St James Thorley

Part of the Sermon on the Mount teaching series

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Listen to Gaz as he speaks in this mini series.

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Bible Readings: Daniel 1:1-21 and 6:1-16

IntroductionDaniel is this week’s Hero of Faith because he lived faithfully for God even when exiled at a young age to a foreign land, far from his family and faith community.

Israel spilt into two after the reign of King Solomon. The Northern Kingdom whose main city was Samaria, fell to the Assyrian Empire in 722BC. The Southern Kingdom, also known as Judah, which included the temple in Jerusalem, fell to the Babylonian Empire in 586BC.

Daniel was a talented young Jewish man taken as captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in 605BC. He was offered formal training to enter the service of the King of Babylon in his government. Daniel ended up serving for 60 years during the reigns of the Babylonian kings Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar, and during the reigns of the Medo-Persian kings Darius and Cyrus.

Daniel was one of many exiled into a foreign land. He could easily have despaired and lost hope, but he did not. He could easily have turned away from the one true God of Israel because he was surrounded by idolatry, but he did not.

In today’s readings Daniel resists two temptations to directly disobey God’s law, eating food offered to idols and bowing down to the image of king Darius. Daniel is an example of staying faithful to God in a hostile pagan society. God’s faithfulness and sovereignty are demonstrated throughout.

How did Daniel manage to stay faithful to God?
1. He was not alone, he resisted with his friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Christian discipleship is not a solo pursuit, it is a life in community. We are stronger and more faithful when we journey through life together.

Before his time of challenge Daniel already had a good relationship with God. He already had the practice of keeping God’s food laws, the regular practice of praying throughout the day, and an awareness that God alone is worshipped. These solid foundations held him strong when the storms came.

How does Daniel’s story challenge us today?
1. Do we share Daniel’s dedication and commitment to God?
2. Are we willing to stand out of the crowd and follow Jesus no matter the consequences?
3. How can we resist the temptations of an ungodly society?
4. How can we resist blending into the culture around us?
5. When is compromise good and when is it not?
6. What compromises have we made that are damaging ourselves, others, and our relationship with God?

What does this tell us about God?
1. God is sovereign, he is in control even when the world appears to have turned completely away from him (He rescued Daniel’s friends from the fiery finance and Daniel from the Lion’s den).

God is faithful to and blesses those who are faithful to him. Daniel and his friends flourished in their exiled environment.

Gather1. Share with the group something you are grateful for since you last met.

Share the group what God telling someone about Jesus went this week.
Share with the group how showing God’s love went over the last week.

GrowRead: Daniel 1:1-21 and 6:1-16

Get one person from the group to retell the reading in their own words (you will be doing this weekly in this teaching series so try to vary who does this).

Questions to discuss in the group:

1. What does this story tell us about God?

2. What does this story tell us about humanity?

3. If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?

Listen to God

Pause to listen to God in silence for 2 minutes. Ask him what he is saying to you today? Perhaps a few people might like to share in the group what God sai

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Reading: Esther 4

IntroductionThe book of Esther was written in approximately 483-471BC and is set in the Persian Empire, in the capital of Susa. Esther became queen of Persia in 479BC. At this time many of the Jewish people were still scattered because of being exiled by the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. Some Jews had returned to Jerusalem and the new temple had been constructed. The events in the book of Esther occurred approximately 30 years prior to those described in the book of Nehemiah.

In chapters 1-3, we discover how Esther became queen and her cousin Mordecai an official in the king’s court who foils an assassination plot against the king. We meet the ambitious Haman who has been appointed second in command. When Mordecai refuses to bow in reverence to Haman, Haman becomes determined to destroy not just Mordecai but all the Jewish people. He does this by deceiving the king who issues an edit condemning the Jews to death. The story continues with today’s Bible reading from chapter 4.

Esther is this week’s Hero of Faith. Up to today’s reading her faith had remained hidden and was not known about in the royal court. It was even unknown to her husband the king. Revealing her faith would put her at risk of death, but approaching the king uninvited to plead for her life could also result in death.

Esther could have continued to hide her faith, hide who she was, and not put herself at risk. Perhaps she could have saved her life by hiding but God called her to take a stand for him and for his chosen people. Mordecai challenges Esther to use her position of power and influence to fight for her people.

Esther’s courage saved a whole nation. She seized the opportunity God put before her. Her life made a difference.

God calls all of us to take a stand. On moral, faith, justice, and climate issues. We are called to courageously stand apart as a holy people for him and for his kingdom. To use our power and influence with courage, to speak and act for God and for his Kingdom.

God provides opportunities but we must choose to act.

Do you choose to hide or step out courageously?

What helps Esther to act courageous?

Careful preparation: 3 days of fasting and prayer with others.
The encouragement of others.

What does this tell us about God?
1. God is sovereign, he is in control even when the world appears to have turned completely away from him. (God was working in King Xerxes so that he discovered the record of Mordecai’s faithful service to him and gave the king the desire to act to protect the Jews)

God is faithful to and blesses those who are faithful to him. Once again God rescued his people.

This story has multiple challenges to us today:
1. Do we treasure our security more than serving God? Possessions break, beauty fades, relationships can fall apart, death is inevitable. Real security comes in relationship with Jesus.

How often do we prepare for something with sustained prayer and fasting (as individuals and as a church community)?
In what areas is God challenging you and calling you to take a courageous stand in speech and action for him and his kingdom?

Gather1. Share with the group something you are grateful for since you last met.

Share the group what God telling someone about Jesus went this week.
Share with the group how showing God’s love went over the last week.

GrowRead Esther 4

Get one person from the group to retell the reading in their own words (you will be doing this weekly in this teaching series so try to vary who does this).

Questions to discuss in the group:
1. What does this story tell us about God?

2. What does this story tell us about hu

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Bible Reading: Ruth 1:1-18 & 4: 13-22

IntroductionThe book of Ruth was probably written between 1375 - 1050BC. The narrative recorded in the book of Ruth occurred a little earlier when the Judges ruled the land of Israel. As we have encountered previously, during the time of the Judges, the people of Israel repeatedly turned away from God. They were disobedient, sinful, and worshiped idols and as a result their nation was attacked and ruled by a foreign one. After a period of oppression, they would remember God and cry out to him for help. God faithfully answered their cry for help and sent them a judge to free them from oppression. There would then be a period of stability until the whole cycle began again.

During this cycle of disobedience, violence, darkness, and oppression we have the book of Ruth - a story of loyalty, love, faithfulness, and strength of character. This story demonstrates that no matter how dark the world seems, there is always a remnant of people who remain faithful to God.

We are focussing on two great Heroes of Faith in this book, Ruth and Naomi. You cannot tell the story of one without telling the story of the other. Their cultures, family backgrounds, and ages were very different and yet their lives blend in a beautiful way. They share the deep sorrow of death and widowhood, but also a deep love and affection for one another.

Naomi loved and cared for Ruth. She was willing to release Ruth from any commitment to herself so that she could stay in her own country amongst her own people and their religion. However, when Ruth chose to go with her, she acted to protect, guide, and provide for her. Naomi witnessed to her faith and Ruth came to choose to follow the God of Israel. Naomi was honest about, and shared, the ups and downs of her relationship with God. It wasn’t a filtered rose-tinted version of faith that Naomi shared with Ruth. This was the type of witness that drew Ruth into relationship with God.

Ruth was not an Israelite, but a Moabite woman who has been recently widowed when we first encounter her in the book of Ruth. She had no children and so was destitute. The logical thing to do in her situation, would have been to return to her father’s household and then find a new husband from amongst her own people. But Ruth choses the difficult path, the one that must have seemed illogical and crazy to others.

Ruth chooses to remain faithful to Naomi and the God of Israel and leaves behind her country, family, and culture to go to Israel with Naomi. As Ruth was faithful to Naomi, God was faithful to Ruth. Ruth goes on to find a husband from amongst Naomi’s kins people and she becomes the great grandmother of King David and a descendant of Jesus.

What does this tell us about God?

God is gracious during difficult circumstances.
God cares for and protects his people.
God guides his people.

This story has multiple challenges to us today:

Do we stick at relationships when things are tough? Can we be loving and faithful when life is difficult?
What relationships are we struggling with now and why?
How can we apply something of the faithfulness and love demonstrated by Naomi and Ruth to the relationships we are struggling with?
How are we investing in relationships based on a shared faith in God?

Gather

Share with the group something you are grateful for since you last met.
Share the group what God telling someone about Jesus went this week.
Share with the group how showing God’s love went over the last week.

Grow

Read Ruth 1:1-18 & 4:13-22

Get one person from the group to retell the reading in their own words (you will be doing this weekly in this teaching series so t

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Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 11: 1-15 and Psalm 51

IntroductionThe book of Samuel begins in the time of the judges (encountered last week) and describes Israel’s leadership transition from judges to a monarchy. It records the life of Samuel who was a priest, a prophet and the final judge of Israel. The reign and decline of King Saul, and the selection and preparation of King David. Last week we focussed on Samuel’s mother Hannah, but this week Samuel himself is our “Hero of Faith.”

Samuel was born as an answer to prayer, and his name means ‘heard of God.” Samuel grew up in God’s service in the temple under the tutelage of Eli the high priest. God calls Samuel as a boy and goes on to shape and direct his life. Samuel learned to discern the voice of God and was faithful to God’s instructions. Samuel was called to be a judge, priest, prophet, counsellor, and God’s representative at a time of national transition.

Samuel was faithful and obedient in the small things and so God trusted him with greater responsibility. God used Samuel because he was dedicated, faithful, and obedient to God. Like the other “heroes of faith” Samuel was not perfect. He struggled to lead his own sons into relationship with God (1 Sam 8:1-4) and shows us the importance on not only leading others and sharing faith with those outside our families but the importance of it within our families.

This story reveals much about the nature and character of God:

God desires all of our lives to be dedicated to him.
God is faithful through the ups and downs of life.
God is at work in his creation.
God speaks.
God leads and directs.
God is both transcendent (outside of creation’s full understanding, knowledge, or perception) and immanent (knowable, perceivable).

This story has multiple challenges to us today:

God calls children into relationship with him. Are we sharing the good news of Jesus intentionally with the children and young people in our lives?
God calls children and young people into his service. Are we helping the children in our lives discern and be obedient to God’s call? Do they have opportunities to serve in St James?
Do we as a church community value children and young people as equally important members of our church and do we invest in them as individuals and as a community the way God is calling us to?

Gather 1. Share with the group something you are grateful for since you last met.

Share the group how telling someone about Jesus went this week.
Share with the group how showing God’s love went over the last week.

GrowRead 1 Samuel 3:1-20 and 8:1-22.

Get one person from the group to retell the reading in their own words (you will be doing this weekly in this teaching series so try to vary who does this).

Questions to discuss in the group:

What does this story tell us about God?
What does this story tell us about humanity?

3. If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?

Listen to God

Pause to listen to God in silence for 2 minutes. Ask him what he is saying to you today? Perhaps a few people might like to share in the group what God said to them. Pause and listen to God for a further 2 minutes. Ask God for pictures or words for others in the group.
Spend a few minutes sharing what you received from God without trying to interpret or explain it. Give it to the group and trust God will reveal the meaning to the intended recipient. They can bring these words and pictures home to pray and discern with.

GoAs a result of encountering God in this session and because of w

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**Bible Reading: Acts 2:1-47

IntroductionWe have now arrived back at the start, having come full circle through this journey of ‘more’ as we seek to fulfil the challenge of what it means to burn brighter**.

We join the crowds in Jerusalem in our reading, again, this week. Pregnant with expectation. Jerusalem is full of pilgrims from all over the known world. It was festival time, and God interrupted.

It was prophesiedThe Old Testament prophets, writing between 600 – 700BC (Is, 44:3, Jer 32:33,

Ezek 11:19 & 36:26) all prophesied that there would be a new work of God, by the Spirit outpoured, consecrating God’s people to himself, writing His law on their hearts. Pentecost shows us that God sends His fire to make His messengers. The Scottish prophet James Stuart Stewart declare, “when all is said and done, the supreme need of the church is the same [today] as it was in first century – it is men and women on fire for Christ. I beg you do not commit the fearful blunder of dampening down that flame.” Pentecost is God sending that fire to fill His church with power to speak prophetically of His son. That is the life that we are called now to burn brighter!

It was prophetic
Not only is God fulfilling his promise at Pentecost, He is speaking a new word. First, we see God’s Spirit inaugurate God’s new covenant with mankind. Second, it showed that the gift of God’s Spirit was now for everyone. Third, it pointed to and demonstrated that Jesus is Lord! Peter doesn’t explain the coming of the Holy Spirit, but how it points to Jesus being exalted King!

It made prophets
The streets of Jerusalem were swarming with pilgrims. They were there to celebrate the covenant that God had given to Moses. Its timing is perfect. Moses (in Num 11:29) prays “I would that all God’s people were prophets” and Pentecost makes this a reality.

It’s about fruit and faithfulness, not phenomena
Often when the Spirit comes, like at Pentecost, there is an associated phenomena. In some ways that is expected, if God is to visit and saturate us with His presence then we can (and should) expect things around us to change. Physical phenomena accompanying the visitation of the Holy Spirit are the hallmark of every revival and every great awakening. But they aren’t the point. It’s what, or more accurately, who they point to that is the important thing.

The people in the streets around Jerusalem thought those filled with the Spirit were drunk. What was the answer of Peter? To point to Jesus, to explain that it is all about Him and all this proves that He is who He says He is. We can’t deny the phenomena, but what we are looking for is the fruit and faithfulness to the life, work and mission of Jesus.

**Burn Brighter: What about me?
Clearing the path for Pentecost

Repentance**
John baptised as a symbolic washing away of sins for those who embraced the Kingdom, preparing for the King who would immerse them in the Spirit (Matt 3:11). Jesus is baptised not only to legitimise John’s ministry, but primarily as the representative of humanity. He is not renouncing and washing away His own sin, He can’t – He doesn’t have any! He is doing this symbolically, on our behalf. Having said yes to repentance he receives the Holy Spirit. The Spirit falls on those who are repentant.

2. Obedience
The Spirit is given to those who have said yes to God. Jesus said to His disciples, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised (Acts 1:4). They returned to Jerusalem and did exactly what Jesus had asked of them. Had they gone off earlier, they would have done so in their own strength. But, in obedience to Jesus’ direction, they waited and they prayed, and then the Spirit came. So, eventually, Peter could say “the Holy Spirit God gives to those who

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Bible Reading - Luke 11:5-13

Introduction“Don’t Stop! Further up and further in, called Farsight … Jewell also cried out: Don’t stop. Further up and further in! Take it in your stride.” His voice could only just be heard over the roar of the water but next moment everyone saw he had plunged into the pool. And helter-skelter behind him, with splash after splash, all the others did the same … they found they were swimming for the waterfall itself.’’ (C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle)

I suspect that if we could hear the voices of those who have gone before us, those who have swam the depths of the river of God’s Spirit, we would hear them shout in unison, “Don’t stop! Further up and further in!” If we could, we would hear the angels cry the same. They would echoes the words of Psalm 42, “deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls” (Ps 42:7).

A glorious invitationOne of the most glorious words uttered by God is “Come.” To everyone who is thirsty (Is 55:1), all who are weary and need rest (Matt 1:28), all who are hungry (John 6:35), all who need to drink (John 7:37), little children (Mark 10:14). The tragedy is that only some respond, and of those who do, few keep coming further up and further in.

In the context of teaching his disciples about prayer Jesus tells the story of an unexpected midnight visitor. Out of food, the host enlists a neighbours help. The reluctant, sleepy and – let’s be honest – now grumpy neighbour is reluctant to help a neighbour. But he would help a friend! What Jesus is doing is encouraging us to be persistent and expectant in prayer. We have been promised a good gift, we can have the confidence we need to seek it and to keep seeking it.

So, why do we stop seeking? Why don’t we see more readily all that God has promised us. In our challenge burn brighter why do so many of our explorations fall far short of further up and further in?

Hand brakes on the Holy SpiritThe short and simple answer is because we put the brakes on ourselves. We stop short, we find an easier way. Or we just assume that things are better our way. Here are some of the brakes we lock on:

1. An unexpectant heartMany of us are blind to the promises and prayers in scripture that indicate an ever-deepening experience of God, knowledge of God and power of God. Many of us have not, because we ask not, we expect not, we know not.

2. An unyielded lifeThe Spirit comes to make Jesus Lord in our lives. To transform us into the likeness of Christ, removing our sinful nature and conforming us to the character of God. It leads, directs and governs us. Empowering us for service and witness to Jesus. The Spirit of God is sovereign – not merely for our benefit, but to use us for His. But some of us don’t want that. We want to be in control, we want to be Lord. We want to maintain a certain degree of autonomy, a day off or an “off limits” area.

3. An unconfessed sinThe Holy Spirit is exactly that, HOLY! Holiness and sin are unable to co-exist. We surrender to one or the other. If we desire more of God’s Spirit in our lives, we must repent and renounce anything that is offensive to Him.

4. An undiscerned enemyWho has the most to gain from us gaining the least from God? We used Tozer’s quote a few weeks ago, but it doesn’t take a genius to work out why Satan is so opposed to the power and the life that is ours by being filled with the Holy Spirit. Good Friday and Easter Sunday means that our salvation is secure, but there is work around and about us to stop us inhabiting the full fruit of this.

5. An unclaimed inheritanceIn Numbers 32 we read of God’s people arriving at the promised land. But on the edge of the promised land there was fertile land, and some asked if they could stop there. Instead of inheriting the land of their promise, c

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Bible Reading: Eph 1:1-21 Ex 33:12-23

Introduction

One of the songs, certainly, at our 10.30am service that we have learned and enjoyed over the last few months has been “Christ is enough for me” and so – on that basis – how can it be that we could ever ask for more?

Firstly, we are never saying that we don’t already have enough. We are certainly not saying that everything that Jesus has done for us isn’t enough! What we are asking for, and therefore what we are exploring this week, is a deeper, richer, and wider understanding of what Jesus achieved for us on the cross (and in the empty tomb) through the revelation that is only available to us by being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Let’s look at this through a scriptural lens, and jump into our series on Heroes of Faith. Moses was a man who was chosen, protected and set aside by God. But when we read his story, he wasn’t content with the accompanying presence of God. He wanted more. He wasn’t even happy with the audible voice and dialogue with God. More than this, he asked for more. He petitioned God for more. Writing in “Burden for Revival” Martin Lloyd-Jones describes Moses’ encounter with God: “Moses made a request, God said, “Yes.” “More,” said Moses. “Right,” said God. “More,” said Moses.”

If we are to meet the challenge to burn brighter, we have to answer the question of how much of God’s Spirit we are happy to journey with? I’m not sure about you, but in Moses’ situation I think I would have stopped asking for more of God after the first go. I’d have missed the audible voice, the dialogue and physical manifestation of God’s glory. Why? Because I decided I didn’t need more of God. Because I never stopped to ask for more. Because I never take seriously that God wants to fill the tank, and yet I am happy to make do with the low fuel indicator going off.

Clearly, there is more…

Let’s look together at how Paul opens the eyes of the Ephesian Christian’s to the more of God. He wants them to know it first, unlike other letters Paul is writing to Ephesians to encourage them – rather than responding to a crisis. He says hello, and then he is straight into this business of more. Don’t think that what you have, is all there is. Let’s look at the structure, before we look at the message of Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian Christians.

He first looks back in praise. (1:3-14). Before he lifts their eyes to the future in prayer, he sets their gaze to their past in praise. He reminds them that they are:

a. Blessed with every spiritual blessing (v3)

b. Chosen (v4)

c. Predestined to be adopted (v5)

d. Blessed in the beloved (v6)

e. Redeemed through the blood (v7)

f. Lavished with grace (v8)

g. Had the mystery of God’s will made known to them (v9)

h. Received an inheritance (v11)

i. Been sealed with the Holy Spirit who guarantees their inheritance (v13)

j. All this only in Christ (vv 4, 6-7, 9-11, 13); all this to His praise and glory (vv 6, 12, 14)

We could stop there. There is enough to be lost forever in wonder, awe and praise. But Paul goes on (v15) “for this reason.” Because of all of that, there is more.

a. Paul’s prayer for more is framed by Jesus (v15)

b. He is the focus and the content of more (v20-22)

This ‘more’ is claimed in prayer (v17-18)
It is conveyed by the Spirit (vv 13, 17, 20)
The ‘more’ is for everyone (1:1)

The reason, and journey, to more… (taken from Col 1:9-11)

· Knowing God (…the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to fully know Him…)

Paul knows that the Ephesians have the Gospels and the Old Testament scriptures. I

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Bible Reading: John 4:1-26

IntroductionChristianity is a love story. It’s about a love lost in Eden, and a love restored at Calvary. We alone, out of all creation, were made not merely to serve God but to love, and be loved by, Him. It was not the angels and archangels whom He made for love; He made them for ministry (Heb 1:14), He made us for intimacy (Heb 1:12, Eph 2:6). God made us to be close to Him. To enjoy intimacy with Him. He never planned on being an absent Father! What do you want from your relationship with God, is it the same – or something more distant and disconnected?

Redeemed to be loversSong of Songs (which has to be one of the least preached passages in scripture) is an all celebration of human sexuality and intimacy within marriage. It is also an allegory of God’s relationship with the people. The bride, or the church, and groom, its God. It paints a picture of complete closeness, interdependence. It abounds in passion. The challenge is brought into sharp focus time and time again; we need to kindle that passion for Jesus. We need to be taken to His banquet hall and know that His banner over us is love (SoS 2:4). We need to hear Him speak words of love over us, to know His thoughts for us (SoS 4:1). We need to hear Him knock on the door and bid us open to Him (SoS 5:2). We need to show the world that I am my beloveds, and He is mine (SoS 6:3). Jesus is not simply our redeemer, but the lover of our soul. Redemption is not just from sin, death and hell but to and for blazing intimacy with Jesus.

And yet our experience is settling for much less. For many of us, preparing to meet with Jesus is more like sitting outside the office of an angry headmaster, rather than preparing to encounter the lover of our souls. When did focus shift, when did our expectations fall so low? We must learn to yearn for the renewing of the Holy Spirit, so that we might be renewed in our love for Jesus. We need to expect more; of and from ourselves. That’s why we read Jude say “pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love” (Jd 1:20-2). In Eph 3:14-9 it’s why Paul prays that the Ephesians may know the height, breadth and depth of the love of Christ.

A thirst quenched.In John we read of an encounter between Jesus and a Samaritan woman with an interesting past. She is taken aback as this Jew, a rabbi no less, lowers himself to speak to her. Having accepted a drink from the woman, Jesus offered her something in return, a drink that if she consumes will mean that she will never thirst again. Jesus offers her eternal life, in this simple act (we read of him doing something similar in John 7). When we put these passages together, we see that Jesus is offering a two-fold promise. If we believe in Him and come to Him, and drink of the Holy Spirit He offers, we will never thirst again and receive eternal life.

Much of our teaching, and experience, appropriated only 80% of this promise. If we see Jesus, come to him and are filled with the Holy Spirit we will receive eternal life. I wonder, do you feel satisfied by this? I’m not sure that I am! I don’t mean to empty any significance from the work and person of Jesus. Far from it. It’s just that when I read scripture and meditate on the promises of God - there seems to be more. I’m thirsty for more! There are some of us for whom this thirst can lead to unhealthy relationships, addictions, or pre-occupations.

But how do we make sense of it when Jesus said we would thirst no more? Perhaps Jesus was speaking in a heavenly sense, you will thirst no more once you reach heaven. We will soon learn that it is there that Jesus is returning to to prepare a place for us.

Expect more: filled means filledThroughout scripture the word filled is a spatial term, used to depict the abundance of things. When the bible speaks of being filled with the Holy Spirit, it is saying that

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Bible Reading: Acts 2:1-47, John 15:26-7

IntroductionUnlike in the last few years, this year we start – rather than end – our series at Pentecost. There is a sense that we are joining with those early followers of Jesus, who would have known the promises of the Holy Spirit but were suddenly tasked with working out how to live their lives in light of the reality of its outpouring. Now to live the life, is all fine and well but what does this actually look like in practise?

The disciples have been in a daze, they’ve come to terms with the disappearing and reappearing Jesus. They’ve dealt with their doubt about Jesus’ resurrection, they’re overcoming their fear of what lies ahead for them. They’ve seen Jesus ascend to heaven and are left with this promise of what is to come. They have no idea what it looks like and could be forgiven for expecting Jesus to reappear once more. There wasn’t a long time between when Jesus was put to death, and where the disciples find themselves now. But it feels like a lifetime ago. Jesus was right, even though they didn’t really understand what He had spent so long trying to tell them. The despair of the disciples on Holy Saturday, had been transformed into the pregnant expectation of Pentecost eve.

There must be more…We can find it difficult to live with that same sense of pregnant anticipation that God is about to move and move in power. We know He could, we’ve just conditioned ourselves to expect that He won’t. Billy Graham once said, “everywhere I go I find that God’s people lack something. They are hungry for something. Their Christian experience is not all that they expected to be, and they often have recurring defeat in their lives. Christians today are hungry for spiritual fulfilment. The most desperate need of the nation today is men and women who profess Jesus be filled with the Holy Spirit.” The disciples realised in a short time that there is more, they learned to anticipate it. Do we?

…it must run deeperOnce more we could have forgiven the disciples for assuming that they’d seen everything Jesus had to offer. They’d left everything and followed Him, they could have said we’ve seen the death and resurrection. We’ve seen it all, time to get on with the rest of my life. I think that this is what we often see in the church, but not what we see in the New Testament. On the eve, and in the experience of Pentecost I think there was something that was birthed into the experience of the church; the desire and the passion for more. More of God, more of His life and more of His way of life.

The powerful tradition of more…The worship of the church through the centuries has been infused with this prayer for more. Archbishop Maurus wrote the Vini Creator Spiritus, in the ninth century, “Come, Creator Spirit, visit the minds of those who are yours. Fill with heavenly grace the hearts that You have made.” More recently, Tim Hughes wrote, “There must be more than this, O breathe of God come breathe within…fill us anew we pray.”

The more that the church has longed for, the potential that the disciples felt, is the Pentecost experience we read about in Acts 2. Not as a one-off event, but as a sign of the rule and reign of God becoming a reality.

The Pentecost experience we read about is birthed in a God who desperately wants to be seen in the lives of His people, and a people desperate for more of the God they have glimpsed. They have seen their God in the shallows and long to be overwhelmed by the depths of the love, grace, mercy and provision of their God. That’s the message that Peter stands up to deliver. This is our God, and there is more!

How much more?When, if ever, will we be happy that enough is enough? That we have fully exhausted the depths of God’s provision for us? There’s a tradition, or perhaps more accurately a practise, of the church to act as though t

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Bible Reading - Exodus 18: 13 - 26

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Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-20 and 8:1-22 IntroductionThe book of Samuel begins in the time of the judges (encountered last week) and describes Israel’s leadership transition from judges to a monarchy. It records the life of Samuel who was a priest, a prophet and the final judge of Israel. The reign and decline of King Saul, and the selection and preparation of King David. Last week we focussed on Samuel’s mother Hannah, but this week Samuel himself is our “Hero of Faith.”

Samuel was born as an answer to prayer, and his name means ‘heard of God.” Samuel grew up in God’s service in the temple under the tutelage of Eli the high priest. God calls Samuel as a boy and goes on to shape and direct his life. Samuel learned to discern the voice of God and was faithful to God’s instructions. Samuel was called to be a judge, priest, prophet, counsellor, and God’s representative at a time of national transition.

Samuel was faithful and obedient in the small things and so God trusted him with greater responsibility. God used Samuel because he was dedicated, faithful, and obedient to God. Like the other “heroes of faith” Samuel was not perfect. He struggled to lead his own sons into relationship with God (1 Sam 8:1-4) and shows us the importance on not only leading others and sharing faith with those outside our families but the importance of it within our families.

This story reveals much about the nature and character of God:

God desires all of our lives to be dedicated to him.
God is faithful through the ups and downs of life.
God is at work in his creation.
God speaks.
God leads and directs.
God is both transcendent (outside of creation’s full understanding, knowledge, or perception) and immanent (knowable, perceivable).

This story has multiple challenges to us today:

God calls children into relationship with him. Are we sharing the good news of Jesus intentionally with the children and young people in our lives?
God calls children and young people into his service. Are we helping the children in our lives discern and be obedient to God’s call? Do they have opportunities to serve in St James?
Do we as a church community value children and young people as equally important members of our church and do we invest in them as individuals and as a community the way God is calling us to?

Gather

Share with the group something you are grateful for since you last met.
Share the group how telling someone about Jesus went this week.
Share with the group how showing God’s love went over the last week.

Grow

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-20 and 8:1-22.

Get one person from the group to retell the reading in their own words (you will be doing this weekly in this teaching series so try to vary who does this).

Questions to discuss in the group:

What does this story tell us about God?
What does this story tell us about humanity?

3. If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?

Listen to God

Pause to listen to God in silence for 2 minutes. Ask him what he is saying to you today? Perhaps a few people might like to share in the group what God said to them.

Pause and listen to God for a further 2 minutes. Ask God for pictures or words for others in the group.

Spend a few minutes sharing what you received from God without trying to interpret or explain it. Give it to the group and trust God will reveal the meaning to the intended recipient. They can bring these words and pictures home to pray and discern with.

Go

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Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1 - 2:11

Introduction

The book of Samuel begins in the time of the judges (encountered last week) and describes Israel’s leadership transition from judges to a monarchy. It records the life of Samuel who was a priest, a prophet and the final judge of Israel, the reign and decline of King Saul, and the selection and preparation of King David (More on Samuel next week).

Hannah is Samuel’s mother and this week’s “Hero of Faith.” Hannah was a woman of prayer who turned to God and sought his transforming power in her time of pain and distress. She shows us how we can express our emotions to God honestly. She is faithful to the promise she made to God and does not go back on her word when God answered her prayer. She shows us how God’s gifts are not to be tightly clung onto but instead should be offered back to God in love and for his service. She let go of the most precious thing in her life, her long awaited child, and gave him back to the service of God. She does this in obedience to her promise and in thankfulness for all that she has received. Samuel, the son she let go, would go on to be a priest, a prophet, and the greatest judge in Israel’s history. Hannah’s obedience and faithfulness brought blessing to many.

Hannah’s prayer in chapter 2 shows great insight into who God is.

She refers to God as her:

· Deliverer

· Holy

· Her rock

· The one who knows

· A judge

· One of strength

· One who blesses

· Works miracles

· One who gives life

· The creator

Hannah was theologian!

This story reveals much about the nature and character of God:

God sees our pain and suffering.
God hear our prayers.
God answers our prayers.
God cares about the oppressed and afflicted.
All things including children are a gift from God.

This story has multiple challenges to us today:

What are we trying to achieve in our own strength rather than crying out to God in prayer for his solution and intervention?
What gift is God asking us to use for his service?
What are we clinging onto rather than releasing to God?

Gather

Share with the group something you are grateful for since you last met.
Share with the group how telling someone about Jesus went this week.
Share with the group how showing God’s love went over the last week.

Grow

Read 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11

Get one person from the group to retell the reading in their own words (you will be doing this weekly in this teaching series so try to vary who does this).

Questions to discuss in the group:

What does this story tell us about God?
What does this story tell us about humanity?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?

Listen to God

Pause to listen to God in silence for 2 minutes. Ask him what he is saying to you today?

Perhaps a few people might like to share in the group what God said to them.

Pause and listen to God for a further 2 minutes. Ask God for pictures or words for others in the group.

Spend a few minutes sharing what you received from God without trying to interpret or explain it. Give it to the group and trust God will reveal the meaning to the intended recipient. They can bring these words and pictures home to pray and discern.

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Bible Reading: Judges 4: 1 - 23

IntroductionThe book of Judges was possibly written by Samuel. It is set in the land of Canaan which later became known as Israel. The book of Judges covers the timespan of over 325 years, from the death of Joshua (who took over the leadership of Israel after Moses, led the people from the wilderness into the promised land and led them in the initial military endeavours to conquer the promised land) to when King David became the first King of Israel (about 1010 B.C.). Throughout Judges we see how the failure of the people of Israel to be obedient to God led to their punishment and suffering. This eventually led to them turning their back to God then asking him to help them and God rescuing them through a judge. This would be followed by a time of peace but eventually the people would again reject God and turn from his commandments. This pattern sadly repeats itself twelve times in the book of Judges. A judge in the book of Judges is different to how we understand the word today. The judges were men and women who delivered Israel from oppressors. They were not perfect, but sinful people like you and me who accomplished great things through submission to God.

Deborah was a prophetess and the leader of Israel. She hears the word of God and acts on it by delivering the prophecy she received to Barak. Her actions show courage, determination, and boldness in an era where female leadership was rare and the society patriarchal. She is not restricted by the constraint’s society could have easily placed upon her as a woman and a wife. Instead, she steps into all that God called her to which included being a woman, a wife, perhaps a mother, a prophetess, and a leader. Barak stands in contrast to her and appears to lack the same courage (verse 8). Again, Deborah shows great strength of character and leaves the security of the place where she held court and goes into battle with Barak and 10,000 men. Again, she challenges Barak to be obedient to God and fight the battle God has sent him to fight (verse 14).

This story reveals much about the nature and character of God:

God is faithful and doesn’t give up on us.
God is just and so judges sin.
God punishes.
God loves us so much that ultimately, he took the punishment upon himself on the cross in Jesus.
God is our protector.
God calls women as well as men to minister to and lead his people.
God calls us to challenge and rebuke one another in his name.

This story has multiple challenges to us today:

To reflect on our own sins and the consequences of it. Sin is both individual and corporate. At St James we are the body of Christ in Thorley and when part of the body is diseased this affects the whole body. Therefore, we need to address our sin not alone but as the body. Today is an opportunity to share the sins you struggle with in your group, to support one another, and hold one another accountable for your sins. (Please do this within the agreed confidentially of your group)

a. Note: Group leaders please work this reflection on sin into the questions below if it does not come up naturally in discussion because we will return to the theme of sin again in part 2 of the teaching series and it will be useful to have begun the work prior to this. Thank you.

The people of Israel kept repeating the same mistakes, can we learn from the past (the past of our own lives, the history of the world, and the history of God’s people)?
What societal constraints might God be calling us to step out of?

Gather

Share with the group something you are grateful for since you last met.
Share with the group how telling someone about Jesus went this week.
Sha

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**Bible Reading: Genesis 12:1-9 and 15:1-20

Introduction**The story of Abraham’s life is in Genesis chapters 12-25. The book of Genesis is thought to have been written by Moses, to the people of Israel around 1450-1410 B.C. The word “genesis” means beginnings or origins and is the story of God’s purpose or plan for his creation. It reveals God as the creator, sustainer, judge, and redeemer of his creation and its people. First comes the story of creation, then that of Adam and then Noah. This is followed by the story of Abraham, after which comes the story of Isaac, Jacob and finally Joseph.

When Abraham was 75 years old, he is commanded by God to go. God doesn’t tell him where exactly he is going, just that God will show him. Abraham is asked to leave behind his country, his family and with these his security, inheritance, and all that he has ever known. This is a big ask. His decision has both short and long-term consequences. Abraham’s decision sets in motion a series of events that continues to this day. His decision to be obedient to God set in motion the development of the nation of Israel. Through whom God himself would come into his creation in Jesus Christ and as a result the whole of creation would be saved and redeemed. Through Abraham the whole world would be blessed.

Abraham was not perfect, and he didn’t always trust God. He lied about Sarah being his wife because of fear (12:10-20) and despite being caught out, he repeats his sin in chapter 20. However, when he did trust God and step out in faith, he was used by God and his descendants became the blessing to all nations promised by God.

This story reveals much about the nature and character of God. Many of these themes will recur in the teaching series:

God had a plan to save his people Israel and through Israel all of creation.
God is faithful to us and all that he has made.
God is our protector.
God is both transcendent (outside of creation’s full understanding, knowledge, or perception) and immanent (knowable, perceivable).
God is omnipotent (all knowing).

This story also has multiple challenges to us today.:

Are we willing to be obedient to God when we do not know the details of what he is calling us to or, if like Abraham, it is only revealed in stages as we step into the obedience of the preceding step?
Are we willing to leave behind our security to step into what God asks of us?
Are we willing to consider the long-term consequences of our actions, not just the seemingly big ones (like changing job/buying a house) but also the ones that seem incidental (like streaming the latest Netflix series, or buying x or y, or where to go on holiday)?

Gather1. Share with the group something you are grateful for since you last met.

Share with the group what God has been saying to you this week through the Bible or during times of prayer?

GrowRead Genesis 12:1-9 and 15:1-20.
Get one person from the group to retell the reading in their own words (you will be doing this weekly in this teaching series so try to vary who does this).

Questions to discuss in the group:

What does this story tell us about God?
What does this story tell us about humanity?
If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?

Listen to God

Pause to listen to God in silence for 2 minutes. Ask him what he is saying to you today? Perhaps a few people might like to share in the group what God said to them.
Pause and listen to God for a further 2 minutes. Ask God for pictures or words for others in the group.

Spend a few minutes sharing what you received from God witho

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**Bible Reading: Mark 13:1-11

Introduction**We reach the end of our journey through Mark’s Gospel this week. It may seem strange for us to journey all the way to the end of the Gospel of Mark, and then jump back to a passage pre-crucifixion. There are some theologians who claim that Mark’s Gospel can read in two distinct ways; pre and post resurrection. The resurrection changes everything. There is, they claim, a ‘resurrection zone’ in Mark’s Gospel.

What starts out as a mix of devotional and architectural appreciation, Jesus turns it on its head and uses it for something else. So much of the identity of the people of Israel was caught up in the temple, and what it represented. Jesus is moving the disciples out of their comfort zones, he’s questioning where their identity and security lay. Was it in Jesus, or was it something – or somewhere – else?

The disciples grasp on to Jesus’ prophesy that the temple would be destructed, and are keenly exploring when this would be with Jesus. Jesus’ response was swift, and two-fold. Firstly, and again, be careful who it is that you are trusting. Secondly, be ready, be on your guard.

In the narrative of Mark’s Gospel this story serves one-person pre-crucifixion and resurrection. What it does, following the resurrection, is it points us not to the destruction of the temple, but to the challenge to place our dependence on Jesus. Further to this, it fixes our focus on the second coming of Jesus. Crucially the words of Jesus become equally valid.

Gather- What was the most important, and significant, thing, event or service that happened to you during Holy/Easter week?
- Set aside some time to fix your eyes together on Jesus (this could be in silence, or using a song etc). Spend some time praying for each other, and the way that you will engage with the scripture.

o You may want to use this prayer: Blessed Lord, who has caused all Holy scriptures to be written for our learning: grant that we in such wise may hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Your holy word, we may embrace and hold on to the blessed hope of everlasting life, which You have given us in Jesus Christ. Amen

Grow

Read: Have someone read Mark 13:1-11

Mark: As they read write down what you notice – or perhaps what you’re reminded of from Sunday’s sermon.

Learn: Share the things you are noticing and seeking answers to. There are some questions below, but these may not lead you to answering the questions that struck you! Small groups are important because we share our lives, not finish the set questions!

What are some of the things that you find helpful, and bring comfort and confidence, to your faith in our buildings?

o For many of us we have recent experience of these being temporarily removed. How did this feel? Has returning to worship (or being continually kept away) changed or reshaped your relationship with these things? In what way? Do you think that this is a good, or a bad, thing?

Jesus warns His disciples to “watch that no one deceives you.”:

o Is this something that you think is still important to us?

o What are some of the ways that we can do this?

Jesus challenges His disciples to “be on your guard.”

o What do you think this look like?

o What are some of the habits you think we need to cultivate in order to do this?

So much of what Jesus talks about is about persecution and facing trials (quite literally in some cases) for having faith in Jesus. We have had many centuries of not having that experience in this country, how does this change our understa

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Reading: Mark 16:1-8

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Bible Reading: Mark 11: 1 - 10

Holy Week and Easter Week

To allow you to continue to track the story through the Gospel of Mark, we have listed the themes and readings we will use together below. To engage - simply plan to read though the passages on the set days. Prayerfully think about the themes. Ask God to encounter you afresh.

You may find it helpful to revisit the first task of this teaching series, and reread the whole of Mark’s Gospel in one sitting. What have you learnt? Where is it that God is speaking to you?

As you prepare for this, here is reminder of the process we have been using:

· Read: listen to, or read aloud, a section of Mark’s Gospel

· Mark: take a note, and notice, anything that grabs your attention

· Learn: explore each of those things with others (either in your home group or with someone else)

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**Bible Reading: Mark 10:17-31

Introduction**We have already said that a significant proportion of what Mark writes in his Gospel surrounds the final weeks, and days of Jesus’ of life. It has led to some biblical scholars claiming that Mark’s Gospel is much less the story of the life and ministry of Jesus, but an extended passion narrative. We’ve already passed the point at which Mark gathers around his destination for his readers. All we will experience in the Gospel of Mark from this point onwards is a gathering pace towards the death, and resurrection, of Jesus.

There are some parallels that we see in this story and the ones that we saw, and explored last week. Jesus is using language that is both well used and well known to challenge the man that approached Him. We first have the serve and volley rally surrounding the rich man’s use of the term “good teacher.” Again, some claim that Jesus then suggests He may not be the son of God. That isn’t what is going on, Jesus is once more looking beyond how this man presents to his heart. He knows how this man sees Jesus, and it is that He is speaking to. The next point is about the law. Finally, we get to the crux of the matter; the thing the man holds onto more dearly than anything else - his wealth.

Jesus delivers a message that starts with earthly riches, but ends with dependence, reliance, and assurance. Where is it we put our trust? Where is it we place our comfort and our solace? Peter speaks about giving everything to follow Jesus, perhaps concerned that he has missed something, and Jesus affirms the disciples devotion, their sacrifice and their single minded pursuit of Jesus.

GatherWhat’s the most difficult thing anyone has ever asked you to do? Why was is it difficult? Did you do it?

Set aside some time to fix your eyes together on Jesus (this could be in silence, or using a song etc). Spend some time praying for each other, and the way that you will engage with the scripture.

o You may want to use this prayer: Blessed Lord, who has caused all Holy scriptures to be written for our learning: grant that we in such wise may hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Your holy word, we may embrace and hold on to the blessed hope of everlasting life, which You have given us in Jesus Christ. Amen

Grow
Read: Have someone read Mark 10:17-31
Mark: As they read write down what you notice – or perhaps what you’re reminded of from Sunday’s sermon.
Learn: Share the things you are noticing and seeking answers to. There are some questions below, but these may not lead you to answering the questions that struck you! Small groups are important because we share our lives, not finish the set questions!

This rich man approached Jesus with one hand behind his back. He wanted something, but also wanted to hold the things important to him back.

o Do you think that it is easy to approach Jesus for ourselves, holding things back?

o What are some of the things that we find it hard to surrender to Jesus?

o Why do you think this is?

In what ways do you think it is significant that Jesus seemingly refuses to allow this man to call Him good? What do you think is actually going on?

The rich young man talked about keeping the law. Jesus responds with the things that he lacks. How would you describe a healthy way to approach to keeping (or ignoring) the way of life that God asks His followers to follow?

What do you think were some of the things that Peter was feeling and experiencing as he approached Jesus, as he spoke about his own sacrifice?

o In what ways do you find the words that Jesus uses to respond to Peter a challenge?

o Why are they a challenge?

GoIn the coming weeks, as we journey throug

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Reading: Mark 7:24-30

IntroductionWe jump back a few chapters in the Gospel of Mark again this week. If you are wondering why we have done this, it has simply been to allow us to plan around some of the large events that happen at this time of year. This week we will we spend some time reflecting on a story of a mother that Mark records as we journey through Mothering Sunday.

We, once more, see Jesus wanting to move, act and minister without being seen. Again, we see that Jesus can’t keep His presence under cover. He is approached by this young woman. A mother, desperate for her child to receive healing. She isn’t Jewish and risk social isolation and ridicule for approaching Jesus – a man – in public. Her desperation is palpable, and comes into clear, and sharper focus, as she speaks to Jesus and refuses to be brushed off by Him.

There are some who would claim that Jesus uses a racial slur here in describing this woman. The use of the term “dog” was a socially expected and derogatory term used by Jews to explain people of this woman’s heritage. We can read the desire that Jesus had for space, and this use of socially sensitive language to point us in a certain direction. However, if that’s true it means that we no longer have a sinless Saviour. So, what’s going on? Jesus is calling out the casual racism in the socially accepted norms. He is clearly saying to this woman that he sees who she is. He sees what her desire is. He’s saying He knows what she faces. He’s rewarding her faith, regardless of her race. He’s breaking down the social barriers, rather than using language to re-enforce them.

GatherSet aside some time to fix your eyes together on Jesus (this could be in silence, or using a song etc). Spend some time praying for each other, and the way that you will engage with the scripture.

You may want to use this prayer: Blessed Lord, who has caused all Holy scriptures to be written for our learning: grant that we in such wise may hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Your holy word, we may embrace and hold on to the blessed hope of everlasting life, which You have given us in Jesus Christ. Amen

Grow
Read: Have someone read Mark 7:24-30

Mark: As they read write down what you notice – or perhaps what you’re reminded of from Sunday’s sermon.

Learn: Share the things you are noticing and seeking answers to. There are some questions below, but these may not lead you to answering the questions that struck you! Small groups are important because we share our lives, not finish the set questions!

Now we have seen the same pattern happen over, and over again. Why do you think Jesus continues to try to keep His movements and His ministry a secret?

What do you think it may have cost this woman to approach Jesus in this way?

What are some of the things that cost you to approach Jesus in the way(s) that you do?

Spend some time talking about how this woman’s actions challenges your faith and approach to Jesus.

For many biblical scholars this is a hotly debated passage, with some claiming that Jesus is being racist whilst others claiming this is an act of grace to lead someone to life.

What do you think is going on in this passage?

How does it matter that we get the interpretation of these kinds of passage right?

The woman replies to Jesus, in a way that clearly communicates that she understands who He is and His character. What are some of the ways you approach Jesus? Do you know enough of His character to be as sure as this woman was in her response to Jesus?

GoMothering Sunday, or Mother’s Day, is statistically the Sunday of every year that people (those who profess faith and those who do not) find it most difficult to attend a church. For all of the perceived positives, the

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IntroductionI’ll let you into a little secret. As we began to talk about putting this series together, the first draft of the suggested readings didn’t include the transfiguration. As we shared thoughts, over email, it didn’t take long for the response to come back. “How on earth can we even begin to journey through the Gospel of Mark, without including the transfiguration?!” That’s how central to the Gospel of Mark this account is. It’s central, and it helps us to understand what is of critical importance to Mark as he pens his Gospel.
Notice again how this happens in the midst of Jesus following His discipline of taking some time out. He was away from the crowds, and away from most of the disciples. In a few verses we see a series of actions that are rich in fulfilment of prophecy (as Jesus explains as he answers the questions of His disciples on the way down the mountain). The appearance of Moses and Elijah. The words of God the Father, not this time about Jesus’ identity and purpose, but an instruction to those who follow Him. It identifies Him and fleshes out His authority. It also tasks those who seek to follow Jesus closely; listen to Him.
It's perhaps understandable that Peter’s first reaction is to mark, and commemorate, the spot that such a significant event. Peter misunderstands though, this isn’t about place – but relationship and shared journey. We then see Jesus try to keep these events between them.

GatherSpend some time catching up, and checking in in with each other. Share the joys and challenges you currently face.

Set aside some time to fix your eyes together on Jesus (this could be in silence, or using a song etc). Spend some time praying for each other, and the way that you will engage with the scripture.

o You may want to use this prayer: Blessed Lord, who has caused all Holy scriptures to be written for our learning: grant that we in such wise may hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Your holy word, we may embrace and hold on to the blessed hope of everlasting life, which You have given us in Jesus Christ. Amen

Grow
Read: Have someone read Mark 9:2-13

Mark: As they read write down what you notice – or perhaps what you’re reminded of from Sunday’s sermon.

Learn: Share the things you are noticing and seeking answers to. There are some questions below, but these may not lead you to answering the questions that struck you! Small groups are important because we share our lives, not finish the set questions!

How has the habit of taking ‘time out’ been going for each of you? How can you help, support and encourage one another?

Look back a few pages to the start of Mark’s Gospel, and perhaps revisit your conversation about the baptism of Jesus. In what ways do you think the way in which God the Father speaks, is significant for Jesus and for His disciples?

What do you think is meant, in the fullest of terms, by the identification of Jesus (“This is my son, whom I love”) and the task given to those who follow Him (“listen to Him”)?

Do you think it is a challenge for us to respond to? If so, how can we do this?

Peter is so moved by the significance of this event, he wants to build a memorial to it. To mark the spot, the significance and the memory of this holy moment. What are the areas in your life in which you felt the closeness of God – and memorialised it? Rather than moving on from it?

GoMany of our groups choose to spend some time together, holding socials that encourage each other to invite friends and family members to events. Spend some time this week talking and praying through what you could do together as a social. Think about who you could, and would, each invite.

Make some sketched plans, invite each other to pray into your ideas a

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Reading: Mark 4: 1 - 20

IntroductionThis week we deal with our first encounter with one of Jesus’ teaching methods of choice - the parable. The story designed to convey a deeper, life-changing and life-giving meaning. Mark is keen for his readers to know, that whilst he doesn’t record all of Jesus’ parables, there were many. He also points us to the need to scratch beneath the surface and mine the depths of their meaning. Whilst the other Gospels often record the parable and the disciples need to revisit this with Jesus to understand them fully; Mark puts them together - the parable and the explanation.

Jesus speaks in stories that the, largely, agricultural community around him would understand. Well, to a point. He paints the picture of a farmer sowing seed liberally. Taking care in the sowing of the seed and not where it landed. This contains a message to the religious leaders who are, by now, constant companions. “Let him who has ears, hear” as opposed to preserving your message for those willing to hear.

The explanation that Jesus gives goes much deeper, and much further than his disciples could ever have imagined! He tells them, what Mark calls, the secrets of the Kingdom of God. He explains the opposition His followers will face, the distractions they will endure and action of the farmer liberally sowing seed.

In one sense this parable conveys a realism that the seed will fall, where the seed will fall. But it also contains a challenge. How can we cultivate the fields of our lives to be ready to receive the seeds that God sews? Where are the paths that need to be dug up, or rocks excavated? Which thorns need to be dug up? What it is it we need to do, for ourselves and in encouraging one another to see the seed God sews grow to full fruition?

Gather
- What’s the best story, with a hidden meaning, you have ever heard? Why do you think it is so good?
- Set aside some time to fix your eyes together on Jesus (this could be in silence or using a song etc). Spend some time praying for each other, and the way that you will engage with the scripture.

o You may want to use this prayer: Blessed Lord, who has caused all Holy scriptures to be written for our learning: grant that we in such wise may hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Your holy word, we may embrace and hold on to the blessed hope of everlasting life, which You have given us in Jesus Christ. Amen

Grow
Read: Have someone read Mark 4:1-20.

Mark: As they read write down what you notice – or perhaps what you’re reminded of from Sunday’s sermon.

Learn: Share the things you are noticing and seeking answers to.

Last weekend, we held our first new style prayer meeting. This week, we want to encourage you to spend some time praying for St James’ together. We launched a new prayer for St James at the prayer breakfast in January which we have reproduced here. Spend the rest of your meeting together this evening, praying through this prayer. Make sure you share the things that you think God may be speaking to you about St James with us.

Loving Father,

We pray for Your church of St James, that:

· As we gather together, you will help us to build the community of believers in this place.

· As we grow towards maturity, you will help us to spur each other on as disciples of Christ.

· As we go, help us to shift our focus outwards by being bringers of hope and by sharing the good news of Jesus with integrity, generosity and courage.

We pray for Your church of St James, that:

· You will help us develop the intimacy of our relationship with Jesus.

· You will fill us with your Holy Spirit and renew u

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Reading: **Mark 2:23 - 3:6

Introduction**We pick up the story in Mark’s Gospel with two accounts of Jesus’ approach to the sabbath. We’re a month into our series on Mark’s Gospel, which means we will still have the much of the teaching we shared on ‘Healthy Habits for Healthy Living’ fresh in our minds. Six weeks ago it was one of the accounts that Luke shares that helped us to unpack how Jesus taught us to accept the gift of sabbath. We see this week that Mark highlights this, and it is his way, he collects accounts of event around a specific topic together.

In both accounts, what was at stake wasn’t the sabbath itself, but how to keep it. What is permitted and what it not. What is helpful and what is not. In both accounts Jesus reiterates that the sabbath is given to us, to be both a joy and to bring life. It isn’t meant to be burden.

Gather- Spend some time remembering together our series on ‘Healthy Habits for Healthy Living.’ What were the things that have stuck, and been helpful? What are some of the things that you are still struggling with?

Is there anything that, in the moment, appeared to be life changing but the ‘stuff’ of life has since got in the way? Would you like an opportunity for a ‘do over’ in this, or these, areas?
Set aside some time to fix your eyes together on Jesus (this could be in silence, or using a song etc). Spend some time praying for each other, and the way that you will engage with the scripture.

o You may want to use this prayer: Blessed Lord, who has caused all Holy scriptures to be written for our learning: grant that we in such wise may hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Your holy word, we may embrace and hold on to the blessed hope of everlasting life, which You have given us in Jesus Christ. Amen

Grow

Read: Have someone read Mark 2:23-3:6

Mark: As they read write down what you notice – or perhaps what you’re reminded of from Sunday’s sermon.

Learn: Share the things you are noticing and seeking answers to. There are some questions below, but these may not lead you to answering the questions that struck you! Small groups are important because we share our lives, not finish the set questions!

The challenge that we set one another a few weeks ago was to set aside some time to try to take a sabbath. Share your experiences of how this went for you? Did you plan, and fail?

o What are some of the ways that you could continue to support one another to cultivate a habit of sabbath?

There are stories of people who really struggle with Jesus giving them something, for joy and to bring life. Rather than as a punishment or teach them a lesson. Are there areas in which you struggle with what Jesus wants to give you for free?

GoWhilst we didn’t focus on the other Healthy Habits for Healthy Living this week. We have just passed the point at which over 90% of the huge numbers of people who make new year resolutions each year will have broken them. Which healthy habits have you already begun to unhealthily ignore?

Much of the pharisees hope in sticking so closely to their own laws, designed to keep them from breaking God’s laws, was in devotion. They aimed at holiness, and godliness but set their own standards. If we aim to build our devotion to God, one of the best ways we can do that is in prayer and reading the bible. Spend some time sharing with each other the ways in which you find it helpful to read the bible, and pray, day by day. Are there resources that you use, that you can share in order to encourage and support each other in your own journeys towards holiness and godliness?

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Mark 2: 1 - 12

Introduction

We join Jesus again as he wonders around, living His life. At the end of chapter 1, Mark tells us that Jesus had told everyone to not speak about what they had seen. A few days later and Jesus finds himself surrounded by a crowd. It’s clear, in spite of the request of Jesus: people have talked!

We are then confronted with a story of two sections. We have the interaction between Jesus and the paralysed man who needs to be healed. We then have the interaction between Jesus and the religious leaders who are incensed. Their rage blinds them to the point that they begin to accuse the son of God of blasphemy!

We see Jesus heal this man, and a key part of the teaching of Christians is that we read the stories of God healing people in scripture. We also expect to see God heal today. Even in Bishop’s Stortford, and through the ministry as recent as Healing on the Streets, we see that God still heals today. This passage gives us the opportunity to explore a couple of challenges. Firstly, how do we deal with the promise (and the testimony of others) that God heals today, when he doesn’t always do it? How do we respond and how can we not become disheartened? Secondly, we face the challenge of examination of our own hearts. To discern whether we, as the religious people of today, are as closed to what God may be doing in, and around us, today as the teachers of the law were to Jesus as he healed this paralysed man?

Small Group Questions
Gather When was the first time that someone told you that they think God still heals today? What were some of your initial emotions and reactions?

Set aside some time to fix your eyes together on Jesus (this could be in silence, or using a song etc). Spend some time praying for each other, and the way that you will engage with the scripture.

You may want to use this prayer: Blessed Lord, who has caused all Holy scriptures to be written for our learning: grant that we in such wise may hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Your holy word, we may embrace and hold on to the blessed hope of everlasting life, which You have given us in Jesus Christ. Amen

Grow
Read: Have someone read Mark 2:1-12

Mark: As they read write down what you notice – or perhaps what you’re reminded of from Sunday’s sermon.

Learn: Share the things you are noticing and seeking answers to. There are some questions below, but these may not lead you to answering the questions that struck you! Small groups are important because we share our lives, not finish the set questions!

One of the things that we see Jesus do over and over again in Mark’s Gospel is to tell those He encounters not to tell anyone about Him, or what they’ve seen. Why do you think this might be?

The response of the people who hear this, seems to be to tell everyone! Now that Jesus tells us to tell everyone about Him and what He has done, we so often respond with the silence he requests in Mark’s Gospel. Why do you think we find it so hard to speak up?

When we read the stories of Jesus healing in the Gospels, what are some of the things you think and feel?

Is the promise that God still heals something you can believe and trust in? Why (not)?

What are some of the things that stop, or help, you in this?

What are some of the things that you think would help you to support and encourage each other in this?

The ‘teachers of the law’ respond to Jesus healing this man, with hardened hearts and disbelief.

What are some of the things that stop you believing in what Jesus is doing?

Are there things that you hold onto so tightly, that you haven’t surrendered them to Jesus, and what He could (and can) do?

GoRevisit the conversation you had a few weeks ago, ab

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Reading: Mark 1:35-45

Gather

Spend some time catching up and checking in with each other.
Set aside some time to fix your eyes together on Jesus (this could be in silence, or using a song etc). Spend some time praying for each other, and the way that you will engage with the scripture.

o You may want to use this prayer: Blessed Lord, who has caused all Holy scriptures to be written for our learning: grant that we in such wise may hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Your holy word, we may embrace and hold on to the blessed hope of everlasting life, which You have given us in Jesus Christ. Amen

**Grow

Read:** Have someone read Mark 1:35-45

Mark: As they read write down what you notice – or perhaps what you’re reminded of from Sunday’s sermon.

Learn: Share the things you are noticing and seeking answers to. There are some questions below, but these may not lead you to answering the questions that struck you! Small groups are important because we share our lives, not finish the set questions!

Mark 1:35 opens our eyes to the daily habits of Jesus. Last week we saw the engagement with His Father at the special events, and in the challenges and trials. The places when conversation seemed easy, and when it was almost impossible and Jesus relied on the promises of His Father that he held close.

o What are some of the ways where you find it easy to pray?

o What are some of the ways that you find that make prayer difficult?

o Would you say, honestly, that prayer for you is a habit or an occasional activity? Are you content with your answer?

o What are some of the ways that we could – as a whole church – learn to pray together more effectively (Share your thoughts with us too!!)?

There is an old saying that we often find ourselves looking for Jesus in all of the wrong places. As we read Mark 1:36 that’s exactly the experience of the disciples. They’ve seen the blessing, and the crowd, and the response and assume that’s where they’ll find Jesus again - but they don’t.

o Where are the places that you assume that you will find Jesus (Is it a place, is it a memory, is it an event?)?

o In what ways do you share the disciples sense of surprise that Jesus is not in the midst of the crowd (who are looking for him), but in a quiet place praying?

o Having not found Jesus in the midst of the crowd, where you expected to find Him, would you have kept looking or stayed at the party even though Jesus wasn’t there?

Are there things you think you may have missed, because you found that you were looking for Jesus in the wrong places?

Go

Spend some time praying together. Pray for each other, and your approach to prayer. Pray for discernment in the places that you spend time looking to connect with Jesus. Pray for us, as a church, that we would learn the lessons of prayer together. Pray for our mission and ministry, that we wouldn’t be swayed by the crowd – but follow Jesus wherever he is to be found.

PCC next meets on 20th February. Pray for the things that will be discussed and the people as they meet. Pray that God’s will is done, and that they make decisions that will see His Kingdom come.

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**Mark 1:1-28

Gather**- Who managed to read through all of Mark’s Gospel in one go? What did you notice? What do you think some of the themes are that run through the entire Gospel?- What was the last baptism you attended? What do you remember about it, and why?

Set aside some time to fix your eyes together on Jesus (this could be in silence or using a song etc). Spend some time praying for each other, and the way that you will engage with the scripture:

o You may want to use this prayer: Blessed Lord, who has caused all Holy scriptures to be written for our learning: grant that we in such wise may hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Your holy word, we may embrace and hold on to the blessed hope of everlasting life, which You have given us in Jesus Christ. Amen

Grow
Read: Have someone read Mark 1:1-28

Mark: As they read, write down what you notice – or perhaps what you’re reminded of from Sunday’s sermon.

Learn: Share the things you are noticing and seeking answers to. There are some questions below, but these may not lead you to answering the questions that struck you! Small groups are important because we share our lives, not finish the set questions!

Mark 1:11b says: “You are my son, whom I love: with you I am well pleased.”

o What are some of the things that you would like to hear God say over you?

o What are some of the things that you choose to speak over yourself?

We spent some time in January exploring the concept that an unhealthy view of our own identity sabotages our chances of success. In what ways do you find it easy/difficult to see yourself as God sees you?

o For those with the time, and perhaps the bravery, you could encourage one another by sharing the ways you see each other.

§ Have everyone in the group take 2 pieces of paper and write their name in the middle of each piece of paper.

§ On the first piece of paper (which won’t be shared), invite each other to write the things you believe and say over yourself (good and bad).

§ On the second piece of paper (blank save for the name of the person in the centre of it), pray and then pass this around and fill in the ways you see this person, and the things you think God wants to speak over the person named on the paper.

§ As you receive the paper with your name back, spend some time praying and reading through what others have written.

§ Offer each other the chance to destroy the things they speak over themselves and offer them to God, as you focus on how He sees you.

Mark 1:12 tells us that Jesus is moved immediately from baptism (and blessing) to trials and temptations.

o How does this mirror (or not) your experience of walking with Jesus and living a life of faith?

o What are some of the ways that you could help one another to focus on what God is doing, even when times are tough?

Go

Many of our home groups have now begun to experience new life, and fresh impetus, by choosing to push themselves out of their comfort zone and choosing an activity to serve in together within the life of St James. Jesus’ baptism, his testing, led to ministry in word and action.

Are you ready (whether you are talking in a formal home group or chatting as friends) to think about what you could do together to serve Jesus? (It may be that you want to formalise something you already gravitate towards).

Pray together and ask God to direct you to the places He wants you to serve.

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Healthy Habits: Learning to take time out (Silence & Solitude)

Bible Readings: Psalm 37:1-7a, Mark 6:30-46

The noise of the modern world can drown out the one voice we need to hear most, that of God’s. The habit of silence and solitude allows us to be present to God, ourselves, other people, and all that is good and beautiful in our world.

Silence is twofold, consisting of external silence (no noise/even background) and internal silence (the quieting of our restless minds that develops through external silence and the presence of God)

Solitude is time alone with God and is made possible by silence. This is not isolation or loneliness but opening yourself up to and engaging with God. Henri Nouwen in Making all Things New said, “without solitude it is virtually impossible to have a spiritual life…we do not take the spiritual life seriously if we do not set aside time to be with God and listen to him.”

The habit of silence and solitude will help us to ‘grow’ as disciples of Jesus. This is an essential part of our spiritual lives and will help to fuels the ‘gather’ and ‘go’ elements of our church strategy.

Home Group Questions:

How do you feel about silence? Saint Augustine referred to silence as “entering into joy,” do you relate to this?
In Mark 6:30-46 Jesus attempts to take the disciples away for a period of quiet and rest but they are interrupted by the crowds.

What are your struggles with external silence?

What can we learn from Jesus actions after the feeding of the crowds? (Mark 6:45-46)

What obstacles/barriers would you need to overcome to achieve external silence?

Do you have a favourite quiet place?

What are your struggles with internal silence? What does your mind ruminate on?
Do you set aside time alone with God each day? How does its presence or absence affect your day?
How might God be calling you to act this week to begin to develop the habit of silence and solitude?

Action for the coming week: Try taking 5 minutes in external silence and alone with God each day this week. Maybe set an alarm to remind you and then leave the alarm behind when you enter the time of silence and solitude. At the end of the week reflect on how this has affected your relationship with God, yourself, and others. Also, reflect on your degree of internal silence you had at the beginning of the week compared with the end. Consider sharing your learning with your homegroup next time you meet.

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Bible Reading:

Leviticus 25:8-23 and Luke 12:13-34

Simplicity is living simply. Christian author Richard Foster (in Celebration of Discipline) said, “Simplicity is freedom. It brings joy and balance.”

The Christian habit of simplicity is an outward lifestyle that reflects an inward reality. We err into legalism if we attempt the outward lifestyle without the inward reality.

The inward reality of simplicity is our whole person, our whole life focussed or centred on Jesus Christ. When our hearts are focussed on Jesus, we do not make decisions based on fear or anxiety. Instead, we act from a position of peace guided by our desire to live for and glorify Jesus and to care for His people and creation.

A life centred on Jesus is a life characterised by simplicity of heart, speech, possessions, and pleasure.

Home Group Questions:

After WW2, Paul Mazur of Lehman Brothers said, “We must shift America from a needs to a desire culture…People must be trained to desire, to want new things, even before the old have been entirely consumed. We must shape a new mentality. Man’s desire must overshadow his needs.”

Discuss this statement.

Ideas such as Mazur’s have shaped and formed the Western consumerism culture we live in today. To what extent are your desires shaped by Jesus or shaped by our consumerism culture?

Consider your desire for how you spend your time and money.

Consider your desire for possessions/travel/experiences/pleasure.

In Luke 12:15 it says, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

We all struggle with greed in some way, share with the group the ways in which you struggle.

How can you support one another and hold one another accountable to not building your life on the accumulation of possessions?

In Luke 12:16-21 the rich young man did not trust God to provide for his needs but instead hoarded his wealth. To what extent do fear, anxiety, and the desire for security underlie your decisions regarding money and possessions rather than a deep trust in God?
Simplicity is removing those habits that distract us from what is truly important, our relationship with God, His people, and His creation. How do you feel about simplifying your life based on asking yourself the following two questions?

a. Will buying this/doing this add to value to my life and help me to enjoy God and His creation or will it distract me from it?

b. By buying this/doing this am I oppressing the poor or harming the earth?

Action for the coming week:

· This week, before buying something or participating in a pleasure activity prayerfully ask yourself the questions above (5a and 5b).

· At the end of the week prayerfully reflect on what you have discovered about yourself and share with you homegroup at the next session.

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Bible Readings: Exodus 20:8-11 and Luke 13:10-17

Saint Augustine said, “our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God.”

Sabbath is a 24-hour period set aside to stop, rest, delight, and worship. Sabbath is radically countercultural but is desperately needed in our era of chronic exhaustion, emotional ill-health, and spiritual stagnation. On the Sabbath we rest from work (paid, voluntary, chores), from continuous connection to the world (phone/email free time) and from consumerism (buying, seeking after experiences).

Sabbath as time to…

Stop - the word Sabbath means ‘to stop.’ God built the rhythm of stopping into the fabric of creation when he rested on the seventh day of creation. Living aligned to this rhythm brings peace and joy.

Practical action: set aside time to enjoy Sabbath, develop a set way of beginning and ending Sabbath to reinforce the habit and enter into some Sabbath activities based on rest, delight and worship.

Rest - Rest looks different for everyone. For some it will involve extra sleep or time alone and for others it will look like a walk/run in nature or being with close friends. Rest is something that refills your tank and restores you.

Practical action: Develop-boundaries for your Sabbath time that allow rest for you.

Delight - Sabbath is not a burden but a delight and a joy. It is time set aside to celebrate our life with God in his world.

Practical action: Share a meal or time with others delighting in God and his provision in your life. Or delight in God with others as you enjoy a walk somewhere beautiful.

Worship - Sabbath is holy time, it is time set apart and dedicated to God.

Practical action: Spend longer praying, praising, or reading scripture on the Sabbath.

Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann (in Sabbath as Resistance) says “people who keep the sabbath live all seven days differently.”

Home Group Questions:

Do you have the habit of Sabbath?

If so, please share something of your experience with the group including both the benefits and the challenges.

If you tried it but have stopped, share your reasons why with the group.

In Luke 13:10-17, the woman was healed on the Sabbath. Her coming to the temple to worship, led to an encounter with Jesus that resulted in her healing. In what ways could the habit of Sabbath bring healing and restoration to your life and the lives of those around you?
What are your barriers to developing the habit of Sabbath in 2023? How could you overcome these?
Sabbath requires planning (setting time aside, ensuring chores are done in advance, clearly your diary for the day, saying no to some offers of activities). What steps could you take to developing the habit of Sabbath? Could you start with 12-hours and work up to 24-hours?

Action for the coming week:

· Schedule some Sabbath time to stop, rest, delight, and worship this week? Whether you set aside 4/8/12/24-hours it is a first step in developing the habit of Sabbath.

· Consider planning what each element of stopping, resting, delighting, and worshipping might look like for you.

· Reflect prayerfully on how you felt at the start and end of this time.

· Reflect again a few days later on the impact Sabbath had on the days that followed.

· Share your reflections with your homegroup at the next session.

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Bible Reading: Romans 7:7-25

In January we are considering Healthy Habits for Healthy Living. Habits are important because the things we do regularly shape who we become. We will be considering some of the things that we can invest in to see transformation in our lives. These healthy habits are those we see at work in the lives of God’s followers in the Bible. They are countercultural in 21st century Britain but have the potential to deeply enrich our lives and relationship with God. However, they are not a quick fix, but habits that require investment, consistency, and perseverance.

Home Group Questions:

Did you make a new year’s resolution? If so, why?

2. Read Romans 7:15-25. Do you relate to Paul experience and recognise this pattern in yourself?

Why do you think so many of us break the commitments we make to ourselves and to our God?

3a - In what ways have you been focussing on the “what” instead of the “how”?

James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, puts it like this: “We don’t rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the level of our systems.”

Perhaps consider how Daniel’s system of praying 3 times a day was the habit that allowed him to stand firm for God in times of trial. (Daniel 6:10-28)

3b - “When we don’t see progress, quickly, we give up.” Can you relate to this in terms of your spiritual life (e.g., Bible reading, prayer, homegroup attendance, Sunday services, serving on a team, sharing your faith)?

3c “Our distorted sense of identity sabotages our success.” What are some of the lies you speak over yourself? What alternative truth could you begin to speak over yourself?

Action for the coming week: conduct a personal time and activity audit this week or even for a day or two. This will help you to identify some of your subconsciousness habits. Write down what you have done daily and reflect prayerfully on what you have uncovered. Consider sharing your learning from this exercise with your homegroup next week.

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20th Nov How will we travel there? Our values - Community

Community: by being together we know that we can build hope, which we find in Jesus, not only in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us. We accept and respect one another for who we are, as we live out our lives in the community of the Church.

What does - being involved in Community mean? Discuss this and the points raised in this week’s sermon.

Reading

Acts 2 v 42 – 47 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Questions for group discussion

Meaningful community forms through relationships. Sometimes the church gives you a scaffolding to start new relationships, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes you have to work at them and actively seek out opportunities to get to know people. God wants you to be an active part of a local church. And if you let Him, He can help you build up a community of fellow believers.

Someone has suggested five things you can do to build community at church.

Ask people questions – whether over coffee after the service or in live chat on-line or in home groups
Make yourself available – listen well to people and make yourself available to build the relationship
Join a small group – these are an opportunity for building deeper connections with people
Volunteer – if you are already involved, ask others to join you to develop meaningful relationships
Pray - God knows what you need to thrive in community so pray for opportunities to build relationships

Are there other things you feel we should do to build the Church community at St James?

Matthew 7 v 12 says: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” How would life be different is we put in to practice this golden rule?

How should we go about building community within the Church?

In a multigenerational Church, how should we balance the respective needs of young and old?

What about transforming the community around us? How do we do that?

Read the following passage from Isaiah 58 v 9-12 in the Message version of the Bible: “If you get rid of unfair practices, quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people’s sins; If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out, your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight. I will always show you where to go. I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places - firm muscles, strong bones. You’ll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You’ll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again.

How should we go about transforming the community around us? How can we make it livable again?

Are there projects we should consider becoming involved with to help build community?

Prayer: Pray that as we grow and develop the Church at St James, that we grow and develop in community.

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This week we are taking a break from our sermon series as we remember on Remembrance Sunday. Please note that, at around 4 minutes the sound drops out for about 12 seconds.

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How will we travel there? Our Values - Courage

Courage: to follow God wherever He leads, making faith-based decisions in all areas of our individual lives and the life of the Church.

What does it mean to show courage in your life? Discuss this and the points raised in this week’s sermon.

ReadingMatthew 14 v 22 – 33: “Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Questions for group discussionThe following comes from of John Ortberg’s book: “If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the Boat.” The headings of his first chapter are:

Water-walkers recognise God’s presence
Water-walkers discern between faith and foolishness
Water-walkers get out of the boat
Water-walkers expect problems
Water-walkers accept fear as the price for growth
Water-walkers master failure management
Water-walkers see failure as an opportunity to grow
Water-walkers learn to wait on the Lord
Water-walking brings a deeper connection with God

Discuss what hits you as you look at the above list. What has been your experience of getting out of the boat, both good and bad, over the years?

The questions below come from the first chapter of the book:

Where is fear or comfort keeping you from trusting God?
In what areas do you need discernment to know if you are really being called to get out of the boat?
What is one risk that you could take in your life that could help your faith to grow? For example:

o Stand up for a value you believe in during a tough conversation

o Take on a challenge that you know will stretch you

What is one failure from the past that haunts you? It may take courage, but is there someone you can share it with as a step in robbing it of its power?
Where are you in relation to Jesus these days and recognising God’s presence? Are you:

o Huddled in the boat with a life preserver and the seat belt on

o One leg in, one leg out

o I’m walking on water and loving it

o I’m out of the boat, but the wind looks pretty bad

Prayer: Pray for one another for courage - in your personal lives and in the life of the Church as a whole.

Next week 13th November is Remembrance Sunday and we shall have a week off from our sermon series.

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How will we travel there? Our Values - Generosity

Generosity: we realise that for those to whom much is given, much will be expected and we always seek to use our time, talents and resources in serving Christ and others.

How do you show generosity in your daily life? Discuss this and the points raised in this week’s sermon.

Bible reading

2 Corinthians 9 v 6 – 15

Questions for group discussion

What do the following verses tell us about giving generously of our time, talents and money?

1 John 3:16-18: This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Acts 20:35: In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Malachi 3:10-12: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

Hebrews 13:16: And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Luke 21:1-4: As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you” he said “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

1 Timothy 6:17-19: Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Work out what God may be saying about what to give up and what to take up to increase your generosity.

Prayer: Pray that God will put a spirit of generosity within your heart; giving of time, talents and resources.

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Outward focused: we have been entrusted with the Good News of Christ and we realise that we must share that Good News with others.What does being ‘outward focused’ mean to you? Discuss this and the points raised in this week’s sermon.

Reading

Acts 1 v 1 -11: In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Questions for group discussion

William Temple 1881–1944, English theologian and Archbishop famously said: “The Church is the only organization that exists solely for the benefit of non-members.’
In what ways do you think that St James exists for the benefit of non-members? Read Romans 10 v14: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”

If we are disciples of Christ, and are willing to put Christ above all else, then what stops us from talking about our faith with our family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. If the church is to grow, then we are the ones to tell of the Good News to those who need to hear it. Do we love others enough to share the Good News of Jesus with them?

The following defines Integral Mission. It is “the proclamation and demonstration of the gospel. It is not simply that evangelism and social involvement are to be done alongside each other. Rather, in integral mission our proclamation has social consequences as we call people to love and repentance in all areas of life. And our social involvement has evangelistic consequences as we bear witness to the transforming grace of Jesus Christ. If we ignore the world we betray the word of God which sends us out to serve the world. If we ignore the word of God we have nothing to bring to the world. Justice and justification by faith, worship and political action, the spiritual and the material, personal change and structural change belong together. As in the life of Jesus, being, doing and saying are at the heart of our integral task."

How well do we balance proclamation and demonstration of the gospel?
Micah 6 v 8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” How do we respond when we see issues of social justice in the world? If the Church is to grow, then those in the community need to see that we have at least an equal passion for issues of social justice as they do.

Prayer: Pray that the Holy Spirit will transform us so we are

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Discipleship: following in Christ’s footsteps so that we can hear what He is saying to us and live out His teaching.

What does Discipleship mean to you? Discuss this and the points raised in this week’s sermon

Reading

Luke 14 v 25-35

Questions for group discussion

Read again Matthew 28 v 19,20 which we looked at 3 weeks ago: “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.”

What do you think is the difference between a command to go and convert the world and the challenge to make disciples of all nations?

From our reading in Luke:

According to verses 26-28, what characterises a disciple? (It may help if you read Matthew 10 v 37)
What does Jesus encourage those who want to be His disciples to consider: v 28-32

Look at the following verses and think about the actions that Jesus says characterises a Disciple:

John 8 v 31 …………………….
John 13 v 34-35 …………………….
John 15 v 8 …………………….

Some thoughts about being a disciple: The disciple is a learner: In Luke 2 v 46, we see that as a youngster, Jesus was in the Temple siting among the teachers and asking questions. Have you ever reflected on what it means to be a life-long learner?

There is a cost to discipleship: Read Luke 9 v 57- 62 and ask the question of yourselves “What might it cost (or what has it cost) you to be a disciple of Jesus?”

Being a Disciple requires discipline: Read Hebrew 12 v 1-2 and ask yourselves the following questions:

What can get in the way of you finishing the race?
How should we run the race? What does your answer mean in practice?
In what ways does Jesus’s life motivate you to run the race?

Reflect on some of the questions that have been asked, and consider the question “How am I doing?” and depending on your answer to that question, what do you think needs to change in your life and what are you going to do about it?

Prayer: Pray for yourself, members of the group and those on the periphery to grow as disciples of Christ

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This week we take a break from our sermon series as we celebrate Harvest across our services.

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Integrity: in our actions, in our openness, in our honesty about ourselves and others, in our pursuit of making Jesus known and seeing God’s transforming presence at work in our lives and those around us.

What does showing integrity mean to you? Discuss this and the points raised in this week’s sermon.

Bible reading

Daniel 1 v 3-16: The king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favour and compassion to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.” Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” So, he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days, they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So, the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

Questions for group discussion

What specific tactics (v.3-7) were used to give Daniel and his friends a new Babylonian orientation? How do these tactics parallel the pressures Christians face today in a secular society?

Why were the food regulations of Old Testament law so important to Daniel (v.8-10). Was Daniel making a mountain out of a molehill?

I Kings 9 v 4-5: God speaking to Solomon says: ““As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’

What does it take to walk before God faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness?

Now, cast your mind back to Boris Johnson’s resignation in the Summer of 2022:

England's former Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, says he first thought about leaving Boris Johnson's Conservative government after hearing a sermon on integrity at a prayer breakfast in Parliament. He had previously given Mr Johnson the benefit of the doubt, he said. When Mr Javid quit, a wave of resignations followed. Mr Javid said that "It might sound a bit strange but I was listening to the sermon by this amazing man, Reverend Les Isaac - you know, he started Street Pastors. I was listening to him talking about the importance of integrity in public life and, just focusing on that, I made up my mind. "I went straight back to my office and drafted the resignation letter and went to see the prime minister later in the day."

Consider areas in your

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Text: Matthew 28 v 16-20

Jesus prayed that we may be ‘one so that the world might believe’. We know that our unity will persuade, convince and convict people of the divinity of Jesus. We therefore seek within the church to keep the unity in the bond of peace. We also know that no single church has the authority to begin to convince Bishop’s Stortford of the Lordship of Jesus. Therefore, we work for unity with the other churches of Bishop’s Stortford, seeking to complete each other’s work (and never to compete), to honour, to serve and promote the interests of each other.

The bible repeatedly calls us to seek justice, to serve the poor and care for creation which is groaning. We seek to have open hearts and hands to the poor of our parish, the town and to the disadvantaged and the developing world. We seek to do this through holistic mission, outreach and caring for our planet. We look for God-given projects which can give a face to this so that we can be an influence for good, making a difference in our town, and the wider world. Above all we look to our hearts that they may not be hardened, but overflow in acts of compassion to the poor and the poor in spirit.

We believe that our calling is, with others, to bring the Kingdom of God to our parish, our town, our region, our nation, to the ends of the earth and to all creation. We are aware of the extraordinary opportunity and responsibility represented by our hyper-connectedness. We long to see a move of God through our whole town. We aim, under God, to win, train and send labourers into this world-wide harvest field. We own our call, and that of our wider church family, to ‘proclaim the Gospel afresh in each generation.’

What does “Go” mean for you and for the Church? Discuss this and the points raised in this week’s sermon.

Prayer: Pray specifically that God will create opportunities by His Spirit for you to share your story.

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Text: Hebrews 5 v 11 – 6 v 3

From our Mission Action Plan

To follow Jesus is to be involved in a lifelong journey of learning from Him and striving to be more like Him. We learn principally from His Word, the bible, but we also learn from each other. We are called, as the people of God, to ministry and maturity. We believe that Christ will return for His church who has ‘made herself ready’ (Revelation 19). We seek to prepare the church by creating a community that is transformed by His love; we seek to love one another, serve one another, living transparent lives.

We want to be a family of God, committed to unity, loyalty and trust, encouraging one another and being ready to be led on further to live sacrificial lives in conformity to the Word of God.

The church is a body in which every member has a part to play. We are called to minister to one another through acts of service and also through spiritual gifts which God pours out on the Church. Whenever we meet, we are expectant that the Kingdom of God will come as people are healed and helped as we pray for one another. We encourage every member to be involved in ministry both within and outside the church. We believe ministry is pursued and exercised on our frontline whether at work, in our neighbourhood or at home. We are called to grow and become mature.

Maturity can come through teaching and training, exercising faith, suffering, obedience and consistent service. Evidence of growth includes fruitfulness in witness, growth in holiness, healing of past hurts, Christ-like character and the fruits of the Spirit. There are a number of important tools that lead to this process of growth. Engagement with, and practise of, spiritual disciplines and a developed opportunity to give and receive personal prayer ministry will always be a key principle running alongside any programming used to facilitate this.

What does it mean to grow towards maturity? Discuss this and the points raised in this week’s sermon.

Questions for group discussionConsider how your faith has changed over the years. Draw a graph with two axes – one for time and the other to reflect how you have grown in maturity over that timeline. Share with the group how your graph has changed over time and explain the key things that have impacted your growth towards maturity.

Read Colossians 1 v 28: “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.”

What does it mean to be a mature Christian? Think of the most mature Christian that you know. What are the things about that person that makes them different from anyone else?

One measure of spiritual maturity may be by the amount and quality of the fruit created, maybe what the Bible calls the fruit of the spirit. Read Galatians 5 v 22-23. Take it in turns to explain to the group what fruit of the Spirit you see in the lives of other members of the group.

What can I do to go deeper into God and to become more mature in my faith?

Prayer: Pray for each other to experience God’s presence in your lives as you go deeper with Him.

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Gather (Worship, Prayer, the Word & Community)

From our Mission Action Plan

We recognise that ‘the chief end of [humankind] is to worship God and enjoy Him forever’. We realise that worship is a matter of giving our lives as living sacrifices, and as such encompasses all our activity. Yet we know that time given in praise and intimacy with God is time when we are transformed into God’s likeness. We aim to give priority, privately and corporately, to being before God and giving Him worship.

Jesus cleansed the temple and called for His house to be a house of prayer for all nations. We recognise that we are living in a time of worldwide awakening for intercession on behalf of the whole creation which is groaning. We want to join in with this as a church and as individuals. We want our individual lives, our homes and our church to be places where priority is given to seeking God in prayer.

We recognise the authority of the Bible as the Word of God and seek to read it, meditate on it, and for our lives to be transformed according to its teachings. We seek to expound and teach the Scriptures publicly and from house to house. We seek to develop a hunger for the Word of God and to become a people who know their God through its teachings. We seek to teach the principles discovered in the Word of God in training courses to ‘equip the saints for the work of ministry’.

We believe that we, as the church, are called into community. We believe that we are saved, by Jesus, to be with His people. We believe the bible teaches us that churches; regularly gather (1 Corinthians 11:18. 14-23), strive to continue meeting together (Hebrews 10:25), meet in large gatherings (Acts 6) and in people’s homes (Acts 2). We believe that as the community of faith gathers together God is present, by His Spirit and lavishes spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:7-16, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10) on his children.

What does it mean to you to Gather? Discuss this and the points raised in this week’s sermon.

Reading

Hebrews 10 v 19 – 25: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Questions for group discussion

Some comments from Open Doors on the “Secret Church.” What would we do in the following circumstances: How can you be church, when you have no building? How do you worship, when you have to be silent? How can you learn from God’s Word, when you can’t get a Bible? How do you pray with others, when such meetings are banned?

During the pandemic, we weren’t able to meet together but, for millions of Christians across the world, that’s what life is like all the time. In many countries, they have never experienced worshipping with many others, or even sung to God in anything above a whisper. Yet wherever they meet – they find Jesus.

But how much more do we benefit when we meet together? So, now that we have emerged from Covid-19 restrictions, and can gather together again, surely, we should make this the highest priority and be inspired to really understand just how much we benefit by meeting together. Is that what is happening?

With a score out of 10, where 10 is extremely high, answer the following questions:

·

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Text: Colossians 4:2–18

Big Idea of the Message: Paul closes his letter with the reminder to be a person who prays and commends fellow believers. Prayer is vital to our life, and our life practices testify to many people—hence, the listing of “everyday” people and both their impact on Paul and their influence in the world.

Gather:

· Have you ever prayed and prayer and seen God answer it? (Share you experiences with each other)

· Spend some time worshipping God, asking Him to speak to you afresh. These songs maybe helpful:

o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENtL_li4GbE

o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izrk-erhDdk

Grow:

Read: Colossians 4:2–18

What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?

· Are there sections of the teaching on Sunday that you struggled with?

· Do you need to explore anything that was said further?

What does it mean to “put feet to your prayers”?
Of the things a believer is to do, seen in Colossians 4:2–6 which one poses the biggest challenge to you?
Is there a person you could befriend and either encourage them as a Christian or possibly help them become a believer?
If you were part of the church at Colossae, how would Paul have written about you as he closed his letter to the Colossians?

Go:

· Make the final preparations for your social event together. Name the people that you are hoping will attend. Pray for the details of your event. Prayer for the people who you hope to attend. Ask God to use each of you to grow His church and extend His Kingdom.

Spend some time sharing your own prayer needs and praying for each other.

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Text: Colossians 3:18–4:1

Big Idea of the Message: : After outlining basic Christian character traits, Paul focuses on individual responsibilities within the family. Besides basic behaviours, there are specific responsibilities for functions within God’s economy.

Gather:

· What has been the most challenging thing you have dealt with this week?

· Have someone play this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwdi3pnQ4aQ.

· Spend some time asking God to strengthen each of you as you continue to walk for Him.

Grow:

Read: Colossians 3:18–4:1

What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?

· Are there sections of the teaching on Sunday that you struggled with?

· Do you need to explore anything that was said further?

Explain how Christ is the example for each part of family. (For example, if I am a father or mother? Am I single, or married? Have my children left home? Do I have elderly family members to look after? How is Jesus my example?)
Does submission imply inferiority? Why or why not?
What is a positive, impactful action you have experienced from your parent?
How can one be an example of Christ at work?

Go:

This scene from the film Chef shows the perception of a child’s versus a father’s idea of fun in building the parent/child relationship: https://www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/chef/just-hanging-out.

· Talk about the issues it highlights that we can see in the world around us.

· Spend some time praying for the families, of all varieties, in our communities. Ask God to bless them. Pray for the work of Christian organisations working to strengthen family life, marriages and childhood all across our nation.

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Big Idea of the Message: With the acceptance of Christ alone as Saviour and life example, Paul encourages us to live the life of a believer. We are called to live a life that displays Christ to the world through his internal workings in our life.

Small Group Questions:

Gather:

· What are the things you are most thankful for?

· Allow you conversations to turn to worship as you thank God, together, for everything that He has given you.

Grow:

Read: Colossians 3:1–17

What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?

· Are there sections of the teaching on Sunday that you struggled with?

· Do you need to explore anything that was said further?

Why seek things that are above?
Biblically speaking, how do you live life and yet be dead at the same time?
Watch together this news story (you stop at 3:17 if you want/need to): https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/he-forgave-his-sons-killer-advocated-for-his-parole_us_5c645392e4b062b5debe547e.

Before you carry on talk about what struck you about the story that is told. What do you find challenging and difficult about it?

Why can forgiveness be so difficult? Have you had an experience of forgiving someone who hurt you greatly? How long did it take to get to forgiveness? How did you know you had finally forgiven?
Is it always easy to be thankful? Why or why not?
How can I pray for you?

Go:

Revisit your plans do something social and invite those who are not part of your group (and not Christians) to join you. Spend some time firming up plans, and praying for the details and invites you will need to make.

Share your prayer needs, and spend some time praying for one another. Make sure you look back to last week and celebrate the areas that God has answered your prayers.

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Text: Colossians 2:1–23

Big Idea of the Message: Christ is the powerful answer both to erroneous philosophy and empty ritual. Jesus has provided everything we need through the power of the cross.

Small Group Questions:

Gather:

· What was the best thing that happened to you this week? Why?

· Invite God to encounter each of you afresh, have someone play (either live or via this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izrk-erhDdk ) ‘My Hope is built on nothing less’.

o Spend some time worshipping God for who He is, what He has done.

o Perhaps set aside some time to pray for each other (as God leads you).

Grow:

Read: Colossians 2:1–23

What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?

· Are there sections of the teaching on Sunday that you struggled with?

· Do you need to explore anything that was said further?

What makes rituals empty?
What’s the difference between law and grace?
How can Christ answer the biggest challenge in today’s philosophical world?
Describe what the power of the cross did for you.

Go:

Without prayer we can do nothing, all our endeavours will amount to nothing. Spend some time together listing the activities, ministries and mission initiatives that you are each involved in – within the life of St James. (Perhaps have a large sheet of paper to write them all down on, or use the Zoom whiteboard facility).

Spend some time praying for each of those things. Pray that God would bless, and grow His church here in Thorley. Pray that God would extend His Kingdom.

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Text: Colossians 1:15–29

Big Idea of the Message: First, and foremost, in having a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ is to see Him as Lord of all, King of Kings. Paul gives us the foundational truths to understand the person of Jesus Christ (what theologians call Christology). So that we can understand the power and authority that can reign, through him, in my life.

Study Questions:

Gather:

· What is the first thing you do every morning? Why?

· Watch this clip: https://www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/les-miserables-2012/release-him.

o What are the issues of love and redemption that we see in this clip.

o Does it help us to see who God is, and what God has done for us in a fresh way?

o Pray and invite the Holy Spirit to be with you. Thank God for who He is, for what He has done in your lives.

Grow:

Read: Colossians 1:15–29

What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?

· Are there sections of the teaching that you struggled with?

· Do you need to explore anything that was said further?

When it comes to the person of Christ, what is the most difficult attribute for you to personally grasp? Why?
How do you think God created all things in the beginning.
How is the Son the image of the invisible God?
Who reveals the mystery that is God?
What does it mean in your life that Christ holds all things together?

Go:

As we approach the summer, what are the opportunities that you may have to do something social and invite those who are not Christians to join you. Could you run a board games evening, go for a walk, or host a quiz? Are there things that you can work on together to love your neighbour and BLESS the world around you?

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Text: Colossians 1:1–14

Big Idea: Paul opens his letter to Colossians with a prayer and an introduction to the power of Christ. To see Christ’s power in our lives, we must begin with a proper understanding of God’s Word, coupled with prayers for believers.

Small Group Questions

Gather:

Love them, or hate them, period dramas are big business for TV companies. What are some of your favourites and why? If you hate them, why? Do you find it easy to relate the issues raised in the historic crafted realities and intricacies of our everyday 21st Century lives?

Grow: Read Colossians 1:1-14

What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?

· Are there sections of the teaching on Sunday that you struggled with?

· Do you need to explore anything that was said further?

Think of a time that you have prayed for, and with, a friend. What spiritual strengths would you refer to, or ask for, as you pray?
If you were to ask for prayer. What spiritual strengths do you think others would refer to, or ask for, in their prayers for you?

· Do you find it easy to ask for prayer? Why?

· Do you think it is important? Why?

Share how it felt for you to be ‘translated’ from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. Were you consciously aware of this, or was it more of a subtle and continuous work of God in your life?

· This might be a good opportunity to either split into smaller groups, or ask some of the group to share their testimony with the group (it may be a good opportunity to practice the ‘S’ of BLESS!).

Why can understanding the Epistles be challenging in today’s world?

Spend some time in silence, have someone invite God (by His Holy Spirit) to be with you afresh and breathe life and passion into you all as you worship. Spend some time worshipping using this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENtL_li4GbE or another version of ‘In Christ Alone’ (perhaps get a group member to play it live and lead you all).

Ask God to continue to speak to you as you explore together Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Ask God to highlight areas in your own life in which you are tempted to compromise. Ask God for the strength to live for Christ alone.

Spend some time sharing prayer requests with one another and praying for each other.

Go:

Grab a(nother) cup of tea and talk again about the BLESS series we did before Easter. Can you remember what the letters stand for? Have you tried to use it? If not do you have other ideas that may work better in sharing your faith with those around you?

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Rain on me… Malachi 3 v 10

Aim: to realise that God wants to pour out the blessings of the Spirit on His people as per Malachi 3 v 10: “…see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” and then for us to decide how we will respond to that promise.

We need to know the floodgates of heaven opening for us and for God’s Spirit to rain down on us today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QLqyCzekEE

Readings: John 7 v 37-39: If anyone is thirsty…, Acts 2 v 1-21: The Holy Spirit comes

When the Spirit came at Pentecost, there were visible signs of his presence. What visible signs of the presence of the Spirit can we experience today?
When we see a movement of the Spirit should we expect to see such visible signs?
In Luke 24 v 49, Jesus told His disciples to wait in the city until they had been clothed with power from on high. Why do we no longer need to “wait in the city”? Acts 2 v 17.

As this week is Pentecost, it is an opportunity to pray to be filled anew by the Spirit. So let’s make sure that, as we come to the end of this series, we take time to pray for God’s blessing to be poured out.

If appropriate use the following song as a prayer of commitment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zEiiZi2DKk

There's nothing worth more, that will ever come close
No thing can compare, You're our living hope
Your Presence, Lord

I've tasted and seen, of the sweetest of Loves
Where my heart becomes free, and my shame is undone
In Your Presence

Holy Spirit You are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your Glory God is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your Presence Lord

Let us become more aware of Your Presence
Let us experience the Glory of Your Goodness

Holy Spirit You are welcome here

Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your Glory God is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your Presence Lord

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There are four main listings of the so-called gifts of the Spirit:

Diakoniai: ministries of the Spirit (I Cor 12 v 28): Apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, gifts of healings, helps, administration, tongues.

Charismata: gifts of grace (Romans 12 v 3 – 8): Prophecy, serving, teaching, exhortation, giving, organising, mercy

Domata: equippers of the saints (Ephesians 4 v 8 – 14): Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors/teachers.

Phanerosis: manifestation of the Spirit (I Cor 12 v 8 – 10): words of wisdom, words of knowledge, faith, gifts of healings, miraculous powers, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues.

Questions:

Which of the gifts referred to in 1 Corinthians 12 v 27 – 28 do you see as being most important for the church in the 21st century? …and for us at St James?
Why do you think some of the gifts might be of greater benefit than others? (1 Corinthians 12 v 29 – 31)
Many apparently successful charismatic ministries in the west have “gone off the rails.” What do you think might be the reason for this?
How can we avoid the potential risks that come with the development of a charismatic ministry?

What do we need to do to move on in the power of the Spirit – how do we encourage every member of the church to step out in their gifting, what lines of accountability are required to avoid some of the excesses that others have seen in their ministries. How exciting is the future for the church if we get this right!

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All Christians receive the Spirit, since Paul says in Romans 8 v 9: “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” Yet not every Christian is fulfilling their true potential. Every believer receives a spiritual gift or gifts from God, and these are for the good of the Church. But so often we fail to use our gifts. The Church only operates at maximum effectiveness when everyone is using their gifts. God does want us to use what we have and to desire more (I Cor 12 v 31, 14 v 1).

Paul lists nine gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12, although he mentions around 20 across Corinthians, Romans and Ephesians. Spiritual gifts are the expression of God’s grace at work, in the Church. They are manifestations of God’s power given by Him for the purpose of ministering for the common good.

Gifts of power:

Faith: Paul is referring to a special ability to trust God in the dark. When you see light at the end of the tunnel that is hope, when all you see is the tunnel that is when we need faith to trust God.
Healing: Mark 16 v 18 says “they will place their hands on sick people and they will get well.” We believe in the healing power of God, and often that gift is channeled through an individual.
Miracles: Perhaps this means the way that the Spirit so takes control of some Christians that their words and deeds have a particularly powerful impact for God.

Questions:

1 Corinthians 12 v 7 says: “Now to each one ...” How does this verse make you feel about the gifts talked about today?
How sure are we that each of our group has a spiritual gift?
Which of the gifts mentioned this week do you feel drawn to and called to develop as you own ministry?
With the gifts being covered this week, are there people in the Church that we feel are gifted by God in this way, who could be encouraged to develop in this gifting? [This may need to be discussed with Gaz].
How do you see the gifts discussed this week being developed and put into practice at St James?
How can these gifts be fully developed and spread amongst the whole church? (Numbers 11 v 17)
“Eagerly desire spiritual gifts…” (1 Corinthians 14 v 1). How eager are we? Explain your feelings.

If we look back over Church history, there are many cases when people have felt that they have no gifts of the Spirit or are disappointed that they do not have a particular gift and feel that they are a second class Christian. There are no second class Christians in the Kingdom of heaven and God will bless us all with gifts of the Spirit – we simply have to find the gifts that God has for us and start to use them.

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All Christians receive the Spirit, since Paul says in Romans 8 v 9: “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” Yet not every Christian is fulfilling their true potential. Every believer receives a spiritual gift or gifts from God, and these are for the good of the Church. But so often we fail to use our gifts. The Church only operates at maximum effectiveness when everyone is using their gifts. God does want us to use what we have and to desire more (I Cor 12 v 31, 14 v 1).

Paul lists nine gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12, although he mentions around 20 across Corinthians, Romans and Ephesians. Spiritual gifts are the expression of God’s grace at work, in the Church. They are manifestations of God’s power given by Him for the purpose of ministering for the common good. We are going to focus on 1 Corinthians 12 v 1-11, and we will look at the gifts of revelation:

Words of wisdom: the spoken application to a particular situation of God’s wisdom. It is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 3)
Words of knowledge: Paul is speaking of a revelatory word from God given to an individual but for the benefit of others, which through the specific word may well cut to the heart of the recipient.
Discernment: this is not just spiritual discernment in the broad sense of the term, but the varied abilities needed to discern whether a Spirit is from God or not. A vital gift in a charismatic church.

Questions:

1 Corinthians 12 v 7 says: “Now to each one ...” How does this verse make you feel about the gifts talked about today?
How sure are we that each of our group has a spiritual gift?
Which of the gifts mentioned this week do you feel drawn to and called to develop as you own ministry?
With the gifts being covered this week, are there people in the Church that we feel are gifted by God in this way, who could be encouraged to develop in this gifting? [This may need to be discussed with Gaz].
How do you see the gifts discussed this week being developed and put into practice at St James?
How can these gifts be fully developed and spread amongst the whole church? (Numbers 11 v 17)
“Eagerly desire spiritual gifts…” (1 Corinthians 14 v 1). How eager are we? Explain your feelings.

If we look back over Church history, there are many cases when people have felt that they have no gifts of the Spirit or are disappointed that they do not have a particular gift and feel that they are a second class Christian. There are no second class Christians in the Kingdom of heaven and God will bless us all with gifts of the Spirit – we simply have to find the gifts that God has for us and start to use them.

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All Christians receive the Spirit, since Paul says in Romans 8 v 9: “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” Yet not every Christian is fulfilling their true potential. Every believer receives a spiritual gift or gifts from God, and these are for the good of the Church. But so often we fail to use our gifts. The Church only operates at maximum effectiveness when everyone is using their gifts. God does want us to use what we have and to desire more (I Cor 12 v 31, 14 v 1).

Paul lists nine gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12, although he mentions around 20 across Corinthians, Romans and Ephesians. Spiritual gifts are the expression of God’s grace at work, in the Church. They are manifestations of God’s power given by Him for the purpose of ministering for the common good. We are going to focus on 1 Corinthians 12 v 1-11, and we will look at the gifts communication:

Prophecy is a direct word from God for the particular situation through the mouth of one person. Prophecy helps to edify or build up the whole Church, and we are all encouraged to pray for this gift.
The gift of tongues is the ability to speak in a language that the speaker has not learnt, and does not understand, but which helps in a new dimension of prayer life, either in private or in Church.
Interpretation of tongues is the ability that the Spirit gives to someone to give the sense of what has been said in Church in an unknown tongue, in which case there should always be an interpretation.

Questions:

1 Corinthians 12 v 7 says: “Now to each one ...” How does this verse make you feel about the gifts talked about today?
How sure are we that each of our group has a spiritual gift?
Which of the gifts mentioned this week do you feel drawn to and called to develop as you own ministry?
With the gifts being covered this week, are there people in the Church that we feel are gifted by God in this way, who could be encouraged to develop in this gifting? [This may need to be discussed with Gaz].
How do you see the gifts discussed this week being developed and put into practice at St James?
How can these gifts be fully developed and spread amongst the whole church? (Numbers 11 v 17)
“Eagerly desire spiritual gifts…” (1 Corinthians 14 v 1). How eager are we? Explain your feelings.

If we look back over Church history, there are many cases when people have felt that they have no gifts of the Spirit or are disappointed that they do not have a particular gift and feel that they are a second class Christian. There are no second class Christians in the Kingdom of heaven and God will bless us all with gifts of the Spirit – we simply have to find the gifts that God has for us and start to use them.

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This week we explore how every Christian and every Church needs to experience the power of the Spirit if they are to fulfil their God given calling.

Readings: Mark 16 v 14-20, Acts 19 v 1-6

In the New Testament in Greek, the Holy Spirit is described as Paracletos (or Paraclete) John 14:16 meaning the one called alongside – a counsellor, a comforter and an encourager. Jesus says “I will ask the Father and He will give you another counsellor to be with you forever.” The word for “another” means “of the same kind,” ie the Holy Spirit is just like Jesus.

Questions:

Why do you think Jesus had to go away for the Spirit to come? John 16 v 7
Do you realise that as a believer the Holy Spirit lives in you? (Romans 8 v 9 and 1 Corinthians 3 v 16). Is there anything that you should do differently in life knowing that you are a temple of the Holy Spirit?
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer?
How does the coming of the Spirit change someone’s life?
Ezekiel explains that it is God who says: “... you will be clean” and “I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees.” How open are we to receive the Spirit into our hearts to change our lives in this way? Describe what it feels like to you to have had a change of your spiritual heart?
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in mission?
What experiences do we have of signs accompanying believers today (Mark 16 v 17)? Would it be wrong to be expectant about such signs?

As we start the journey to “Re-discovering the Holy Spirit” at St James, are we willing to allow God to equip us and release the power of His Spirit through us? Are we ready for all that God can do by his Holy Spirit. As we go deeper with God, we will find that He wants to give us gifts of the Spirit to build our own spiritual lives. We will all be given gifts; He is a good God, and we are to use those gifts to help build the Kingdom of God and to build the Church.

These are exceptional times. If we are to be effective in our Christian service, we need the power of the Spirit.

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In 1894 Lord Kelvin, a physicist, took the stage at the British Association for the Advancement of Science. Kelvin vocalised a claim being made much more widely in the field of science. “There is nothing new to be discovered in physics. All that remains is more and more precise measurement.” I think that this was what Lord Kelvin thought that he had ‘dropped the mic’ when in reality he had dropped the ball! Eleven years later Einstein burst on to the scene and turned everything that physics had discovered on its head. It was a paradigm shift that transformed the way we see the world. That’s what paradigm shifts do, they change the way we see the world.

A Crown for an Apron

One of the last times that Jesus gathered with His followers we experience one of these paradigm shifts. In the upper room, with His friends, he turned on its head the long held belief that if you want to be blessed you need to look out for yourself and put yourself first. Knowing who He was, knowing whose He was, knowing the authority He had; He set His crown aside and picked up an apron. The one who sat in the highest position stooped down to serve.

Serving a deaf man

Mark tells us many stories of people Jesus encountered on His travels. In chapter 7 we learn of a deaf man who met Jesus. We begin to see lessons emerge about how we serve others:

1. Proximity

We read in 7:32 that the people Jesus served were right in from of Him. He mostly served those who were near Him, in close proximity. (We read in 7:31 that there were exceptions to this.) Almost without exception the people that God is sending us to serve will be in close proximity to us.

2. Personally

In v33 we read that Jesus took the deaf to one side, away from the crowd. I’ve played enough rugby to know that being called to one side is not a good thing – most of the time! But that’s not what Jesus is up to here. I think Jesus knows that the deaf mans speech impediment would have caused the crowd to ridicule him. He spares him, before he heals him – he hears him and serves him personally.

3. Powerfully

Jesus then cries ‘be opened’ and the man is healed. When Jesus served, he accessed God’s power. We know that the New Testament promises that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. When we serve we encounter people who are sick, lost, bound and broken; our answer to that, our only real answer, is the power of God. When we serve, we also pray.

What do you need to put down to serve someone?

What are some of the things that we are holding on to that are preventing us from serving those around us? What is the crown that I need to put down? Is it my pride? Is it my time? Is it my comfort? Is it my convenience?

I think that when we begin with prayer, listen, and share meals with people we will be presented more opportunities to serve those around us than we can count. Almost without fail, because this has become so counter cultural, the question will arise – “what makes you so different?” At that point we finally have enough trust to share our story.

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What does it mean to both celebrate Easter, and live in it's freedom every other day of the year?

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Storytelling is an art. Every great story has characters, a plot, some conflict and a resolution. Without these elements our stories can easily become rambling, disconnected and uninteresting. We often think, and feel, that in order to answer the questions of those around us about life, science, faith and God we need to be expert in lots of different things. We don’t, we need to engaging in the way we tell our own story. Whether you have a dramatic story to tell, or one that feels more mundane – can we communicate just what Jesus has done to transform our lives. Have we ever tried. Can we simply articulate what my life was like before I met Jesus, how I met Him and the difference He has made since then? That the story that those around us want us to be an expert in.

Jesus shares His story

The pharisees were are group of religious leaders who upheld the law, at all costs and above everthing else. We meet them all through the Gospels, usually complaining at Jesus or accusing Him of being a drunkard because He spent so much time with sinners. One of this group, Nicodemus, has heard enough of what Jesus has been saying to be more than interesting. He wants to know more and so comes to see Jesus – in the dead of night (presumably so no-one will see him!).

Why are we so reluctant to share our story?

There is that famous saying attributed to Francis of Assisi (although he almost certainly never actually said it), “preach the Gospel, using words were necessary.” If we are going to bless our neighbours and change the world, words will be necessary. So, why are we so reluctant to use them? Here are some of the common reasons we give:

1. I just don’t have what it takes.

2. I don’t want to impose my beliefs on my friends and family.

3. Sharing my stories makes me feel uncomfortable.

I was blind but now I see

In John 9 we read of the account of Jesus encountering (and healing) a blind man. He couldn’t contain his excitement (or his story) at what Jesus had done for him. When we hear the story of what happens, we see that the blind man (who can now see) hasn’t even tried to fully explain what has happened to him. I’m sure he was probably a bit wary about sharing the spitting part, but he couldn’t contain the story of how his life had been completely transformed.

There are things we can’t explain, things we struggle work out – but our story is that we’ve chosen to stake our life on Jesus anyway. That’s our story, and it’s always compelling.

Telling my story

One of the best ways to overcome most of discomfort, and our questions is to be ready for how we will tell our story – when we’re asked. Here’s a really simply way:

1. My life before Jesus.

“I was blind” the man said. This is who He was before he met Jesus.

2. How I met Jesus.

“He put mud on my eyes” the man went on to say. This is how he met Jesus.

3. My life since I met Jesus.

“I was blind…but now I see” is how he describes his life because of Jesus.

Am I really ready to B.L.E.S.S. my neighbours and change the world? I have a story to tell, am I prepared, or am I scared to tell it?

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I am sure if we were to ask what the best type of food is, or what the best restaurant in the world is – even the most conservative group of people would soon find themselves deep in conversation and debate. Food elicits powerful emotions in us, despite this we have often failed to understand the power of food – and more specifically, the power of eating together. Something special happens when we gather around a table.

Eating with sinners

We see the importance of food, and power of eating together, time and time again in the life of Jesus. In spite of this, I would guess that if we were to consider how Jesus blessed people when he walked the face of earth, I expect we would answer in healings and teachings – but would eating with them make the list? I know it sounds crazy, but one of the ways that Jesus blessed the world around Him was by…eating. As we read the Gospels (John 2:1-12, Luke 14:13-21, Luke 22:7-20, John 21:1-14) we see that it is central in the message and mission of Jesus to communicate God’s love to everyone He meets.

Matthew writes (in Matt 9:9-13) how he encounters Jesus and how Jesus invites himself for food. They were then joined by a who’s who of veritable undesirables from the local area. They deepen their relationship around the table and then Jesus asks Matthew to follow Him. Eating together breaks down relational barriers quicker than pretty much anything else we can do.

Excuses, Excuses!

Like any simple idea, the first thing I do is think of all of the reasons why this wouldn’t work. So, let’s rehearse some of the common excuses (not reasons) we make:

1. I don’t like having people in my home.

“I don’t like my house,” “I don’t know how to cook,” “I don’t have a table.” If being at home with others is a problem; eat out! Find a place to eat or do what Jesus did and get yourself invited somewhere else to eat! If you don’t cook – order in. Don’t think that eating together means fine dining and a 9-course meal! It’s not about what you’re eating, or even where – it’s about who you are eating with!

2. I wouldn’t know what to say.

We all get anxious to a certain degree in social situations; more so as we haven’t really had many of them in the last 2 years! Remember that this comes after listening to those around you! Learn what to say by keeping on listening; even have some questions prepared (where did you grow up? What do you do for fun? What jobs have you done? Where did you meet? What’s your biggest dream for the future…etc..?), should you find yourself in all out panic mode.

3. I don’t have the time.

I regularly work 80-90 hour weeks, I barely have time to catch up with myself. I get this, this is my excuse. However, as many will attest due to my size, I rarely (if ever) miss a meal. As regular as clockwork I find time to eat 3 times a day. Sometimes it’s inviting someone else to join you in what you’d be doing anyway – it doesn’t need special prep, or to be anything out of the ordinary: a sandwich in the canteen at work, a cereal bar after the school run – it all counts!! (Even if that is all too much, try starting with coffee (real coffee) and cake!)

The Power of Sharing a Meal

What would it look like to set aside 1 or 2 meals (out of 21) to sit and eat with others? Imagine the difference it would make to us, and the world around us. The increase in connection, and of people feeling both loved and significant. It would change the world.

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We live in a world in which we don’t really listen to each other, most of the time we barely wait for each other to finish before we shout over each other (look at the delights of discourse on social media as a case in point). There’s an old saying, “the opposite of listening isn’t speaking, it’s waiting to speak.” How often do you find yourself mid conversation and rather than listening, you’re cueing up what you are going to say next? I’m sure we’ve all been on the other end of that as well – feeling frustrated and unheard.

Let’s think about another example. Having to call for support for one of the many household items we each own. We get through, and are presented with the pre-selected options. I need none of them, so I wait. I’m just about to give up when the voice kicks in “your call is very important to us….” I’m sure I’m not alone in screaming “not important enough for you actually pick up the phone!”

That’s the crux of the issue for us. When we, or the people in our lives, feel unheard and unknown it always leads to them feeling unloved. If we want to love our neighbours and bless those whom God has placed around us, we need to be intentional about listening and listening to understanding.

Jesus as a listenerJesus was motivated by love for everyone He encountered. He performed miracles, he taught mind-blowing truth but he took time over and over and over again to model His love in the simple, practical and profound way; he listened.

Luke tell us of the story of Jesus encountering the blind beggar in 18:35-42. Jesus didn’t wake up that morning and think there’s someone who needs healing today. He was on his way to Jericho (a stop off on His way Jerusalem for the Passover feast). It was busy, it was noisy and in the midst of crowd Jesus hears ‘have mercy on me’. Amid the commotion Jesus hears one single voice. Confronted with this blind man – He didn’t just say “be healed” we know where this is going – don’t we?! Instead he asks, he wants to hear. He wants to listen. He doesn’t assume. It tells us something significant and profound about Jesus, He has time for people. He wants to know them. If we want to imitate Him – we need to follow Him. Slow down, put the phone/tablet down, turn off the TV and give our full attention to those around us.

The opposite of our earlier equation is also true; heard plus known always equals loved!

Listen to the heart.In 1816 Renee Laenec, a French doctor who was uncomfortable with placing his ear on women’s chests to listen to their hearts, invented the stethoscope. He was famous for saying “if you use this tool, don’t stop listening to your patients – they will tell you how to heal them.” When we say Listen, it isn’t just about the words that come out of our neighbour’s mouths it is about listening to the hearts of those around us. They will tell us what they want, what they need. We don’t need to assume; we just need to stop long enough to listen.

Listen to places.It’s not just the people around us we can listen to, but to the heartbeat of the place around us. We see Paul do this in Acts 17; he stops to hear the heartbeat of the city of Athens. He observed their values and spoke into the centre of that. Paul listened for the 4 P’s:

1. Pain

2. Pennies

3. Power

4. Parties

Some of us may be thinking, “begin with prayer” and “listen” that you were expecting something more action orientated. Don’t let this drive allow you to underestimate the power, and necessity, of Beginning with prayer and Listening deeply.

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I can’t change the world. You can’t change the world, even prayer can’t change the world. Only God can change the world. When we pray we often find that God does change us, and sends us to change the world around us.

Love begins with prayer. There are loads of times that I can think back to when in the process of chatting to a friend, I’ve realised that through the struggles and the pain that they are sharing what they need to experience is the love of God. My usual reaction is to answer that by telling them it. It’s never really worked yet. On the occasions that I’ve taken that call action to be a call to prayer – God always uses it to transform that situation. To use that conversation. To develop that relationship.

Crazy things begin with prayer. Corrie Ten Boom said “We can never know how God will answer our prayers, but we can expect that He will get us involved in His plan for the answer.” Sometimes when God gets us involved outlandish and powerful things start to happen.

Jesus begins with prayer. It wasn’t just how Jesus began His day. But His entire ministry! We read in Luke 4 that Jesus, following His baptism was led into the wilderness. To do what? To pray. In Luke 6 we read that Jesus went to pray before selecting the disciples. I’m sure it can’t just be me who would have been tempted to skip the prayer part and pick my favourite friends?

It isn’t always that simple though, and there are many (shared) reasons why we don’t pray all that often – even if we sometimes suggest we do.

1. I don’t know how to pray.

2. I’m too busy.

3. I doubt it (or know it doesn’t) work.

There are loads of reasons why we choose not to pray. But if we want to truly love our neighbour and change the world, that always starts with prayer. It was true for Jesus and it is true for us.

How do we Begin with prayer?

We use these 4 Ps…

1. Plan

2. Prepare

3. Places

4. People

It will change your life as well!

As we pray, little by little we find that as well as changing the situations we face, God also changes us. He shapes us more and more into the people that He created us to be. Following Jesus isn’t meant to be comfortable. It is meant to be life changing. There is no telling where He might send us and what He might send us to do!

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For many of us, when we have been transformed by the love of God, we can’t help but wonder how everyone in the world doesn’t know about it! But how do we share our faith without scaring off our closest family members and friends. How do we speak clearly about the faith I have, without offending those around me? For most of us the “evangelism” is intimidating, and often stops us dead in our tracks. We can’t really picture how to do it, and have no real imagination for how it could be done effectively.

This lent we will explore together whether a simpler, more organic approach to this may help us fulfil the great commission – in a way that doesn’t seem debilitating, and can be included in the many regular practises of our lives.

What would it look, and feel, like to go about our lives making the most of the everyday opportunities we have to share the things that are important to us. Can learning to B.L.E.S.S. our neighbours really change the world. Could it be as simple as Beginning with prayer, Listen, Eat, Serve and telling my Story?

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This week Malcolm wraps up our series on Joshua 1-6; challenging us to get serious about being ready to "Go."

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Chris helps us continue our journey through the first 6 chapters of Joshua, exploring what it means for us to enter the land that God has promised us. Are we prepared to fall facedown? To surrender our all to His will and to His way?

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This week Katharine uses the first section of Joshua chapter 5 (v1-12) to ask us how dedicated we are to the work of God in our lives. Do we find ourselves ready, set or itching to get going?

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Unusually this week Gaz has recorded a podcast that isn't taken from the teaching slot at our 10.30 service.

Both our 9am service and 10.30am service deal with the same issues and readings as this podcast. You may find it helpful to find the content from these; either live (live.stjamesthorley.church) on Sunday 6th February or On Demand by visiting our YouTube Channel (search: YouTube St James Thorley).

What are the things that you cling on to from your past, the things that help you to remember how faithful God has been to you? Are they things that allow you look to the future that God has for you with confidence, or do they dominate your view and keep you focussed on your past?

As you look at your life do you see yourself as someone whose best days are behind them, or someone who - because of the work God is doing in you - is a shadow of your future self?

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This week we continue our journey through the first six chapters of the book of Joshua. Looking at what God can do and how we view this.

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This is the first teaching in our new series on Joshua, chapter 1-6. We're looking at what it means to journey into the promised land. This week we will have an overview of the series, the book of Joshua as well as a more in depth look at the themes of Joshua chapter 1.

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This is part of our teaching series on Joshua, Chapters 1-6, exploring the theme of 'Into the promised land.'

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