Church in the Peak
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Steve spoke about worship and what it means to us.
Slides (PDF) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mKWUc3wCjX1kRXeHFKzyPDj2y-jEfoOY/view?usp=sharing As we start this new year of 2024 how you view 2023? We had a good year but both Ruth and I have struggled with infections etc. I got a bit depressed, the weight of the world on my shoulders. I accepted I needed help and sought prayer. I also spent time listening to Christian music. “I just speak the name of Jesus” stood out. We get a lot more discouragements than encouragements. How can we best deal with all the discouragements? Hebrews 10:22-25 Thinking about encouragement, A farmer gets his animals to market by walking behind them carrying a long sharp stick, occassionally prodding them to get them to move forward. How can we define encouragement? The Greek word is parakletos - it describes not only giving comfort to someone but also involves exhortation, urging, and strengthening. The NT verb encourage can also mean “to comfort, cheer up, console or speak in a friendly manner”. Jesus uses this verb in John 14:26 where he calls the Holy Spirit our helper our advocate, or as J B Phillips paraprashed it “someone to stand by you” The ministry of encouragement is standing with one another, sometimes being the one who can reach down to help others who are struggling and sometimes being willing to reach up and accept the hand that is reaching down to help us. This is more than a quick “hello how are you”. It is a willingness to stand with one another so that as a church community we are all-in and involved, not scrutinizing and criticising but affirming and strengthening. I came across this quote about being members of a Church “The church humbles us as it’s one of those places in society today where we sit togther … as we focus on one simple objective to give praise and worship to Jesus and our loving heavenly father.” Jesus teaches and shares many commands about “one another” these include encourage one another, love one another (John 13:34-35), welcome one another (Romans 15:7), confess your sins to one another (James 5:16-18). The gospel calls us to step out of our comfort zone as we respond to Jesus’s call to follow Him, to do what he is doing, listen to His prompting, be willing to do what he prompts, share what he gives us and go where he directs. How can we grow in encouraging one another? By meeting and sharing time around worship and studying the bible – community groups. If you aren’t part of a group, talk to one of the elders or email the church. Romans 1:12 For those who have shared this morning – thankyou – for those who thought about sharing something that God showed you but didnt, I would say two things – if you have something during the week write it down and share it either with your group leader or one of the elders. Secondly just be willing to come to the front and share with whoever is leading the meeting and trust their judgement. What other things could be done Ask God who you should seek to encourage and pray for. And do it. Share stories of how Jesus gets us through life – triumphs and disasters. This encourages one another. Some other practical ways •Thank each of the Elders for what they do in leading the church •Send messages of encouragement or a simple how are you doing today? •Be willing to spend time listening to those who are struggling •Use your gifts or helping as God would prompt you. •Work alongside someone else by offering to prepare and lead your community group or get involved with an Alpha course or a bible study •Arrange to visit, go for a coffee or share a meal together •Share a kind word for we never know what someone else is feeling or going through. Allow the Holy Spirit to prompt you and be brave enough to share whatever he gives you. Hebrews 10:22-25
Serving Jesus and serving the community Jeremiah 29:1- 14 These are famous often quoted verses. Looking at the context will help us gain the full blessing of the verses and encourage us to serve wherever we are whether in church, home or work. Context The Jewish nation had split into two kingdoms and Jeremiah is speaking to the Judah nation. The Jews had built idols and turned away from God. They were taken away by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon. In modern geography we would call Babylon part of Iraq. It would have shocked the Jews who received the “letter from God” written in the hand of Jeremiah because they believed it was their evil enemy who had captured and exile them. This letter clearly declares it is God himself who put them in the hands of the Babylonians. Now the plan of the Babylonians was to bring all the talented Jews to Babylon and then get them to conform to the Babylonian culture and in so doing have a military, moral and cultural victory. The Almighty’s plan was to use the most talented Jewish people to cause the Babylonians to turn from their wicked ways and worship him and repent and if they don’t, He will send judgement on the Babylonians rescue the Jews and bring them back to Jerusalem. How many of us have come from many different areas, lands? We have all come from different lands, but God wants us to make where we live our homes even though we are all exiles or resident aliens in this land. The jobs we do have brought us to Derbyshire, the families we have married into have brought us to Derbyshire, there are many and various reasons why we are in Derbyshire. The culture we live in is often secular, often morally challenging, sometimes physically challenging. God is saying make you home among the people who live here. Work with the people who live here “And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Acts 17:27-28 We are to serve where we live and work. But the issue is what is our heart attitude? Jesus came to serve us and did so by not just washing the feet of his disciples but also coming to serve us by taking our punishment on the cross. Our service should not be for our own gain either financially or egotistically. We live in a world that is me, me, me orientated. Be orientated to serve people around you. That is what it is like to be Christ like and the more we serve the more Christ like we can become. If you want to have promotion in the Kingdom of God, you serve. 10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. QUESTIONS 1. How did you come to be living, working and in church? Now you are where you are, do you feel the grace and peace of God where you are? 2. Do you feel you are able to pray for peace (shalom) in your work and living area? Do you have a clear strategy? Discuss and pray together your circumstances and how this can improve. 3. Do you see your role as serving your neighbours and working colleagues? 4. Where would you like to serve in the future? 5. Ensure you remember that the promise of God is - For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord.
Peter spoke at our special Dedication Service.
THE SAMARITAN WOMAN - JOHN 4:4-26 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ordhsDeAt60 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ordhsDeAt60&pp=ygUfdGhlIHNhbWFyaXRhbiB3b21hbiBhdCB0aGUgd2VsbA%3D%3D Jesus reveals for the first time that he is the Messiah – not to the Jews or the Pharisees or Sadducees but to a Samaritan woman who has led a colourful life. He is breaking all social and religious norms in the process and blowing apart any pre conceived ideas about who Jesus came to save! Phil Moore: “John shows us in the first few chapters of this book that devout Jews are not good enough to be accepted, he now adds that wicked Samaritans are not bad enough to be rejected” When Jews travelled from Judah to Galilee they would go the long way round across the Jordan River rather than go through Samaria. Rabbis were not allowed to speak to women in public including their own wives under Jewish law – and yet here is Jesus meeting a woman in public, in Samaria, telling her that he is the living water she needs to change her life forever! This is a wonderful gospel moment giving us all hope – all can receive God’s spirit – no longer just in the temple but now he lives in our hearts – This is the gospel message in a nutshell! For Jews the temple in Jerusalem is the place of worship – “The Holy of Holies” and “The Holy Place” – Only accessible by the High Priest/Priests - Behind the great curtain separating God’s Holy presence from sinful people – this was 60’ high, 30’ wide and 6” thick! Then there was the Court Of Israel for men and a wall, then the Court of Women and a wall and then outside the actual temple was the Court of Gentiles – that’s where we would be, as far away from God as is possible! BUT Jesus coming changes everything! Hebrews 10:11-12 So what happens? Matthew 27:45-46 v50-52 The curtain had to come down because it hindered access to God’s presence. Jesus came to restore our RELATIONSHIP to God – access is no longer in a building, it’s in your heart by the power of the Holy Spirit - Christ in you the Hope of Glory (Colossians 1) – no matter who you are – Worship him in Spirit and Truth. v14 FRESH – Daily refreshed by the Holy Spirit – bringing life to us daily – A fresh touch from Jesus every day How do you feel this morning? Fresh or dry? Full of life or not? Same old Church week in week out- nothing changes? We pray – Come Holy Spirit – Have your way – Do we really mean it – what are our expectations when we pray that? Let’s expect him to come in power and change things – this womans life was changed forever by one meeting with Jesus and yet we can meet with him every day. Whatever we need is met in Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit – If we are dry we need Fresh Water – Why? Because we leak, live in a fallen world, sin daily and need fresh water to empower us – We need a fresh start just as the Samaritan woman! v23 What does the Holy Spirit do? John 16:13 He guides us into truth by revealing Jesus and witnesses with our spirit that we are sons and daughters of God Romans 8:16 TRUTH – Brings us into all truth WITNESS – Our spirit witnesses with the Holy Spirit DISCERNMENT – Truth instead of lies – Discerning of Spirits So what’s the result of this encounter? v39 To finish - a reading from the Book of Mysteries by Jonathan Cahn – The Ruach https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pzXEM7oZermtshdiAbSkCCxGDFXK68or/view?usp=drive_link Questions 1.How did your spirit react when you watched the clip? 2.Remember your own conversion – How did you feel and how do you feel now looking back? 3.How does this story open up the scriptures and specifically about the temple and worship and our hearts? 4.Discuss the reading “The Ruach” – what can we lear
At the beginning of our week of prayer, Dave spoke on prayer.
Phil continued our series on the values of the church, looking at the importance of prayer.
Andrew spoke about the fact that we are storytellers, telling Gods story in our lives. He also outlined a number of head-problems that the enemy uses to try to stop us from sharing our stories.
Does money make you happy? Google – 766m hits There are 2,350 verses about money in the bible – More than those on faith and prayer combined! Tithing is an OT principal Leviticus 27:30/32 In Malachi God has an argument with Israel because of their tithe and its quality! God declared that it is not right. Tithing in the OT was mandatory, part of the Jewish Law and culture, but they recognised that everything came from God, the provider of life and sustenance. In the NT Jesus brings a different perspective – Jesus affirms the practice of tithing (Matt 23:23) but he also urges us to think about justice, mercy and faith rather than just the law. Matthew 23:23 It is all about what is in your heart. It’s not about following the letter of the law, its giving out of a heart in love with God. Luke 18:10-14 Jesus continually teaches us its not your outward actions that count. We cant earn God’s favour by our works – it’s all by grace – We are justified by our faith in Jesus and recognising we are sinners that need to be saved by GRACE!! Mark 12:41-44 When we give, do we hold back? Do I give as an act of obligation or of worship? The Widow dared to love God, to have faith that he would provide, to give it all. Do we have that attitude? God owns everything anyway! J John – God owns all the doughnuts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I03Jlj4-ZQY The question for us – what are you going to do with yours? What if God said give your 9 away. That’s where faith comes into play – God will provide all my needs! Proverbs 3:5,9&10 God’s promise to us. Trusts God and rely on his promises! Three areas to be careful about in thinking about money 1. Your treasure Matthew 6:21 “that wherever our treasure is – that is where our heart will be” Conversely – where our heart is, that’s where our treasure will be. 2. Pride God owns everything, we are stewards of what he entrusts us with – Pride can enter our hearts and we believe that we OWN what we EARN – because we deserve it! Ezekiel 28:4-5 ITS MINE is the cry of our selfish heart - It can so easily become our possession, our right and precious! 3. The Enemy. He is a liar from the beginning and will lie to you about everything including your money, possessions and heart attitudes. A: He will say - It’s your money. You earned it. You spend it. You deserve it! Truth - All we have is God’s – we are stewards - he owns all the doughnuts! B: He will tell you that you won’t have enough for yourself if you give it away! Truth – Generosity of heart enables God to give us more Proverbs 11:25 C: He will tell you that God will not provide for you and that God is not interested in your financial situation! Truth – God cares for every part of your life Matthew 6:25 v33 Have faith v30. This is the key. Luke 6:38 God’s heart for us: He is not a God that gives us just enough, he is generous and extravagant in all he does for us -he wants us to have the same heart “Freely you have received – freely give” Matt 10:8 You cannot out give God. Pray about money and ask God how much to give – he will often give you a specific amount. This is how the church works: love each other through giving and sharing doughnuts! Questions 1. How do you feel about giving after this talk? 2. Has anything helped in understanding the biblical principals involved here? 3. How do you feel about praying and asking God if he wants to use any of your doughnuts this week? 4. What is your fear when it comes to money and finance?
Dave spoke about the power of the Gospel to lift burdens.
The Kingdom of God Obadiah talks about a coming kingdom. Obadiah 1:15-21 Many of the minor prophets foretell of Jesus coming. It was into the persecution of Israel by the Romans that Jesus is born. Whats the kingdom Jesus ushered in like? Totally different. Countercultural Matthew 5-7, sermon on the mount. Turns everything on its head How we deal with anger, lust, divorce, oaths, getting your own back, loving your enemies, looking after the poor, how we get into heaven. Jesus talks about a coming kingdom too Hes coming back! What Jesus said wasnt a new thing. It was there in the scriptures already. Isaiah 11:1-11 No weeping or pain. Wolf and the lamb together. Clearly not the kingdom that came with Christ. Now and not yet of the kog It says he will come a second time. Return of Christ Matt 24 Now and not yet Rebuild of a demolished temple in 3 days. This was imminent. The return was not straight away. Death and resurrection Ripping the curtain in 2 There will be wars, and famine and unrest like never before. Persecution of the church False prophets Jesus talks about what Daniel had written about the coming age. Be ready because of the signs you will see around you. The key. But no one except the father knows the exact day and time. So be ready. All of the world needs to hear first. Have they? Zechariah 14, difficult reading in light of what we see in Israel. Isa 10:20 a remnant of Israel will return to god Rom 11 all Israel will be saved, but only after all gentiles have heard Restoration of Israel needs to happen before the return of Christ. Can be translated the salvation of Israel. 1 John 2:18 He was seeing the signs hed heard Jesus talk about, still only a generation after Christ. Here we are 2000 years on…. People said in 1st century all the prerequisites for Christs return had been fulfilled. Then first and second world wars Re-creation of Israel after 2nd world war The Israel wars 1967 war, 1973 war. The antichrist had been named as emporers and roman leaders, Hitler, Saddam Hussein, even putin. USA. And europe I dont know. But I know I need to be alert Luke 17:20 NLT We are changed when the Kingdom comes, as is society around us Love, Joy, Peace, The effects of the Holy Spirit working amongst us Some signs will be visible 2 men, 1 taken and 1 left. Rapture Millennium. No point building your theology around such things. Its a mystery 1 John 2:24 So in times of trouble and persecution…. The only 4 chapters of the bible where there is not sin in the world are genesis 1+2, and revelation 21+22. In the 1285 in-between God explains peoples sin to them, and when they cannot find their way out He sends His son as a way out, a release, an escape. Garden to a city….. Revelation 22:20-21 Jesus talked about the kingdom he was ushering in. We are saved for a different life now, but also saved for a life in heaven. What will heaven be like? No more crying. No more pain. City on a hill. New heaven and a new earth. Dare to be excited. Waiting rooms can be hard classrooms 3 responses to the return of Christ. Its not imminent. So live life. Its any day. So no need to buy insurance, but food, etc Its soon, so tell everyone, so all can be saved. Give all for Christ. This is how we should be living. Parable 10 virgins Matt 25, only half were ready. The others were not. Are you ready? QUESTIONS FOR GROUPS What does it mean to be ready for the return of Christ? What do you make of current world events? Are you ready?
Phil looks at the difference living fully for God can make. He includes memories and videos from his recent trip to India. The service is available to watch via Church in the Peaks private* Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/visuals.citp/videos/172460012588227?idorvanity=2410174444 *not the main public one.
Dave continued our church values, looking at the difference having the Spirit poured out on us makes.
No well worn paths by Terry Virgo explains why we as a church believe in word and spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:1 If your doctrine of the holy spirit does not include the idea of the holy spirit falling upon people it is seriously grievously defective. This it seems to be has been the trouble especially during the last century. The whole notion of the holy spirit falling upon people had been discountenanced and discouraged, surely one of the prime explanations of the present state of the Christian church. Dr MLJ https://www.premierchristianity.com/features/rt-kendall-when-word-and-spirit-come-together-revival-will-follow/3845.article Most of my own preaching over the years – I wish it were not true– has been almost entirely Word preaching with little power. When people listened to me they would say: “Thank you for your Word.” That is what they came for, that is what they got. They did not come to see anything; they came to hear. But the simultaneous combination of the Word and Spirit coalescing in great measure will result in spontaneous combustion We forget our history at our peril. We overlook what we have and we miss what God can do. Matthew 22:29 https://thinktheology.co.uk/blog/article/guest_post_from_terry_virgo_you_foolish_galatians We are invited into “the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,” not nominal awareness of him. We cannot afford to underplay the role of the Holy Spirit in our personal lives or the life of the church. Galatians 3:1-5 Word and spirit played out together Acts of the Apostles 19:1-6 They had not had the word, and were missing out on the difference that the Holy Spirit brings to a gathering. When they were filled they were able to do what they were made to do. They were complete. We all have the Holy Spirit in us when we are saved. Eph 1. But the overflow and joy of the baptism of the Holy Spirit changes our very being. Ephesians 5:18-19 TV When we read the Bible, we cannot fail to see that the power of God was demonstrated, through the power of the Holy Spirit. It wasnt an add on. It was integral to the way the the church was expanding in the new testament. We wont see revival without churches grounded in the word, rooted in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 Word, and Spirit. 100% word and 100% Spirit, not 50/50 Changes the worship, changes the relationships we have, changes our approach and changes what we see God doing amongst us QUESTIONS FOR GROUPS Soak in the word and Spirit and date to see what God does.
WHAT DOES OUR CHURCH BELIEVE? We are part of New Frontiers which was started by Terry Virgo and was part of the growing Charismatic Movement in the UK during the 1970’s and 1980’s. The emphasis was on the word and the spirit and the gifts of the Spirit being manifest in meetings and daily life – New frontiers grew and now has nearly 2000 churches globally. Interview with Terry Virgo giving the history of New Frontiers from the beginnings to the present day and is worth a listen for everyone! Link to the Evangelical Alliance’s Statement of Faith, which we agree with: WHAT IS OUR VISION STATEMENT? We are a worshipping community who love Jesus and serve his mission. To build a church from which we will have multisite congregations. WHAT IS OUR PURPOSE STATEMENT? We exist to worship God and encounter his presence, committed to advancing his Kingdom through local Church communities, caught up in mission, here, and to the nations. SO WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? We believe in The Bible as God’s authoritative word to everyone. We believe in the Trinity – Father son and Holy Spirit We believe in Salvation through Jesus alone We believe we are born to worship God We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as distinct from salvation We believe in Baptism in Water on confession of your faith We believe in the gifts of the Spirit as vital in our Church life and recognise the five fold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in the Church today. We believe in the Virgin birth We believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ We believe in the Priesthood of all believers We believe in The Church as a local body of God’s people to bring justice and mercy in the local area to help the poor and those in need. We believe in local and international mission. We believe that Jesus is coming again to create a new Heaven and New Earth. This list is not exhaustive by any means but gives a good idea of what we stand for! So just to expand some of these for you THE BIBLE - is God’s word to us. We want to be transformed by God’s word not just informed- it is life to us THE TRINITY – One true God who lives eternally in three persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The same in substance, equal in power and glory. GOD THE FATHER – One true God -Sovereign – Creator, Sustainer of life, he rules, reigns redeems and will eventually judge the world. Multi- faceted God – Jehovah – I AM Jehovah Jireh – The Lord will provide Jehovah Rophe – The Lord is our healer Jehovah Nissi – The Lord is our banner Jehovah M’Kaddesh – The Lord who sanctifies Jehovah Shalom – The Lord is our peace Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord is our righteousness Jehovah Rohi – The Lord is our Shepherd ... -=-=-=-=-=-=- INTERVIEW WITH TERRY VIRGO: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-profile/id1188653078?i=1000621163085 EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE STATEMENT OF FAITH: https://www.eauk.org/about-us/how-we-work/basis-of-faith FULL COPY OF THESE NOTES: HTTPS://DRIVE.GOOGLE.COM/FILE/D/1L-37AVUCG5FQP-2L_2LDNTFOTCU1QCL-/VIEW?USP=DRIVE_LINK https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L-37aVUcG5Fqp-2l_2lDNTfoTCU1qcl-/view?usp=drive_link WHITEBOARD MINDMAP: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15mdB1nUD58EKcyP https://drive.google.com/file/d/15mdB1nUD58EKcyPexZL0QpP0_9cY50pH/view?usp=drive_link
Jenny reminded us to keep on pursuing the dreams that God has given us.
Phil spoke about the freedom that we have because of Christs death and resurrection, and that we need to live in that freedom.
Dave encourages us to measure everything we see/hear/feel against the Bible, using the Bible as a spirit(ual) level.
In a summer special, Peter led an interactive sessions about the different ways that we can listen to God speaking to us.
Mark 4:35-41 to Mark 5:1-8 Jesus Calms the storm Jesus has spent the whole of Ch 4 to this point explaining what the kingdom of God is like and speaking in parables to those listening and to the disciples - v9, v24 Then we come into the story of the boat on the Sea of Galilee – and Jesus discovers just how much or how little the disciples have listened and understood! Jesus decides where they are going. He wants to cross to the non-Jewish side, inhabited by gentiles and the region of the Gerasene’s. As they set out a fierce storm erupts from nowhere and the boat begins to take on water – Jesus remains asleep throughout the storm and they have to wake him as they fear for their lives – whatever they have or have not learnt through the teachings is forgotten and they panic and wake Jesus saying that “teacher don’t you care that we are going to drown”? Phil Moore says this Jesus knows that his life will end on the cross at Calvary and not at the bottom of Lake Galilee and yet his disciples do not share his confidence! They have heard and forgotten – Jesus brought them into the storm to give them an opportunity to see and remember- which they fail! The wind and the waves have caused them to forget his identity and his mission. – He challenges them – where is your faith? They need to learn to handle storms before they can start to play their own part in his story. Identify with this? How do we cope in the storms of life? Do we forget Jesus identity and mission – his promises and his faithfulness? Tom Wright “Go on – wake Jesus up, pray to him in your fear and anger – but don’t be surprised when he turns to you and asks “where is your faith?” Remember who he is: Psalms 89:8-9, v11 Jesus wakes and rebukes the wind and the waves, “Silence be still”. In the Greek he speaks two words which translated are “Shush. Be muzzled”. Is this storm is not just a normal storm but is in fact from the enemy? Jesus rebuking the wind and waves says the same words he uses when dealing with the enemy and his forces. Jesus does not need to rebuke his creation – it’s his – he can just say “be still” and it will be. The enemy knows where Jesus is going (Ch 5) and what’s going to happen when he gets there and will do anything to stop him. 4:41 – The disciples 5:5 – The demons The demons recognise Jesus who is revealed in all his power and authority in this story and they have to flee and the man is set free and in his right mind – it’s a great story! He is King of all the earth – they had to obey, they had no choice! He even has to give them permission to enter the swine – they cannot just go – He is in control! Ephesians 1:19-22 ALL things – creation, the wind and the waves, every scheme of the enemy, your life, your struggles, your work situation, your school situation, your finances, your job, your boss, your weaknesses, your sin and your health. Let’s see and remember who Jesus is and the authority he has – in ALL things! It’s all about FAITH. Faith in the storms, Jesuss first two miracles in Ch 6 are about FAITH. The woman with the issue of blood – Jesus says “Daughter your faith has made you well” Jairus’s daughter – She died because Jesus was delayed – Jesus says “Have faith – she is not dead but asleep. When the storms come Jesus wants us to have faith in him and trust him – he has got this! John Ortberg says this “Peace doesn’t come from finding a lake with no storms: it comes from having Jesus in the boat with you through those storms” Questions 1. Why do you think the disciples struggled to have faith whilst in the boat? 2. What are some of the reasons we struggle when the storms of life hit us? 3. If we don’t have faith - what’s the opposite? 4. Why does the story about the demonised man help
Richard spoke about keeping in step with the spirit. After the preach, Paul and others had some words that God has given him for church members.
Phil continued our Godly Living Unwrapped series, looking at our freedom in Christ.
Micah 6:1-8 – What does God want from us? Micah is like a courtroom with God showing the people of Israel and Judah how far they have fallen away from him. v6-7: The people respond with more and more outlandish ideas of how to please God. God does not want their sacrifices, he wants their hearts wholly for him. God wants his people to walk humbly in his presence. There is no point in sacrifice if it doesn’t change your heart or attitudes. Hosea 6:4-6 The Pharisees in the New Testament had the same attitude. Matthew 12:1-8 God doesn’t want a sacrifice, he wants us to know and love him – he wants our hearts. What Does God require of his people? Micah 6:8 Justice (Mishpat) and Kindness (Hesed) are the two most used words in the bible to show the character of God. We are made in his image so these should be part of our character too. JUSTICE – God is a just God and has to deal with the problem of sin in the world and in our lives. Jesus was the final sacrifice to reconcile us back to a right relationship with God. We are justified by Jesus. He turns away God’s wrath and turns it to favour through sacrifice, propitiation. 1 Corinthians 6:11 KINDNESS (Mercy) – God has a steadfast and unfailing love for his people – The whole of our redemption is based on his mercy towards us. His kindness endures throughout eternity and is available every day as – see Psalm 52:1. Ephesians 2:7 Titus 3:4-7 Luke 6:35-36 Let’s be merciful and show kindness as Christ has done the same for us. Deserved? No! But given anyway and immeasurable! WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD. Have the same attitude that Christ had. To walk humbly, we recognise that there is nothing that we can bring to God to gain our salvation and to make him love us any more than he already does Rock of Ages “Nothing in my hand I bring – simply to thy cross I cling Naked come to thee for dress – Helpless look to thee for grace Foul, I to the fountain fly, wash me saviour or I die” Total reliance on God for our salvation and for his mercy to get us home to be with Jesus. This attitude is personified in Jesus himself- Philippians 2:5-8 Pride is the opposite of humility. We have nothing to be proud about. We are all sinners, all have fallen short of God’s standard and can do nothing in our own strength to make the situation better – Ephesians tells us that we were DEAD in our sins and are only made alive because of Gods great love and mercy – by grace you have been saved. James 4:6 in Amplified Bible When we walk humbly with God we become so much like him in our actions and attitudes that justice and steadfast love flows out of us – These are God’s characteristics. We become more like him by the power of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22 God is interested in what is in our hearts – not what we do outwardly as sacrifice. The first commandment is to Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength Jesus is talking here about an attitude in a relationship not compliance to a law. This love encompasses our whole heart and is sacrificial in that we give him everything. This love will impact us in extraordinary ways, behaviour, speech and personalities. We cannot and must not reduce this love to mere duty or ritual. Our love for God should be like his love for us – consistent, permanent, passionate, sacrificial and should be the driving force that empowers our lives – We only love him because he first loved us (1 John 4:19) Matt Redman – When the music fades I’ll bring you more than a song, for a song in itself is not what you have required, You search much deeper within through the way things appear You’re looking into my heart.
Phil continues our "Godly Living Unwrapped" series, looking at what it means to be sanctified.
Vicki continued our "Godly Living Unwrapped" series, looking at our security being in God, regardless of what is happening around and to us. Psalm 18 Verses 1-3, 16, 19, 28, 32, 34, 36 and 50, although you are encouraged to read through all of it at some point. QUESTIONS 1. In what ways have you experienced God as your place of safety (consider physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual and temporal safety) 2. In your experience, how do the principles of God’s kingdom (eg abundance)contrast with those of the world (eg zero-sum, might is right etc). How can you live as an ambassador for Gods kingdom according to his principles? 3. Has God challenged you at any point in the area of praying expectantly? What has happened as a result?
Romans 7 shows us that Grace is amazing and outrageous. Paul explains using the illustration of a marriage. Mr Law Fine and perfect man. • Always right • Austere with complete authority over his wife • Never lifts a finger to help but is always right • You can’t argue with him because you know he is right • Marks you out of 10, but never a 10 • Is in excellent health and will live for a long time Mrs Law • An ordinary woman • Married to Mr Law for years and wants to please him by her performance • Mrs Law works very hard Relationship • Mrs Law says she will be home at 11.00 but when she’s late, Mr Law stands at the door pointing to his watch and says “you’re 5 minutes late.” Mrs Law feels small and condemned. • Sometimes Mr Law goes to the wedding venue. When it gets busy Mrs Law asks him to help behind the bar. Mr Law says he is not insured to work there so won’t help. • Mr Law marks Mrs Law out of 10. Often it is only a 5, sometimes a 7 and on the odd occasion 0. Mrs Law feels small, guilty and condemned. • Mr Law calls her his little Sinner • Mrs Law begins to loath her husband because he is always right but never lifts a finger to help her Mrs Law meets Mr Grace Mr Grace • Is gentle and humble • Wants to share his life with Mrs Law • Is prepared to help her with her burdens • Wants her to have the best in life • Wants her to be fruitful in all she does • Shows his love for her in giving her gifts • Loves her because of who she is Relationship • She is now married to Mr Grace • When she is home at 11.05 not 11.00 he makes her a cup of tea and asks her how her day has been • When Mr Grace come to work with her, he sees her struggling, he gets involved and serves her and the guests • When she asks how she can improve her business he gives her ideas and constructive comments • Mr Grace calls her his beloved one even when she screws up • She loves Mr Grace. • She will do anything for him The theological Mr Law – see Romans 7:1-6 The new relationship • Our relationship to the Law: the law will not pass away so we must die to the Law. It is still perfect and right, but is the Old Covenant. • We are is released from the relationship with the law by dying to the law when we are baptized. We are now in the New Covenant. • Jesus the bridegroom left heaven to die for us so we can be saved from the marriage to the Law whether we are male or female. • Jesus shares his life with us. He showers us with spiritual and material blessings. • He listens to us and intercedes for us day and night • He works alongside us and has wonderful plans for us • He could not do this when we are married to the law. Mr Law can only say what is right or wrong • Mr Law was impotent. Christ is fruitful. When we live with an intimate relationship, we hear his voice when we read his word. 2 Corinthians 5 17 Romans 8 v 1 and 2 • You have a new husband/wife • You are no longer judged by your performance Questions 1. Why would you go back to trying to impress Mr Law? Are you free from him? 2. When we try to impress Jesus with our performance we are back with Mr Law. It’s like committing spiritual adultery! 3. If that is you, what is the way back to Mr Grace? 4. Does he call you Sinner now? No! Why should you label yourself that way? He calls you his beloved. He calls you by name. What name does He call you by? 5. You sin but your new husband is quick to forgive and keeps no record of your mistakes. Look at Romans 7 v 21-25 and discuss how you now relate to Mr Grace having left Mr Law. 6. Do we shout at those married to Mr Law and call them sinners? They are but be a friend to them and call them to meet a better husband called Mr Grace. Pray for someone and wisdom of how to app
On Fathers Day, Phil encouraged us to grow our confidence in God, our perfect heavenly Father. [Apologies for the background noise. Due to technical issues this morning, this recording was done in a different way to normal. ]
Hannah spoke from Daniel. Asbury Uni revival, Feb 2023. AU students had mandatory chapel service. 19 stayed behind to continue praying, 16 days later thousands were coming to Christ. The revival focused on repentance and confession. “The room was so full of his presence that the idea of sinning was alien. Now is the time for a holy life.” JD Holt. The church is under attack. We have an enemy looking to steal, kill and destroy us, living in a world calling us to compromise with values far from God’s. We must choose conviction over compromise, turning away from worldly things. Like Daniel. Daniel is a young Jew taken into captivity into the Babylon. Daniel is a prophet relied on by the King and others to interpret their dreams. Daniel is living in a world that is hard for him and calling him to sin and compromise. Like us. We are ALL called to Holy lives. It wasn’t just these people at Asbury because they are young and part of a revival. It wasn’t just Daniel because he was a prophet and chief minister. Each of us are God’s children, called to live Holy lives, set apart for God. 1 Peter 1:14-16 We should be holy because God is holy From the time he was about 17 to being an 80 year old, Daniel lived a holy life. Daniel 6v5. The other priests can’t find fault in Daniel apart from his faith. We should be like this. People should know that we are different. 1 Daniel didn’t do this through his own strength Daniel lived a holy life because he had God. The God with Daniel is the same God with us, the same spirit living within us! Living a holy life comes from God’s strength, capacity, resources, energy. 2. Daniel made Godly Choices, good choices Daniel 6:10 Not only did Daniel pray, he gave thanks. Daniel has been told he will be put in a lion’s den if he continues to worship God. He’s looking death in the face. And he gives thanks. The best choice in this moment, the Godly choice. Daniel does what God wants. He trusts that God will never leave or forsake him. When we are put into hard situations do we still worship? Good choices come from knowing God: ‘as usual’ – Daniel was a pray-er. Prayer strengthens our relationship with. Kay Warren says “what is the point in my faith if no one around me can see what difference it makes.” 3. Daniel was faithful and holy in big things and small things. -Faithful with his prayer life -Refusing to eat royal food/wine because of strict Jewish laws about food and its origins -Holy in conversations Are we being faithful in the little things? Are we being holy when no one is listening or watching? Everyday partnering with Holy Spirit to do God’s will 4. Daniel understood the bigger picture Daniel understood the reward for living a holy life. He understood that we suffer on earth, as Christ did, but not forever. We are temporary residents here on earth but 1 Peter 1:4. Living a holy life is difficult. We fall short. Grace is for us. 1 Peter 5:4 Your reward in Heaven, your righteousness is worth so much more than anything here on earth. God has a better plan for us. God’s holy plan for your life will produce more fruit and more joy than anything this earth can offer. Daniel lived a holy life Daniel was powered by God’s strength Daniel made good choices and Daniel understood the bigger picture There is an invitation for you to enter in to living a holy life. God wants to partner with you on this journey of becoming more like Jesus. The fruit and the joy waiting for you is so worth it! As a church family, as a body of broken people come to God, let’s ask for the supernatural ability to be holy, for him to strengthen us against sin. To choose conviction over compromise.
1 Kings 17:1-24 Elijah was in Israel but the Kings of Israel are worshipping Baal. Elijah is sent to declare that there will be no rain until The Lord declares it! 1 Kings 16:29-33 Ahab is married to Jezebel from Sidon who worships Baal God tells Elijah to hide by Cherith Brook. He is fed by ravens, as God commanded Jehovah Jireh, the Lord will provide. Ravens were considered unclean by the Jews and were forbidden to touch or eat them - Leviticus 11. God uses them to bring Elijah food. Charles Spurgeon: “Elijah had enough, but it did not always come to him in the nicest way: for I do not imagine that the ravens knew how to get bread and meat always cut into the nicest shape! Perhaps they snatched a rough bit of meat here, and perhaps a crust of bread there, and it came in all sorts of ugly pieces, but there it was – it was enough! Whatever God provides be grateful for, for if too proud to take from the ravens mouth, it will be well for thee to go without, until hunger consume thy pride. God promises his people enough, but not always more than enough, and even that may not come to us in a way we should choose!” v9 The brook dries up and Elijah is moved on by God The woman worships Baal. God uses who he wants for our good. Elijah asks for water and bread. The woman has enough to make a last meal for her and her son and then they are going to die. Elijah asks that she FIRST bake a loaf for him and then feed herself as God will provide oil and flour for the future! Elijah is asking her to believe in a God she doesn’t know and have faith that what he says will actually happen. Proverbs 3:5-6 We often lean on our own understanding and, when we can’t work it out, get exhausted and say “If only I could understand what God is doing everything would be ok!” NO. Faith does not work like that. You have to step out not understanding and find that God is with you! John Otberg: “If you don’t step out of the boat you will never walk on the water” Amazing miracle of provision. One meal of faith leads to many meals of provision. Give to God first in faith and he will supply the rest. This is not just about our finances but about our time, our passions, our lifestyle and our choices as well. Rick Warren “You may think you can’t afford to tithe, but you can’t afford not to! The time you can’t afford to tithe is when you need God’s help the most. If you want God’s blessing on your finances, you need to put him first in your finances” Every miracle begins with an act of obedience. Things get worse for the woman. Her son falls ill and dies. She thinks it’s her fault because of her sin. The God of grace has favour on her. Matthew 17:24-27 Jesus paid his temple tax by asking Peter to catch a fish. The tax is in its mouth. God showing he is in control of the whole earth and all that live within it! God has unlimited resources. Are you going to trust him with your situation, finances and provision? God owns all the doughnuts - J John https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I03Jlj4-ZQY Be encouraged. God owns everything, he owns the ravens, he owns the fish, he owns widows in heathen nations. They can all provide food for his chosen people. He has unlimited resources! Psalm 37:18-19 Practical points 1.Let God do the unexpected in your life. Do not try and work it all out. Come to him first not last! 2.Have faith in an unchanging God. The same God that Elijah trusted is your God, your friend. 3.I remember his works of old says David in the Psalms. This is why we have the bible, it’s our manual for life! Use it! 4.Be encouraged by those around you in group and in Church. Get them to pray for your situation and ask for spiritual wisdom and discernment. 5.Pray and trust in God who has everything under his control.
