Church notes - January 2022
2nd
Psalm 73
Communion
Uncluttered mind.
Hebrews 12:1
Throw off everything that hinders.
Colossians 3:8
Hebrews 10:25
Sermon
Christian hope is grounded in Jesus, via what He has done on the Cross.
Romans 15:13
The Spirit within us overflows to other people.
We are influencing them with hope.
He fills us with hope.
Scripture fills us with hope.
Whatever our circumstances are, Jesus can give us hope.
If we only see the sinfulness and brokeness of the world, there is no hope.
But if you see what God has done through Jesus - there is great hope; one that has a firm foundation.
God is a God of hope.
1 Timothy 6:17 - 19
Don't put your hope in wealth. That would be a false hope.
Be ready to give a reason for your hope.
Wealth is uncertain.
Matthew 6:20
To unleash God given hope.
We must learn not to put our hope in wealth. The foundation of our hope is Jesus and His sacrifice for us.
9th
Philippians 4:6, 7
Prayer
- The COVID situation in your town/city, state/region/province, country and across the world.
- For the Children and Youth Pastor and his family to find a house to rent.
- Safety for those who are on holidays.
Praise
- That the LORD hears our prayers and acts in love, that we can rest and trust in Him.
- For relative safety in Australia during the pandemic.
Isaiah 26:3, 4
Sermon
Matthew 16:13 - 28
Peter's acknowledgement of who Jesus is.
John 6:68
What changed for Peter?
The of the Pharisees and Saducees were incorrect, false teachings.
Set apart for God's purposes.
Isaiah 26:4
vs 18 - A building block.
We confess Jesus to be the Messiah.
Follow Him, sacrifce everything that hinders. Focus on discipleship.
Peter confesses
vs 16
Who would you say Jesus is?
Pray that you will have opportunities to confess that He is the Messiah.
church, gospel of matthew, isaiah, isaiah 26, matthew 16, philippians, philippians 4,
16th
Psalm 139
Isaiah 9:1 - 6
Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophesies.
He is an efficacious priest.
His sacrifice was His own self and His lifeblood.
God Himself
King, Priest and Prophet
Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecies.
He was
- Meek
- Mindful
- Merciful
Matthew 11:9
Matthew 21:4, 5
Meek
- A total lack of self pride
- Denotes a strength of disciplined calmness and passion for others. A demonstration of disciplined strength and gentleness.
- Going to the Cross willingly.
Mindful
- Conscious and aware.
Examples
When he was in the Temple at 12 years old He knew what His purpose was.
Matthew 16:21 - 23
He focused on the Father's purposes. On the plan for our Salvation.
Merciful
- Compassion
- Forgiveness
- Kind or forgiving treatment
- Pardoning.
His mercy never runs out.
The perfect sacrfice.
John 20:31
Matthew 16:24, 25
Psalm 73:25
23rd
Revelation 4
How to describe God the Father.
Easier to describe Jesus.
vs 3
Very colourful and bright.
1 Timothy 6:15, 16
Unapproachable light.
We need to approach Him with humility and honesty.
Rainbow - reference His promise to Noah in Genesis 9:13
The living creatures
The elders. 12 is the number of leadership. (Do they represent Israel and the Church?)
vs 6 Sea of glass. To the Israelites, the sea represented chaos. This is a calm sea.
vs 8 Holy - separate.
All powerful.
No beginning. Always here. Always will be here.
God is permanent and always in control.
A firm foundation.
vs 11 Personal worship 'God is our God'. Choosing to acknowledge who God Is.
If you think you're in control, it is a delusion!
He is ruling.
He is in control.
30th
John 13:34, 25
Psalm 36:5 - 7
Psalm 120:1
Psalm 91:2
Psalm 34:8
1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 18
Philippians 4:6
Prayer
- For the Alpha course starting soon. That those who go will know Christ.
Psalm 13:5
Freedom
Galatians 5
Luke 15:17 - 24
We can struggle to understand the Gospel message.
Galatians 2:11 - 14
Ref. Acts 10
It's not just for the Jews.
Galatians 2
Peter had backflipped.
What is true freedom.
Freedom is being all God created us to be.
Freedom means
1. Loving Jesus
John 14:23
Why wouldn't we obey Jesus?
Galatians 5:1
2. Knowing Who you belong to
Galatians 5:24
3. Serving one another
Galatians 5:22 - 25
The fruit of the Spirit
Joy that overflows
Peace tht subdues
Patience that endures
Kindness in action
A life full of virtue
Faith that prevails
Gentleness of heart
Strength of spirit