Church notes - July 2015

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5th July
Psalm 34

Philippians 2:1 - 11

Isaiah 53:4, 5

Matthew 5:5, 6
"We are more popular than Jesus." John Lennon, 1966
Other famous people say stupid, egotistical, things
- very sad.
vs5
A very challenging beatitude
The previous two beatitudes point towards repentence.
In this one, Jesus develops the idea further. We are not only to be humble towards God, but also towards others.
Meek!
People misinterpret what Jesus is saying.
- 'Quiet, gentle, easily imposed on.' - a worldly view of meekness.
Meekness is not weakness.
- Matthew 11:28, 29
- Matthew 21: 5
Self sacrifice for the interest of others.
- Jesus went to Jerusalem knowing that was where He was to be crucified.
Ultimate Meekness

Psalm 37:7 - 11
v8
How easily is it to get annoyed.
Being meek - don't retaliate.

We wait upon the Lord.

Revelation 21
A picture of the new earth that the meek will inherit.

Blessed are the meek.

Only when we stop seeking our own glory will we realise God's glorious inheritance.
But God offers us to be filled again.
vs 6

Only when we stop chasing sinful cravings dow we realise that God's righteousness satisfies.
Stay tuned - the next four beatitudes

Not a legalistic checklist!
Everything we receive is from God, be thankful.
The promise will be forfilled.

Revelation 7: 15, 17


12 July

Matthew 5:7 - 12
Blessed are the merciful

Blessed are the pure in heart
Matthew 23:24 - 28
The Pharisees weren't pure in heart
James 4:4, 8
The outward appearance may be pure, but inside...

Living double lives
Jesus doesn't want this.
Purity should stay contstant, regardless the of the circumstances.
Psalm 51
'Create in me a pure heart'

Blessed are the peacemakers
2 Corinthians 5:18 - 21
Peace doesn't come at any price. Jesus doesn't want us to abandon Him or His Word.

Blessed are those who are persecuted
Jesus is talking about the same persecution He faced. This is the persecution we should expect.

The Kingdom of Heaven is referred to in the present tense.

We shouldn't escape from the world, but shine our light in it. Rejoice in your persecution.


19 July

Ephesians 2:1 - 10
God has us here because He has a plan for us in the expansion of His Kingdom

vs4
He has great patience for us.

D Desire
E Environment
S Spiritual Gifts
I Individuality
G Growth
N Natural Gifts


26 July

Ephesians 1

Is God's mission the defining purpose of your life?

1 Corinthians 3:6 - 9

We need to be a team
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses
Encourage and Build up each other.

Nehemiah 3
It took 42 teams to rebuild the wall.

Nehemiah 1, 2