Church notes - July 2018

[fardell24]

1st July
Prayer - More than sufficient rain for farming communities in New South Wales and Queensland.

Communion
Luke 9:18 - 27
Jesus tells His Disciples what sort of Messiah He is

He wants us to remember that He wants us to be of like mind to Him.

Sermon
Jeremiah 29:10 - 14
Baptist Word Aid testamonials
God's plan for poverty

vs 11
A lost and broken people
Shalom - a word filled with the peace and promises of God.

His plan is not just about us.

Jeremiah 5:26 - 29
Israel had become just like other nations

Jesus was the revolution
He has more for us. (More than a Christian version of Consumption. The same objects, just with Bible Verses on them.)

Matthew 26:11
Misquoted! - Context: The woman with the alabaster jar.

Deuteronomy 15:11
Opportunities to be Open Handed

A life of significance, as part of God's Plan.


8 July 2018
Psalm 47

Mark 13:32 - 37
The Parable of the Faithful Servant
No one knows when
We need to be prepared
vs 33
Be alert. We need to be watchful.
vs 36
A constant watch for His return.
vs 37
An emphasis. Not just for the four disciples, but for everybody.
What does it mean to keep watch?
Hebrews 12:1 - 3
The great crowd of witnesses - includes those listed in Hebrews 11.
What is the stuff that may hinder us in our Christian journey?
Romans 12:2

Many things in our culture are counter to what the Word teaches.
Affluence - often leads to distraction from God and what He wants us to do.
Sin - an obstacle. 'Sin that easily entangles' -

Karl Faase - 'God does care. He accepts us as we are, but He doesn't leave us there'.

Perseverance
Persevere and look to Jesus, as we run. Focus on the Cross, where He died for our sins so we could come to him for forgiveness.

vs 37
Watch
- Ensure we are faithful.
- Watch out for sin that may entrap.


15th July
Psalm 100
The Lord is stable and steadfast.
Why shouldn't we praise Him?

Thankfulness

What are you thankful for?

Psalm 107
vs 10
People held captive by poor choices and addiction.
vs 14
vs 17
Or Ill through guilt.
vs 19
The Lord saving them from their distress
vs 23
Ships caught in rough seas.

God can rescue us from any situation.

God came to rescue us. This rescue plan took the form of the Cross!

Communion

Psallm 107:1 - 3
God's mercy is available.
We are filled with the greatest hope
We should tell others in worship.

What are you thankful for?


22nd July
Psalm 33

God's Majesty in Creation
Psalm 8
Psalm 19

Psalm 8
vs 2
Children recognise the wonder of creation.

Louie Giglio Our God is Indescribable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVsqCLyoU3o

vs6
His majesty is seen in the greatness of creation.

John 3:16

The vastness of the universe is part of what God intended.

Creativity - God has given people a gift of creativity
e.g. videography, baking, clay jewellery,

Psalm 19
vs 1 - 4
Everyone who sees the skies sees the wordless message from God. A declaration of His work!

Romans 1:20

vs 7 - 9
A source of joy.
The Lord's guidelines lead us towards success
vs 14
The whisperings of your heart - These need to come under the rule of God, or they will lead you astray.

God redeemed us. He rescued us from sin and slavery. We are in a personal relationship with Him.


July 29
Psalm 63

'Thirsting for God'
There is a God shaped hole in each of us - Blaise Pascal 1660

Psalm 27:7, 8

Deuteronomy 29:14
Jeremiah 29:13
1 Chronicles 16:11
Psalm 105:4
2 Chronicles 7:14

We need to humble ourselves and confess our sins. Repent, change our lives

Philippians 3:10, 11

Psalm 42

Psalm 63
God was looking after David
Beginning with a seeking of God
We need to earnestly seek Him, overcome every obstacle

Philippians 2:19 - 21
We need to stop looking out for own interests and put aside our selfish nature.

Life stages Positives and Negatives
Stage 1 Birth, Adolescence
Learning, self autonomous
+ Christian parents, Enthusiasm
- Lack of self control

Stage 2 Adulthood
Independence, Career
+ Choice, Realising Your Strength, Habits of Discipleship
- Busyness, self conscienceness

Stage 3
Marriage, Children, Responsibility
+ Security and Stability, Accountability
- Busyness, Sleep Deprived

Stage 4 Empty Nest
Less responsibility More time and money
+ Sense of Freedom, More Travelling
- Identity Crisis

Stage 5 Retirement
+ More Dependence on God (more time to contemplate Him)
- Declining Health, Complacency, Isolation