945 – VE Day
Questions
- Do you fear God’s wrath or judgement?
- How do you handle the challenges of forgiveness? Do you have a mercy seat that you regularly come to in your life?
- How do you deal with the old sinful nature like bad language, slander, fits of rage etc?
- How do you see the gospel? As good news for a few or for the whole of mankind? Remember the gospel is different to all other religions. It is not a self help book but a new nature.
Covetousness, Greed & Idolatry
Introduction
●Paul is calling the Colossians to get rid of the things in life that hinder us from following Jesus.
●Things that stop from being true Disciples
●These things are hard hitting
●God's heart is for us to desire him
●Paul's desire is that the people of God be fully satisfied with God himself seeking his face not his hand.
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
Colossians 3:5
To Covet
●Paul says, “Covetousness, which is idolatry.”
●So what does idolatry look like today? The activity of the human heart.
●This is not a deed of the body. That follows — a fruit on a branch. It starts in the heart: craving, wanting, enjoying, being satisfied by anything that you treasure more than God.
That is an idol. Paul calls this covetousness — a disordered love or desire, loving more than God what ought to be loved less than God and only for the sake of God.
But covetousness is the condition that this disordered heart is in, an act of loving too much what ought to be loved less. And that is why the wrath of God is coming. That is what idolatry looks like today. And it is everywhere in our culture.
John Piper - Desiring God
What is an idol? Well, it is the thing. Ed Stetzer, in an article called Idolatry Is Alive Today, gives this idolatry definition:
“Is it that a 12-inch tall piece of wood or bronze can do something bad to us? Or is it that we do something awful to ourselves when we place adoration and attention that should go to God in other things? When it comes to idolatry, the danger is not in an item… it is in us.”
Tim Keller, in his book Counterfeit Gods answers what is an idol this way,
“An idol is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, and anything that you seek to give you what only God can give.
It is the thing loved or the person loved more than God, wanted more than God, desired more than God, treasured more than God, enjoyed more than God.
It's not the external but the internal, it starts with our heart, Is there anything you desire more than God himself?
God's Law
Exodus 20:2-5
Exodus 20:17
Even the things of God can become Idols if in our hearts we desire them more than God himself
Romans 1:22–23
What are the Idols of today?
1. Our Identity
2. Money/Consumerism
3. Entertainment
4. Sex
5. Comfort
6. Our Phones
It could be a Partner
It could be Achievement, good grades, Degree
It could be the approval of other people.
It could be success in business. Or your career.
It could be sexual stimulation.
It could be a hobby or a musical group that you are following or a sport
Having a perfect Home and/or Garden
Or your own looks could be an idol.
It could be anything.
So Paul puts it like this:
This is how we used to live - Romans 1:25
And why is that? - 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
This is how we are called to live - Hebrews 4:12-13
So when we turn to Jesus Christ from idols, we escape the wrath of God because he is for us. God is for us in Christ on the cross - Matthew 22:37-40
Conclusion
Being fully satisfied with who God is for us in Christ Jesus.
Psalms 96:1-6
Group Questions
Is there anything you are placing higher than God in your heart?
Some Questions to ask ourselves that will help us to recognise if we are:-
Where Do I Spend My Time?
Where Do I Spend My Money?
Where Do I Get My Joy?
What’s Always On My Mind?
What do you need to do?
Colossians 2:23-3:7
The first two chapters of Colossians deal with the Gospel; Christ plus nothing; your position in Christ; and what salvation means. The second two chapters deal with living the new life, the practical working out of our salvation.
So as we have heard over the past two weeks
1 Paul instructs us to set our sights on heavenly things
2 Think about the things of heaven and not earth. You have died to the old life and now have a new life in Christ.
Paul directs us to deal with sin, specifically the sins of the flesh that we have brought from our old life.
Col 3:5
Adrian Plass - Preach on lust
Two weeks ago Peter said in his talk that "sex is actually quite nice". Sex and desire were created by God and are good. God wants sex to be within a marriage. This is to protect us because his heart is always for the best for us. Children playing have freedom until one runs into the road, then you pick them up and protect them.
WHAT YOU TOLERATE WILL DOMINATE.
We must not tolerate these things as they are part of our old nature. As Christians we are instructed to have our eyes fixed on heaven. We are now IN CHRIST. New Life. Led by the spirit, not by our flesh and earthly desires
Sexual immorality etc is a huge problem in the world. The Porn industry is worth $97 billion a year (over £1 billion in the UK). There are more downloads from porn sites each month than from Netflix, Amazon and Twitter combined.
Paul encourages us to run from sexual sin
1 Corinthians 6:18
2 Timothy 2:22
Look at someone who didn’t do as Paul suggested, the consequences of his actions and what we can learn from his mistakes!
2 Samuel 11:1- 11
What can we learn from this?
1 David was in the wrong place at the wrong time. He should have been at war with everyone else. Be careful where you go. It could be a party, it could be at home late at night after your wife has gone to bed, it could be in a car in a compromising situation. Whatever the situation is, it could look innocent but the enemy can use it against us to compromise us.
Woman on the train – Catch an earlier train!
2 Looking is ok/It doesn’t hurt anyone/It’s only a sin if I act on it?/I’m just window shopping – I’m not going to buy! Looking is NOT ok. What you are looking at is the temptation. You fall into the sin trap when you don’t look away! Matthew 5:27-29
3 Looking can led to action which is what happened here. David fell to temptation, slept with Bathsheba and she became pregnant.
4 Consequences. There are always consequences when we sin. For David, Uriah was killed and the baby died because of David’s sin. The consequences for us can be similar – people get hurt, families can be torn apart and children hurt.
5 Breaks our relationship with God who is holy and cannot abide sin. God does not turn a blind eye to our sin.
6 God has to send Nathan to rebuke David regarding his sin and tells him the story in 2 Samuel 12:1-7. Don’t ever be in a situation where God has to send a prophet to say those words to you. Be accountable to and hoenst with each other.
David repented of his sin and God forgave him, just as he can and will forgive us. Bathsheba eventually gave birth to Soloman who was called Jedidiah which means “beloved of the Lord”. God restores us to a right relationship with him. Broken lives are made new in Christ.
We can learn so much from David but how do we ensure we don’t fall like him? We need to stay close to God, let the Holy Spirit rule in our lives and change us from the inside out. Give us hearts of flesh not of stone! Self control is one of the fruits of the Spirit. The closer you are to God, the easier self control will be. We are in a spiritual battle.
Galatians 5:16-24
Col 3:10
Questions
Please discuss these verses and their implications for our Christian lives. Pray for and strengthen
Revelation 3:20-21
We are invited into heaven. The door has been opened. We already have a place on the throne because of what Christ had done for us. It has all changed. We are no longer bound by the things of Earth.
The thought of living forever terrifies me.
So how do you imagine heaven to be like?
Better than earth?
Boring? Like one long church service?
Angels on fluffy clouds?
No sickness or disease, does that mean no disability?
So what will heaven be like
Images. Boring? Worship, like a bethel Sunday morning…
Colossians 3:1-2
Starts with “since…”, reflects back to Colossians 2:12
So heavenly minded, no earthly good
Paul wants to differ here. Fix your mind…..
What does the bible say about heaven?
Hebrews 11:13-16
1 Corinthians 13:12
John 14:1-6
What's your idea of heaven?
Read revelation 21
Mind blowingly beautiful, so much so we can spend an eternity in worship of the creator, God.
When do you focus on heaven. Is it watching tv, or playing games. Or coffee with friends. Or worship. Or ….
Focus on the things of heaven.
What is Jesus concerned about? What will we do about those things?
How do you focus on heaven when you are hurting here on Earth?
Scars in Heaven by Casting Crowns
https://youtu.be/BCc7TCmKcwQ
Questions for groups
What do you think heaven will be like? What do you imagine?
Where do you escape with God?
Spend time soaking and see what God says to you.
More Than You Can Ask, Think Or Imagine
Introduction
.Something I have lived with for a few months
.Our world has changed this last 20 Months
.Somethings will not return to what they were before
.God wants to bring change that will last
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes! Ephesians 3:20-21 MSG
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever!
Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT
God is Able
First do we believe God is able ? we may think we do, we perhaps think we ought to,
Just consider that for a moment That is:-
having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something, considerable skill, proficiency, or intelligence.
God has all those attributes and More
Even if we do believe he is able, it may raise the Question Will He?
He can, he is able, but is he willing and is he willing to do that for me,
It maybe we think he will only do it for some well known christian, a great preacher or leader.
Change
Paul prayed this prayer because he has known this is true for him
The power of God working in us is for Change
.How is God going to change us?
.How is God going to change the Church?
.How is God going to Change the world?
If not by his power at work in us
We need a Paradigm shift in our minds and hearts to fully grasp this whole concept of the Nature of God and the change he can bring.
a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
The world was turned upside down by 11 Disciples who were changed by the power of God working in them, not just the one off event at pentecost but the ongoing work within them. They saw God do far more than they ever imagined possible
God has not Changed - his very nature and Character is constant and consistent
He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow
The same God who does the more than
So if God’s the same, who needs to change?
When I met Sally and we got married things had to change. When that new person comes into your life, there are a number of things that changed, some immediately, others over time, like the choice in the clothes I wore, the way I drove.
Things had to change to accommodate this new person in my life.
God’s plan and purpose is not just about our personal salvation, God’s plan is to change the world through his people, by his power at work within us do far more than we ever imagined.
If God's power at work in Paul could change him from a persecutor of the church to being a man willing to lay down his own life for the sake of gospel and to live with such faith and Love for the church - what are the possibilities in us and through us?
Conclusion
Change has come and while many are striving to get back to the normality they new before Covid there are some things that will have changed and will not go back to the way they were before
Questions
God is able to do in you and through you far more than you can ask, think or imagine by his power at work in you
How are you experiencing his power at work?
Are you willing to allow God to change you? That means you won’t and can’t go back to the way you were before
Are you willing for that paradigm shift in your heart and mind? What will that mean for you? What will you need to let go of in allowing God to change you?
Please note that the audio on the live-stream failed at the end of Phil's preach, so the last part is missing.Do you believe God is good and intends good for your life?
You may say you do, but is that something you’re sure of in the core of your being?
Psalms 84:11
No good thing does He withhold. No. Good. Thing. That's who God is
God is love, and His true nature is good.
Psalm 33:5
The world may be full of bad, but the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. We can choose to either focus on what is good or on the bad stuff that happens
It's good for the health of our souls to focus on his goodness.
-
The Goodness of God explains everything
When we face difficulties, we want answers, not fully understanding how God uses that in our lives.
Remember Joseph and what happened to him. When he revealed himself to his brothers after their betrayal, he said to them, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good."
God's goodness brought explanation to Joseph’s very bad experience and circumstance.
What the enemy sends to defeat us, God turns around and uses it to complete us. -
The Goodness of God surrounds everything
Psalm 23:6
His goodness goes before us and is behind us. On our right and on our left.
We are surrounded by the goodness of God! Psalm 5:12 tells us that His favour (unmerited goodness) surrounds us like a shield!
Everywhere we go. -
The Goodness of God frees us from everything
Psalm 27:13
despair - a combination of emotions such as sadness, discouragement, feelings of depression, and the feeling of wanting to quit
His goodness frees us from all of those things because we believe we are going to see His goodness in the land of the living. -
The Goodness of God satisfies everything
Psalm 145:16
God leads us with an open hand.
He is always opening His hand to give, to bless, to heal, to encourage, to strengthen, and to die for us! -
The Goodness of God changes everything
Romans 2:4
It's not how sorry we are that leads us to repentance. It’s how GOOD He is.
When we see His goodness, it changes how we look at Him. -
The Goodness of God shapes everything
Romans 8:28
Covid 19 has meant many trying to figure everything out, trying to get their life back to some sort of normality.
God is trying to move our lives to something so much better.
We can embrace the reality that some really bad things have happened in our world. We can embrace that reality because, through the finished work of the cross, He causes these things to result in something good.
He’s not just the author of our faith. He is the finisher too. So, trust Him to finish what He started in you!
Philippians 1:6
Hebrews 12:2 -
The Goodness of God uses everything
God can use a good day and a bad one. -
The Goodness of God restores everything
God will right every wrong. Life will wrong you. People will wrong you.
BUT GOD! He will be the one who turns it for Good
Joel 2:25 -
The Goodness of God outlasts everything
Jeremiah 32:40
When will His goodness stop? Never.
His goodness will outlast everything.
v41 Not only will God’s goodness outlast every bad thing in your life, but HE DELIGHTS IN DOING GOOD THINGS FOR YOU!
Get ready! Be expectant! You will see His glorious goodness all the days of your life! -
The Goodness of God provides everything
Romans 2:4
The goodness of God is the generosity of God.
He gives all things.
Questions
● Do you believe His personal goodness, even when things around you seem to say otherwise?
● What has been your experience in Knowing the Goodness of God? Even if that meant something didn’t work out how you would have hoped
● He's the Author and finisher of our Faith. What does that mean for us?
● How can we encourage o
True faith will ask, seek, and knock
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:7-11)
We are invited by God to Ask, seek, and Knock and he promises not to withhold any good thing for us. If we are to experience more of God his presence and power we are going to have to do all three things.
Questions
- I shared about my dad's empty chair and that it can seem theres an empty chair in our own lives when we have not spent time with Jesus. How can we recognise this? what's the best remedy?
- What would you be asking for at this time?
- We are encouraged to seek first the Kingdom of God, what does that mean and how can we practically do that?
- How do we knock on heavens door?
Pray for one another and using the above as direction for your praying
Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.
Colossians 2:16 ESV
Does this verse mean we can eat and drink what we like and if others don't like it, tough?
Is it saying we can behave how we want because we are redeemed?
The spirit of the day would say that it is wrong to eat meat, and that the right thing to do is be a vegan. Better for our health, and better for the planet, and there are good biblical reasons to take this stance.
But what does the Bible say about how we should act?
Christian vegetarianism groups use Genesis 1, all the plants for food, doesn't say the animals.
Christian carnivores might point out that in Genesis 2&3 livestock and beasts of the field. Suggesting they were cultivating animals for food.
The vegetarian movement point out that the picture of heaven given in Isaiah says the lion will sleep with the lamb, indicating that animals won't eat each other.
Remember the means of salvation of the Jews at the Passover was a lamb dinner. So if God commands his people to eat meat, is that the right thing to do, or was that for a very specific circumstance?
Jesus ate meat and fish, and drank wine.
So who is right?
Mark 7:14-15, 17-19
Acts 10, Peter and sheet lowered
1 Timothy 4:1-5
Rom14 and then
We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.
Romans 15:1-2 NLT
1 Cor Paul talks about food offered to idols. We don't have such issues, you might be able to stretch that to halal meat. But his conclusion is
So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble.
1 Corinthians 8:13 NLT
Ephesians 5:15-18 & 21
1 Corinthians 10:27, 29-31
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Although this passage is about sexual sin, it is applied to food and drink often. The principle is the same.
For others judging those that do eat meat, or that do not, may be more of an issue.
Self control. Fruit spirit
If paul was writing right now, would he be talking about wearing masks as another example?
Festivals, we accept that as Christians we celebrate pagan festivals. Christmas and easter both originally were pagan festivals that christians took over and used the date for their own festivals. Must have been very controversial at the start.
There are now Christians who due to the commercialism of these festivals say they won't celebrate them.
Sabbath. Some maintain that we must still make Sunday special.
Some work on a Sunday and have to carve out their time with God at other parts of the week.
We need to make sure that we don't judge those who interpret Scripture in a different way to us.
Judging those who go out clubbing, who don't wear a mask in public, who eat food we consider not to be right.
Equally we should not judge those that don't, and consider them 'weak' in their faith.
We have freedom, and we have responsibility
Food and drink can be incredibly divisive, now as is clearly was 2000 years ago. We need to make a choice to live differently, and hold values tightly where they are a matter of sin, but loosely where they are a matter of choice.
Reread Colossians 2. It is urging us to live in freedom as Christians, understanding what Christ has achieved for us
Questions
Read out Colossians 2
What things do other christians do that you struggle with?
Are there any things you would not be prepared to give up for the sake of other Christians' 'weaknesses'?
How far does your freedom go before it is then sin? How do you draw th
I know I’m free but how do I walk with my freedom?
Colossians 2:20-23 NLT
In summary, we can’t earn our salvation it is Christ + NOTHING.
We are coming to a time when our ability to walk in freedom is even more relevant than ever before.
I want to try and address how we walk in the freedom Jesus has won for us on the cross with grace and humility.
Ok you say now I have spiritual freedom, do I have to obey all these laws given by the government etc? Yes
This passage of scripture is telling us that we don’t have to follow man made rules to be spiritually in touch with Jesus.
Here’s an example: Someone says to you “the right way to pray is using this book, I find it brings me closer to Jesus”.
Now that is helpful, it might be helpful to you but if you don’t do it or you forget to pray according to that book, do you feel condemned or defeated?
It’s easy to say “of course not” but sometimes these things find a crack in our armour and wound.
Don’t give it the elbow of greeting, elbow it out.
In the end please don’t take a lifetime coming to this conclusion, it is about your relationship with Jesus. Read your bible, study it with others, pray but make sure you wait to hear from Him in that still small voice and be filled with the Spirit.
Walking by the Spirit is not always easy. It is not a perfect science, it requires faith and patience but worth it for eternity. Surround yourself with others who can encourage you to develop and speak into your relationship with God.
This is perhaps one of my recurring themes in my teaching and I hope you will find it help if provocative.
Be filled. Filled to over flowing. Continually overflowing.
The Friday morning prayer group prayed for the four elders being loaded with the Spirit. That image developed in my mind and I felt the Holy Spirit remind me of a programme about painting. What I learnt was that sometimes you have to load the paint brush with paint. The same goes when decorating. You have to dip the brush in the paint but not scrape it off the brush on the side of the paint tin. Tip it in and tap it on the side, keep doing this and it builds up a reservoir of paint in the bristles of the brush.
To make up various Colours, you have to mix different colours together. I felt the Holy Spirit tell me that the fruit of the Spirit is like the different colours.
Galatians 5:22-25 NLT
This matches up with the argument in Colossians.
So be filled.
Just to spell it out, we are like the paint brush. Load yourself up with the spirit of God. The fruit of the spirit will come out.
Sometimes we are in a situation where we are under immense pressure, we might need patience and gentleness at another time we might find a friend in distress and we will need kindness and gentleness.
We will be encouraging you all to load your brush with the spirit of God now that we can start to mingle and pray for each other.
We need to be filled again, it has not been easy other the last 16 months. You need to reload, be refilled be filled for the first time in the spirit. Be hungry, be expectant be open to the Spirit there is no law against Him and you being filled.
Questions
Being filled with the spirit is such a joy and available for us all. It’s not a badge of honour but something we should all encourage each other in. In times such as we have been through for the last 16 months we have had few opportunities to pray for each other.
1 Do you feel full of the spirit?
2 How do you engage with the Holy Spirit to be filled. (We are all different but we all need Him to fill us.)
3 I used a paint brush analogy but did you understand my point?
4 Discuss the fruit of the spirit and how each gift is like a colour that makes up who we are and how we react in circumstances.
Peter continues our series looking at Colossians.
All things need to be connected. Look around the room. Screws and bolts and joints to make things hold together. Without them it's a pile of rubbish.
Look at the universe. Held together by a scaffold. A scaffold of forces.
These all emanate from the mass of the black hole at the centre keeping the sun spinning, and in turn us around the sun.
God the most enormous, mind blowing black hole
He keeps the universe spinning.
But we rotate around the sun/Son.
Colossians 2:19
Colossians has been talking about the stuff in our lives, and what we must not add to try and gain our salvation.
What or who holds your life together?
What if we took it away would mean you would fall apart?
Spouse, job, children.
Think of Job, and what happened to him
But, that's not what this verse is about.
Been talking before and after about you individually, but this verse veers off at a tangent to look at how your behaviour changes the church.
Christ is the head of the church, and He holds it all together
1st half verse 19 says we are not connected if we are proud. Doing it in our own strength.
What is standing in the way of us being fully connected?
Our bodies.
Fearfully and wonderfully made.
All of you is there for a reason, even if we don't know what that is, like the appendix.
Without bones and ligaments, we'd be like a little jellyfish on the floor.
Jesus holds his church together.
Joints and ligaments.
Without him it all falls apart.
It becomes a big jellyfish.
1 Corinthians 12:12-31
If we all wanted to be an eye, then we'd be a monster
If we had beautiful flowing hair, but our stomach did not work we'd be malnourished, and the hair would be irrelevant.
Church doesn't feel like it should hold together well.
It holds together as we are all in Christ.
We share salvation, we understand grace.
Not 2 levels of Christianity as neal said last week. We are all sinners saved by grace.
No one job is greater than the other, just because it's more visible.
No rules to come to church. Neal.
We want to be there because of Jesus. He is the connecting factor.
We don't all believe the same stuff
We don't all enjoy one style of worship.
We don't all break our necks to be at the prayer meeting.
But we are all in Christ.
So we are all one.
Ephesians 3:9-12
It grows because God nourishes it.
It grows as we worship together, as we listen to God, as we do what he asks
Try functioning apart from your joints and ligaments. It doesn't work.
Why do we try and function without Christ. As an individual? As a church?
John 1:1-5
Questions for groups.
The questions are in the preach notes.
Below are 2 supplementary and more meaty questions.
Mark Driscoll at the New Frontiers Leaders Conference in 2008 said"If a church becomes an institution it quickly becomes a museum. The remnant just tell the story of when God was there. They are curators, not missionaries."
How do we keep the church from becoming a museum?
Read out Isaiah 40
God holds it all together
He gives the strength to fight another day
Why does He do that?
Colossians 2:16-18 Freedom from Rules and New Life in Christ
This follows on from the previous verses in this chapter as it starts with So. We need to see what was written before to help in our understanding of this section.
The section deals with the lies and deception that had come into the early Church.
v10 is the Key Verse
If you are complete in Christ (and you are) then you do not need additions to your faith to make you holier or more acceptable to God.
ITS JESUS PLUS NOTHING or IT ISNT JESUS AT ALL
It’s not Jesus plus circumcision and it’s not listening to empty philosophies and high sounding nonsense that come from human thinking.
No. We are new creatures in Christ. We have been made alive by the Holy Spirit and our debt is paid.
v14
Paul reminds them that having gained this new freedom in Christ they should be careful not to gain another debt, to the law! Things that are seen as adding to their spirituality end up as powers to which they are enslaved! v16 is Paul’s warning.
They are in danger of putting themselves back under the law and listening to people who are full of pride and their own achievements. They are no longer even listening to Christ the head of the body v19. They are disconnected.
PROUD OF WHAT?
Being super spiritual, better than others
Working your salvation by denying your body comforts
Proud of your gifting, visions of angels etc
Proud of your position
Proud of following the law to make yourself worthy to God.
WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL OF ALL OF THESE AREAS OURSELVES
What they have missed is that Christ is the reality. No longer dealing with shadows but Christ is here and lives in them! The reality has come!
We are all sinners. Romans 3 vs 23
BUT there is good news
Jesus came to save sinners. He came to save those who are sick not those who are well. Something the religious leaders of the day did not understand. Jesus had a meal with many tax collectors and disreputable sinners “Why does you teacher eat with such scum? They asked? Jesus reply in Matt 9:12-13 is wonderful.
You see all these rules and regulations are external to us but Jesus wants to change our heart, from being dead to being spiritually alive! He changes us from the inside out, not from the outside in.
Hebrews 10:16-17
Nicodemus came to Jesus at night to try and talk and find out who Jesus was and he initially
thinks that Jesus has come to save the Jews from the Romans. Jesus explains that his kingdom deals with our sinful nature.
Here is the link on Youtube.
1 Timothy 2:5-6
Jesus died to bring freedom to you. Be careful to not go back and condemn yourselves because you are not doing enough, you cannot earn your salvation. It is a gift from God
What is vital is that we are connected to Christ. It’s all about Jesus, as always!
Colossians 2:19
This is where you need to be - connected to Christ – let God nourish you and grow you as a believer in Christ.
Questions
1.Why is pride an issue for God? What areas of our lives to we need to be careful with so we don’t become proud?
2.We can so easily fall back under the law - laws that other people put on us and even laws we put on ourselves - that we think are ok for our spiritual growth! Think about some of these that you have experienced.
3.Colossians 2 vs 19 is an important verse so how can we ensure that we are always connected to Christ – so important if we are to grow and be nourished.
4.Perhaps watch the Nicodemus clip together – what speaks to you from this clip and do you see the freedom that it brings to Nicodemus? Nicodemus was a high ranking Jew – part of the Sanhedrin and well respected – Knew the law and the bible but didn’t know Jesus until now!
Keith talked from Colossians 2v13-15.
Recognition of our previous position
I talked about the fact we had all missed the mark and fallen short of the glory of God. I contrasted the 'sinful' woman (Luke 7v36-47) who recognised her need to be forgiven and Simon, the Pharisee, who could see sin in others but not himself. Jesus said the woman had been forgiven for her many sins and therefore loved much.
How do you feel you're currently doing with understanding how much you're forgiven?
Redemption - Jesus paid the price
I contrasted our position of being previously spiritually DEAD with now being spiritually ALIVE
Spiritually DEAD
Sinners by nature - Psalm 51:5
Slaves to sin - Romans 6:17
In Adam - Romans 5:14
Hopelessly in debt to God - Colossians 2:14
Separated/alienated from God - Ephesians 2:12
Without hope - Ephesians 2:12
Unable to save ourselves - Matthew 19:26
Spiritually ALIVE
Righteous by nature - Romans 5:19
Free from sin/Slaves to righteousness - Romans 6:18
In Christ - Romans 8:1; Ephesians 2:6
Free from debt forever - Colossians 2:14
Brought near to God, Children of God! - Ephesians 2:13; Romans 8:16; Galatians 4:4-7
Living with hope inside to share with the world - 1 Peter 1:3
Saved by grace through faith - Ephesians 2:8
Which part of being spiritually alive stands out as most exciting to you right now?
The Result / Our Response
I talked about us being set free from sin and needing the Holy Spirit to enable us to walk free.
How about asking the Holy Spirit to fill you and strengthen you right now?
Is there anything particular you want Him to help you with?
Circumcision - Colossians 2:11
Background
Jewish children, circumcised when they were a week old. It marked you as belonging.
Not exclusive to Israel, common amongst many peoples, males and females.
Strange in our culture.
Deuteronomy 10:14-22
Complete because you have less....
Like Phil was saying last week, need to look to the other letters to get the full picture of what Paul is referring to
There is a covenant when you come to Christ. It is done
Unnecessary fleshLike an appendix, just a bit of skin
A sinful nature is not necessary for your good. It is by its very nature bad. Chocolate cake is good. But actually it is very bad for us. We can not live by chocolate cake alone. Yes we like it.
Do we need it, no. Do we need a sinful nature? No.
Circumcision is also unnecessary in that it has already happened spiritually
Harmful fleshHarbour disease, if you are not attentive and clean well. Have to explain to a child.
All kinds of reasons that I have to refer people for a circumcision.
Sin is harmful.
Cut out the eye that sins. Jesus does not mean us to do that physically but metaphorically. Avoid it. Run away from sin. Escape sin.
But it had been cut off. It has gone.
You can't put it back on.
It is finished....
Why do I keep sinning?
Now and the not yet of the kingdom of God
A sign of belongingAll the same. Join the club
What is the sign you are saved?
What do friends see as the mark that Christ has circumcised you?
No loss in the circumcision.
Prune vine, cut bits away that are rotten
John 15:1-5
Early churchActs 11:1-3
I'm a more authentic Christian than you because I was a Jew first.
Rom 3 starts regarding circumcision and it's value. Then....
Romans 3:11-12, 20
Galatians 6:14-15
It's going beyond law, to a place of love and obedience.
Acceptance of grace.
Romans 2:25
We could not keep all the law of God, and so the covenant with God was broken. So Christ had to come to make a covenant we could not break. Could not earn. Could not receive by a ceremony. We just have to accept.
FinishGalatians 5:2
it's not about what you do, but about what he has done.
What do you believe in?
What do you trust in for your salvation?
It is finished
Not half done
Don't need to collect church attendance points like a giant Costa card to get a free place in heaven
Jesus plus NOTHING.
Response / QuestionsWhat are you doing to try and earn your salvation? What do you need to let go of, like a worthless bit of skin, so you can accept that Jesus did it all?
Do you for the first time need to accept what Christ did on the cross, and let your sinful nature be taken away, leaving you clean and with access to God and a place in heaven, guaranteed?
Fully Satisfied with all God is For us In Christ Jesus
Every person in the world wants to know what will make him or her happy. We’re all desperately seeking for the person, place, or thing that will meet our expectations, needs, and wants.
We were designed for so much more than the trivial pursuit of pleasure
So maybe here in Colossians we find the answer to all this
For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
Colossians 2:9 - 10
Col 1:27
Eph - You In Christ - Loved, Chosen, Adopted, Kindness, forgiveness, Wisdom, Understanding,
John 1:1-4
Colossians 1:19
John 1:16
How do you see God?
Some higher power?
Some spiritual force?
A God who is cruel, mean, Authoritarian, unloving?
Do you see God as 3 persons in one? Teacher at my Junior school could not sing from the hymn Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty : “God in three persons, blessed trinity” as he could not believe that truth
If you do, how do you rank them? in an order of importance or position?
1. God the Father - Most Important
2. God the Son - Second
3. God the Holy spirit - Least Important
Or are they just one third of God?
Each Person is Fully God!
The Doctrine of the Trinity - Bit of homework for you!
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-is-the-doctrine-of-the-trinity
Promises of Satisfaction
The Bible is full of glorious promises of satisfaction for the discontent:
John 6:35
Psalm 107:9
Psalm 22:26
Psalm 16:11
Our Good and His Glory
Seeking satisfaction in Christ alone serves two purposes:
It is for our good and for the glory of God. “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” John Piper
There are benefits we reap as we know, love, and delight ourselves in Jesus.
- The Father gives us peace that surpasses human understanding
- He provides for all our needs according to his riches in Glory
- No good thing is withheld from us
- He makes ALL things work together for our good.
Living in light of these truths proclaims to a discontent world that Jesus is better than anything the world has to offer.
As we look to Jesus to make us truly happy, we also proclaim to a world in need that only Christ can truly satisfy.
When we are most satisfied in him, he loves that,
“We glorify God when our satisfaction is Jesus alone”.
This can be hard for us to grasp. Why?
• Because to us, we have to read our Bible to glorify God
• Or we have to pray to make him happy.
• Or be telling others about him all the time.
• Or Trying really hard to not sin.
No. When we are fully satisfied in him, all those things will happen as a consequence and he is happy with us.
“He is most glorified when we are happy with him and in Him. That's crazy and difficult for us to comprehend, but does not change the fact it's true.
Conclusion
Jirah - The Lord Provides
He provides for all your needs Because he is enough
Is he enough for you - Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
Questions
• How do you understand the Fullness of God living in Jesus human form?
• What does that teach us about our own christian life?
• How should that affect our understanding of God who fills the whole universe and more?
• Have you ever considered what it means for us to have been created in the Image of God? What are the possibilities for us? Is there anything you have not seen or understood about this truth before?
https://blog.youversion.com/2
Colossians 2:8-10
Paul wants to people in Colossae to understand that it is not about head knowledge and philosophical argument. It’s about a heart understanding and that in Christ we are made complete. Paul in no uncertain terms states that Christ is ENOUGH!
You are complete through your union with Christ v10
This is as important today as it was for the early Church. We can be captured by reasoned argument and what sounds plausible but is in fact empty and nonsense, coming from human thinking and not Christ.
We have to be careful what we read, watch and listen to. So much of what is available is counterfeit. It may sound or look good but in fact is empty and has no value!
£10 notes example: Monopoly money and fake £10 notes
How do we be careful about what we take in and ensure that it is right, not empty words of man’s thinking?
1. DOES IT LINE UP WITH THE WORD OF GOD, THE BIBLE?
If what you are looking at/listening to does not line up with scripture then beware, it is not truth. God gave us his word to guide us and help us and it is the truth.
Psalm 118:105
Psalm 1:1-3
John 17:17
We need to know God’s word if we are to know what is true and what is untrue, false or empty! We need to read our Bibles!
Quote: “The bible is meant to be our daily bread, not cake for special occasions. A bible that is falling apart usually belongs to a person who isn’t”
2. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND PRAYER
You have the Holy Spirit living in you and he is there to guide you into all truth. This is what Jesus tells his disciples in John 14:16-17
Advocate: comforter, encourager, counsellor.
John 16:13
1 John 2:26-27
This is so important in our lives. The Holy Spirit can tell you if something is right or wrong and you KNOW in your Spirit and can feel it. He is our guide. Use Him, ask him and lean on him!
Talk to Jesus: Pray and ask for wisdom! If any of you lack wisdom ASK!
Song: Elevation – Talking to Jesus
What a friend we have in Jesus
It’s not a religion. It’s more like a friendship
Just talk to your father, like you are his kid
Just start talking to Jesus. You can talk to Jesus whenever you like!
3. Don’t be afraid to ask your leaders
We are constantly bombarded with ideas, thoughts, wisdom and opinions. We have social media and millions of websites that we can access at the touch of a button. Everyone has an opinion and wants to be heard. That’s why we have so many problems with social media abuse, racial issues, bullying and criminal cyber activity. It can be a hard place to navigate correctly.
BUT you have community group leaders and elders or someone in the Church that you trust who can help if you are unsure. You can get them to check out what you are looking at to see if it’s good or bad and they can pray about it and see what God says. This is particularly important if you are a young Christian.
This is how the body of Christ works. We don’t all know everything. But pool our resources and there is a wealth of Christian experience that you can draw on.
Ephesians 4:11-16
To Finish
Dave at the end of the last meeting prophesied this
“Don’t borrow truth from worldly things – Find truth in my word
There can be errors in borrowing truth from the world
My word has the fullness of truth and full revelation of what is needed for you!
Amen to that!
Questions
1.“You are complete through your union with Christ” v10. This is so important and the enemy will constantly attack us telling us we are not complete. What can we do to counteract these lies?
2.How can I read the bible more effectively and use it to remember God’s promises and his truth?
3.How does the Holy Spirit speak to us and how can we learn to listen and feel his touch?
4.Our Church members have a huge reservoir of experience. Why are we so reticent to use that experience an
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:6-7
I’m going to talk about thankfulness but I want to start with the foundations of that thankfulness.
Phil spoke recently about the cedars of Lebanon I want to speak on the Oaks or righteousness.
At a recent prayer meeting I felt the Holy Spirit give me a picture of an acorn with the germination of the roots.
At the beginning of an oaks life, when an acorn first sprouts, most of its energy is spent on root development. The initial root is the taproot, which grows deep underground, seeking a dependable supply of moisture. Once this is accomplished, greater foliage and branch growth can begin. Soon the taproot is surpassed by an extensive root system spreading horizontally. This lateral mass of roots will bring the tree moisture and nutrients for its lifetime.
Trees can even share the root systems that have grafted together.
If an oak is not in a site with adequate drainage, the balance of moisture air and nutrients is upset. Overwatering can smother the roots and lead to crown or root rot. If the roots are concreted over it will damage the roots.
There is such a clear parallel to me between our spiritual lives and the oak.
The reason we are looking at Colossians is to encourage all of us to deepen our roots into Christ.
Like the oak we need the water of the Spirit and the nutrients of the word of God to grow and thrive, the develop growth and be able to stand when the winds of life blow. Sometimes they blow hard and other times they could uproot us.
We have received Christ now we need to know him and know him more day by day by day. Dig into scripture. Talk to the Holy Spirit. Listen to teaching that is grace centred and ask to be prayed for at every opportunity. I have said it before but the Holy Spirit once said to me “every time I touch you I bring life”.
Let’s look at a great Psalm to help us.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.””
Psalms 46:1-4, 7, 10
Questions
- There are bad things that come at us. No one alive has lived a charmed life. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”Romans 8:28 NIV. Share your own stories of where God has turned the bad to good. What scripture do you use to help you in difficult and joyful times?
- There are good things that he promises and gives us. Forgiveness, justification, the Holy Spirit etc. Remember the good things and share those with each other. Point out to each other the positives.
- AND the best things are yet to come. We are citizens of heaven first. We have future that is the envy of the world. Eternal life with a loving God, with no more tears, no more pain, no more sin. Is this promise of eternal life in your thoughts? What do you believe heaven will be like?
Having a big and real life vision of Jesus is worthy of thankfulness. As we search deeper, we will find a new aspect of Jesus that amazes us of the enormity of God and his creation.
Let us overflow with thankfulness.
In our series on Colossians we have looked at how Christ needs to be at the centre of our thinking and that Paul constantly brings us back to Christ – who he is, his position in the world and also where he should be in our experience and Christian lives.
We know that the local church had been influenced by different thinking and that the teaching was that Christ was not enough – you had to add things to Christ to become more Holy and more useful to God.
v2 Christ himself
v9 in Christ
v10 with Christ
v13 alive in Christ
v17 Christ himself
v19 connected to Christ
v20 with Christ
v3 “In him (Christ) lie all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge”: If I asked everyone do you believe this verse I hope and trust that everyone would say YES! We do believe that verse and yet in our experience is that what happens?
We spend a lot of time using our own wisdom and knowledge in situations of life – and we use other people’s wisdom and knowledge trying to work everything out. Be CAREFUL WHO YOU ASK AS NON CHRISTIANS CAN ONLY GIVE YOU WORLDLY ADVICE NOT SPIRITUAL ADVICE – THEY DON’T KNOW GOD AND WHO HE IS AND WHAT HE CAN DO!!
When we are at the end of ourselves we can use God like an emergency button to try and resolve whatever situation we are in!
It’s like calling International Rescue or Batman when trouble strikes and we have worn ourselves out trying to work it all out. God wants us to know and understand this verse and what it means to live our lives with this knowledge.
John Piper: “What churches and leaders need more than anything is a GREAT BIG VISION of a GREAT BIG GOD – A God of magnificent love and lavish grace”
I would say that we all need that revelation of God for ourselves and that is what Paul is writing about here!
Ephesians 3:20
This is the vision of God that Paul wants us to grasp – and note where the power works: WITHIN US….
AW TOZER: “God is looking for people through whom he can do the impossible. What a pity we plan only the things we can do ourselves?”
What is your vision of God like? Is he big enough in your thinking or is he limited by your understanding/experience?
1 Corinthians 1:25
God is the God of impossible situations. We need to remind ourselves of what God can do when all seems lost in the bible or in our own lives and circumstances!
Abraham and Sara conceive when they are 100 years old
Moses and the Red Sea
Daniel in the Lions Den
Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego in the fiery furnace
Paul persecuting the Church and then becoming a Christian
Peter being released from Prison by God’s Power
Jesus Miracles throughout the gospels
John Piper: “If we don’t call to mind what God says about himself our mind can be filled with negative thoughts such as I can’t/They Won’t/It won’t work/It’s not going to happen/etc. Reasoning your way out of an impossible situation is not as effective as reminding yourself that God does impossible things!”
God says “I hold all the aces.” We need to remind ourselves of this.
Proverbs 3:5
Why? “Because in Christ lie all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge”
George Muller: “Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith really begins when men’s power ends!”
Proverbs 2:1-6
Let’s have faith and trust in God – the God of the impossible - the God that holds all the aces!
Questions
1. What is your vision of God like? Is he big enough in your thinking? How can we change our vision of God?
2. Why do we rely on our own wisdom and understanding so often? Is this part of our upbringing? How can we change this thinking?
3. See George Muller's quote about faith above. What do you think of this statement?
4. Think of examples that are tough/impossible in your own life. Perhaps share with your group if you can and pray that impossible situations are changed by
Phil continued our series looking at Colossians.
Introduction
What are we building our life on?
What is the source of your life?
What is feeding you?
While this past year may have been tough, we have had time to do things we didn't have before
What have we used that time for ?
Have we used it to build our relationship, drawing nearer and going deeper?
We have said this before is our life built on church attendance or on a relationship
Let's see what Paul says here to the Colossian church
“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:6-7 NLT
Let's just look a this verse
3 things to emphasize here, and Pauls tone is strong
1 You must continue to follow him
So many start well but fall away when trouble comes or perhaps they have not fully understood what it is to follow Jesus. Jesus told them. Parable of the sower - Matthew 13:3-9 NLT
In this passage there are 4 types of ground
a. Hard footpath
b. shallow soil with underlying Rock
c. thorny ground
d. fertile soil
It seems the odds are 1 in 4 for the seed to grow and become strong and last
2. Let your roots go down into him
Paul prays his readers will be secure in their reliance on love. The imagery is that of a tree held strongly by deep roots (Matthew 13:6, 21; 15:13; Mark 4:17). Love, especially shown between fellow Christians, is meant to be the hallmark of our faith (John 13:34–35). Love is likewise meant to keep the Christian grounded, staying in place with Christ and growing us to maturity. Colossians 2:7 speaks similarly of being "rooted and built up in him and established in the faith."
Matthew 13:21
But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.
Psalm 92:12
But the godly will flourish like palm trees
and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.
The Cedar Trees of Lebanon
Today, the Bulk of the Cedar trees are located on the Arz Mountains in Lebanon. The site is well protected and cherished as UNESCO named the forest one of the World Heritage sites.
Solomon used this cedar wood in Building the temple.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT
Psalms 1:1-3 NLT
3. Let your lives be built on him
Paul famously speaks eloquently of faith, hope, and love at the conclusion of 1 Corinthians 13. Here, he mentions two of these attributes.
First, his desire in this passage is for growth in faith, rather than knowledge, though both are important.
Ephesians 2:22 also used the idea of a "dwelling place for God by the Spirit." Paul similarly taught the Colossians, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Colossians 3:16).
Parable of 2 men building a house - Matthew 7:24-27 NLT
Conclusion
The fruit of being rooted
Overflowing with Thankfulness
As a nation we have a culture of complaining, blame & claim
To walk in the opposite spirit is to be thankful and in every circumstance be content. Paul knew this but did it come from within himself, his own choice or decision or from him being rooted in Christ?
When we are rooted into him the fruit will be evident.
Questions
In what ways do you need to grow up in Christ?
How are you putting your roots down into him? Are there any hindrances to this?
What do we need to do to build our lives on him?
What evidence should we be expecting when we do these 3 things Paul encourages us to do?
Peter continued our look at Colossians.
"I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love." Colossians 2:2a
"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:35
Like and love are different.
Knit together. Stronger than a single strand. Demonstrate this
Gill Harper's legacy in CitP - One-anothering.
100 instances of "one-another" in the NT, and half of them are aimed at the believers for other believers.
These are the keys to love and encouragement.
1/3 are to do with unityMark 9:50
Ephesians 4:32 NLT
1/3 are to do with love.
Romans 12:10
Some are to do with humilityPhilippians 2:3
Galatians 5:13 NLT
Other verses
Galatians 6:2
1 Thessalonians 5:11
We don't live as Christians in isolation.
Love AND encouragement.
If you do these things, you will be encouraged!
1 Corinthians 13, love passage.
Let love be your highest goal. 1 Cor. 14:1
Questions for groupsLook at the 'one-anothering' picture here: https://overviewbible.com/one-another-infographic/
What do you do well?
What do you need to develop?
What do you struggle with and need some help on?
Peter and the other Elders outlined Church in the Peak's connections with churches iocally, around the UK and worldwide.
So we tell others about Christ but how?
Colossians 1 v 28-29
I spoke a few weeks ago about the secret gift that is now available to everyone and the Holy Spirit being within you to change you and to flow from you.
But first we must remember we are painting a big picture of Jesus in His glory conveying the zeal he has for the people in his creation.
Be filled with the Spirit.
100% love. 100% forgiveness. 100% His presence. 100% grace.
How do we convert that to evangelism. Let’s first define evangelism.
It is “pastoring the lost and revealing Christ. “
Salvation is an holistic act. Body mind and spirit.
Our evangelism strategy is holistic too.
We are coming out of lockdown but what opportunities are we expecting?
Was it just a time to endure. Let’s get back to where we were.
My view is that we see plagues or pandemics in the bible and they are often the forerunners of society changes as people turn to seek God.
How do we take or create opportunities to tell others?
Let’s look at what we do in evangelism.
1. We will give you food through the Jigsaw food bank regardless of whether you believe in Jesus or not but we want you to know that we do this because of our love for Jesus and we could not do this without Jesus.
2. We will give you advice through the CMA debt advice service regardless of whether you believe in Jesus or not but we want you to know that we do this because of our love for Jesus and we could not do this without Jesus.
3. We offer friendship through Totzone and Limelight regardless of whether you believe in Jesus or not but we want you to know that we do this because of our love for Jesus and we could not do this without Jesus.
4. We have a clothes bank to help you regardless of whether you believe in Jesus or not but we want you to know that we do this because of our love for Jesus and we could not do this without Jesus.
This is a biblical response
1 Peter 3:13-16
How do we take or create opportunities to tell others?
Let’s remember that for the last 13 months we have been bombarded with the spectre of our mortality day in day out. Our reactions have all been different but fear has been and still is a common emotion.
We have hope in the face of death so how do we convey that without being arrogant or insensitive?
QUESTIONS
It has not been uncommon for people to say things like;
“It makes you think about what is important in life”
Let me ask you a question to challenge you all.
What has helped you through the last 13 months?
Your group still meeting on zoom?
Walking your dog?
Worship music?
Watching a series on Netflix?
Reading your bible more or in more depth?
More time as a family together?
Gods provision of money or food( fill in your own story)
Discovering you can order a takeaway from your phone?
The support of your church family?
Be real.
Be honest.
Combine them.
I’ll give you my example.
Walking with my dogs in the evening has been so helpful but without being able to sing and worship to songs on my phone I’d be lost. It certainly helped me connect with God. That has helped me through.
We want you to be mature in your faith as elders.
Secure in your salvation,
A worshipper of Jesus
Living a a life that is changing you to be more and more like Christ
Full of love, grace, forgiveness and carrying the presence of the Holy Spirit with you.
How mature do you think you are?
What would help you to keep growing in your mature?
What a privilege to Celebrate the Resurrection of our Saviour King Jesus. It’s the greatest day in History - The day the power of ALL sin for ALL time was dealt with.
The very foundation of our Faith. There is no one else who can forgive sin and free us from the power of sin only Jesus. Jesus Died carrying the weight of our sin upon himself conquering it forever. His blood shed for us that washes us spotless and Blameless, made righteous by putting our faith in him and asking him into our lives.
He was raised to life - Philippians 2:6-11
Romans 8:32-39
It was because of love that he went to the cross for us and Paul confirms that nothing can separate us from that love.
Q Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
Q Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own?
A No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself.
Q Who then will condemn us?
A No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honour at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
Q Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?
A (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This week an old song has been on my mind and in it there's an invitation to look at Jesus.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full, in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace
Romans 8 tells us of what has been accomplished for us by Jesus Death and Resurrection. Because he loved you and me whether you already know God or Not. Jesus chose to do this, no one took his life from him he gave it up freely that you might have life like this.
The invitation is simple: Turn your eyes upon Jesus . Look Full into his wonderful face - We can do this without any shame, guilt or fear
He will not Judge us
He will not Accuse us
He will not Condemn us
He will not turn his face away from us
He will receive us
He will forgive us
He will cleanse us from our sin
He will lavish us with love & grace
He will Affirm us as Children of God.
He will hide us in the Shadow of his wing.
and so much more
Have you been distracted from looking upon the face of Jesus by other things?
What’s stopping you today from looking at Jesus?
When John encountered Jesus in Revelation, here’s how he described him - Revelation 1:9, 12-16
Conclusion
Andrew Wilson - Incomparable - P196 Jesus Shines.
I Can Only Imagine - MercyMe
I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk by your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes would see
When your face is before me
I can only imagine
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the sun
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you
I can only imagine
Questions
• How do we see Jesus?
• What is our response to Jesus today?
• Are the things of earth clouding your view and understanding of Jesus?
• Are you experiencing his Glory
We need righteousness to be acceptable to God but we are not righteous – we are sinners.
Romans 3 vs 23 – “all have sinned and come short of God’s glory”
So God has what we need and don’t deserve – righteousness - and we have what God hates and separates us from God – sin – So what’s the answer to this problem? – Jesus is the answer – Jesus dies on the cross as the perfect sacrifice, his blood is shed for our sins and he takes our place and takes our condemnation.
2 Corinthians 5 vs 21 “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made righteous with God through Christ”
Who was the offering? – Christ
Who took our sin? – Christ
Who is made right with God? – Us
This is the great exchange that happened at the cross – God lays our sins on Jesus and punishes them in him, and fulfils his righteousness and credits (imputes) it to us.
This is how it works -
Our sin on Christ
His righteousness on us
It is all about what Jesus has done to reconcile us to God – he takes our sin by the shedding of his blood as our perfect sacrifice and we receive his righteousness (Goodness) in return – It’s not what we deserve – it’s all because of his love for us. When we receive this by faith we begin to understand that it is all because of Jesus and it is all by his grace and love.
He received what he didn’t deserve - and we receive what we don’t deserve! The great exchange has taken place!
1 Peter 2 vs 24 “He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right (righteousness)”
You can’t thank Jesus enough, you can’t worship him enough, love him too much or depend on him too much. All our forgiveness, all our justification and all our righteousness is in Christ!
We sang last week “ Oh for a thousand tongues to sing” and there is a line that says this
He breaks the power of cancelled sin – he sets the prisoner free
His blood can make the foulest clean
His blood avails for me
Strange word “Avail” we don’t use it very much any more but it has great meaning - to be of use, to benefit, to suffice, a blessing, a gain!!
This is the power of Jesus blood being shed on the cross – He died that you might live!!
Gods secret - He lives in you : Colossians 1:27
When I was first born again there was a national campaign called JIM. Jesus in me. It gave me opportunities to tell people about Jesus and my new found faith. It helped me visualise my understanding of grace and the work of the spirit.
I want to encourage you to allow the Spirit to work again in your heart.
In my preparation I have felt the Lord say “I am not some kind of Talisman that brings good luck. I am the living God who lives within you not on the outside. “
A challenge: Is he there by your side or is he working within you and flowing out from you?
Context: Colossians is written to the church because they were in danger of adding to the work of Christ thus nullifying the cross.
Jesus explains the secret that has been hidden. It is the story of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4.
“Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.””
“But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.””
This water bubbles up to eternal life. In Colossians the gift of the secret leads to eternal life. It’s the same thing.
Do you drink of that water?
Let’s look at the bottles label: The ingredients - 100% love. 100% forgiveness. 100% His presence. 100% grace.
These satisfy the heart. When we experience the living water it is SO satisfying that it changes everything. The law can’t change you.
They have a political discussion about temples - the true temple is in Jerusalem not the Samaritan one BUT
“But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24
He is pointing to the cross. He knows his destiny and because of his love for us follows that path.
On the cross we see 100% love. 100% forgiveness. 100% His presence. 100% grace.
When you understand the grace of God, it sets down roots within you. It changes you from the inside out.
“On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” John 7:37-38
Just to prove all this Jesus rose from the dead that we will have eternal life and share in HIS glory.
Church we are the streams on barren heights when we have grasped the secret of his living water and that it lives in us and will flow from us.
Questions
- Does “the secret that Jesus lives in you” give you the assurance of your salvation?
- What scriptures do you know that would help you or others to be assured that once you are saved you are saved for eternity?
- It is so easy to think of Christianity as a a talisman, how do you think of the work of the Spirit in your life? Working within you or there like a book on the shelf to be read when in trouble?
- How easily do you find it to drink of the living water in the story in John 4?
On the cross we see 100% love. 100% forgiveness. 100% His presence. 100% grace. Have you seen the Spirts work inn this way? How do you see the water?
- The secret and the water of life are the same thing. Encourage each other to cultivate the changing power of the Spirit to flow out of you as much as it changes you inside.
- How can we be the rivers flowing on the barren heights?
- Pray for each other to have faith to see the Spirit flow and change in each one of us.
v25 – The entire message
Paul wants them to know the full message and not just part of it as it is this that will bring freedom and an end to all the false teaching that they were hearing.
Remember they were being told that Jesus Christ was not enough. You had to add extra spirituality to your life to please God. The message was Jesus plus other things and Paul has been trying to explain that it’s all about JESUS and he is enough. It’s JESUS plus nothing!
36 times in Colossians Paul mentions that we are in Christ/Of Christ/From Christ and with Christ. Jesus is central to the whole book just as he is central to the Christian Faith!
Also the local Jewish churches were advocating that the gentile churches were somehow second class churches because they did not have the rich tradition of the old testament and understand the law and the Jewish heritage. No longer is God a God who is found only in the temple but he has come to live in our hearts, Jew or Gentile!
We need to understand the place of the gentiles in Jewish history to fully understand why this was so important and one of the best ways to do this is by looking at the Temple arrangements.
Most Holy Place – Could only be entered once a year by the High Priest who would offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people.
The Holy Place – Could only be entered into by The Priests.
Between these two rooms was the curtain which separated the two. This was more like a wall than a curtain and was 60’ high 30’ wide and between 4-6” thick. No light was allowed to penetrate the curtain and it had to completely cover the most Holy Place. When it was taken down to be replaced it took 300 people to change it over!
Outside these were the Courts of Israel then a wall, then the courts of women and another wall, then the gentiles were outside these courts, as far away from the Holy Place as you can imagine. That’s where you and I would be today if Jesus hadn’t come!
When Jesus comes and dies on the cross he fulfils the role of the High Priest once and for all time
Hebrews 10:11-12
The lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world and that is why it is so important that when Jesus died the curtain was torn from top to bottom – it was no longer needed!
Matthew 27:45-46
v50–52
The curtain came down because it hindered access to God’s presence. The whole point of Jesus coming was to restore our relationship to God. Access is no longer in a building made by hands, it’s by the Holy Spirit in your hearts. He now wants to come and tabernacle in your hearts. Christ in You, no matter who you are!
This is God’s promise and the secret that has been revealed by Christ coming!
Hebrews 10:16-23
This is great news but there is even more says Paul.
This is the mystery that has been revealed to the Colossian Church – Christ in You, the Hope of Glory. It’s the same mystery that has been revealed to us. The entire message from God – Jesus has fulfilled the law, fulfilled the role of the high priest and our sacrifice, once for all time. You now have access to the father every day, not through a building or a Holy Place, but through your heart. Christ lives in you! Sons and daughters of the King!
Matthew Henry
“This mystery, now made known is Christ in you, the hope of Glory. Christ is the hope of Glory. The grounding of our hope is Christ in the world. The evidence of our hope is Christ in our hearts”
Ephesians 2:19-22
Questions
1. Do we understand the role of the temple in Jewish History and why it was so important to the Jews?
2. Jesus dying and the veil being torn in two has huge significance for us as Christians. Have a look at what this means for us and the role of the old temple?
3. Christ In you, the Hope of glory. Let God speak to you about what this means for you as a Christian. What does this set us free from?
4. Should this knowledge change our thinking and how should it affect our daily Chris
Colossians 1:24-27 NLT
Suffering in the world is probably the biggest excuse of why people say God cannot exist.
What is suffering?
Suffering is having what you don’t want or wanting what you don’t have. Elizabeth Elliot
For centuries v24 has been used as reasoning to torture yourself and feel that your pain is a good thing. This is not what this verse is about.
How do we suffer?
Paul suffered in his body, in jail and beatings. He understood that this was part of the suffering of Christ for his church, which is Jesus' body. Paul was 'glad' when he suffered. Why? It was for the extension of the Kingdom of God. Christ died for His church. He is passionate for her, His bride.
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim Elliot
What man meant for evil, God used for good.
Some feel we are suffering by not meeting. The law does allow up to 30 people to be in the building, socially distanced with masks on. They are not allowed to sing, and refreshment is not allowed. Not a great experience, and what about the other 150 people? We decided to meet together using technology was better for now, knowing we would be able to meet in person soon. Most of us would prefer that, though some would like to stay away, and we will continue the livestream when we meet in person again.
Now the Chinese church meets on Zoom etc. It's still meeting. It's not the same, no, but it's as good as they can get whilst staying on the right side of the law. The church is flourishing in China whilst being persecuted. The church in the UK has also flourished during lockdown, with an explosion of Alphas and meetings, which are now accessible to all.
The other way people look at this passage is saying that it's about personal suffering? Illness etc. I do believe God can use illness and pain to extend the church, but I don't believe he ever causes pain for that purpose. He just uses the bad thing.
Correction of heresy. God doesn't heal everyone. Otherwise no one would die. God doesn't magic away our personal suffering. We live in a fallen world, and so there is disease and sickness, and God won't take that away till we get a new heaven and earth, which will be after this life. Have faith for the miracle yes. But don't be disappointed in God if it does not happen.
Salvation. Isaiah 53:4-6 ESV By his stripes I am healed. Yes. But nothing to do with physical healing. This is healed in your soul. Mustn't take verses out of context.
Paul served the church by proclaiming the message he had been given by Jesus. How do we serve the church? What is the job Jesus has given us to extend the kingdom of God? Paul said he was giving the 'entire' message. The Colossian church was giving less than the full truth, and that was not right. It was robbing them of the fullness of joy in the gospel message. So Paul was helping correct that, so that they could know what joy and riches were on offer in the gospel message.
What is the secret message? Christ lives in you. This is a big deal. It changes everything.
It changes how you respond to everything, even suffering.
What are the riches and glory of Christ? That he lives in us. So we have assurance of sharing in his glory. What's that? Eternal life, overcoming death.
So. How do we respond when God gives us something to do? Groan, or rejoice? It might be hard, it may feel like suffering, but if God wants us to do it…
Whatever is in the cup that God is offering to me, whether it be pain and sorrow and suffering and grief along with the many more joys, I’m willing to take it because I trust Him
Elizabeth Elliot
Questions
What type of suffering do you struggle with?
How do you feel about church coming back to proper meetings? What will have changed or need to change?
How do you feel when God is not healing you?
For Phil's full notes (in PDF format):https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vFoecw0OTsEXrZFvTCZv_CKLUMhsCVDy/view?usp=sharing
Introduction
• Today's Talk is an Important /serious Talk
• There seems to be another teaching around about God's Punishment that does not line up with New Testament teaching
• We all can have moments of doubt
• we can all get tempted to look to something else
• Some may say its not working for me anymore
• Even when everything in our lives seems contrary to the truth and it's shouting louder than the truth Paul's encouragement / instruction is to stand Firm.
Colossians 1:23
Definition: to refuse to change a decision, position or our mind.
Isaiah 7:9
Ephesians 6:10-12
Galatians 1:6-10
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
God Is Wrathful (And That’s A Good Thing)
God Is Full Of Grace
3 Ways we can Stand Firm
• WE HAVE TO KNOW ON WHAT (OR WHOM) WE ARE STANDING.
John 14:6, John 17:17, Psalm 40:1-2
• RESIST THE DEVIL AND HIS LIES
When we are struggling with our faith, Satan will whisper words contrary to God’s Word. We have to choose to reject those thoughts and take them captive and make them subject to the truth
• DON’T WAVER BETWEEN FAITH, DOUT and FALSE TEACHING
We have to know what we believe and why we believe, so that when the challenges come, we are firm in our faith.
1 Kings 18:21
Are you sometimes still wavering between wanting to follow God and wanting to follow the world. If that is the case, we will definitely struggle with our faith. The Lord is asking you today, “How long will you waver between two opinions?”
If you know that God is God and God is good, there’s no question. Don’t let the devil make you think Satan has something better to offer you in the world. That's the lie he wants you to believe.
Only God is God and He alone knows what is best for us. He alone is the path to life, love, and victory.
Abraham and his faith. He was a man, a real person, just like you and me. God gave him a great promise with little evidence that he could actually see.
Romans 4:20
Abraham made mistakes.
• He wasn't perfect. But he was “fully persuaded.”
• Are you fully persuaded that God is able to do what He has promised?
Conclusion
Are you still struggling to believe God because of trials, tribulations, or temptations that you are going through right now?
Be encouraged that the Lord of all can set you free.
He can lead you out of the place of doubt and confusion and give you a firm place to stand.
Open your arms wide to the love of Jesus and let Him lift you up.
Trust that He is good and He loves you perfectly.
He will make a way for you and keep you in His love and in His truth.
He has promised to keep us until the day of Jesus Christ.
Questions For Groups - (Suggest only pick 3 or 4 Questions)
• Have you ever thought of yourself as deserving God’s wrath? Why or why not?
• Is there one thing you learned about God’s wrath leaves you more in awe of Him?
• Can you remember a time when you asked Jesus to absorb God’s wrath on your behalf and be your saviour? Take a few minutes right now to thank Jesus for saving you.
• Where in your life do you struggle to receive grace?
• Do you find it hard to give others grace?
• Do you feel truly adopted, redeemed, and forgiven?
What things will help you continue in unwavering faith in the hope of the gospel (v.23)?
Colossians 1:19-22 Ezekiel 37:1-14
God reconciles man to God – He is the only one who can do this but why does he need to? Can we reconcile ourselves to God? The problem as always is our sinful nature and that we are sinners and God is Holy – the two cannot mix and so the "sin problem" has to be dealt with before we can be reconciled to God.
Reconcile – To make things compatible with each other that are incompatible!
This is what Jesus does and he is the only one who can do it!
1 Timothy 2:5
John 14:16
The way to God is through Jesus and Jesus only – The Colossian Church had listened to false teaching that said it was Jesus plus other things and Paul wants to remind them that it’s Jesus plus nothing or it isn’t really Jesus at all? Universal faith? – all roads lead to God in the end – Not True – Only Jesus leads us to God and anything else diminishes what Jesus did by going to the cross and dying for us. If all roads lead to God why did Jesus need to die at all?
Romans 5:1
Jesus had to save us and bring peace to our relationship with God by Jesus blood on the cross – the great sacrifice for our sins
What is our position before this?
v21 – You were far away from God – You were his enemies separated by your evil thoughts and actions (Sin)
BUT NOW – he has reconciled you to himself through Christ Jesus and you now stand Holy and blameless.
Ephesians 2:1 – You were dead in your trespasses and sins and separated from God without hope.
v4 : How does God make us alive through Christ when we are dead? He breathes the life giving spirit into our souls and makes us alive to Christ – If you are dead you need a miracle and you need the breath of life breathed into you –Just the same as we read
in Ezekiel 37 – The bodies are complete but they have no breath in them – Until God comes and breathes LIFE into them
v14 : This is what God does when we become a Christian – death to life by the living power of God’s breath – Remember he is creator God and has been since the beginning of time – It’s what he has always done
Genesis 1:7 : Jesus in his Ministry breathed life into Lazarus when he had been dead for 4 days and Martha said it was too late. Even Martha didn’t realise that Jesus had power over death and the tomb and that all was not lost – the breath of God raised Lazarus from the dead because his breath brings life!
John 11:25 : Jesus died and was laid in the tomb for three days. The life giving breath of God was breathed into him and he was raised from the dead – because God’s breath brings life – as soon as he met the disciples after he was raised from the dead he breathes life into them.
John 20:21 : The Hebrew word for this breath is RUACH – it’s a wind, a life force that sustains all living things – human beings included.
This living breath is the same today.
God wants to breathe his life into you and you will never be the same again. No one is too far away – no one is so dead they cannot be saved – nothing is impossible with God!
Song – Zach Williams – Rattle
Since when has impossible stopped you , He can restore anything he wants to
Questions:
1. Does the passage from Ezekiel 37 help us understand the power of God and the power of his breath? Think also of Genesis?
2. The picture of us being dead and then being made alive by Jesus Christ is very powerful – do you understand that is what happened to you when you became a Christian – How does that make you feel?
3. We all have people in our minds that we think are nearly saved and those that we think are a million miles away! Pray for those who you think are impossible because nothing is impossible with God. Don’t give up praying!
4. In preparing this talk I just wanted to worship God for his life giving power and that he has breathed life into my soul – let us worship together and thank him for his amazing love – Read Ephesians 2:4-10 – that will help!
Andrew spoke about the hope that we have as churches preparing for their wedding to Jesus.
1: What emotions do you feel when you think about the return of Jesus?
2: Whose name came into your mind when Andrew talked about those called who you really want to see at the wedding? Pray for them
3: In preparing the bride for the return of the bridegroom what part do you think you are called to play ?
Peter continued our series looking at Colossians.
This is a 1st century hymn, and Paul incorporates the words into his letter.
Paul is describing how amazing God is, and how integral Jesus was to the entire creation.
Colossians 1:15-17 NLT
Our vision is not big enough
We need to readjust our thinking.
The sun is 1.39 million km across and is a long way away.
If the sun was a watermelon, then the earth would be the size of a sesame seed, and there would be 34m between them!
How big is the universe?
93 billion light years across
1 light year is 6,000,000,000,000 miles
That's 558 million, million, billion miles across
Light travels at 186,000 miles a second
The sun is 147 million km away
Light 8 minutes to get to us from the sun.
How fast expanding?
82km/s per megaparsec, or 150000 mph which is 1,314,000,000 miles a year per megaparsec. 1 parsec is 3 light years, and it's expanding at 82km/s/megaparsec
Sits in the palm of his hand.
He holds all creation together, but also, the unseen realm, kingdoms, rulers, authorities. Good and bad.
2 Corinthians 4:18
The pandemic fills our vision. There is a media microscope on this bit of life, but there is bigger stuff happening. The unseen….
God is changing His church which will never be quite the same.
More people are being saved.
What is He doing to the world powers right now?
He holds all creation together.
Gravity
If gravity was 5% bigger, the planet would implode, and as the mass of earth would be 5% more, we'd go closer to the sun and fry if we survived the implosion!
Cells
The human body comprises of about 100 trillion cells: more than 30 times the stars in the known galaxy. While every minute more than 200 million cells die in the human body, the body creates billions more every day.
Embryos
By day 18 there is a heart beat in a foetus the size of a blueberry. That's only 4 days after the pregnancy test goes positive!
And God knew you at that early stage. He knit you together in your mother's womb.
Jesus
Before all things
All things created for him.
The whole universe…..
That includes you and me!
The image of god. What does god look like? Not physically. Attributes.
Forgiveness, Love, Compassion, Creativity, Miraculous
Jesus has all authority.
Mountain into the sea
Walk on water - demonstration
That is power over things unseen
Exciting, his spirit lives in you.
You have the authority of Christ.
Romans 8:32 NLT
Questions as I preach
What is the most amazing thing about Jesus, God and creation?
Questions for end
Make a psalm or a hymn and share with the church group so we can all join in with your wonder.
Or paint a picture about how amazing God or the universe He made is, and share it.
Questions for groups.
Because you can't see God, what do you have trouble believing Him for?
If christ is the image of the invisible God, then what is God like?
What wows you most about creation?
Lifestyle of Prayer
V 3 - We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Col 4:2 Paul gives some clear instructions about Prayer : ‘Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving’ (ESV).
Firstly, we are to continue in prayer.
• We are instructed to cultivate prayers in our lives; that is, an ongoing habit of prayer. A lifestyle of prayer.
Secondly, we’re called to be steadfast in prayer.
• We’re to be immovable and unwavering in our prayers until we get an answer.
• Keeping going in prayer when we ‘don’t feel like it’ or when ‘life is busy’ even when we are on Holiday it is the key to developing a lifestyle of Prayer.
• Mark Driscoll say this a"God has 3 answers to our prayers, Yes, No, Later"
Thirdly, Paul says to us to be watchful.
• This has the sense of being awake and alert to what the Holy Spirit is saying or warning us about (Mark 14:37–38) or to the return of Christ (Luke 21:34–36).
• There’s something we can do about spiritual dozing, apathy and passivity; we can keep ourselves alert in prayer!
• On a very practical note, seek to develop habits of prayer that keep you awake (like speaking aloud and walking around) and don’t entice you to sleep (such as sitting in a cosy armchair early in the morning with your eyes closed). Get yourself a prayer Dog.
Fourthly we’re called to thankfulness (see 3:15–17).
• It’s incredibly refreshing and encouraging to regularly list up, in prayer, the blessings we’ve received. Don’t neglect it!
So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honour and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Colossians 1:9-14 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/col.1.9-14.NLT
Questions
- Where do you need to grow in your prayer life? How can you do that?
- What are the things you really desire and long for at this time? What has been you focus in your prayers?
- Do you pray for the church? and what kind of things do you pray?
Lifestyle of Prayer Introduction
Paul who once persecuted the Church, had Christians thrown in Prison even killed now prays for the church with such love and affection
Paul loves the Church, because Jesus Loves the Church. He died for the church, It is the Bride of Christ.
Paul's Love for the church is expressed in the way he Gives thanks, highlighting the Good news that is being worked in and through them.
Paul's Prayer
We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.
Colossians 1:3-5 NLT
Paul was full of Joy for the Church as he sees their love for people and their Confident hope.
Questions
- Do you love the church?
- What is it you love about the church ?
- Why do you think Paul loves the Church?
- Have you lost Your Joy in your salvation? How do we get back our Joy of Salvation?
- What is hope is your confidence in?
Dave continued our series on Colossians.
The gospel is changing lives and bearing fruit.
Colossians 1 v 6-8“This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace. You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf. He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.”
https://www.bible.com/116/col.1.6-8.nlt
We are deliberately speaking through Colossians to encourage us all in our discipleship. This talk is not for a few but for us all, without exception.
I have the privilege of leading the Alpha courses and I can tell you the changes the gospel makes to peoples lives is precious, moving and eternal.
Although I’m talking from Colossians I felt the Holy Spirit lead me to Luke 4 14-19
“Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come. ””
https://www.bible.com/116/luk.4.14-19.nlt
Let’s look at the Isaiah 61.
Jesus was baptised and went into the desert.
When he come back FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT he went to the temple and read the scripture very deliberately.
People often ask what is my calling?
“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come. ”
When you feel inadequate remember the spirit of the sovereign Lord is upon you.
I’m gifted because of Isaiah 61.
When the enemy says you can’t.... remember Isaiah 61
This is what you are born for.
Time for church to stand up. Time to make a difference.
Various gifts. Mercy, hospitality etc
Declare Isaiah 61 over everyone.
Questions
- “You learned about the Good News from ......... .. “ think about the people who were instrumental in your becoming a Christian. Do you want YOUR name to be on someone else’s list that you were part of their journey to faith?
- “He’s told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you...” So why do we do good deeds? A. Is it a sense of duty? B. It’s my gift. C. I actually love serving in this area. D. I want to serve Jesus , please pray for me.
- What scripture do you use when you feel inadequate? Isaiah 61 is our calling. What others do you have that Jesus used to combat fear and self consciousness? To be able to play the piano you have to practice.
- What part of the calling of Isaiah 61 to be in Christ excites you the most ?
Neal introduced our series on Colossians.
Are you ready for an adventure in Colossians? We are talking about being a disciple of Jesus and following him and this book is great as its tells us where we have come from, how we follow Jesus and what to be careful of in our Christian lives.
Paul writes a letter from his prison in Rome to the church at Colossae – He has never visited the Church personally but it’s like a church plant that was started by Epaphras who had been with Paul on his missionary journeys. Paul writes to the Church to encourage them and to point out some false teaching and primarily to remind them who Jesus is and that he is central to everything – It’s all about Jesus – who he is, what he has done and their position in Christ. He needs to remind them that the Christian life is JESUS plus NOTHING!
36 times in Colossians Paul mentions that we are In Christ/Of Christ/From Christ/With Christ.
If they can understand who Christ is, what he has done and their position in Christ – this will bring everything else in perspective! This is as true for us today as it was for the Church in Colossae!
Chapter 1 vs 15-20 Christ is Supreme!
Vs 21 – Remember who you are?
Rafiki speaks to Simba in the Lion King and says remember who you are. We need to remember who we are in Christ and what he has done for us.
“And this includes you who were once far away from God – You were his enemies – separated from God – But now he has reconciled you to himself through his death on the cross – and you stand Holy and Blameless before him without a single fault”
What a fab verse!! It’s all because of Jesus and what he has done.
This is so important as the early church had received some bad teaching which said that the gospel of Jesus Christ was not enough by itself. But Paul wants them to know that Jesus is enough even if they don’t understand everything! You do not need special knowledge , religious rituals are not necessary, you don’t need to worship angels (only Jesus is to be worshipped) and self denial does not deal with the root cause of our situation – SIN – and that we are sinners in need of a saviour – Jesus is enough! This is so important for us today as well!
2 vs 1 “ I want the people to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am telling you this so that no –one will deceive you with well crafted arguments.”
We need to careful of false teaching and with all that is available at the moment we can be swayed by reasoned arguments and opinions but must keep Christ central in all our thoughts and discussions. Christianity is Jesus plus nothing – he is all we need and all we have ever needed.
Paul Moore in his commentary on Colossians says –
“Jesus has completely changed our past – He is completely changing our present and he will continue to change our future if we continue in him. He is the only creator and the only saviour. He is all we ever need – Its Jesus plus nothing or it really isn’t Jesus at all”
It’s all about Jesus – It always has been and it always will be – He reigns supreme!
Questions
-
Paul wants us to understand the centrality of Christ in Colossians – Why do you think this is so important and is it important for us as well?
-
Paul says to remember where you have come from – Is this something we need to do and if so what does it change in our thinking?
-
There is a lot of information out there – Just think of Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and You Tube – some good and some bad – How should we manage these and protect ourselves from false teaching?
-
Why not try and write your own letter – either to CITP or to your own Community group – what would you say and why?
Phil gave an introduction to our new series looking at Colossians, which starts next week.
Disciples who make Disciples
Introduction
Adventures with God
Have you Got a taste for Adventure - (beer mat from a couple of years ago)
Some have left is to go on their Adventure with God, some have joined us on our Adventure
I believe we are entering a new phase of Adventure
The Adventure so Far
A building
Social Action increase
Influenced increased through use of the Building by various groups
The Gospel being preached 3 Alphas Courses last year
Multi site meetings
I’ve been living with a challenge for what it means to be a true disciple that’s why last year we took time to look at the life of Peter.
We feel God wants to take us deeper into him and for us to be true disciples who go and make disciples.
Bible References
Matthew 28:18 - 20
Mark 15:15-18
The new order of the Kingdom
not the specialist - This is my ministry this was always intended to be the ministry of all believers.
A Disciple
What is a Disciple
One who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another:
You have to know what is it is you believe and then comes the sharing with others
- Follow
First they Followed Jesus
Captivated by him
Learnt from Him
Learnt to obey him
Imitated him
Trained by him
Transformed by him
All Character - Gods more interested in your Character than your Gift.
Equipped by him
Commissioned by him
- Go
They went because they were sent, not going with their own ambitions but because He sent them Just as he now sends us.
Went With him - they were not alone - Presence of the Holy Spirit
worked with him - Power of the Holy Spirit
Carried his Authority - Equipped by the Holy Spirit
Led by him - Directed by the Holy Spirit
Continued to Obey him, calling others to the Obedience that comes from Faith.
There are some who have said the Holy Spirit and the Gifts of the Spirit are not for today
I would Argue we need him and all that he is and brings to us more then ever before.
Conclusion
Discipleship starts with Jesus and we first need to look at Jesus so we are going to start the year focusing on him
We are going to look through the Book of Colossians
Key Verses - For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
Colossians 2:9-10
It starts with chapter 1 & 2 Jesus Christ is our Lord
• Chapter 1 - Lord of Creation, Lord of the Church, Lord of Ministry
• Chapter 2 - Lord of our Walk, Lord of our Salvation, Lord of our growth
It goes on to focus on us
• Chapter 3 - Our Life, Mind, Body, Attitude, Actions
• Chapter 4 - Our Love, Love for the Lost, Love for one another
Not a time to be complacent
not a time for apathy or passivity
Questions
• How do you know if you are a true Disciple of Jesus?
• What are the characteristics of a True Disciple?
• Are you and how are you intentionally seeking to be like Jesus?
• What is it about Jesus that motivates you to follow him?
Rather than suggesting we diet in the New Year, Peter encouraged us to feast... with the Lord - reading our bibes, praying and worshiping.
Neal spoke about Jesus, the Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9 vs 6-7
Isaiah was a prophet speaking to the kingdom of Judah in 600-700 BC and famously prophesied the coming of Jesus particularly in Isaiah chapter 9 and 53.
This word peace in Hebrew is “Shalom” but it means far more than peace as we would understand the word. It means wholeness, completeness. For example a house finished with no bricks missing is complete – it’s Shalom. To bring Shalom to something is to bring restoration to that which is broken and that is what the Prince of Peace brings to us.
We are broken – our relationship with God broken by sin – we are separated from Holy God and Jesus has come to restore that relationship and make it whole again – he has come to bring Shalom to us through his life and death as our sacrifice.
BIG PICTURE
Jesus brings peace to us by mending our broken relationship with God and bridging the gap between us and God caused by our sinful nature – Jesus is the perfect sacrifice and becomes the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world – He reconciles us to God
Romans 5:1 – That’s enough in and of itself but actually there’s more!!
Romans 5:8-11 – We have now been made friends with God – The reconciliation is complete and our relationship with God is no longer broken or as outsiders, not even as slaves – It’s as friends of God – what an amazing transformation has taken place! Jesus is the prince of peace and brings peace to our relationship with God.
Paul in Ephesians chapter 2 describes this whole transformation – it’s an amazing chapter and at the end he says this
“He brought this good news of peace to you gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us”
SMALL PICTURE.
That’s great but how does this affect my life on a daily basis where there is conflict, strife, anxiety and worry?
John Piper: “Make no mistake. The natural bent of life is to be filled with anxiety, fear, and worry. Our stress-filled, deeply broken world serves up a daily dose of things that thrive on stealing the peace that God intends for our lives. It’s no wonder that Jesus, just hours before His departure from this earth, told His disciples that He was going to leave them with His peace. Not the faux peace the world serves up. But the real deal. Why? Because He knew they would need it. And you and I would need it. And if there’s one person who can deliver on that promise, it is Jesus. After all, He is the Prince of Peace, as Isaiah declares in Isaiah 9:6.”
Isaiah 26:3-4 - We have to fix on eyes on Jesus – so often we fix our eyes on our circumstances or the problem we are dealing with – it takes up our view and our thoughts and our eyes.
Phillipians 4:6-7 - The word Guard used her is actually the Greek word for Garrison – it’s a secure place, well guarded and a place of safety – This is what we are promised!
This is true in the middle of the night, when we wake with worry and concern – true in all our circumstances and is a promise from God. We cannot understand it fully – it passes our understanding but biblical peace is based on a person (Jesus) and not on our external circumstances.
This is what the peace of Jesus brings – a heart that is at peace with God and a life that has the peace of God available for every circumstance!
A prayer to Finish - Romans 15:13
Questions:
1. Do we see Jesus as our Prince Of Peace – is that something you even think about?
2. Does the meaning of “Shalom” help in our understanding of what this word actually means?
3. Why do we struggle so much with worry and anxiety in our lives and what does Paul say to help us?
4. Does the meaning of “guard your heart” and the picture of a garrison help in our understanding of how Jesus can help us in o
Phil spoke about Peter and how Jesus redeemed him from his failures. Jesus redeems us from our failures.
In any sporting event like Olympic Games every four years, probably 90 percent of the best athletes in the world do not win a medal. They try but they fail. Likewise, the Bible records many people who failed. Often times we fail at the point of our greatest strength. All failure can be redeemed in Jesus
Peter’s boasted that even if all the other disciples forsook Jesus; he would not.
This is the same Peter who had courage to get out of the boat and also the same man who pulled out a sword to defend Jesus in the Garden.
Now that Jesus had been arrested, Peter denied Jesus three times just as Jesus said he would. John 18:15-17; John 18:25-27
It appeared that Peter was a failure but thankfully failure was not final in Peter’s life.
Peter realized that he was not as strong as he first thought. Peter discovered that God’s love and forgiveness was not dependent on success. God measure success and failure different to us. Peter discovered that Jesus still loved him in spite of his failure. So did Peter quit? Give up as a failure, never to serve again? No. John 21:15‐19 records the wonderful restoration Jesus brings to Peter.
Peter learned from his failures. Peter went out and wept bitterly. He had great remorse. Peter’s remorse was different from Judas’ remorse. (Failure)
Unlike Judas, Peter’s remorse led him to make some changes in his life. Just as Peter denied Jesus three times by the fire, in John 21 Jesus asked Peter “Do you love Me?” three times by the fire. (Success) Jesus expressed love and grace to Peter there was no condemnation
The success in this story is not Peters Failure but Gods Grace to redeem that failure and restore Peter not to position of ministry but to relationship with Jesus
Romans 8 V 1 & 2 says there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus - Fully redeemed
To Be Redeemed is
-
compensate for the faults or bad aspects of.
-
gain or regain possession of (something) in exchange for payment.
Jesus has accomplished both for us
There’s no record of Jesus reminding Peter saying I told you so, Love keeps no record of wrongs or failure.
Peter proved by his actions that he was serious in his love for Jesus. In Acts 4, Peter stood in the same courtyard in which he denied Jesus and boldly proclaimed Jesus before the same crowd in which he had denied Jesus.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, the same man who had cursed and denied Jesus earlier was now standing unafraid before the same crowd that called for the crucifixion of Jesus.
This crowd realized that there was something different about Peter.
They knew Peter was uneducated and unschooled, yet they were amazed and recognized that they (Peter and John) had been with Jesus.
Verse 3 in the song So Will I by Hillsongs
Spending time with Jesus made all the difference in Peter’s life.
Jesus wants to make that same difference in our lives.
Do others see through your life that you have “been with Jesus”?
The same Jesus that impacted and changed Peter’s life waits to impact and change our lives as well.
Questions for Groups - Living it out
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Following the Lord at a distance can leave room for failure. How close is your walk? Is it safe or amazing?
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Would you be willing to pray for more boldness?
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Is there anyone in Scripture was redeemed from failure that you identify with?
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Peter needed to say, “I love you” to Jesus. Do you need to do this?
Steve outlined the three steps to salvation:
Believe that God created the heavens and earth
Believe that Jesus died for our sins
Believe that the only way to heaven is with Jesus.
Ruth and Neal give an update on how Jigsaw has responded to Coronavirus.
God has increased his blessings on us so that we can bless and support more people than ever in our area.
Peter spoke about the challenges of 'one anothering' with the church family in the times of Covid.
I don't know how you feel about church at present.
A year ago, virtual church, wouldn’t have been our plan.
The church is the people, not the building. But now, where are the people?
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25
You can choose your friends, but not your family.
But in church they are family, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Have to endure one another's company. Why would you?
How do we keep up with the family?
Seeing them is so important.
Sit at home and consume church. Podcasts, and live streams.
Miss out on so much when we don't seek ways to engage with one another.
Proverbs 27:17
Acts 2:42
Hebrews 3:12-15
Who do you need to encourage, today?
What will you share of Christ?
What do you hear him saying?
Hebrews 12:15
No such thing as an armchair christian, much like you can't be an armchair sportsman. You don't get fit sitting. Getting fit is painful, and uncomfortable. You need others round you to motivate and encourage.
Run the race....
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
What is the church to us?
What is the church to God?
What is the church to Christ?
Hebrews 2:1
What will we do?
How do we meet?
How do we encourage one another?
How does it feel knowing you may be the method of God delivering his grace to others?
Dave spoke on John 3:16.
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again."
John 3:16, The Message
Keith spoke from Philippians about our need to trust that God is in control.
Please note that there were a couple of issues with the mic at the beginning of Keith's preach.
Phil preached from 1 Peter 2 & 4
Second Part of Talk
Introduction
Looked at Peter and how the change from a working class fisherman to being a man full of the holy sprirt and Fire
Neal spoke last week on another man called Gideon who said of himself as the leats of the least from the least of all the tribes
How do you see yourself ?
Peter wrote this about every Christian: 1 Peter 2:9
https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.2.9.NLT
The moment you were Born again you were born into the the Kingdom of heaven you became a Royal born into the family of the King of Kings
If you were born into the Royal Family from birth to death your a royal, no matter where you are, what you do, what yo say, where you go, your a royal
The doctrine of the priesthood of all believers means that all believers in Christ share in his priestly status; therefore, there is no special class of people who mediate the knowledge, presence, and forgiveness of Christ to the rest of believers, and all believers have the right and authority to read, interpret, and apply the teachings of Scripture.
You might not feel royal, you might not act royal, and not look royal our position in Christ is not based onn those things
Its based on what God has done through Jesus Christ
You are not only Royal but also a Priest, not as we see earthly priests today, Your priesthood is that of Jesus,
Your Priesthood means that you can get to do the things Jesus did and more.
Whether you are a new christian or have been for years it makes no difference if you as a new christian have the same rights and privilages as any Christian.
The privileges are
You can worship and pray to God through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit anywhere and at anytime.
God in Jesus Christ is the only forgiver of sin. Priests can’t forgive you of sin, nor prescribe some process by which your sins are forgiven. There is no penance to be paid; there is no need to offer a Hail Mary prayer. The Psalmist declares “as far as the east is from the west, so far does he [God alone] remove our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12 ESV) Jesus alone is our mediator for sin. Jesus alone is our great High priest.
You can read and understand God’s Word anywhere and at anytime for yourself though Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. All Christians have that privilege.
You can serve God anywhere and at anytime through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Bakewell site -
Why - gather as many people as we could
Purpose - To be community togther, create a palce to minister to one another
future - To have local gatherings around the peaks that we can grow and see the vision and Gods promise's to us fulfilled
So the application of being a Royal Priest
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
1 Peter 4:10, 11 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.4.11.NLT
As part of the being a royal priesthood God has given each of you a gift
you may know, may not know what that is, but from his great variety Peter says
We can very often be very narrow and limited in our thinking but God is not
Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy God supplies
Questions
I started the talk with a question
1) How do you see yourself?
2) How do you understand the statement "You are a Royal Priesthood"?
3) What needs to change for you to be able to live out this truth?
4) After the Talk and discussuing this passage, how do you see yourself now?
Neal looked at Gideon and the lessons that we can learn.
After Joshua had died the children of Israel did not follow Jehovah and did not carry out all the things God had told them to do. They got themselves into big trouble!
Judges 2 vs 10-11
God places 12 Judges over the children of Israel to try and get them to return to him and trust him again. Gideon is one of these 12
Judges 6 vs 7 -24
I want to look at v12-21 Gideon’s encounter with the angel of the Lord and to see what we can learn from this encounter.
v12 – What an opening. This should be a such a blessing and encouragement to Gideon but he almost ignores this and speaks back to the angel of the Lord.
v13 – Questions! This is so much like us when God comes to us to encourage us or speak to us! Why am I in this situation? Where have you been? Why do I feel abandoned? In fact in this case as we have already seen it was their own fault! They had turned their back on God and abandoned him! This is so much like us – we go our own way with our own ideas, get in a mess and then somehow its God’s fault for abandoning us! Can you hear yourself saying these things!
But the angel of the Lord is patient
v14
Once again a great encouragement to Gideon but again he answers back!
v15
This sounds like us again.
BUT…….
God chose Gideon because it was not about Gideon’s strength or might – It was about God’s power working through him. It’s the same with us. He wants to use you and has chosen you “The Lord is with you”.
v17
This is so much like us – God speaks and we say show me a sign – Word to give at Church: I’m nothing, I’ve had a bad week, I’m not good enough, Is it me, Is it the enemy, is it my imagination? Lord give me a sign? If someone else brings a word about water – I will bring this as it’s about a river – I just need confirmation! And yet so often God is gracious and does exactly that!
The Angel of the Lord is incredibly gracious and patient and says “I will stay here until you return!” However, I’m not sure if he realised just how long Gideon was going to be – 3 to 4 hours maybe. Finally Gideon realises that this is an Angel of the Lord and he believes him!
But later on in this chapter he does the same again - v36-40
This is a picture of how patient God is with us. He tells us what he wants us to do and we argue and prevaricate and tell him why we can’t, how weak and useless we are and then ask for signs to confirm it all and keep him waiting and yet he is patient and kind and loves us all through it!!
My encouragement is that Gideon is like me – full of fear, full of self and many reasons why God can’t use me, questioning and with so little faith in God. Always wanting confirmation and a sign just to make sure!!
Note: It’s not about gifting – It’s about character – Can God use you where you take your little faith and let God use it for his glory!
And yet Gideon is found as one of the names in Hebrews 11 which is the chapter in Hebrews about Great Examples of faith!!
Hebrews 11:32
Be encouraged – God is patient and kind and loves us so much that he will speak to us more than once, he will speak to us through others, through the bible, through circumstances and through the gifts and will even answer our prayers about fleeces as he wants to work with us and overcome the enemy just as Gideon did in Chapter 7 and 8!!
Ephesians 3:20
It’s not about your power – It’s about God’s power – Whatever you think you can achieve in God- He can and will achieve more than we ask or think!
Questions:
1. Can you see elements of you in Gideon and is it helpful to see God use him?
2. Does this story help us to understand God’s heart towards us and his infinite patience!
3. What can I learn from Gideon’s story that can help my walk with God?
4. Has anyone got a recipe for roasted go
Nick spoke about the Yom Kippur preparations that the High Priest needed to make to be able to enter the Holy of Holies once a year and our access to God through Jesus's sacrifice.
Vision Talk Sept 20 - The Hope for our Nation Is The Gospel !
Introduction
What kind of vision talk do you bring at a time like this?
It's not like we can have plans for new initiatives in a time of such uncertainty
Calling to equip each believer to fulfil their own kingdom calling evidenced by the gift of Grace on their lives
Over the summer I have been considering the live of the Apostle Peter
A working class Jew that Jesus saw potential in and called it out
Peter had Roller coaster experience with Jesus first meeting Jesus recognizes he is a sinner unworthy- Luke 5 1-11
Moments of revelation when he says you are the Christ the son of God -
“Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.””
Matthew 16:16 ESV
Movements of failure when he rebukes Jesus concerning his death -
“And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.””
Matthew 16:22 ESV
Makes a promise that he cannot keep at that time to follow Jesus wherever he goes even to death -
“Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.””
Matthew 26:33 NLT
Fails again when he denies Jesus 3 times an each time with more veracity -
“But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.”
Matthew 26:70 NLT
“Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said.”
Matthew 26:72 NLT
“Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed.”
Matthew 26:74 NLT
Get has great promise spoken over his life when Jesus says on this rock meaning Peter I will build my church. -
“Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.””
Matthew 16:17-19 NLT
Then we see him in acts preaching the Gospel and healing the sick with great boldness and courage
So what made the difference?
What brought the change?
I think it's The anointing of the Holy Spirit
I was thinking about another man a bit closer to us in history and location, Smith Wigglesworth plumber from Bradford who carried an anointing that gave him boldness and courage
New the fire of God
Saw people saved and healed
Spoke prophetically
So what's all that got to do with vision?
God wants to anoint you with Holy Spirit fire, anointing its dependent on how educated you are how gifted you are whether you’re an introvert or extrovert its dependent on God and our obedient response that comes from our faith in him.
The prophetic word we had last year of being a fire church isn't about the building its about each one of us ablaze with the anointing that comes from God by the Holy Spirit
We have started a second site where we want to gather locally to set fires going across the peaks. We want to see more sites that gather people to encounter the fire of God
This line from a old song has been running around my head for a while now
Your gospel o Lord is the hope for our nation - don't know about you but I don't think there's another answer
Jesus says this
“For the Good News must first be preached to all nations.”
Mark 13:10 NLT
Dave spoke at our baptism serivce
Nothing can separate us from the love of God -NOTHING! Baptisms 20th September 2020 Digby video.
Overwhelming desire to love him, pick him up and cuddle him. But twigs turn out to be pieces of poo taken from the cat litter tray. We still love him.
We all start out adorable, seemingly perfect but as we go to the cat litter tray of life, we eat what we shouldn’t eat, do what we know we shouldn’t, people put things on us that they shouldn’t and these things damage us.
Baptism
MP who chose her religion because “I’m a good person and is suits me”
I was shocked at the self righteousness and the hopelessness if you have messed up, been to the cat litter tray of life. Where can you go to find forgiveness, freedom from guilt and shame and not be defined by the mistakes we make in life.
God made a plan even from the foundation of the earth. We find it at the cross where Jesus died for all our mistakes.
We are going to look at Romans 8 v 35-39 Eternal life and salvation is available to everyone regardless of a persons identity, mistakes, heritage, race or class.
Baptism means we agree that Jesus died for the mistakes we have made in our lives, past, present and future. But we receive the unmerited favour of God through faith.
We go down into the water/ grave, die to our old self and come up from the water reborn/new born, free from our past. Free to be who God always intended you to be, this may we’ll be who you want to be too but God has a wonderful plan for your lives.
Let’s look at a scripture because we must remember that we should listen and pay attention to people who have our best intentions at heart. Don’t listen to the voices that don’t respect or love us. The bible is God speak to his children and be has our best intentions at his very heart.
Context first
Paul has explained the cross that all fall short of the perfection of God. We have all been in the cat litter tray and yet Jesus chose to die for us to bring us into a relationship with the Father in heaven.
There is no condensation for those who know Jesus.
The desire to follow our own way is changed for Gods priorities that will do us good.
Therefore he also sends the Holy Spirit to help us in our weakness.
If God is for us who can stand against us?
“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.” ) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:35-39 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/rom.8.35-39.nlt
Jesus knows everything about us all, nothing is hidden from him and yesterday nothing can separate us from his love.
Love means that we know the person in every aspect, all good points and bad points and weigh them up, if you still want to be friends with that person or stand with that person, that is true love.
Nothing can separate us from the love of God, he has already proved his love cause he chose to die for each one of us.
We all face hardships but stand on this word of God that he will always be with you no matter what.
Peter spoke on prayer.
Feel bad about prayer, because don't feel I am that good at it, and that when I do they're really short.
Pray and distracted quickly.
Not that I haven't tried.
Prayer meetings, nightmare. Feel quite inadequate.
What did Jesus say?
Don't stand and do big fancy prayers, but pray some simple things.
When I communicate it can be short and to the point.
When I send an email, they don't span to lots of pages.
My texts answer the question, sometimes with one word.
When I wrote a book, it was very thin.
Why would prayer be different? It's communication between us and God.
Jesus on the cross. "My God my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Answer to the prayer, 3 days in hell, and then victory.
Probably not what he was hoping for, but all part of the father's plan.
The thief, remember me.... answer, today you will be with me in paradise.
Talk about how that can be our experience.
We get the idea God loves the long flowery communication. Maybe He does. However, the short may be sufficient.
Pamela sends long communications. Sometimes she just sends me a text with 1 letter, x, and I smile.
Chloe is even more succinct that me, and sends the letter k. I know she agrees.
The more words you speak, the less they mean. So what good are they?
Ecclesiastes 6:11 NLT
Do you think God hears us less when we say a short prayer.
I'd argue when a child cries out "Help, mummy" that they are heard more clearly than when they are rambling on about something.
What does the bible say about quick prayers?
It is littered with examples, from Paul in prison, Jesus on the cross, Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, to many of the Psalms.
What is my experience?
The reason I started to be meditating on this topic.
3 close calls in a couple of weeks.
All involved a quick prayer of help….
Psalms 124:1-8
Job 33:29-30
How many close calls don't we even know about?
2 Corinthians 1:8-11
Little
Not mean don't sometimes need to wrestle with something in prayer.
Make the arrow prayer part of your normal life.
Communicate your concerns
Psalms 46:1-2, 10
Arrow prayer ideas
Comfort all those that are hurting today, O Lord.
Forgive my wrongdoing I pray
Hear My Prayer O Lord.
I surrender all to You my Lord and my God.
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your word, I pray.
Restore the joy of my salvation and forgive me all my sin.
Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Arrow-Prayers
Questions
When was the last time God miraculously rescued you?
How do you find praying? What's your top tip?
What are you praying for most at the moment?
Spend time praying for one another.
Neal spoke about Daniel in the Lions Den.
Some of us may tend to stay away from reading the book of Daniel as its full of visions which are hard to understand and how do we know what they mean – but to do so we miss out on such a rich book and some amazing stories of God’s power and love for his people in very difficult circumstances. The bible app has a very good helpful commentary on Daniel called “Daniel Explained part 1+2” which I would recommend.
So where are we?
The Babylonian Empire – the greatest empire on earth where the King was like a god and into this foreign land are thrown Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
The overriding theme of the book is of God’s sovereignty and that he rules over the whole earth. Kings and men may think they are in control but God will show in this book that in fact he is in control.
When dealing with king Nebuchadnezzar in Chapter 4 Daniel says to him
4 vs 32 – “Until you learn that the most high rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses”
So Chapter 6 – Darius the Mede is in control and he has Daniel as his prime minister effectively – Daniel is by now about 80 years old and has a very good reputation for his wisdom and that he hears from God - Not the gods of the Medes and Persians but the God of Israel – Jehovah!
Let’s read it together.
It’s a great story and we see how faithful Daniel is and how faithful God is in this circumstance.
I love the contrast between Daniel and the King –
Vs18 – The King - He refused food and entertainment and didn’t sleep all night and yet Daniel trusts God with his situation and has peace that God will rescue him – This is so OPPOSITE from what we are like! We are more like King Darius and don’t sleep all night and worry about our situation – the total opposite from this story – so Why does Daniel have such a trust in God?
Vs 23 – For he had trusted in his God.
His relationship with God was strong and he trusted what God said
Three points that help us understand how Daniel had this relationship with God.
1. He prayed – we know he prayed three times a day although this was not a requirement or law of the Jews – vs 10 says he prayed three times a day as he had always done – Prayer is important – It brings us closer to God, helps us hear from God and enables our relationship with God to be strengthened.
-
He was humble and knew that without God he could not possibly answer the questions from the kings regarding their dreams.
2 vs 27/28 – There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians or fortune tellers who can reveal the kings secret –But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets….
2 vs 30 – And it is not because I am wiser than anyone else that I know the secret of your dream, but because God wants you to understand what was in your heart.
5 vs 17 – Keep your gifts of give them to someone else, but I will tell you what the writing means -
He was faithful To God no matter what the circumstance and how bad things looked –
6 vs 23 – Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.
Rick Warren – God is more interested in your character than your achievements.
George Muller –
“Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man’s power ends!”
Let’s look to Daniel as an inspiration and learn from his walk with God – Lets be prayerful, humble and faithful and see what God can do in our life circumstances!
Group Questions
- Read the story together in Chapter 6 again and see what speaks to you about what happened.
- Why is our reaction to our life circumstances so different to Daniel’s? So often we say why me? Why now? I don’t need this!
- What can we learn from Daniel and his relationship with God not only in this Chapter but through
The Spirit of the Lord is on me.
The last few times I have spoken, I have looked at Isaiah and especially the second part of Isaiah which has parallels with the New Testament.
Firstly I looked at the Father’s heart for people in Isaiah 58. Then I looked at Jesus at the cross in Isaiah 53 and now I’m going to look at the Spirit in Isaiah 61 but through the passage as quoted in Luke 4.
First the context.
Chapter 3 of Luke tells us of John the Baptist quoting Isaiah 40 “Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.”
Isaiah 40:3-4 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/isa.40.3-4.nlt
Jesus is then baptised and he then goes into the wilderness to defeat Satan as he tries to tempt him into following him and not the Father.
So then we pick up the story from Luke 4 v 14 “Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come. ””
Luke 4:14-19 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/luk.4.14-19.nlt
If you look at the Luke 4 version then you see that Jesus finished at proclaim the time of the Lords favour. The verses were only added in the 16th century so Jesus finished where he knew the Father had said to stop. The next line will come when Jesus returns so it is a clear statement. We live in the time of Gods favour.
How do we live in the time of Gods favour?
The Spirit of the Lord is on me. God wants someone with the Spirit of the Lord on people who work in the co-rotating twin screw industry, in the engineering industry, in the arts, in schools in hospital. In short everywhere. Jesus said you will do greater things I don’t think this is quality but He will do greater things in volume through us and through us being filled with the anointing Spirit of the Lord.
Heard recently how people find the first few months of their new born again lives cleaning up the past and then turning to face outwards to tell others. The same thing happened to Paul.
What I feel God wants to say to us as a church is that he wants us to continue to be filled with the Spirit afresh. We are to have the boldness of the spirit wherever we are.
The poor in spirit, the materially poor, to see the captives freed. That is captives to sin.
Take the opportunity to look to God to be filled with the Spirit.
Have no doubt he wants to fill you with his Spirit.
Don’t be afraid of the Spirit you are made righteous by Jesus at the cross.
Phil contined looking at look at God's lavish grace and how Peter's first experience of Jesus was full of grace.
Over the last few weeks we have considered Gods grace in saving us being sufficient for all our lives and how we live in the light of Gods Grace
Today I am looking at grace multiplied
2 Peter 1:2
Peter suggests here that grace and peace are multiplied as we grow in our knowledge of Jesus
It says in John 1:14 he, Jesus came full of grace and truth, and again in John 1:17
The underserved favour of God has been given us and demonstrated to us by Jesus.
We could not earn and we certainly don't deserve it, a free gift just because he loves us.
Back to Peter
If we can have grace multiplied what does that look like?
To find our let's take a look at Peter,
Peter was a Jewish fisherman, was not educated we would say a working class family man as we know he was married as Jesus healed his mothering law.
He would have heard the teaching of Moses and about the messiah to come.
But I want to look at Peters first encounter with Jesus. Luke 5:1-11
Peter was a proficient fisherman, it was the family business, he knew how to fish.
Caught nothing that night and as they were cleaning their nets after catching no fish Jesus showing.
Jesus has a habit of showing up when things aren't going so well (that's grace)
Jesus gets in peters boat and having taught the people and knowing Peter hasn't had any success fishing that night, he gives the instruction to go a bit deeper and cast the next again.
Peter could have thought
I'm the fisherman
Who does he think he is?
Don't need him telling me how to do my job!
But he agrees and the result is more fish than his boat can carry and another boat too.
Gods grace multiplied, more than you can manage
Peters knowledge of grace want textbook knowledge, it wasn't from bible study or theology.
Peters first encounter with gods lavish grace always experiential.
Grace is to be experienced, as someone once said to me “better felt than tellet”!
In other words Gods intention is that we have head knowledge or good theological understanding it’s that in everyday life we experience God’s grace in every moment and grace more sufficient than we need.
Peter’s first encounter with this grace started him on a path that changed his life forever and as you look more at his life you see he needed more grace.
Peter knew experientially what it was to live with grace and peace multiplied to him and wants us to experience the same
We are going to look at this story, this is taken from the Chosen, a series availed on Youtube about the life of Jesus and we would highly recommend it to you
Fishing sene from The Chosen
At the end of that screen When Peter recognizes who Jesus is and what measure of grace he has been given he claims I'll do anything and Jesus invites him to follow him.
That invitation is for you today it's for everyone one Christian and none Christian he's calling us to follow him.
I felt there were people who compartmentalized their lives and in some areas they are following Jesus but in others they aren't.
Peter response to the invitation to follow Jesus was in everything, he left everything and in leaving everything he experienced graced multiplied to him.
The invitation is to follow Jesus completely.
Questions
-
In the story of Peter encountering Jesus how did Peter experience Gods grace?
-
How have you experienced Gods grace?
-
How can we experience Gods multiplied grace,what would that mean for you?
Following on from Phil's talk on grace last week, Neal looked at Grace again and answered the question that because of grace should we just carry on sinning? We need to move from an intellectual understanding of grace to a heart understanding and response.
In a supermarket, the till was ringing up the values of the goods bought and then at the end they were zeroed because their son works for Tesco - at that moment God said - "That is what my grace is like!" A great moment and was followed up by the post from Frances Chan - Salvation- Jesus paid it all. The price for our sin was fully paid by Jesus and we cannot pay again.
Quote from Jerry Bridges from his book The Discipline of Grace
"God's grace in Christ is greater than our sin - even on our worst days!" - True!
We also sang about this during worship - What a beautiful name by Hillsong - there is a line in there which says
"My sin was great - Your love was greater" - Also true!
We all need God's grace in our lives all the time - Why? Romans 3 vs 23 Because we are all sinners and have fallen short of the required standard and need of a saviour
Mark 2 vs 17 – This is us!
God is 100% holy and we are not- we can never attain holiness by our own efforts - so what happens is we compare ourselves against other people. I'm 40% but I’m not as bad as others who I know who are 20% or 10%? We are comparing degrees of failure and taking pride in our failure! Jesus spoke against this
Luke 18 vs 10-14 - The Pharisee may have followed the law but his heart was full of pride. The Tax Collector knew he was a sinner and in need of a saviour - This is where we need to be!
Titus 3 vs 5
Ephesians 2 - It is only By God's grace that you have been saved. God knows that if there was even 1% of our own effort we are so full of pride that we would take glory in that 1%. We need to be careful that we dont devalue was Jesus did on the cross - he paid the price fully and died that we might live! If we are constantly trying to work for our salvation then what Jesus did becomes less amazing!
Jerry Bridges quote
"Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace and your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need for God's grace"
So can we carrying on sinning because of God's grace? Paul answers this emphatically in Romans 6 vs 15-19 - "Of course not!"
Paul show us a picture of slavery - once we were slaves to sin - sin called and we moved - but Jesus has paid the price to release us from slavery and now we have a new master - we are now slaves to righteousness - We are no longer under sins power!
Picture of marriage - We are in a relationship with Jesus and we want that relationship to be healthy and good - sin breaks that relationship and so we need to deal with sin quickly to receive God's grace and make that relationship right again - Its all about our heart - Do you love me Jesus asks? Whats our answer?
Jesus takes our cold hard hearts and starts to turn them into hearts of flesh - he works from the inside changing us by the power of the Holy Spirit and we no longer do things because we have to - we now do them because we want to -
Galatians 5 vs 22
"When grace becomes a person rather than a doctrine, grace is no longer a licence to sin, but the reason you run from it"
Its all about our relationship with Jesus.
Questions for this week
Why do you think we have tendency to go back to the law rather than relying on grace? Does the till receipt picture help in our understanding?
We need to be careful of comparing ourselves to each other - even if we are comparing failure! Why do we do this? How do we stop?
Does the picture of marriage help in our understanding of how our relationship with Jesus should be? Perhaps you can discuss this and expand on it in your group
Phil spoke from 2 Peter 1:3 about how God's grace is everything that we need.
Is life a struggle?
Sometimes is temptation too much?
Dave encouraged us last week to receive the fathers love again
This week I want to encourage us to receive fresh grace
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
2 Peter 1:3 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/2pe.1.3.ESV
2 Peter 1:3 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2pe.1.3.NLT
2 Peter 1:3 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/2pe.1.3.AMP
-
It all starts with God himself
a. It’s by Gods power that we have all we need for life God been the divine one all-powerful magnificent loving heavenly father.
b. We in ourselves are not sufficient to live the life God intended for us
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
Ephesians 2:1-3 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.2.1-3.NLT -
It’s all about grace
a. You have been saved by grace
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.
Ephesians 2:4-8 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.2.4-8.NLT
We can’t work up or develop an immunity to sin
We can’t of ourselves stand against the our enemies of the world the flesh or the devil
But God is sufficient for us,
Grace is sufficient for us
The power of the cross is sufficient for us
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is sufficient for us
So how do we get this Grace sufficient?
- How? By the knowledge of God
How do you see God?
Distant?
Uncaring?
Uninterested in you and your life?
Unloving?
Our responsibility is to know God, to discover who he is, how great he is, how loving and kind he is, how gracious and compassionate he is, the list goes on
Spend time with him, learn about from the bible,
Discover his tenderness and nearness in worshipping him
Learn to hear and know his voice in prayer with him.
- Why?
a. You have been called and chosen to know God
b. If you have already received Jesus as Lord a saviour all of this is already yours
c. If you don't know Jesus yet, he is waiting for you to respond to him and receive his divine power to live life who God intended life to be.
d. Or if you have lost your way and have turned you back on God, he's here with arms wide open waiting for you to return.
Conclusion
You can’t try and you don't have to do life by yourself and your own efforts God has already supplied all you need for life and Godliness you just have to choose to accept it, receive it and live in the good of it.
Questions
What do think of when you read this statement 'His divine power'?
How do we experience this at work in our lives?
How are you getting to know him?
How have experienced his glory and goodne
Dave preached from Isaiah 58.
At the beginning of the lockdown I was always opening the bible at Philippians, Galatians and Revelations. But for the last month or more I have been reflecting on Isaiah 58. It is titled True Fasting. I prefer the NLT True worship.
But in trying to prepare to speak on this I felt uncomfortable. As if I was missing the point. So as usual I comeback to the context of the passage.
People also say Oh the Old Testament is full of an angry God and the New Testament is a loving God. This is completely wrong. Don’t let people go unchallenged. We can see that in Deuteronomy, Jonah, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Amos a God of love and kindness and in many other stories.
I’ve always loved the book of Isaiah. It sums up the old and new Testaments.
Chapter 40 starts with the passage about John the Baptist “make a way in the desert for the Lord”.
So Isaiah 58 the introduction is about looking religious but Gods hatred of this self righteousness. But verse 6 it changes and we see the true heart of what God wants for us but to guard our hearts against self righteousness.
““No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply. “Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.”
Isaiah 58:6-12 NLT
What I was drawn to was Isaiah 53 as a reminder that our focus should always be for the love of Christ and this means reordering our priorities.
Pick of the pops
- Straight in at number 1 a new entry in from no where. Love of Christ
- None mover at number 2 love of family
- Straight in at number 3. Love of people
- Down from number 1 Love of career
- Down from number 3 -Love of golf
God gave me a picture of mist being warmed by the rising sun. I felt that it meant that we can’t work up a love for God without Him first loving us.
1 John 4:19-21 NLT
The motivation of our ministry is a great and daily challenge. But we should be aware that it is on Gods heart for us all.
Please look at the comparison between Isaiah 58 v 6 and 7 and Matthew 25 verse 31 to 46.
Look at the parallels and see how sobering the Matthew text is to us as Christians.
Be honest about your priorities. These will change over time. But we must ask the Holy Spirit to help us wrestle to put Him at number 1.
Don’t be upset if when you examine your heart He is somewhere down the list.
The point of church preaching is to bring these issues to the surface and then deal with them together with accountability.
Don’t forget to read the end of Isaiah 52 and the whole of 53.
Phil spoke from Acts 3 and 4 about Peter and John healing a lame beggar in Jesus's name.
Gospel with power
Introduction
• Religion - mans pursuit of God ?
• Most would say Religion seems to be about rules and regulations to somehow make us acceptable to God
• Jesus came and took upon himself all that was needed to make us acceptable to God
Jesus came to give us life and freedom not burden us with rules and regulations.
Look at a story from the New Testament
Acts 3 - Story do the lame man begging at the temple gate called beautiful.
Acts of the Apostles 3:4-8
https://www.bible.com/116/act.3.4-8.nlt
Peter saw the opportunity and shared the good news of the kingdom
In chapter 4 we find that the religious leaders confronted Peter and John
And arrested them because what they did and preached did not line up with their religious practice which had no life in it only rules and regulations.
They could not deny the healing of the lame man it was obvious as he had been lame from birth and they would have seen him at the gate begging daily.
Paul write to the Corinthians
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”
1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/1co.4.20.niv
There is power in the name of Jesus,
To forgive sin
To bring freedom from guilt and shame
To heal sickness of the mind, body and soul
To release those who are oppressed and captive to bad habits
To those who don't know Jesus
It's not about choosing to follow a religion its about choosing to have a relationship with Jesus who can do all those things and give you life
You can find out more by joining the Alpha course
Before the religious council Peter again took the opportunity to speak of Jesus
“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.””
Acts of the Apostles 4:12 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/act.4.12.nlt
To Christians
Peter saw the opportunity
1. To bring healing and demonstrate Gods goodness in healing (Jesus himself possibly passed by this same man)
2. To share the good news of Jesus and in
“But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.”Acts 4:4 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/act.4.4.niv
Conclusion
After Peter and John had been released they returned to the believers and told them all that had happened
They then pray together and I think God loves this kind of prayer
Acts of the Apostles 4:29-31
https://www.bible.com/116/act.4.29-31.nlt
The result of this prayer was they were filled with the Holy Spirit and preached the word of God with Boldness.
Maybe this is the greatest opportunity we have had in our lifetime so far, so may we too be bold enough
- to pray this way
- Like Peter see the opportunity for the Good news of the kingdom, whether in action or word.
After all he is still the same Jesus, the way the truth and the life to all who chose to believe.
Questions
What are your expectations in sharing the gospel
What opportunities have you had for the gospel over the last 3 months?
Is lack of boldness and courage a hindrance to sharing the gospel? How and why? What needs to change and how can it?
In Steve's testimony, he talks of the complete transformation of his life after meeting Jesus.
To join us for our 6-week online Alpha Course, starting on Wednesday 1st July, email hello@churchinthepeak.org.
Paul spoke from Psam 84 about pilgrimage and longing.
Psalm 84 [ESV]
My Soul Longs for the Courts of the Lord
To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.
84 How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of hosts!
2 My soul longs, yes, faints
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh sing for joy
to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
ever singing your praise! Selah
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
6 As they go through the Valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength;
each one appears before God in Zion.
8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
9 Behold our shield, O God;
look on the face of your anointed!
10 For a day in your courts is better
than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favour and honour.
No good thing does he withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts,
blessed is the one who trusts in you!
Neal spoke about Nicodemus’s night-time visit to Jesus.
Clip from “The Chosen” https://youtu.be/Q1AyMDZNy9k
John Chapter 3 – We see Nicodemus coming to meet Jesus at night. Nicodemus is a religious leader, a Pharisee and a member of the ruling Council of the Jews – The Sanhedrin – He is highly regarded as a teacher of the Law of Moses and is well versed in the scriptures – he has seen Jesus perform a miracle and heard about others and wants to question him?
What mattered to the Jews was being born into the right family – what mattered was being a child of Abraham and now here is Jesus saying he is starting a new family and natural birth is not enough – To Join this new family you have to be “Born again” – Mind blowing!
Why born again? What does this even mean?
At one point Nicodemus says “so it’s all about sin” – That’s the reason you have come? He is right – It is all about sin and the fact that we are sinners and need to be rescued from our sinful nature!
Romans 3 vs 23 – We are all in the same position before God!
It all started in the garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and sin entered their lives – Paul in fact calls us “sons of disobedience” – We don’t teach our children to be naughty – they are just are – Why – Because we have the Sin DNA running through our lives which separates us from God and its this that needs to be dealt with in all our lives. We are not born neutral and we are not born good – we are born as sinners that need a saviour! You can be as good as you like and try and work your way to God – But God is a level 10 God and we are never going to be level 10 because of sin.
So what about Jesus – How come he didn’t have this sin DNA running through him? Because he was born of a virgin – this is so important to understand – don’t let anyone tell you that the virgin birth is not important because it is for this very reason.
Matthew 1 vs 20 - Jesus was the perfect man, who lived a perfect life and died as a perfect sacrifice for all of us and all our sin. Jesus came to restore our relationship with God and reconcile us to God. Just as the children of Israel had to look at the snake on the pole in the desert to receive healing so we look to Jesus and believe in him to be healed of our sinful nature.
Ephesians 2 vs 4 - This is the transformation that has taken place - from spiritual death or darkness to spiritual life – in the light and this is the transformation that happened to Nicodemus.
John 19 vs 38-42 - Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, in the dark and met with the Messiah – Now at the end of Jesus life he comes in the light of day to help take the body down from the cross and lay his body in the tomb. Something no Jewish Rabbi should be doing and there would have been many questions asked of him about his role – But Nicodemus had seen the light and recognised Jesus for who he was – The Messiah! A life changed forever by a meeting with Jesus!
Jesus says look up at me on the cross, sacrificed for you, taking your sin and reconciling you to Father God – Be born again by my Holy Spirit and come into my family!
2 Corinthians 5 vs 17-18
If you are Christian go back and remember when you were “Born again” – Think of how you felt – Remember God’s love – let his grace and favour wash over you again and thank him for his goodness.
Watch the video and let God’s love wash over you – Imagine being Nicodemus and the life changing transformation that happens in this meeting. Thank God for what he has done for you!
If you are not yet a Christian then know that God loves you and wants you to be part of his family – Simply believe and ask him to come into your life and start a new life with Jesus – It is a gift From God for you!
Peter spoke from Psalm 118.
Battle, costly one.
Now battle is won, and the writer is reflecting
Relevant to us as we start to emerge from lock down.
So many famous verses in one psalm.
Verses 5,8,14,22,24&29.
So much to say about each of these verses, could go into it for hours
Concentrate on v22.
The reason we may know the verse is because both Jesus and Paul use the verse.
Luke 20:17
Cornerstone
Everything comes from the corner. You don't start in the middle. Everything emanates from there.
Also a foundation to build on.
Ephesians 2:19-22
Capstone
Crowning glory.
All can see it.
Christ on the cross lifted up for all to see
Jesus last words on the cross, it is finished
The temple is finished, in us!
Cornerstone and capstone
Beginning and the end
Alpha and omega
Start and end Bible
Revelation 22:13
Revelation 1:8
You don't find alpha and omega in the old testament as that's greek, and the old testament is written in Hebrew.
Isa 44
This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies: “I am the First and the Last; there is no other God. Who is like me?
First and last. Nature of god.
Takes Micky out of our small mindedness.
Earnings, some for good, and some for the thing we worship.
It's all yours anyway.
God says, it's all mine anyway.
This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer and Creator: “I am the Lord , who made all things. I alone stretched out the heavens. Who was with me when I made the earth?
Isaiah 44:21-22, 24
Jesus is the answer.
I alone am God, the First and the Last. It was my hand that laid the foundations of the earth, my right hand that spread out the heavens above. When I call out the stars, they all appear in order. Isaiah 48:12-13
Gen 1
V1 God is there and his spirit is hovering over the waters.
V26, let us make mankind in our own image. Our is more than 2, in the Hebrew.
Jesus was the one we were modelled on.
John 1
John 20:31
Who is Jesus to you?
In life , in lock down?
Beginning and end, cornerstone, capstone
Questions for study.
I want to encourage you to go where God wants you to in study, like I did to prepare today's word.
Look at one of the passages like Ps118, Isaiah 44, or John 1, and follow the study notes in the bible, and the cross references. If a word jumps out, look at the other instances of that word in the bible, and see where God takes you and see what he says.
Go on an adventure.
Phil read from 1 Peter 1 and Matthew 7, reminding us about the need for genuine faith and for our foundations to be in God.
Introduction
• Before the pandemic took its effect in the UK we were looking at what it meant to be strong in the Lord and his mighty power
• Then since we first went into lock down we have been considering how we live in the midst of a difficult situation.
We have been encouraged to strengthen ourselves and to be strong and look to God.
We have made references to Davids life who knew from a young age how to find strength in and from God.
Last week Neal looked at how David exercised that strength through his faith in God when he defeated Goliath.
Let's look at how we can do the same :-
1 Peter 1:6-7
It's when difficulties come we find out whether what we have is real or not.
When things are good and well life is sweat, carefree and all is well, we don't have to exercise too much faith.
So if we consider Job who had life pretty good he was blessed with a wife and Children 7 sons 3 daughter livestock 7000 sheep, 3000 camels 500 teams of oxen, and 500 female donkeys and wealth the richest person in the entire area.
As we read the book of job we learn that God allows Job to be tested and he loses everything and while he doesn't understand and wrestles with what did he do wrong why has this happened he is found to be a man who will not deny God or turn away from him
This faith and relationship with God was genuine. It was real and he couldn't turn away.
Jesus in his treated recorded preach - the sermon on the mount finished his teaching with this parable of the wise man building his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24-27
Bible characters like David and Job had built their life on a good foundation that is their relationship with God
What foundation are you building on?
I'm putting in a new shed and the foundation for this shed is like this
You may say that's over the top for just a shed to store the lawn mower and garden tools
Some of the stone has got to be changed because they aren't the right fit what might you need to change?
What we build on is an example to others particularly if we have children
What have you built your life on
Family
Money for Security
Career
Pleasures of life,
Or as a Christian
Have you built on church attendance alone
Serving
Ministry
It's when those things are stripped away we find out if what we have built is it solid ground or sand
At the beginning of the lockdown I had a strong sense that God is working in this situation allowing people to the opportunity to refocus and see what really matters, I believe we will see many people turn to Jesus and for those who know Jesus a returning to what matters in the kingdom.
It felt God was pressing the reset button
Conclusion
During this time have you discovered what you have been building on to be solid rock or soft sand?
Is your faith Genuine or superficial?
In the end what really matters is that we Love God and love one another.
Neal spoke about David overcoming Goliath in God's power. The opposite of Fear is Faith.
Brian and Maria's wry look look at lockdown life and how we can move from lamentation to contentment.
Peter asked "Why am I so bored?"
What is the most exciting thing you have done this week?
Only boring people get bored....
Children of israel.
Exodus 32:1
When we get bored we can wander from the truth.
Our focus can wander
Mike Pilavachi
“The devil knows your name but calls you by your sin, God knows your sin but calls you by your name.” - Ricardo Sanchez. In these days of pain and isolation for many, don’t give the devil a foothold and be wise to his tricks. Our God is full of grace always. Even in our bad days!
DEVIL
EVIL
VIL
IL
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PS 89
Vv46-9
O Lord , how long will this go on? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your anger burn like fire? Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence! No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave.
V 1-2
I will sing of the Lord ’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.
V15
Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord .
How do we get back to God and dig deep into him?
Stop focussing on the difficulty, focus on him.
Joshua 23:7-8,11
Rom 8:1. There is now no condemnation.
Students, study like you have never studied before. Adults too!
Learn new skills
Music, prophecy, new language, tongues, touch typing, web design - who knows then what God will use you for after all this is over.
I'm letting go to start again.
Did God need to stop you?
Dig deep into worship and find out things about God you didn't know before.
Dave Watmore: Dig deep for victory
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalms 91:1
Questions
What has been your biggest excitement in the last week? Why was that good?
What distracts you the most? What could you do about that?
What would you like to do in life that you haven't done yet? What does God say about that?
On Easter Sunday Brian Rice posted a very simple FaceBook statement; Jesus 1 Death 0 It is a very simple statement but I have been reflecting on it over the week.
On Sunday afternoon my Dad and I watched the rerun of the 2019 cricket World Cup between England and New Zealand. It came down to the last over. England needed 15 runs to win. Which is a very difficult task. England looked to have lost the match twice in that over but somehow they tied the match and ultimately won the game. The crowd who were made up of England and India and West Indian supporters went made with joy as the tension built and England finally won.
Looking at the crowd and examining my own emotions I wondered how the disciples must have felt. Luke 24 v 38 - 43. https://www.bible.com/116/luk.24.38-41,43.nlt
Of course in sport you are only as good as your last result. A few weeks later England were thrashed by the Australians and our bubble of happiness was burst.
But where is our joy in life? I have been reading Philippians and catching the overwhelming sense of Paul’s joy. Philippians 2:5-11 NLT. https://www.bible.com/116/php.2.5-11.nlt
When we reflect on this passage we can start to grasp the mind of Christ.
We so often think of our salvation as between me and God. But this is such a limiting concept.
Over the last few months I have been trying to grapple with the book of Revelation. Revelation 5. I will paraphrase, John is taken in the Spirit into the throne room of heaven. The angel calls out “ who is worthy to open the seals” John looks around and can’t see any one in heaven or on earth or under the earth who is worthy to open the seals. John weeps bitterly as he can see that the whole cycle of history will go round and round in a circle of sin and that the future is totally hopeless. The angel then shouts “Look the lion of Judah” stop weeping.
The Lion of Judah is symbolic of Jesus in His power and authority.
Then as John looks again he sees the Lamb of God who has been slain for all our sins. This is such a great moment in the history of heaven, heaven sings a new song as Jesus opens the seals and justice is seen for all mankind.
This is our destiny to live in the Kingdom of Heaven where there will be no more sin, no more death, no more tears of pain but life and joy and righteousness.
Indeed Jesus has won and death has been defeated.
We may not be happy everyday because of our circumstances but look to Jesus and find his perspective on the future. Then you will find a joy that lasts to eternit. It won’t be like the happiness of England winning the cricket World Cup.
Jesus’s view in the garden of Gethsemane was not just at us as individuals but his whole church.
He will not let the pandemic to go without accomplishing what he has always had in his sight, the building of His church, seeing every tribe and tongue swept into His kingdom.
When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we stand in his power and authority. He is the Lamb that was slain. We should be obedient to Him and sacrificially follow Him by laying down our own agendas for His.
When we have that full perspective of Christ’s heart for every man woman and child, we will find a joy that is everlasting even when we have bad days and our old way of life is taken away.
QuestionsGo through the Philippians quote, can you believe that all the points apply to you? (When we humble ourselves, we enjoy the power and authority of Christ as we have been elevated to the same position in heaven as Christ) Blows your mind!
Do you consider that Jesus was seeing his church when he was in the garden of Gethsemane?
Do you have that sense of joy, even when things are really tough?
When you reflect on the victory
Neal spoke about what we should be doing now: reading the bible, worship, prayer.
Please note that there were some issues with the recording this morning and it stops mid-preach. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Neal’s last point from his preach this morning (which wasn’t recorded) was about community:
We need to care for each other in the church
Make sure you meet in Groups and if you are not in a group try and join one so you can have fellowship together! Look after each other and if you have someone on your heart, then call them. Let the Holy Spirit guide you. Let’s live and support each other.
The Bible says you are the fragrance of Christ wherever you go. We want to be that for each other but also for the wider community, as we seek to help those in need through the foodbank and crisis packages of food. We want people to know that in times of uncertainty they can rely and trust in God.
Psalm 46 vs 1 says “God is our refuge and strength a very present help in the time of trouble”
This is an encouragement to us all and even more so when you look at the meaning of “refuge” - a shelter from danger or hardship - a safe place. This is what we want our Church to be and what we want to be in the community as well.
To finish I would like to pray for you all from Romans 15 vs 13
“I pray that God, the source of hope will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit”
God bless you all this week and may you know his joy, peace and hope during this difficult time.
Peter showed how Jesus responded to those with leprosy and how we should respond to Coronavirus.
As we move to hosting our services online, Phil spoke from Acts 2:42 showing how the disciples started doing church and devoting themselves.
Ian spoke about salvation.
Due to techncial difficulties, today's preach did not record.
Peter looks at some of the questions we ask about illness. In this preach, he answers the questions: "Do I have to die?" and "Did I do something wrong?".
Phil Revill looked at healing.
See also next week's sermon (9th Feb 2020) for more on why healing doesn't always happen.
On our Christmas Day service, Neal spoke about God giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Brian looked at how the real meaning of Christmas can be found in the Christmas classics.
Jon spoke from Romans 1:7 on how we are loved by God, we are saints, we live under God's grace and we have peace with God.
Matthew preached about true worship using the words of the Anna and Simon Brading song "Born to Love."
Andrew Davies spoke about hearing God at our Staycation. This is his third and final preach.
Brian spoke from Romans 8 about (i) the establishment of the Kingdom, (ii) living in the Kingdom and (iii) the Kingdom yet to come.
Vicki preached from Romans 1:12 about mutual encouragement.
Encouragement / building faith works for everyone. The newest Christians / those who feel their faith is weak are still used by God to challenge and encourage the more mature Christians.
Neal explained about the Gifts of the Spirit.
[Please note that only the first 35 minutes of Neal's preach were recorded. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.]
Phil outlined the vision for Church in the Peak and highlighted progress towards the dreams mentioned on the 2019 bookmark.
As part of our youth-led service, Hannah reminded us what God says about us. We are loved. We are free. We have a purpose.
Phil looked at what a Spirit-Filled Community looks like.
Due to technical difficulties, almost none of Phil's preach was recorded.
Introduction
• Thinking over the summer what makes us different?
• Want to start this term setting the scene for the Autumn
Zechariah 4 v 6
God is at work and all His good deeds, including the construction of the second temple ( replaced solo mins original temple) symbolic of the temple that would be built by Coming of Jesus.
“Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to you: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
Zechariah 4:6 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/zec.4.6.nlt
God will build his Church
Not by force - which he could do like a dictator or as King Nebukanezer did by sending out a decree that the people should worship some foreign god
Or using his might strength - as he is more powerful than anyone or anything and could so easily step in and reform the world just how he pleases
No he chose to build his church the the Holy Spirit who reveals the love of the father to us and leads us into all truth
Joel prophesied
““Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike. And I will cause wonders in the heavens and on the earth— blood and fire and columns of smoke.”
Joel 2:28-30 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/jol.2.28-30.nlt
Which is what Peter referred to on the day of Pentecost when he preached
PowerPoint slide - Gods presence with us in our meetings
Acts 2 v 42
“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper ), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/act.2.42-47.nlt
This is our example of what a spirit filled community looks like
We want to see spirit filled communities all over the Peak District
PPS story
God the Holy Spirit
For every age -
• My first memory of an encounter with the Holy Spirit is when I was 8. I knew he was present, I felt his touch, I was overwhelmed by his presence. On the other end Andrew Davies shared a story with us of a man who's first encounter with God the Holy Spirit later in life when he was a pensioner. He was completely overwhelmed by the Spirits presence
For every social standing
• There is no class system in heaven. Neal has often mentioned
Neal looked at the book of Ruth. A love story but so much more. This is a story of love, redemption, salvation, restoration, God’s sovereignty and of a God that keeps on giving.
Phil completed our series on Joshua looking at the end of Joshua's life and his final instructions for the Israelites.
Justyn and Josie talk about what God has been teaching them during their first year at Bethel.
To view Jusytn and Josie's slides, click here:
https://churchinthepeak.org/files/9815/6253/3163/20190707JustynJosiePrideBSSMFeedback.pdf
To view the BSSM video, click here:
https://player.vimeo.com/video/216747097?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0
Andy spoke about our need to fully appreciate the Grace of God. Andy spoke from the story of the woman caught in adultery.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Peter continued our series on Joshua, looking at Joshua 22, looking back as the Israliste army returned home, and prepared to settle down after 40 years fighting for the land.
6 months ago, start of Joshua
Then Joshua called together the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. He told them, “Remember what Moses, the servant of the Lord , commanded you: ‘The Lord your God is giving you a place of rest. He has given you this land.’ Your wives, children, and livestock may remain here in the land Moses assigned to you on the east side of the Jordan River. But your strong warriors, fully armed, must lead the other tribes across the Jordan to help them conquer their territory. Stay with them until the Lord gives them rest, as he has given you rest, and until they, too, possess the land the Lord your God is giving them. Only then may you return and settle here on the east side of the Jordan River in the land that Moses, the servant of the Lord , assigned to you.” They answered Joshua, “We will do whatever you command us, and we will go wherever you send us. We will obey you just as we obeyed Moses. And may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses. Anyone who rebels against your orders and does not obey your words and everything you command will be put to death. So be strong and courageous!”
Joshua 1:12-18 NLT
Then Joshua called together the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. He told them, “You have done as Moses, the servant of the Lord , commanded you, and you have obeyed every order I have given you. During all this time you have not deserted the other tribes. You have been careful to obey the commands of the Lord your God right up to the present day. And now the Lord your God has given the other tribes rest, as he promised them. So go back home to the land that Moses, the servant of the Lord , gave you as your possession on the east side of the Jordan River. But be very careful to obey all the commands and the instructions that Moses gave to you. Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” So Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went home.
Joshua 22:1-6 NLT
Not innocent, had not obeyed.
Rose tinted spectacles
40 years had passed.
Some will have died in the battles, and some of the women and children died whilst waiting.....
Some will have had PTSD.
Some will have depressed and broken.
Some will have been elated and taking home riches of the plunder.
Stories to tell of what God had done for them and with them.
Good, bad, awful, fantastic
What is your story? We all have a story to tell.
All through the highs and lows of church life. The battles. The scars.
God with me.
Lessons and change.
Matt Redman it is well on unbroken praise
Our scars are a sign
Of grace in our lives
And Father, how You brought us through
When deep were the wounds
And dark was the night
The promise of Your love, You proved
Now every battle still to come
Let this be our song
What is your story?
Bits you want to tell.
Bits you never want anyone to know about.
Forgiveness and redemption
Joshua didn't say, well you mucked up time and time again, and so some of you can go home…..
No, he said well done faithful servants, go home, obey God.
Did they, doesn't look like it, not well anyway.
That's what God does for us. In Christ, as we come before the judgement seat, and he sees the perfection of Christ, and not us. Our deeds are as filthy rags.
Live in freedom from here in.
Sometimes we can despise the normal life.
The just living. Bit boring. What's the purpose?
The land has been given. Need to occupy it.
Maybe feel like one of the ones left behind, and missing the adventure.
T
Neal continued our series looking at Joshua. Neal looked at Caleb’s inheritance from Joshua 14 vs 6-15
The background to this story needs to be understood to get the full picture and that background can be read in Numbers 13 and 14
Numbers 13 vs 18-20 – Caleb sent out to spy the land
Numbers 13 vs 25-33 – The report is brought back with two different opinions
Numbers 14 vs 1-10 - The people rebel
Numbers 14 vs 23-24 – God’s promise to Caleb – which is finally fulfilled in Joshua chapter 14.
Key verse -Numbers 14 vs 24 – But my servant Caleb has a different spirit/attitude than the others – He has remained loyal to me so I will bring him into the land he explored. His descendants will possess their full share of that land.
The promise is fulfilled but its 45 years later!! Caleb is now and old man of 85 but God has not forgotten his promise and neither has Caleb! He has amazing faith and believes God that the promise will be fulfilled no matter how old he is! How good are we at waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled in our lives?
God says of Caleb that he has a different spirit – what is that different spirit? Caleb actually means “wholehearted” and it is this wholeheartedness that God loves and its recognised by Joshua as well
14 vs 8 – I wholeheartedly follows the Lord
14 vs 9 – Because you wholeheartedly followed the Lord my God
14 vs 11 – Because he wholeheartedly followed the Lord
Wholeheartedness is an attribute that God loves in Caleb but he also loves in us – He wants our whole heart and not just part of it – he hates half-heartedness – remember Phil preaching from Revelation chapter 3 a few weeks ago where he talked about the Church in Laodicea who has become luke warm (half-hearted) and bland – God said it was distasteful and undrinkable and would be spat out by him – strong words – but even we don’t like a warm shower and we don’t like half-heartedness either – think of examples with your kids where they can’t be bothered to help – it drives us mad!! God wants us to be wholehearted for him and we need to be careful as many things will crowd in to take his place in our heart – where your treasure is there will be your heart! What is your treasure?
So what can we learn from Caleb?
1.God’s promises are true and will be fulfilled no matter how long you have to wait! If God has promised thins over your life or family in the past – keep trusting him and reminding him – they will be fulfilled.
2.Caleb was a man of faith – he believed God and did not waver – he had as much faith when he was 85 and he did when he was 40! He still wants to take on the giants in the land and knows with God he will conquer them! Lets be people of faith – trusting God.
3.Don’t look at the giants in the land and be frightened by them – Look at the God who made the giants in the first place – 2 Corinthians 5 vs 7 teaches us to “walk by faith and not by sight” and yet so often our experience of life is the exact opposite – we walk by sight and not by faith – Giants look big when you look up at them but they look small when you look down on them and that is God’s perspective!
4.Let’s be men and women of a “different spirit” not following the crowd and living in fear -but trusting God and believing that we can conquer the giants if God is with us!
5.Age is no barrier to God’s blessing and anointing – Caleb was 85 but had incredible faith and believed God – so God could use him for his purposes and he took the giants and beat them! There is no retirement age in God thankfully!
The Result?
Joshua 15 vs 13-19 - God’s promise fulfilled!!
Questions
1.Why do you think wholeheartedness is so important To God?
2.When you think of people that are half-hearted in what they do why is that frustrating – what is underneath that attitude do you think?
3.Caleb waited 45 years for God to answer his promise – that is a lon
Dave continued our series on Joshua, looking at Joshua 11.
Summary and context
In the early years of the Israelites crossing the Jordan into the promised land Joshua sees many victories and also defeats.
Victory when they enquire and are obedient to Him and defeat when they disobey or fail to enquire of the Lord.
1.The supernatural crossing of the Jordan river
2.Victory at Jericho
3.Salvation of Rahab
4.Defeat at Ai
5.Victory at Ai
6.Being deceived by the Gibeonites
7.The salvation of the Gibeonites
8.The Southern armies defeated when the sun stands still.
9.5 Southern kings defeated.
These are challenging chapters and Peter handled the issues so very well a few weeks ago.
I only wish to add one point here on that subject.
The Lord gave them many demonstrations of who he is. He started the conquest of Canaan from the south, where the main city of Jericho was so the local people could understand that he is God and in control. Rahab and family turned to God as a result.
The Gibeonites were afraid of this God so their way was to trick Joshua. It was still seen by the Lord as an act of faith in Him.
The other tribes in Canaan were incredibly corrupt morally. Worshipped God’s that they thought they could control by sacrifice of children to control nature. God showed that by stopping the sun and killing them with hail, he is the master of the weather and the solar system. They did not turn and worship Him. If they had, would would have been saved.
Romans 1 verse 18 -20.
“But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”
Romans 1:18-20 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/rom.1.18-20.nlt
I started my preparation for this passage thinking it would be about dealing ruthlessly with sin but I felt a Holy Spirit rebuke that Jesus has done that and that we live under grace.
Let me qualify that. We must deal with sin. Even put our foot on the neck of sin but we must learn to live in the tension of grace that is becoming more like Christ everyday but acknowledging that we make mistakes. I understood many years ago that knowing Him and loving Him is the best route to becoming less sinful in my day to day life.
An example. My children love me and hate to upset me or offend me. This sometimes stops them doing what they know makes me sad.
If you know your sin would make your Father sad, you wouldn’t do it.... I hope.
I chose the word “understood” carefully. I am still trying to walk that way but through pressures of life, spiritual laziness and other excuses I could come up with I still forget that truth that He loves me immensely.
My word this morning is that God is in control.
Joshua 11:1-23 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/jos.11.1-23.nlt
Joshua had made mistakes early on in the invasion but he did learn that God was in control.
As a gesture of faith Joshua burnt the chariots that could have given him a big advantage in the natural world but he had learnt that his God was way above that.
He knew God knew everything from the beginning to the end. He is omnipotent, all powerful, omnipresent - everywhere at the same time, omniscient - all knowing.
The enemies of God refused to learn that lesson.
Story of my job and pay rise being in God’s hands.
“The Holy Spirits job is not to control us but to remind us who we are and who He is and what He can do in us. “ Danny Silk.
Let me come
Building on a prophecy that was brought a couple of weeks ago, saynig that we are a "Fire Church", Phil looked at 1 Corinthians 13 and how the church needed to demonstrate each of these qualities to each other and to the outside world.
Introduction
• Word from Tim Banfield, Sunday visitor from Wales.
• We are a fire church
• Go and light some fires
Don't know if you have considered what a fire church looks like?
What does that mean?
I have been thinking and praying about it since we had this word. As you we listened to the recording we can get excited about that but what's the reality look like
So what does a fire church look like?
A place where we experience the presence of God?
A place where Gods kingdom breaks into people's lives?
A place where we can expect healing and deliverance to take place?
A place where people are saved?
A church through which God demonstrates his Kingdom rule and reign into every place he has given us influence
As I prayed God led me this one main thing a place where his love in experienced and lived out
Jesus said this to his disciples, that means us.
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.””
John 13:34-35 NLT
How are you expressing his love to One another?
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul is writing about spiritual gifts, leadership, and the importance of embracing your gifting. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul continues this line of reasoning as he talks about leaders sounding a clear call.
But right in the middle is 1 Corinthians 13, commonly known as “the love chapter.” If you have ever attended a Christian wedding ceremony, you have most likely heard a verse or two quoted.
1 Corinthians 13 is a chapter on how to love one another in the church, not how to be a great husband or wife.
We cannot be effective as a people if we do not know how to love one another.
What If we applied 1 Corinthians 13 to every area of church life, what difference would that make?
The whole point of Jesus coming was that the world would know the love of the Father.
The whole point of the church is that through the church the world would get to se and experience this love.
Who's this letter to ?
“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:”
1 Corinthians 1:2 ESV
Consider what love is:
• Love is patient.
Am I giving others the same room to make mistakes as I want them to give me?
Do we get exasperated with one another when they don't do what we want them to?
• Love is kind.
Do the people actually like being around you? If you want to know the answer to this question, just ask yourself how much they ask to hang out with you outside of a church meeting.
• Love is not Jealous or boastful or Proud or rude
Are you jealous of someone's gifting or anointing or maybe of who they are and what they have?
Or do you boast or have pride in your heart?
Or are you rude to people, ignoring them even when spoken to? Or brushing them of as though they are nothing?
Do we do want we do out of selfish ambition?
What if you were asked to give up what you do? How would you handle it? Could you do it?
• Love does not demand its own way
Will we only give of ourselves on our terms?
If it's done my way that's ok but if it's not I'm out.
• Love always protects.
Do we have one another's back?
Do we speak well of on
Phil continued our series looking at Joshua 10, reminding us that God does not break his promises and that he can use all situations for his glory.
Introduction
• Last week we looked at the Gibeonite deception • How Israel did not enquirer of the Lord but make a covenant / Treaty with the Gibeonites that the Lord had commanded can they must not do. • They were presumptuous in not enquiring of the Lord • How that applies to us in our daily life
Chapter 10: 1-15
• The Gibeonites were afraid of the people of God causing them to deceive them • Now the king of Jerusalem had heard of the victories and that Gibeon had made the covenant and was afraid • Gibeon on its own was a great city like one of the royal cities and all it's men were warriors
They had cause to fear
• J10 V 5 the 5 kings of the Amorites joined with the other kings. • In J 2 v 10 2 Amorites kings had already been defeated east of the Jordan • J 5v1 - fear was already in their hearts
Word sent to Gilgal where Joshua was camping
Gilgal was an important place for Israel
• Gilgal was the place of memorial (Joshua 4:20 - 12 stone from the river Jordan piled up here
• Gilgal was the place of radical obedience (Joshua 5:2-3 - circumcision took place here
• Gilgal was the place where reproach was removed (Joshua 5:9 - Reproach rolled away
• Gilgal was the place of obedience and the remembrance of salvation (Joshua 5:10- celebrated the Passover
• Gilgal was the place where the manna stopped, and they began to live of what the Promised Land provided (Joshua 5:11-12 The first time they tasted of the land flowing with milk and honey.
They leave Gilgal
It is estimated that the route to Gibeon from Gilgal was 20 mile (32km) with a 3,300 ft climb (1000m) and would have taken 8-10hrs through the night.
Do not fear for I have given them into your hands not a man of shall stand before you
• Fear takes away our ability to fight battles. Even in the face of strong enemies, Joshua was command to not fear and needed reminding.
• For Joshua, fear was unbelief – being unwilling to believe what God promised. So it is with us today
• God does His work, but He seeks to draws us into working with Him. Often God waits to see our initiative, our willingness to be a partner with Him, before He does what only He can do.
• This is not the idea that “God helps those who help themselves.”
• That's a lie the end,y would have us believe. Along with positive thinking rather than faith.
• The idea is “God wants to draw His people into partnership with Him in seeing His work done.”
• God honours Joshua for honouring the covenant with the Gibeonites ○ Even though it was against Gods instructions ○ Grace was given to Joshua even though mistakes had been made
• God honours his promise to give them the land ○ Gods promise is true irrespective of us ○ He is faith to his promise even when we are not ○ The Promise to Moses and not to Joshua still stands ○ Not disqualified from the promise
3 miracles
• God not only keeps his promise but he fights for them himself by a. God threw them into panic b. Sending a storm of hail stones that killed more than the sword
Joshua prayed this one prayer, simple, short precise
“On the day the Lord gave the Israelites victory over the Amorites, Joshua prayed to the Lord in front of all the people of Israel. He said, “Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon.”” Joshua 10:12 NLT https://www.bible.com/116/jos.10.12.nlt
“So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies. Is this event not recorded in The Book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the Lord answered such a prayer. Surely the Lord fought for Israel that day! Then Joshua and the Israelite army returned to
Neal continued our series on Joshua, looking at Joshua 9 and the deception of the Gibeonites.
The background to this story is that God has made it very clear to the children of Israel that they were not to enter into any covenants with the people who inhabited the promised land and that they were to destroy them as they worshipped other gods and practised idolatry.
Exodus 23 vs 23-32 Instruction to Moses – Very Clear
Deuteronomy 7 vs 1-6 Repeated Instruction – Very Clear
Joshua 3 vs 9-11 – Joshua repeated God’s plan.
Against this backdrop it was inconceivable that the Joshua and the children of Israel would enter into any covenant with any of the people in the promised land and the people of Gibeon knew this and therefore came up with a cunning plan to deceive them. The pretend they are from a country far far away and make it look like they have travelled far by wearing old clothes, having crusty and mouldy bread in their pockets and repeatedly telling Joshua that they live a long way away- without ever actually saying where!
Joshua and the leaders look at what they see in front of them and make a covenant with them believing that they are from a far off country – but they failed to ask God to help them in that decision?
Key Verse – vs 14 “ So the Israelites examined the food, but they did not consult the Lord” – Big Mistake!
So how does this happen – three reasons
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Deceived – They were deceived by a lie and a clever plan – everything looked ok but in reality it was not what it seemed. They could have asked God for advice but chose not to. We need to be careful in our own lives that we are not deceived by people or by the enemy as he seeks to tell us that all is ok in our lives – remember his is a liar from the beginning and the master of deception. We have the Holy Spirit that can discern when things are not right and we need to listen to his voice. Three times they asked them where they came from and three times they didn’t tell them – they sense something is wrong but use their own instincts to make a decision.
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Distraction – They were distracted by what they ‘SAW” or rather what the thought they saw! They used their senses to look at the situation and make a decision – this is what we do all the time!
Phil Moore says ”When we neglect God’s word, we invariably make decisions based on what we see!” How true!
They were distracted by the story – it sounded plausible and looked plausible – we are so easily distracted in our own lives by what we see aren’t we – Just sit down for a time with God and a million things seem to very important all of a sudden! What distracts us?
Busy Lives
Habit
Pride
Control
Social Media – How much time do we spend on social media? Have a look on your phone under screen time and see how much time is wasted? What a distraction!
- Flattery and pride. – These are dangerous and we need to be aware of their power –
Vs 8 – We are your servants
Vs 9 – We have heard of the might of your God and of all he did in Egypt- we have also heard what he did to the Amorite Kings east of the River – we are your servants, please make a treaty with us.
They began to believe their own publicity – they forgot to give glory to God in the moment and declare the greatness of Jehovah. They make their own decision without reference to God – pride comes in. We need to be careful about this in our own lives – especially if you are in a position of leadership – beware of flattery and beware of the pride of your own heart – God knows what we are like and look what he says to Moses and the Children of Israel in Deuteronomy 8 vs 10-18 – He only needs to say this because he knows the heart of man!
Pride takes away God’s glory and instead gives it to us which is underserved.
So Joshua makes a covenant with the people and then only three days later they find out that actually the people are Hivites from the next city! The people are angry and want to kill them but Joshua kn
Phil spoke from Revelation 3 and 4 about how essential it is for the church not to close the door to God.
Introduction
• God has been speaking right from the beginning of the year are we cold or Hot ? • Through Joshua we can see a devoted passionate people taking hold of the promises God gave years previously to Abraham. • Today I want to remind us of the prophetic as well as challenge us including myself of how we are responding.
Revelation 3 verse 7 & 8
““Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open: “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.” Revelation 3:7-8 NLT https://www.bible.com/116/rev.3.7-8.nlt
• There is a door that has been opened that no man can shut only God • That door has been opened by Jesus • The work of the cross was to open a door for us to enter into his salvation it was a door that leads us from our darkness into his glorious light • It is a door that gives us access to all his goodness • It is a doorway that allows us to taste the riches of his grace on earth • It is a doorway that leads to righteousness and holiness • It is a doorway that leads us into the spiritual realm where we can experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
We will see this as we come to the third few verses of scripture.
I spoke from Revelation 3 14 - 22 at the beginning of the year on lukewarmness not realizing what God was upto.
““Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation: “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”” Revelation 3:14-22 NLT https://www.bible.com/116/rev.3.14-22.nlt
Verse 19 • Those I love I correct and discipline • In his love he keeps coming to us • Wanting to change us into his image and to experience all that he has stored up for us
Verse 20 • My experience is that this verse has always been preached as a Gospel message and I can see why • The context is tho this is an established church that sees itself as successful in a successful city • The church needed a reality check, that has been deceived by the things of he world and themselves • Their door had been closed to God, getting on with church life, doing lots of good things, were a wealthy church financially speaking
They were a improvised church though
• So God was standing at their closed door and knocking wanting to come in wanting his church back • Not as a homeless vagrant but as master of the house. Expecting his people to respond immediately and welcome him in.
• Over the weeks even since Christmas we have has a number of encouragements about what God wants and will do with us as a church
Peter continued our series on Joshua.
Joshua presumed God's blessing, and had been beaten in battle.
Cash machine You presume it will give you money. What we forget is that when we treat God like a cash machine, sometimes He says I don't like what you are going to spend the money on, so I am not dispensing any money!
God allows harm to come as his people go outside his will.
The family of achan take the spoils of war despite what God had told them. Stoning of the whole family is how we finished. All complicit? Maybe they all at least knew.
This week, Israel return to Ai. Genocide? Ethnic cleansing?
Norms of society were very different. Child sacrifice. Sexual liberty. Multiple wives. Intermarriage within a family. Marriage as a young teen, or even before. Capital punishment, even for what we would see as minor crime, like stealing.
Views on this passage have changed over the years. Matthew Henry, died 1714 The wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. ie it's fine to plunder those who don't know God.
Crusades. Rwanda Oliver Cromwell used Jericho as a justification for persecution of Catholics, and even their death Spanish Inquisition used the Bible as it's justification.
God has told me to do this...... We believe God speaks and tells us to do things. Murderers and rapists use this justification.
God's judgement. Plenty of warnings to those rebelling against him.
How could God condone death? Noah, what about those killed. Exile Israel, Egyptian army killed. Sodom and Gomorrah Jericho Death Jesus. They are all judgements God spares the ones he loves...... But doesn't he love all mankind? Jesus died for all.....
Some things happen in the Bible that weren’t meant to be repeated. But they repeatedly were, due to sin.
All changed with Jesus. This is the key. God kept trying to get people to follow him, but they rebelled. After Jesus, they had a real choice....
God is just and loving and cannot do wrong. It is God's place to judge.
God made us, and can destroy us if he chooses. God cannot abide sin. But….. God made a way out for us.
Ps94 God of vengeance v1. Giving people what they deserve. V23. God destroys the sinner
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4 NLT God had a plan, despite knowing what Israel would do, turning away from him again and again.
For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 NLT New covanent, old covanent
Today, do not harden your hearts as they did in the rebellion….. Heb 3:15
Mercy of God? Salvation for all.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NLT
Questions
Dave continued our series looking through Joshua, looking at the defeat of the Israelites at Ai following Achan's sin. See Joshua 7.
Recap The Israelites have left Egypt, spent 40 years in the desert. They cross the Jordon into the promised land and consecrate themselves to the Lord. They then win a remarkable victory at Jericho not by their own military might but by the supernatural power of God in spiritual warfare who is in a covenant relationship with them. Read the chapter Following the great victory at Jericho they are soundly defeated. This to me is due to two issues. 1. Achan s sin and disobedience 2. Joshua’s presumption on God for the victory.
Achan and his sin Adam and Eve were initially without sin. They sinned and and not repent of their rebellion from God. Therefore they were driven out of the garden (the promised land). In Egypt the Israelites are delivered from the destruction of the Lord by the atonement covenant of God at the Passover. This is a shadow of the cross at Easter. Now the Israelites have been promised the new land the land running with milk and honey. The Promised land. They have consecrated themselves and therefore atoned for their sin so they can be at one with God. Achan however takes the things that God said were to be devoted to Him. On the first impression this seems perhaps like a pragmatic, sensible thing to do. It wouldn’t hurt anyone. No one would know it was missing and in Achan tent. Achan’s sin was not just theft. His eyes had seen something and he coveted the garments and the gold. He was no longer worshipping the Lord but was in idolatry breaking the covenant the Lord made with his people. It is the complete opposite of Rahab. She left her idols, sinful ways and her own people to follow the Lord. Remember the red cord of hope. The Lord took it as faith and credited it as righteousness. She is now part of the family of God. Achan however turns to idols (the Babylonian garment and gold) and disobeys the Lord. He therefore opens the door for his destruction. God however is a God of kindness, love and forgiveness. Achan had the chance to turn from his sin and own up. This happens several times. Each time he thinks he can get away with it. Let’s not forget that God wants to save people and not destroy them in his wrath. The story of Jonah and Nineveh. Nineveh was the most horrendously violent nation ever. God still chose to forgive them when they repented. Achan didn’t repent and his family were complicit in the rebellion against the Lord. God uses the word it. An object. Not at this point a person. He wants Achan to repent. Achan, like Ananias and Saphira in Acts hardens his heart. Hebrews says “ Do not harden your hearts as they did in the desert”. What conclusion do we draw? Sin is a serious issue. Jesus has atoned for our sin. That is He has brought us back into a right standing with Him. We could not and can not make ourselves righteousness but Jesus can and has made us right with the Father. Story of a wet sleeping bag, a leaking hot water bottle. What do we do with it? Kick it out. Go to our parents to clean it up. Let us be aware of the tactics of Satan. It is to destroy from outside and also from within. The Canaanites are the outside force of Satan and Achan becomes the inside agent of Satan. He therefore had to be destroyed. Please don’t be afraid of the wrath of judgement on you. If you are born again judgement has already fallen on Jesus at the cross and he has triumphed over sin and death. Let us not however be complacent about the awfulness of sin in our lives. We however can come to the great high priest , Jesus and ask him to help us. We must also repent of our sins and exercise faith that he has forgiven us. We live under grace not the law. Questions This is a challenging passage. Discuss how this shows that God has no favourites and wants to see all come to faith. How does this story show us the cross of Christ? (Do you fully grasp the eno
Dave spoke at our Easter Sunday baptism service.
Dave used the illustration of the stones to represent each of us in our sinful nature and the punishment of death that we deserve.
Dave then asked Neal to pull the footballs under the surface of the water. They all exploded out of the water representing how Jesus could not be held down by death as He is perfect in righteousness.
He lived the life we should live but died the death we deserve.
Romans 3 v 22-26 in the NLT.
Questions It would be good to reflect on these three points that salvation gives us: Freedom, Identity, and Hope.
Colin outlined how Psalm 23 is all about God's presence.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Neal continued our Joshua series, looking at the fall of Jericho.
Please note that the last couple of mintues of the preach were not recorded.
This week we looked at Joshua Chapter 6 with particular reference to Israel facing the Walls Of Jericho – We also looked back at the story of Rahab as the two are interlinked throughout the whole story.
Rahab recognised who Jehovah was and declares “For the Lord Your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth below” – This is from a Gentile and a prostitute from Jericho. This is a revelation by the Holy Spirit and the whole story Of Rahab is a wonderful story of God’s redemptive power and salvation. She recognises who God is and what he can do and knows that Jericho will fall – compare that to the Israelites declaration after they had sent spies into the land.
Numbers 13 vs 31-33 – The people of the land are too strong – The land devours its inhabitants, the people are strong and there are giants in the land – we seemed like grasshoppers in our minds”.
One a declaration of faith – the other of faithlessness!!
The taking Of Jericho was 100% God and 0% Man – there was no way they could take the city without God’s intervention- Jehovah shows Joshua and the Children of Israel just how powerful he is if they will only follow his instructions and have faith -God defies our thinking – His ways are not our ways and his thoughts not our thoughts – He is Jehovah and is king of heaven and earth.
We are told in Hebrews 11 vs 30 that By faith the walls of Jericho fell – who are you going to have faith in? Yourself and your plans or God and his plans? Who is God again – ask Rahab!
Rahab is mentioned in Hebrews 11 vs 31 – By Faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient because she welcomed the spies! – One of only two women mentioned in Hebrews 11 – how amazing that she is in here as Great Men and Women of faith – alongside Abraham, Moses, Noah, Joshua and others!
However it gets even better if we read Matthew chapter 1 as Rahab in mentioned in the messianic line – vs 5 –
Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse and Jesse the father of David the King….. through to Jesus….. Rahab was always part of God’s plan and her story is amazing and wonderful -no one is too far from God that they cannot be saved and redeemed!
I love this quote from a commentary “ The lineage is composed of men and women, adulterers, prostitutes, heroes and gentiles – and Jesus is the saviour of them all!” – Love this!
So what of us and the Jericho’s in our lives – How do we approach them? Are we like the children of Israel or are we like Rahab?
So often we use our own intellect to try and work things out which limits what God can do – he tells us his thoughts are not like our thoughts and his ways are not like our ways?
We hear so often – I can’t see a way out of this situation, What can God do for me, There are no options here, this is impossible and more often than not “Why Me?”
God is trying to teach us to have faith in him in all situations and circumstances – I love this quote from Matthew Henry talking about the walls of Jericho –
“This situation was to try the faith, obedience and patience of the people, to try whether they would observe a precept which to human policy seemed foolish to obey and believe a promise which in human probability seemed impossible to be performed. Thus by faith and not by force the walls of Jericho fell down. It was to encourage the hope of Israel with reference to the remaining difficulties that were before them. The strongest and highest walls cannot hold out against Omnipotence.”
We need to remember – the strongest and highest walls cannot hold out against Omnipotence!
Let’s be like Rahab who recognised who Jehovah was and the power he has
For The Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth below.
Questions
Salva
Vicki spoke at our Mothering Sunday service about how Jesus brought inclusion for everyone.
Questions 1. Which people in your life have been spiritual parents to you? What did they do that was beneficial? 2. When have you felt on the fringe / excluded? How did it make you feel? What did you do as a result? 3. Who are you aware of in your life (you don’t have to know them well) who may feel like that? Who is God nudging you to reach out to? 4. What does love (as seen in 1 Cor 13) look like in your life? What does it look like in our society?
At our joint celebration with Buxton Church in the Peak, Jon spoke about our readiness to follow God.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Dave continued our series looking at Joshua, in particular the taking of Jericho.
Commander of the Lords army Joshua 5 v13 - 6. Context The spies have been into Jericho and Rahab has given her proclamation of faith in the Hebrew God. Yahweh. The people of Jericho knew the supernatural work of Yahweh and this melted their hearts. Remember that Jericho was a city of great sinfulness. God was going to bring judgement on the sinful city of Jericho. Phil told us about the consecration the Hebrew men were asked to perform before the battle to enter the Promised land.
Man standing with the sword drawn. This is thought to be the appearance of Christ. What intrigued me was the answer to Joshua’s question “ are you for us or for our enemies?” “ Neither”. This didn’t make sense to start with. Surely God is for the Israelites. He has delivered them from Egypt, taken care of them in the desert, promised them the land ahead but this representative of God says neither. What it is saying is now you have been consecrated to the Lord, you are not fighting for yourselves you must choose to be on the side of the Lord of Hosts. We so often think, He is my God. What you can not say to God is here is my plan please bless it. Follow my plan. Keep up with the programme Lord. I started to think of King George VI and his call for prayer before the Dunkirk rescue. God was not on the side of UK and against Germany.
We are to choose To be on His side. His side is the side of righteousness and not evil. Whose side have you chosen to be on? This is an important principle. We have to choose sometimes on a daily basis. Like the shepherd we are to follow his voice. “What message do you have for your servant.?” The Lord replies take your sandals off. Shoes, sandals were a symbol bringing the world into the presence of God. He doesn’t say go out with the ark etc. He said get the earthly thoughts out of your mind. Work, leisure, family, sex, sport, Fix your eyes on Jesus. The Lord of hosts. The commander of the army.
Then the Lord says to Joshua I have given you victory. Then he gives him the battle plan. The ark is the centre piece of the battle. This is the presence of God, the priests, blowing of the rams horns or shofar. This all speaks of the battle being the Lords. The victory is the Lord’s. He is the commander and strategist. The rams horns was not just a weird thing to do. It was a statement that this is war and His covenant with us. The ark is a statement that the presence of God will accomplish the victory. Once they have done this for seven days they give the shout and the walls fall. What would happen if they only obeyed for 5 days? The Israelites then go in and take the city. This is in accordance with the Lord’s instruction. What do we learn from this? This is like the New Testament teaching that the battle is not against flesh and blood but is in heavenly realms. We are to play our part but only in obedience to the Lord. Ephesians 6 v 10 -> 12. Paul builds up the whole of Ephesians to say that human effort is weak but God’s power is invincible. We see the same in Joshua.
Questions 1. What other examples are there of the commander of the Lords army standing in the way with His sword drawn? Look up the story of Balaam and his donkey. 2. Look at the story of Moses and the the burning bush, then Moses and the 10 commandments and see how this fits in with the Commander of the Lords army story. 3. How difficult is it to submit to joining the Lords army and not just asking God to follow our plans? 4. Encourage each other be honest about how fearful you are when we talk about spiritual warfare. Remember we are not putting our head above the parapet but our heads into heavenly realms. See Ephesians. 5. As a church we are looking to see more people come to Christ. Please be specific about who you are praying for. Make a note as a group and see how the Lord honours your prayers. 6. What struggles do you have in concentrating
Phil continued our series looking at Joshua.
Joshua 5 - Rolling away the Reproach of Egypt
Introduction Joshua 5 Verse 1-12 Fear on the people who dwell in the land Circumcision for the Israelites Passover celebrated Start eating from the produce of the land Circumcision and rolling away the reproach (shame) of Egypt linked. This new generation set apart afresh as Gods own people. Time for the pain, hurt and shame of the past to be dealt with. Rolling away the reproach of Egypt
When the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, • for many years they were beaten down. Not only physically, but emotionally. • They were constantly told they were no good, • they couldn't do anything right, they would never measure up. • Over time, they let those words steal their sense of value and identity. • They felt inferior, insecure, like they had no self-worth. When a person is being mistreated or abused, especially for a long time; instead of recognising the other person is doing them wrong, it's easy for them to accept the blame and start thinking they deserve what's happening. Before long, they're not only ashamed of what's happening, but they start to become ashamed of who they are. That's the way the Israelites felt. That's how the enemy twists things. But after 430 years, God brought them out of the slavery, out of the abuse. Just when they were about to enter the Promised Land, God said to them, "This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt off of you." Reproach means shame, blame or disgrace. Notice, they couldn't go into the Promised Land with the shame, feeling unworthy, not valuable. God had to roll away the reproach. Lets look at how our enemy uses things in our lives to put reproaches on us, that to bring shame and disgrace on us condemning us.
Areas where reproaches come from?
• The Reproach Of Barrenness- This lie says, “You will never be fruitful or significant.” Ever been told you are useless no good for anything, you will never amount to much in life. God has plans and purpose for you (Ephesians 2 verse 10)
• The Reproach Of Loneliness seeks to suffocate those who find themselves lonely in life (Isaiah 54:4). This lie says, “You will always be alone.” There is a cruel strategy of the enemy to oppress with a supernatural hopelessness that goes beyond the normal feelings associated with their situation (See also 1Timothy 5:14).
• The Reproach Of Failure can settle in on those who have entered into life’s challenges only to come up feeling like losers. This lie says, “You are a loser in life.” that could be in business, a failed marriage, maybe as a parent, could be in christian work or ministry 2 Cor 12:9-10, Romans 5:3-5.
• The Reproach of financial difficulties& Poverty is devastating, but the Lord promises to take it away (See Ezekiel 36:30). This lie says, “If you don’t have much, you aren’t worth much.” Lack is like a disease that brings its own emotional and spiritual poison that can infect families, nations and cultures around the world.
• The Reproach Of Moral Failure can be a merciless tormentor, especially in the case of fallen leaders (Pr. 14:34, 1 Tim. 3:7). This lie says, “There is no hope for those who fail.” Once you have fallen in sexual immorality there is no way you can get back. There is no redemption for this kind of failure. ○ Even though King David fell in adultery God never removed his anointing or his kingship but restored him fully.
• The reproach of the sins of the fathers – the lie says “you are just like your father or mother – like Father like son, like mother like daughter” You are unique God made you not as a clone of your parents but to be you, you have choices to make character that is different to either of your parents.
• The Reproach of Church experience - I think God wants to speak about those who have been hurt in church life, maybe through controlling or manipulative leadership, maybe used and abused rather than encouraged and honoured.
Neal continued our series looking at Joshua, focussing on Joshua 4, memorials and remembering what God has done for us.
Further notes and questions may be available in due course.
Phil continued our series looking at Joshua, in particular the crossing the Jordan River
Introduction
Joshua 3 Verse 7 – 17 • The beginning of their mission to move into and take the land God has promised to them • They were a People on a Mission a people who God cared passionately about. • The first obstacle is to get across the Jordan River.
History
• HE BROUGHT THEM OUT TO BRING THEM IN, that is he brought them out of slavery in Egypt, he made his presence physically known, he fed them with manna everyday and cared for them for 40 years, now he’s going to bring them into the best land that has everything they could want or desire a land that was rich, a fertile land a land that would provide all they needed.
Newfrontiers - Together on a globe mission
Verse 1
The move from Acacia grove to the banks of the Jordan river
Verse 2 to 4
Instructions for crossing the Jordan
Verse 5
Purify yourselves, perpetration for seeing the miraculous Heard what God did for their ancestors Now see what God will do for them
Verse 6
Making sure the ark of the covenant is in the right place The ark symbolises the presence of God with then It contained the 2 tablets with the ten commandments and Aaron's Staff
What’s next?
For Joshua? Verse 7 & 8 • God appointed leader he was there when they came out of Egypt • He went through the Red Sea • He went to spy the land • He had served Moses and unknown servant • He was a man of God Full of faith • Joshua was to have the same recognition as Moses received from God • Joshua had clear instructions as to what God intended to happen • God chose this time to show to the people that Joshua was Gods mans appointed for this time • We can see why God had said to Joshua be bold and very courageous he needed to be, • God asked him to do things that would take courage
For the People - Verse 9 to 13
• Camped by the river in Springtime • The river was now in flood • Not the time to cross • God was about to show himself to be great among the people • They were to listen to the words of the Lord their God – Sometimes we can forget to Listen to our God or chose to ignore him as we think we know better. • This is how you will know that God is among you (Physical Evidence) • Clear instruction and guidance
Verse 14 to 17
The people went to cross the Jordan In flood and impossible to cross Miraculous follows obedience Not an insignificant miracle Presence of God necessary for the miraculous Everyone crosses on dry ground
Obstacles are Gods opportunities to show us his love and grace and his mighty power to
Gods Heart is to do you good to work out in you his work of Love and Grace beyond our human understanding
Sometimes he has to take us out to bring us in I mean by that he brings us to places where we have to make a decision to leave behind and to move into a new place god has for us
The familiar is always more comfortable, why does it have to change?
Hebrews 13 v 20-21
A great shepherd of the sheep – God equipping us with everything good for doing his will and working in us what is pleasing to him In verse 9 the writer says this “it is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace”( esv)
Questions
1) the people of God were told to purify themselves and they would see God do wonderful things, why was this important to do?
2) They were told to to follow the instructions because they had not been this way before, how is this relevant to us?
3) the Jordan river was in flood why did God choose this time for them to cross, what does it say about God? what does it say about the people? What does it teach us?
4) Hebrews 13 we find the writing asking God to equip us with everything Good to do his will and that our hearts will be strengthened in In Grace.
Are there any areas in which you need either equipping or strengthening? Share and pray for one another.
Taking a break from our series on Joshua, Jon looked at Psalm 23.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Dave continued our Joshua series, looking at Joshua 2 and Rahab and the spies.
Background
40 years before, Moses had sent out the 12 spies including Joshua and Caleb to spy out the land promised by God to the Israelites. Joshua and Caleb were the only two to come back with the true faith filled report. The other 10 had come back with a report full of unbelief. God was angry with this report and the Israelites spent the next 40 years walking around the desert until that generation died out. The Israelites then started to move towards the land of Canaan (promised land) and asked various kings if they could pass through their land. These kings picked fights with the Israelites and were destroyed. The word used to destroy is the same as to consecrate to God. Now Joshua is the leader and ready to full fill his destiny by entering the promised land. “The Lord your God is giving you a place of rest. He has given you this land. “ Joshua 2 1. Rather than send out 12 spies very publicly like Moses did, Joshua sends only 2 because he remembers very well the disastrous consequences from the last time 40 years ago. 2. Why did the spies go to the house of Rahab? It was strategically a good place but this story is more about the kindness and grace of God. They went to Rahab because this was a Devine appointment for the spies to be part of the salvation of Rahab. 3. So we have to discuss the fact the Rahab was a prostitute. It means what it says in the bible. She was a prostitute but the whole of the people of Jericho were sinful. God makes no scale of sin. He hates all sin but wants the best for his creation and those he loves. 4. The canaanites were not just sinful, they were depraved. Chapter 18 and 20 of Leviticus has a list of laws that are there to keep God’s people pure, healthy and have a positive influence on the culture around them. These were written especially for the Israelites to learn because He knew they would be entering a land where the temptation of the culture was so very different. 5. Verse 8->11 Rahab makes a wonderful confession of faith in the God of heaven and earth. People who do not know the God of heaven and earth find their hearts melt in fear at death. When we know Jesus, our hearts melt in awe of him that has that edge of knowing we are deeply loved. 6. Verse 18. This part of the story mirrors a list of pictures of being in Christ. Noah’s ark, the Passover where angel of death brings judgement on the Egyptians. Those inside the ark, the houses with the blood on the door frame, Rahab with the red chord from the house, all escape death. Rahab knew that judgement was coming to her people. She chose to be different and put her faith in the God, Yahweh. 7. The red chord (tekveh) is symbolic of the blood round the door frame in the Passover but the word also mean hope. She put her hope out for God’s people to see and so be saved from death. Biblical hope is not a strong version of wishful thinking. Biblical hope is to show a greater certainty in something than the knowledge that the sun will rise again tomorrow. 8. The final picture comes when we look at the cross. Jesus is sinless unlike the Israelites, Rahab, you and me but he knew that the awful judgement of God awaited Him when he was in the garden of Gethsemane but He chose to take all the judgement we deserved and set us free. “The Lord your God is giving you a place of rest.” 9. Why do we go on so much about being In Christ? We are like the Israelites going into a land that is full of sin. The world view is that your identity is in you finding yourself. M People “search for a hero.” Ed Sheahan’s “shape of you.” We can so so easily slip into thinking that we live in Christ but pick up the mind set of the world. We are to be in the world but not of the world. We are to live life’s that bring a positive influence to the culture around us but this means being the rebels in a world that has rebelled against God’s way. 10. The story of Rahab shows us th
Neal continued our series on the book of Joshua. This morning we looked again at Joshua Chapter 1 and read in particular vs 8 which reads:
“Study the book of instruction continually, meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all that you do”
This is as true for us today as it was for the children of Israel and they only had five books to read – we now have the whole bible! This book is our instruction book for life and yet we often treat it like some instructions for putting a wardrobe together or setting up our TV – we probably don’t even read them most of the time!
Getting the right bible for you is important – Read some different ones and see which one you like – So long as you read it, meditate on it and let the Holy Spirit speak to you – this is one of the ways that God speaks to us, directs us and leads us in our day to day lives? We looked at some scriptures to assist us:
Psalm 119 vs 105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path – Light in the darkness – Thinks of what this means for us – Its very practical!
Psalm 1 vs 1-3 – Planted and rooted in the word- Bearing fruit and prospering in all you do – Isn’t that a great promise?
Colossians 3 vs 16 – Let the word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom
Ephesians 6 vs 17 – Take the sword of the spirit which is the word of God – offensive weapon – Attack the enemy with the word of God when he speaks lies and untruths – Speak back truth form the word and it will make a huge difference!
Hebrews 4 vs 12 – For the word of God is alive and powerful- It is sharper than the sharpest two edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit between joint and marrow – Its powerful!
Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan and Jesus cam against that by quoting from the bible each time – From Deuteronomy actually - It is alive and powerful to keep the enemy quiet – However to do that you need to know the bible and the promises of God so you can quote them back to him!
The bible talks about us setting our minds on the things of the spirit – This is important as we need to SET our minds and not them wander – Its amazing that when you sit down to read the bible everything else will crowd in and try to take your mind away – This is a trick of the enemy – we have to learn to recognise it and deal with it!
Romans 8 vs 5-6 and Colossians 3 vs 2 speaks of this?
Lamentations 3 vs 21-23 is a great promise to learn – This I call to mind and therefore I have hope – The steadfast Love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end – Great is his faithfulness, his mercies afresh each morning.
We need to “call to mind” God promises and remember his works in our lives Psalm 72 vs 11-12 – Then I recall all you have done, I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago, They are constantly in my thoughts”
At the end of the meeting we meditated on Psalm 23 to see what God would show us and reveal to us through the Holy Spirit speaking to us.
For Groups
This week – spend time in the word of God – Not chapter after chapter but perhaps a verse or two and meditate on what is said and how it affects you and what God is saying – You can use the following examples if you wish in group or by yourself?
Lamentations 3 vs 21-24
Romans 8 vs 1-3
James 4 vs 7-10
Philippians 4 vs 6-8
Peter continued our series on Joshua, looking at the danger and the blessing of the half tribe of Manasseh.
A Prophetic provocation Joshua 1:10-18 NLT
I could not get over the half tribe.
Joshua wrote this, or his source was used much later by Samuel or Josiah.
Half tribe of manasseh Why half a tribe? Manasseh was the firstborn of Joseph.
He didn't command half the tribe to go. But he writes it as such Why?
How did it make them feel always being a half? They were a split people, never a full tribe. If they were all together they would have had the biggest land of any tribe. But they were divided.
How does this fit with their grasshopper mentality?
Vv16-18 if they did not obey, if they had small thinking, they were to be put to death! They were taking this command to go seriously.
There is a mentality of I'll not bother going, cos I'm quite comfy here thanks. We cannot afford to have that kind of mentality. What happened to the other half of the tribe? We never hear of them again. They disappear, intermingle with other tribes, and we don't see or hear from them. Joshua 17:12-13 This is the consequence of the half tribe.
I believe God says if we settle, we die. We need to go on mission, and there will be blessing of fertile lands for us. We can go in partnership with others, like the tribes of Gad and Benjamin. But we cannot afford to not go. They all had to move, not a few. They all needed to cross the Jordan.
Matthew 5v10. You are the salt of the Earth Not might be, could be, but are. It's your job to preserve But if you are not salty, you have no purpose....
Not about being lukewarm although that wouldn't help It's a no thanks I’ll stay put thanks.
The first week, Phil introduction, lukewarm. Half tribe is essentially the same warning. It doesn't say so as they all understood what he was saying implicitly. It is possible to lose your identity and be lost to history. Revelation 3:15-21 NLT
Phil. If you don't use your prophetic gift, you rob them, and yourself of blessing
Which half are you? Will you stay or will you go now?
People said they'd kill Joshua after he spies out the land and says that they should take the land - now you’ll die if you don't go!
Vicki What are you doing with the command to take the peak district? 3 responses Yes, I'm doing that. No question No. That's completely terrifying Oh that's nice God, and you move on. Lukewarm response.Would you want to lead that kind of people? - This is the half tribe response Facing the future with faith and courage.
Our past experience can hinder us moving forward. (Desert and finally settled, cake by the ocean) We need to look forward with faith There is no going back with God. We can inherit things from the past, but we enjoy them in the future.
Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance. Hebrews 6:12 NLT First half is relevant....Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent.
We exist to worship God & encounter his presence, committed to advancing his Kingdom through local church communities caught up in mission here and to the nations.
What does the vision look like? Securing Matlock, and taking the Peaks.
Questions
What have we achieved? What are we doing? So there is an invitation to go on the journey. Who is coming? Pew filler or activist?
What are you going to do to help CitP take the land? Joshua does not take the land, the people do. What does that look like? What practical steps are you going to take to help in that?
Phil continued our series looking at Joshua. Phil spoke about how Joshua needed to face the future with faith and courage. We do too.
Joshua 1 : 1-7 Introduction
• Last week Vicki introduced our series on Joshua and talked about how we are to respond to what God has said • I have lived with a prophetic word for over 5 years now • That word is The Moses Years are over the Joshua era is coming • Moses my servant is Dead • Joshua taking over from Moses – You can’t follow a dead man God appointed Joshua to lead the people, he was to fill Moses, Big shoes to fill • God Given Territory was the promise to the people of God
V 2 - Therefore the time has come for you to lead this people
Maybe all of Joshua's life was leading to this point
Or maybe he was taken by surprise that God chose him to lead
Why not someone else why not Caleb he was the other f the 12 spies that went into the land and saw with Faith.
Maybe God knew Joshua already had it within him to be strong and very courageous
How do we go through a time of change with Faith and Courage ?
We live in times of uncertainty and change seems to be happening all the times
Times have changed
From joining this church some 30 years ago times have changed.
Things have changed, I've obviously changed in my appearance, but also i have changed as a person
• Not all change seems good - not quite as thin as i was, grey hair and a bit less of it • Change can affect or even upset our plans or our routines • Times of change bring fresh challenge, different ways of doing things • Times of change can cause us to question God, ourselves and sometimes everything we have known
If nothing changes things will stay the same!
Is it time for something to change in your life?
So On the other hand
• Change can be good • It can take us into what God has promised • It can take us to full our dreams and visions • It can bring us out of places where we have been stuck and feeling hopeless
What was changing for Joshua and the People?
• This was a time of use change for Joshua and the people of God • Moses dies, he had led the people for 40 years, • Joshua had served the vision God had given to Moses for those 40 years • The people had only known Moses as their leader, that had only known mana fro Heaven, clothes and shoes that had never worn out. They only knew dessert life, • A nomadic people • Joshua had been their through all their journeying and seem the people guve themselves to idols, to immorality, to grumbling and complaining and accusing Moses
So how do we handle the changes being strong and courageous
Video clip - Evan Almighty
- Whats your perspective, are you looking at the change being critical or negative?
- Whats your response to change, its not like it used to be, the good old days things were better then
- Things aren't the same now their not here, its all falling apart
As in the clip if some asks for strength and courage does God give them a nice warm fuzzy feeling or does he give them the opportunity to be strong and exercise courage?
God said the Joshua v5
No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. Joshua 1:5 NTL
Conclusion
Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance. Esv - Patience Hebrews 6:12 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.6.12.NLT
Questions
If God has spoken to us about our future and the promise he made that is yet to be fulfilled both personally and as a church, how are we responding?
• What opportunity is there for you to be strong and courageous? • How are you looking at your situation the changes in your life or even church life? • Is it critical, complaining grumbling ? • Are you looking with faith or fear to the future? In what way?
Or
Are we getting ourselves ready and respo
Vicki started our new series looking at the book of Joshua.
To view Vicki's slides (in PDF format), click here.
The book is written as prophetic history. This means that the emphasis is placed primarily on showing a coherent account of God's plan and action in leading his people into the promised land, rather than on exact historical accuracy.
The story so far - Joshua's life before the events in the book of Joshua - Born in Egypt. - Led the army (Ex 17) - Moses' assistant (Ex 24) - Sent out as 1 of the 12 spies (Num 13) - Argued to take the land (Num 14) - Recognised as Moses' successor (Num 27)
The weight of destiny Joshua knew the law, with all its intricacies and harsh consequences. He had seen the consequences of disobeying God, and the risks of displeasing the people. He had been marked out for great things, and on taking over as the leader of the Israelites, was told 3 times by God to "Be strong and courageous"
Questions
How would you have been feeling?
We all have a number of God's promises from scripture that apply to us. Many of us have also received specific words of prophecy. Think of examples in your life that you have responded to in the following ways: - Felt like it just clicked into place. - Made you feel absolutely terrified. - Left you feeling fairly indifferent.
How should we respond to prophetic words / Biblical promises? What have you found useful or not useful in the past?
Phil and Neal set out the dreams for Church in the Peak for 2019.
The dreams are:
- The Lime Tree full on a Sunday morning - multiple services
- 3 new groups in places we don't yet have a group
- People saved and added through our Jigsaw projects
- Limelight and TotZone increased serving in the local community
- 20 people in their 20s
- 40 youth at the weekly drop-in
- Whole familes saved and added
- Our children to encounter God through KidZone and Treasure Tots
- Make disciples who make disciples
- Increase in signs, wonders and miracles.
Phil reminded us to be thankful for all the good things that God has done for us - individually and as a church - in 2018 as we look forward to what God has for us in 2019.
Phil spoke about living in the light and God's grace being sufficient to enable us to live for Jesus in a fallen world.
Romans 5 Romans 6
Tools for living by Grace
Submit yourself to God “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:6-8 ESV http://bible.com/59/jas.4.6-8.esv
Confess your sins first to God “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 ESV http://bible.com/59/1jn.1.9.esv
Then to one another “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:16 ESV http://bible.com/59/jas.5.16.esv
Questions
1) In Romans Paul talks about the grace we have entered into through faith, how has this grace changed your life?
2) James 4 Says he gives more grace, what is your experience of more grace and how did you acces that grace?
3) Have you any stories of how hard or easy it was to share your sins with someone, what are the benefits of following what the bible says to do ?
Peter spoke about the importance of resting and how it is different from laziness.
Christmas, and the run up some of the busiest times
God is speaking to us about resting for the last couple of weeks.
“But the truth is, we are just as loved by God when we are resting. We are just as whole, just as precious and just as saved.” Ems Hancock, the rest of your life
Sabbath Biblical to take out time for God. Sunday often a busy day. So when do we take out time?
There is a difference between resting and laziness
We wear busy-ness as a badge of pride.
Work hard play hard mentality
We were made to be productive. God's command to Adam, to be fruitful, to multiply. To plant and reap. But on the 7th day, rest.
But resting does not mean we should not be productive. However, His love is not based on what we do.
There are people that that cannot be productive, and they are not failures Depression. Fatigue. Inability. Disability.
David grappled with the paradox of doing and resting. Psalms 62:1-12 David puts the rest first, but makes sure he does what he needs to do as well. But, he puts the rest first as a priority!
When we know what we don’t have to do, it frees us to do the things we are meant to do.
“The Hebrew for “be still” translates to let go of your grip, to make oneself weak. What a freeing idea! In our complete dependence on a God who won’t ever fail us, we find freedom.”
Bizarrely, busy people often prevaricate about resting! Yes you do! As they stop, things pop into their mind. Before you know it the hour you had diarised to spend with God is now 10 minutes squeezed in at the end.
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 ESV
Col 3:12-17 Talks about the attitudes we should have as servants of Christ. You might take that as doing, but it's not about rushing about doing stuff.
Prophetic challenge Uptown funk Stop, wait a minute Fill my cup….. Push pause Allow God to speak See what he puts in your cup
Bring your testimony next week.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NLT
Questions What to you tend towards, doing too much, or not enough? What do you do to make you stop? How do you hear from God best? What has God been speaking to you about?
Following on from Dave’s talks on repentance Neal looked at Sanctification – The work of the Holy Spirit to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and make us Holy – more Christ like.
We started by looking at 1 Corinthians 6 vs 9-11
And such were some of you But God came
You were washed – Baptised in Water/Cleansed by the blood Of Jesus You were sanctified – Made Holy – Free from sin or guilt You were Justified – You are not Guilty!
Justified is about our position in Christ – Not based on our experience - You are either condemned or justified and we have been found not guilty – so we are justified by the blood of Jesus and found not guilty.
Romans 8 vs 1 – There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus – Why? Because we have been found not guilty! There is no condemnation for past sins, for present sins and for future sins.
Romans 5 vs 18-20 –
Sanctification – We are like rough diamonds – we need to be washed, cleansed and cut to create something beautiful – that is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives – taking us as sinners and creating something beautiful.
Romans 6 vs 12-23 – The picture Paul gives is one of being slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness – We are no longer slaves to sin - sin may call but you do not have to follow – resist the enemy and he will flee from you!
We hear people say Its just how I am? Its part of my character I was born like that Its just my nature
And yet we are told that we are a new creation and we have been born again by the Holy Spirit? God changes us day by day, week by week, year by year – He renews our thinking and our actions – we are no longer controlled by our own nature but are a new creation in Christ!
2 Corinthians 5 vs 17-21 and Colossians 3 vs 5-15 were the readings
So why doesn’t God just sanctify us completely when we become a Christian – It would be so much easier! We know that eventually when Jesus returns the Church will be presented to Jesus as a beautiful bride, holy and pure – and that’s us – but why wait? Because this is part of God’s great plan and we have to reply on him to achieve it! It’s based on our relationship with God rather than being told what to do – based on love – we sin and it breaks our relationship so we need to come back – be forgiven and be filled back up everyday. Also would pride be an issue? We could and probably would think that we had something to do with our own righteousness rather than our total reliance on God.
2 Corinthians 4 vs 7- 10 – Treasure in jars of clay
Titus 3 vs 4-6 – He saved us not on the basis of deeds done in righteousness but according to his mercy!
Sanctification works in us day by day to cleanse us, smooth down the rough edges and bring forth something of value and beauty – Galations 5 vs 16-26 – The result – The fruit of the spirit – This is what we want – to be more like Jesus and have the fruits of the spirit evident in our daily lives – more love, more joy, more patience, more kindness, more goodness, more faithfulness, more gentleness and more self control.
How? If we live by the spirit – let us also walk by the Spirit!
Questions
- We looked at the difference today between justification and sanctification? Are we clear on the differences?
- How does my natural person/personality sit with the fact that we are a new creation in Christ – Does this make a difference in our lives?
- Slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness? Why is this such a battleground in our lives?
- Can you see the work of sanctification in your lives – are you the same now as when you first became a Christian?
Phil spoke on living in the light.
The meeting this morning was not recorded. Sorry for any inconvenience this causes.
Introduction
• We have been looking at how we live
• Knowing who we are and living in the good of that truth
• Dealing with Sin
This morning I want to look at living in the light
Last time I put on the screen a quote about a man which read:-
"He lived his life in such a way that he made it easy for others to believe in Jesus"
I guess that's the challenge for us, could that be said of me or you.
Read
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Ephesians 5:8-14)
- How can we live in the light while we also live in this dark world?
At the beginning of Eph 5 Paul is continuing his encouragement to imitate God that began in Ephesians 5:1-7. He called the believers to imitate God by living a life of love, and by getting rid of sexual immorality of every sort, including activities, thoughts, and words. Here the believers are called to imitate God by walking as children of light.
- In Scripture the use of light has two aspects, the intellectual and the moral. Intellectually it represents truth,
- And morally it represents holiness.
To live in light therefore means to live in truth and in holiness.
As also the use of the word darkness has the same two aspects. ○ Intellectually it represents ignorance and falsehood, ○ And morally it is to do evil or have low morals or no moral boundaries and decline
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path,” In this reference, “light” refers to intellectual truth as found in God’s Word.
In Romans 13:12-14, “light” refers to moral deeds and “darkness” to immoral deeds. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
In Isaiah 5:20, these words refer to both the intellectual and the moral. It says, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”
We the believers are in the light because we have been changed intellectually and morally.
How can believers continually imitate God by living in the light?
How can believers live in the light, as Paul writes in Ephesians 5:8-14?
To Live in the Light, Believers Must Remember that Light, Not Darkness, Is Their Nature
Remember who you are - You are a new creation in God
We have changed camps once we were darkness now we have been transformed into his glorious light For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (Ephesians 5:8)
Paul reminds believers that they were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord.
Note - Paul does not say believers were “in” darkness, but they “were” darkness.
This was our character our very nature and is true of every believer before coming to Christ.
There has been a definite character change in the life of every true believer. By using the term “children of light,” Paul reminds us that we NOW have our Father’s nature!
In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
In Psalm 27:1
Dave spoke about our justificiation with God being through faith and not through excuses.
Questions Did you understand the idea that we are all Vicky Pollard? How often do you act like Vicky Pollard? Do you understand the justification by faith and how does this apply to your everyday walk with Jesus. Do you still have habitual behaviour that hobbles you and stops you running for Jesus? Do you have labels on you that cloud your vision? Be honest with each other but pray to be able to walk in righteousness into your future.
Phil spoke on living your life in such away it makes it easier for others to believe in Jesus.
Please note that this recording stops after about 30 mins.
Questions for discussion are in bold.
Identity - Chosen, Loved, Saints
Introduction
• We've been looking at Identity • It's one of the reasons the children of Israel didn't enter the promised land the first time and could have been the second time had it not been for a prostitute named Rahab • Our identity used to be based on family background, education, race, physical attributes and maybe some other things. • But because of what Jesus has done we have been given a new identity for free. • The life we now live we live by faith in Jesus (Galatians 2:20). It is through faith we understand that we are now radically loved by God • You may have defined yourself or others have done it for you, maybe a parent or a teacher a boss or some other person who has had influence in or over your life. • God has defined us as anointed, walking in authority, adopted into His family, ambassadors for Him, part of a royal priesthood and heavenly citizens. • Realizing this identity change is foundational to being a true disciple of Jesus as our behavior comes from our beliefs.
Are you living in the good of your new identity in Christ?
Romans 1 v 1-8 : Paul makes 3 statements about our identity
- Chosen
• Knowing you have been chosen or called
• Illustration from being chosen for a team
• God chose you to be in Christ before the foundation of the work he has a plan for your life drawn up before you were born
• When Jesus called the first disciples it was a simple "Come Follow Me" I guess the thing was they were receptive to the call, fishermen called Simon and Andrew, and James and John, Mark 1:16-20
How do you Know God Chose you.?
- Loved
• We sing many songs about his love and being loved by God ○ Your love never Fails ○ How he loves us ○ Good Good Father
• When you know your loved you it brings safety and security • There is only one way to know how God loves me: Listen to what he tells me, and believe him. Loved with a Great Love “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world. . . . In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:4–5). He loved us before we were created or adopted. This is what he tells us in the Bible about how he loves us. He saved us “because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave [you] in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (2 Timothy 1:9). Before creation he loved you like this. Paul calls this a “great love.” And what marks it as great, he says, is that because of it, God came to me and you in our bloody, filthy, traitorous, deadness of heart, and made us alive. “Because of the great love with which he loved us, God made us alive together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:4–5). Great love made us alive. You “To know this love, to feel this love for what it is, requires the experience of this love.” - How are you experiencing this love of God?
- Saints
Crossing the line Saints not Sinners:
5% Sinner v 95% Saint or do you feel that should be the opposite way round?
100% Saint -Fact
• When Jesus died on the cross we died ‘in Him’ and so we are now dead to sin and alive to God.
• We are no longer sinners who occasionally do the right thing but saints who occasionally sin.
• This means that we fight sin not by trying harder but by first recognising that sinful behaviour is no longer what we naturally do. Is this true for you?
• Discipleship is not self-help; God rescues and empowers us! One of the outward signs of this inward change is baptism in water, that all believers of the water).
• How does the realisation that you are dead to sin affect your approach to biding a disciple?
• Have you been baptised in water as a believer?
Peter continued his "Why Am I So Crap?" preach from 23rd September, looking at Paul's comments in Romans 7 "I don't do what I want to do. Instead I do what I don't want to do."
Peter read the lyrics from "Gracious" by Simon Brading.
Questions What of the 7 deadly sins do you think is most difficult? Which do you tolerate least well? Have you ever struggled with habitual sin? And what helped you get free? How does it feel to be a slave to righteousness?
After the preach, Iris read the lyrics to "Flawless" by MercyMe.
Dave spoke about repentance from 2 Corinthians 7:10 to show that Paul talks about Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow in repentance.
Dave referred to the scene in The Jungle Book where Shere Khan meets Kaa. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXjviLBYrS8.
Dave also used the example of worldly sorrow as a “get out of jail free card “.
Question 1 Please discuss if this is understood. For example you ask God to forgive you simply to be able to carry on living the way you were.
Paul was looking for the repentance to result in a life style change. A good example of the way to repent is Psalm 51.
Question 2 Discuss how David’s repentance is first to God and then asks for the Holy Spirit to cleanse him and change him.
If people keep sinning in the same area, then discuss if they have truly understood Godly repentance.
This could be a very sensitive issue with many. We need to move on from a 'simple' understanding of cheap grace like the get out of jail card, but not slip into guilt. Worldly sorrow leads to guilt. Remember 1 John 1 v 7.
Roger spoke about unity of purpose in the church and challenged us to look at what we have been given by God to do and who we have been called to reach out to.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
On their last Sunday at Church in the Peak, Dave and Gill remind us that if we're living in the past, we can't live in the present. God is always moving us forward.
Please note that the recording starts after the first few minutes of the preach.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
This Sunday Neal looked at something that affects us all – almost every day and has a profound effect in our lives – That being worry and anxiety.
Matthew 6 vs 25 has the heading in my bible “the Cure for anxiety” which makes me wonder why we don’t look at these verses more often when worry comes? I also looked at Philippians 4 vs 6-9 which starts with “ don’t worry about anything” – Great in theory but what about practice? How do we make these verses work for us when we are in stressful situations and worry kicks in which can lead to anxiety? We need to look at these verses and see what they offer us practically?
Matthew gives some pointers to help:
Vs 26 – You are valuable to God – You have value which puts truth to the lie that you are worthless and useless which is what the enemy will always tell you! Vs 30 – God cares for you! What me? Yes – He cares for you which is backed up by 1 Peter 5 vs 7 – “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” Vs 30 – Action – Why do you have so little faith? Believe what God says that you have value and that he cares for you and trust him – There is a faith dynamic here that is very important – don’t be passive – exercise your faith muscle!! Vs 32 – God already knows all your needs – Why would he withhold good things from you – That is not his heart? VS 32 – Action – Seek first the kingdom of God above all else – Seek God and he promises he will be found –
Philippians also gives us help
Vs 6 – Pray about everything! Perhaps you feel you can only pray about big things – God is not interested in the small things of life – but actually he is! We can pray about anything and everything no matter how small or how big! Vs 7 – Remember what he has done – This helps our faith and trust in God – the old chorus we used to sing said “Count your blessings name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done” – Then we are told we will experience God’s peace and his peace will guard your hearts and minds – This is a lovely picture that Paul uses as if he was talking about soldiers guarding something of value – they surround it with their bodies and protect it – This is what God says he will do for you and me. Vs 8 – Fix your thoughts – another action word – we have to fix our hearts and minds and not worry – Paul says fix your thoughts on what is TRUE, honourable, right, pure, lovely and admirable – things that are excellent and worthy of praise – Jesus would be a good place to start!! Vs 9 – Put into practice all you have learned and received – then The god of peace will be with you – This is not a one off fix – we have to continue to put into practice what we have learned as we move forward.
Ephesians 6 vs 10-18 Tells us how to deal with the enemy when he attacks – which he will do = particularly in the area of the mind – Vs 10 – Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power – so often we try and deal with issues ourselves and use our own strength? God says my power is perfected in weakness – so why are you trying to be strong? The worlds mantra is “when the going gets tough – the tough get going” – but that is not the kingdom way?
We have a sword and a shield – Use them in the fight and bring the word of God to the battle – so important in bringing truth to the lies of the enemy!
Questions
God’s promises are so important for us to remember in the heat of battle – I have chosen 5 which have helped me – Choose 3 yourselves this week and share them together – they will encourage you and help build up your faith and trust in God who never fails!
My five were: Jeremiah 29 vs 11-13 Psalm 145 vs 13-14 Psalm 94 vs 18-19 2 Corinthians 12vs 9 Romans 8 vs 38-39
God bless and have a great, worry free week!
Peter asked the question "Who Are You?"
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Phil continued his preach from last week, looking at practicing the presence of God in our daily lives.
Adding to your Faith A call to holiness - 2 Peter 1: 1-11
Introduction
• We all have a measure of Good intent, exercise more, try to eat more healthily, • develop new habits and make improvements in our lives, read the bible pray more etc. Its not long before we have lost momentum • Last week we looked at the Power that raised Jesus from the dead now being at work in us • Peter helps us to us go see how that power works in us as he writes to those who share the same precious faith • Faith given us because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ our God and Saviour • He starts by asking God to give us more and more grace and peace, as we grow in our knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord • God has given us the powerful means of knowing him and understanding his will for our life and this world, he has given us a book, full of truth, love, wisdom and grace, a boom full of him!
His provision is Sufficient
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvellous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 2 Peter 1:3, 4 NLT
• So here we come back to God providing us with his power by the Holy Spirit, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead to live for him a Godly life • We are called to live Godly lives • Not by our own strength as we know we will not make it • He has provided all we need • He is sufficient • He has abundant grace or as Terry virgo puts it lavish grace Gods Lavish Grace – Terry Virgo Page 113 Chapter 10 • God makes us winners • Our start position is we are totally was clean, totally acceptable to God • We have a total clean sheet • Not something we can do for ourselves • Out of our hands • By Gods divine power we are able to live godly lives • Not just to at the point of becoming a christ follower but everyday • Empowered to make right choices • Empowered to resist evil • Empowered to reject the lies of the enemy • Empowered to become like Jesus
Great and precious promises
- The source is his divine power
- The goal is godly living
The clue in connecting these 2 things is through the knowledge of the God who calls summons and draws us to himself.
This power is released to us through our knowledge of him. We can become partakers of Gods Divine nature Because Gods own Glory and Gods own Excellence, there are great promises that will prove that through these promises we may become partakers of his divine nature. Power of God leads to - call to Glory in excellence (to know our calling) - precious great promises - escape from sinful desire in the world , sharing in Devine Godliness Our living Godly is knowing our calling in God combating the empty promise of this world with the Devine promise that us in Christ Jesus.
The prize is knowing God and his promise These promises of God are amazing, undeserved, and unfailing, they are one way God equips us to overcome the sinful desires we face daily.
In view of this:- With these truths in our sight, looking at his provision, his glory and excellence, and his promises Peter goes on to write Make every effort to supplement (or add to) your faith with virtue (moral excellance), and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love" (2 Peter 1:5–7).
Questions
Here are a few questions on adding to your faith virtue and knowledge, feel free to use any of them as many or few as you feel appropriate
Virtue
• Is your life characterised by moral ex
Phil started the new academic year off looking at how we need to experience the Holy Spirit's power that raised Jesus from the dead.
Introduction
Do you want to know more of God's power? Do you want to experience his power working in you and through you? How different would our everyday lives be if we knew and experienced Gods power in every area of our lives?
Family life Work life School life Our friendships Our finances
Here's a bold truth
Romans 8 v 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Paul makes this amazing revelation,
This was a new concept for the new Christians
A new understanding
The first 16 chapters of Romans Paul writes this amazing revelation of the mystery of the Gospel
Back to the Beginning
This is not where we first see the activity of the Holy Spirit though but right back at the beginning of creation
The spirit of God who in Genesis 1
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” Genesis 1:1-2 NLT http://bible.com/116/gen.1.1-2.nlt
In Genesis 2
“Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” Genesis 2:7 NLT http://bible.com/116/gen.2.7.nlt
“Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” Zechariah 4:6 NLT http://bible.com/116/zec.4.6.nlt
Through the Old Testament the Spirit of God is at work demonstrating the greatness of God
A new Way
In the New Testament Jesus ministry truly began when he was filled with the Holy Spirit at his water Baptism.
At the end of Ephesians 1. the final section is one long sentence, a prayer comprising nine verses and 168 words.
Paul's prayer turns into a revelation, he's almost preaching at this point
In this prayer, Paul asks that the recipients of his letter might know God better and what it is he wants them to I know
The more this happens, the more we will also know the hope and power that are ours in God. As Paul prays for us to know God's power, he begins to expound upon this power and the way it reveals the glorious power of Christ.
In effect, Paul has begun preaching in his prayer.
Yet he is doing this not to be manipulative, but rather to exalt Jesus Christ and draw us into the exaltation. The power of God for us was seen most dramatically when God "raised Christ from the dead" (1:20).
The resurrection of Jesus was not some poetic way to express the victory of goodness or a myth dreamt up by the first Christians to dress Jesus up as divine.
Rather, the resurrection was something many of the earliest followers of Jesus experienced as a real, historical event.
To be precise, they did not witness the resurrection itself, but the resurrected Jesus who, much to their surprise, had conquered death and appeared to some of them
There were to many witnesses to deny that it had happened
This passage says that the very power that raised Jesus from the dead is not just available to us but the one who exercises that power lives in you!
We do not control this power, of course, as if it were some universal force.
Rather, we have access to such power because God dwells in us and among us through the Holy Spirit.
As we do the work God has given us to do, he helps us with power that exceeds our comprehension and expectations.
As we live our lives going about our day he is always there and available
We can call on him at any moment
When you need help its not like if your car has broken down wand you call the recovery service who promise to be there in under 1 hr.
• He is always present! • Always a
Phil spoke about the parable of the widow and the lost coin. During the preach, most people helped Sarah look for her lost coins.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Neal re-told the story of the loaves and fishes... complete with visual aids.
Unfortunately, the is no audio available from this morning. Sorry for any inconvenience.
This morning we looked at the story of the feeding of the five thousand from John 6 vs 5-14
We started by talking about sharing our “things” and how some us may find that quite difficult –
We hear phrases like
I might never get it back
People forget about things
Things get lost
It will come back damaged or broken
People don’t treat things the way I do and more….
What don’t we like to share? We looked at the following as examples,
Clothes, food, money, cars, books, Garden Utensils, Our house, Our time
We then looked at the story from the boys point of view and told the story as though he was coming home from the day and telling him mum what had happened! Starting with “mum you are not going to believe what happened today!
We looked at God’s provision which is always more than we think
Ephesians 3 vs 20 “ Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think …”
Five points to note about the story and what can we learn?
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The boy had to share his lunch – without that sharing there would have been no miracle!
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Don’t try and work it all out in your head as it will not compute! Phillip tried to work out how they would feed all the people and stated it would take eight months wages to feed everyone! Impossible! Yes – God does the impossible! We are prone to trying to work out everything in our head and do the maths – God does not work like that!
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We need to give God the little we have and let him use it for his glory- In God’s hands it can be multiplied into abundance!
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No matter what you bring trust God that he can use iot for his glory. You are never too young to bring your gift to God.
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Don’t hold onto things so tightly that they cannot be a blessing to others – God owns it all anyway!
God does impossible things! Faith is believing God for the impossible -whatever the situation!
We looked briefly at the Widow of Zarapeth from 1 Kings 17 and saw how she had to trust Elijah and give him the first bread she made – then God multiplied the oil and flour so she had enough – We are called to trust and have faith in God so he can provide plenty for everyone and there be 12 baskets left over as well!!
Dave spoke on having trust in the face of uncertainty.
To view Dave's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Losing control anxiety! How would you explain this idea (see quote in slides)
Questions
Do you think vulnerability is weakness? How can it be the way to greater strength? (2 Corinthians 12:10)
How does the Holy Spirit help us to be strong (comforter meant to make strong, to fortify)
Today is "CAP Sunday". Charles from Brirmingham Central Baptist Church spoke from Acts 3 on having compassion.
Further notes and questions may be available in due course.
Vicki spoke from 1 Samuel 15 about Saul and the Amelekites. Saul dealt with the Amelekites, but not in the way that God had told him to do.
Saul and the Amekalites (1 Sam 15) Moses at Meribah (Numbers 20)
Sometimes the God we see in the Old Testament can seem harsh or petty. This is partly because He wants to get across the message that He is in charge, and we alter His instructions at our peril. When we tweak His instructions, we are taking charge, and saying to God that we know better than Him.
The OT has several overarching themes. One of them is the repeated cycle of the people slipping into meaningless ritual, and God, through the prophets, calling them back into relationship with Him. He has made us for relationship, but it is a relationship which we bring nothing to other than ourselves.
We can slip into 3 particular traps when it comes to dealing with obedience / sacrifice. 1. Trying to make it up to God when we have sinned by sacrificing, when Jesus has already paid for it all. 2. The repetitive cycle of sin and repentance, without change. 3. Slipping out of relationship and into meaningless ritual.
Questions
How does the OT portrayal of God differ from our own experience? Why is this?
What does “the fear of the Lord” mean to you?
Sometimes we are so uncomfortable with the absolute power imbalance between us and God that we do daft things to feel the gap has lessened? Can you think of any examples either from scripture or your own experience?
Dave used lessons from Jonah to show thta the message of the church is about forgiveness. Jonah hated the Assyrians because of their violence towards the Israelites. He did not want the Lord to relent from judgement because be felt he had a genuine reason for their destruction. The Lord however loves the whole of his creation not just his people but those who don’t know him yet.
Question: What is your view of the Lord? Are you working your way toward showing those around you what God is like? Slow to anger, full of compassion and mercy.
We see at the end of the story of Jonah that the Lord supplies a plant for shade but then takes it away. This is a prophetic picture of Jonah. He wants mercy and grace for himself but his bitterness and unforgiveness (the worm) means that the Lord has to show him justice (something he deserves)by taking away the shelter of the plant. The story of the cricketers shows the everyday effects of our sin.
Question: The story you might regard as an extreme for them and not you of revenge because of humiliation. Do you wish to see others fail or suffer because of hurts they have inflicted on you? (Schadenfruenden)Be honest because it is a very human reaction. We however have one who has set us free from the sinful nature. We have to apply that.
Corrie Ten Boom. https://www.guideposts.org/better-living/positive-living/guideposts-classics-corrie-ten-boom-on-forgiveness Please see the link to the story of forgiveness. I recommend that you read this. What struck me was the analogy of the church bell ringing. Remember you will wait for ever if you are waiting for the feeling to come and forgive someone. You need to make the choice Do not say “God help me to forgive”. He has done this already by dying on the cross and giving us his word to be obedient and forgive.
Application Can you help each other pray and choose to forgive people brings to your mind. Pray, I choose to forgive ....... they made me feel ....... (angry, humiliated rejected for example). Then ask for the Spirit to come and heal you all.
Phil continued to look at Exodus and how God sets us from from fear.
Further notes and questions may be available in due course.
Phil spoke on journeying with God at our baptism service.
Further notes and questions may be available in due course.
Sue's testimony and baptism
Andy explained that we needed a relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Our reaction to the Holy Spirit is often like how four different animals react to water:
(i) Cat - hates water and tries to avoid it; (ii) Baboon - doesn't like water but is prepared to use it in certian situations; (iii) Human - goes to the seaside on a hot day and then talks about it afterwards; (iv) Hippo - gets in the water first thing and stays in there all day.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Peter spoke about the fact that we are a royal priesthood.
End of an era! Last time in tent or mobile home Moving in. 30 years
Tension, presence of God and moving on Key is knowing who we are and what we are here for. Accomplish our purpose Enjoying the presence of God is essential in us being complete When we are in the right place, we will see God's purpose accomplished
That's what Moses is telling Israel
Deuteronomy 7:6-9 and 7:12-15
Some responsibilities (keep rules, old covenant) Many blessings mentioned
They only knew God in this way because they came into his presence and had relationship. Out of that came incredible blessing.
Royal wedding. Who could identity with what it must be like to be royal?
Who here is royal? Who here is a priest?
Old covenant, new covenant.
1 Peter 2:4-10
Exodus 19:6
Priests had access to the temple, and thus God. Priests were the intermediary between the people and God. Priests had no possessions
We are the priesthood of all believers, so we have full access to God…. We can be an intermediary for the non believer... and we have no possessions….
How do we live in response to what/who we are? Do we live in the knowledge of this?
Ephesians 4:1-3
All about identity. Do you know who you are?
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Do you know who we are?
Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Questions What have you achieved in the last 30 years? What do you want to achieve in the next 30? What are your dreams for the church in the next 30? What is your place in that?
Neal preached from Exodus 33 on the importance of the presence of God.
Further notes and questions may be available in due course.
Phil married the preaches from the previous two weeks, looking at God's goodness in times of suffering.
Please note, the recording starts with Jon's word about us all being on a threshold with God.
Introduction
Marry the last 2 weeks together God is good all the time - true In this life we will have trouble - fact
The reality is sometimes Bad things happen to good people doing the right things
Moses had a hard time as did the people of God but they did not understand or know what God was like
The promise was there own land flowing with milk and Honey, Gods plan was good and for their Good. But failed to see that as the Journey to get there was fraught with troubles
Even though they messed up God's goid plan was still going to be fulfilled and it seems it came with greater glory
God's glory reveals his goodness and his goodness is seen in his glory.
It was to the Glory of God that jesus should suffer - there was a bigger picture and redemptions plan would bring greater glory to God.
There are some worship songs that talk about suffering and are easy to sing when your not but very hard to sing when you are
Very often our worship is determined by how we feel and affected by our circumstances
If God is good and always good then he is always worthy and deserves our worship our praise our adoration irrespective of our circumstances or situation
So how can we live in Gods goodness particularly when times as Matt Redman put it "the road marked with suffering" in his song Blessed be your name?
Songs like this are very often birthed out of experience as this was
- Does suffering come from God? We live in a fallen world Men love evil rather than good so do bad things that hurt people Our bodies are subject to disease, infection, and decay Families breakdown Finances can become tight or non existent We can fall into sinful behaviour and habits that carry consequences in areas of our lives The bible says we have an enemy who goes around like a lion seeking someone to devour
To answer the question No it does not and cannot if he is Good all the time. He cannot therefore do bad stuff
- How to enjoy God's goodness even when life is hard Psalm 130 Moses experienced Gods Goodness as he passed before him, in chapter 34 God renews the covenant spend 40 days and nights on the mountain with God who descends in a cloud and passes before him
“And he said, "Behold, I am making a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not been created in all the earth or in any nation. And all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the Lord, for it is an awesome thing that I will do with you.” Exodus 34:10 ESV http://bible.com/59/exo.34.10.esv
When Moses comes down the mountain having spent time with God his face is shining and has to cover it.
“Whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would remove the veil, until he came out. And when he came out and told the people of Israel what he was commanded, the people of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face was shining. And Moses would put the veil over his face again, until he went in to speak with him.” Exodus 34:34-35 ESV http://bible.com/59/exo.34.34-35.esv
Moses spent time with God both in the good and in the bad. And his grace shone
not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes
Peter spoke from Deuteronomy 2 and 3 about going to war with God.
For a PDF copy of these notes, click here.
The story
Remember, this is Moses telling the story
2v2. Enough of travelling round the desert, I'm taking you closer, says God. 2vv3-7. Pass through Seir, be in peace 2v18ff. People of Moab and Ammon. God has a plan for each people group. He asks us to live in harmony. Trade and engage with those we meet. 2v28. Pass through Ignore us, there's nothing to see, just a million people walking past. How to react? Ignore Profit Attack Jealousy from Israel? Keen to stop there? They attack Israel, quite opposite to God's plan….. God gives them over to Israel. 2v34. Destroy everything. No survivors. Plundered the land, and then settled some people in it (ch3 says so) 3v1 They reach Bashan. They encounter Og. v11 tells us Og absolutely huge. If bed anything to go by, Goliath size. 10ft tall? Bed was 6ft by 14ft. 3v2 don't fear him. God's hand will protect you. Start ch3, they killed everyone. They ransacked their houses, and plundered their wealth and livestock. Fertile plains are Bashan, mount Hermon to the north. Sixty cities fell as the people of Israel attacked. Absolutely ransacked, everyone but Og died. He survived. The people of Bashan rebelled against God. Travelled up Western side of Israel and took all the land that God gave them, but not what he didn't. 3v26. Moses won't see the promised land, but Joshua will. God has a plan. Sometimes we don't get to see the promised land. It does not mean we are not an important part of the story. Without Moses, Israel would still be in Egypt!
Our response
How do we react to this? God of love who says do not murder. God's people who kill a whole people group. Pacifism? Celebration? Emulation? Tutsis in Rwanda.
Our response to the story of war Romans 13:1-5
Do good so you are not judged. If no one did evil, then no need for war or judgement. Authorities are there to rule and judge. They can bear the sword to enforce the law. However, the law needs to be godly……
1 Peter 2:13-17
Whenever you are attacked, whether on the national or personal level, there is the tendency to assume that you are totally righteous and the aggressor is totally evil. But this is never the case. The Bible plainly indicts us all: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). “There is none righteous, not even one” (Rom 3:10). We may be right on a particular issue or occasion, but we need to check ourselves from the thought that easily comes when we are attacked, “I am without fault.” That thought leads us to pride, but the Bible enjoins us to humility by first taking the log out of our own eye in any conflict (Matt. 7:5).
James Jones, bishop Thought for the day r4 16.4.18 Arrogance is the true enemy of peace
Our response to the story as church
We have taken land around the Peak District, but not in it. We have fought and lost at times. When God says it's time to go, he will just give us the land Are you ready for us to take the land?
Personal application What war are you fighting? Should you be? Is that God's plan for you? Are there wars you should be fighting?
Do we go into war in trainers t-shirt and shorts like it's going to be a picnic? No training or equipment. Ephesians 6 is required…..
Train your body, athlete, letting go of what hinders.
In the 1968 Olympics John Akhwari represented Tanzania in the marathon. He was injured in the race, but kept on running. He entered the stadium, leg bandaged, long after the other competitors had gone home and the spectators had left. When asked why he replied "My country did not send me 7000 miles to begin a race, they sent me to finish it." It's hard to persevere. When it feels like God's keeping us from our Promised Land how do we react? Does it drive is to God, or away?
Pete Greig God on mute p212 As we pay the price of obedience we can be sure that every short-term loss plays its part in the long term certainty of victor
Phil continued his preach from last week, looking again at walking in God's favour and goodness.
Introduction
Last week looked at Moses being favoured by God Looked at what attracts Gods Favour - faith, believing in him Some of the evidences of Gods favour
• God favour would bring them into the fullness of his promise he made to bring them into the promised land flowing with milk and honey • Produce supernatural increase (Gen 39:21) • Bring restoration of every thing the enemy has stolen (Exo. 3:21).
Gods Favour means • You wants you to Stand permanently on favoured ground daily • He wants you to be established in favour-consciousness that brings intimacy with God and empowers you to win every battle in life. • The favour of God sets you apart from others, • Helps develop strength of character, and gives you a confident hope of God's goodness that never disappoints. • You can Learn how you can take hold of God's irrevocable favour on your life today and see the Lord turn every trial and testing time into a testimony, and • Favour that causes your troubles to work out for your good!
Gods favour not defined by your circumstances, difficulty does not equal lack of favour
God favour on Moses and his people was
Exodus 34
“And he said, "Behold, I am making a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not been created in all the earth or in any nation. And all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the Lord, for it is an awesome thing that I will do with you. "Observe what I command you this day. Behold, I will drive out before you the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.” Exodus 34:10-11 ESV
It would not come about without some battles, it would take courage and strength. It would mean sacrifice to do it Gods way but nevertheless It was Gods favour on his people.
The Goodness of God
Sometimes I get the feeling I'm missing something
Exodus 33 - All Gods goodness passed before Moses - God is good all the time it's his nature
When he says all his goodness will pass by, we know it's God himself it's who he is because he also says you cannot see my face and live. So we know it's him, Moses would know it's him.
The goodness of God is one of those things we affirm happily when things are going well, and find rather difficult when they aren’t.
Saying God is good, means he does good things and doesn’t do bad things or mediocre things or things which don’t quite work out.
God is good by definition; anywhere you find goodness you will, by definition, have God, and vice versa. You can’t have God without goodness, and you can’t have goodness without God.
This is the teaching of the whole of Scripture. Everything God made was very good (Genesis 1:31). No one is good except God (Mark 10:18). All things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28). Those who seek Yahweh lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10). And so on.
God's goodness not defined by your experiences. And should not be measured by our circumstances.
Personal testimony - it took me years to learn God this that I am favoured by God and that he is good and will work all things for good.
For years I heard people say God is good all the time but it did not feel like he was, my experience told me otherwise
Give thanks to the Lord for he us good - before the psalmist recounts what God has done he recognises that God is Good and that his steadfast love endures forever
Andrew Wilson - Incomparable P53 David knew this to be true even though he had many troubles and threats upon his life he had found his God to be good. David's experience of God’s goodness from a place of suffering. In psalm 34 verse 19, he makes the announcement, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous.” Even with a good God, who is sovereign over everything and has the power to do whatever he likes, good people still suffer. His punchline, though, comes in the next phrase: “b
Phil spoke from Exodus 33:12-23 about walking in God's favour.
If I was to say "I know how to attract God's favour". You would want to know yes? So it's definitely not something you start a conversation with. "Hey, how are you? Good. By the way, I know how to attract God's favour." So in the interest of not sounding presumptuous, let me put it this way: I know how to get God's attention and, so let's have a look at how we can attract more of the favour of God. As we see in scripture one thing that attracts God's favour has been the spark that resulted in Deliverance, healing, provision, children born from dead wombs, blind eyes opened, the dead raised Ears unstopped Terminal sickness gone and countless other miraculous events
Favour of God has resulted in people in our church been healed of cancer, barrenness, set free from addictions to alcohol, drugs and food etc. This favour has enabled words of knowledge about a person's life revealing the very thing that keeps them from coming to know Jesus. You would think that if all this was happening because of one simple thing, then everybody would just do it, right? It would be simple. Go and find out what these people are doing and do the same thing! That would make the most sense to me. I wish it was that easy. Alright, Would you like to know how to attract God's favour? Would you like to know how to get God's attention? Exodus 33 v12 Favour means kindness beyond what is due to you; to be preferred; over generous preferential treatment; having an edge or an advantage over others; partiality; unmerited act of kindness; endorsement; help rendered to you without recourse to what you have done, omitted to do or your qualification. We call it GRACE
Attraction is to draw attention, pull in, magnetise, captivate, lure, or entice. When you want to attract someone’s attention you have to do something to make them notice you.
Gods favour to Moses and the people How did Moses attract Gods Favour? • He was chosen from the beginning, he had a life calling to fulfill • He was a devout man, God humbled him through Life experience • He feared the Lord - His first encounter with God at the Burning bush • He was an incurable sacrificial giver - He sacrificed everything to follow the call from God • He was a prayerful man - He sought God spent time with him God said "With Moses I speak face to face" • He was a worshipper - He lived a life of worship.
God’s favour can bring a lot of blessings Divine favour can • Produce supernatural promotion and increase (Gen 39:21) • Bring restoration of every thing the enemy has stolen (Exo. 3:21). • Bring honour in the midst of adversaries (Exo. 11:3). • Produce increased assets (Deut. 33:23). • Give great and unusual victories even against impossible odds (Josh 6:20; 10: 9, 20). • Give recognition and promotion even when you seem to the least likely one to receive it (1 Sam. 16:22). • Produce prominence and preferential treatment, favour and kindness (Esther 5:8). • Get petitions granted, even by ungodly civil authority (Esther 5:8). • Change rules, regulations, even laws if necessary to your advantage (Esther 8:5). • Win battles you did not even have to fight because God will fight them for you (Psalm 44:3).
• But there is a price to be paid, and that is righteousness. • It comes through the new birth knowing we are Children of God, i mean really knowing, not just head knowledge • Through faith even when our circumstances say the opposite • Continuing in total obedience to God The evidence of Gods Favour The evidence of Gods favour on Moses and his people • Released from slavery • Released with wealth • Had a promise of a land rich in every way for them to inhabit • Provision on the journey • But above all that and probably, the best was And he said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14
And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'T
!! Alleluia, Christ is risen !!
At our Easter Sunday Service, Neal spoke on Jesus's final words "It is finished". Neal focused on five things that finished and five others that began at that moment on the cross.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Peter spoke from Deuteronomy 1, looking at why the Israelites were fearful.
To download these notes in PDF format, click here.
Israel and their journey and their fear. Fear was the reason they did not take the land. They felt like grasshoppers, they thought they would be crushed. Surely God cannot be with us! Why have you bought us here to die?
Who here is fearful?
My fears
Who here worries about their health? Who worries about money? Who worries about a loss of a job? Who worries about their children?
What is the relationship between worry and fear? Fears are what underpin our worry.
Why worry about losing your keys. Drain example. Sensible worry. But if that meant I had to keep my keys on a lanyard, and walked 2m from any drain, then fear would have set in.
Not only is fear a hindrance in your life, but it also places a filter of distorted perspective over your mind. Fear and anxiety produce worry, a false sense of security, and a desire for the things in this world.
Put God first and everything that you worry about and fear will take care of itself.
Courage is not the absence of fear, but continuing despite the fear.
Fear is the thief of dreams Look at Israel - a whole generation missed out on a land of milk and honey!
God wants to deal with our fears.
WWJD? Coming up to Easter Garden Gethsemane, Jesus knew what was going to happen Relaxed? into the will of God.... Fear at the cross.... Jesus cried and wept to the point of weeping blood. Now that's worry.
What does Jesus tell us?
John 14:26-7
So how should we behave? Israel needed to remember who they were in God. Israel needed to remember what God had done for them.
Freedom from fear.
2 Timothy 1:7 Isaiah 41:10 Psalms 55:22 Psalms 89:6-7 Philippians 4:6
Worry and anxiety don’t add any value and only rob today of it’s value Luke 11:22-34
Questions for groups What are the things you worry about? What would be the underlying fear? Do you really trust God that he can deal with those things? Pray together that God would deal with those fears.
At the end of his preach, Peter read the words of "Good Things".
On our special All Age Mothering Sunday Service, Pippa spoke on Hannah's story.
Despite being unable to have a child for years, Hannah: 1) kept going in prayer 2) gave back her treasures to God 3) was grateful and turned thankfulness to worship and witness.
To see Pippa's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Phil started preaching from Exodus 32, with the Israelites building the golden calf, and explained how Jesus is looking for worshipers in Spirit and Truth.
Introduction
• Story so far - They only knew God through Moses Their understanding of God was distorted because they did not know him God called them his very own people but in their hearts they were orphan • God with us, week after week we know Gods presence with us • Our journey into the promises of God is futile if God is not with us.
• Through Moses God was leading his people
a. Out of slavery with the wealth of Egypt b. Into freedom c. Into holiness d. Into obedience e. Into Faith f. Into Trust g. Into their inheritance, the promised land
• Moses had spent some time up mount Sinai with God • When he returned he spoke to the people all that God has said • God made a Covenant with the people
Exodus 24
Moses leads the people in an act of worship and confirming the covenant made with God, this is the response of the people
V3 - "All the words that the Lord has spoke we will do"
V7 - "All the words that the Lord has spoke we will do and we will be obedient
Moses, Joshua, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and seventy of the elders went up the mountain
Then God calls Moses up further.
V 15 to the end, I want some encounters like that
God proceeds to give further instruction about the sanctuary, the ark of the covenant, the table for bread, the tabernacle and its contents, the Priest and his garments, the alter and the craftsmen God has skilled to build it.
All these things have significance for the Gods people.
Chapter 32
• Whilst Moses is up the mountain with God the people want to go their own way • It says Moses was up the mountain 40 days and nights • The Israelites have short memories • Only Days earlier they committed themselves to the covenant made with God • Gold earnings were a sign of their wealth • They used their wealth to make an idol for worship.
Romans 1 v 21-23 - Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. Romans 1:21-23 NLT
So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. Romans 1:24-27 NLT
Counterfeit Gods - Tim Keller
The human heart hates a vacuum. We never merely leave God because we value him little; we always exchange God for what we value more.
This is the most foundational meaning of sin: exchanging the glory of the immortal God for substitutes—anything we value more than God. If you have ears to hear, this should sound like the ultimate stupidity and the ultimate outrage—that we consider God, reject him as our supreme treasure, and trade him away. We look at the Creator and then exchange him for something he created.
• Who or what will you worship • Worship not about our 40 mins on a Sunday morning • Not about our songs we sing • Not about our preferred style
We find a people here who are not fully satisfied with who God is
• They would rather worship an idol • What struck me in this ch
Graham and Phil give an update on the building project.
To view the slides Graham shows, click here.
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Phil spoke from Jeremiah 1 v 11,12
Then the Lord said to me, “Look, Jeremiah! What do you see?” And I replied, “I see a branch from an almond tree.” And the Lord said, “That’s right, and it means that I am watching, and I will certainly carry out all my plans.” Jeremiah 1:11-12 NLT
Jonny Batsford talked (listen again here) about look and see what God is doing not what he isn't. This caused Phil to ask the question "what is God doing in my life?" This took him back to a prophetic word he had 18 years ago and how God was working that word out in his life. Phil shared some of this personal word about Gods plans, it included the line "there are thing in my life i must let go off because if they remain they will get in the way of his purpose and call on my life."
Phil shared how he felt this was also for us a church. Is there anything that, if we don't deal with it, will be in the way of Gods plan for us?
Questions
Are there things that have got in the way between you and God, are you allowing yourself to be robbed ?
Is there anything you need to let go of ?
If they remain they will stop you fulfilling your full potential in God
If they remain they will stop you entering into the promise and purpose God intends for you life
What is it that God is doing with you at this time? Are you allowing him space to work in you life ?
Peter started a new series - "From Exodus to Deuteronomy on the way to Joshua."
Deuteronomy 1:1-8
The Israelites were not lost in the desert, they were on a journey. They learnt and grew on the way, physically and emotionally.
But God says “enough” and tells them to move on to their destination. It's time to take the land.
But what about us? Where have we been?
Website - mission statement We exist to worship God & encounter his presence, committed to advancing his Kingdom through local church communities caught up in mission here and to the nations.
One of our founding prophetic verses was Isaiah 41:18: "I will make rivers flow on barren heights and springs within the valleys". Our expectation is for an outpouring of God's Spirit on dry and thirsty hills and valleys and we also believe that this river will flow out and affect towns and cities around the Peak.
God also gave a prophetic picture of fires burning in many places over the Peak District. This has shaped our vision for community groups in each community and for churches being planted wherever we have clusters of these groups
Our map looks like the desert Israelite one.
More recently God said that when we secure Matlock, then we will take the Peaks. We are camped all around the Peak District. We have small groups in the Peak District But we have not seen the prophecy/command fulfilled to take the Peaks yet.
So how do you feel after wandering in the desert for the last 30 years?!
Disappointment or excitement?
People have left as they have not seen yet what god has promised. Or because they are disillusioned on the journey.
God did not tell the Israelites how to get to where they were going, just that they needed to go. Same with us.
Key people are doing things to gather, or change the expression of church locally.
Go Matt 28:19-20 Acts 1:8 Rom 10:13-14 Ps 96:3
Don't give up trying 2chron 15:7 Isa 41:10 Gal 6:9 Phil 4:13
What are people planning already / doing?
So as God tells us to go….. What are you going to do?
Israel were stuck in the desert, partly through choice, it's difficult to move a million people, but partly as it was not god's time yet. Last week, Johnny B provoked us about why we might be disillusioned and not ready for new adventures. [Click here for last week's preach.] But it takes the whole community to move, if they are to take new land, it can't be just a few. As we read Deuteronomy we see them try with just a few, and it's not pretty. God is mobilising us, so together we need to start preparing to take the land.
Questions What do you think of the journey we have been on as a church? How do you feel about the command to take the land? What are you going to do to see this realised?
Jon spoke about letting go of the past and dealing with our disappointment with God when things don't turn out in the way we expected.
X. Ice breaker • Turn to the person next to you • make sure everyone has a partner • no one gets left out • and say to each other “God is especially fond of you!”
A. Introduction • During the week of prayer... • ...Didn't do much praying btw... • ...some i felt like God reminded • I want to start by summarising this church's prophetic journey over last couple of years • It will give context
B. Context - What has/is God saying to us? • A prophecy given to the elders recently talked about dreaming again for the Peak District. • Andy Davis “I see a picture of an empty warehouse it’s in bits and it’s being filled. It’s for a season, fill it for the big picture.” • Don't think Andy knew our new building had been a warehouse • Paul Basson in Nov 17: He had a dream (?) and he felt God give a warning to us: “Be careful not to get so busy that you miss the presence of God”. It’s the presence of God that will actually be the main attraction for people. • A couple of years ago: Paul Basson said God was telling us • Talked a lot about enlargement - encompassing a greater area • Time to be faithful in some bigger things - cf new building • He wants us to be like new wine skins that can stretch but that we can be tempted to resist that because: • stretching can be painful, • We are comfortable and want to stay that way • bad experiences in the past • We think too little of ourselves • There will be weapons fashioned against us but they will not prosper. • Will not be ashamed. GREAT NEWS! I love that verse that says 'no one who trusts in the Lord will ever be put to shame'
C. Context Summary If I can summarise: • its time to dream about what God wants to do in the Peak District • Enlargement - work to grow His influence through us • The new building is part of this but it’s a tool for a time NOT the focus • Our focus is: • The people of the Peaks who don’t know him • Jon adds - as well as continuing to be a church family that looks out for each other • Staying in his presence AND following him when he moves • It will take effort, might well be painful for us at times and there will be weapons that come against us BUT THEY WILL NOT BEAT US.
D. This preach • It's hard to start a new adventure when we have not recovered from the last one! • Either because you're still in it • Or because it left a mark on you eg blisters
What I want to tackle today is a couple of those weapons fashioned against us that I believe want to hold us back.
E. Previous Experience - letting go of the past
Experiences can get us down:
Example 1: Pupfish Limited - publishing inspired books for kids. Got confused / disillusioned • To get disillusioned you have to have an illusion • My experience in this and other situations has been that I feel like God has spoken about where we are going. • I then take that info and plot a course in my head that is the quickest and easiest route • The trouble is God didn't say what route we are going by and I then get disappointed, when things don't go the way I planned.
Example 2: Prayed for colleague - he got better, then worse. Over stepped my authority? Wasn't listening to God? Got too excited? Doesn't really matter for the purposes of this story but I got knocked back and "once bitten, twice shy" prayer for healing didn’t go the way i expected. Got disappointed - had a go and failed,
Example 3: promises as yet unfulfilled We have some promises God has made and confirmed but we haven’t seen them fulfilled yet - that can make you tired or weary
What can we do about the disappointment we feel: 1. well, One answer is just to not set out on the journey; "keep your head below the parapet"... ...trouble is eternity is set in our hearts and God loves it when we mix faith and action; in my experience, that is when I come alive. 2. We can let God deal with our disappointme
Neal continued our series in Exodus, looking at Chapters 25-31 regarding The Tabernacle, its construction, fixtures and fittings, clothing and rules and regulations. It seems onerous when first reading through these chapters but they are rich in imagery and everything has its purpose and all leads to one aim which is that God wants his presence to be with his people. Exodus 25 vs 8 “ Have the people of Israel build me a Holy Sanctuary – So I can live among them” - This is God’s aim – The King is with his people.
This is important for two main reasons
- It told other nations that Jehovah was with them – The King was in residence!
- There was “Holy Ground” wherever they went and sins could be forgiven by the shedding of blood and sacrifice – God restoring a relationship with his people that was broken in the Garden of Eden.
We looked at the layout of the temple which showed how far we would have been from God even if we had been Jewish and not a gentile and that any relationship was always through the High Priest.
So what does this mean for us today and what relevance does it have?
John 1 vs 14 “and the word (Jesus) became flesh and blood and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only son from the father, full of grace and truth”
Dwelt among us literally means “pitched his tent” or “tabernacled among us” - He has pitched his tent in your heart if you are a Christian – This is how personal our relationship is now!
Hebrews 9 vs 11-15 – Christ has now become the Great High Priest – he has opened up a new and living way and fulfils the old covenant. Hebrews 10 vs 1-18 – This outlines the old covenant and its practices and how different the new covenant is under Christ. He is the perfect Lamb that was sacrificed once for all time that we might be saved from our sins. John 1 vs 29 – When John first sees Jesus he declares “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”
Mark 15 vs 38 – When Jesus died the symbolic tearing of the curtain from top to bottom opens up our access to God – no longer to go through the High Priest – but we have access to the father through Jesus and are encouraged to enter his presence!
No longer is salvation base on Race, tribe, family, circumcision, burnt offerings and sacrifices – but instead on Grace, mercy, free gift, salvation, The Holy Spirit and Forgiveness.
The change between the old and the new is so well illustrated by Paul in Ephesians 2 vs 12-19
Separate - Brought near Excluded - Included Strangers - Fellow citizens No hope - Complete hope (Christ in you!) Without God - With God through Christ
I used the illustration of an apple that is ¾ apple and ¼ pear to describe a new kind of fruit – I can show it to you, I can talk about it, I can write a poem about it and I can even take a video of it but until you taste it you will not know or fully understand what it tastes like – It’s the same with becoming a Christian – you have to experience it for yourself – Taste and see that the Lord is good says Psalm 34 vs 8 – and that is our cry!
Questions.
- The temple was lavish and very intricate – why do you think that was? What was God trying to achieve here?
- We talk about Jesus being the fulfilment of the law – what do you think that means and how does the old covenant compare with the old?
- Do we take being under the new covenant for granted and does that make us spiritually lazy?
Due to the snow, there was no preach today. Various words and readings were given during the worship time.
Justyn continued our series on Moses, looking specifically at God's presence.
The Hebrew word for presence is Face, which implying a close and personal encounter with the Lord. Face to face is close! Firstly we want him, because He wants us. Activity then comes out from this place.
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It’s Relationship - From Genesis to Revelation it’s about God wanting relationship and intimacy with us His people. Exodus 19:6 shows God’s plan for us all to have direct access with Him. Exodus 20:18-21 shows how fear stop the people of Israel stepping into the fulfilment of this.
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It’s Central - Exodus 33:12-17. His presence is a sign of the favour we have. It’s distinctive for the people of God. God is always present, are we present with him?
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It’s can’t be limited - don’t try to define or recreate what encountering His presence is like. Moses went from a burning bush to an encounter with the glory of God where even he couldn’t enter the tabernacle. Don’t settle, or focus on how God meets with others. We are all unique.
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It’s for you - in our corporate and individual gatherings the priority is intimacy with Him. We should have expectations of signs and wonders as that is what happens when the King comes. The reality of His kingdom breaks out. We need to first value His presence, not what he will do.
Activity - Spend time just worshiping and enjoying God. Have no other agenda than enjoying Him, and don’t rush into asking!
Questions - Do you believe that God is always present and always wanting intimacy with you? - What stops you being ‘present’ with God in the day to day activities of life? - Are there any ‘fears’ that stop you from stepping into greater intimacy with the Father? - The cloud and pillar of fire where symbols of God’s presence and they led God’s people. We have his voice leading and directing us as His sons & daughters. What is he saying to you, dreams being stirred up?
Phil started the new year off with an introduction to our week of prayer looking at a prophetic word spoken over Church in the Peak in November 2017. The word relates to us being at a turning point. Also, Justyn gave an update on the building works being carried out at The Lime Tree.
To view the prophetic word referred to in Phil's talk (in PDF format), click here.
Topics to pray for this week are as follows (click the picture to open a larger, PDF copy):
Introduction
• New year new start • A time for a new resolution • What is it that you want to achieve this year • Have you any goals for 2018
We are already on a journey with God and its not that we always need to look to something completely new
We can look forward though to the adventure God is taking us on and with God there is always something fresh
God has fresh things for you this year - don't know if you believe that, have thought about it.
As i went back to work its that feeling of same old same old
But with God its different.
fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.41.10.ESV
So i want to share with you parts of a prophetic word give to us at a leaders event in Manchester at the beginning of November by Andrew Davies.
Slide 1
In a book you very often get a blank page between chapters.
I can see for CitP one chapter has ended and there is a blank page before the next chapter begins
All that has gone before was to set the scene and foundation for whats to come Nothing is wasted with God, the good and the not so good But a chapter has ended and we are ti be the history makers writing the next chapter In a story book the story build on the previous chapter we have our story to together to write
• We want to see the people of God knowing who they are and what it is that they carry in God • We want to see the goodness of God manifest in all our lives • We want to see the Gospel bearing fruit all over the peaks • We want to see people set free from addiction and oppression • We want to see the Kingdom of God advance and his rule and reign in every area of society in the Peak District • We want to see break through in the miraculous seeing signs and wonders
Just to mention a few
So what will you dream?
Slide 2
There's a lot of history that's gone before that was good but at this moment you have a moment to dream about what you want to do in the Peak District and it is the Peak District, so often you think nation, nation, nation. God says actually at this moment dream about the Peak District
We are committed to the nations we are already involved in Turkey, India particularly God is inviting us to dream not for ourselves but for the Peak District
We have a promise from Isaiah 41
you shall winnow them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the tempest shall scatter them. And you shall rejoice in the Lord ; in the Holy One of Israel you shall glory. When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. Isaiah 41:16-18 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.41.16-18.ESV
How does that work out in across the Peaks? What does it look like for God to provide water for the dry and thirsty people?
• We are praying into this prophetic word as Elders and with our wider leadership team • We are asking God for fresh dreams • We want you to be included and dream with us for what God has for our region
This week we would encourage you to join with us in a week of prayer - Prayer sheet to help people.
Next Sunday evening we are going to gather for prayer at life works hub 7 - 8:30pm
Slide 3
What is that God has given you to d
Carly spoke at our Christmas Carol Service, looking at how God met Joseph exactly when Joseph needed it most. God meets with us too.
During the service, the following video was played.
Helena's story of Hope and Perfect Peace was shown during the service:
Hope
Perfect Peace
To read more about Helena's story and how she's finding hope in her struggles to conceive, visit her blog
Peter continued our series on Exodus, looking at the law and grace.
- Why did they need the law?
Exodus 20. Where was Israel in their relationship with God?
Seas parted, we'd be better off dead or back in Egypt. We are hungry, why don't you provide? We don't like quail and manna. The presence of god came visibly and they made a golden calf. Missed the point of worship. Poor relationship with God. But they were his chosen people.
You are not living with me. You are not connecting with me, so I need to give you some parameters to live by.
- What did the law say?
10 commandments we all know. All countries laws based on them.
It told you what do in all parts of your life. What you should eat, when, and how. What to do about mildew. Whether you could have tattoos or how to wear your hair.
Leviticus, numbers and Deuteronomy
Do’s in the law are to do with worship. Worship the Lord your God…. Rules re temple, sabbath etc. Thou shalt not’s all to do with personal conduct, how to live life.
Impossible to keep the law. Was it ever god's intention that we would get to heaven through the law? He has always been about relationship. The rest of the old testament after the law are stories about how people struggled to keep the law, and not being in relationship with God. God repeatedly asks Israel, where are you? Why have you deserted me? He repeatedly tells Israel worship me, I am the solution, but they focused on the law and not on God.
All the law had been broken in Israel's short history
- What did Jesus say about the law?
If you look at a woman you commit adultery. If you call someone a fool you as good as kill them.
Galatians 3:21, 23-25
- What did Jesus do to the law?
He blew it out of the water! There is now no condemnation
Romans 5:17 Rom 10:14 1 John 5:13
Under the old covenant they had a relationship with the law. Under the new covenant we are adopted and have a relationship with God.
- What about us and the law?
World sees the law as the church. A do not church, with a thou shalt not god.
Because…… The law we set ourselves to try to get closer to God. Read more, pray more, do more, drink less, laugh less. We create ourselves a new law to live under…. Rather than operate in freedom
Rom 7 the law is like a husband, but we have been set free from the law How do people act when they get out of a bad marriage? They have fun….
The law tells us do not covet etc, but it does not enable us to do it. So why did god give us the law?
Public speak, no pick nose, make sure clothes right Child queen for day, rights of the monarchy and do everything right. Prime minister, know computer watched, everything you say monitored. Except if you are trump! We would live differently in these positions.
So as a Child of the king…….
1 John 5:2-3
Mark Driscoll The common portrait of god is that he must be manipulated and coerced into blessing people. Who do you think you are? P43
If I……. Then God will…… We create our own law all over again.
Law for the non believer. 1tim 1vv8-9 Law shows believers what is sinful. Rom 7v7
You will never reign in life and be free from the clouds of condemnation if you do not wholeheartedly embrace the free gift of righteousness. You need to enjoy the glorious liberty of being a child of God, thoroughly accepted, not on the basis of your present performance as a law keeper but thoroughly on the basis of his gift of righteousness of Christ fully reckon to your account. P29 God's lavish grace, Terry Virgo.
- Sinfulness, righteousness, and sanctification by Grace.
Rom 6:14 you are not under law but under grace. First part, sin shall not be your master.... Grace sets you free. Free to live. Free not to sin.
How so?
It's all a matter of identity
"The meaning of life, the wasted years of life, the poor choices of life. God answers the mess of life with one word: 'grace.'"--Max Lucado
Tullian Tchividjian Contrary to what we would naturally conclude, the antidote
Neal looked at Exodus chapter 19 and God’s covenant promises to Israel, understanding that God’s heart was for his people and how that same heart affects us today.
Questions:
- God says that we are his treasured possession – We don’t always feel like that – sometimes we feel more like a burden than a blessing but how can we believe this not just with our mind but also our heart?
- Who or what has the throne of your heart? There is often a battle for the throne and we have to ensure God has the rightful place? How can we ensure that happens?
- We talked of us being God’s temple and the Holy Spirit dwelling in us – What responsibilities does that put on us? Do we need to be more careful than we are?
- In Hebrews we read that we can have confidence to enter the Holy Place by the blood of Jesus. What so often holds us back from doing so and how can we overcome this?
Paul Basson, from South Manchester Family Church, spoke on Faith and prophecy.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Phil continued our series on Moses, looking at how God was faithful to the Israelites, providing them food and water in the wilderness and showing his Glory, despite their moaning.
To read Phil's notes (in PDF format), click here.
Introduction • Journeying with the Israelites • Seen the hand of God deliver them from the Egyptians • Song of deliverance in Ex 15 Ex 15 v 22 Oasis at Marah Bitter water Complained and turned against Moses What are we going to drink they demanded Miracle - piece of wood makes the water good go drink The Lord tells them he is going to test their faithfulness Verse 26 Manna & Quail Ex 16 Led into the wilderness of Sin between Elim & Mount Sinai There too the whole community of Israel complained about Moses and Aaron Looking back to what they probably though were the good old days Brought us here to starve God provides for them food All they have to do is faithfully obey Verse 4 I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my Instructions • Do you believe that God tests us? James 1 • How does he test us ? In the ordinary things of life God provides enough for each day only will last 1 day except on the sixth day where there will be enough that will keep for 2 days Moses and Aaron speak to the people v 6 • The Israelites are a complaining people, may be a spirit of ungratefulness • Does our nation have this spirit,? Look at trip advisor more complaints than positive comments • Are you ungrateful ? • Are you a complainer? • We all need to be careful when we are complaining about those who God has given authority too who are leading. V8 "your complaints are against the Lord, not against us"
They didn't really know God They didn't know who they were Verse 9 & 10 They get to see the awesome Glory of God in cloud - sign that God is with them and with Moses and Aaron
Back to the test Gods tests them by giving simple instructions over the provision of food. V 11 - 36 • Some it seemed could not follow the Lord's simple instructions • They tried to keep food for the next day and it was rotten - we need fresh daily spiritual food • The Lord gave them the gift of a day of rest so on the 6th day he provided enough for 2 days, but some still went out looking for food on the 7th day • They were also to preserve food for future generations, it was placed in the Ark of the covenant. • This instruction was for forty years • How quick do we get bored or fed up of following and doing the last thing God told us to do? • What was the last thing your loving heavenly father told you to do? • Are you doing it? • Are you doing it out of duty? • Are you doing it from a place of Faith ? Knowing that what he is looking for is the obedience that comes from faith not duty
Ch17 - Water from the a Rock. Here we go again, they complained and demanded water. It takes another sign / miracle because they argued with Moses and tested the Lord by saying "Is the Lord with us or not?"
Conclusion There's much for us to learn from the Israelites 1. Are you a complainer? Who or what is you complaint is it against a person? Maybe you need to deal with it. We are told that if we have anything in our hearts against some one else we must first deal with it before we offer our worship to God. 2. Are you ungrateful or have a ungrateful attitude? 3. God is looking for those who follow him, Paul writes that we are to call people to the obedience that comes from faith. Are you following out of duty or love and faith for the one who has called you his child? 4. Is God testing you through the ordinary things of life, how are you responding ?
Prayer / Ministry We are called to clothe the naked of the world not get naked with the world We are called to provide a bed to sleep in get get in bed with the world We are called to feed the hungry and the thirsty of the world not hunger and thirst after the world Gods looking for a people who carry the Glory of our heavenly father where ever we go an in what ever we do.
Questions 1. Do y
Phil, Sundar and Ali spoke of their time in India. To hear more about Home of Hope, please visit http://www.flmhope.org/.
Dave spoke of the work that is going on in Yalova, that our donations are actively supporting. To hear more about the work in Yalova, click here.
Today was a special baptism service for Nikki and Kirsty.
Nikki's Testimony
Nikki's Baptism
Kirsty's Testomony
Kirsty's Baptism
Following the baptisms, Dave spoke about the faith and obedience that we need when we follow Jesus and the parallels there are with Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt.
Dave showed two clips from the "Prince of Egypt".
The Israelites leaving Egypt:
The Israelites crossing the Red Sea:
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
After the service, we had our own mini-Passover meal: lamb pittas.
Neal continued our series on Exodus looking at the Passover from Exodus chapter 11 and 12 and what it meant for the children of Israel and what the Passover signifies for us with regard to our salvation and position in Christ.
This is the passover clip from "The Prince of Egypt" that was played:
Background
Pharaoh was on a collision course with God as he did not know God and was not prepared to listen to Moses. Exodus 5 vs 2 – Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice – I don’t know the Lord and I will not let the people go…
However,God had already made a covenant promise with Moses that he would set the people free from slavery and from Pharaoh’s rule over them – See Exodus 3 vs 6-8 … I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt.
Pharaoh does not listen to God throughout the plagues and so finally it comes down to the last plague where the first born of each family would die. However, God gave Moses specific instructions for the children of Israel and what they were to do to ensure their safety. They were to sacrifice a lamb and paint the doorpost and lintels of the doorway to the house with the blood of the lamb and when the spirit of God saw the blood he would not enter that house and would pass over. The children of Israel were duly saved by the shedding of blood of the lamb and herein lies one of the great themes of the bible – God rescuing his people by the sacrifice of a perfect Lamb and the shedding of blood.
This points us towards Jesus the Lamb Of God - our perfect sacrifice who rescues us and saves us through his sacrifice. John 1 vs 29 – Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
We are children of a new and better covenant – Hebrews 10 vs 16 – Hebrews 10 vs 9
So how does this affect us today?
- We need to know and understand our position in Christ – that it is not our righteousness that he looks at but the righteousness of Christ- Our position as sons and daughters is secure.
- Jesus sacrifice gives us “ right standing” with God and we are acceptable to him as our debt has been paid – Jesus took our place and was our substitute- all our sin fell on Jesus. (Romans5)
- WE can enter God’s presence with boldness not timidity – Hebrews 10 vs 19
Once we understand these promises of God and capture his amazing plan of salvation we have to worship! Hebrews 13 vs 15
God was always looking for a people to worship him and right at the beginning of the Exodus story told Moses to say to Pharaoh “ This is what the Lord says – Israel is my first born son. I command you to let my people go so they can worship me”
Nothing changes – God still seeks a people who will worship him in Spirit and in Truth and when we realize what a great salvation we have and what God does for us on a daily basis we can do only one thing – Worship the King!
Questions:
- Does the story of the Children of Israel leaving Egypt help in our understanding of our own salvation and does the Passover aid that understanding?
- The old covenant let peoples sins be forgiven by the shedding of blood and a sacrifice – The new covenant is based on Jesus sacrifice – Once and for all – Do we understand the difference between the two and how does that understanding help in our walk with God.
- Why do we not boldly come into God’s presence? What holds us back and what can we do or understand to help us in this situation?
- Did looking at the Passover help in your understanding of communion and why we take communion?
Peter Williams introduces the new series on the book of Exodus, and looks at Chapters 1-11, ‘Living in Slavery. To view Peter's notes (in PDF format), click here. Hi 1-11, Living in slavery, The effect of sin. Do you have anything in your life that you are slaves to? How did they end up there? God led them to Egypt. Why were they in slavery? Because there was an evil Pharaoh. They were enslaved just living life in a foreign land. Phil ‘We need to be radical and ruthless’ Phil talked about sexual sin and pornography. If lent what tomorrow, what might you consider giving up? What would you consider not giving up? Smoking Caffeine Alcohol TV Phone. Do without. Distracted already this am. Airplane mode in church? Facebook Reading, even Christian books Church? Meetings and sermons. Exercise Diet Recurrent sin Matt 5 - Where your treasure is there your heart will be also….. None of these things is inherently evil What is sin? Anything that gets in the way of God. The root of all sin is that you don't have enough Signs of slavery.... IF I don't.... then.... Not possible.... Panic.... What are we slaves to? Why did we end up there? How much was wilful? Do you feel like you are in slavery? What are you building with? Are we building with bricks and straw? We need to build on the cornerstone. John 8:31-36 - How short were their memories. A bit like pharoah. Where is freedom found? Jesus Truth Adoption Matthew 6:22-24 Divided loyalty Even our light is as darkness to god. We need his purity not ours. Money is an example. If if is your master you are a servant. Wesley. Earn more, save more, give more. Romans 6:12-16, 20-23 Freedom. Righteousness. Saved by Grace. Do I sin? Yes. Should I be mastered by it, no. Redemption in action. From slavery to adoption. Name that tune Pompeii by Bastille Oh where do we begin? The rubble or our sins? So where do we start? I’d suggest with the sins. Without the sin there’s less rubble. When we try to clear our rubble, we keep sinning, and the rubble keeps accumulating. We don't spot the sin rolling in, the sin that so easily entangles. Romans 12:2 PJ Smythe - When his kids misbehave Daddy loves when you are good. Daddy loves you when you are naughty. Daddy loves you all the time. God does not say “Stop doing that”, He says, “But you are my son!....” Don't let the good things get in the way of the best. Bad things obviously mislead. Good things mislead more easily. Do you have anything in your life that you are slaves to? We need god's insight to see these things. We need god's wisdom as to how to respond We need god's spirit to lead us into righteousness Knowing you are a son changes how we behave
Questions Is there a ‘secular’ song that speaks to you about godly things? Is there anything that you realises enslaved you? How do we keep the right theology in our heads, and not focus on our sins or shortfalls? What will you do differently as a result of thinking about slavery?
Phil spoke of the vision for Church in the Peak as we approach the building project.
To view Phil's notes (in PDF format), click here.
Introduction What’s your Vision? Or some call it a dream, The Dream Giver – Preface Whether an Individual Business Project Charity It starts with someone having a vision/dream It does not have to be what we would call sacred, that is involve fulfilling some Christian ministry Your Vision/Dream maybe in Care for the Needy, Business, the Arts, Public service. Finance, Heath care, Education There should be no divide between the Secular and Sacred “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 NLT The last 2 talks have been about our benefits of being in Christ and his Grace freely given us to live holy lives and able to fulfill the good works prepared for us before we ever existed There should be no divide between the Secular and Sacred, the call, gifting and anointing of God are not for the few who serve in “Spiritual Ministry” everything done in response to him, his call and his leading, whatever we class it as, should be the good works he has prepared for us to do. Vision statements from the world Apple:- Steve Jobs said this "Man is the creator of change in this world. As such, he should be above systems and structures, and not subordinate to them." "Apple is committed to bringing the best personal computing experience to students, educators, creative professionals and consumers around the world through its innovative hardware, software and Internet offerings." Google:- “to provide access to the world’s information in one click.” “to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” IKEA: - "To create a better everyday life for the many people." Twitter: - “To give everyone the power to create and share ideas and information instantly, without barriers.”
Why have a Vision? Proverbs 29:17-19 • ESV - 18 Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. • Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. • When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. • MSG - If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.
When God created he did so with Vision and Purpose Genesis 1 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.
My story for Catalyst Each year I have been at the Festival God has encountered me First time I spent the whole weekend in tears, I was useless didn’t really lead, help or support the ministry team Last time God spoke so clearly, Prophetically, about time to pursue the vision God had given me
So what’s the Vision ?
New Frontiers – Slide 1 To extend the Kingdom of God among the nations through • Recovery of New Testament Church Life • Making Disciples • Training Leaders • Starting Churches • Serving the poor
Nearly 30 years ago we joined with this vision We saw what God was doing in restoring the church Our own vision was caught up in the bigger vision.
“The way to fulfill your own vison is to get caught up in an even bigger vision” Our vision statement – Slide2 All of it is about fulfilling Gods Vision Summary in order of our priorities – Slide 3 Gods plan – Habakkuk
Phil looks at why we struggle with sin.
To view Phil's notes (in PDF format), click here.
Introduction • The Basics of the Christian Faith • salvation, Our position in Christ • If we have been set free from the law of Sin and Death • If we are no longer slaves to sin • some people if not many of us find it hard to say NO especially when tempted by something we really want and like What’s the truth? • How shall we who have died to sin live in it (Romans 6:2) • Our old self was Crucified with him ….that we should not be slaves to sin (Romans 6:6) • He that has died to sin is freed from sin (Romans 6:11) • consider yourselves to be dead to sin (Romans 6:12) • Sin shall not be master over you (Romans 6:14) • Having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:18) What’s the Struggle then? • I know that nothing good dwells in me (Romans 7:14) • “the good I want to do, I do not, but practice the very evil that I do not want (Romans 7:19) • “wretched man that I am, who will set me free from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24) • Many Christians have struggles with sin issues, they find themselves caught in a trap and find it hard if not impossible to break free and live the life that God intended. • Many also live under a cloud of do and don'ts not living in the freedom that God has won for them, thinking that to be a Christian is obeying rules and regulations. • Grace Teaches us and provides us with God given motivations that set us free to prefer and choose Godliness and say NO from our hearts to the short term pleasures of sin. • If sin was not so attractive to us it would not be such an issue, but it seems it is • Galatians 5 tells us some of the lusts of the flesh that many well struggle with, if your struggling with sin you don’t need it spelling out you will already feel condemned and a failure • We all have areas in our lives of vulnerabilities and weaknesses, its true of our human nature The Good News 2 Timothy 1:9 - New International Version (NIV) 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, Titus 2 11-14 NIV, 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Amplified Bible 11 For the grace of God (His unmerited favour and blessing) has come forward (appeared) for the deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation for all mankind. 12 It has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world, 13 Awaiting and looking for the [fulfilment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One), 14 Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people [to be peculiarly His own, people who are] eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds. The Motivation is because of Grace Mercy is – Not Receiving what I do deserve, when you should be punished and your let off, someone else has taken that punishment and you receive mercy you have not got your just deserts Grace is – Receiving what you don’t deserve, the Unmerited, undeserved favour of God. So its by Grace ! How do we get
In Ephesians 1:3-14, the phrase "in Christ" or "in Him" is repeated 10 times. Phil outlined 13 truths about what being "in Christ" means for us.
To view Phil's notes (in PDF format), click here.
Introduction In him or in Christ is mentioned 10 times in these eleven verses (ESV) Being “in Christ Jesus” is an amazing reality for all those who believe and have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, you are part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. It’s in Christ that once you heard the truth of the Gospel and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first instalment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life. To be in Christ is more than a concept it a reality of our coming to faith and accepting Jesus into your life, it is to be a living reality in our lives that changes how we see ourselves , how we see God and will affect how we live. It is breath-taking what it means to be in Christ. United to Christ. Bound to Christ. If you are “in Christ” lets look at what it means for you:
Benefits of being in Christ 1. In Christ Jesus you were given grace before the world was created. “He gave us grace in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (2 Timothy 1:9). – Grace, getting what I don’t deserve, the unmerited favour of God. 2. In Christ Jesus you were chosen by God before creation. “God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). No matter at what age you come to know Jesus it was planned for your life before time began . 3. In Christ Jesus you are loved by God with an inseparable love. “I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39). 4. In Christ Jesus you were redeemed and forgiven for all your sins. In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses” (Ephesians 1:7). Past, present and future sin dealt with. 5. In Christ Jesus you are justified before God and the righteousness of God in Christ is imputed to you. “For our sake God made Christ to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). A most beautiful exchange 6. In Christ Jesus you have become a new creation and a son of God. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). “In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith” (Galatians 3:26). How do we know someone has truly been saved, they are a new creation, old life style, thinking attitudes behaviour all changes when we are truly born again into Christ. 7. In Christ Jesus you have been seated in the heavenly places even while he lived on earth. “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). Its not a position to aspire to, we already have as a gift as we are in Christ.
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In Christ Jesus all the promises of God are Yes for you. “All the promises of God find their Yes in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Every good promise in his word is ours its a yes from him
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In Christ Jesus you are being sanctified and made holy. “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Changed from one degree of glory to another by his grace.
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In Christ Jesus everything you really need will be supplied. “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). He know what you need befo
Neal spoke about the importance of our adoption into God's family and what it means for us.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Dave preached on the Trinity and how God can only love us because he knows love.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Dave spoke about Love, Sin and the Prophetic Church.
Further notes and questions may be available in due course.
Colin looked at the life of Moses and what lessons we can take from it to help us deal with rejection.
To see Colin's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Jackie outlined some of the work that she and the team of befrienders are getting up to in and around Matlock,
George spoke about the wider work of CAP and how they help calm the storms that their clients find themselves facing.
For technical reasons, the whole of the talk this morning was not recorded. Sorry for any inconvenience this causes.
To view George's slides, click here.
Watch Kylie's story.
For more information about CAP, please visit their website: https://capuk.org/.
There is no recording from this morning. God's presence came powerfully during the meeting this morning. Various church members had powerful words.
Phil Pierce spoke about God's Kingdom.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Chris and Carly continued our series on prayer, looking at Ephesians 2: 1-7.
Chris shared his story of how God has been revealing to him the position he has as a child of God through a series of pictures. His story follows the line of the verses from Ephesians, describing the journey of us all when we were dead in our sin then made alive in Christ. The ‘But God…’ verse.
If you weren't there Sunday morning, hopefully the main points of his testimony can be remembered and shared between you!
The development of understanding has been in the areas of our authority from and with God, and how this comes out of a place of intimacy with the Father.
Questions
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Why do some people feel like they are not worthy to live on the ‘41st floor’? (Do you?)
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What does it look like to pray with authority?
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How do we develop intimacy with the Father, both individually and corporately?
Phil continued his preach about praying.
To view Phil's full notes (in PDF format), click here.
To view Phil's slides (in PDF format), click here.
I guess it’s would be easy if there were some simple formula or step by step simple guide to prayer to follow and if you do that all your prayers will be answered Just check off the steps and we’ve done our duty Prayer doesn’t work like that though, God wants us to engage with him, it’s about relationship and our hearts been in tune with him. Praying was never meant to be a duty or a chore, it is a privilege and essential to our developing and strengthening our relationship with our father. God loves to answer our prayer, he doesn’t ignore he’s not being difficult or awkward, he wants us to find him to know him to partner with him. He wants us to know his heart that we might pray with faith and expectancy.
We need to: (1) pray faithfully (2) pray decisively (3) pray forcefully (4) pray lovingly (5) pray truthfully (6) pray earnestly (7) pray authoritatively
Conclusion Prayer is a journey that is unique for everyone. Just as each of us has a different calling or job to do for God, each of us will travel a slightly different road in understanding what prayer really is. God will speak to each of us in different ways, and the way God speaks to one person can be markedly different from the way He speaks to another.
God isn't interested in getting us to learn rules and requirements and living life merely by following the dictates of a rule book, but He wants us to come to Him that we might know Him for ourselves. He wants a unique relationship with each of us just as He created each of us as unique individuals.
He wants to partner with us in our journey and live it out with us day by day. It's why He created humans, and it is His great joy when we come to Him without doubt or compromise to wholeheartedly get to know Him and let ourselves be fully known by Him. God is all about relationship, and the key to it is masterful prayer.
Faith filled payers are needed for seemly impossible tasks For our nation to turn back to God To see the Gospel penetrate every tribe tongue and nation To see strongholds pulled down in the Name of Jesus To see his kingdom rule and reign in every sphere of society
God majors in doing what is impossible with man He loves to break through when all hope seems gone So what are we going to do with prayer ? If this is a new day for us then it has to be in prayer and through prayer
Questions • What’s your prayer journey? • What’s been your best prayer success and your worst? • How would you like to see your prayer life grow? • How can we be more effective in our praying ? • What are the breakthroughs you are praying for at the moment?
Neal introduced our upcoming Gift Days for the building project outlining our giving response and ways of identifying the Devil's lies.
To watch the J John video on doughnuts in its own window, click here.
Also included is the audio from the Catalyst Offering video. To watch the video in it's own window, click here.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Peter continued our series on prayer looking at the church family at prayer, focusing on Luke 18:1-14.
A modern take on the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18).
To view Peter's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Pray Until Something Happens
The aim of prayer is not to change the mind of God, but to bring our hearts into line with Him.
7 prayerless days makes 1 weak.
"Your expectation is God's invitation." Julian Adams
"He had been desperately hoping that the lion would say yes, he had been horribly afraid it might say no. But he was taken aback when it did neither. He thought of his mother, and he thought of the great hopes he had, and how they were all dying away, and a lump came in his throat and tears in his eyes, and he blurted out: 'But please, please won't you, can't you give me something that will cure my mother?' Up until then he had been looking at the lions great feet and the huge claws on them; now in despair, he looked up at its face. What he saw surprised him as much as anything in his whole life. For the tawny face was bent down near his own (wonder of wonders) great shining tears compared with Digory's own that for a moment he felt as if the lion must really be sorrier about his mother than he was himself." C S Lewis, Magicians Nephew p159 and 168
Exodus 17:11-13 NLT
1 Timothy 2:8-10 MSG
Questions Tell everyone about your prayer life - highs and lows - trust me you’ll be encouraged! What encourages you the most regarding prayer (to get you praying)? What has been your best answer to prayer?
Phil spoke about the importance of partnering with God in prayer.
Introduction
• We are encouraged in scripture to o Pray Scripturally o Pray Strategically o Pray Systematically
• Sometimes it’s hard • Sometimes there are barriers, distractions and our minds wonder, our praying on detours • God has told us he wants us to strengthen our prayer muscle, to be stronger and more effective in our praying, He said we could have this building but we would have to fight for it in prayer • Prayer is a key factor in any advancement of the Gospel and the church • Prayer should precede any kingdom activity • God wants our future / your future to be better than our / your past
God wants us to have influence in every sphere of our life, workplace, where we live in our community,
Prayer has been the Key to our Past History right back from the beginning in Genesis
Old Testament Right back in our history we find prayer in the Old Testament is in Genesis 15 - God reveals his plan and purpose to Abram
After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 2 But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.”
Gen 25:21 Isaac praying because Rebekah was barren and so she had Jacob and Esau. The promise made to Abraham his Father would be fulfilled because of this prayer, and continues to be fulfilled
New Testament Jesus obviously prayed – Obviously!
On the day of Pentecost what were they doing? When the early church were being persecuted what did they do? When Peter was imprisoned how did they respond?
Prayer was the key in the Old Testament and the New Testament church The point is Prayer was the key to our past, our heritage.
As a nation we once prayed and it was prayer that once made this nation great
Prayer: CitP We are where we are We are who we are …..Because of prayer Over the years there has been much prayer in the church for the church to bring us to this point
Prayer was important, it still is important, even of greater importance maybe; it always will be until Jesus comes again, and it’s the key to our future – to yours and mine
3 points about Prayer
• Prayer expresses our trust in God and the means whereby our trust him can increase as well as a way of expressing our love to him and fellowship with him • Prayer changes the way God acts James 4:2 you do not have because you do not ask Prayer not only does us good but also affects God and the world When we ask, God responds Luke 11: 9-10 for everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds and to him who knocks the door will be opened. There is a clear connection between seeking things form God and receiving them When we ask, God responds
• Pray in accordance with Gods will 1 John 5:14-15 14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
Wayne Grudem:- It’s appropriate that we should have great confidence that God will answer our prayer when we ask him for something that is in accord with a specific promise or command of scripture
What’s your prayer life like – occasional, when we remember? when its convenient? , when we’re in need? Is it passive?
Does it go something like this -? Good morning God please help me today or Good night Bless me and mine Look after my house and family
Just maybe what he means for us to strengthen our Payer muscle maybe we need to adopt a lifestyle of praying Continuous, Effective, Hell destroying, Bondage breaking, Stronghold crushing, Life generating, Soul saving and power releasing spiritual intersession
Conclusion & Application
There is muc
Jim Harper from Hope Church, Worcester, shared his passion for reaching the poor with the gospel and explained some of the things that they have been doing in Worcester.
Further notes and questions may be available in due course.
Peter spoke from Psalm 22 about hearing from God in the dark times.
To view Peter's slides (in PDF format), click here.
To view Peter's full notes (in PDF format), click here.
When on the cross, Jesus quotes Psalm 22. We can copy Jesus’s pattern of communication with God when we feel forsaken.
● Recognise your separation ● Express your angst, where are you God? ● Recognise who you are ● Recognise who God is ● Tell the facts of the situation ● Seek prophecy ● Request in faith ● It is finished
Questions for Groups In your experience, where is God in your dark places? How do you struggle to get perspective when it's dark? Does the pattern of Psalm 22 help you?
In our first formal Sunday meeting at the Lime Tree Building, Phil, Neal, Justyn and Graham outlined both the vision for the building and the activities of the church and design modifications that will be made to the building.
Please note that the questions in the Q&A session were not given through the mic. Hopefully you can work out what the question was from the answer that was given!
To view the slides about the Elder's vision (in PDF format), click here.
To view Graham's slides in relation to the design and layout of the building (in PDF format), click here.
Dave outlines some of the Old Testament prophecies.
Please note that not all of Dave's preach was recorded.
Isaiah 19:19-25 Isaiah prophecies of a day when God will do a remarkable thing among the peoples of the Middle East turning them to the Lord and bringing unity through worship.
Question
Using Isaiah 19:19-25 we can find a number of prayers we can confidently pray for the Middle East since they come straight from God's word, the bible. What are some of these prayers?
Neal read the story of Burglar Bill and explained how it fitted into the Easter Story.
Jesus Is Risen. Praise The Lord.
Peter talked on Jesus and the last supper, and looked at how we could live out community and hospitality. To view Peters' notes (in PDF format), click here.
Neal concluded our series on Spiritual Gifts by summarising what they are not and what they are.
Further notes and questions may be available in due course.
Phil continued our series on Spiritual Gifts preaching on discernment.
We apologise for the poor quality of this audio file.
To view Phil's notes (in PDF format), click here.
This gift of discernment is for every believer and is necessary for everyday living that we would not be blown about by every wind of doctrine, that we would know when our enemy is trying to deceive us. That as we minister the kingdom to others we are more effective because we are able to discern and deal the root cause of any issue rather than just try to ease the symptom. Paul when writing concerning spiritual gifts encouraged us to desire the best gift, he was not setting up one gift as more important than another, he was saying what’s the most appropriate gift for the situation that will deal with the root cause bring truth, healing, Freedom and deliverance.
Questions 1. In what ways can we test the spirits as described in 2 Timothy 2 v 15 2. Paul writing to the Ephesians “Our fight is with the unseen realm” how do we recognise these attacks and how do we resist them? 3. Is discernment only to be used when praying for some one? At what other times do we need to be able to the gift of discernment? 4. Paul encourages us to desire the best gifts? How are we to know what the best gifts are?
Nick Grayshon from Holy Trinity Matlock Bath spoke on God's glory.
To view the bible verses Nick referred to (in PDF format), click here.
John 17:1-5 Jesus prays to be glorified After Jesus said this, he looked towards heaven and prayed: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
1 John 1:1-3 The incarnation of the Word of life That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
Questions
1 Nick talked about us being those who God has chosen to show his Glory in, how does God show is glory in us? And how does his glory shine through us that others may see.
2 All that Jesus did was to bring Glory to his father the father always glorified his son. How do we understand this relationship? If we are sons of God what should our relationship with the father be like?
3 how do we keep ourselves humble when God shows his glory through us to others when they praise us for what he did through us.
4 John 15:8 "This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples" How is it to the fathers Glory when we are fruitful? What is the fruit that brings glory to God?
Dave Wade continued our series on spiritual gifts, speaking on the gift of evangelism.
To view Dave's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Heart for the lost. Mt. 9:35-38 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Mat 28:19 Gift of the evangelist. ... The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to readily share the gospel with unbelievers in such a way that men and women often become Jesus’ disciples and responsible members of the Body of Christ. This gift is a practical gift. The task of evangelism is an important spiritual exercise that all Christians should be involved with; God gifts certain members with an ability to have unusual sensitivity to when someone is ready to accept Christ, and will generally have greater success in leading people to Christ than other Christians. People with this gift should be active in training others to share their faith. Acts 8:5-6, 26-40; Eph 4:11-14; 2 Tim4:5.
Jesus was the best evangelist around, he demonstrated his love for the lost and he equipped his disciples and then sent them. Today he wants to send us.
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:35-38
I. Jesus Went To the People (vs. 35) My question is; are we doing the same as Jesus did because he wants us to do? How will we help to take Gods word to Gods world? We are called to be on a mission.
II. Christ Really Saw them Today how do we see people? III. He Had Compassion On Them What is our compassion like for people compared to Jesus compassion? How can we have compassion for people? IV. Then He said When was the last time you shared your story or told his story? When was the last time you led someone to Jesus? It's exciting.
Further Questions What equipping do you or the church need to help reach the lost? What stops us today from seeking Gods heartbeat and saying send me? Going out into this world to sow seeds for eternity and reaping. We all have gifts to work together to advance the kingdom of God here in the Peaks This is our season our time make the best of it for God.
Justyn continued our series on spiritual gifts, looking at the gift of faith.
A slogan in H. Samuel says faith is 'hope with a little bit of pixie dust'. Scripture says in Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” RT Kendall simplifies it to 'Believing God'. Steve Backland says: 'God's promises, not our circumstances, are the evidence of what is really true. We don't deny negative facts in our lives, but we choose to focus on a higher reality: God's truth. '
We are all called to a life of faith - Gal 3:11 - the righteous shall live by faith, and 2 Cor 5:7 - we walk by faith and not by sight. It's about us living from Heavens perspective.
In Hebrews 11:6 we read that without faith it is impossible to please God. Our Father loves us consistently, but there is something that brings delight to His heart.
We live in the context of an apostolic and prophetic mandate to extend the kingdom of God and to bring heaven to earth. That requires faith and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor 2:12-14 talks about how we need the Holy Spirit to reveal the things of God to us. Faith doesn't deny the reality of things around us, but lives in the greater truth and reality of Heaven. Faith roots us in the supernatural
Pastor Emmanuel says faith is you hear from God, do what you can do, and then see what God will do. In the west we have an immediate expectation.
In Hebrews 11 we see many men and women of faith who didn't see the fulfilment of the prophetic words God had given them in their lifetime. Abraham didn't see his descendants to be as numerous as the stars in the sky!
We need to have a culture that embraces mystery and celebrates each others faith steps whether it is successful or a seeming failure.
We need to declare the truth of God's promises. Steve Backland says: 'Faith indeed comes by hearing (Romans 10:17); therefore, we choose to speak these powerful truths to build our own faith. By doing so, we are believing that our experience will catch up to our beliefs, as Romans 12:2 teaches us.'
Application questions to select from: - What does faith look like to you? - Are you static in faith adventures because of past hurt and disappointments? - Do you have prophetic words or scripture promises that you have 'shelved' and are passively waiting for God to fulfill? What does it look like to you to 'do what you can do, and then see what God will do'? - With the new building project and gift days, do you feel in faith or fearful about giving? Can you identify why, and come through to the place of believing God? - Use some of the declarations on the declarations download sheet linked below, or use them to inspire the declarations that relate to the specific prophetic promises that God has given to you.
Declarations Download
Phil continued our series on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit looking at the Gift of Miracles.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Dave continued our series on spiritual gifts looking at words of knowledge and wisdom.
A word of knowledge is a way that the Holy Spirit conveys that the Father knows everything about us and this can open up people and situations to bring people back to the Father or bring clarity to someone seeking the will of God. The word of wisdom is a verb to help someone move forward.
Pray for each other and ask the Father to speak to you on behalf of the person who you are praying for. Be bold. Be brave and don't be afraid to make a mistake. I gave the example using Chris and Lucy Spear to pictorially demonstrate how this happens. I could have used some other examples but ran out of time. Perhaps you could act out some other examples to bring clarity to the way the Father and Holy Spirit work to set people free and bring glory to God.
Psalm 139.
There are no questions this week. Groups can practice moving in the gifts of knowledge and wisdom.
Phil spoke about not being spiritually dull because Christ lives in us.
Introduction Isaiah 60 verse 1-5 • Rise & Shine – spring out of bed, alert ready for the day, full of energy, can’t wait to get started, looking forward to a great day, ready for anything, bring it on ! • Does that describe how you feel when you wake every morning ? • Or is it struggling to wake up? Lacking energy a bit longer in bed so hit the snooze button, wake up slowly, in need of a coffee or tea to help wake you up to get you going, dreading the day ahead, same old same old, nothing really to look forward to, not feeling very motivated. • I felt God wants to stir us with his wake up call • Dull lives • Living in shadows
Living to the max • We are in Christ Ephesians tells us we are called and chosen to be in Christ • Colossians 3 verse 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. • He is our life • Jesus in you he is your light, he is the light that is to shine through you • The life we now live is to be in him and him shine through us. • Jesus said “I have come that they may here life and life to the full” • People of different understandings of what it is to live to the max • We’ve talked about being on an adventure, God’s invited us o an adventure with him to Rise and Shine with the glory of God
The Secret • Watchman Nee – wrote a book not I but Christ “the secret of the Christian life” p109 & 110 • Christ is to be revealed to the world through his people, that’s you and me • We have been placed by God , you each have a place where God has put us • It’s your unique opportunity to reveal Jesus • It’s your unique place to shine for him • Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven, who’s going to demonstrate it if you don’t • We have been chosen to be the means by which his kingdom rule and reign comes into every part of society • We want revival while it’s a sovereign move of God he still involves us
He came to give us life
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESV • Paul understood that his life was now hid in Christ with God and so the life he now lived in his flesh was to be by faith in the one who loved him • The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1 ESV
Your time to shine • It’s our time to shine • What or who’s shadow are you living in? Fears and worry are shadows , people we feel inferior to, fear of others • Is there any dullness in your life? I maybe spiritual dullness, it maybe you feel you have a dull mundane life, life generally is dull and more like just existing, surviving • God’s got so much more to offer • He wants you live life to the full
Time to shake off dullness – literally shake it off
Questions 1. How does us being in Christ and Christ in us affect how we live our lives? 2. Jesus came to give us life to the full, what do you believe the full life Jesus was talking about is? 3. Have you been spiritually dull? Have you shaken it off ? What’s changed? 4. How can the glory of God shine more in your unique place God has put you?
Neal continued our series on Spiritual Gifts looking at worship.
We apologise for the poor quality of this audio recording.
This morning we looked at the difference being Baptised in the Holy Spirit makes to our worship. We started by looking at Ephesians 5 vs 18-20 where we are encouraged to be filled with the Holy Spirit and make music to the Lord. Worship is about Jesus, For Jesus and to Jesus and Chris Tomlin says this “ Worship centers our minds attention and our hearts affection on the Lord. Its not something we do out of obligation but rather is a response to who God is and what he has done – It’s a heart Response.”
What does the bible say about worship?
Psalm 149 vs 4 – The Lord inhabits the praise of his people
Psalm 16 vs 11 – In thy presence is fullness of joy
Psalm 22 vs 3 – The Lord is enthroned on the Praises of his people
Matthew 18 vs 20 – Where two or three are gathered in my name – There I am in the Midst
John 4 vs 23-24 – Worshipers worship in spirit and truth – The father is looking for those that will worship him that way.
We looked at how our worship comes together on a Sunday morning – Led by the Holy Spirit and not by us!
We start with praise that is generally about Jesus and for Jesus which will lead to worship which is more intimate and is us singing TO Jesus – This is personal and intimate and we looked at the difference between the two – Me talking to Pamela about Julia and the me talking directly TO Julia – what a difference! This personal intimate worship comes out of relationship and is just us and God – no-one else can do this for you – it’s all about your heart attitude and love for God. So often we thing a time of worship is for us – What can I get out of this? We have preferences about particular songs or a style of worship which can hinder us worshiping Jesus as fully as we should – Time of worship are primarily for Jesus and to Jesus – The fact that when we worship he speaks to us and encourages us shows his heart and how he longs for a people to worship him in spirit and in truth. As we worship we rekindle relationship with God which is what he has always wanted from his people since the fall in the garden of Eden – He longs for his Church to rise up and worship in spirit and truth.
So what changes in worship for us as the people of God?
It brings joy –
It brings strength
It beings perspective
It brings truth
It reveals Gods heart towards us
It brings peace
It brings increased intimacy – It makes your soul well!
It brings restoration
It brings Power and Gods presence back to the Church – This is not an option but a necessity!
It transforms us from earth to Heaven – To be lost in wonder love and praise gives us a glimpse of heaven!
Questions:
- Terry Virgo says on his book The Spirit Filled Church – “ God is seeking those who will worship him in spirit and in truth, not in temperament and preference”
What do you understand by this statement and do you think we miss out sometimes because we rely on temperament and preference?
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Does intimacy with God in worship seem a long way off, does it concern you that you don’t feel like that? – How can you change this and increase your relationship with God?
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Bill Johnson says “ When we encounter his divine presence , transformation then occurs which goes beyond the reach of merely good ideas – This is transformation that first takes place within us, that we might cause transformation around us” - This transformation is vital for the Church and our communities around us – How can we play our part and how can worship help us in this?
Peter continued our series on spiritual gifts looking at communion.
To see Peter's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Adrian and Koreen Horner from Open Door Church, Kettering continued our series on spiritual gifts, bringing various prophetic words both for the church and for individuals as well as looking at the story of Jesus walking on water.
Please note that only the 'whole church' prophecies are included in this podcast.
It also appears that only first 30 minutes or so of the preach were recorded. Sorry for any inconvenience this causes.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Carly continued our Spiritual Gifts series looking at Encouragement.
To view Carly's slides (in PDF format), click here.
The amazing, gentle and powerful gift of Encouragement
To encourage someone is to give support, confidence and hope. Looking at it from a Biblical perspective the use of the gift is to point or draw someone into a more intimate relationship with Father God, to turn to God and to seek Him.
In the Old Testament the refrain ‘Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go’ is found repeatedly in Deuteronomy, Joshua and both books of Chronicles. The Prophets were encouragers constantly urging the people to turn to the Lord, turn from their idolatries, to seek the Lord and repent. Samuel encouraged the people to not ‘turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart’ Look at 2 Kings 17:13 There is purpose in the encouragement, turn and seek the Lord.
In the New Testament we see letters full of encouragement. They are letters full of teaching, instruction, admonition amongst other things but the essence is always the forward, eternal perspective of ‘turn to God, seek Jesus’ Look at James and Paul in 1 Thess 5:14-24
We look to the Lord for our example of how to encourage. The Holy Spirit is the greatest encourager of all, his voice is easy to hear throughout Scripture. He always points and draws us to Jesus.
We need encouragement to follow the Lord, remember who we are in Him and to stick to what we are called to. We need someone to run alongside us when it feels all uphill, reminding us to keep seeking and trusting Jesus when we feel discouraged.
The gifts God gives are for us, for each other and for everyone as we use them to demonstrate the heart of God. However and whenever we encourage people we are demonstrating the love, passion and joy of God. He is for us! To encourage someone is to reveal the nature of God. It is powerful! The gift of encouragement is all about nurturing people towards a place of seeking and trusting the Lord. ENCOURAGE ON PURPOSE FOR PURPOSE
Suggestions for application:
If you feel discouraged, do you know why? Ask someone to run up that hill with you in prayer. Pray truth over each other, prophecy over each other to hear how the Holy Spirit wants to help you seek and trust Jesus. How have you or could you use the gift of encouragement? It might help to remember a time when someone encouraged you and it made a real difference to your life?
Peter welcomed us to the New Year and explained some things that God is saying for us as a church.
We apologise for the poor quality of this audio recording.
To view Peter's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Wading deeper
Start new year. New Bible reading through the Bible Genesis and creation
The Amazon River in South America is the second longest river in the world after the Nile. 4,000 miles long, Peru through Brazil to the Atlantic Ocean. It contains more water than any other river in the world. The Amazon is so massive it actually contains more water than the Mississippi, the Nile and the Yangtze combined. The Amazon River accounts for up to 1/5 of the earth's fresh water. In one second the Amazon pours almost 60 million gallons, or 100 olympic swimming pools, into the Atlantic Ocean. One days worth of water flowing out of the Amazon is the equivalent of 12 years worth of water usage by the city of London, every tap, shower, toilet and all other combined sources of fresh water consumed by millions of people for 12 years! It flows out of the Amazon every day.... This massive influx of fresh water actually dilutes the ocean's salinity, or saltiness, for up to 100 miles offshore. The water flowing out of the Amazon creates a brackish water system of a combination of both fresh and salt water for literally hundreds of square miles!
Ezekiel 47:3-12
Maklaklu a phodiso - Rev 22 The massive effect started with what they were doing because they felt it was what God wanted them to do.
Maxwell 360° leader 2006 Leading from the middle Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization. On the back there’s a tagline: “Don’t wait for that promotion! Start leading NOW… right where you are!”
The Arabah, lit. "desolate and dry area", the area south of the Dead Sea basin which forms part of the border between Israel and Jordan. The old meaning, was for the Jordan Rift Valley, running north-south between the Sea of Galilee and Eilat. The Dead Sea is commonly called today the Arava Valley.
Dead sea is known as DEAD for a reason! This picture is about the effect God can have through us in a desolate place.
Our environment is pretty hostile. To God, and especially the church. Little grows
Food bank
Salt and Light Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus said that we are "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world". Being salt and light is not optional. Jesus did not say you can be...or you have the potential to be...He said you are. Everyone who has trusted Christ for salvation and is born again is the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
A little leaven leavens the whole lump. (Galatians 5:9)
This is all about getting out there, doing the stuff, and seeing the society changed all around us.
The thing about wading in is you just don't know how deep you are going to go.
Deut1 Arabah See, the Lord your God has set the land before you. Go up, take possession, as the Lord , the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’ Deuteronomy 1:21
What does it mean for us to take the land?
Ezekiel was led through the water. Intimacy with God.
Random Samsung text during Dave Wades sermon We need to be. It can be fruit pickers, carwashes etc. There is a place for doctrines and dogma and science and history and apologetics, but these things are not Jesus. Jesus is our model. Jesus and kingdom.
Nation changing movements were not started because someone had a grand plan and implemented it. Start small to achieve small purposes. And grow.
What does that look like? When you secure Matlock you will take the peaks. He means what he promised….. keyring.
There are no questions this week as all the Groups are meeting together.
Peter spoke about what Christmas is really about and why the wise men gave the gifts that they did.
To view Peter's slides (in PDF format), click here.
During the Carol Service, the children and young people re-told the story of the first Christmas:
Justyn continued our series on Spiritual Gifts looking at the gift of Administration.
To view Justyn's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Gift of Administration - 1 Cor 12:28-31 The gift is included in an list alongside apostles, prophets, evangelists, and miracles. It’s there for a purpose. The passage clearly shows that it is a spiritual gift, therefore it is given by and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit who heals, saves and delivers! We need to see this gift as of equal value as all the gifts and not separate into a ‘secular vs spiritual’ mindset.
The word Administration in greek is Kubernesis meaning ‘to steer, or rule or govern’. it refers to a ships captain or master and is about guiding or directing the ship towards a goal. Administrators are often ‘jack of all trades’ and can see things through the lenses of others as they steer the whole of the ship forward. They are broad and see a big picture.
There are plenty of administrators in the bible - God (the great architect who created and sustains all things), Moses, Daniel, Solomon and Stephen to name a few.
Some important points • Faith - key for any administrator as we need to hear and believe God as we steer the ship. • Spontaneous vs Planned - planning is vital and is not less spiritual than spontaneity. In creation God made everything according to his plan and order. Imagine if the fish had been made before the water! • Flexible Structures - administration is about creating flexible wineskins/structures that serve the wine/product/service of the organisation. They are to sustain and bring life, not kill it. Inflexibility and focus on the structure, not on the spirit of the organisation creates bureaucracy and ultimate death. • He wastes nothing - God works all things for good. He doesn’t waste our, or others mistakes, they are all learning opportunities. • Handling Tension - nothing is perfect, but when tensions arise we need faith to see that the tension creates energy, and that energy should be used to bring the breakthrough needed.
Questions 1. We are called to ask for gifts, so it this is something we can, and should ask God for, even in a small measure! 2. Do you identify having the gift of administration? 3. Do you prefer spontaneity or planning? How do you feel about people to work the oppose way? How can we honour our differences? 4. In your work place, does the structure hind or help the life of the organisation? Can you bring something of the kingdom of God in that influence new life? How you manage, encourage and relate to others has a huge impact.
Ian continued our series on spiritual gift, looking at the gift of prophecy.
To view Ian's notes (in PDF format), click here.
To view Ian's slides (in PDF format), click here.
The areas Ian looked at were: 1. Old and New Covenant Prophetic 2. Prophecy today - Two types of prophecy: Spontaneous & Non-Spontaneous 3. Handling The prophetic - There are three phases of prophecy: - R Revelation (hearing + speaking) - I Interpretation - A Application 4. Our Response to the Prophetic
Questions and activities for groups
Question 1: How do you see the role of prophecy in the church today?
Question 2: What helps or hinders you from hearing from God?
Question 3: Have there been prophecies spoken over you? If so, what has been your response? (Only give details if you’re comfortable to do so.)
Activity (optional): In small groups (3 – 4) pray together and ask God what he has to say for each member of the group.
Dave Wade spoke about the gift of healing.
To see Dave's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Encouragement to use the gifts --- of healings 1 Corth 12:7- 11. 14:1 & Rms 12:6 1Timothy 4: 14-15, 2 Tim1:6
I believe God is saying to his church today about the spiritual gifts and everyone is a gift to this church family for a purpose and God has and wants to give . spiritual gifts to help build his church so that it will grow and will reflect his glory here in the Peaks.
God wants us to refocus, reignite, the calling and gifts he has given us to build his church. Re ignite the passion.
1Cor12:7-9. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers. to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues and to still another the interpretation of tongues All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
Questions
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Do you believe in spiritual gifts?
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We all like gifts why do you think God gives us gifts?
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Do we eagerly desire the gifts and what things might stops us?
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Do you know the gifts God has given you and are you using them on a regular basis?
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Where should we use the gifts and how often or what stops us?
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What are your views on the gifts of healing are plural?
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Share testimonies of healing to encourage others.
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How can we create an atmosphere where the gifts are regularly displayed and consistently model them?.
Is there any questions about gifts of healing Pray for each other to rekindle, fan into flame and fresh passion to use our gifts. Let him use it.... Romans 12
Phil continued our series on spiritual gifts by talking about discernment.
These times together in the 3 areas are opportunity to discover our identity, allow God to shape us by encountering him, understand how we can affect our community by taking responsibility for seeing his Kingdom come where are, and build Holy Spirit filled communities that are effective and growing.
Here's the notes and some questions, but my encouragement would be take time to encounter God and let him give you fresh vision
The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, "Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. GEN 13:14-15 ESV http://bible.com/59/gen.13.14-15.ESV What is the way God is leading us Who we are in God , what do we carry? We are on a journey of discovery as well as an adventure. The children of Israel when they came out of Egypt knew they were slaves, it didn't take any discerning, they saw themselves as grass hoppers. The majority of that generation died in the desert, the new generation who were going to possess the land didn't have any identity other than being a nomadic people. God was to give then a new identity Even when they went to Jericho they still had no idea who they were but the Canaanites knew who they were and were terrified of them. We are to discern who we are, God’s new identity for us How we perceive ourselves determines how we live When we know who we are well act accordingly.
“Everything you can comprehend through faith’s vision belongs to you. Look as far as you can, for it is all yours. All you long to be as a Christian, all you carry from God, all you long to do for God, and all that lies before us as a church are within the possibilities of faith”.
Questions
From where you are, what is it that you are seeing ?
What is it that you are longing for in God and how are you perusing it?
If how we perceive ourselves determines how we live – Is our perception of who we are lining up with who God says we are ? If not how can this be changed ? What signs can we look for that show a change in our identity ?
David West explained about God's love for us and how Calvary changed everything.
Unfortunately, the whole of David's talk was not recorded. The following notes, made by Peter, cover the whole preach.
Calvary changed everything. It moved us from the old covanent to the new. Love God with all your heart soul and mind Love your neighbour as yourself Matthew 22:34ff These are old covanent requirements The requirements of the new covanent are always harder than the old. So what's the requirement in the new covanent regarding love?
Jesus said he gave a new commandment, to love others as he does. We don't love ourselves very well, so to have loved as we love ourself is not always great. But Jesus wants us to love those that we would not associate with normally, and would do us harm.
So what would be higher than loving God with everything we have? The emphasis shifts in the new covanent to how well God loves us, rather than how we love him! Our security and foundation has to change under the new covanent. 1 John 4. Without God there is no love. We love him because he first loved us. God is never disillusioned with us as he had no illusions in the first place. There is no condemnation even when we sin! Did Jesus love John more than the other disciples? John was more convinced about the fact that he was loved by Jesus. That gave John more security as a result. Love will pull out of you the Spirit of adventure more. You will know you are safe in different environments. It will also stir up in you a love for God more. If it does not feel good, it means God has not finished yet. When walking in the valley, we must not sit down and say woe is me. We need to walk and believe in the wow of God. Jesus was kinder to Thomas than history has been!
How do we develop this love. If you want to grow in your love for him, then grow in your confidence of his love for you. We need to forgive 70x7. How much more will God forgive us?
How do we love those who do evil things? Jesus, forgive hem for they know not what they do. That was a transaction between God and Jesus.
Continuing our series on the gifts of the Spirit, Dave looks at tongues and interpretation.
All Gods gifts are unmerited but He wants us all to eagerly desire them.
Our Father has given us the gift of mission to our community and he has also given us the gifts to work to achieve this with Him. The gift of tongues is one that is there to build each one of us up before God. I used the illustration of the three gifts, a ring, a screw driver/drill and a bottle of moisturiser to illustrate my point. The gift of tongues for personal use is a very flexible gift helping us to pray into difficult situations when we don't know the facts or have run out of words to pray.
Questions
It says in I Corinthians 14 that the gift of tongues is to edifying the born again Christian. Edifying means to build up. Share examples of when the gift of tongues has been useful to you in building you up when in a difficult situation.
Think of situations in the local community when it would be useful to pray in tongues to see the Holy Spirit break in.
Please consider my illustration of the Christmas gift that I did not remember having and had left unused for a year. Are you using the gift of tongues either in private or public?
What is holding you back from desiring the gift or using it?
Paul says eagerly desire the spiritual gifts. That includes speaking in tongues.
The gift of tongues is a wonder gift. Does it thrill you? If not, would you like to be thrilled with this gift that builds up?
Dave spoke about following Jesus when he calls you out of the boat.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
During today's All Age Meeting, KidZone explained about the "I AM" sayings of Jesus which they have been learning about this term.
To view the KidZone slides (in PDF format), click here.
Phil preached on how the "I AM"s can give us absolute assurance in God's plans for us.
Kari Jobe's "Forever" video can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huFra1mnIVE. The rap starts at approx. 6m45s.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Neal started our new series on the Holy Spirit.
This morning we looked at the Baptism in the Spirit and why being Baptised in the Spirit is so important for ourselves, our Church and the community we live in. We looked at 1 Corinthians 12 and made reference to Ephesians 4 and Romans 12. We talked about having potential and making sure we realized that potential in Christ. Being Baptised in the Holy Spirit helps is to fulfil our potential in ourselves, to the local Church and to the wider community we live in.
Let’s not be described as having made “Fair progress” or “Having potential” – let’s realize both and enter into all That God has for us and the Church!
Questions for Groups
- There are undoubtedly things that hold us back from getting all that God has planned for us – we mentioned some this morning – I hope these resonated with you? Can you think of others that you struggle with? How can we overcome those things that hold us back?
- Having looked at 1 Corinthians 12 and the kind of Church God wants for us – can you see how important each role is and how we should all work together to make one functioning body? If this happens what would have to change?
- Think of Peter and Jesus - Are you personally prepared to step out of the boat – out of your comfort zone and walk on the water with Jesus- no matter the risks?
- What potential difference will this make to our Church Life and the community we live in?
Peter continued looking at the vision we have been looking at for the last couple of weeks. Peter noted that in the Joshua Generation, it was the people who did the 'stuff', not the leaders. It is up to us, as directed by God, to make a difference in our communities.
To view Peter's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Ephesians 2 one in Christ. Ends in the spirit...... Ephesians 2:12-22
Priesthood of all believers The Moses era is over and we are entering the Joshua era / generation. Not so much about the leaders, as the community they are leading. What is the Joshua generation like?
Where the Spirit of God is, there is power. We have already established that each of you are full of the holy spirit. So where you are there is power!
Beermat challenge to us - Have you got a taste for adventure?
Gifts spirit. This term. How does this fit with kingdom extension? Corinthians - Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Distinguishing of spirits, Tongues, Interpretation, Hospitality, Encouragement and Administration
Ephesians 4 ministries Apostles, Prophets, Teachers / preaching, Miracles, Healing and Tongues
Great commission - Matthew 28:18-20 Who are the unique ethni that you come into contact with?
Ephesians 6:15+19
Vision - a Christian presence in every community Values unchanged, last 2 terms preaches Presence god prized. Reach peak district, small groups Partnerships - current experience Not giving up meeting together How we do that, it's an adventure. Not doing church but being church Priesthood all believers
New beer mat.
We don't know how it will look. But we know we have a god who does. We don't know what things will work. But we know what he has told us and we know what the spirit can do.
Questions for groups. How do you feel about the adventure the church is on? What do you think you bring to this adventure? What scares you about it? What would you like to see God do? Do you have any passions that you would like see encouraged by church?
Phil continued his preach about our priestly status and laying a foundation and building on it with some vision for what we feel God has said and the way he is leading us.
Week 2 – A Kingdom of Priests
HEB 4:14-16 ESV Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 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. http://bible.com/59/heb.4.14-16.ESV
• Each one of us is here to fulfill a God given purpose • In revelation, the summing up of all things there’s this declaration "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God ; and they shall reign on the earth. " (Revelation 5:10 ESV) • We are all called • We are all chosen • Not of ourselves God has made us to be • We believe in the priesthood of all believers • The reason Jesus was revealed to destroy the works of the evil one, • We exist to make Jesus known across the Peak District region
Our priestly call is; • We are to minister first to God -Worship • The presence of God manifest among us refreshing renewing changing empowering as we approach the throne grace where his presence fill everything in every way • We are to minister to one another – Jesus said they would know we are his disciples by our love for one another • We are to minister to those who do not know • God has made available to us al we need to be equipped to do all 3 • This term is about us getting equipped • This is about Jesus and his Kingdom rule and reign in all the earth that, before he comes again the gospel will be made known to every tribe tongue and nation, not just words but demonstration of kingdom Vision • This morning I want to speak from the heart • I want to share what we feel God has spoken to us • The reason we are hear, to make Jesus known in every community, village, & town of the Peak District, to affect towns and cities around us, to send to the nation’s • God spoke some years ago and said “when you secure Matlock you will take the peaks” o How we secure Matlock is by our being established in the town o We already are well on the way to that Through the many thing we already to here o The building is part of that establishing, we will be submitting a fresh application next month change of use
Hope Valley What we are doing in the Hope Valley is to make Jesus known, we are doing this by • Praying in the area • Partnering with other Christians in the area • Training how to reach out • Encouraging other churches who are willing to and share a desire to reach the area There is no village or town off limits , where ever you live, work, socialise is where you are free to bring the kingdom to affect culture. As a family of churches Newfrontiers has a calling from God to change the expression of Christianity around the world We are seeking to do that here in the Peaks We are to change culture both in the church and in the world around us I’ve lived with something God spoke to me some years ago at our 25th celebration Moses / Joshua – what God spoke to me from this story Moses years – all together, one place, gathered around the temple, nomadic, everything supplied, weren’t warriors, it was mainly a new generation not known Egypt. Joshua era – together they took the promised land of the Cannanites, city after city and established themselves in each place. They had to establish community, society, social care, health care, education, businesses of every kind. They established who they were always mentioned to be in the land God meant for them to have. It’s time for us to do the same – establish who we are in the region God has given to us. • Change the culture of the church • Affect the culture around us • Bring God’s Kingdom rule and reign to th
Phil spoke 1 Peter 2 about what being a royal priesthood means for us.
To view Phil's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Further notes and questions may follow.
Neal spoke about what "being in Christ" means.
To view Neal's slides (in PDF format), click here.
This week we looked at being “ In Christ” and what this means for our Christian Lives and the truth that this should bring to our thinking- Moving head knowledge to heart truth being the key – we looked at lots of scriptures so we can base these truths in scripture and I have listed them below so you can re-read them in your own time. These are important as the truth sets us free.
Ephesians 2 vs 4-10 – This was where we started looking at the promises God has made to us about being “In Christ” and the difference it should mean to our lives.
We looked at seven truths regarding being in Christ
1.God chose us before the foundation of the world, to redeem us and forgive all our sins.
Ephesians 1 vs 4-8
Romans 8 vs 29
2.In Christ we are a new creation – Sons and Daughters of the King!
2 Corinthians 5 vs 7
Galations 4 vs 4
- In Christ we are justified before God and the righteousness of Christ is given to us.
2 Corinthians 5 vs 21
1 John 4 vs 10
Propitiation - meaning “A sacrifice that turns away God’s wrath and turns it to favour”
- In Christ we are being sanctified or made Holy.
1 Corinthians 1 vs 2
Galations 5 vs 22-25
- In Christ you are loved by God with an everlasting Love
Romans 8 vs 38-39
Ephesians 3 vs 17-19
- In Christ we have peace
Phillipians 4 vs 6-7
John 14 vs 27
- In Christ we are seated with him in heavenly places and have eternal life with Him.
Ephesians 2 vs 6
Romans 6 VS 23
All these promises are from God and are fulfilled in Christ
2 Corinthians 1 vs 20
and all our needs are met in Christ!
Phillipians 4 vs 19
Questions
-
Being “ In Christ” should make us secure in our faith and walk with God and yet so often we feel insecure – why do you think this is the case?
-
Which verses mentioned above have helped in your understanding of what being “In Christ” means for the Christian?
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Peter said last week “Fear, worry and concern – all these things don’t define me because I am in Christ – Joy comes when we move that knowledge from our head to our heart.
What do you feel defines you and what can change that perception?
- How do we move head knowledge to our hearts – what works for you – perhaps share with your group what works for you as this may help other people?
Peter spoke about Joy.
To view these notes and questions in PDF format, click here.
Intro Last time temple of God. Yeah I know - andy and lou from little Britain Leads me to joy. Attitude can mean we miss joy.
Julian Adams fears too many Christians have been baptised in lemon juice.
UK girls becoming more miserable - study - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-37223063.
Somebody was trying to find out the Eskimo for Joy. The word is ""Plonkiput". It means, wag the tail furiously."
FF Bruce Peace if Joy resting. Joy is peace dancing.
Adrian Holloway Jesus did not die that we might have a new type of misery!
The Spirit of the Lord brings radical freedom to our lives. Freedom from legalism, guilt, shame, condemnation, self-hatred and self-rejection. Freedom from the power of sin, selfishness, manipulation and control. Freedom from the fear of death and fear of what others think of us. Freedom from comparing ourselves with others. Nicky Gumbell
Why should we be joyful?
John Piper Christian hedonism
C S Lewis It is a Christian duty for everyone to be as joyful as they can be Depression sufferers, it should not define you. You are in Christ.
1Pet 1:8-9 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
What have we got to be joyful about?
If you are in Christ…. You were chosen before the world began God sent his son to die for you You are saved and will go to heaven You will be seated with Christ! That's surely something to have joy in.
If heaven and glory are so wonderful, why do we not spend more time and energy focussing on them? Are we reasonable in this? What is the matter? Are we so full of joy that we need no more? or is there nothing in heaven for our joyous thoughts? There is! So stir up your heart to consider your calling on a regular basis. The saints everlasting rest, 1650 Richard Baxter
How can we develop a joyful spirit?
The Spirit Fruit of the Spirit. So be filled, and go on being filled. Opposite, no joy does not mean you don't have the Holy Spirit in you, but means you could have more.
Choosing to be Power positive thinking NV Peale
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
Fyodor Dostoevsky Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. If he counted them up as he ought to, he would see that every lot has enough happiness provided for it.
Like love is cartoons, joy is....
Being Real In Psalms they express their frustrations with life, but that does not mean they don't express joy too.
With the help of others Others can help, Paul - make my joy complete
Creation - Piper May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works, who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke! I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. (Psalm 104:31–34)
God rejoices in the works of creation because they point us beyond themselves to God himself.
God means for us to be stunned and awed by his work of creation. But not for its own sake. He means for us to look at his creation and say: If the mere work of his fingers (just his fingers! Psalm 8:3) is so full of wisdom and power and grandeur and majesty and beauty, what must this God be like in himself!
These are but the backside of his glory, as it were, darkly seen through a glass. What will it be to see the Creator himself! Not his works! A billion galaxies will not satisfy the human soul. God and God alone is the soul’s end.
So we can get joy out of the stuff around us, but because
Phil preached on our confidence in the gospel.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Neal preached the gospel from Ephesians 2.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Carly spoke about Zacchaeus. Luke 19:1-10 Zaccheus, a little man meets a big God! Zaccheus had a curiosity to see Jesus and made the most of the opportunity by climbing a tree to catch even a glimpse of this Jesus that he had heard something about. As Jesus walks past he calls Zaccheus by name and insists that he comes to his house. Very publically Jesus offers acceptance, welcome and grace to a lonely and lost man so used to rejection. His open heart and curiosity made him exactly the sort of person Jesus came to seek. Zaccheus is a transformed man and one can only imagine the positive shock waves that went through the community. The rich man got through the eye of the needle and became a member of the family of God through his faith. There are lots of curious people up sycamore trees looking for Jesus amongst our friends and in our community. They might not realise they are looking for Jesus but they are searching for love, peace, acceptance, security, rescue, healing, help and purpose. We can be deceived into thinking that the gospel is weak and that people are doing just fine as they are. The gospel is powerful and totally relevant. We need to tell them the good news! The Holy Spirit makes us bold, brave and courageous. How can we be ordinary people looking for curious people up sycamore trees? PRACTICAL conversation pointers can be helpful in starting to tell people the gospel taken from Chris’ video message: TWO truths Did you know that God loves you & Do you know he has an amazing plan for your life? ONE question If you were to die today would you be absolutely certain that you would be with God in heaven? THREE truths - All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God - The wages of that sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus - Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Questions 1: Read Isaiah 61 to see that what Jesus was doing in Jericho the day Zaccheus was saved is perfectly in line with what he said he was going to do in Luke 4:18. This is now our mandate too. How does that make you feel particularly when considering going out into the streets of Matlock on Sunday 17th July? Practice Chris’ conversation starters – Remember, 3-2-1 or rather 2-1-3 2: Is your heart a bit harder than you would like it to be when considering the lost & lonely? How do you know when your heart is hard? Even a tiny measure of the compassion God feels for the lost can soften your heart in a moment. Just ask Him. 3: Do you feel unashamed and brave? Bravo! If not, then why do you think that is? Paul could say ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes’ If you want courage and boldness to look up those sycamore trees for the lonely and lost then ask. He is the one that makes us brave!
Dave spoke about God's compassion through the bible. Dave set out that our Fathers plan has always been to show compassion to mankind from Genesis to Revelation. I didn't quite make it to Revelation this time. Exodus 34 v 6 the Fathers declaration of who he is. I used the examples of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jonah and Ruth to demonstrate how our Father shows his compassion out worked by humans. The two I picked out the most were Moses and the burning bush where Yahweh says how he has heard the cry of his people. Are we living in times when the Father has heard the cry from people and is saying "let my people go"? Jonah was told to go to Ninevah (the Ibiza culture). Jonah eventually and reluctantly preaches and the people turn to God and Jonah moans that he knew the Father would show mercy and compassion and Jonah wanted judgement.
Matthew 9 v 35-38 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. The Fathers strategy is We pray and as we do so, we gain his heart and compassion for people. Should leadership in our community
Practical Suggestions In order to try and help us all to start to pray for the people around us, I suggested that groups cut out the following tasks and then pull them out and put them into practice for a week. The idea is not simply to do a random act of kindness but in doing so, pray and have insight into Jesus' compassion for people. It will also change the atmosphere around you.
Write a letter to an old friend or relative you have not been in touch with.
Write to a public servant who is under pressure thanking them for their work. This could be a teacher, a nurse, doctor bin man etc.
Buy some flowers for a neighbour.
Write a note to a waitress or waiter thanking them for working hard.
If you have anymore ideas then feel free to add them to this list. The idea is to pray first to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Questions If you want questions to then ask: 1. Exodus 3 Moses and the burning bush. Do you think we live in times where people are crying out for freedom? Is the Father saying "let my people go". 2. Jonah. Ask people to compare how they feel about people in comparison to Jonah. Encourage people to be open and honest but pray for the Holy Spirit to help you all gain more compassion for people even if we view them as "scum" as it says in Matthew 9 v 11 New Living translation. How does the Father view people? What lengths will He go to to see people saved? 3. Prayer is critical for evangelism are you praying for the out reach in two weeks time when we go into the streets in Matlock taking the good news and the power of his word?
Justyn built on Dave's preach last Sunday which was about the Fathers heart, and how we are now children of God, adopted into His family.
To view Justyn's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Scripture is clear that we are sons and daughters of God (Romans 8:16, John 1:12, Romans 9:8, 1 John 3:2, 1 John 3:1, Acts 17:28, Eph 5:1, Romans 8:17).
We look at Romans 8:19 and about sons of God being ‘revealed’. “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.”. A stirring quote about this passage:
"The world is waiting for sons and daughters to know who they are. The Father wants to reveal us to the world by revealing His truth inside of us. This truth is what changes the world— it brings life where there was none, it offers hope to those that have never known it and it invites anyone who wants more to have it. The world is waiting for us to be our truest selves."
The question is what does it look like for us to live as children of God? Four areas were covered, but there are many more!
- Identity - Free to be who you are
- Risk - it’s ok to try and fail
- Freedom - choices and decisions motivated from love
- Authority - to advance the Kingdom
Questions
• Do you respond as a slave, servant or son (child of God) in circumstances? Could you ‘rest’, or does task, ‘have to, ‘expected to’ shape you? • Risk - what’s God spoken over you and calling you to step out in, or into? • Freedom - do you feel free to just enjoy God? To be you? • Authority - do you believe you have authority from God and access to Gods resources?
The summary quote was by Simon Holley 'Sustainable Power' - This is the truth. You have been bought out of slavery, you are alive to God. You have eternal life, you are free from condemnation. You are now inseparable from the love of God, you are a triumph and a reconciler and a fruit-bearer and one with the Father. We need to realize! Much fruit grows out of the realisation of who I am in Christ. Abiding replaces striving, enjoying replaces earning. Loving replaces longing and basking replaces bemoaning. Freedom kicks out slavery and warrior replaces subservient.
It’s important that when we find areas of wrong thinking, or behaviour that we don’t rush into ’new thinking. There may be things that have shaped us to how we and which we need to deal with (it may involve repentance or forgiveness of others or ourselves).
On Father's Day, Dave spoke about the Father Heart of God.
Questions
When Jesus said 'I will not leave you as orphans' (john 14:18) what do you think he meant and how would he accomplish this?
Though we may well know the biblical truth about our relationship with God as Father we can often struggle with acceptance and approval issues. How can we deal with this??
Dave encouraged us that the Father brings hope to our heart and read the following encouragement "Help emerged as I began to explore entering the silence, not in some rural idyll but a desert space where I might hang out with God and converse with him about who I was. It was within this silence I discovered I was deeply loved by God, had always been known by God, that God was more deeply embedded within me than I’d ever known. Slowly I stopped measuring myself against my views. I exchanged insecurity derived from my uncertain friendshipse for the security of knowing God. The restless anxious chatter in my head, while never stilled, lost its power to determine who and how I showed up in life. My inner anxious self was shattered and hope was birthed, a hope with which to wage war against the internal chatter that made me doubt myself, lose my confidence and constantly compared me to others."
Do you think you could do this more yourself?
Peter spoke about evangelism.
Word association.
When you talk about Christianity what do people think?
When you talk about church what do people think?
Evangelism is a dirty word. It fills us with dread and fear, or others with excitement.
What do you think of when you think of evangelism?
What's missing or late in all the lists of words?
Jesus! How could he not be the one thing that is first on all the lists.
We can be so distracted with church, Christianity, Christian culture, that we forget the fact it's all about Jesus!
When you talk about Jesus what do people think?
Video https://youtu.be/5MKcFunW2lk
Jargon. Christian culture.
But should our culture not be totally Jesus?
We can do one of two things, Give people jesus, or give them wasted sewage. We can either point the way to the way or confuse them with a load of things that will never feed their need for God. There is a place for doctrines and dogma and science and history and apologetics, but these things are not Jesus - they are just humanly manufactured attempts to make people think that having the right idea is the same thing as loving and following Jesus. P26 Speaking of Jesus: The Art of Not-Evangelism by Carl Medearis
And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Acts 3 healed in Jesus name.
Acts 4 tried for healing in Jesus name
Acts 5 tried again for preaching Jesus
Tell the story of Isa from the book. P133
Jesus and the stories about him captivate people.
I get myself into trouble for being too open and honest. People say to me I need to play my cards closer to my chest! When it comes to Jesus though…..
The problem is we shy away from being fully truthful.
What did you do at the weekend, or over half term?
I went to church, I went to a festival.
If you went to concert, you'd say I saw….. in concert.
I saw Jesus heal a whole bunch of people.
I met with Jesus and experienced his peace once again.
How different would the conversation be?
We talk about the church a lot. Now she is important, she is the bride of Christ.
But let's not deify the church.
Jesus is god the son.
Let's talk about him. Let's raise his name up.
Sam Poe "We are not introducing people to the 4 spiritual laws, but to Jesus."
Bill Johnson "Jesus, our magnificent obsession."
Francis Chan "Being a disciple maker means you will begin to look at the people in your life differently. Every person in your life is created in the image of God, and Jesus commands every one of them to follow him. God has placed those people in your life so that you will do everything you can to influence them. Following Jesus means you will be teaching other people to follow."
In the book Speaking of Jesus he does not call himself a Christian, and he does not go to a church. He perhaps goes too far, baby out with the bathwater, but it's his reaction to Christian culture.
So how will we do church, small groups, etc, to see our friends, neighbours, work colleagues etc meeting Jesus and seeing lives change?
J John "Jesus sacrificed 200 pigs to save one man. How much would you give to see someone saved?"
Jesus freak
https://youtu.be/kbB0QrBIs9k
Questions for groups
1Cor 2:1-5 “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
What does that look like?
How do we do that?
How should we change church and groups to be more Jesus focussed?
Phil looked at 2 Corinthians 3 and preached about how our sufficiency is from God, not from us and also the Glory that comes from our reliance on him. Phil used 2 Corinthians 3:4-12. Phil looked at how Paul expressed this and from it gained hope leading to great boldness to be who God has Called us to be and do the works of Jesus. Questions 1) How have you found God to be your sufficiency? What stories can you tell as a testimony to this? 2) In Ephesians 1 Pauls prayer for them is that they may know the Hope to which they have been called, what is this hope how? How do we attain it? 3) What does being bold in God look like? How can we know this boldness and sustain it? 4) In what ways do you want to be bold for God?
Phil brought our series looking at the book of Acts to a close by looking at the lie of insignificance.
It was encouraging to see so many respond on Sunday and it would be good to hear any stories from your groups of what God is doing.
Introduction
• As we have looking through acts at all the amazing thing done by God through the Apostles, I realised that for most of us that’s not our experience and that we can feel inadequate and insignificant, that’s a lie the enemy uses to hold back and even stop the people of God being who they are and doing what they have been called to do. • We cannot fully enter into his presence if we don't know who we are in him, God invites us to know him • God wants you to be the best version of yourself, the you He made you to be. • You are not smart enough, successful enough, skinny enough, strong enough, good enough. Fill in the blank, you are not enough. And because you aren't enough, you are not significant. The world tells us the only way to become significant is to become enough. • The world is cruel and harsh and someone is always ready to tell you • I’m Not Enough: Overcoming the Lie of Insignificance, this lie often negatively impacts us in our roles as spouse, parent, pastor, counsellor, leader, etc.
Last week we looked in Acts where Peter did amazing miracles that even in his shadow people would be healed, yet he denied Jesus 3 times, he was era often spoke out of turn and Jesus rebuked him. Jesus gently restored Peter over Breakfast dealing with his failure and insignificance When the Holy Spirit came on him he found who he was meant to be no didn't look back, he found his significance in who God had made him to be.
We need to learn how to embrace the truth that affirms • that you ARE enough and • you ARE significant. It's not based on, • what you've done, • how you look, • how good you are. It's based on, • Who made you, and • what He says about you.
Who Am I?
A question maybe you have asked, it’s seems that everyone called by God asks that question, Moses did David did, Gideon did,
It’s a popular question one that seems to be OK to ask , when Moses asked this question it seems God was neither disturbed by it, or impressed with it as though it was coming from humility. In one sense it seemed non essential, God simply affirms “I will be with you”
• Any time we look to ourselves we buy into the Lie of Insignificance, we all have flaws and failings, we all have said and done things we wished we hadn’t, we all have at some point felt inadequate, insufficient. • God chose you not based on you knowledge, gifts, qualifications etc • You may not know who you are but he chose you knowing exactly who you are • God first chose you because he loved you • God chose you before the foundation of the world • God chose you to be in Christ, relationship, intimacy with God himself • God chose you to bless you, show you favour • God chose you to reveal himself to others through you that in you he might show his love, grace and mercy
The Lie of Insignificance “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” — John 10:10 One of the most powerful lies of the enemy is the lie of insignificance. The lie that steals your self-worth, kills your dreams and destroys your life. The Truth of Significance There is always a greater number of truths to counteract the Lie. The worth, dreams and life of Christ say: • You have a name and it is written in the Book of Life. • You have a purpose. • That purpose is likely to be different than what you think it is. So, don’t worry about it. • You were wonderfully and perfectly made for such a time as this by God (Psalm 139:14 and Esther 4:14). • Stop wishing you were someone else or doing something else. • Stop paying attention to those who wish you were someone else or doing something else. Be the you, you are called to be by God and Live out your calling without apology. • Rest in
Phil continued our series looking at the Book of Acts, focusing on hosting the presence of God.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Neal continued our series looking at the early church in the book of Acts, looking at the roles and responsibilities of elders and our duties to them.
At the start of his preach, Neal showed the "Class Sketch" from "This Was The Week That Was".
This morning we looked at the early church from Acts and how elders were initiated and their role as outlined by Paul in Acts. We also looked at how the eldership works in our own Church, particularly now that Dave has stepped down and we have three elders leading the Church and lastly we looked at the Church’s responsibility towards the eldership team.
We started by asking what is your view of Elders – are they Christian super Heroes with a hotline to God – with amazing wisdom and super spiritual beings? Actually they are normal guys with normal fears and doubts that have been chosen by God for a specific task – that of leading and protecting the Church.
We looked at Acts 14 vs 23 and Acts 20 vs 28 about the appointment of elders in the early Church and then went on to look at the attributes of an elder from the following scriptures; Tits 1 vs 5-9, 1 Peter 5 Vs 1-3 and 1 Timothy 3 vs 2-7 – They should be above reproach, the husband of one wife, not arrogant or quick tempered, a drunkard or violent, or greedy for gain. But hospitable,a lover of good, self controlled,upright,holy and disciplined- They must hold firm to the work of God and be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and rebuke those contradict it.
1 Peter 5 vs 1-3 – Shepherd the flock, exercise oversight not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples, clothe yourselves with humility.
I told the story of the Church in Aldershot with Derek Brown and how that has always stayed with me.
PJ Smythe “The credibility of leadership in Christ rests not on the colour of my skin, nor eloquence, nor gifting or charisma, nor any external matter. Its rests on the internal character of the leader” - Its all about Character.
Clearly Elders are to Pastor or shepherd the church and this view is helpful in our understanding of the role – Four main areas: 1. Leading – Giving direction and leading by example 2. Feeding – With the work of God. Through sound doctrine and teaching and correction if needed. 3. Protecting – From those who would seek to disrupt or destroy the Church – From within or without. 4. Caring – Through encouragement, prayer support and pastoral care if needed. Elders also bring authority – Not in a heavy handed authoritarian kind of way – but rather one that brings security,peace and real joy in the Holy Spirit. This authority has to be handled with great care and must always be backed by grace. Galations 6 vs 1- Brotgers if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness- keep watch on yourself lest you too be tempted.
We looked at Jesus washing his disciples feel as their servant and this servant heart is so important in leadership – we are elders not for the title but by the calling of God. If you only want the title then I venture to suggest it will be in vain.
PJ Smythe “ Our pursuit of the qualification for Eldership is primarily that we may conform more and more to the image of Christ, not primarily to attain eldership status. Our sanctification in Christ is the key and that makes us more eligible as leaders!”
Lastly we looked at the Church’s response to our elders. 1 Thessalonians 5 vs 12 – Now we ask you brothers to respect those who work hard among you , who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live at peace with one another. Hebrews 13 vs 7 – Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you, consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 1 Timothy 5 vs 17-19 – The elders who direct the affairs of the Church well are worthy of double honour especially those whose work is preaching and teaching!
Double honour means chocolate
Peter continued our series on the book of Acts, looking at God making us all one new man.
Acts 10 No them and us in the church All are welcome All can receive the Holy Spirit All can be baptised Peter hadn't got this, despite Pentecost, so God had to show him.
‘The church was not simply a union or club made up of Jews and Gentiles who were willing to ‘bury the hatchet’, it was a new creation!’ John Kpikpi
None of us was created in the image of baboons (Gen. 1:27). John Kpipki
Phil Hardy Whatever you think of yourself and what you perceive others may think of you and you may feel weaker than others but you are indispensable. What you have to contribute is necessary and required for the whole body to function CitP 28/9/14 Joshua Harris The heavenly beings look down at the church, and they are an amazing family. The power of the gospel is not only changing individuals, but is also creating a whole new kind of humanity. In the midst of a strife torn world, a world divided by race gender class and political ideologies, the church is a city on a hill, where people who once hated God and each other become God's children and members of one family. This family expresses itself in practical, yet radical ways. p53 Stop dating the church
Priesthood of all believers One man in Christ
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Ephesians 2:10-22 Galatians 3:26-29
So what? Spectacular church We are all Priests We are all ambassadors We are all equally loved We are all spectacularly saved
We need to understand this in our hearts and heads
Revelation 7:9-10
Questions for groups
1) In church life have you felt less equal than everyone else? Does this teaching change things for you? Does this liberate you? 2) At Catalyst in 2015 Andy McCulloch said “Christianity demands that the strong change, not the weak. Is your church oriented towards the strong, or to the weak?” 3) One of the people responding to the church building planning permission said “Whilst not all people using food banks, clothes banks and drop in cafes are undesirables, some are, and we don't want them hanging about and loitering near our residences. I'm also sure some of these people don't need these facilities of food and clothes, and just use it because it's there and it's free.” How do we feel about that, and how does church need to respond to this situation?
In light of the 2 Sunday's we have had where God has stepped in to our meeting, here are some question that hopefully will help in entering in to what God is doing at this time.
To view a prophecy given by Phil is 2004 about God's Spirit being poured out on us (in PDF format), click here.
quote “Hosting God is filled with honour and pleasure, cost and mystery. He is subtle, and even sometimes silent. He can also be extremely obvious, aggressive and overtly purposeful. He is a guest with an agenda – father to son. Heaven to earth. It is still His world – His purpose will be accomplished. This leaves us with a question that has yet to be answered: what generation will host Him until the kingdoms of this world becomes the Kingdom of our Lord and Christ?” (Rev 11:15.). – Hosting the presence, Bill Johnson.
Questions What happens to a person when Gods presence rests on them? What is their responsibility in protecting that presence? What is the impact on the world around them? In what ways would you like God to presence himself to you and others through you?
Dave spoke about Apostolic Mission.
Map of area in time of Acts.
Here are Dave's questions drawn from the talk. Use the ones you want to.
Passage Acts 2:5-11
What do you think is the significance of this record of the New Testament church 's birth?
What do you think is the significance that people group could hear God's praises in their own language?
What is God's mission and how does apostolic mission connect to it??
How far had this mission spread by the end of chapter 12 of the book of Acts?
Did the talk impact your worldview of the mission of the church?
How can we be caught up in apostolic mission?
God moved powerfully amongst us this morning. Phil invites everyone to come forward and receive more of God's presence.
During our All Age Meeting, Peter spoke about the sea journey and shipwreck that Paul experienced in Acts 27 and 28 with the congregation being the people on the boat.
To view Peter's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Luke spends more words on this than the ascension and Pentecost together. Why? What can we learn from Paul being shipwrecked? We still have the same God, who never changes.
Do you feel like you have been shipwrecked? On beach, gasping, I only just made that. 3m rest for Paul. God will not allow you to be tested beyond what you can bear No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Are we in danger of being shipwrecked? Tempted to swim for it? What does God say? With Jesus in the boat you can smile at the storm? Not sure you can all the time. But Jesus will help you as you grimace in the scenario you are in. The spirit can give you peace as you draw close.
Are we so on dry land that it is not even a remote possibility? Do you need to step into the boat to go where the Spirit is prompting you to go? Are you even listening? Paul went where the Spirit prompted him to go. Do we? To get to Rome was not a comfy trip. However, if he had not done so, a series of Emporers would not have become Christians, and so world history would have been very different. The UK would not have heard the gospel till many centuries later.
So, are you prepared to be shipwrecked?
Shipwrecks happen in our lives. Other people's decisions sometimes get us wrecked. God knows.... He knows your heart. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 That doesn't mean it will all be plain sailing....
What would you save if your ship was going down? Shows our heart. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Rainbow God always keeps his promises
So what? Are you wrecked, or feel like you are about to be? You need to know God with you. Perhaps you need to forgive God for letting you be in his situation. Why am I here?
Phil continued our study of the book of Acts and looked at generosity in the early church.
To view Phil's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Introduction • Working through acts could not ignore the generosity and giving • Generosity and Giving were very evident in the church in Acts • It is to be a part of the life of the church today and is • No preaching this because it's an issue, but for our encouragement • We have always been a generous church
Acts 2 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47 ESV • In this passage, this blue print for what the church should be like we see that there was not only a willingness to bow generous but acted on it, so those that had sold their goods, land or property to help those in need. • It was not an act done under duress, or any command from the apostles • It was not a requirement to be able to be part of the community of believers • It was a heart response to the Holy Spirit and seeing the need around them “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” Acts 4:34-35 ESV 3 points I want to make 1. Generosity demonstrates the heart of God and his love for us • God did not spare his only son - “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32 ESV “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11 ESV • Gods desire that that we should lack no good thing • Gods heart for us that if we have need we can ask because he is willing to provide all we need 2. Generosity shows our love for one another • The same love they had received from the father was expressed by their willingness to sell up and to give to those in need • The early church understood that ultimately God owned everything they had, so they were able to hold onto things in a proper way—with a loose hand. • Their Encountering of a radically generous God created a radically generous people. • “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 ESV
- Generosity expresses love for the lost, poor and needy • In the acts 2 passage it seems there is a link between generosity and salvation • This newly radically generous people who gave to those in need had a amazing affect on the community around them. • In the context of them being fully devoted in every way, God added to their number those who were being saved every day • There are lots of churches, but not nearly as many that are making a the most of an opportunity to make a difference in their community. Through looking at the early church, we see how their generosity made them to be a world changing church. • We too are affecting people's lives through our varied projects want to continue to do so.
There's an added dimension to this, it's not rules or regulations, There is a Grace to Give “Grace leads us into the exciting adventure of faithful giving, and of proving the goodness of God and his ability to make grace abound to us so that we are always sufficient for every good work” Terry Virgo
As part of our involvement with Christians Against Poverty (CAP), Terry spoke about their work and principles.
For more information on CAP, please visit their website: https://capuk.org/.
Further notes and questions may be available in due course.
Colin continued our series on the book of Acts, looking at Barnabas and travelling ministries.
To view Colin's slides, click here.
Further notes and questions may be available in due course.
Peter continued our look at the church in Acts, looking at the church as community.
To view Peter's slides (in PDF format), click here.
What type of church do you want to be? One Another’-ing verses
Love
Do not slander one another (James 4:11)
Love one another (John 14:34)
Do not grumble against one another (James 5:9)
Be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10)
Do not provoke and envy one another (Galatians 5:26)
Be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32)
Respect or honour
Bear with one another (Colossians 3:13)
Accept one another (Romans 15:7)
Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32)
Encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25)
Comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
Build one another up (Romans 14:19)
Be hospitable to one another (1 Peter 4:9)
Belong to one another (Romans 12:5)
Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
Honour one another (Romans 12:10)
Carry each others burdens (Galatians 6:2)
Consider one another better than yourself (Philippians 2:3)
Pray for one another (James 5:16)
Be humble towards one another (1 Peter 5:5)
Be compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32)
Spur one another on (Hebrews 10:24)
Trust
Understanding or knowledge
Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21)
Have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7)
Confess your sins to one another (James 5:16)
Be at peace with one another (Mark 9:50)
Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16)
Teach one another (Colossians 3:16)
Do one not lie to another (Colossians 3:19)
Admonish one another (Colossians 3:16)
Gandhi, as a student in South Africa wanted to find out more about church after reading the bible. He found a church and was ushered to the back of the all white church. He said after, “I like your Christ, I don't like your christians. They are so unlike your Christ.” So India was founded by a Hindu!
Gandhi rebuked Christian missionaries saying “if christians would really live according to the teachings of Christ, as found in the bible, all India would be christians.”
Simon Petit - sermon on remember the poor.
Short version https://youtu.be/pmVg9TQ4sPc
Full version https://vimeo.com/53658214
Alan Hirsch
All great missionary movements begin at the fringes of the church, among the poor and marginalised and seldom if ever at the centre...... When the church engages at the fringes it almost always brings life to the centre
David Livingstone
Sympathy is no substitute for action
Question How are you going to be outward looking this week?
Neal continued our series looking at the book of Acts.
Today we looked at the Baptism in The Spirit and Speaking in tongues – we started looking at Acts 2 vs 1-15 and 36-41 – The day of Pentecost and what a difference there is before and after for Peter and that difference can be the same for us – before and after we are Baptised in the Spirit.
Historically there are some views that need to be looked at regarding the Baptism in the Holy Spirit to see where we stand as a church and movement?
- You get it all when you get saved? -Old Evangelical view
- You have to wait –tarry – before you get it – Old Pentecostal View
- You have to mature as a Christian and it builds up and then explodes everywhere – rather like a can of fizzy drink – Keswick view
As Newfrontiers and CITP we would take the view that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an experience that can happen at salvation or subsequent to salvation – both are valid and the important point is that you receive the gift from God which is for everyone – just saved or not!
Who is the Holy Spirit – we looked at John 14 vs 16-17 and 26-26 – Jesus promises to not leave us but to send our “Advocate” - The Holy Spirit – an advocate is one who pleads our case before Jesus, helping , encouraging, strengthening, counselling and Bring us into truth – This is important as he is the spirit of truth – Teaching us the truth, illuminating, revelation to our head and heart.
When the spirit comes there are often tow reaction as there were on the day of Pentecost - This is God! They are drunk! There are always these reactions when the Holy Spirt moves and we must be careful of our own reactions when the spirit moves on people within the Church.
Common misconceptions regarding the Holy Spirit Do I need to wait – No Do I have to be a mature Christian – No Do I have to go on a course – No
Its a gift from God for us as individuals and also for the Church as a whole to benefit from.
So Why do I need to be Baptised in the Spirit? 1. Its scriptural – Acts 8 vs 12-17 and Acts 19 vs 1-7, Acts 2 vs 1-15 2. Brings power to our Christian life 3.Helps us to worship in a deeper more intimate way 4.Aids in us haring and knowing God’s voice 5. Brings a deeper and closer relationship with God. Increased assurance of salvation – Romans 8 vs 16 – The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit. 6.Releases the gifts of the spirit to us individually and to the Church – of benefit to all!
Often the Baptism in the Spirit is followed by speaking in tongues – Lets look at some practical helps that might rid us of the mystique that surrounds speaking in tongues. 1.The Holy Spirit gives the tongue (the language) - the words you have to physically speak 2. It is not passive – its active – You have to use your speaking apparatus – Lungs, mouth, lips, tongue and vocal cords – and don’t forget to breathe as well! 3. The enemy will always tell you that you are making it up – resist him and he will flee from you! 4.Not everyone speaks in tongues straight away – Expect to speak in tongues – But if you don’t you are not a second class Christian and you don’t get the silver medal instead of the Gold – Seek the gift after you receive the spirit. 5.Most tongues ate unique and different - don’t compare with someone else – If you want more than one tongue the ask! 6.If you use tongues in worship seek to interpret those tongues as well – you will be amazed at what is being said!
Tongues can be used Individually in worship and prayer times - increasing intimacy with God and releasing the presence of God in our worship times. Releases joy and faith.
Tongues in a Church setting can be very powerful and often release the use of other gifts. In a Church setting the tongue spoken out load should be interpreted so that all can understand what is being said – These tongues are man – God – worship, adoration and love – they will also release the prophetic which is different as the prophetic is God speaking to man – We may hav
Dave spoke about salt and light from Matthew 5 v 12 at our All Age Meeting.
First of all we have to understand the context in which the scripture is written. This passage is at the very beginning of the sermon on the mount which is regarded as the best teaching on morality and attitudes in history by many religions.
Jesus would have taught this many times. We also see the similar teaching in Luke 6 as the sermon on the plain.
It is a non negotiable.
So I am planning to start with what does it look like to be salt and what does it look like to be light but more importantly HOW we can be salt and HOW we can be light in the world around us. Much of this we are already doing but I feel there are some important emphasises we should hear from the Holy Spirit.
Salt Many of us are aware that salt is used to preserve. What does that look like? The passage tells us that if the salt loses its saltiness it will be thrown onto the road and trampled under foot. Salt can't be put in the compost nor on fields as it will poison the soil. Salt is only useful when it comes into direct contact with something else. Bucket of ice and salt with tweezers. To illustrate his point about salt, Dave showed this video about whether or not a bowling ball will float in the Dead Sea: https://youtu.be/ZhL68D9BPiw.
Bag of chips with a salt cellar on the top of the chips. How do we gain our saltiness? Before I was a Christian I was a nice man but I can't honestly say I was a compassionate person. When I became born again that changed. It is about our friendship with Jesus. The Holy Spirit has talked to me about explaining our FRIENDSHIP with Him not as just a relationship. Let me explain. If you're are inviting people to a very special event say your wedding or my 40th birthday party....... You have only 24 places but you have 27 people on the list. You have to reduce the number so you ask a friend to go through the list with you. There are three the friend does not know. Emmanuel Withus He is your financial adviser. When you have a problem with your money you go to him. He has always been very good and helped you out but you only know him from these times. Lord Almighty Whenever you need some advice you seem to meet him when you walk the dog and you happen to bump into him and he always gives good advice but that is the only time to see him. You have never invited him round for a meal. Yahweh King He is friends with all your other friends and he is seen to be a really good guy and cool. You've met him a few times but he's never been round to your house. Jesus Christ This is a friend who has always been there when you are down, comforts you when you are sad, is a real laugh when you are together, mixes well with all your friends. When you were out of work he helped you, when you hurt your back, he sent some friends to help you. You speak with him every day.
I want to use this as an illustration of that we are to convey that Jesus is our friend and not like our bank manager. The relationship is real, close and with a level of intimacy and knowledge of each other.
Light The light of the gospel is about our actions being seen, preaching the gospel and the church standing up to be seen against injustice etc.. It is about sharing God's word with people. It is salt and light coming together.
Bryony bought a new torch to use on holiday. When I picked it up and turned it on, it shone straight into my eyes and I couldn't see. We need to be bold in sharing God's word but we also need to be wise.
We have to learn to ask questions when people ask us questions. You have to avoid misunderstandings. Lesley and the friends. How do you cope with that coming from a different faith? It opened up the opportunity because they then asked Lesley how she deals with things as a Christian. The friend who always bombarded her with scripture but did not wait to explain what it meant. This only annoyed neighbour and turned her away from Jesus. Knowing our theolo
Carly continued our series looking at the book of Acts, focusing on our life together as a family of believers.
Acts 2:42-47
We looked at the blueprint for church life in Acts 2 and considered how it relates to us and how we could respond to the example we are given.
Who gathered? All sorts! Believers from every walk of life, sharing a commonality through their salvation in Jesus. When did they get together? All the time, in large groups and in homes. Why? A worship response to the new relationship they have with God and a sense of belonging to His family.
They devoted themselves to learning, loving and liturgy. The study of Scripture and the Apostles teaching was their first priority. They were a loving community, really sharing their lives. They were a group of worshipful believers, regularly sharing in the breaking of bread. Out of the overspill of this family community many saw the love of God and came to know Him for themselves.
Questions
- Did anything shared through the testimonies or in the talk aid your understanding of church as family?
- Could you relate to any of the challenges that make living in community difficult for you?
- What practical steps could you take to demonstrate your devotion to the fellowship of believers?
Peter continued our series looking at the book of Acts.
To view Peter's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Questions
What distracts you most from the word? What distracts you most from preaching? What helps you engage with the word and spirit? What excites you most about Acts 2? What would you like to see God do most?
Neal continued our series looking at Acts, looking at the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Readings: Acts 2 vs 36-41 Acts 3 vs 1-19
This morning we continued in out study of Acts and looked at the beginnings of the early Church and its foundations.
We looked at how Peter had denied Christ three times as he was arrested and yet now in Acts was preaching with great power, conviction and no fear – so what had changed?
These were ordinary fishermen changed by the power of the Holy Spirit into men with power and authority. How did this happen?
Acts 1 vs 4-5 – Jesus advises the disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit and reminds them that John Baptised with water but in a few days you will be baptised in the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1 vs 8 – You will receive POWER when the Holy Spirit come upon you….
Acts 2 vs 1-14 – The Day of Pentecost comes and baptises them in the Holy Spirit giving them both power and authority which is what Peter demonstrates as he preaches! 3000 people saved is the result!
Acts 3 vs 1-11 – The lame man from birth is healed by Peter and John – Silver and Gold have I none but what I have I give to you – stand up and walk in the name of Jesus! This mans life was normal – every day he went to the gate to beg and it would have been like that forever had not Peter walked by on that day – a divine appointment and his life is transformed for ever! Peter had no money but what he had was far more valuable and it was possible because Peter had been given power and authority which he used – This is so wonderful and where we want to be individually and as a Church. The power of the spirit in operation and changing peoples lives to dramatic effect!
We looked at how these transformations in us are not by our own efforts but by the power of God working in us – as Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones writes “ The world was turned upside down not because of what they did,but because of what God did to them,in them and through them”
We looked at the importance of the presence of God in our meetings and how we must hold onto that and encourage seeking after the Holy Spirit and his presence not only in Church but also in Community Groups and in our individual times with God – this is so important for us and for the Church.
The message has not changed since Jesus was commissioned – good news to the poor, freedom for prisoners, recovery of sight to the blind, release the oppressed and to proclaim the favourable year of the Lord – 2016 is still the favourable year of the Lord and it still needs to be declared – with power and authority!
Let’s seek after the Holy Spirit and his anointing in everything we do and see the results – Power and authority is given to each of us – lets use it for his glory!
Questions:
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Phil Moore says the following “ Ours is still a world where Jesus vision looks like its completely mismatched to his ragged bunch of followers, yet Acts gives ordinary Christians his blueprint for success. If you feel lie a very ordinary Christian , this should strike you as good news. The book was written about ordinary Christians in the past , to encourage and equip ordinary Christians in the present!’ Does this help us understand that we may feel ordinary but with the power of God we can become extraordinary! Just like Peter!
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What our reaction when we see need? Can we be bold like Peter and John and say silver and gold have I none but what I have I give to you? What do we have to give and how do we get more!!
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We need to be continually filled with the spirit to be powerful and effective – Peter was filled on the day of Pentecost and again in Acts 4 vs 8 and again in Acts 4 vs 31 – This is very important for us all – How can we ensure this happens and give it priority in out busy lives?
Phil started a new series looking at key events in the book of Acts.
To view Phil's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Acts – A new Beginning
We want to build a church freed from complacency and endeavouring to grow in gospel impact, faith, prayer, generosity, action and influence.
Introduction
• It's a new day • We look back on all Gods done its brought us this far • We love forward as there is so much to be done, vision to be fulfilled, Gospel impact to be made
Acts 11 v 19 – 30, The Antioch Church
Scattered through persecution Gospel was only for the Jews
Here we have a gigantic step forward in the history of the church
• Used the opportunity to advance the Kingdom – Preached Jesus as Lord to the Gentiles • Gospel impact – A great Number Believed and turned to the Lord, no one turns to the Lord without first believing • Social Action • Holy Spirit upon them • Exhorted the faithful to the Lord • Steadfast Purpose
In Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
We Must be ready for Jesus to take his Church Forward
• The early Christians were bold, daring and adventurous in doing something that had never been done before
We Must be ready to see what God is doing and do it with him
• Barnabas saw what God was doing • Doing it with God • Encourage new Christians who might be different from us • Dependant on Grace • Exhorted the young christians • Stayed full of the Holy Spirit
We too can have the experience Barnabas had and see the Lord add to his people. Some words of caution.
Danger of Looking back
We can get caught up with what's and be consumed with what's gone before because we don't handle change and advancement well
It's not like it used to be !
We must be careful we are where we are because • God has lead us • spoken to us through the prophets • Opened doors for us • Sent workers for the task
So to look back in
• Not looking back in nostalgia • Not looking back in false sentiment • When facing difficulties only have just left Egypt God’s people looked back saying it was better in Egypt and wanted to go back, We know that was not true.
Will only serve to hinder our future, just as it did for God’s people
To be complacent
to be complacent is to be self-satisfied and unconcerned. Someone who is selfsatisfied is someone who has accomplished something but is now resting on their laurels, no longer concerned about the things that once led to their success. Nobody ever plans on complacency, it just sneaks up on you, and when it does it can be devastating.
• We have good projects running • We do lots as a church • When you think of all we do • Jigsaw – inc food bank, café, clothes bank, assisting with accommodation, furniture, advice • Totzone – 2 sessions on a Tuesday full of unreached people, serving lonely mums with children in our community • Mens ministry – men can be lonely too, • Women's ministry • Community bible study • Alpha
We have done and are doing a lot of things but we can become complacent in these things
The churches described in the book of Acts particularly the Antioch church seem anything but complacent. Right from the beginning, in Jerusalem, we see a radical church growing in gospel impact, faith,prayer, generosity, action and influence. These characteristics were then repeated as new churches were started in other regions.
Looking forward - The Future Belongs to those who pray
How can we avoid looking back with longing for what's gone before and complacency?
2 Keys Prayer Presence of the Holy Spirit
These 2 things were key in the early church in Acts
It is Prayer invites the wind of the Holy Spirit, and It is prayer that hoists the sail to catch the power of the wind to propel us into God's mission
All that we have have accomplished has been through prayer and God speaking and leading us in those times
Wherever we see gospel impact, exploits of faith, radical generosity, social action and pervading influence, we find It's God moving
On our special Sunday celebrating Dave & Gill Harper and the blessing they are to us, Phil preached on Paul and Barnabas being sent out. Before the preach, Phil, Dave and Gill all shared a little of the CiTP story.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Neal spoke about our position in Christ and the confirmation of our ministry.
He looked at New Years Resolutions and how the don’t really work! Most people last five days with their new years resolutions before they break them and the classic example is of gym membership! 65% of new gym memberships are never used and 10% drop out within three months and another 10 by six months! We looked at how as Christians we can get caught up in making resolutions to read our bible more or pray more and even get up earlier each day to achieve those things! More often than not we fail and then give the enemy a stick to beat us with by telling us how useless we are and what did we expect anyway! Reading our bible more and praying more should not come out of a rule or regulation but rather out of relationship – if you love someone you want to spend time with them!
I felt this Year rather than looking at what we can do for God – How about what God can do for us and I felt particularly two areas that God wanted to speak into
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Our position in Christ and the security that brings to us in our daily life.
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To confirm our mission and ministry again for the New Year.
The scriptures we looked at today were from Isaiah 62 vs 4-5, Isaiah 42 vs 6-7 and Isaiah 59 vs 15-17
We looked at what God has done for us in saving us and bringing salvation to us and particularly with reference to God`s heart for us in that he declares “ My Delight is in you” and “God rejoices over you”
We looked at our mission and how God has given us his mission “To seek and save the lost” – we are to be a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to free prisoners, to bring light into darkness and captives to freedom. Notice how positive all these things are and that this mission is for everyone – not just those on the mission field, like Dave and Gill or Sundar or the work in Turkey. Everytime we speak to someone, show and act of kindness or help someone – we are bringing light into darkness. Don’t despise the small things we do and with God we can achieve great things.
In Isaiah 59 vs 15-17 we saw how God looked and was displeased that there was no justice, no=-one to intervene and so sent Jesus as the saviour of the world – Its ok to get displeased that there is no justice, no salvation and that people ignore Jesus and his wonderful salvation.
Questions:
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Isaiah 62 talks of God saying that “his delight is in us” – How is it that we don’t feel lie that all the time – maybe it`s for others but what about me – How do we move that from head knowledge to heart knowledge?
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Do you feel called by God for mission – Or is that for others?
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What have got displeased about this last year? Salvation in our Church has to be one area? I challenged you all to think about praying for one person a month to get saved – Can you join me in this prayer this year- do you have faith for more? Let`s turn displeasure and dissatisfaction into action in 2016.
Have a great week and remember Luke 19 vs 10 – The Son of Man has come to seek and save those who are lost. Put in in your phone as an alarm , on your fridge as a reminder and lets all pray together!
Peter spoke about Jesus, Refugee and King, at our Christmas Carol Service.
To view Peter's slides (in PDF format) click here.
In the weeks leading up to the Carol Service, Susie guided the young people from TotZone, KidZone and Xplor in creating this wonderful piece, which was assembled during the Carol Service.
Here's a video of the young people painting the boxes that made this picture.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVVqI1aqsKw NB: The video goes blank after about 1m30s because this is when the young people brought the boxes into the service and created the picture. :)
And here's the video about refugees that was shown:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8_F2fXH3QU Happy Christmas everyone!
Paul Basson from South Manchester Family Church spoke from Isaiah 54 about being stretched.
We believe God had given Paul a important word for the church for the future.
To view Paul's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Word. Crowden church. Graves navvies who cut a tunnel. There are things that have to die before you move on. There is work to be done to dig under who we are as a church, under the peak district, and the spirit of God will rise up in the peaks. This has just started.
Stretching We can be comfortable and keep routines. Einstein. Doing the same thing repeatedly expecting a different result is insanity. Isa 54v2-4 God wants to resettle desolate areas. We can be spiritually barren due to our routines. We can be overwhelmed, lose hope, due to lack of breakthrough. Israel were tired of no answers, but had faith. EA Games logo says 'question everything'. It's healthy to ask questions to ourselves and God. V2, do not hold back. God has a bigger plan for us. So we need to enlarge the tent.
Enlargement Active preparation. Encompassing a greater area. Remaining strong - what do we need to strengthen Comes from God. He will give us a bigger footprint. That will give us greater stability. Our steps and hearts both need enlarging. Enlargement of location. Will you grow God asks? Grow and then go.
We need a new wineskin, that is elastic and moveable.
Stretching causes pain. Why do we avoid being stretched? Fear Bad experience Satisfaction where we are Low self esteem. Most people with low self esteem Ave higher than average ability. Dissatisfaction can be a stimulus to move forward. 1cor15v58 the past has not been in vain. It helped develop character.
When you stop stretching you become boring. are you bored? Do you want on your gravestone, died whilst fulfilling his potential?
54v2 says don't hold back.
Questions
1) Paul talked about tunnelling in prayer, this was to get under things and see new things happen, What new things are asking God for in the church?
2) He talked about stretching out, how does that make you feel ? were you filled with fear, uncertainty, excitement, ? or maybe something else
3) If we are to stretch out and extend our borders what do you think that means and where do you see that happening in your own life and in the church?
4) His final point was "don't hold back" where are you holding back? where do you think the church has held back? what action can we take to Not Hold Back
Peter continued our series on the Kingdom of God, looking at anger.
Matthew 5:21-26
Anger is not bad, it is an emotion. Anger can be constructive as well as destructive.
Bobby Schuller. Anger is neither positive or negative. It's an emotion. What we do with it can be very positive or negative. The object of our anger is not always the source of our anger. If you're angry at a microwave there's something else going on inside.
How would you feel if someone saw you getting angry with the microwave, banging on it because it does not work? Why? There are other ways of cooking? Are they mad?
Why am I angry? Fear Powerlessness Frustration Pain from the past Bad habit Tiredness Jealousy Seeking approval Hurt Manipulation Health http://www.life-with-confidence.com/so-angry.html
You are angry because..... Other anger Wrong values. Ie I paid for this, it's mine, it should work. So who's is it? Who allowed you to have the wealth to buy it? It’s just out warranty, how could you do that to me God? Microwaves are not eternal. We won't need them in heaven! God didn't break it.
Jesus was angry when he saw the temple like a market. He overturned the tables. He had a righteous response to his anger. The money changers would have been angry with Jesus due to the loss of income.
I believe Jesus would be angry with child porn. He wouldn't necessarily take a sledgehammer to the perpetrators computers, although he might. I believe he is angry about so many single mothers being abandoned by the fathers of their children. I believe he would be angry about abortion, but he wouldn't have burst into a Colorado clinic and shot 3 people.
Fear is not right. Perfect love drives out fear. Get back to God focus on him. Understand our Sonship and we would be less fearful.
Lack power. Realise our place with God. Perspective. Reason, I should be able to fix this, sort this out, and I cannot. This leads to frustration.
Chimp paradox. Steve Peters.
Nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiasties.
Romans 7:15, 17-20, 22-25 James 4:1-2 Ephesians 4:26-31
It's ok to have anger, it's just an emotion. But we need to control it. We need to apologise, or deal with the root of our anger quickly.
James 1:19-20 We need to be slow to respond, listening well, and we will get less angry. Then we will display the righteousness of God better.
Proverbs 29:11 Proverbs 14:29 Proverbs 15:1 Proverbs 15:18 Proverbs 16:32 Proverbs 19:11
Colossians 3:8
If we understand who we are, and what position we have with God, as sons of the most holy God, that perspective will put all these other things that make us angry into perspective. If we more display the fruit of the Spirit, then we will have the peace, patience, gentleness and self control that will enable us to present the anger in a more constructive manner. Your anger can then be used for good.
Conclusion Do you have a brother or sister you are angry with, with whom you need to make amends? Coffee Shame re anger, Prayer Issue re anger, accountability
Questions for groups What makes you angry, and how does that present itself? How do you struggle to control anger, and what would be a biblical response to it?
Have a great discussion. May Jesus grant you freedom.
Phil continued our series on the Kingdom of God looking at authority and power over strongholds and fear.
Kingdom Ministry Part 3 Power & Authority
Introduction
• Third part • Looked at Jesus Ministry • We looked at Healing • Today I want to look at Deliverance especially in light of Jesus giving to us his power and Authority over the all the works of the evil one.
The mandate
“And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.” Mark 6:7-13 ESV http://bible.com/59/mrk.6.7-13.esv
“And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.
And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. Matthew 10:1-5, 7-15 ESV http://bible.com/59/mat.10.1-5,7-15.esv
“And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.” Luke 9:1-6 ESV http://bible.com/59/luk.9.1-6.esv
Piecing the 3 Passages together we get the fulness of the disciples instructions
“And he called to him his twelve disciples Together and gave them power and authority over all demons (unclean spirits) and to cure (or heal) every disease and every affliction. and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal, and as you go proclaim, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.
So they departed and went throughout the villages preaching the gospel and proclaimed that people should repent, and healing everywhere they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.”
Looked at healing last time want to look at setting people free from the control of the devil in a persons life, or could be a situation, or even property, Sometimes referred to as having a unclean spirit, or being demon possessed.
2 things that we need to address one positive & one Negative when we are handling deliverance.
• The Authority that’s beed given to us • Fear of the evil and the evil one, fear of backlash
Clarify a few things, what we are talking about
It comes up about demon possessed? Can Christians Have demons? How do we recognise them? What are Strongholds?
Authority
Jesus said “all Authority has been given to me in Heaven and on Earth”Matt 28 v 18 “Just as the father has sent me so I am sending you” John 20 v 21
• How do you know you have the Authority?
• We don’t really know we have authority until we use it, its not a feeling, I feel I have it nowAuthority is given and received and we can only fully exercise authority when we are under Authority
• We have the Authority because we have the Holy Spirit within us who is the one who enables us to do the works of Jesus
• We have the Authority because we have the word of God the truth by which we are set free
• Jesus said I only do what I see my Father doing, he was under his Fathers Authority
• Jesus Authority was questioned numerous times especially when casting out demons
• Mark 1 in the temple a demon manifests and questions Jesus
• He was accused of being the devil and that’s how he cast out unclean spirits Luke 11:15
• THE AUTHORITY WE HAVE IS THE NAME OF JESUS – when the disciples return its clear even the demons obey us in your name
• Even others who were not of the twelve were using the name of Jesus to do the same.
There is opposition, he does
Questions Please listen to the talk on line if you missed it and want the background to these questions. Justyn Georges has studied eastern shame cultures extensively and lived in the far east for many years. He says this: 'My biggest discovery while learning about honour-shame has been the depth of my own shame. I began researching the topic for ministry purposes—how can I reach “them”—but have realized it has immense personal application as well. But the depth of shame in every heart is simply a display for the magnificence of God’s honour' What do you think he means when he says the depth of shame in our heart is an opportunity for the display of the magnificence of God's honour? How difficult is it to talk about shame and take steps to bring it out in the open? What are the steps to come out from under the shadow of shame? Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed Ps34:5
Colin Baron continued our series on the Kingdom of God, looking at the role that food and hospitality play.
To see Colin's slides, click here. Further notes and questions may be available in due course.
Neal looked at a subject that many of us suffer with and struggle with – Worry!
The good news is that Jesus tackles this subject head on and gives us good advice on how we should deal with worrying in our lives – the very fact he tackles it shows he knows it’s a problem for us and that should give us hope!
Matthew 6 vs 25-34 is the passage we looked at.
From this passage we looked at four things that we can learn;
- Worry is Pointless – To worry about something you can change is pointless – just act and change the circumstance to stop the worry. To worry about something you have no control over is pointless! Vs 32 – Your heavenly father knows your needs - we can read that but do we act as though it is true?
- Worry is not for us as Christians – VS 32 – These things dominate the thoughts of the gentiles – but your heavenly father knows all your needs – let the world worry – as Christians we have God`s promises to hold onto and he cares for us more than he cares for the birds of the air vs 26
- Worry is Unhelpful – Worry doesn’t change anything – it just has the ability to make you unhappy and fearful – vs 27 – Can all your worries add a single moment to your life – No of course not – so why do it!
- Worry is Unnecessary – vs 30 – Jesus looks again at nature – look at the lilies of the field – why do you have little faith? This is partly a faith issue for us!
So how do we stop!
- Get to know God and his love for you more and more and as you do you will begin to learn that you do not need to worry – You are sons and daughters of the King with access to his presence and he cares for you! 1 Peter 5 vs 7-8 – Cast all you anxieties on him – Why? Because he Cares for you!! It`s no co-incidence that this verse is followed directly by vs 8 which says – Stay alert – Watch out for the Devil for he prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour! Stand firm against him – be strong in your faith.
- Seek Gods Kingdom and think differently – Sounds good but how do I do it? Phillipians 4 vs 6-9 – Pray about everything, Tell God what you need, Thank him for all he has done – FIX your thoughts on what is true, honourable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise – Jesus? What happens when you do this? Vs 7 –His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
- Live one day at a time – Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow – Quote – “Planning for tomorrow is time well spent, worrying about tomorrow is time wasted” Don’t let your plans interfere with your relationship with God!
- Trust God to care for you! – The bible is full of God`s promises to us and we need to know these and use them when we need them! Its goods to remind ourselves of how much God loves us and wants to protect us. Some promises can be found in: Phillipians 4 vs 19, Hebrews 13 vs 5-6, Romans 12vs 2
To finish we read a quote from Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones – “If you want to seek anything, if you want to be anxious about anything, be anxious about your spiritual condition, your nearness to God and your relationship to him. If you put that first, worry will go, that is the result. This great concern about your relationship to God will drive out every lesser concern about food and clothing…”
Questions for this week
- Bill Johnson says “Worry is essentially about control – we are trying to control the uncontrollable and so we worry because we can`t influence what we are worried about – worry never solves anything!” – How do you feel about this statement and do you think its true?
- Although we know that God loves us and cares for us – why do we continue to worry about so many things! – What can make this change?
- 1 Peter 5 vs 7-8 Tell us to cast all our anxieties on God because he cares for us – How often do we do this fully and how often do we do this and them take them all back and start worrying again? What can we do to stop this?
- The quote from Lloyd Jones I found to be very helpful – What we sh
Dave Watmore spoke about apologetics at our Half-Term All Age Meeting,
Further notes and questions may be available in due course.
This morning's service was led by KidZone and Xplor. The theme was "Anything can happen with Jesus" and there were games, a quiz, worship, drama, a short video about Jackie Pullinger, a talk and a time of prayer.
The audio file includes the Noah monologue (staring Den as Noah) and Cormac's talk.
A huge thank you to all the kids and young people of KidZone and Xplor who have put such a lot of thought and effort into planning this morning's meeting.
Introduction • We have been looking at what Jesus said and demonstrated about the kingdom • I preached on Kingdom ministry earlier this year in May • Today I want to expand on that • There's a practical application to this passage
The Kingdom Remind ourselves when Jesus refers to the kingdom what is it that he is referring to? THE RULE AND REIGN OF GOD OVER ALL HE HAS MADE • When Gods Kingdom comes we experience what is true of heaven here on earth • The kingdom of God reflects all that is true of the about the King of the kingdom • Jesus went about proclaiming and demonstrating the good news of the Kingdom • The kingdom was central to Jesus ministry o He told parables about it o He taught his disciples to pray for it o He rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees for missing it o He taught the people how to enter it o Everywhere he went he demonstrated it by healing the sick and setting free the spiritually oppressed. o He commissioned his disciples proclaim and demonstrate it • Jesus purpose was to see his kingdom rule and reign advance on the earth and that it would be on earth as it is in heaven • So first of all he told his disciples to proclaim this message “the kingdom of God has come near. Kingdom demonstration • “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” • 1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV This is a kingdom not just of words but of power. So we see Jesus gives clear instruction that they are to heal the sick Video Healing on the streets
• Now in the text it does say heal the sick • It does not say pray for the sick • It does not say how to pray for the sick I.e we can get into praying all over the place but Jesus instructions were simple and clear, It simply says heal the sick • There was an expectation that the disciples would do exactly what Jesus had done and that was heal the sick • He himself was not going with them, but the Holy Spirit, they would have to rely on him which was different to having the physical presence of Jesus there. They were having to learn to listen and respond to one just like Jesus, they were having to tune in to another realm not known to them before. • Matthew 8:16 NIV “When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.” • Jesus’s expectation was that his disciples would do what he had been doing in the same way he had done it • Was that only for them? • On Alpha one of the talks is does God heal today? – Wendy Manns story • My stories • So should we heal the sick? • Is this part of our commission? • Should this be the normal Christian life? • If so how then should we do it? Prayer for the sick 1. Recognise that true healing only comes through Jesus 2. Identify the problem 3. Ask for God’s power to be present to heal. 4. Address the pain, damage or sickness directly and using the authority Jesus has given us tell it to go in Jesus name 5. Ask the person if possible has there been any improvement or change, are they able to test it to see? 6. If no change or partial change, pray again. Let's have a go! Naturally supernatural • This should be the normal Christian life • We are Gods agents on the earth, his provision for a people who do not know God, have no concept that he is real and alive • Matthew 10 v 1 “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” • He breathed on them the Holy Spirit • In church our church community is where we get to practice, out there in the world is where we have the privilege to demonstrate the goodness and love of God • I think God intended us to be naturally supernatural in our everyday lives, it's not about being specialists, the ones with the healing gift or anointing. • It's about us being his children who have been given authority to do what Jesus did Conclusion • The kingdom of God in our lives, means what? • If we had time to read
Peter continued our series on the Kingdom of God, looking at Jesus's view of marriage.
To see Peter's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Genesis 2:24 God Ordained
Matthew 19:5-9 Marriage and divorce
Eph5:22-33 Marriage is a picture of Christ and his church
Matthew 5:31-32 Marriage and divorce
John 4:1-45 woman at the well.
Matthew 5:27-31 Adultery
1 Corinthians 7 Marriage and singleness and uneven Yolking
Gary Thomas asks in his book, The Sacred Marriage,
“What if God designed marriage not to make us happy, but to make us holy?”
Our wedding rings Php1:9-11
“Where you start in marriage largely determines where you’ll end up.” Abide, healing a marriage.
Matt 5-7 readjust your thinking. Recalibrate. It's not about you. There is a bigger picture.
Junkyards are full of things that people have wept over, worked hard for, divorced over! Invest in what is eternal! Ben Rowe
So what has marriage got to do with the kingdom?
Example of Christ as per Ephesians.
Children and stability effect to them in growing up.
Stable consistent parenting like that of God to us.
Example to those around us. Love. Unconditionally.
By this being the norm it will have a salt and light effect on the society around us.
So what......
•Way to respond to those around us, friends, family, neighbours
•Mend and keep strong our marriages
•See healing as God forgives for past actions - Grace
Questions for Groups
25% of families are single parent families. Of those 91% are with mum. That's 2 million families. How does the church start to deal with that?
What challenges do we have within the church as a result of changes in the nature of marriage, divorce and family? How do we respond to members who want to get divorced, or have been divorced?
How can we recalibrate our thinking?
Dave continued looking at the Great Banquet in the Kingdom of God.
In the parable of the great banquet in Luke 14, the servant has to go out and invite people to the banquet. Have a look at the three circles approach to explaining the gospel invitation. See http://www.movements.net/2015/09/25/why-family-church-west-palm-beach-gets-my-attention.html for some training. Get into twos and take turns in practicing using this approach. Is it an approach you think you could use?
Luke 14:15-24 the great banquet Of those invited to the great banquet of the kingdom of God, who gets in and who does not? Why? How great was the cost to you of choosing to follow jesus? What did you think about Nabeel's story of the cost? The servant obeys the master of the banquet and invites the poor and the Gentiles to the feast. How can you?
Neal looked at one of the books of the bible which has everything! It`s a story of power, drama, betrayal, intrigue, passion, murder , suspense, irony, poetic justice and finally a happy ending! We are talking about the book of Esther. If you have not read the book please read the story first – its only 10 chapters and will bless you so much!
Neal paraphrased the story and we began to understand what a great story this is – God working in a powerful country through two people to bring rescue and salvation to his people! Although God is not actually mentioned anywhere in the book we can see that he is working all through the story and as Matthew Henry says “Though the name of God isn`t found in this book, the finger of God is, directing many minute events for the bringing about of his peoples deliverance”
We looked at three things we learn from this story
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God
s timing is always perfect – even though it may not seem like that to us! Esther was in place as the Queen for “such a time as this” (4vs 14) and even though everything was done at the 11th hour – God had provided the answers – he just needed Esther and Mordecai to trust him and see salvation come to all. Gods timing is not our timing and we have to learn to trust God even though time may be running out – His hand moves at the right time and this story should encourage us that he know what he is doing! As we seek to tell others about Jesus trust that this is a moment “ for such a time as this”!! You inviting someone to Alpha or telling them about Jesus is a moment that can change someone`s life for eternity! -
God is in control – but it may not always be obvious! God does not always work in the foreground – often he works unseen in the background – but he in control and asks us to trust him – There are so many coincidences in the book of Esther – I would rather call them God moments – A good friend of mine used to say that a coincidence is when God does a miracle but decides to remain anonymous! God is in control and just look at the following…. The King divorces his wife Esther is chosen to be Queen Mordecai saves the Kings Life The King cannot sleep – Mordecai is saved Haman`s plot is foiled – the very day he is seeking to hang Mordecai !
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What God did for his people was amazing and a wonderful story of rescue and salvation – and yet he has done the same for us! Read Ephesians chapter 2 – It tells you where we were and where we are now in Christ – This is our story which we can get excited about every day! What does God promise? “Certe Cruce Salus” – Sure salvation through the cross!!
Questions:
A: We often struggle with God`s timing being perfect as we want answers now! How can we learn to trust God more and know that his timing is always perfect?
B: When we cannot see God working in the foreground in our lives we often feel he is not working at all? Does this story help us to see that he is in control even though we cannot see all the answers? Pray for God Moments and coincidences this week and let`s see what God can do!
C: God works in partnership with people and always has done as its about our relationship with God – he uses us to tell others about Christ – both verbally but also by the lives we lead – Both Esther and Mordecai did what was right in God`s eyes and refused to be bowed down by power, authority and evil – they retained their values and belief no matter what was thrown at them. Is this a challenge for us whatever our situation? This story illustrates what can be done by God when people listen, trust and have faith – I trust this will encourage us all!
Have a great week and please pray for Alpha starting on the 21st September!
Phil spoke from Psalm 27 about how we deal with change.
Please be warned, the audio from this morning is very 'buzzy'. Some bits are quite listenable to, but other bits are really quite bad. Sorry for this.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”Psalm 27:1 ESV
Introduction • Over the summer being reflecting on where we are and where we are going • Things are changing and that brings challenge • Uncertainty is inevitable • Feeling vulnerable seems to be part of it • Some like change and embrace it others hate change and struggle with it
How about you?
I like change, not for changes sake, I can sometimes see thing and know they heed to change.
I like to initiate change in some areas but not in all. Especially when it comes to buying new cloths Sally says I’m in a rut.
We get comfortable and change makes us uneasy, unsettled.
Most changes that come seem to be out of our control, our world is constantly changing, it maybe that for you home life is changing, work life, church life, your social circle.
How should we handle Change?
- Know the one who has our life in his hands – our security cannot be found in our own ability to control, manipulate or influence.
He does not Change - ““For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6 ESV
- Throw your anchor into Jesus
- put your trust in him – he is a loving Father and today he would remind you of that
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 ESV
- ask for grace to go through – very good friend of mine and someone who has been my counsellor through some difficult times of change always would say you have to go through you can’t not
- allow God to use the time for good for you, he’s promised to never leave you or forsake you, he’s with you and with us.
David knew his God, he knew the goodness of God in very difficult circumstances and in challenging and changing times and he knew where to go to find strength to find the grace that carried him through into fulfilling what God had planned for him. At the end of Psalm 27 he said
“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:13-14 ESV
Conclusion
We too can know this place, following David's instructions • Wait for the Lord • Be Strong • Let your Heart take Courage
As we look forward together with all the challenges of change and the uncertainty it brings, put your hope and trust in Jesus.
Remember: He loves you as a loving, gracious, generous, lavish, caring, compassionate Father . Give strength to some Heal some hurts Grace to go through
Group Questions
- What does the Bible say about change?
- How should we handle the changing times we are in?
- How does things changing make you feel?
- We all need God’s grace not just in times of change, David strengthened himself in the Lord, how can we do the same to enable us to go through the things we are facing?
Justyn continued our series on the Kingdom of God by looking at the prayer that Jesus taught us.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Today's meeting focused on the work that God did in our young people while they were at NewDay. Peter led an 'All Play' activity which demonstrated that God joins us together because he has plans for us both collectively and individually that we have no idea about. The three talks Peter mentioned were: (i) Joel Virgo on Mephibosheth. Jesus knows how it feels to be a sinner and have shame. This talk is great for anyone who feels on the edge. (ii) Mike Pilavachi was so funny I cried, and yet was able to get us all to see that we don’t always see Jesus for who He really is. (iii) Stef Liston - Listen to a 15min preach, in poetic form – outstanding. You will need to listen 10x to hear all there is in a rich expression of who God is. This is what Church in the Peak got up to while we at NewDay.... And here's what some of the young people (and adults) had to say about their week... To listen (again) to the talks from Newday, visit soundcloud.com/newdayevent (opens in a new window). For more information about NewDay go to www.newdaygeneration.org (opens in a new window).
Pyn preached on the Rich Young Ruler from Luke 18.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Dave spoke from Luke 4:14-30 about God's Kingdom and World Mission. The Kingdom of God is to be demonstrated in all people groups. We need to play our part in reaching every people group in our generation.
To read Dave's notes, in PDF format, click here.
To see Dave's slides, in PDF format, click here.
Questions may follow in due course.
Dave looked at God's strategy for evangelism.
Dave showed a clip from Cold Comfort Farm which, perhaps, demonstrates what some people think the church is like...
Dave showed a clip of Peter opening a bottle of wine.
Dave also showed a clip of a water glass being filled to overflowing with water.
The Word 1 Peter 3 v 15 Be prepared to give a reason for the hope you have in Christ. How well equipped do you feel to give answers to the typical questions about suffering, evolution, science etc.? Be honest. Please let me know if this is an area you feel weak in so we can address this in the future.
Being an ambassador of Christ and the Kingdom of God 2 Corithians 5 v16-20 An ambassador has the authority for the state it represents. Now you are a new creation, do you feel you have that authority.? There is more to develop with the idea of being an ambassador where you live and work. Do you feel you are an ambassador? Pray for each other that you can grasp the truth of this and discuss ideas to feel more confident in this role.
The Spirit Galations 5 v 22 People are watching our lives. What fruit of the Spirit have you seen grow in your life? Encourage each other to be honest about how that fruit could grow more. People are sniffing and wanting to bite you to test that fruit and what flavour it has. Be filled with the Spirit to overflowing.
Christ Tell each other stories of when you have stepped out like the good samaritan and even when you have failed. Encourage each other to try again if you are discouraged. Your experience might not be as world changing as the forgiveness of the man who murdered the Christian in a church in the USA but walking across the room to comfort a colleague or neighbour is just as important.
Hope you are encouraged, don't be condemned - if you feel you have failed, start again. We serve a God of grace who has many more people he wants to be reconciled to.
Phil continued our series on the Kingdom of God, looking at the familiar parable of the Sower.
Please note that the recording cuts out after 38 minutes. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
To view these notes and questions in PDF format, click here.
To view Phil's slides in PDF format, click here.
Jesus Disciples asked, “Why do you speak in parables?”
Jesus replied “the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you and not to them”
i.e. secrets of the kingdom are the nature of the rule of God over individuals and the community of God
Sometimes Jesus spoke in code and he used parables to do this not only to reveal truth but also to conceal it
Matthew 13 v 1- 9 Parable of the sower
Of course the disciples do not understand so Jesus has to explain
Part 1 the sower and his seed
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The Sower Represents Jesus but also every faithful preacher/sharer of the Good news of the kingdom
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The seed The good word of the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven • Its Gods seed • Its Good seed • Nothing wrong with the message
Our responsibility • Sow seed everywhere • Not the seed it’s self, although we must not dilute the message of the kingdom to make it more attractive • Not the ground it falls on How • Our own story, what difference has the message of the kingdom made in your live • Can you do it in 3 minutes? • Jesus story • The diagram Carly taught to us • A bible story of hope • Offering to pray
Phil Moore – “Unless we sow what Gods Gives us we will never reap what God Promises us”
What we preach is what we get superficial or a selective Gospel only produces superficial or partial converts, initially they respond quickly with joy, but soon will fall away and in future much less likely to respond to the true Gospel.
Part 2 – The ground
When this parable is preach most concentrate on the types of ground in the story, I want to briefly look at this from Mark 4 v 14 - 20
Various soils represent the human hearts of people Inhospitable Hearts in the story gradually become more receptive
I. The Path Hard hearts Seed cannot germinate Its taken away and eaten by the birds
II. Rocky Ground Immediately received with Joy But no root Seem to do well for a while When difficulties come, trials, tribulation or persecution on account of the word they fall away
III. The Thorns They have heard the word, and responded Soon the cares of this world The deceitfulness of riches The lusts and desires of the flesh All goes to choke the words and leads to unfruitfulness
IV. The Good soil Hear the word Accept the word Bear fruit of the word
So which one are you? What's your soil like?
You cannot share what you have not got
Col 3 v 16 - Let the word of God dwell in you richly Phil 2 v 16 – Holding fast to the word of Life 1 Jn 2 v 14 – and the word of God abides in you
Conclusion
We have good seed to sow both in our own lives and the lives of others, let’s not waste what wonderful truth and we have been given
In this secular world where every truth of the word is being challenged we must know the truth, live by the truth, be set free by the truth to share the truth when and where ever we can
Questions 1) How confident are you at sharing the Good News of the kingdom? 2) What hinders you and how can you overcome it? Some things that may be issues Disappointment, fear, not sure how to do it, 3) Can you share your story in 3 minutes? (1 minute before you knew Jesus, 1 minute what God did, 1 minute what's changed in your life). Will need lots of practice, maybe you could have a go at this over the next few weeks with one another. 4) How do you know if the word of God is bearing fruit in you, what are the signs of fruitfulness and growing in knowledge and experience of the truth? If it's not what do you think the cause maybe?
Today Neal looked at being transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Main Passages
Ephesians 4 vs 17-32 Romans 12 vs 1-2 2 Corinthians 3 vs 17 Colossians 3 vs 1-3 2 Peter 1 vs 4 John 5 vs 1-11. Also Bill Johnson “ The Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind”.
Neal played the following clip from the film "Yes Man" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEzQiWb9FZk.
Questions?
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We are familiar with our hearts being “born again” – but what of our minds? – Does the quote from CS Lewis help in our understanding of this? “The almost impossibly hard thing is to hand over your whole self to Christ. But it is far easier than what we are trying to do instead. For what we are trying to do is remain what we call “ourselves” – our personal happiness centred on money or pleasure or ambition – and hoping, despite this, to behave honestly and chastely and humbly. And that is exactly what Christ warned us you cannot do. If I am a grass field – all the cutting will keep the grass low but will not produce wheat. If I want wheat…I must be ploughed up and re-sown.” In this sense God wants wheat and our minds to be transformed and renewed by the Holy Spirit? Is this a one off experience or a continual one?
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In John 5 vs 1-11 we looked at the healing of the man by the pool and discussed worldly thinking as opposed to heavenly thinking – Heaven breaks in to earth and the natural ceases and the supernatural takes over – Does this help in our understanding of worldly thinking/heavenly thinking? Bill Johnson says “A renewed mind destroys the works of the devil so that earthly reality matches heavenly reality. It proves the will of God not just in word but in deed. In causes the Kingdom of God to be expressed “on earth as it is in heaven”. That’s normal Christian living!” Is this in our mind set? If not our mind set needs to be transformed!
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Ephesians 3 vs 20 says “To him who is able to do exceedingly abundant above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” – We would all accept that the power works in Jesus but our experience is that is does not always work in us – Do we need a change in our thinking for this to happen? We want the world to be shaped and changed through us – what do we need to change to make that happen?
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Can you think of personal examples where you have changed your thinking and acted differently as God has spoken to you?
Peter continued out series on the Kingdom of God, looking Matthew 5:13-14 where Jesus called us to be Salt and Light.
To see Peter's slides (in PDF format), click here.
To download these notes (in PDF format), click here.
Normally look at this as a call to holiness. This passage on first reading could be quite condemning. What if I'm not salty enough? Can I lose my salvation?
Salt isn't all the other flavours, but it helps bring them out. So it is with the Kingdom of God. Preserves
So what does it mean to be salty?
Col 4:6
You cannot take the salt out - gravy….
Wilberforce
Luke 14:34 As useless as poo!
"If we are asleep, when we should be face to face with God, then we will not be good for anything." Terry Virgo
daily reading Our saltiness and the brilliance of Christ in our lives is a direct outgrowth of who is at the center of our hearts and our affections. Is there anyone more wonderful, loving, caring, or powerful, than our Lord Jesus Christ? How much do you enjoy being in His presence? The only way we can let the light shine before men is if we have been basking in the light. When you spend time sitting at His feet the joy of being in His presence will be a natural result. You will exude joy! You will exude Christ! You will be the salt of the earth. You will be the light of the world! You will be a city on a hill.
Col 3:3-17
The greatest threat to the church of Jesus Christ Is not homosexuality, pornography, abortion, satanism, the government shutting us down or persecution. The greatest threat, I believe, is if we get caught up in a form of godliness and no longer listen to the voice of God..... The religious spirit seeks to replace our passion for Jesus with passion for religious activity and to take the place of the holy spirit in our experience of God. Julian Adams.
Anyone who responds to God with a lack of faith will be affected by the leaven of the Pharisees, which eventually affects everything and taints it with unbelief and sin. Your life simply becomes one of works and striving in order to obey religious laws rather than obey one of faith which responds to grace filled revelation. Faith sets as it's target the unseen realities of the kingdom. It is the evidence of that which is unseen. As we respond to truth and revelation, they will unlock ever increasing faith. Julian Adams
So is this corporate or individual? Both A city is more than one person Jesus is talking to those in the kingdom.
Even the finest sword plunged into salt water will eventually rust. Sun Tzu Wives win over your non believer husband with your character.
Light Acts13:47 Eph5:8-14 John3:19-21 2Cor:4.6 Buddha - Doubt everything. Find your own light. John 8:12 Not in our own power.
Put light under a bowl, as it will go out.
"All the darkness in the world cannot put out a single candle." Alan Thorensen
"It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness." Confusious
"Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light." Groucho Marx
2Cor3:17- 4:6
"Kingdom of God. the rule of Jesus over every arena of life in every nation." Dave Devenish
This is a call to holiness, yes, but more than that to be there. Kingdom demonstrated to change the flavour of all the dough. You can't see the salt once added, and you can't get it out again. Andrew Wilson little yeast hidden gets through all the dough. Terry. Jonah. Don't lose your saltiness. Lilys exhortation for us not to nothing with the things God challenged us about at catalyst.
So What? Challenge to holiness But oh so much more As we live differently we will see society change We will be a beacon to live differently Have you lost your tang?
Not only in the words you say, not only in the deeds confessed, but in the most unconscious way, is Christ expressed. Is it a beatific smile? A holy light upon your brow? Oh No! I felt his presence, when you laughed just now. To me twas not the truth you taught, to you so clear, to me so dim, but when you
Dave preached on the Prayer that Jesus taught us to pray in Luke 11:1-4.
Please note that the last part of the preach did not record. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Jesus gave a format for prayer that has come to be known as the Lord's Prayer, it covers every kind of prayer.
Jesus first taught his disciples to approach the Father and to worship him. Calling God Abba (Father) was intimate and the language of the heart. Devotion to the Father can be pursued in many ways, find a way that suits you, there are many aids available. We learn to relate with God in the way that suits us, that reflects who we are. There is no prayer manual or how-to book, it is a relationship. But it is a relationship based on knowing who He is "Prayer exalts God as all sufficient and humbles us as needy " John Piper
Next Jesus taught us to pray "your kingdom come". How do we do that? The context is the clash of kingdoms we looked at in Daniel God's rule breaking into this world is a battle ground. His light into darkness, his kingdom breaking into enemy territory demolishing strongholds, his will prevailing, his victory being established and extended across the world by and through the church. He alone is sovereign. We fight in prayer for every advance of the kingdom, in individual lives and in whole communities. Pray it again for the Peaks, battle for a change in the spiritual climate in our communities, ask God to come down (Isaiah 64:1-2). It takes a whole church to pray.
Such kingdom praying starts with knowing and declaring God is sovereign, The Lord reigns! This leads to growing confidence, he has power to accomplish his purposes, more than we can ask or imagine.
Faith comes from hearing the word of God, as we engage in these truths faith grows. Abraham grew in his faith been fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Faith leads to action, we have to battle with fear so we act and obey our Lord. We looked at Paul's request for prayer that he would be fearless in proclaiming Jesus (Ephesians 6:19-20). If Paul requested prayer that he would declare Jesus fearlessly 'as I should' then so do we. Can we pray for one another that God will make us brave and bold? In reality we have to face and overcome our fears, as we step out we grow bolder. Acts 4:29 is a great response to the pressure to be silenced.
Jesus taught us another prayer - Pray for workers for the harvest field , (Matthew 9:35-38) Often we pray this for specific needs in the church, a youth worker and a children's worker. This is good, please do join together as a church for these particular workers. But we are workers too and we are to go into the harvest field as an answer to the prayer!
QUESTIONS
You can do a discovery bible study about praying kingdom prayers
~Read Acts 4:23-30 ~Ask someone to retell the story in their own words ~what does the passage teach us about God or Jesus? ~what does it teach us about the people in the story? ~ is there a command to obey or an example to follow? ~what will you do this week to obey what you have learned? (How did these disciples get themselves to a place of faith and obedience?)
Pray for the kingdom of God to come in your community, among your family, friends and acquaintances. Pray for a youth worker and a children's worker Pray God will make us brave , even fearless
Various people gave their feedback from the 2015 Catalyst Festival.
Note: Due to the number of contributions this morning, it was not possible to get permission from everyone before uploading the file. I am sorry about that. If you feel that your contribution should not be included in the podcast, please get in touch with Chris Cookman and he will remove it.
Andy Astle, from Buxton Church in the Peak, gave an excellent, significant preach in relation to practical evangelism and the harvest.
It would be good to talk about the things he shared in your groups this week. Did you agree with him? What impacted you? What did you like about the things he said?
Also using Matthew 9:38, Andy encouraged us all to set our phones, watches or such device to ring or vibrate at 9:38 in the morning and to pray as Jesus taught: "pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest." If we all do this daily, it's a great prayer strategy!
Phil continued our series on the Kingdom of God, focussing on the nearness of the Kingdom and the impact that this will have on our lives and the lives of those around us.
The Kingdom of God is 'The rule of God over people's lives.'
To view Phil's notes (in Word docx format), click here. Questions Are you seeking for this Kingdom to be made known here and now? what steps can you take? Are you Seeking to see his Kingdom Rule and Reign in Your Life? What do you think you need to change for his Kingdom to become more kingdom minded? Are you seeking his Kingdom to break out through you? What is your part to play in this? Are you seeking to take this Kingdom into every place you go? How does this work out in the routine of your life?
Peter looked at the Matthew 5, the Beatitudes, and asked us whether our vision was big enough.
Peter referred to Georgia's artwork "Is Your Vision Big Enough?", which is reproduced with her permission below.
To download a PDF copy of the picture, click here.
To view Peter's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Peter played the introduction from Mr Topsy Turvy. You can watch it online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lnps4icKapg.
The Kingdom of God is a topsy turvy kingdom.
Steve Oliver - We are in a kingdom that is the right way up. The world is upsidedown.
Graeme Goldsworthy has summarized a definition of the Kingdom of God as "God's people in God's place under God's rule."
Intro to Beattitudes from Phil Moore. P56
I was converted by reading the Sermon on the Mount. Actually, let me be more precise. I was converted by reading the Sermon on the Mount, and by seeing people try to live by it. I was an arrogant, self serving, self centred hypocrite, but this sermon in Matthew 5-7 brought me to my knees. I caught a glimpse of God's Kingdom way of life, and I was captivated by its beauty. It was so different, so shocking, so frightening, and yet so compelling, that I gave up everything to follow him. I spent the first 3 weeks of my Christian life reading this sermon every day and asking God to help me live it. It crippled me, healed me, and empowered me in a thousand different ways.
Mahatma Ghandi. I don't reject Christ. I love Christ. It's just that so many of you Christians are so unlike Christ. If Christians would really live according to the teaching of Christ, as found in the bible, all of India would be Christians today.
Rom 12:1-2
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
John Piper - Desiring God This is the mystery (the secret) of the kingdom—the arrival of the kingdom in a preliminary, small way in advance of the final consummation when all the enemies would be defeated and all sin and satanic power and sickness and suffering would be gone forever. The mystery, as George Ladd puts it, is "fulfillment without consummation." Fulfillment of the kingdom is here; but consummation of the kingdom is not. Many kingdom blessings can be experienced today; many are reserved for the consummation and the coming of Jesus.
Now I want you to see this clearly in the New Testament because it is extremely important for your faith. It will inspire you with hope that there is a great and glorious future yet in store for all believers. It will deepen your confidence that the glory of your future in the kingdom is secured by precious past down payments of that very kingdom (Romans 8:32!). It will give you a handle on why so much amazing kingdom power is being unleashed in the world, and yet why so much of sin and Satan and sickness and suffering remains. If you get a handle on the presence and the future of the kingdom of God, you will find yourself on a pathway of spiritual power, which might include the power to perform signs, and will definitely include the equally remarkable power to suffer patiently the cross of grief and pain (Colossians 1:11).
And finally the encouragement: the kingdom really has arrived. Unprecedented fulfillments of God's purposes are in the offing. The King has come. The King has dealt with sin once for all in the sacrifice of himself. The King sits at the Father's right hand and reigns now until all his enemies are under his feet. The King's righteousness is now already ours by faith. The King's Spirit is now already dwelling in us. The King's holiness is now already being produced in us. The King's joy and peace have now already been given to us. The King's victory over Satan is now already ours as we use the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. The King's power to witness is now already available to us. And the King's gifts—the gifts of his Spirit—are now already available for ministry.
And now with a sober awareness of the mystery of the kingdom—present yet future; fulfilled but not consummated—let us go
Continuing our series on the Kingdom of God, Dave looked at a definition of the Kingdom of God. The kingdom is primarily the dynamic reign of the kingly rule of God.
We looked at what the kingdom is not
And the difference between the church and the kingdom - the church is the community of the king, but never the Kingdom itself. The church is the agent of the kingdom bringing in God's kingly rule.
We looked at the summary verses in Matthew of Jesus' proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom and the associated demonstration of the kingdom in healing and deliverance. 4:23; 9:35. Jesus proclaimed the kingdom and demonstrated the kingdom.
Jesus revealed his manifesto, a manifesto that carried genuine truth and intent. Luke 4:16-21, taken mainly from Isaiah 61 but also Isaiah 58:6. Three things noted: Jesus announces himself as the messiah , (the anointed one) who has been sent Jesus proclaims - good news to the poor; liberty to the captives; liberty to the oppressed (Is58:6) Jesus expresses the compassion of God , sight for the blind as a statement of kingdom healing
Bill Johnson "the supernatural interventions of God were done to reveal the extravagant heart of the Father for people........everyone in our community is a target for God's love. There are no exceptions"
We looked at the now and not yet of the kingdom, we experience the presence of the future, we live between the ages. The kingdom is here but not finally inaugurated until Jesus' return.
Finally we returned to the emphasis that we are in a battle of kingdoms between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world behind which is the prince of this world "The church is the community of the Kingdom of God and is to press the struggle against satanic evil in the world. The sons of the Kingdom cannot help but exercise an influence in human history for they are the light of the world." George Eldon Ladd
Questions
Matthew 9:35 says Jesus went to every town and village in Galilee (over 170) proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom. Why did he do that? Would he come to your village? How?
Read Luke 4:18-19 What does this scripture tell you about God? What does it tell us about people? Is there an example to follow or a command to obey?
FF Bosworth in his book 'Christ the Healer, wrote "it's not what God can do, but what he yearns to do, that inspires faith" . Bill Johnson in the quote above speaks of 'the extravagant heart of God'. Do you still see yourself as outside this yearning extravagance ? What's needed to get to a place of faith?
Dave started our new series looking at the Kingdom of God.
To see Dave's presentation (in PDF format), click here.
We looked at the historical background to Jesus' declaration in Mark 1:15 that 'the time has come, the kingdom of God is here, repent and believe the good news'.
The two historical themes were the promise that King David would have a descendant who would rule forever (Jesus), the other was in Daniel where the kingdoms of this world are broken to pieces by the kingdom of God which starts as a small stone and grows to fill the whole world.
There were some applications. First to understand that to repent actually means not only to turn away from personal sin but is something much broader - to change our minds and hearts so we see everything as God sees it. It requires a change in world view.
The other was to realise that there is a clash of kingdoms, the kingdom of God clashes with the kingdoms of this world and with Satan who rules through these kingdoms as the prince of this world. And we are in the midst of this, we have been called to war, to be soldiers of Jesus Christ so if we think we are boarding a luxury liner for a cruise we need to repent and rethink - we have been enlisted to join a warship! Our confidence comes from these OT promises that the kingdom of our God triumphs and has been given to us. And we know the end of the story , wonderfully summarised in 1 Corinthians 15:24-25.
Questions
Mark 1:15 - Jesus declared 'the kingdom of God was here, repent and believe the good news'. How does repentance affect our worldview? Why is it more than turning from personal sin?
Read the passage in Daniel 2:31-45 Someone tell the story in their own words What does it tell us about God? What does it tell us about the people in the story? Is there a command to obey or an example to follow in this story?
Colin Baron spoke from John 3:16 on God's love.
To view the Colin's slides (in PDF format), click here.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
After Den read a section from "Easter Journey" by Susie Poole, Dave spoke about Mary Magdalene.
Happy Easter!
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Gill and Dave give an update from their recent time in Oman. Dave also spoke about the "Divine Wosta" that we have as a result of God's grace.
Further notes and questions may be available in due course.
Susie spoke about grappling with God.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course,.
Peter continued our series looking at the issues mentioned in Sustainable Power. Peter looked at Rebelliousness And Stubbornness.
Please note that the first 10 minutes of the audio will seem to jump about a bit. This is because the quality of the recording in these places made it impossible to listen to. Sorry.
To view Peter's slides, in PDF format, click here.
Mark 3:1-6
Would Jesus be distressed if he had to talk to us about our stubborn hearts? 1Sam15:22-3 Psalm 81:11-16 Deuteronomy 10:16 Jeremiah 5:23-24 Deuteronomy 9:23-24 Romans 1:24
Signs of stubbornness Cynical of stories of breakthrough. I tend to stick to my opinions no matter what - Zechariah 7:8-12 We are immovable, like a cow. - Hosea 4:16 I tend to make my own plans. - Jeremiah 7:24 Submission to others is an anathema. - Eph 5-6 I always have to win the argument or debate. - Isaiah 48:4
Remedies Keep your love switched on. Honour and submit to God's word. - Psalm 119:11 Humble yourself. - James 4:1-10 Learn to listen. 2Cor 12:9 Php 2:3-5
For those of you who have the Newday 2014 cd, the song "Rebuild" on there is very appropriate for worship. It is not publically available on YouTube. However, you can use this link to listen to it. You can also view the words and chord charts here: http://www.newdayworship.com/the-rebuild/.
Questions What of these signs do we see in ourselves? Which of them do others see in us? Chloe and Pamela would not tell me despite my asking several times! Which of the remedies seem hard to us? Pray for a softening of our hard hearts.
Carly continued our series on "Sustainable Power", looking at the joy released when we move from control to freedom.
This week as part of our teaching series on 'Sustainable Power' we looked at how we can move from control to freedom. I wasn't the only one in the room who confessed to being a control freak!
I suggested that rather than allowing God to sit in the passenger seat of our lives we should let him drive and see where it takes us, trusting him even when the ride gets scary, the road gets bumpy and you start to feel travel sick.
Control is the counterfeit to self control, listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians. Good healthy boundaries bring freedom, control produces rebellion or servitude.
Looked at Mark 8:11-21 to see how Jesus challenged control, some of the symptoms and then some of the remedies:
1: Control is like yeast.
The Pharisees response to Jesus miraculous provision of food to thousands was unbelief and cynicism. Show us something more impressive! A little bit of yeast goes a long way. Beware the yeast of the Pharisees. How we respond to the wonderful things God does amongst us reveals something in our hearts. We need to celebrate!
2: Control never produces freedom.
It produces an attitude of servitude and slavery or rebellion. Adam and Eve created with incredible freedom to make really good and really bad decisions! Love cannot grow in the absence of choices. We are created for sonship not servitude and are changed through partnership and friendship with God. It is a mystery that the most powerful being in the whole universe is the least forceful.
Religious Control:
1.The Pharisees were attempting to control Jesus and men by imposing external rules and regulations that was beyond what was required or even possible. Control says 'behave like this, say this, wear this then you are in the club' and makes you feel like this 'unless I tow the line I will be rejected and not accepted; unless I do what they say and do what I want I will be rejected' It is not the way Jesus feels about you! Romans 15:7 'Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God' We need to accept creativity and diversity to fully reflect the character of God and more effectively expand the Kingdom of God.
2.The Pharisees limited their study of God to intellectual thought and study alone. Knowing about God was never meant to be separated from encounter with God. God can never be fully understood, but he can be known and enjoyed forever. Alongside your study and enjoyment of the Bible, an open heart and simple prayer of "Holy Spirit, what are you doing today and can I partner with you?" keeps the door for the encounter open.
3.Self righteous behaviour...ouch! The Pharisees thought that external things mattered more than what was going on in the heart. Self righteousness treats others with contempt who don't have the same standard of holiness as themselves. We can do that so easily. God's response to this attitude is in Titus 3:5 'He saved us not because of works done by us in righteousness but according to his own mercy by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. Gifts are given to each one of us that we can make other people great! Use them to build up, encourage and spur each other on.
4.Religious control characterised by a lack of accountability. We have been placed in a family called the church so that people who really love you can tell you how things really are. A true test of freedom would be our ability to submit our lives to others. You might need to eat some humble pie, but this is how radical covenant relationships are made.
We are pursuing freedom in God so that we can be ourselves, dance with freedom even if it looks ridiculous, pick each other up when we fall and win others to following our God. Our God who loves and accepts us AND those around us completely as we are and is waiting for us to hand over the reins.
We also watched a few bits fro
Phil continued our series working through the book Sustainable Power, looking at how we move from unbelief to faith.
Our Faith is not to be based upon our own past experiences but fully in the promises and the provision that God has made for us by the death and resurrection of Jesus and the giving of the Holy Spirit as our guide into all truth and the source of power to do the works that Jesus did.
To view Phil's notes, in PDF format, click here.
Questions
1) Can you think of time when you had faith for something and God did it? 2) Can you think of a time when you struggled with Faith? What area was that in i.e. healing, family situation, finance, job, etc. How did you get through that time, or are you still going through it and need to come to God again in a fresh way? 3) Are there any areas where you know today you struggle and doubt? (using the list of symptoms of unbelief may help in this) 4) Hebrews Chapter 11 is full of people commended for their faith, if Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of the unseen things, what is it you are hoping for, how can you grow in faith to see them become reality.
Neal preached on Restoration at our Half-Term All Age meeting.
Please be aware that this audio file stops part-way through Neal's preach.
During the meeting, Neal used some 'hair restorer' he had 'found' in his garage to demonstrate his point.
[Caution: Please do not try this at home!]
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Neal spoke on spiritual fear and freedom.
Fear stops us doing what we want to do because of the consequences of our action. We have heard of the expression “Frozen with fear” and today we looked at how fear affects us in our walk with God.
Questions:
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Research has found that the major barrier to mission is the paralysing fear of rejection. The name of the game is safety and not the risk of faith. If we keep waiting for the right moment, nothing can go wrong because the right moment never actually comes. How do you feel about this statement, have you experienced this yourself and how do we move from “safety” to “faith”?
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R.T Kendall says “ Better for us to have a healthy fear of God than an unhealthy fear of man” - Proverbs 29 vs 25 says “ The fear of man is a trap but whoever puts his trust in the Lord will be safe”.
Why do we have a fear of man and worry so much about what other people think of us? Does this hold us back in our walk with God?
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1 John 4 vs 17-21 says “ there is no fear in Love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment – the one who fears is not perfected in love” We spent some time today looking at the fathers heart towards us to understand better this “perfect love” – This is key to trusting God and stepping out in faith – Does this help us in our understanding?
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Do you know what your own individual fears are? I think in our hearts we all know our areas of weakness and fear and so let`s bring them to God and ask him to help us so that we may not be walking “in a spirit of fear – but of power and love and self control” as Paul encourages us to. Take one fear that you have –pray about it and then step out and see what God will do – The results will be amazing!
Phil spoke on our transformation from self-reliance to Sonship.
To view a copy of these notes in PDF format, click here.
Introduction
• New Series • Pickup on some things from last year o Presence of God o Taking Hold of that for which God took hold of us • Moving forward as a Church • Sustainable Power – Some groups have or are going through this book
JOHN 15 VERSES 1-5
- The Sin of Self Reliance
• All prone to be self-sufficient, maybe a western culture thing • Feel we should be able to do it all of ourselves • We don’t need others and we certainly don’t need God • We have ways of dealing with things • All is well, why would I need anyone or any thing • Somehow to admit we can’t do it is failure on our part • To recognise we are not sufficient is weakness • Actually we are denying ourselves of Gods provision and care which he provides which is better than we could for ourselves. • It becomes a matter of our Pride
Jesus Said these words
“Apart from me you can do nothing”
Its perhaps hard for us to accept this as being true for us, because we think we should be able to and we are encouraged to live independent lives.
We live a culture where we are expected to just get on with it.
When we come to the realisation that without God we are sunk that’s our starting place and Gods opportunity to do something extraordinary!
My story – In my weakness God made strong
- Functional Orphans
The route of self-reliance is in having an orphan heart, a heart that sees itself alone in the world
It’s not possible to sustain the power of God whilst living as functional orphans • The Orphan heart has not truly connected to the source of life and power • The Orphan heart is cut off from the Fathers love which make a safe context for power
If we have not dealt with the issue that the source of Provision and life is the Father rather than us it will be very easy to lose our way and even be crushed both individually and corporately.
Our first response reveals where we are looking to meet the need, if its not going to the father then are we reliant on ourselves and our ability to resolve things?
Sustainable power P 37 George Muller
“Self-reliance and the orphan spirit are massive obstacles obstructing the river-flow of the Holy Spirit, because they push us back into our limited resources instead of God’s unlimited supply.
- The orphan heart
How do we recognise the Orphan heart? What are the symptoms?
The only one who example of being fully secure in the Fathers love and unlimited provision is Jesus so he’s the measure we are to line up with
• Jesus knew God as a generous father, Pharisees saw God as a hard master • Jesus depended on his father, the Pharisees lived independently of God • Jesus lived in the security of his Fathers favour and love, the Pharisees lived in insecurity • Jesus did not look for approval from men, Pharisees always looked for approval from men rather than God. • Jesus self-image was based on what his father said about him, the Pharisees compared their selves with other and would pray thank you I am not like other men • Jesus gave self-giving love to others, the Pharisees were Jealous of others • Jesus offered Mercy, the Pharisees offered Judgement • Jesus was warm and affectionate in his love, the Pharisees were cold and hard
- Sonship
The source of our orphan thinking is very often based on our experience of our relationship with our own father. Good or bad it will affect our view of God and our rightful place as a child of God.
Repentance is the only way but we can only truly repent as God reveals to us our true selves.
I’m not sure we fully grasp this principle, when we first come to putting our faith in Jesus its ok we know there is this initial turning away from the things we once did, accepting Jesus as our Lord and saviour. As we go on with God and he reveals things that are much deeper and not just about our behaviour but our attitudes and our way of thinking it seem
Until he was interrupted by a fire alarm(!), Dave Watmore spoke about our relationship with God.
Please note that the audio is even shorter than Dave's talk was.
1] Genesis 1 v 26 says that God made us in his image because he is love. What do people understand by that? You are unique and precious in his sight see also Psalm 139 v 1 to 18 to see how well God knows us and knows all about us and yet still loves us.
2] Ask people to explain why they trusted Jesus for the first time. Not how but why. I trusted Jesus because I heard people say they had a relationship with Jesus and it was real.
3] I used the example of how I met Lesley to explain the gospel. Get people to explain how it is like marrying a billionaires when we re so far in debt.
4] I used the example of my chat up line "come in and look at my boiler" Jesus' chat up line to us is "I want to spend time with you" is this helpful to renew your relationship with Jesus?
I was prepared for the notes on the second half of my talk which involved Nehemiah and prayer. You can look at that if you want too but I don't have the scripture in my head think it is chapter 1 verse 4 but I could be wrong.
Dave spoke about mission and Church in the Peak's "Ends of the Earth" mentality.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.
Neal started the New Year off with a look at New Year's Resolutions and how we should be motived by love.
Further notes and questions may follow in due course.