Church notes - February 2016
Church notes - February 2016
7th February
Book of Judges
A Lot of Dysfunction
But there is a message of hope.
It is a story of dispair, but it is also a story of hope.
Judges 2: 7 - 23
vs 7 - 10
vs 10
The next generation didn't know God personally!
We need to teach those around us about God, especially Jesus and what He did at the Cross. God wants to be real to them in a personal way.
We need to ensure that our kids know God in a personal way.
vs 11 - 19
A deadly cycle. They didn't deal with the problem. But God didn't abandon them.
vs 20 - 23
God isn't vindictive. He is disciplining His people.
Forgiveness is available to those who turn to Him in true repentance. For this reason, Jesus went to the Cross.
14th February
Psalm 119:97 - 106
We have the greatest love
We can make the future
God is constantly moving forward.
Nehemiah 2
A visionary leader in action
'A clear and challenging picture of the future...'
I See a Church that -
a) Hungers for the things of God
We depend on Him
b) Loves the Bible
We need to put it into practice
We need to meditate on it.
We need to have time to read and focus on the Word
c) Is unified in love for each other
This is an ongoing process
d) Has a huge heart for the lost
Luke 15
Lost - Terrible Eternal Implications
- Those separated from Jesus
We need to have a heart for the lost
Romans 16:19
e) Has compassion for the broken and needy
21st February
'King of My Soul': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ5GBgyMDQU
'I have decided': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2TwhEL2EPc
'This we believe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-m9sRRN9MA
'Great is Your Faithfulness': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k1WhFtVp0o
Judges 2: 10 -19
Judges 4, 5
5: 24 - 27 to song...
Judges - not a book of morality
What does it reveal to us about God's character.
It's the beginning of another cycle.
vs 1-3
vs 6-8
Barack forgot that God was on his side.
vs9
His hesitation costs him the glory of defeating Sisera.
vs 18 - 22
Jael gets the glory.
5:3,4
Lot's of 'curve balls'
A reminder that God is in control and the glory gpes to Him.
Re-read Ch4 - notice the usage of 'The Lord' in the passage.
Romans 8:28
His Wisdom is infinitely more than ours.
Do you surrender whole-heartedly to Him, or are you like Barack?
How do we hesitate
Spiritual Hesitation
When we conform to the pattern of this world instead of God's word.
Do you hesitate when God asks you to do something?
Do you hesitate and forget that God is with you?
'Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfr5rOfimnU
28 February 2016
'This is Amazing Grace': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFRjr_x-yxU
'Through you I can do anything': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPRQR-5E9gg
'Fearfully and Wonderfully made': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ1SgS3ExgM
'Turn your eyes upon Jesus': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czxd5oa-gi0
Judges 6, 7
Gideon
God can use the unlikely to achieve the unbelievable
Judges 6:1 -7
We are quick to blame God for being in predicaments.
- It is usually our choices that have placed us in that place.
- So it was with Israel
6:14 - 18
'Go in the strength that you have'
When God calls us, he calls us as we are. With our weaknesses and inadequacies.
- This is what God calls us to do.
6:17
Ever felt a sense that the Lord is nudging, prompting, urging you to step or step up for Him?
We can have so many questions, excuses, doubts, reasons not to respond or obey.
6:25 - 30
What sort of wakeup call has the Lord given you to get your attention and to draw you back to Himself?
6:33 - 40
Gideon acted with authority.
6:36 - 40
Gideon needed further proof of God's presence.
We seem to need to do the fleece exercise.
God knows us well. If we really seek his reassurance, He will give us wjat we need to take at least the first step of obedience.
7:1-8
vs 2
It wasn't about Gideon. It was about God.
Gideon's manpower, reduced by 99%.
With God all things are possible
He doesn't need numbers. He needs obedience, comittment.
7:8 - 15
God knew Gideon and gave him further reassurrance.
He knows us. Knows what we need and how to give it.
vs7
A Transformed Gideon
Victory through an unlikely leader, with an unlikely army using unlikely weapons.
God can use the unlikely to achieve the unbelievable.
- Even you
- - to be His person
- - - to do His will
With God all things are possible
Judges 8:33 - 35
The next generation didn't know God.
1 Corinthians 1:26
God can still use the unlikely for His purposes.