Church notes - December 2023

[fardell24]

3rd
Isaiah 12

Matthew 19:16 - 30

He was never in a hurry.
He engaged in meaningful conversation in everyday settings.

Life happened but he wasn't hurried.

What we do comes out of who we are.

Every time we read from the Bible we interpret through our background.

Ephesians 2:8 - 10

He has created us anew in Christ.

The Rich Young Man.

Luke 18:18
'A Ruler'
vs 17 - 19
The Commandments.
vs 20
'What else?'
vs 21

How do we interpret the interaction between the young man and Jesus?
We know what it says, but what does it mean, particularly in light of the whole of Scripture?

True inner transformation.
Young man, I'm about to teach you not just what to do, but who to know. Where do your affections lie?

Delight in God. Your desires will align with His.

What you do flows out of who you are.

Remember.


10th
Luke 19:1 - 10
Luke 18:9 - 14

Zaccheaus
Roman rule

Salvation
- Zaccheaus
- For us

Romans
- They used puppet rulers whenever possible.
- Therefore they favoured the existing power structure.

Therefore while Jesus was drawing large crowds Rome wasn't concerned, nor involved.
However, the Jewish Leaders were concerned that if things got too far that Rome would intervene in a way that wouldn't end well for them.

John 11:41 - 50
That they would loose everything.

Zaccheus
Roman Taxes
- Land tax
- Import and Export
- Entering Judea via Jericho because Samaria was avoided.

The tax collectors had a reputation of cheating others.

Salvation
vs 9
Repentance. The starting point.
Sin
- It is more than being naughty or disobedient.
- There is more going on.

Genesis 3
Adam and Eve wanted to know more and to decide for themselves what was Good and Evil.

Sin
- Removing God from the situation.

The parable
The Pharisee was boasting to God about how good he was.

Repent
Turning around.
The tax collector knew he was in the wrong.

The starting point. Also the continuing point.
We should always be calling upon Him,

Ezekiel 36:25 - 27

He comes into our heart and He works on it.

Zaccheaus
A sense of right and wrong.

There is an objective right and wrong
This is determined by God.

We are all sinners
- We need to be in a relationship with God.


17th
Psalm 19

Joy

Communion
Remember
Isaiah 9:6, 7

Sermon
John 1:1 - 14

What happens when Jesus moves into the neighbourhood.

Jesus came before the written word.
The Word
- Already existed
- With God
- Was God
- Everything was created through Him
- Gave life to everything that was created.
- Has brought light to everyone.

John the Baptist (as opposed to John the Apostle)
vs 10 - 13

The Word was rejected by the world.

vs 14

Joy to the World

The aspects of Jesus' life as He moved into the neighbourood.
- Jesus moved into their spaces
- Matthew and Zaccheus invited Him into their homes in accordance with the culture of hospitality.
- Jesus accompanied people in the messy

People want to be listened to.

How can I join in what God is doing?


24th
Matthew 2:1 - 12

How do you respond to the Boss visiting?

How did people respond to Jesus when He arrived in our world?

vs 1, 2
Some people recognised Him.
- The Magi
- Following the star

vs 3 - 8
Some where troubled.
- the religious leaders
-Herod
Heading to Bethlehem
Red Flags - What were Herod's intentions? Why meet the Magi secretly?
e.g. older siblings being jelous of newly born younger siblings.
Many people are still troubled today.

Exposes us for who we really are
- Self seeking
- Jelous
- Sinful

The incredible extent to which God went to save us.
- Sending His Son to die for us so that we would be cleansed of sin.

vs 9 - 12
Some people joyfully worshiped Him.
The Magi rejoiced at the sight of the star. More so when they met the baby Jesus.


Merry Christmas
Luke 2:1 - 7
John 1:1 - 5

What can we do because God sent Jesus to Earth?

Meaning Jesus is
- The Word made flesh
- The light shining in the darkness
- Prince of Peace

Peace

What can we do beacuse God sent Jesus to Earth?
There is always, always hope with Jesus!

Jesus is all things to all people at all times.


31st
Proverbs 16:9

Matthew 2:1 -12
A reflection
The Magi were looking out for the the things of God.
They could not be dissuaded from their task.

Every day
Look through the lense of faith expecting God to be at work.
Be prepared to see Him work in unexpected ways.
We should be living our lives as if Jesus is King.

vs 2
They followed the star because a King had been born.

Isaiah 9:6, 7
Zechariah 9:9
Revelation 17:14
There is no greater power. He has complete and unchallengeable control!