Church notes - May 2025

[fardell24]

4th
Philippians 2:1 - 3
Vs 1

Mission
A servant like Jesus
Philippians 1:6 - 10
Change timeframe - this is long term
- Until His Return

What God is doing in other people through us.

vs 5
He laid down His power as the Son.

Isaiah 42

Change priority - Lay down your will to take up God's.

vs 12
Continue working for His purposes, so that others become saved. His will is that none may be lost.

Change someone elses eternity.

Change
- Your timeframe
- Your priorities
- Someone elses eternity


11th
2 Timothy 1:5
A legacy of love

Acts 1:1 - 8
v8
Be my witnesses

What's one thing you experienced with Jesus you want to share with others?

You don't have to be anyone else than who God created you to be.

Empowerment of the Holy Spirit
He helps us to do the things He asks us to do.

The gift is for the person in front of you.


18th
Acts 8:4 - 25
The Disciples' Journey
They were scattered

Acts 1:8

Scattered But Not Silent
vs 4
Local Mission Lesson: Where has God 'scattered' you. Work, school, home, clubs, etc - those are your Samarias.

Philip was heading into a difficult area.
He just proclaimed the Christ.

The Gospel Confronts and Converts
vs 12 People believed Philip and were baptised.

Simon the Sorceror amazed people, but the Gospel converted hearts.

Not all belief is saving faith.

Local Mission Lesson: The Gospel doesn't just inspire - it confronts.

Affirmation and Heart Examination.
Peter and John came to give the Holy Spirit to new believers.

Local Mission Lesson: Gospel ministry must always prioritise heart transformation over outward performance.

vs 25

Luke 9: 51 -56
The disciples wanted to call fire down on the Samaritans.

Final change.
Be like Philip
Go and preach Christ
Be like Peter and John
Strengthen and preach trust
Be filled with the Holy Spirit


25th
Acts 13:13 - 49
A Hard Sell

Romans 3:20 - 26
The answer of justification
We are saved for it.
Grace is unearned.

This is the why of what Paul is doing.

Revealing
The Kingdom of God.

So why do we find it so hard to evangelise?

Is it because we
- Are fearful?
- Lack confidence?
- Are terrified by possible rejection?

Compromise or Confrontation
A safe passage to mediocrity, or a dangerous route to getting the job done.

Paul was talking about radical transformation.

But there is no advance for the Gospel without confrontation.

There is no compromise, for Paul is
- Bold
- Prepared
- Equipped
- Assured
- And takes the Gospel further.

Revealing God's story through Scripture.
vs 17 - A chosen people
vs 19 - A promised land
vs 22 - A faithful king
Raised from the dead
Psalm 2

A plan for justification and redemption was not recognised.

By some
But what about...

A plan for both Jews and Gentiles
We must hear more!