Devastation at the hand of God

Here's the link to the Sermon: God disciplines... 

 

Reading: Joel 1

1. Verse 1. What do we know about Joel? e.g. where did he live, who did he minister to, what did his and his father’s name mean? Does any of this matter?
2. Verse 2, why do you think Joel started off addressing the elders?
3. What do you make of a God who would deliberately bring such unpleasantness and damage to people?
4. Discuss how Deuteronomy 28 fits in with this?
5. How had these people messed up? What was their sin? (verse 12 gives a clue)
6. What is an idol?
7. How does all of this apply to us today?

Prayer for Sierra Leone Mission September & October

Sunday: Pray that the breakthrough in finding a successful inoculation for ebola might bring to an end the present epidemic and prevent further outbreaks.  Also pray that the price of this drug might not be prohibitive to the poor.

Monday: It is almost a year since Daniel Koroma lost his wife to cancer.  Please pray for him and his daughter. It is also a year since he became our agent, pray for him and his added responsibilities.

Tuesday: Please pray that everyone worshipping in a Connexional Church in England will realise the responsibility that we accepted at Conference 2015.  It was agreed that there needed to be an increase in giving to continue the work effectively in S.L.

Wednesday: Thank God that the owner of the building – Bethesda has agreed that the children may remain there for a further 7 months – rent free!

Thursday: Thank God that £23,000 has been given specifically for the new Bethesda. Trust and pray for a further £9,000 to complete the interior.

Friday:As we continue to send out ‘rice money’ pray that those people receiving this gift might realise the true’ giver’ as Jesus.

Saturday: Our main concern in S.L. is the furtherance of the gospel. Please pray that in the wake of ebola there might be a mighty awakening in the churches of the Connexion. That Christians will be inspired tobe a great witness where they live.

The truth about prayer

Wrong ideas about prayer...

...well they range from asking for what you want, to expecting God to change His mind to match your plans, to maybe assuming prayer doesn't matter because He knows it all already... and no doubt you could add many, many more?




So what's the truth about prayer?

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me—but it is not my will, but yours, that must be done.” Luke 22:42

Well the truth is not that prayer twists His arm or changes God's mind, but instead that our prayer, produced and nurtured as it is by God Himself, becomes the way by which we can enter into God's 'mind'. So we end up by asking God to do what He had always planned to do, once He had got us to the point of asking Him to do it, with a genuine belief that He would.
If we really want to see God's power at work in answering our prayers (and let's face it there would be something a bit awry if we don't), our job is not to convince ourselves of the certainty of what we've just decided to ask for will happen, just because we've decided it will... No our job in prayer is instead to ask God, to seek His will, His desires about all the needs and issues that surround us and threaten to overwhelm us; then we can allow Him to show us just how to pray within His will so that we're genuinely praying - Your will be done!

Have You Ever Met With Jesus?

Ron shared his poem with us a couple of Sunday's back.

Here it is:

Have You Ever Met With Jesus

If you have never met with Jesus, meet with Him today,

No appointments to make, no forms to fill, all we need to do is pray:

The words we use will profit us, the best we will ever make,

And receive the promise of Eternal Life, even for his Fathers sake.

 

He makes no judgement, no trial for sin we have to face,

Just acknowledge we are sinners, He pardons us by grace;

From this moment onward, He sends his spirit within us to dwell,

No more to face the world alone, the way forward for us He will tell.

 

The past is gone, no way could we go back to put things right,

Only God by His Son Jesus, could die to make us Holy in His sight;

Jesus is the way to Eternal Life, no other way can we find,

When God sent his Son to earth, it was the sinner He had in mind.

 

Jesus knows our faults, yet in us He only believes the best,

We humbly put our faith in Him, trusting His spirit to do the rest;

Jesus the same today, tomorrow, forever, for our good he has a plan,

He has a place prepared in heaven for us, the time unknown to man.

 

The sinner in the world, with a Holy God is out of reach,

Jesus is the sinners friend, His spirit from the word does teach;

All have sinned and short of Gods glory, the wages of sin is death,

Today is the day of salvation, turn to Jesus while we still have breath.

 

We have a birthright its Jesus, from the Bible we are told

Not to be like Esau, who for a bowl of soup, his birthright sold;

With no oil the five virgins, when the bridegroom came could not see,

Its not Gods will that any should perish to a lost eternity.

 

To the sinner without Jesus a life line is thrown,

Like a lamb to the slaughter, His death for us did He atone

Reconciling us back to the Father, who cannot look upon sin

Has opened up the road to Eternal life, that we might enter in.

 

© Ron Hart

Dipping in and out?

This is a piece I wrote a while ago, but I've had a few conversations with people recently about this important issue and so I've decided to pop it up on the blog. Please feel free to comment!
We live now in a highly  consumer focused culture, and this culture is seeping into church life, and it seems that “church shopping” is becoming a common trap for some Christians.

Is it wrong then to worship regularly in more than one church?
As we might expect the Bible doesn’t address the subject of being part of two (or more) different churches directly. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians opens, “to God’s church in Corinth” (1 Corinthians 1:2), signifying one church, while in Galatians Paul begins with “to the churches of Galatia” (Galatians 1:2), showing there was more than one in the region. Today, however, with numerous local churches, the question of whether it’s OK to attend more than one church on a regular basis does come up.

Firstly, it will help us if we are sure that we fully understand the purpose of church attendance and/or membership. When Christians join together with a local group of believers, we are following the model for the local church (check it out in Acts 2:41-42): “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.”  Also we  can see from Ephesians 4, that believers are meant to come together as a tightly knit family to minister to one another, care for one another and show commitment to one another using the gifts of the Holy Spirit to build up one another in the faith.

The question really is this: can we honestly realistically and effectively pray, have open fellowship, sit under teaching and authority of the word and the eldership, and use our spiritual gifts if we’re not properly committed to a single fellowship?

As the Bible is silent on the issue, we must not be dictatorial about it. But what we should do is address the issue of  the motive; by that I mean what encourages Christians to want to not be properly in fellowship with a single church but rather to spread themselves across more than one, and what is the effect (or effects) and consequence of that.

Sadly,  it is often the case that people will decide they want to worship somewhere else, at times, because that way they can just slip in and out without any commitment or any need to give of themselves to others; another reason may be that a person might be looking to pick or choose  something different from each church because they feel they can’t find one church that gives them everything they “want”. The problem with these reasons is that each one of them is counter to Christ’s teaching in scripture about what it is to give to one another; they all have the mentality of “what can I get”, rather than “what can I give”.

The biblical truth is that we’re to be actively serving and ministering to one another with the spiritual gift(s) we have received from the Spirit, and when we avoid this by choosing to be absent or prioritising our preferences over obedience to Christ, we can’t do that effectively. Besides this,  it will also show that we are not committed to the believers or the leadership in any one church, and that’s both a feeble witness to others and makes it very difficult to invite others to church .

While there may be legitimate reasons for someone to attend two or more churches,  this will generally only be when the local fellowship doesn’t have an evening or mid-week service, or when there is a special service which requires an individual’s attendance such as a dedication or baptism etc.

But when it comes to absenting ourselves from a fellowships main worship service, biblically it is very hard to justify and in practice, it is hard to see how this could fully benefit either the believer or the local churches he or she attends. The answer is not absence, it is rather full immersion into a fellowship – that is the way of both blessing and being blessed, it is the way of a deeper relationship, and a closer walk with Christ.

A bit awkward?

If you missed it, here's a link to the Sermon: A bit awkward?

Thanks to Russell for this week's questions!

Reading: John 13:1-17

1. Considering Jesus knew what was before him in respect of the cross. What was the significance of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples? Read Matt 20 v28
2. This very humble act from our Saviour and Lord is teaching us something - What is it? and how should we serve one another V16
3. How and Why did Peter react like he did when Jesus wanted to wash his feet and how did Jesus reply? 
4. Two great words we hear little of today but what's the difference between sanctification and justification?
5. How can we emulate Jesus' humility and love with one another and in church/workplace?

Dying to Live?

If you missed it, here's a link to the Sermon: Dying to Live?

Reading: John 12:20-36

1. Why did the Greeks need to ask to see Jesus?
2. Does Jesus see them? Explain.
3. Discuss the powerful pictures of the grain "dying" and the walking in the light. How can we apply these things to our own lives?
4. Verses 27-34: what are the important things about what Jesus is saying here? Is any of this confusing? If so talk it through as a group (refer back to the sermon).
5. Spend some time praying for each other as a group and the wider church, that we would take this teaching seriously.

Angelic, yeah right!

Do you find the idea that there are invisible supernatural beings around and amongst a bit hard to swallow?

I mean all the fantasy books and films you’ve read and seen paint a funny old picture of elves and fairies and super spiritual beings, but really!?

And if you’ve got an angel on your Christmas tree, the chances are it’s looking like a Scandinavian girl with wings or a chubby looking baby thing.

I wonder what answers you might give if you were asked what you know about angels? Maybe if you’ve been watching some old films you might say “every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings.” Well that’s a line from “Its a Wonderful Life” not the Bible.

Good old C.S. Lewis wrote plenty about angels (you could check out  the Eldila in his Space Trilogy, Mere Christianity, or maybe try the Screwtape Letters)

Here’s an excerpt from Screwtape Letters: It should be (but it is not) unnecessary to add that a belief in angels, whether good or evil, does not mean a belief in either as they are represented in art and literature. Devils are depicted with bats’ wings and good angels with birds’ wings, not because anyone holds that moral deterioration would be likely to turn feathers into membrane, but because most men like birds better than bats. They are given wings at all in order to suggest the swiftness of unimpeded intellectual energy. They are given human form because man is the only rational creature we know....

Of Course, Lewis is spot on, we only have to read the first chapter of Luke’s Gospel to find some pretty terrifying angelic appearances (Luke 1:11-20, 26-38, 2:8-14).

But does it matter if we bother too much about angels? Do we really have to believe in them? And what’s happened to them since all that stuff in the bible? And what is it they do, and where do demons fit in?

Well if you missed our crash course on January 4th 2015 when we looked at this as we introduced our verse for the year:

2 Corinthians 4:18 –  “So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”
then pick it up here - sermon link

Some references mentioned in the sermon:

• Angels bring GOD’S MESSAGES. (Matt. 1:20; 2:13,19; Luke 1:19,26-27).
• They provide REVELATION, dreams, and understanding. (Dan. 8:15-19; Rev. 1:1).
• Angels give GUIDANCE and DIRECTION. (Acts 8:26; Gen. 24:7).
• They RESCUE. (See Is. 37:36; 2 Kings 19:35).
• Angels PROTECT. They guard little children, have charge over and protect believers, ‘camp’ around those who fear God. (Matt. 18:10; Ps. 34:7; 91:11-12).
• Angels provide supernatural STRENGTH. (Matt. 4:11; Luke 22:42; Dan. 10:16).
• They minister to God through PRAISE AND WORSHIP. (Luke 2:14; Rev. 5:11-12).
• Angels are warriors of WAR. (Gen. 32:1-2; Dan. 10:13; Rev. 12:7).
• Angels meet out God’s JUDGMENTS. (Gen. 19:11; Ex. 12:21-23; Rev. 16:17).

What's Wrong With This Picture?

 

If you missed it, here's a link to the Sermon: What's Wrong With This Picture?

Readings: Luke 2:1-7

1. Discuss the things we might have wrong ideas about in relation to the birth of Christ. for instance:
• how did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem?
• where in Bethlehem was Jesus born?
• which books of the bible talk about the birth of Christ (Old and New Testament)?
• did Joseph meet the wise men?
• who besides the wise men saw the star?
• was the star particularly bright?
• ...what else is there that is tradition rather than fact?
2. What might Mary and Joseph been feeling and thinking?
3. What keeps us from having Christ at (a) the centre of our Christmas and (b) at the centre of our lives?
4. How can we encourage each other in putting this right with Jesus (this being 3 above)?



Getting to grips with being an honest Church

If you missed it, here's a link: Getting to grips with: Being an Honest Church


 Reading: Psalm 139
 

1. What are the kinds of things that we think of when we think about being honest, and when might we find ourselves justifying being dishonest?
2. Working your way through the psalm verse by verse, discuss what it has to say about our honesty as individuals, as part of a church family and in respect of the people we come into contact with who have no faith.
3. How should we deal with gossip in churches? cf: Proverbs 25:23; Eph. 5:11;James 3:7-8 Matt. 18: 15-20
4. Spend some time praying for each other and the integrity of every aspect of our church.
5. Homework - get int the habit of praying the words of Psalm 139: 23&24 

Getting to grips with: Being a Submissive Church

If you missed it, here's a link: Getting to grips with: Being a Submissive Church


 Reading: James 4:1-10
 

1. What thoughts come to mind when you think about being submissive?
2. What are the results of a lack of submission to God? Read through the first 4 verses and discuss the various points James raises.
3. James looks back to the Old Testament in Verses 5 and 6. Discuss what it means for God to be a jealous God? And how does this link with His desire to give us overwhelming grace?
4. Verse 7-10: what is the difference between submission and obedience?
5. How can/should we apply this to our lives today?

Getting to grips with: Being a Giving Church

If you missed it, here's a link to some notes: Getting to grips with: Being a Giving Church

 

Reading: Malachi 3: 8-12

 

1. How would you describe a giving church?
2. How might we rob God?
3. Why do we struggle to give back to God? Discuss what our use of time, money, experiences shows of our commitment to God.
4. Verse 9: does God curse us if we don't tithe?
5. What has giving got to do with worship?
6. Verse 10 includes the phrase "I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!." Discuss

Getting to grips with: Being a Worshipping Church

If you missed it, here's a link to the Sermon: Getting to grips with: Being a Worshipping Church


Reading: 1 Chronicles 16:8-36

1. Describe worship.
2. In this reading, the worship stems from the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem. What is that and why was it so important?
3. Take time to go through this 'psalm' it is a call to worship - talk about the various commands: what they mean and why they are important.
4. Corporate worship (worship together is important. How can we encourage each other in worship and in which ways might we disturb other people from worshipping?
5. In your closing prayers spend some time giving thanks and praise in prayer before moving to intercession.

Getting to grips with being the Church Jesus wants!

If you missed it, here's a link to the Sermon: Getting to grips with being the Church Jesus wants!

 

 

Instead of specific questions, this week take a look at the four headings used in the sermon:

 

• A CHRIST CENTRED CHURCH.
• A CONVINCING CHURCH.
• A CLEANSED CHURCH.
• A CONTENT CHURCH.

Use the bible references from the sermon to discuss each one as a group.

Consider how they should impact our life: 
          a) as a church family;
          b) as an individual.

Here they are... Scriptures used to look at: Getting to grips with being the church Jesus Wants.

 

 

  

 

 

“TEN WAYS TO HINDER THE CHURCH"

I picked this up a few days ago when looking for something else. It's the basis of a sermon outline from George Butterfield.

 

 

First it amused me, next it got me thinking - it's a sad and sorry list as there's such truth in it, but I'd love to have heard the sermon - Church leaders reading through this list will be audibly shouting yes!

 

1. Do nothing to help the church2. Stay away from every service3. Find fault with everything and everybody4. When asked to do anything, say, "I can't."5. Rebel against the elders and leaders of the congregation6. Cause trouble whenever it is possible7. Don't bridle your tongue8. Get a hobby horse and ride it9. Be a dictator10. Be worldly

I wonder if we might use it as a checklist for our prayers of repentance. Despite this we must thank God for His incredible gift to us of His Church, His Bride, His delight, and most of all His Grace and Mercy.

  

For Christians Only!

How do we approach our Worship Services?

• Are we expecting to meet with the Living God?
• Are our hearts and heads “in the right place”?
• Do we come in good time?
• As we gather are we focussed and quietly waiting and thinking on God?

or

• Are we expecting to catch up with our friends for a chat?
• Are our heads and hearts befuddled and full of all of the stuff of life (and maybe the stuff of the night before)?
• Do we arrive “by the skin of our teeth” and then decide grabbing a coffee is a priority over grabbing a seat?
• As we gather do we shout across the sanctuary and talk over the worship group?

There are times when The Lord brings us up sharp and reminds us that we are His: to glorify Him, to worship Him, to be amazed, astounded and in awe of Him to relish Him, to revere Him, and I believe that the Lord is bringing us as a fellowship to that point, He is saying to us, “it is great that you are a welcoming, loving caring church – it is great, and I will have it no other way. But I AM The Lord and I want to be welcomed over and above others, for the purpose of my glory, and that in worshipping me and coming close to me in obedience, you will be blessed as I desire to bless you.”

Will there be times we:

• need to quietly welcome someone new?
• find our children are a bit chatty?
• we are a bit late, because things happen?
• it just all goes a bit pear shaped?

Yes of course there will be those times, and God knows all about it, stuff happens, but He is reminding us where our focus should be. Our God is no tyrant, but He is a God of loving discipline and He calls us to be disciples.

 

So you see, this really is a message for Christians only…

Some Study Questions for HouseGroups and Individuals

1. Do you feel offended by this issue being raised? Explore why that might be?
2. Why does our attitude to approaching worship matter?
3. How does the behaviour of Christians in Church affect the behaviour of those new to faith or searching?
4. What practical things can we do to help each other in this respect?
5. Why is God’s grace key to how we encourage one another in our discipleship?
   

Scripture is full of incredible descriptions of how awesome and wonderful our God is. Be encouraged!

Isaiah 6:3

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies!

    The whole earth is filled with his glory!”

 
Psalm 33:8

“Let everyone in all the world

—men, women, and children—

fear the Lord and stand in awe of him.”

 
Psalm 46:10

 “Be still, and know that I am God!

    I will be honoured by every nation.

    I will be honoured throughout the world.”

 
Matthew 5:23-24

“If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.