Highland International Church: Recent Episodes
Highland International Church
Messages from God's word from the Highlands of Scotland brought to you by James Torrens. Website: https://www.hicinverness.org.uk
The third in our series from Habakkuk, The Trials and Triumph of Faith, "The Prophet's Double-Vision" Habakkuk 2 v 6 -20
A message from Habakkuk 1 v 1 - 11. The first ten minutes of the sermon were not recorded, not deliberately but due to an oversight
A message based on the 2nd petition of the Lord's Prayer. A bird's eye view of the kingdom of God
A message from the first petition of the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be your name, Luke 11 v 2
A message from Luke 10 v 7 to 16. The conduct of kingdom workers, the content of kingdom work and the consequences of rejecting the King
Steve Osmond from Solas CPC opens up John 1 v 1 to 18 about Jesus the Word of God and Word of Life
A further exploration of the topic of divine election following last week's look at the opening verses of Malachi. John 17 v 1 - 5; Ephesians 1 v 3 - 8a; Romans 8 v 28 - 30
A message from the Bible showing how God is the ultimate source and provider of our daily bread and how, through Jesus, he calls us to:
-
Pray to him for our daily bread
-
Thank him for our daily bread
-
Trust him for our daily bread
A message from Luke 9 v 37 to 45. The King of Glory comes from and with his majesty into our misery to show us mercy
A message from Luke 9 v 28 - 36 on the Transfiguration of Jesus: The King's glory, the King's path to glory and our response to the King of glory
A message from Luke 9 v 18 - 17 on the King's identity, the King's destiny and the King's disciples
A message from Luke 9 v 10 - 17: An unexpected interruption, welcomed by Jesus; an unexpected challenge, set by Jesus; and an unexpected meal, anticipated in the Old Testament and provided by Jesus
John Pickering opens up aspects of John 9 and other passages to unfold the meaning of this famous answer to the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism
Saving lives at sea: The man who calmed the storm and frightened the disciples. In this short but dramatic episode we learn something about Christian obedience, something about Jesus Christ and something about Christian faith.
Ecclesiastes 12 v 9 - 12 on the dual authorship of Scripture, the pleasant and painful truth of Scripture and the sufficiency of Scripture
On the day we say farewell to our Ukrainian friends, we hear from God's word in Philippians 4 v 6, 7 and his antidote to anxiety
Ecclesiastes 11 v 7 to 12 v 8. A message for the young before they grow old and for the old before the silver cord is severed
A second look at Eccles 11 v 1 to 6 which encourages us to take the long view, the wide view and the diligent all-day view when it comes to acting with the courage of faith - as Jesus did on Palm Sunday, John 12 v 12 - 26
Ecclesiastes 8 v 2 - 17. Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's, said Jesus. But what does that mean in practice? The Teacher helps us with his wisdom in 8 v 2ff
Why is the day of death better than the day of birth? And why it is not wise to ask 'Why were the old days better than these?' Addressing these and other questions, the Teacher Qoheleth, points us to Wisdom's better way.
Ecclesiastes 5 v 5 to 20. The false promises of wealth regarding our satisfaction, sleep and security, and the generous goodness of God who gives us life and every good thing for our enjoyment, as we put our hope in him
At the dawn of a new year, looking forward into 2024, God's word teaches us that he is the Lord who in Jesus Christ goes before us, goes with us and fights for us to win the victory. A story of redemption whose earlier chapters prepare the way for the final fulfilment and denouement with the coming of Christ
The Gift of Life: God has come to us in Jesus Christ to give us life, fellowship and joy
Isaiah 42 v 1 to 9. The Servant's identity, mission and manner. "As a mother is tenderest to the most diseased and weakest child, so does Christ most mercifully incline to the weakest." Richard Sibbes
Eccles 5 v 1 to 7, teaching us when it comes to the worship of God, we should listen more than we speak and when we do speak we should be careful what we promise
The title for this week's sermon comes from David Gibson's excellent book on Ecclesiastes: "Destiny - Learning to live by preparing to die."
David Hendrickse opens up more of the puzzling, perplexing but brutally honest book of Ecclesiastes under the headings of: Wisdom's incapability, wisdom's investigation, wisdom's demise and God gives.
In this first message from Ecclesiastes 1 v 1 to 11, we learn what kind of book Ecclesiastes is and what message the author, under God, is trying to get across by looking at a key phrase, a key word and a key question.
Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the bible but, as Derek Kidner says, its reach is enormous. It gives us the reason for our mission to the world being a mission to the world; it gives us the heart of the message that we share on that mission; and it gives us the motivation and goal of that mission. All in 2 verses!
Luke 7 v 1 to 17. With his word, Jesus heals the centurion's servant and raises the widow of Nain's son back to life. "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live." John 5 v 24, 25
Luke 6 v 46 to 49. Jesus asks, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do what I say?" As Charles Spurgeon has said, "If your theology doesn't change your behaviour, it will never change your destiny."
Luke 6 v 6 to 11 shows us the personal courage of Christ, the powerful compassion of Christ and the primary concern of Christ - much to the Pharisees' fury as they see the Lord of the Sabbath prove that he is the Lord of the Sabbath
From Luke 5 v 27 - 32, we see the call Jesus makes, the company Jesus keeps and the cure Jesus brings
Luke 5 v 12 to 16. Humble faith, powerful mercy and Jesus who fulfils all righteousness
Jesus the Son of God and Son of Adam won a victory over the devil in the wilderness, so that we the sons and daughters of the first Adam might share in the spoils of victory of the Second and Last Adam, the man Jesus Christ. But how does Jesus' victory for us work itself out in us and through us in our own fight against temptation?
A hotel fire alarm cut short the recording of the sermon, even though we did get back in very quickly to complete our service of worship. If anyone wants my notes {James Torrens} for the rest of the message please get in touch
David Hendrickse opens up Luke 3 v 21-38 looking at the baptism of Jesus and his family tree
The meaning of John's baptism, what true repentance looks like and what the true Messiah looks like
The stage is set for the beginning of Jesus' public ministry - So John comes to prepare the way for the Lord, God's salvation for all people
Dr Luke wants Theophilus - and us- to know the certainty of the things we have been taught - about Jesus and the good news of the Gospel
The final episode in the Jonah drama shows us the reluctant prophet getting angry with the wideness of God's mercy and being taught a lesson about the greatness of God's mercy. The question is, though, will Jonah learn his lesson? And will we?
Jonah 1 v 17 to 2 v 10 How a great God's sovereign grace saves some sailors and a sinful servant
This is the first in a new series from the book of Jonah, a gripping story about a great God who is sovereign and has a heart of grace for the nations. The overall title for the series is 'The wideness of God's mercy'. This recording was made using a phone which explains the crackles and coughs and whistles!
David Hendrickse opens up Luke 2 v 41 to 52 with Jesus as a 12 year old boy staying behind at the Temple in Jerusalem during Passover
Philippians 4 v 4 - 7. Paul says in Philippians 4 that we are to 'rejoice in the Lord always' - but in a world of suffering and pain, what does he mean? And how is it possible?
Zecharaiah's song of praise in Luke 1 v 57 - 79 proclaims Jesus as the horn or champion of salvation - but what does that mean?
An Advent message from Luke 1 v 26 - 38. The Promise, the Problem and the Power - and what our response should be
David Hendrickse opens up Isaiah 9 and its advent message of light and joy because of the coming Child who is Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
John 15 v 1 to 8. The first in two messages, looking at the importance of fruitfulness as a mark of genuine discipleship
Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote 'To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive.' And a Professor of Practical Theology once said 'The journey is more important than the destination'. I wonder what you think? In John 14 v 1 - 6 Jesus gives us his answer to both these statements, an answer that is also his prescription for troubled hearts.Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote 'To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive.' And a Professor of Practical Theology once said 'The journey is more important than the destination'. I wonder what you think? In John 14 v 1 - 6 Jesus gives us his answer to both these statements, an answer that is also his prescription for troubled hearts.
God promises to deal with the greatest problem humanity faces - and in Jesus Christ the promise comes true
Jesus tells two short stories - parables that illustrate the infinite worth of the Kingdom of heaven and what those who know its true value are willing to pay - everything! Matthew 13 v 44 to 46
Jesus says 'Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and not be able to.' Luke 13 v 22 to 30
In this parable of the wedding banquet, Jesus warns us of the danger of rejecting the King's gracious invitation to his Son's wedding feast, as well as the foolishness of thinking we can accept it on our own terms. But he also tells us that his Father's invitation goes out to everyone and anyone - good or bad. Everything is ready! Are you? Matthew 22 v 1 - 14
Looking at the last part of the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 or, to use Tim Keller's title, The Prodigal God. Here we see the deadly danger of being good. The elder son was just as lost as his younger brother, but Jesus leaves the question hanging - will he join the celebration at the Father's feast of grace or not?
How deep the Father's love for us - as the younger son found when he returned home to find his Father, whom he had insulted, running towards him and embracing him. The deal the son had come up with died in his throat when brought face to face with the Father's amazing grace. So too for anyone who comes to God the Father in a spirit of conviction, confession and repentance - no matter how badly we have insulted him and sinned against him. You cannot make a deal with grace - you can only receive it, wonder at it and rejoice in it.
Luke 15 v 1 - 10 - Grace in action shows Jesus with his attractive and offensive love for sinners. Grace defended demonstrates that Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. Grace delighted in opens the door on the joy in heaven over every sinner who repents
David Hendrickse opens up John 20 to help us see the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus and the consequences that flow from it
Website
Youtube
James Torrens teaches on the 3 R's of Easter, that Jesus has Risen, is Ruling and will Return.
Website
Youtube
David Hendrickse preaches to us all on Daniel chapter 11 v 36 - 12 v 13
Website
Youtube
David Hendrickse brings us the message from Daniel 10 v 1 - 11 v 1
Website
Youtube
James Torrens tackles Daniel 9 v 20 - 27 in this week's sermon.
Website
Youtube
David Hendrickse takes us back to Daniel 7 in his sermon this week.
Website
Youtube
James Torrens brings you a message for the new year from Genesis 22 v 1 - 19.
Website
Youtube
James Torrens speaks from Matthew chapter 1 v 18 - 25 and interviews one of our mission partners Dawn Jackson during our all-age Christmas carol service from the 19th December 2021
Website
Youtube
For this second Sunday in Advent we go back to the prophet Micah, 700 years Before Christ, to hear his prophecy of hope amidst the darkness of the Lord's judgement on his sinful people. In Micah 2 v 12, 13 we see how the Lord himself will gather the scattered children of God to make them one and be the King who breaks open the way and goes before them, something that Jesus Christ has done for us through his life, death, resurrection and ascension
On this first Sunday in Advent, Peter Humphris opens up the message of Lamentations 3 v 1 - 33 showing us how: Disappointments (often) find their origin in the character of God (verses 1 - 18); disappointments find their purpose in the covenant love of God (verses 19 - 30); disappointments find their fulfilment in the compassion of God (verses 31 - 33).
John Calvin, the 16th century Reformer, famously called this world the 'theatre of God's glory'. But what is glory? And why did God create this world as a theatre of his glory? And what part are we as humans called to play in this theatre of glory? This message seeks to answer those 3 questions. Bible readings for this message were Isaiah 43 v 1 – 7; Isaiah 49 v 1 – 3; 2 Corinthians 4 v 4 – 6
David Hendrickse asks what it means for humans to be made in the image of God and the relevance that has for our place in God's world and the work that we do
God's verdict on creation - good, very good! - teaches us that God, as Douglas Kelly has said, loves material reality. And despite the presence of sin in the world, Paul's words to Timothy teach us that the created order is still good and to be received with thanksgiving 1 Timothy 4 v 4
If we are to make sense of the world and our place in it - including knowing how to respond to the challenges posed by climate change and the apocalyptic warnings given by some - then we need to begin at the beginning. The opening words of Genesis give us a solid foundation and mean that, as Christians, we are neither passive nor panic-stricken.
Listen to David Hendrickse as he opens up Daniel chapter 6 for us and shows us the king who couldn't save and the God who could - and still does today.
Daniel 5 - a sober warning of how God acts - and will act - to judge those who persist in dishonouring his name. Belshazzar's feast was a blasphemous affair. This, despite Belshazzar knowing that had happened to Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4). God's judgement came upon him, as it will for every sinner who is weighed in the balances of God's righteousness and justice and found wanting - which is all of us. But thankfully for those who lift their eyes to God for mercy, the good news is that in Jesus Christ the scales are tipped in our favour.
In Daniel 4 we are told 3 times of the God who is sovereign over the kingdoms of this earth and who gives them to anyone he pleases. It was a lesson King Nebuchadnezzar was slow to learn. His was a life centred on 'I, me and my'. So we see in Daniel 4 how God in his mercy deals with the problem of pride by humbling Nebuchadnezzar out of his pride, so that the king of Babylon learns to sing a new song to the glory of God and the King of heaven
David Hendrickse opens up Daniel 3 and asks us which version of heaven will we live for.
In a world of confusion, uncertainty and fear, we need more than a 'Covid booster' - we need a 'confidence booster' and more especially a 'confidence booster in God.' The story in Daniel 2 gives us that by its injection of God's word, administered by the Spirit, showing us two things:
-
What kind of God God is
-
What kind of future lies ahead for this world and for God's people
Here is a postscript to last week's message from Daniel 2 focussing on v 25 to 30 and addressing the question, Does God still speak through dreams today?
In Daniel chapter 2 we see the most powerful man in Babylon powerless and the wisest men clueless when it comes to knowing and interpreting Nebuchadnezzar's dream. "There is no one on earth who can do what the king asks!" But there is a God in heaven who can and, unlike the false gods, he does dwell with the lowly and contrite in spirit (Isaiah 57 v 15) - with men like Daniel and his friends. And to Daniel God reveals what Nebuchadnezzar's dream is and what it means. Which means that not only are Daniel and his friends' lives saved but so too are the lives of the not-so-wise wise men. And that's a picture of the mercy and grace of God, who revealed his wisdom supremely in and through Jesus Christ, so that those who are by nature objects of his wrath (all of us who are sinners) might be saved from death and condemnation and given everlasting life.
The book of Daniel takes us on a journey from Jerusalem to Babylon and helps us to learn how to sing the Lord's song in a strange land (Ps 137). It teaches us one big message: that, despite appearances and whatever our situation, God is sovereign; and has one big aim: to encourage us to trust God and be true to him in all circumstances, however difficult and challenging.
Psalm 126 is a Psalm of two halves - but both are focussed on the Lord who has done great things for us and has promised to do them again.
Paul's last words to his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica brings him to the blessing of grace - not grace as a 'thing' like some kind of magic powder to be sprinkled on your cornflakes or spiritual caffeine to give you wings - but the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace bound up with the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. That's what the Thessalonians needed to keep following the way of Christ in the face of opposition and persecution and that's what we need too as we face whatever each new day brings us
At the end of his letter, Paul prays for his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 5 v 23, 24). His prayer is grounded in the character of God, its goal is nothing less than their thorough-going holiness and his horizon, as he prays, is filled with a vision of the return of the Lord Jesus in all his glory. And it's that perspective which means Paul's priorities in prayer are often very different from our own.
We are to test all things in order to hold on to that which is good, 1 Thess 5 v 21. In the context of 1 Thess 5, this means testing or weighing carefully any ministry or message that claims to be from God or to be a ministry of the Word of God. This is not an invitation to be become a heresy hunter or a self-righteous nit-picker. But Scripture itself gives us 5 ways in which we can humbly and wisely assess any ministry or message so that we may hold fast to the good and reject that which is false and evil.
What does it mean to quench the Spirit? And how can we avoid it? 1 Thess 5 v 19 - 22 part 1
Paul's instructions in 1 Thess 5 v 16 - 18 are pretty clear. Our problem is not in understanding them but in putting them into practice. But the key to our help is found 'in Christ Jesus' - for this is God's will for us in him.
In 1 Thessalonians 5 v 12 to 15 Paul writes to strengthen relationships: relationships with the church leadership and relationships within the wider church family as well. Key phrases to look out for are 'in the Lord' and 'in love'; and the fruit of 'peace' and 'patience.'
This second look at Luke 18 v 18 - 30 examines the challenge Jesus gave to rich ruler to show that he truly believed Jesus was 'good' and that he had no other gods before the Lord God. God gave the 10 commandments in the context of redeeming grace and it is when we see and grasp the redeeming grace of God in Jesus Christ that we are liberated to sing - and to live - all for Jesus.
What is the biggest problem affecting the human heart? Jesus exposes our biggest problem in this dramatic and challenging encounter in Luke 18 18 - 30. Part 1 of 2
We don't know when Christ will return, but we do know he is coming back - on that great and dreadful Day of the Lord. How are Christians to live, here and now, in the light of the Lord's return? Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5 v 4 - 11
In 1 Thessalonians 4 v 13 - 19, Paul points us to the foundation and focus of Christian Hope: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the return of Jesus Christ. That's why Christians do not grieve as those without hope and why we should encourage each other with these words
In 1 Thessalonians 4 v 9 to 12, Paul tells us about Philadelphia: brotherly and sisterly love in the family of Jesus Christ. It's a God-taught love; a love that grows; and a love that works, for the good of the church and the church's witness to the world.
We are living in a land of confusion. Not least in the area of sexual morality and sexual behaviour. In fact, our society is rapidly returning to the kind of norms that prevailed when the apostle Paul was alive. So what he writes to the Thessalonians in 4 v 1 - 8 is of great relevance to us today. It is a timely word for those who know God, who have been called by God to do the will of God and to live lives pleasing to God - all through God's gift of the Holy Spirit
Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land, says Proverbs 25 v 25. And Paul receives a refreshing drink when Timothy brings good news back with him from Thessalonica. Paul had sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians but now finds himself encouraged in return. Truly, Christian fellowship is a 2-way street.
Watch full Video Service - https://youtu.be/j96Qhlu-R5Q
We live in an age of profound scepticism, a time when many are deeply suspicion of any kind of truth claim and especially truth that claims to be true for everyone, everywhere. But we also live in an age of profound susceptibility and gullibility, a time when many are prepared to believe the most outlandish conspiracy theories and swallow the dodgiest of health products. Into this mix comes the story of a man who died 2,000 years ago and whose followers believe rose from the dead 3 days later. One of them was pretty sceptical at first...but something happened to Thomas to shake him out of his scepticism, something that led him to a faith in Jesus Christ that would take him to the other side of the known world for the sake of his Lord and his God.
Full video version - https://youtu.be/xWyGKmofwuc
Join us to hear how the death and resurrection of Jesus can set us free from slavery to our fear of death. From Hebrews 2 v 14 - 17.
Full video service - https://youtu.be/X5rqbLE7cJw
It will soon be Passover. Jerusalem is bursting at the seams. An excited crowd makes its way down the slopes of the Mt of Olives, surrounding a figure riding on a donkey. They are waving palm branches and shouting 'Hosanna!' The donkey does not look very old and carefully picks its way through the Kidron Valley, up into the City of Zion. The whole city is stirred and asks: Who is this?
Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/7mcnraTn2Jk
Join us to find out how Paul strengthens and encourages the young Christians in Thessalonica. He does not sugar-coat any pills, but gives them something better to chew on.
Watch full service on YouTube - https://youtu.be/wIL2Pz2IoPA
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. But it can also make the affections wander. Paul has not been able to return to Thessalonica and the Christians there are beginning to wonder whether his affections have moved on to new people in new places. Paul's response is clear: You may be out of my sight, but you are not out of my mind and not out of my heart. Join us for the next instalment of 1 Thessalonians, chapter 2 v 17 - 20
Full service on YouTube - https://youtu.be/V85EESpmhfA
Plants needs to be nourished and fed it they are to be healthy and grow to maturity. So too do church plants. Paul as the planter of the church in Thessalonica writes to encourage the young believers to keep growing in their faith and to support them as they face the hostile winds of persecution. We too need the Word to be at work in our lives to encourage our growth as Christians and strengthen us in the face of opposition.
Full Video Service - https://youtu.be/ld-hYQWf6-s
Bringing up children is never easy. It's time-consuming, costly, but at its best a labour of love and an investment for life. The same is true of spiritual children, young believers who are infants in Christ, who need to be nurtured and cared for by those prepared to be mothers and fathers in the faith. Join us to hear how Paul, Silas and Timothy went about it in 1 Thessalonians 2 v 6 - 12
Full video service - https://youtu.be/1KvpcQnPlnM
One way to discredit a message is to try and discredit the messenger. One way to attack the gospel is to attack those who speak the message of the gospel. And it seems something like this was happening in 1st century Thessalonica. So Paul writes, not so much to defend himself, but to defend the gospel and the young church that had been planted by the gospel. And at the heart of his defence is God.
Full service available on YouTube - https://youtu.be/4CwOjkt0MWI
Join us to hear how the Thessalonians lives had been turned around by the grace of God in Jesus Christ and what that looked like on the ground: how they turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
Full video service: https://youtu.be/BLS6t6K2b3c
In the early hours of 2nd Sept last year, Donnie Campbell smashed the record for the fastest ascent of all 282 Scottish Munros under his own steam. By the end of 31 days, 23 hours and 2 minutes, he had climbed the equivalent of more than 14 Mt Everests, run 833 miles, cycled and threw in a bit of kayaking as well. Here, he and his wife Rachael take a more reflective look at last year's great achievement as well as talk about the faith that lies at the heart of their identity.
Video version - https://youtu.be/the7v073bTY
We hear a lot today about 'lived experience''. Usually the phrase is used by those who have been through some trauma or experienced injustice in some shape or form. But the book of 1 Thessalonians speaks about a different kind of lived experience: one that comes about when the gospel that creates the church also shapes the church - to share the gospel. This was the 'lived experience' of the Christians in Thessalonica and it is one that we too can know, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Full video service: https://youtu.be/b03nCn4kWAI
How can we tell whether an election has been authentic? In modern liberal democracies, there is usually a raft of regulations and procedures in place to make sure the results are reliable. The bible speaks a lot about election - God's choosing of his people in Christ from before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1 v 4). But how can we tell whether our election is authentic? In 1 Thessalonians 1 v 2 - 5, Paul helps us to answer that question.
Watch on youtube : https://youtu.be/BDadXSK453Q
Paul had to make a swift exit from Thessalonica when things turned nasty there during his second missionary journey. But he has just received encouraging news about the young church from Timothy. So now he writes to encourage them to keep going and to answer some of their questions and concerns. Right from the start of his letter, Paul uses his greeting to remind the Thessalonian Christians of the nature of God's mission-work, church and gospel - timeless truths and principles which still apply today.
Watch full service on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQlyb_rjERs&t=33s
Jacob is now dead. How will Joseph deal with his brothers now that their father is gone - with a grudge or with grace? Joseph recognises that God's ordering and control of all that has happened to him - what is known as God's providence - has itself been a servant of God's grace. How then could he be anything other than the same to his brothers? As so often with Joseph, he points us forward to THE servant of grace whose death on the cross was an even greater wickedness used by God to bring about an even greater blessing: the saving of many lives. Good news of great joy for all the people!
Watch full service on Youtube : https://youtu.be/BJx6HJqx7W4
There is something daring and bold about hope and especially a hope that refuses to die even in the face of death. And that is what we see at the end of Genesis 50. Joseph dies, but his hope lives on. Neither a false optimism nor a wishful thinking, it's a hope grounded on the unchanging character of God and his trustworthy promises. This is not 'the thing with feathers', as Emily Dickinson put it, but hope in the shape of a coffin and an empty cave.
Watch on YouTube : https://youtu.be/PiQkaBEBPbA
What has Genesis 49 got to do with the first Sunday in Advent? Quite a lot, actually. In Jacob's blessing of Judah, we are given a glimpse of a future King who will own the obedience of the nations as surely as he owns the ruler's staff and sceptre. Partially fulfilled in David, the son of Jesse, it points us beyond King David to great David's greater Son, the Son of the Most High whose kingdom will never end.
Full Service on Video : https://youtu.be/LYo04X4g5Qg
Jacob is coming near to the end of his life. It's a time to look back and to look forward - a time to point those coming after him to the God who has been his Shepherd all the days of his life and the Angel who has redeemed him from harm.
Walter Mischel published a book 6 years ago called 'The Marshmallow Test'. In it he describes the results of his experiments with 4 and 5 year olds when they were given a choice of either eating one marshmallow immediately or waiting for 20 minutes to be given two marshmallows. Mischel then followed these children into their adult years and found that those who had shown 'deferred gratification' - or taken the long view - had done better in life, in all sorts of ways. The bible has a lot to say about taking the long view and deferred gratification. In Genesis 47 v 27 to 31 we see one such example in the life of an elderly pilgrim called Jacob.
View video version : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m0L16HqSwY
The President of the USA is often described as the 'most powerful man in the world'. But how should he (and it always has been a 'he' so far) or any of us, for that matter, use the power we have? In Genesis 47 we see how Joseph - arguably the second most powerful man in the world at that time - uses his power honestly, responsibly and for the benefit of others. In this, once again he points us forward to Jesus Christ who gave his life - his powerful life - so that others might live. The service will also incorporate a short act of 'Remembrance' at 11.00am, as we pay tribute to those who gave their lives in the service of our nation and freedom.
Video version : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpaWoTiI0_0&t=752s
What does it mean to bless someone? And what is the significance of an elderly pensioner from Palestine blessing the Pharaoh of Egypt? Join us as we take a bird's eye view - and a worm's view - of Genesis 47 v 7 - 10
Listen on youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9xmfxonGTs&t=3934s
Joseph identifies with his family and mediates on behalf of his family - all to bless his family as they move to live in the land of Egypt. It points us forward to the One, greater than Joseph, who identifies with us, mediates for us and all in order to bless us. And what a blessing! If we are able to grasp even a little bit of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ, then we will be able to echo what the actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus once said: "This is an embarrassment of riches, and boy, am I happy to be embarrassed."
Watch full service on youtube : https://youtu.be/g8DvWk7ezQ0
In the 1964 film, James Bond asks Goldfinger: 'Do you expect me to talk?' 'No, Mr Bond, I expect you to die!' is the memorable reply. Of course, (plot-spoiler alert) Bond escapes and lives to fight another day. But in the real world, death always comes calling, sooner or later, to everyone. And the question then arises: Are we ready to die? The story of Jacob's reunion with Joseph in Genesis 46 helps us to face that question and points us forward to the only One who can help us answer with a resounding 'Yes!'
Watch on video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwi2p8_axeE