Even if you are not a huge train spotter the Swanage Railway to Corfe Castle is a great day out.
Swanage Railway
Friday, 14 October 2011
Discover Dorset: Swanage Railway
Discover Dorset: Swanage - a seaside gem
We have been visiting Swanage as a family for over 3 generations and really love it! Swanage is a seaside town that has not been tainted by the 'cloned high street'. While you are there have a ride on the Swanage Railway.
Discover Dorset: The Blue Pool and Teahouse
One of our favourite outings in Dorset.
The Blue Pool and Tea Rooms
One of Dorsets best loved attractions since 1935.
Set north of the Purbeck Hills between Wareham and Corfe Castle off the A351.
The Blue Pool at Furzebrook constantly varies in colour. Very fine clay in suspension in the water diffracts light in different ways, producing a spectrum of colour sometimes green sometimes turquoise.
Set in a deep clay bowl, steps lead down to the waters edge or up to views of the Purbeck Hills. The Pool is surrounded by 25 acres of heath, woodland and gorse interlaced with sandy paths that seem to take you to another world.
Opening Times
1st March to 30th November from 9:30am
Closing time 5pm - later in the summer.
The Tea House, Museum,Shops and Plant Centre are open daily:-
16th March to 30th October from 10:00am Closing Times vary through out the season.
Prices:-
Adults £5.30
Children 5 - 14 years £3.20 (under fives free)
Seniors & Concessions - £4.50
Family Ticket - 2 adults and up to 4 children £13.80
SEASON TICKETS ARE AVALIABLE
Discover Dorset: Lulworth Castle and Cove
Dorset is such a beautiful part of the country, explore Lulworth Castle and Cove with me.
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Authority in the power of the Holy Spirit
Growing in the power of the Spirit
Listened to a really interesting and challenging talk earlier.
How can we grow and live and act more in the power of the Holy Spirit?
Growing in Authority ....
1: Before filling
Luke 3:21 (NIV)
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened
We may be saved but have not been baptised in the Spirit. Faith is flimsy. Worship has less meaning, prayer is difficult and I run out of what to pray. Church may seem boring and I am on the outside.
How do we get filled.
Humility - I need help. Remember that Jesus was also baptised in the Spirit.
2: Ask and the in-filling.
Luke 3:22 (NIV)
and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
We feel and sense something of God. We feel loved and comforted.
There are limitations - we feel filled but we don't have the power to make things happen.
Being filled is not enough.
3: Follow the Spirit
Luke 4:1 (NIV)
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert,
We must move into a relationship where we are lead by the Holy Spirit. We must move from emotions to communication. We can now start to hear God speaking to us.
We do the things that God says but still things don't happen. We don't see the power.
4: Power of the Spirit
Luke 4:14 (NIV)
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
We have a level of authority and this comes from ...
Luke 4:1-13 (NIV)
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, [2] where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. [3] The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." [4] Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone.' " [5] The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. [6] And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. [7] So if you worship me, it will all be yours." [8] Jesus answered, "It is written: `Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.' " [9] The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. [10] For it is written: " `He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; [11] they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' " [12] Jesus answered, "It says: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " [13] When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
Between being filled and lead and authority is a time of testing.
- desires of flesh v3-4. Can God trust us with His authority.
Luke 4:4 (NIV)
Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone.' "
- worshipping God alone v7-8
Luke 4:7-8 (NIV)
So if you worship me, it will all be yours." [8] Jesus answered, "It is written: `Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.' "
- don't put God to test v12
Luke 4:12 (NIV)
Jesus answered, "It says: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' "
At this point we can be in a place where we can start doing great works in the name and power of the Holy Spirit.
I think I might have more to add as I reflect more on this.
Listened to a really interesting and challenging talk earlier.
How can we grow and live and act more in the power of the Holy Spirit?
What authority do we have?
Do we want to see awesome movements of God in our lives?
Do we want to see people healed?
How much do we want to grow?
Do we want maximum authority in our futures?
Do we want to walk with Jesus and we don't want our foolishness to spoil the future.
Growing in Authority ....
1: Before filling
Luke 3:21 (NIV)
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened
We may be saved but have not been baptised in the Spirit. Faith is flimsy. Worship has less meaning, prayer is difficult and I run out of what to pray. Church may seem boring and I am on the outside.
How do we get filled.
Humility - I need help. Remember that Jesus was also baptised in the Spirit.
2: Ask and the in-filling.
Luke 3:22 (NIV)
and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
We feel and sense something of God. We feel loved and comforted.
There are limitations - we feel filled but we don't have the power to make things happen.
Being filled is not enough.
3: Follow the Spirit
Luke 4:1 (NIV)
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert,
We must move into a relationship where we are lead by the Holy Spirit. We must move from emotions to communication. We can now start to hear God speaking to us.
We do the things that God says but still things don't happen. We don't see the power.
4: Power of the Spirit
Luke 4:14 (NIV)
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
We have a level of authority and this comes from ...
Luke 4:1-13 (NIV)
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, [2] where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. [3] The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread." [4] Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone.' " [5] The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. [6] And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. [7] So if you worship me, it will all be yours." [8] Jesus answered, "It is written: `Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.' " [9] The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down from here. [10] For it is written: " `He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; [11] they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' " [12] Jesus answered, "It says: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " [13] When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
Between being filled and lead and authority is a time of testing.
- desires of flesh v3-4. Can God trust us with His authority.
Luke 4:4 (NIV)
Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone.' "
- worshipping God alone v7-8
Luke 4:7-8 (NIV)
So if you worship me, it will all be yours." [8] Jesus answered, "It is written: `Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.' "
- don't put God to test v12
Luke 4:12 (NIV)
Jesus answered, "It says: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' "
At this point we can be in a place where we can start doing great works in the name and power of the Holy Spirit.
I think I might have more to add as I reflect more on this.
We always need our Mums
I love being a Dad, having my own home, family and the real sense of independence.
I really like this photo. Mums are such special people and as mine gets older I start to have the occasional worry about what will happen when Mum is no longer around.
We should cherish our Mums, tell them we love them and remind them of how special they are.
Welcome to poems for mum - including poetry for mothers -
here's some ideas for what you can write writing inside a special
birthday or thankyou card ...
"God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers."
Mother's Love
Author Unknown
Her love is like an island
In life's ocean, vast and wide
A peaceful, quiet shelter
From the wind, the rain, the tide.
'Tis bound on the north by Hope,
By Patience on the West,
By tender Counsel on the South
And on the East by Rest.
Above it like a beacon light
Shine Faith, and Truth, and Prayer;
And thro' the changing scenes of life
I find a haven there.
Only One Mother
Author Unknown
Hundreds of stars in the pretty sky,
Hundreds of shells on the shore together,
Hundreds of birds that go singing by,
Hundreds of birds in the sunny weather.
Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn,
Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,
Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,
But only one mother the wide world over.
I Wish I Could Tell You Mom
Author Unknown
I wish I could tell you, Mom
how much you mean to me....
But there are no words to say
how much I admire you...
how much I appreciate you...
how much I thank you
for everything you've
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
what will happen when I stop taking Tramadol?
Following my shoulder operation on 20th September I have been on a concoction of pills to sort out the pain. The hospital gave me a week supply of all the pain killers and at the end of the week the GP gave me a prescription taking me up to Friday. After Friday I should be able to reduce the Medication to just paracetamol and diclofenac.
My worry is the other pain killer tramadol which runs out tomorrow. Chatting to friends and doing some research on-line the side effects seem nasty when you stop taking tramadol.
Wikipedia suggests the following effects of coming off Tramadol.
I have to be honest and say that I am a little scared about what may or may not happen.
My worry is the other pain killer tramadol which runs out tomorrow. Chatting to friends and doing some research on-line the side effects seem nasty when you stop taking tramadol.
Tramadol hydrochloride (Ultram, Tramal) is a centrally acting opioid analgesic, used in treating moderate to severe pain. The drug has a wide range of applications, including treatment for restless legs syndrome and fibromyalgia. It was developed by the pharmaceutical company Grünenthal GmbH in the late 1970s.
Wikipedia suggests the following effects of coming off Tramadol.
Tramadol is associated with the development of physical dependence and a severe withdrawal syndrome.
Tramadol causes typical opiate-like withdrawal symptoms as well as atypical withdrawal symptoms including seizures. The atypical withdrawal symptoms are probably related to tramadol's effect on serotonin and norepinephrine re-uptake. Symptoms may include those of SSRI discontinuation syndrome, such as anxiety, depression, anguish, severe mood swings, aggressiveness, brain "zaps", electric-shock-like sensations throughout the body, paresthesias, sweating, palpitations, restless legs syndrome, sneezing, insomnia, tremors, and headache among others. In most cases, tramadol withdrawal will set in 12–20 hours after the last dose, but this can vary. Tramadol withdrawal lasts longer than that of other opioids; seven days or more of acute withdrawal symptoms can occur as opposed to typically three or four days for other codeine analogues.
I have to be honest and say that I am a little scared about what may or may not happen.
Monday, 10 October 2011
A message to my international readers.
I'm very pleased that my blog seems to be read in so many countries around the world. I have been really surprised by how many hits are coming from Russia, Please leave comments, how did you find me, what do you think?
Сообщения на мой международных читателей. Привет, Я очень рад, что мой блог, кажется, читал во многих странах по всему миру. Я был действительно удивлен тем, насколько много хитов приходят из России, пожалуйста, оставляйте комментарии, как ты меня нашел, что вы думаете? Ура Спенсер
Сообщения на мой международных читателей. Привет, Я очень рад, что мой блог, кажется, читал во многих странах по всему миру. Я был действительно удивлен тем, насколько много хитов приходят из России, пожалуйста, оставляйте комментарии, как ты меня нашел, что вы думаете? Ура Спенсер
Prayer - does God really want to listen to me?
Prayer - does God really care?
I've been thinking a lot about prayer recently and I started a train of thought during the night last night which worried me.
"Does God really want to hear me ramble on night after night?"
We need to remember that God is interested in us and all of our stuff. If we think of prayer simply as a spiritual activity that we must do each day in the same way that we clean our teeth we will soon become despondent.
God loves hearing from us, spending time in His presence. In the same way that I love hearing from my son when he gets home from school, God always has time for us and the Amen at the end of our prayer will always come from us.
Living in a global community it is very easy to feel lost in the crowd. Through prayer with a loving God we have someone who wants to listen to it all with avid interest.
Feel encouraged and keep chatting to the one who loves it and actively desires it.
I've been thinking a lot about prayer recently and I started a train of thought during the night last night which worried me.
"Does God really want to hear me ramble on night after night?"
We need to remember that God is interested in us and all of our stuff. If we think of prayer simply as a spiritual activity that we must do each day in the same way that we clean our teeth we will soon become despondent.
God loves hearing from us, spending time in His presence. In the same way that I love hearing from my son when he gets home from school, God always has time for us and the Amen at the end of our prayer will always come from us.
Living in a global community it is very easy to feel lost in the crowd. Through prayer with a loving God we have someone who wants to listen to it all with avid interest.
Feel encouraged and keep chatting to the one who loves it and actively desires it.
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Not Psalm 23
The clock is my dictator, I shall not rest.
It make me lie down only when exhausted.
It leads me to deep depression, it hounds my soul.
It leads me in circles of frenzy for activity’s sake.
Even though I run frantically from task to task,
I will never get it all done. For my ‘ideal’ is with me.
Deadlines and my need for approval, they drive me.
They demand performance from me, beyond the limits of my schedule.
They anoint my head with migraines, my in-tray overflows.
Surely fatigue and time pressure shall follow me all the days of life,
And I will dwell in the bonds of frustration forever.
I read this amazing rewrite of Psalm 23 the other day and think it really reflects some of the issues we face as Christians with time management
Do you feel that you don't have enough time to do everything you want to do? Is prayer, Bible study and spending time with God the one job we never seem to have for.
To busy to pray?
God gives everyone time equally, rich or poor we all get the same amount. We also have enough time to the things that He wants us to do.
Are the other things of life getting in the way?
Do we really need to watch that last episode of our fav TV show when we could be reading our Bible?
Use your time wisely.
http://www.ibenedictines.org/
I came across a great blog last night.
http://www.ibenedictines.org/
They describe the blog as
I am going to add this to the list of blogs I follow.
I encourage you to do the same.
http://www.ibenedictines.org/
They describe the blog as
The World seen from the Cloister . . .
This is a blog written by Benedictine nuns from Holy Trinity Monastery, East Hendred, UK. We prefer to call ourselves cloistered rather than enclosed because the word “enclosed” may suggest a closed mind. We have a special interest in using contemporary technology to reach out to people who would never otherwise come to the monastery.
I am going to add this to the list of blogs I follow.
I encourage you to do the same.
Personal prayer and corporate prayer in church
A praying community
Very interesting talk in church today.
Acts 4:23-31 (NIV)
On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. [24] When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. [25] You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " `Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? [26] The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. ' [27] Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. [28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. [30] Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
What makes us distinctive from other caring clubs and societies? How is the church different from other charitable groups.
Prayer
What is prayer?
We often say simply "talking to God" and we think there are lots of rules we need to follow. We may have lots of rules that we impose on ourselves. We think we have to say the correct words in a special way for God to hear us.
God's desire is for us to be in relationship. We may feel that we are bad at praying because we don't do enough. It is encouraging to think that even just thinking about God brings us into His presence.
Why does God want us to pray?
Simply because God loves us.
Even though we often feel we can't pray well enough or we are not worthy enough to pray.
God just wants us to spend time talking and praying to Him. He longs and desires for us to spend time with Him.
What about corporate prayer?
In the Bible there is an expectation that believers will pray together. How much time should we spend in corporate prayer?
Do we pray before our services, for people involved, committing all we will do? Do we pray for understanding and vision for the church's future.
Acts 4:23 (NIV)
On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
On release they went back and told the church what happened.
Then ..
Acts 4:24 (NIV)
When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.
They prayed reminding themselves of who they are praying to. We need to open the door to God through prayer. We come to God with empty hands just as we are with all that we are.
Prayer by full immersion. We should be prepared to go out into the full depth of God's presence. Prayer is an everyday thing and a part of our daily lives. It's not about rules, technique or technology. Prayer requires perseverance and determination and a skill that we will grow in. When God feels far away that's only our perception.
We should remind ourselves of who God is and what He can do.
Acts 4:24-28 (NIV)
When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. [25] You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " `Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? [26] The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. ' [27] Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. [28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.
They prayed for boldness to speak.
Acts 4:29-30 (NIV)
Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. [30] Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
God wants to transform us and this starts in prayer.
God longs for us to ask.
Very interesting talk in church today.
Acts 4:23-31 (NIV)
On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. [24] When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. [25] You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " `Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? [26] The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. ' [27] Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. [28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. [30] Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
What makes us distinctive from other caring clubs and societies? How is the church different from other charitable groups.
Prayer
What is prayer?
We often say simply "talking to God" and we think there are lots of rules we need to follow. We may have lots of rules that we impose on ourselves. We think we have to say the correct words in a special way for God to hear us.
God's desire is for us to be in relationship. We may feel that we are bad at praying because we don't do enough. It is encouraging to think that even just thinking about God brings us into His presence.
Why does God want us to pray?
Simply because God loves us.
Even though we often feel we can't pray well enough or we are not worthy enough to pray.
God just wants us to spend time talking and praying to Him. He longs and desires for us to spend time with Him.
What about corporate prayer?
In the Bible there is an expectation that believers will pray together. How much time should we spend in corporate prayer?
Do we pray before our services, for people involved, committing all we will do? Do we pray for understanding and vision for the church's future.
Acts 4:23 (NIV)
On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
On release they went back and told the church what happened.
Then ..
Acts 4:24 (NIV)
When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.
They prayed reminding themselves of who they are praying to. We need to open the door to God through prayer. We come to God with empty hands just as we are with all that we are.
Prayer by full immersion. We should be prepared to go out into the full depth of God's presence. Prayer is an everyday thing and a part of our daily lives. It's not about rules, technique or technology. Prayer requires perseverance and determination and a skill that we will grow in. When God feels far away that's only our perception.
We should remind ourselves of who God is and what He can do.
Acts 4:24-28 (NIV)
When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. [25] You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " `Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? [26] The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. ' [27] Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. [28] They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.
They prayed for boldness to speak.
Acts 4:29-30 (NIV)
Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. [30] Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
God wants to transform us and this starts in prayer.
God longs for us to ask.
Friday, 7 October 2011
Where is Jesus in our lives?
Very interesting talk in church today about Hebrews 1
Jesus is not an angel v4.
We see Jesus who was made a little lower than the Angels.
1:6 When God brings His first born and all God's angels will worship him.
The writer has met Jesus and knows exactly who He is.
Jewish people understand the idea of Messiah but didn't recognise Jesus as the Messiah.
Jesus 'the Christ' as a title.
Understanding of the Kingship of Jesus from the line of David.
They thought that there would be 2 Messiahs - a king and a priest?
Jesus can't be our Messiah unless He is resurrected.
V3 - everything is under Him but it doesn't always feel like Jesus is the king in our life.
God has begun something but there will be an end to the plan and Jesus was there since the beginning.
V1 God has been at it for a long time (speaking through the prophets) before sending his own son. The plan has always been that God would love all (Jew and Gentile)
Do we have a sense that God is not in a hurry? Is God making us wait for something? Will we take the means of control into our own hands?
Give it back to Jesus in patience - He is in charge not us.
Hebrews 1:3 (NIV)
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Is Jesus a 'chip off the old block' or is He the exact likeness of God.
Hebrews 2:14 (NIV)
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death---that is, the devil---
Do we choose to be independent of Him? Jesus has destroyed the power of the Devil. Do we acknowledge how much hold the Devil has over our world.
Matthew 25
Matthew 25:41 (NIV)
"Then he will say to those on his left, `Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Jesus has beaten the power but we are living in the times between this. We live in the middle of the reality of Jesus overcoming the power of death but the Devil is still here and wielding power.
We are to focus on Jesus.
What is our image and impression of the divinity and humanity of Jesus.
Hebrews 2:10-11 (NIV)
In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. [11] Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
The angels have helped us be pointed in the right direction.
Jesus is not an angel v4.
We see Jesus who was made a little lower than the Angels.
1:6 When God brings His first born and all God's angels will worship him.
The writer has met Jesus and knows exactly who He is.
Jewish people understand the idea of Messiah but didn't recognise Jesus as the Messiah.
Jesus 'the Christ' as a title.
Understanding of the Kingship of Jesus from the line of David.
They thought that there would be 2 Messiahs - a king and a priest?
Jesus can't be our Messiah unless He is resurrected.
V3 - everything is under Him but it doesn't always feel like Jesus is the king in our life.
God has begun something but there will be an end to the plan and Jesus was there since the beginning.
V1 God has been at it for a long time (speaking through the prophets) before sending his own son. The plan has always been that God would love all (Jew and Gentile)
Do we have a sense that God is not in a hurry? Is God making us wait for something? Will we take the means of control into our own hands?
Give it back to Jesus in patience - He is in charge not us.
Hebrews 1:3 (NIV)
The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Is Jesus a 'chip off the old block' or is He the exact likeness of God.
Hebrews 2:14 (NIV)
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death---that is, the devil---
Do we choose to be independent of Him? Jesus has destroyed the power of the Devil. Do we acknowledge how much hold the Devil has over our world.
Matthew 25
Matthew 25:41 (NIV)
"Then he will say to those on his left, `Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Jesus has beaten the power but we are living in the times between this. We live in the middle of the reality of Jesus overcoming the power of death but the Devil is still here and wielding power.
We are to focus on Jesus.
What is our image and impression of the divinity and humanity of Jesus.
Hebrews 2:10-11 (NIV)
In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. [11] Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.
The angels have helped us be pointed in the right direction.
The death of Steve Jobs
I never met Steve Jobs and to be honest I never thought I would but reading the sad news that Steve has passed away has left a huge hole in my heart.
I saw the news on my iPad and I typed this on my MacBook, both devices which give me so much pleasure and improve my productivity daily. I have been a huge fan of Apple since 1994 and have valued so much the vision and direction that Steve Jobs gave to Apple.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues as they take in the news.
Apple is a very strong company and I am confident of the legacy that Steve has left for the future.
RIP Steve Jobs - you were a true visionary and have impacted on so many people's lives around the world.
Steve Jobs 1955 - 2011
I saw the news on my iPad and I typed this on my MacBook, both devices which give me so much pleasure and improve my productivity daily. I have been a huge fan of Apple since 1994 and have valued so much the vision and direction that Steve Jobs gave to Apple.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues as they take in the news.
Apple is a very strong company and I am confident of the legacy that Steve has left for the future.
RIP Steve Jobs - you were a true visionary and have impacted on so many people's lives around the world.
Steve Jobs 1955 - 2011
God and the workplace
How do we live out a Christian life in the workplace!
Try to discourage the culture of long hours and should not be part of the norm.
Success came from recognising weaknesses. Try to not to create clones of the management.
Suggesting that if people had good ideas they should follow it through. Respecting people from the moment they came through the door.
To enjoy work you should ...
Be fit for it,
Not do too much,
Sense of success in it.
The Bible says if we are honest in little things we become honest in the big things. In the workplace we should not lie and not expect others to lie on our behalf.
A timely rebuke is a kindness. We should not be afraid to do this with people and our families.
Proverbs 15:31-32 (NIV)
He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. [32] He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
What happens when the energy is spent and we need to rely totally on God? God's hand is on the rudder and we can trust Him in the journey we go down.
Spiritual leadership begins at home.
Who take the responsibility for guidance and leadership of the children? If all the energy is spent at work and you get home all spent out what can you give the family.
How do you balance it?
We should examine our role of responsibility.
Are we consistent with what we say and do?
How do we spend our time?
Are we failing our wives and children?
Are we consumed with material lives?
Try to discourage the culture of long hours and should not be part of the norm.
Success came from recognising weaknesses. Try to not to create clones of the management.
Suggesting that if people had good ideas they should follow it through. Respecting people from the moment they came through the door.
To enjoy work you should ...
Be fit for it,
Not do too much,
Sense of success in it.
The Bible says if we are honest in little things we become honest in the big things. In the workplace we should not lie and not expect others to lie on our behalf.
A timely rebuke is a kindness. We should not be afraid to do this with people and our families.
Proverbs 15:31-32 (NIV)
He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. [32] He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
What happens when the energy is spent and we need to rely totally on God? God's hand is on the rudder and we can trust Him in the journey we go down.
Spiritual leadership begins at home.
Who take the responsibility for guidance and leadership of the children? If all the energy is spent at work and you get home all spent out what can you give the family.
How do you balance it?
We should examine our role of responsibility.
Are we consistent with what we say and do?
How do we spend our time?
Are we failing our wives and children?
Are we consumed with material lives?
Being affirmed by God
Very interesting talk in church today.
Mark 1:9-10 (NIV)
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. [10] As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
Everyone likes to be appreciated and needs to be accepted and affirmed. We are judged everywhere we go, but we just want to be told well done. This can leave us striving, stressing and wanting to do well. But we are equally guilty of that, eg from entertainment where we decided who should stay and who should go. We also do it in church.
We should be asking what did God say rather than what did we think?
How much of this did Jesus face?
He was doing amazing things all the time and people were talking behind his back all the time.
Before He even started ..
Mark 1:11 (NIV)
And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
God the father recognised God the son's human need.
The need for a sense of identity.
The need for security.
The need of significance - He knew His purpose
Mark 1:15 (NIV)
"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"
This is not an approval rating of His ministry - this was before He had done anything.
All Jesus has done is made Himself available.
Mark 1:11 (NIV)
And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
He could face the difficulties. He wasn't seeking identity, security, significance. He had it all. He could come as a servant.
What about us?
Romans 8:15 (NIV)
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
We are in Christ. A very profound truth that the same approval and identity given to Jesus can be given to us.
We can have
identity
Security
Significance
Not by anything we have achieved but because who we are.
Have we really grasped this?
Such a simple message.
The core message of how we can be so strong in the kingdom of God.
Why don't we believe it?
The world tells us.
Other people may put us down. You are only as good as your last result.
We can believe what the world tells us and it can become a self fulfilling prophecy.
God keeps shouting:
Mark 1:11 (NIV)
And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
The cycle of grace
1. Acceptance
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, [5] made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions---it is by grace you have been saved.
2. Sustenance
Ephesians 2:7 (NIV)
in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
3. Identity
Ephesians 2:6 (NIV)
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
4. Achievement (service)
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
The cycle of grief
1. Achievement (identity)
2. Identity
3. Drivenness
4. Acceptance
The difference between the cycle of grace and the cycle of grief can be subtle.
The cycle of grief causes exhaustion.
We work out of God's love.
Mark 1:11 (NIV)
And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
Whatever I do God is still going to love me.
If we don't have that acceptance from God we will look to other people for acceptance. Who am I if I don't have that title next to my name? We can become jealous of other people. We can't take criticism or become too driven.
We may have mixed motives for what we do but that can be ok.
Do affirm each other. Build each other up.
We should keep coming back to God the Father to hear those words again.
Mark 1:11 (NIV)
And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
Mark 1:9-10 (NIV)
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. [10] As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
Everyone likes to be appreciated and needs to be accepted and affirmed. We are judged everywhere we go, but we just want to be told well done. This can leave us striving, stressing and wanting to do well. But we are equally guilty of that, eg from entertainment where we decided who should stay and who should go. We also do it in church.
We should be asking what did God say rather than what did we think?
How much of this did Jesus face?
He was doing amazing things all the time and people were talking behind his back all the time.
Before He even started ..
Mark 1:11 (NIV)
And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
God the father recognised God the son's human need.
The need for a sense of identity.
The need for security.
The need of significance - He knew His purpose
Mark 1:15 (NIV)
"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"
This is not an approval rating of His ministry - this was before He had done anything.
All Jesus has done is made Himself available.
Mark 1:11 (NIV)
And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
He could face the difficulties. He wasn't seeking identity, security, significance. He had it all. He could come as a servant.
What about us?
Romans 8:15 (NIV)
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
We are in Christ. A very profound truth that the same approval and identity given to Jesus can be given to us.
We can have
identity
Security
Significance
Not by anything we have achieved but because who we are.
Have we really grasped this?
Such a simple message.
The core message of how we can be so strong in the kingdom of God.
Why don't we believe it?
The world tells us.
Other people may put us down. You are only as good as your last result.
We can believe what the world tells us and it can become a self fulfilling prophecy.
God keeps shouting:
Mark 1:11 (NIV)
And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
The cycle of grace
1. Acceptance
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, [5] made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions---it is by grace you have been saved.
2. Sustenance
Ephesians 2:7 (NIV)
in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
3. Identity
Ephesians 2:6 (NIV)
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
4. Achievement (service)
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
The cycle of grief
1. Achievement (identity)
2. Identity
3. Drivenness
4. Acceptance
The difference between the cycle of grace and the cycle of grief can be subtle.
The cycle of grief causes exhaustion.
We work out of God's love.
Mark 1:11 (NIV)
And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
Whatever I do God is still going to love me.
If we don't have that acceptance from God we will look to other people for acceptance. Who am I if I don't have that title next to my name? We can become jealous of other people. We can't take criticism or become too driven.
We may have mixed motives for what we do but that can be ok.
Do affirm each other. Build each other up.
We should keep coming back to God the Father to hear those words again.
Mark 1:11 (NIV)
And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
God is calling us to change
Very interesting talk in church today.
2 Corinthians 3:13 (NIV)
We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away.
What is the call and change that God is calling us to?
Numbers 23:19 (NIV)
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfil?
God is consistent, unchanging, eternally the same.
God calls people to move on and change as a natural aspect of life.
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus for the giving of the Spirit which can change us with power from within.
John 6:35 (NIV)
Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 15:2-8 (NIV)
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. [3] You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. [4] Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. [5] "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. [6] If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. [7] If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. [8] This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Matthew 25:22-23 (NIV)
"The man with the two talents also came. `Master,' he said, `you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.' [23] "His master replied, `Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
God is about personal change.
God is a potter, a builder.
Jesus keeps on using examples of plants, trees and crops.
God Is about change.
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NIV)
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. [18] And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Living lives that reflect God.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
... are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory ...
There are times and seasons of change in creation. God has at his essence change.
We need to be engaged with the God of change.
We should not be afraid of looking for change and be able to embrace this. Change is not one of the things we often find easy. Why don't we change? Is it because we can't or don't want to?
We must admit that we are not yet perfect and we must be willing to change.
Faith should be about change.
2 Corinthians 3:13 (NIV)
We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away.
What is the call and change that God is calling us to?
Numbers 23:19 (NIV)
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfil?
God is consistent, unchanging, eternally the same.
God calls people to move on and change as a natural aspect of life.
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus for the giving of the Spirit which can change us with power from within.
John 6:35 (NIV)
Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
John 15:2-8 (NIV)
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. [3] You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. [4] Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. [5] "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. [6] If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. [7] If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. [8] This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Matthew 25:22-23 (NIV)
"The man with the two talents also came. `Master,' he said, `you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.' [23] "His master replied, `Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
God is about personal change.
God is a potter, a builder.
Jesus keeps on using examples of plants, trees and crops.
God Is about change.
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NIV)
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. [18] And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Living lives that reflect God.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
... are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory ...
There are times and seasons of change in creation. God has at his essence change.
We need to be engaged with the God of change.
We should not be afraid of looking for change and be able to embrace this. Change is not one of the things we often find easy. Why don't we change? Is it because we can't or don't want to?
We must admit that we are not yet perfect and we must be willing to change.
Faith should be about change.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Jesus - empowered by the Holy Spirit
Very interesting talk in church today.
Mark 1:11 (NIV)
And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
We are called to be salt and light and to be ordinary where we live.
Mark 1:10 (NIV)
As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
Who is Jesus more like: Spiderman or Superman?
Superman - who he is, is part of his nature.
Spiderman - receives his superpowers at a certain moment.
Jesus is like both of them. He was born human and Divine. Some people thought that everything started when the Spirit came on Jesus. Although his teaching started at this point the birth narratives point in other directions. Our failing is the opposite. Sometimes we think today that there was something special with Jesus but not yet ready to do it.
Mark says that there is a point where He starts His public ministry. Jesus is like a combination of both.
Luke 4:1 (NIV)
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert,
Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit when He went out.
This stage of Jesus life begins in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:14 (NIV)
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
Luke 4:18 (NIV)
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
Matthew 12:28 (NIV)
But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
It is the Spirit of God that enables Him to do the amazing works.
A spirit filled human being
John 14:16-17 (NIV)
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever--- [17] the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
But then ..
John 14:12 (NIV)
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
The promise of the Spirit only comes a little later.
Strong argument that what Jesus does is because the Spirit is on Him and the Spirit is in Him.
The same Spirit which empowered Jesus is available and promised to us. Because of the empowering presence of God we too can be caught up and empowered.
John 14:17 (NIV)
But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
An essential element of Christian living. If we are in Christ the Spirit is within us.
We may feel inadequate and lacking but we do have the Spirit of God who is so powerful.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Self-discipline
Ezekiel 36:27 (NIV)
And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
Galatians 5:25 (NIV)
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Daily examen
- become aware of God's presence.
- look back over the day.
- ask God for Holy Spirit to help you look at your actions, attitudes and motives with honesty and patience.
- review your day again in detail with prayer.
- look forward to tomorrow with hope.
With the power and gift of the Spirit we have power to change?
How is my self discipline at the moment? How aware am I?
The Spirit gives the gift of self discipline.
Love
The Spirit of love stops self discipline simply becoming an empty act.
Coming into the powerful presence of God fills us with love for both him and for others.
Power
The Spirit of God is powerful and gives us power to serve. We need God's power as ours is not enough.
- power to serve
- power to sustain
- power of peace
What can we do!
It's a gift.
We ask.
We spend time with God.
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. [30] Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; [31] but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
They who wait upon the Lord.
Mark 1:11 (NIV)
And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
We are called to be salt and light and to be ordinary where we live.
Mark 1:10 (NIV)
As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
Who is Jesus more like: Spiderman or Superman?
Superman - who he is, is part of his nature.
Spiderman - receives his superpowers at a certain moment.
Jesus is like both of them. He was born human and Divine. Some people thought that everything started when the Spirit came on Jesus. Although his teaching started at this point the birth narratives point in other directions. Our failing is the opposite. Sometimes we think today that there was something special with Jesus but not yet ready to do it.
Mark says that there is a point where He starts His public ministry. Jesus is like a combination of both.
Luke 4:1 (NIV)
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert,
Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit when He went out.
This stage of Jesus life begins in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:14 (NIV)
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
Luke 4:18 (NIV)
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
Matthew 12:28 (NIV)
But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
It is the Spirit of God that enables Him to do the amazing works.
A spirit filled human being
John 14:16-17 (NIV)
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever--- [17] the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
But then ..
John 14:12 (NIV)
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
The promise of the Spirit only comes a little later.
Strong argument that what Jesus does is because the Spirit is on Him and the Spirit is in Him.
The same Spirit which empowered Jesus is available and promised to us. Because of the empowering presence of God we too can be caught up and empowered.
John 14:17 (NIV)
But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
An essential element of Christian living. If we are in Christ the Spirit is within us.
We may feel inadequate and lacking but we do have the Spirit of God who is so powerful.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Self-discipline
Ezekiel 36:27 (NIV)
And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
Galatians 5:25 (NIV)
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Daily examen
- become aware of God's presence.
- look back over the day.
- ask God for Holy Spirit to help you look at your actions, attitudes and motives with honesty and patience.
- review your day again in detail with prayer.
- look forward to tomorrow with hope.
With the power and gift of the Spirit we have power to change?
How is my self discipline at the moment? How aware am I?
The Spirit gives the gift of self discipline.
Love
The Spirit of love stops self discipline simply becoming an empty act.
Coming into the powerful presence of God fills us with love for both him and for others.
Power
The Spirit of God is powerful and gives us power to serve. We need God's power as ours is not enough.
- power to serve
- power to sustain
- power of peace
What can we do!
It's a gift.
We ask.
We spend time with God.
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. [30] Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; [31] but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
They who wait upon the Lord.
The Lord's prayer - teach us to pray
Luke 11:1 (NIV)
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
We will be looking with the eyes of "teach us how to pray".
We start with who we are praying to.
Luke 11:2 (NIV)
He said to them, "When you pray, say: " `Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
Abba - why was this word used, what specifically did this mean? Do we think of it as God being our Daddy? - the word that a baby in a place of vulnerability would use. Although Abba now means Daddy this is not the word that was used at the time.
Does this give us a casual relationship with God?
What does this mean now, a word that Jewish sons would use throughout their whole life. It echoes with authority.
Abba was listened to and honoured. It still indicates a very intimate relationship.
First example of God being a father.
Exodus 4:22-23 (NIV)
Then say to Pharaoh, `This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son, [23] and I told you, "Let my son go, so he may worship me." But you refused to let him go; so I will kill your firstborn son.' "
We are dependent on God but this comes from salvation.
We have a precious right to call God father through the saving grace of Jesus.
Do we believe that God has chosen us and called us to be His own. He has saved us and wants us.
In Jesus time sons followed fathers and was apprentice to Joseph. Jesus often talks about how He has learnt from His father.
When we call God our father we are calling ourselves His apprentice who wants to work for Him. It has consequences for what we do.
Luke 11:2 (NIV)
He said to them, "When you pray, say: " `Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
Holy is your name.
Holiness is an unattractive word because we know that we are not Holy and feel a distance between us and God.
We can sometimes feel with God that we can't come face to face with Him because of our sinfulness.
This can be the root of a problem with prayer for us, especially if we are not in the habit of prayer.
We come to God often feeling aware of our own sin and weaknesses.
Isaiah 6:1 (NIV)
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.
God was well aware of Isaiah's unholiness when He arrived.
Jesus knew what people were like before He came to earth.
He doesn't stay away from us. Holiness does not compete with God's love and some times one wins. Eg. We do something bad today and God's holiness wins over His love for us.
Luke 11:2 (NIV)
He said to them, "When you pray, say: " `Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
God comes and meets us when we are not Holy. We come confident that He is close.
Luke 11:2,4 (NIV)
He said to them, "When you pray, say: " `Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. [4] Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. ' "
We find in the praying of this prayer that we grow into this prayer.
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
We will be looking with the eyes of "teach us how to pray".
We start with who we are praying to.
Luke 11:2 (NIV)
He said to them, "When you pray, say: " `Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
Abba - why was this word used, what specifically did this mean? Do we think of it as God being our Daddy? - the word that a baby in a place of vulnerability would use. Although Abba now means Daddy this is not the word that was used at the time.
Does this give us a casual relationship with God?
What does this mean now, a word that Jewish sons would use throughout their whole life. It echoes with authority.
Abba was listened to and honoured. It still indicates a very intimate relationship.
First example of God being a father.
Exodus 4:22-23 (NIV)
Then say to Pharaoh, `This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son, [23] and I told you, "Let my son go, so he may worship me." But you refused to let him go; so I will kill your firstborn son.' "
We are dependent on God but this comes from salvation.
We have a precious right to call God father through the saving grace of Jesus.
Do we believe that God has chosen us and called us to be His own. He has saved us and wants us.
In Jesus time sons followed fathers and was apprentice to Joseph. Jesus often talks about how He has learnt from His father.
When we call God our father we are calling ourselves His apprentice who wants to work for Him. It has consequences for what we do.
Luke 11:2 (NIV)
He said to them, "When you pray, say: " `Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
Holy is your name.
Holiness is an unattractive word because we know that we are not Holy and feel a distance between us and God.
We can sometimes feel with God that we can't come face to face with Him because of our sinfulness.
This can be the root of a problem with prayer for us, especially if we are not in the habit of prayer.
We come to God often feeling aware of our own sin and weaknesses.
Isaiah 6:1 (NIV)
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.
God was well aware of Isaiah's unholiness when He arrived.
Jesus knew what people were like before He came to earth.
He doesn't stay away from us. Holiness does not compete with God's love and some times one wins. Eg. We do something bad today and God's holiness wins over His love for us.
Luke 11:2 (NIV)
He said to them, "When you pray, say: " `Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
God comes and meets us when we are not Holy. We come confident that He is close.
Luke 11:2,4 (NIV)
He said to them, "When you pray, say: " `Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. [4] Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. ' "
We find in the praying of this prayer that we grow into this prayer.
Knowing God's plans for our lives
Gideon - knowing God's plans for us
Judges 6:33-40 (NIV)
Now all the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples joined forces and crossed over the Jordan and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. [34] Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. [35] He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, calling them to arms, and also into Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them. [36] Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised--- [37] look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said." [38] And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew---a bowlful of water. [39] Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew." [40] That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew.
The story of Gideon and the fleece.
Is this from God and what God wants me to do?
What is the context?
V1-10 Israel oppressed
V11-24 definitely chosen by God
V25-32 committed himself to task
Promise from God -
Judges 6:16 (NIV)
The Lord answered, "I will be with you , and you will strike down all the Midianites together."
Gideon says "if"
Judges 6:36 (NIV)
Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised---
If - doubt - fear
Called to a task that seemed impossible. It was so scary even though Gideon had met with God. God understood this.
Judges 6:33 (NIV)
Now all the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples joined forces and crossed over the Jordan and camped in the Valley of Jezreel.
Judges 6:34-35 (NIV)
Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. [35] He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, calling them to arms, and also into Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them.
The conversation happens at the point of action.
The conversation ..
Judges 6:36-38 (NIV)
Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised--- [37] look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said." [38] And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew---a bowlful of water.
But then ....
Judges 6:39-40 (NIV)
Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew." [40] That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew.
Was he being brave, foolhardy? One more test, I'm not quite there yet!
That night God did ......
Gideon must have felt confident, able to go ....
God appreciates honesty about our doubts and fears. He doesn't want us to carry them with us. From here to a place of Faith and Empowerment.
Read what happens next in chapter 7.
It's ok for us to have that conversation with God. God understands our humanity and worries.
God promises to guide us
Psalm 25:9,12 (NIV)
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. [12] Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
We need to humble ourselves before God. He knows better than we do!
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.
We should always be ready to ask "is this from the Bible, can it be from God"
A confirming sign?
If God has something important to say He will repeat it until we get it! We do need to have ears to listen.
It God's heart desire to be in a place of knowing what He wants and to walk it.
Judges 6:33-40 (NIV)
Now all the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples joined forces and crossed over the Jordan and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. [34] Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. [35] He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, calling them to arms, and also into Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them. [36] Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised--- [37] look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said." [38] And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew---a bowlful of water. [39] Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew." [40] That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew.
The story of Gideon and the fleece.
Is this from God and what God wants me to do?
What is the context?
V1-10 Israel oppressed
V11-24 definitely chosen by God
V25-32 committed himself to task
Promise from God -
Judges 6:16 (NIV)
The Lord answered, "I will be with you , and you will strike down all the Midianites together."
Gideon says "if"
Judges 6:36 (NIV)
Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised---
If - doubt - fear
Called to a task that seemed impossible. It was so scary even though Gideon had met with God. God understood this.
Judges 6:33 (NIV)
Now all the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples joined forces and crossed over the Jordan and camped in the Valley of Jezreel.
Judges 6:34-35 (NIV)
Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. [35] He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, calling them to arms, and also into Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them.
The conversation happens at the point of action.
The conversation ..
Judges 6:36-38 (NIV)
Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised--- [37] look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said." [38] And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew---a bowlful of water.
But then ....
Judges 6:39-40 (NIV)
Then Gideon said to God, "Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew." [40] That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew.
Was he being brave, foolhardy? One more test, I'm not quite there yet!
That night God did ......
Gideon must have felt confident, able to go ....
God appreciates honesty about our doubts and fears. He doesn't want us to carry them with us. From here to a place of Faith and Empowerment.
Read what happens next in chapter 7.
It's ok for us to have that conversation with God. God understands our humanity and worries.
God promises to guide us
Psalm 25:9,12 (NIV)
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. [12] Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
We need to humble ourselves before God. He knows better than we do!
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.
We should always be ready to ask "is this from the Bible, can it be from God"
A confirming sign?
If God has something important to say He will repeat it until we get it! We do need to have ears to listen.
It God's heart desire to be in a place of knowing what He wants and to walk it.
Jesus - saturated in the word
Jesus uses the Bible whilst in the desert.
What about the people who say don't trust the Bible today?
Archaeological evidence
Manuscript reliability
Eye witnesses
Luke 1:1 (NIV)
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
Not tampered with by the early church
It would have been really easy to change and tamper with the Gospel records.
Essentially honest
The Disciples inability to understand Jesus.
Works in practice
The message proved in lives.
By 200AD the set of books that mKe io the Bible were defined and established.
Being saturated in the Word.
Matthew 4 at a high time in Jesus life.
Matthew 4:1 (NIV)
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
In the wilderness there is space to think and pray.
1. To be fed by God's world
Matthew 4:3-4 (NIV)
The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." [4] Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' "
This is how character is built. This is how we will be fit Christians who will stand firm.
Read the book and be spiritually fit. How do we make Bible reading accessible to us?
2. Think the truth about God
Matthew 4:7 (NIV)
Jesus answered him, "It is also written: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' "
Jesus says 'you've got it wrong about God'
Let's have the right understanding of God.
3. Trust God fully
Matthew 4:8-10 (NIV)
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. [9] "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." [10] Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: `Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' "
We should worship God only.
What about the people who say don't trust the Bible today?
Archaeological evidence
Manuscript reliability
Eye witnesses
Luke 1:1 (NIV)
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
Not tampered with by the early church
It would have been really easy to change and tamper with the Gospel records.
Essentially honest
The Disciples inability to understand Jesus.
Works in practice
The message proved in lives.
By 200AD the set of books that mKe io the Bible were defined and established.
Being saturated in the Word.
Matthew 4 at a high time in Jesus life.
Matthew 4:1 (NIV)
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
In the wilderness there is space to think and pray.
1. To be fed by God's world
Matthew 4:3-4 (NIV)
The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." [4] Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' "
This is how character is built. This is how we will be fit Christians who will stand firm.
Read the book and be spiritually fit. How do we make Bible reading accessible to us?
2. Think the truth about God
Matthew 4:7 (NIV)
Jesus answered him, "It is also written: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' "
Jesus says 'you've got it wrong about God'
Let's have the right understanding of God.
3. Trust God fully
Matthew 4:8-10 (NIV)
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. [9] "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." [10] Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: `Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' "
We should worship God only.
Do not worry
Do not worry
27th Feb
Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV)
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? [26] Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? [27] Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ? [28] "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. [29] Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [30] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] So do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Or be preoccupied by
Or be absorbed by
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
God has the foundation for the basis of living.
Blurt it out to God.
Pray about the situation, the fear.
Plan what we can
Blurt it out to God
Carry everything to God in prayer
27th Feb
Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV)
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? [26] Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? [27] Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ? [28] "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. [29] Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [30] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] So do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Or be preoccupied by
Or be absorbed by
Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
God has the foundation for the basis of living.
Blurt it out to God.
Pray about the situation, the fear.
Plan what we can
Blurt it out to God
Carry everything to God in prayer
The big picture of the Bible
Bible study on the big picture of the Bible.
The relationship planned
Genesis - poetic or descriptive.
Genesis 1:26-28
V31 completed and it was very good.
The relationship broken
We don't need God involved.
Genesis 3:22-24
Showing God's mercy - can not share the same space as God. This compares with blessing of Genesis 1
God already has a plan. V15
Genesis 6:5-6 God's heart was filled with pain - His heart was broken. Then the account of Noah - God didn't scarp it all!
The rescue foreshadowed
Genesis12:1-3 promise that God will bless him and he will be a blessing. Very specific promises. God tested Abraham to give up the most precious thing he had Genesis 22:7-14 v8 Abraham believed and trusted in God - whatever happens he can trust that God will provide. Abraham had a trust that God will be sending His son. They sacrificed a ram not a lamb - He was to come later.
Jacob and Joseph. Joseph had a trust in God. Following all the suffering he is able to end up in a position of rescue. Out of Egypt comes rescue. Joseph still says that God intended it for good.
Exodus starts with fruitfulness in Egypt. oppression follows and the place of blessing becomes slavery.
God calls Moses and the character of the nation. Promise to rescue from Egypt. Vision of what was lost in Eden.
Exodus 6:3-8. Promise to rescue in the middle of judgement. God is always the initiator - it's on His terms. Plagues follow then eventually go ... Rescue in the context of the death of a son.
Wandering in the desert. Food and drink then instructions on how to live follow. Out of the experience of rescue this is how you should live.
What does it mean .... Illustrations to help community living in those conditions.
Life gets difficult - looking backwards rather than forwards. Faith vs lack of faith and trust.
Move into promised land - a place of blessing and obedience. Follow Gods ways and experience the blessing. They had not earned the promised land. Roughly the size of Wales. Stuck in the middle of Egypt and Syria. All of life flowed through the promised land. Huge impact they could have. Only 2 from original group would arrive in the promised land. Conquest of the promised land was a blessing. When they trusted God victory came much easier.
Joshua 24 - follow God. The conquest was not simple. Fighting over land was the norm. The Israelites had to fight or they would lose everything.
Judges can feel quite hard to relate to. They had to fight. How wold the surrounding cultures pull them in different directions away from God. The Israelites gave in and they were oppressed. They eventually screamed out to God and the Judges would rescue them. Samuel was the last.
Samuel 1 we need a king! This would make us like them. God says give them what they want. Samuel hands over leadership to the king but warns them of the consequences. Saul chosen by God. Saul starts to have too much authority and power and doesn't want to submit so has to go. David chosen.
Ruth - the line of David. God sees someone who is faithful in God's way. They need to believe that God is in this and they need to trust in him.
Jerusalem chosen because it did not belong to any of the 12 tribes. Ark carried in.
Peace in the land and the nation became big in the time of David. They are enjoying the promises of God. Many psalms written in this time, Proverbs, Song of Songs and Ecclesiastics. People not being a blessing to people around them.
2 Samuel 7:9-12 A promise of God. The promise echoes the ones to Abraham. Establish a throne for ever (Jesus)
David's life not all perfect and has his weaknesses! We should take heart but doesn't excuse.
Solomon starts well but gets caught up in the trappings of power. Solomon uses people to fulfil own plans.
1 Kings 12 and 13. Jeroboam creates his own sanctuary and leads people away from God. Next two hundred years goes badly in Israel in the North and Judea in the South is better.
The rise of the prophets when the kings lose sight of what is going on. Eg story Elijah.
Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah - turn back to God.
Things got so bad in the north and were exiled. 2 Kings 17:7-20 He thrust them from his presence. We don't know what happened to those 10 tribes in Assyria. It's only the two tribes who remain as Jews.
Judah had a good king Hesakiah but followed by a bad king and lead the tribe away.
Zephaniah
Habakkuk
Jeremiah
Nahum
Daniel
Ezekiel
Lamentations
Obadiah
The people ended up in exile despite all the warnings. Exile in Babylon. Would the LORD still be their God again? Isaiah 40/41 - yes you will be God's people again. There will be a better rescue.
There will be a new path from the exile in Babylon. Isaiah 65:17-19. A fantastic picture of a rescuer. Not a soldier king but a servant king who would obey.
Ezekiel 36:22-28 You will have a new heart and spirit that you were incapable of this. Other nations were share in the blessing.
Babylon fell and released the two tribes.
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Joel
No real sense of a new beginning as they return. No real sense of how will these promises be fulfilled. There continued to be oppression culminating with the Romans.
They believed that the king from the line of David would come. Pharisees believed that everyone had to obey for a day. Zealots wanted to fight. Others went off into the desert.
Always the prospect of a new start and a chance to repent. A repeating pattern through the old testament.
John the Baptist and Jesus on Earth. Jesus from no where, does miracles and claims He can only do things that God can do. How did people react to Jesus - you can't claim to forgive sins.
Jesus replays the history of Israel but He is the reason. Eg Jesus feeding the 5 thousand as a memory of Moses.
He rides a donkey into Jerusalem to fulfil prophesy. The rescuer King is here! Follow me and learn about the nature of the Kingdom. Message of freedom and forgiveness. The suffering servant and saviour - relating Isaiah to Jesus. What happened there? Wasn't He the great Messiah? He comes back - physically risen! This was God himself.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
This was the rescue and what it took. It took a death of God's own son on himself.
The rescue accomplished ....
The restoration begins - there is yet more to come. There will be am amazing fulfilment. The king has been but we've not seen the kingdom in all it's fullness. Let's gets as many people into the kingdom.
Take the message out - the church is born and spreads out.
Acts
The letters that follow are encouragement of new believers and how to live out the kingdom. Opposition from outside and within. Factions split and people live as if the rescue is still to come. Opposition including the death of many martyrs.
Romans - Jude
Revelation looks into the future in highly symbolic. Victory over everything that gets in the way.
Rev 21:1-5
Rev 22:1-5
An amazing picture - the tree of life which we were banished from is available. Even the leaves will heal the nations. Heaven is better than Eden and will be 'perfect'
Act 1 creation
Act 2 the fall
Act 3 what God did through Israel
Act 4 Jesus
Act 5 (scene 1) New Testament church
act 5 (scene 2) Us!
We are part of the story ...
We have a part in the story ...
The relationship planned
Genesis - poetic or descriptive.
Genesis 1:26-28
V31 completed and it was very good.
The relationship broken
We don't need God involved.
Genesis 3:22-24
Showing God's mercy - can not share the same space as God. This compares with blessing of Genesis 1
God already has a plan. V15
Genesis 6:5-6 God's heart was filled with pain - His heart was broken. Then the account of Noah - God didn't scarp it all!
The rescue foreshadowed
Genesis12:1-3 promise that God will bless him and he will be a blessing. Very specific promises. God tested Abraham to give up the most precious thing he had Genesis 22:7-14 v8 Abraham believed and trusted in God - whatever happens he can trust that God will provide. Abraham had a trust that God will be sending His son. They sacrificed a ram not a lamb - He was to come later.
Jacob and Joseph. Joseph had a trust in God. Following all the suffering he is able to end up in a position of rescue. Out of Egypt comes rescue. Joseph still says that God intended it for good.
Exodus starts with fruitfulness in Egypt. oppression follows and the place of blessing becomes slavery.
God calls Moses and the character of the nation. Promise to rescue from Egypt. Vision of what was lost in Eden.
Exodus 6:3-8. Promise to rescue in the middle of judgement. God is always the initiator - it's on His terms. Plagues follow then eventually go ... Rescue in the context of the death of a son.
Wandering in the desert. Food and drink then instructions on how to live follow. Out of the experience of rescue this is how you should live.
What does it mean .... Illustrations to help community living in those conditions.
Life gets difficult - looking backwards rather than forwards. Faith vs lack of faith and trust.
Move into promised land - a place of blessing and obedience. Follow Gods ways and experience the blessing. They had not earned the promised land. Roughly the size of Wales. Stuck in the middle of Egypt and Syria. All of life flowed through the promised land. Huge impact they could have. Only 2 from original group would arrive in the promised land. Conquest of the promised land was a blessing. When they trusted God victory came much easier.
Joshua 24 - follow God. The conquest was not simple. Fighting over land was the norm. The Israelites had to fight or they would lose everything.
Judges can feel quite hard to relate to. They had to fight. How wold the surrounding cultures pull them in different directions away from God. The Israelites gave in and they were oppressed. They eventually screamed out to God and the Judges would rescue them. Samuel was the last.
Samuel 1 we need a king! This would make us like them. God says give them what they want. Samuel hands over leadership to the king but warns them of the consequences. Saul chosen by God. Saul starts to have too much authority and power and doesn't want to submit so has to go. David chosen.
Ruth - the line of David. God sees someone who is faithful in God's way. They need to believe that God is in this and they need to trust in him.
Jerusalem chosen because it did not belong to any of the 12 tribes. Ark carried in.
Peace in the land and the nation became big in the time of David. They are enjoying the promises of God. Many psalms written in this time, Proverbs, Song of Songs and Ecclesiastics. People not being a blessing to people around them.
2 Samuel 7:9-12 A promise of God. The promise echoes the ones to Abraham. Establish a throne for ever (Jesus)
David's life not all perfect and has his weaknesses! We should take heart but doesn't excuse.
Solomon starts well but gets caught up in the trappings of power. Solomon uses people to fulfil own plans.
1 Kings 12 and 13. Jeroboam creates his own sanctuary and leads people away from God. Next two hundred years goes badly in Israel in the North and Judea in the South is better.
The rise of the prophets when the kings lose sight of what is going on. Eg story Elijah.
Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah - turn back to God.
Things got so bad in the north and were exiled. 2 Kings 17:7-20 He thrust them from his presence. We don't know what happened to those 10 tribes in Assyria. It's only the two tribes who remain as Jews.
Judah had a good king Hesakiah but followed by a bad king and lead the tribe away.
Zephaniah
Habakkuk
Jeremiah
Nahum
Daniel
Ezekiel
Lamentations
Obadiah
The people ended up in exile despite all the warnings. Exile in Babylon. Would the LORD still be their God again? Isaiah 40/41 - yes you will be God's people again. There will be a better rescue.
There will be a new path from the exile in Babylon. Isaiah 65:17-19. A fantastic picture of a rescuer. Not a soldier king but a servant king who would obey.
Ezekiel 36:22-28 You will have a new heart and spirit that you were incapable of this. Other nations were share in the blessing.
Babylon fell and released the two tribes.
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Joel
No real sense of a new beginning as they return. No real sense of how will these promises be fulfilled. There continued to be oppression culminating with the Romans.
They believed that the king from the line of David would come. Pharisees believed that everyone had to obey for a day. Zealots wanted to fight. Others went off into the desert.
Always the prospect of a new start and a chance to repent. A repeating pattern through the old testament.
John the Baptist and Jesus on Earth. Jesus from no where, does miracles and claims He can only do things that God can do. How did people react to Jesus - you can't claim to forgive sins.
Jesus replays the history of Israel but He is the reason. Eg Jesus feeding the 5 thousand as a memory of Moses.
He rides a donkey into Jerusalem to fulfil prophesy. The rescuer King is here! Follow me and learn about the nature of the Kingdom. Message of freedom and forgiveness. The suffering servant and saviour - relating Isaiah to Jesus. What happened there? Wasn't He the great Messiah? He comes back - physically risen! This was God himself.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
This was the rescue and what it took. It took a death of God's own son on himself.
The rescue accomplished ....
The restoration begins - there is yet more to come. There will be am amazing fulfilment. The king has been but we've not seen the kingdom in all it's fullness. Let's gets as many people into the kingdom.
Take the message out - the church is born and spreads out.
Acts
The letters that follow are encouragement of new believers and how to live out the kingdom. Opposition from outside and within. Factions split and people live as if the rescue is still to come. Opposition including the death of many martyrs.
Romans - Jude
Revelation looks into the future in highly symbolic. Victory over everything that gets in the way.
Rev 21:1-5
Rev 22:1-5
An amazing picture - the tree of life which we were banished from is available. Even the leaves will heal the nations. Heaven is better than Eden and will be 'perfect'
Act 1 creation
Act 2 the fall
Act 3 what God did through Israel
Act 4 Jesus
Act 5 (scene 1) New Testament church
act 5 (scene 2) Us!
We are part of the story ...
We have a part in the story ...
Reading the Bible in context
Spring Harvest 2011
The context of the Bible
Three meanings of context
What do I know about the setting from which this text has arisen?
Where does this text fit in the wider story of God's mission?
What aspect of 'with-God' experience does this text address?
Scripture is not just what you run to in the really high moments and the really low moments.
Faith as a mosaic
The Bible is full of different genres and should be read in different ways.
The Bible itself is not a genre!
Law and instructions
History
Prophecy
Poetry and songs
Proverbs
Prayers
Gospel
Parables
Letters (Epistles)
Apocalypse
We need to understand what genre we are reading. Eg. Are the opening chapters of Genesis history or science or are they theology?
We also need to be honest as it is sometimes difficult to know which genre a passage fits into eg. History. At what point does the Bible move from theology into history eg. Noah?
Should we just give up and say we will never find the answers or should we think, pray, talk and try to understand? We should 'chew it over' and really think about it.
We should not aim to study scripture to be transformed by it.
How can we be culturally present and Biblically relevant?
What are the key issues you are dealing with?
What does the Bible say about it?
What is my context and where does Scripture fit into my life?
The context of the Bible
Three meanings of context
What do I know about the setting from which this text has arisen?
Where does this text fit in the wider story of God's mission?
What aspect of 'with-God' experience does this text address?
Scripture is not just what you run to in the really high moments and the really low moments.
Faith as a mosaic
The Bible is full of different genres and should be read in different ways.
The Bible itself is not a genre!
Law and instructions
History
Prophecy
Poetry and songs
Proverbs
Prayers
Gospel
Parables
Letters (Epistles)
Apocalypse
We need to understand what genre we are reading. Eg. Are the opening chapters of Genesis history or science or are they theology?
We also need to be honest as it is sometimes difficult to know which genre a passage fits into eg. History. At what point does the Bible move from theology into history eg. Noah?
Should we just give up and say we will never find the answers or should we think, pray, talk and try to understand? We should 'chew it over' and really think about it.
We should not aim to study scripture to be transformed by it.
How can we be culturally present and Biblically relevant?
What are the key issues you are dealing with?
What does the Bible say about it?
What is my context and where does Scripture fit into my life?
The right kind of Worship
Spring Harvest 2011
"Lack of reality leads to half hearted worship and it's better to have no worship than half hearted worship"
Malachi 1:6-8 (NIV)
"A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?" says the Lord Almighty. "It is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name. "But you ask, `How have we shown contempt for your name?' [7] "You place defiled food on my altar. "But you ask, `How have we defiled you?' "By saying that the Lord's table is contemptible. [8] When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?" says the Lord Almighty.
1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. [10] Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Malachi 1:9 (NIV)
"Now implore God to be gracious to us. With such offerings from your hands, will he accept you?"---says the Lord Almighty.
Outward signs of worship are meaningless.
Malachi 1:10 (NIV)
"Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my altar! I am not pleased with you," says the Lord Almighty, "and I will accept no offering from your hands.
Better shut the Tempe, no worship is better than insincere worship.
Malachi 1:11 (NIV)
My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among the nations," says the Lord Almighty.
God will be worshipped but it won't be in the Temple.
Malachi 1:12 (NIV)
"But you profane it by saying of the Lord's table, `It is defiled,' and of its food, `It is contemptible.'
Malachi 1:13 (NIV)
And you say, `What a burden!' and you sniff at it contemptuously, " says the Lord Almighty. "When you bring injured, crippled or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?" says the Lord.
Malachi 1:14 (NIV)
"Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king, " says the Lord Almighty, "and my name is to be feared among the nations.
What do we offer to God?
How much room do we leave for God?
Malachi 1:6 (NIV)
"A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?" says the Lord Almighty. "It is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name. "But you ask, `How have we shown contempt for your name?'
What is we are living in a way that's wrong. We need to be obedient to the Bible.
What would Jesus say to us about our use of the Bible.
Judgements / outcomes
Malachi 1:10-14 (NIV)
"Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my altar! I am not pleased with you," says the Lord Almighty, "and I will accept no offering from your hands. [11] My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among the nations," says the Lord Almighty. [12] "But you profane it by saying of the Lord's table, `It is defiled,' and of its food, `It is contemptible.' [13] And you say, `What a burden!' and you sniff at it contemptuously, " says the Lord Almighty. "When you bring injured, crippled or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?" says the Lord. [14] "Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king, " says the Lord Almighty, "and my name is to be feared among the nations.
If places of worship get in the way God will close them. A new perspective that we need to understand.
Revelation 3:16 (NIV)
So, because you are lukewarm---neither hot nor cold---I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Malachi 2:2-9 (NIV)
If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honor my name," says the Lord Almighty, "I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not set your heart to honor me. [3] "Because of you I will rebuke your descendants ; I will spread on your faces the offal from your festival sacrifices, and you will be carried off with it. [4] And you will know that I have sent you this admonition so that my covenant with Levi may continue," says the Lord Almighty. [5] "My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. [6] True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin. [7] "For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, and from his mouth men should seek instruction---because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty. [8] But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi," says the Lord Almighty. [9] "So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law."
Start with the desperation
Malachi 2:2 (NIV)
If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honor my name," says the Lord Almighty, "I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not set your heart to honor me.
Malachi 2:4 (NIV)
And you will know that I have sent you this admonition so that my covenant with Levi may continue," says the Lord Almighty.
God longs for them to repent.
Malachi 2:5-7 (NIV)
"My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. [6] True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin. [7] "For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, and from his mouth men should seek instruction---because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty.
We fail when we fail to train rather than generally fail to try.
Lack of reality leads to half hearted worship and it's better to have no worship than half hearted worship.
"Lack of reality leads to half hearted worship and it's better to have no worship than half hearted worship"
Malachi 1:6-8 (NIV)
"A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?" says the Lord Almighty. "It is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name. "But you ask, `How have we shown contempt for your name?' [7] "You place defiled food on my altar. "But you ask, `How have we defiled you?' "By saying that the Lord's table is contemptible. [8] When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?" says the Lord Almighty.
1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. [10] Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Malachi 1:9 (NIV)
"Now implore God to be gracious to us. With such offerings from your hands, will he accept you?"---says the Lord Almighty.
Outward signs of worship are meaningless.
Malachi 1:10 (NIV)
"Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my altar! I am not pleased with you," says the Lord Almighty, "and I will accept no offering from your hands.
Better shut the Tempe, no worship is better than insincere worship.
Malachi 1:11 (NIV)
My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among the nations," says the Lord Almighty.
God will be worshipped but it won't be in the Temple.
Malachi 1:12 (NIV)
"But you profane it by saying of the Lord's table, `It is defiled,' and of its food, `It is contemptible.'
Malachi 1:13 (NIV)
And you say, `What a burden!' and you sniff at it contemptuously, " says the Lord Almighty. "When you bring injured, crippled or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?" says the Lord.
Malachi 1:14 (NIV)
"Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king, " says the Lord Almighty, "and my name is to be feared among the nations.
What do we offer to God?
How much room do we leave for God?
Malachi 1:6 (NIV)
"A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?" says the Lord Almighty. "It is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name. "But you ask, `How have we shown contempt for your name?'
What is we are living in a way that's wrong. We need to be obedient to the Bible.
What would Jesus say to us about our use of the Bible.
Judgements / outcomes
Malachi 1:10-14 (NIV)
"Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my altar! I am not pleased with you," says the Lord Almighty, "and I will accept no offering from your hands. [11] My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among the nations," says the Lord Almighty. [12] "But you profane it by saying of the Lord's table, `It is defiled,' and of its food, `It is contemptible.' [13] And you say, `What a burden!' and you sniff at it contemptuously, " says the Lord Almighty. "When you bring injured, crippled or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?" says the Lord. [14] "Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king, " says the Lord Almighty, "and my name is to be feared among the nations.
If places of worship get in the way God will close them. A new perspective that we need to understand.
Revelation 3:16 (NIV)
So, because you are lukewarm---neither hot nor cold---I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Malachi 2:2-9 (NIV)
If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honor my name," says the Lord Almighty, "I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not set your heart to honor me. [3] "Because of you I will rebuke your descendants ; I will spread on your faces the offal from your festival sacrifices, and you will be carried off with it. [4] And you will know that I have sent you this admonition so that my covenant with Levi may continue," says the Lord Almighty. [5] "My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. [6] True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin. [7] "For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, and from his mouth men should seek instruction---because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty. [8] But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi," says the Lord Almighty. [9] "So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law."
Start with the desperation
Malachi 2:2 (NIV)
If you do not listen, and if you do not set your heart to honor my name," says the Lord Almighty, "I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have already cursed them, because you have not set your heart to honor me.
Malachi 2:4 (NIV)
And you will know that I have sent you this admonition so that my covenant with Levi may continue," says the Lord Almighty.
God longs for them to repent.
Malachi 2:5-7 (NIV)
"My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name. [6] True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin. [7] "For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, and from his mouth men should seek instruction---because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty.
We fail when we fail to train rather than generally fail to try.
Lack of reality leads to half hearted worship and it's better to have no worship than half hearted worship.
Saturday, 1 October 2011
A new structure for prayer
We are all familiar with the acronym ACTS as an aid to prayer but I recently came across a new one whilst listening to a random podcast.
PRAY
P - Praising God
The first part of the prayer time focuses our minds on who we are praying to. I find this really helpful as it starts my prayers focusing on God rather than on me. A good place to start could be Psalm 100
Psalm 100:1-5 (NIV)
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. [2] Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. [3] Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. [4] Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. [5] For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Out of this time of praise comes our second step.
R - repentance
Matthew 4:17 (NIV)
From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
This is a time for honesty, for openness and truth. God already knows what you have done but come before him and repent. Repentance requires turning away from the sin so pray for strength in overcoming it and being strong,
Acts 3:19 (NIV)
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
Out of the time of repentance can flow a time of ...
A - asking
Matthew 6:11 (NIV)
Give us today our daily bread.
John 14:14 (NIV)
You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Bring your petitions and requests to God. Pray for yourself, your family, your workplace, your country, your world.
Y- yield
In this last section we focus on doing God's will in our lived.
Matthew 7:21,24-27 (NIV)
"Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [24] "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. [26] But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. [27] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Yield to God, God's will should be first in our thinking and doing.
Above all remember to PRAY
Life with one hand
I've had my arm in a sling immobilised for nearly two weeks now and I have another four weeks to go.
The operation went well on 20th September. I arrived at ward 16 at 7:15am as asked. I was on the morning list and by 10.30 I was being wheeled off to theatre with Mr Bryan. I was incredibly impressed with the theatre technician and anaesthetist who both reassured me and got me hooked up to drips with very little pain.
I woke two hours later on Ward 14 in quite extreme pain. The staff were great on Ward 14 and I felt really looked after. Unfortunately I woke Wednesday morning with a numb neck followed by extreme pain. I ended up staying on Ward 14 until Saturday afternoon.
I've been home a week now and am on a strong concoction of pain killers. My stitches come out on Monday and I start Physio at Solihull.
So I type this with my left hand while I slowly mend!
The operation went well on 20th September. I arrived at ward 16 at 7:15am as asked. I was on the morning list and by 10.30 I was being wheeled off to theatre with Mr Bryan. I was incredibly impressed with the theatre technician and anaesthetist who both reassured me and got me hooked up to drips with very little pain.
I woke two hours later on Ward 14 in quite extreme pain. The staff were great on Ward 14 and I felt really looked after. Unfortunately I woke Wednesday morning with a numb neck followed by extreme pain. I ended up staying on Ward 14 until Saturday afternoon.
I've been home a week now and am on a strong concoction of pain killers. My stitches come out on Monday and I start Physio at Solihull.
So I type this with my left hand while I slowly mend!
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