Light at the end of the tunnel

Some questions set by Russell for this week. 

Here's the link to the Sermon: Light at the end of the tunnel

Reading: Amos 9 

1. In v1 We see the Lord standing close by as destruction is carried out - why does Amos not want us to miss this point? Is God aloof?
   
   
2. Why is it important to remember that ALL nations and people are important to him in light of v7 ?
   
   
3. What does Remnant mean in terms of the Jewish people and what does 'House of David ' mean in v11? Discuss the two different meanings of buildings/people.
   
   
4. The society in which we live is no different to Amos' day. Is it ok for us to live how we want to live in this time of Grace.
   
   
5. What day is Amos talking about here in v11 and what precedes the Jews' worldwide return to Israel? v11
   
   
6. What promise does God make after their return? v15 Why does the Lord keep a Remnant ?
   
   

Don't take that away!

Here's the link to the Sermon: What is the thing you can't live without?

Reading: Amos 8

1. What did the Lord show to Amos in Amos 8:1-2, what did it mean and how does those verses apply to us today?
2. In Amos 8: 3-6 there is a description of the Israelites attitude to the Sabbath and other holy days.
   1. Discuss the difference between the Lord’s Day and the Sabbath. How should we keep the Lord’s Day?
   2. What was the thrust of God’s words through Amos in these verses?
3. What does the Lord say in Amos 8:7?
   1. How does that fit in with other verses offering forgiveness?
   2. Which verses can you find where God promises to forgive?
4. What is the Lord going to do in Amos 8:11-12? Has this happened already or is it a prophecy, yet to be fulfilled? Discuss and explain.
5. Amos and some of the other Minor Prophets can be a bit challenging in places. What would we miss if we didn’t tackle the less well known parts of the bible?
6. As a group consider whether there are areas of teaching which people would like to (or feel they ought to hear), [Group leaders – please feedback any comments]

Courageous and Compassionate

Here's the link to the Sermon: Courage and Compassion

Reading: Amos 7

1. Take a few minutes to recap on what Amos has taught us so far.
2. Verse 1 - what is a vision, and what is it not?
3. What do the visions in verses 1-7 show about God's judgement?
4. What does this teach us about prayer - can you make God change his mind?
5. Discuss the meeting with Amaziah. What does this show of Amos' character, attitude and behaviour, and what should we learn and apply from it? 
   
   

Am I Bovvered?!

Here's the link to the Sermon: Bovvered?!

Reading: Amos 6 


In the sermon we looked at this passage under 4 different headings.
As a group take a look at these headings afresh - try not just to regurgitate the sermon J but go deeper and broader and look at how these thing apply to us today.

1. Verses 1-3 Never be Content in the wrong thing
2. Verses 4-6 I’m all Right, Jack is not all right!
3. Verses 7-10 God Dictates; Not You
4. Verses 11-14 Morality Is Important to God

SIERRA LEONE MISSION FEBRUARY / MARCH PRAYER POINTS

‘For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich yet for your sakes He became poor.’ 2 Corinthians 8v9

Sunday: Pray for the families of Rev. Joe Pearce, Rev AD John and Rev Samuel Williams as they have all recently been ‘promoted to glory!’  Also pray for their church fellowships at St. Stephen’s, Rokel, Ebenezer, Lumley and Manalo.

Monday: Pray for divine intervention in the Connexion in Sierra Leone as they head for the election of new leaders in February 2^nd -5^th 2016.

Tuesday: Pray for a blessing for all the Connexional church members  as they meet for Conference.

 

Wednesday: Pray that Bethesda might be completed in time for the children to move into the building at the end of February.

Thursday: Pray for Ebola created orphans and survivors as not much is been done for them and some of them are still sick in many ways. Pray for families who have taken some of these children into their own homes.

Friday: Pray that God will provide, through His people, the funds needed to continue supporting our brothers and sisters in Sierra Leone . There are many aspects of our work and the churches in the UK have committed themselves to this work in Sierra Leone.

 
Saturday: Thank God that through the pestilence and the floods He has been faithful to the saints in Sierra Leone.  Thank Him for the provision of everything in the last shipment and the joy that many children enjoyed!    

Fat Cows...

Here are some study questions from Gordon on the message he preached on Amos 4 and here's the link to the Sermon: Fat Cows of Samaria

Reading: Amos 4 

1. Consider the question, “What has God done for you lately?” Do we only think of things which prosper us or make us feel more comfortable, or are we able to recognise God's discipline a source of blessing also? (Ref Hebrews 12 :5-11)
2. Read vs 1-5. Discuss how the lifestyles of the people of Samaria and their attitudes towards the poor reflect those of  society today. How should God's people be different?
3. In what ways could it be possible for our worship to be full of tradition and ritual, with a sound knowledge of scripture, but be worthless in the sight of God?
4. Vs 6-11 Discuss ways that God might use to encourage individuals or nations to turn back to Him? Are there areas where we as a nation are guilty of not listening to  his warnings.
5. How is it possible for us as weak, unholy people to be prepared to meet our God as described in v 13?

Prayer focus for the coming months

 

Facilities

We’ve been blessed for many years with the use of St Mary’s School, and we hope this will be the case for some time to come, but the elders feel it is right to seek the Lord on the possibility of a permanent building, to enable us to further the work of New Connexions.

 

Some prayer points for this are:-

 

1. That the Lord would make it clear to us about whether we should be seeking to build or find a long term agreement with another organisation in the area?
2. Pray the Lord may provide a piece of land with the area we've been called to, according to His will and purpose.
3. To provide financial assistance for the work
4. To raise a team within our church who are dedicated to the future of the building work
5. Guidance on how the building could, not only glorify him, but to serve the local community.

 

Youth

A number within the Church have been challenged by our need to reach the youth of the area.

 

Some prayer points for this are:-

 

• A suitable venue may be found for us to meet.
• We have some male volunteers to help run this project but we also need some female leaders.
• In the running of this youth group there will be times and activities when we tell them about God and we would pray for clear inspiration on the content and leading of these ‘epilogue’ sessions.

• A sound programme and ideas will be needed, as we obviously can’t rely on the youngsters turning up and organising themselves!
• The Lord’s provision of equipment for this venture.

Please do pray for the work of New Connexions and use these prayer points in Housegroup, Prayer Meetings and personal prayer to specifically seek the Lord on these key points.