| The Minister's Cat... |
...is a Xyloid (go on...look it up!) cat. Jack shares his insight on cats (dogs really)
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| Church motto 2010 |
This year's motto is...
LET THE SPIRIT |
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| What did he say? |
Brief thoughts on the sermon each Sunday
Sunday 15th June 2008
Sunday 15th June 2008 Acts 15 ; 36 – 41.
Although Jesus commands us to “love one another” (John 13;34), as human being we are not immune to “falling out” with one another. Paul and Barnabas disagreed strongly about whether the young man John Mark should accompany them on their return visit to some of the churches they had established.
Paul, full of zeal as usual, did not want to give any time to someone who had already walked away on another journey.
Barnabas (son of encouragement) wanted to nurture the boy and give him another chance.
This morning we thought about who was right – Paul or Barnabas?
We came to the thought that both ended up doing something good for the Kingdom of God. Paul with the help of Silas continued to spread the Gospel. Barnabas went with John Mark, and supported him in his faith, to the extent that this young man wrote what we now call “the Gospel according to Mark”.
Where Paul and Barnabas went wrong was not in their disagreement, but in allowing anger to create a split between them.
To serve God, we need the drive of Paul; the understanding of Barnabas, and the grace of the Holy Spirit to keep us humbly in His love.
Sunday 22 nd June 2008
This morning we looked at how God was able to take a bunch of people with very many differences and use them TOGETHER to build His church.
Acts chapter 16 mentions people of different age, sex, academic ability and social class, but with an understanding of God's love for them; a desire to respond to that love,and dependance on the Holy Spirit, they were able to spread the Gospel throughout the world.
We are the same as these people - God is the same..... is there any reason why the outcome should not be the same??????
Sunday 29th June 2008
This morning we looked at Paul, on his own, going to Corinth (a city with a bit of a reputation). He describes his feelings at that time when he wrote later on to the Corinthians “I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.” 1 Cor,2;3
What does God give us in our times of discouragement?
Other people! New friends, like Aquila and Priscilla for Paul, who befriend him in this strange city. He also realises the value of old friends like Silas and Timothy who come with money from other churches to support Paul. There is the encouragement of new people coming to faith like Crispus and Titius Justus, but most of all there is the promise of God reminding Paul (and us) that we are not left alone.
“stop being afraid.; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." Acts 18; 9-10
When we feel discouraged and alone, we are to put our faith into action. That means “trust God”, and as soon as we move forward in faith, God will supply all we need. Don't wait for the “feeling” of God's promise – trust Him when you don't feel His presence, and He will reveal Himself to you.Acts 18
Sunday 6th July 2008
We looked at Paul in the city of Ephesus. This was a city which many modern cities and towns could relate to. There was slavery (this is what the sex trade and addiction is all about- slavery!!). There were acts of unbelievable cruelty (just pick up any daily newspaper). There was greed and random killings (life is selfish and cheap – listen to the daily news on T.V.) Evil is not something from a fantasy world like Lord of the Rings; it is present here and now , in our neighbourhood. The wonderful message of the Gospel tells us that in the midst of this Evil
“the Light shines in the darkness....and the darkness cannot put it out” John 1
In Ephesus, the followers of Jesus “ had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.” Acts 19; 9/10
They met together to learn of the Truth, and shared that Truth with others. (purpose of the church?)
When people's eyes were open to the reality of Evil and the power of God in Jesus, people turned to God, received forgiveness and new life (revival) came to many in Ephesus.
Only by the power of God's love in Jesus can Evil be defeated once and for all.
“There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8;1
Sunday 13th July 2008
Acts 21;30 – 22;5
Paul has now reached Jerusalem and like Jesus he heads there knowing how dangerous it is; being advised not to go by his friends, but knowing it is God's will that he should go.
In dealing with the angry mob (intent on hurting Paul as much as they can) Paul shows characteristics which the church should show today.
Courage. In the face of hatred toward him Paul shows great courage. Where did it come from? From the compulsion he has to share the Good News he himself has found.
“for I am compelled to preach” ! Cor 9;16
We have a message of life and light to a world filled with death and darkness. Can we do anything other than share it??
Paul also shows great Meekness. He asks to speak (not demands), and he speaks in a language known to the people who are there (church language is foreign to those not brought up in the church).
Paul also makes sure that his “story” is about what God has done in him, and not about what he can do himself. The church's message has to be an invitation to meet Jesus – not to become a member of a church.
Finally, we looked at how Paul had faith to continue with his desire to share the Good news even though his message at times seem to fall on deaf ears.
Sunday 20th July 2008
Acts 27
The ship Paul is on is caught in a violent storm. A reminder that life is too often filled with “storms” which toss us all over the place. Surely Christians should have some kind of “exemption” from difficulties?? In this account however we see that
1. God can use those difficulties- to show what is important (and what is not) It is during the difficult times of life that we realise how unimportant things like missing an episode of a t.v. programme are. - difficult times also show our need – we cannot do everything on our own. Even our best efforts are not enough.
2. God is with us in those difficulties“do not be afraid Paul” (which means he was!) Being afraid is natural, but we must not allow our fears to overwhelm us.
“you must stand trial before Caesar” (you have a purpose) God reminded Paul that He had plans for him – and this applies to each of us.
Difficulties times in life highlight our need and God's power.
Sunday 27th July 2008
Acts 27; 39 – 28;1
Until now emphasis has been on struggling to deal with the storm .... tie ropes round ship (keep it together)use the anchors (to keep control of the ship)encouraging people to eat (keep up strength) but now the emphasis seems to be on “letting go”.
They are told to have enough faith to let go of the anchors and hoist the sail.
if you can swim – do it (do what you can)
if you can't swim – grab a piece of wood (what you can't do, get help)
God will deal with the rest (God takes care of the soldiers' threat to kill everyone)
Faith is not about sitting back and doing nothing.
do what you can
get help when needed
let God do the rest
Sunday 3rd August 2008
Exodus 3
We are starting to look at the Exodus. The people of God leaving slavery in Egypt, and entering the land God has promised them. This “exodus” begins in the wilderness.
Moses in the wilderness- being prepared by God. Moses spends years as a shepherd (of someone else's flock). An experience which will stand him in good stead when he becomes the “shepherd” of the people of God. The wilderness times of life are times when we learn more than any other time.
Before he can serve Him, Moses must learn about God, and God Himself will be his teacher.
What Moses learns from God is that
God is Holy (Moses is told to remove his sandals – God is worthy of the greatest respect) ; God is faithful- He reminds Moses of the covenant promise made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.; God is compassionate.“I have seen”“I have heard”“I am concerned” . God knows all about our problems (He hears and understands our prayers); God has a plan- “to rescue...” (from slavery)- “to bring ...” (a better place) God does not want us to be slaves to the lives we have – He wants to set us free from our sin and bring us into a relationship with Himself.
Sunday 10th August 2008
Exodus 3; 10
Moses now has to use the lessons God has taught him. The time we spend with God must lead to us being used by God.
Moses is given a task which means he must face his fears (“go, I am sending you...” “to Pharoah..”“) and fulfill the purpose God has for him (“to bring my people”)
Moses is still lacking in courage at this huge task -“Who am I?” Moses is honest with who he is - - a disappointment(to people)- full of fear(of Pharoah)
As usual our weakness is an opportunity for God to remind us that we are not alone. “I will be with you”
Moses is not told to be anything other than himself. “tell them – your story” of God's -Faithfulness-Compassion-Plans.
Being a witness to others is simply telling of God's dealings with us. Talk to others about what God has done for you – nothing more, and nothing les
17th August 2008
Exodus 4
Moses is given the command to “go”, but is given “gifts” of encouragement. God calls us to serve Him, but always gives us “gifts” to enable us to carry out His will.
The gift of Hope- ( Moses loses hope when he concentrates on past failures – but God looks to the future)
The gift of Love- Israel is described as “my first born” We must have a love for people – because they are loved by God.
The gift of Belonging- circumcision is a sign of the covenant- we belong to God.
The gift of Fellowship- not alone!- (Aaron shares burden)
Sunday 24th August 2008
Exodus 7
Disasters (plagues) are not primarily about punishment, but an opportunity to see God at work.
“..will know that I am the Lord” God's power is often seen in the strangest of circumstances.
Seen by Moses (in his rejection by the people)
Seen by the Israelites (in their suffering)
Seen by the court Magicians(in their weakness)
Seen by Pharaoh (in his pride)
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Jack can be contacted most Tuesdays at the coffee morning, after the morning service or by email at jack@parkheadcc.org
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