What does it truly mean to be free as a Christian? In 1 Corinthians 10 the Apostle Paul gives us a history lesson to help us use our freedom well. Let’s see what he has to say…
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The ‘Parable of the Sower’ (Mt 13:1-9, 18-23) shows us the barriers which can prevent us receiving the Word of the Kingdom (v.19). We can all have places in our hearts which are closed to God’s Word, too shallow for it to take root, or simply find us too preoccupied with cares of this life to produce anything. In this message we consider Jesus’ call to each of us to prepare our hearts for His Word to go down deep, take root, find space in our lives, and by holding fast to it, see a harvest of abundance produced in us and others.
For our all-together gathering in April we step into Jesus’ story, taking a whistle-stop tour through some amazing parts of Mark Gospel, to follow Jesus and see how we can live like Jesus did. Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit and with power, went around doing good, healing people and setting people free (Acts 10:38). He promised His followers that they too would receive the Holy Spirit and power to carry on spreading the good news of Jesus and His Kingdom – and that includes us!Step into His story with us and look out for some exciting encounters with Jesus, a surprise song and a calendar challenge. Walk this Way!
In this all age service we looked at one characteristic of love referred to in 1 Corinthians. Starting with 1 Corinthians 16:14 we explored the instruction from Paul to the church, to show love in everything we do, in every action and every motivation.This ‘Agape’ (Greek for love) is selfless, sacrificial, unconditional and is not based in feelings or emotion.Looking at the example Jesus set in John 13:1-14 & verses 34-35 we saw true humility, the serving of others and how Jesus encouraged us to do the same. This is how others that don’t know Jesus would see us reflect him!We were encouraged to be ‘refreshers’, like those in 1 Corinthians 16:18 were described. That is to refresh those around us, to show kindness and compassion through our actions and not just words. We are to;See the very best in othersSeek the very best for othersAnd serve with our very best, for others
God Wants you to have Kingdom Yeast! Without the yeast the flour cannot be made to rise. Without Jesus and His Kingdom the world cannot be saved, cannot be changed – Both work silently and unseen. The power of the Kingdom is not physical and yet it produces definite results. The same applies to our own lives – the Kingdom (and all it’s teachings) needs to rise, invade and permeate every part of our lives. Through the parable of the yeast, Jesus teaches us that the Kingdom of Heaven is alive, it’s everywhere, it takes attention and patience to grow, and it transforms everything it touches. Yeast is microscopic in size, and only a little is kneaded (and a only a little is needed!) into the dough. Yet, given time, the yeast will spread through all the dough. In the same way, Jesus started with twelve men in an obscure corner of Galilee, but it has spread throughout the world. We need to “knead the dough” of our lives making sure it reaches, permeates, and touches every part of our lives.It takes effort and technique – it is hard work sometimes! He wants our characters and walk with Him to rise evenly, with no flat spots, no section that are unleavened.
In chapter 9 of 1 Corinthians, the apostle Paul deals with the issue of financial support (v1-14), explains his passion to reach the lost (v15-23) and describes how he stays focussed and self-controlled (v24-27). Throughout the chapter we discover various obligations we have because of the good things we’ve been entrusted with. In this message we focus on three of these: the need to handle the Scriptures properly; the urgency and simplicity of our mission; and the importance of staying on track as we run our race. These things are so vital in the church today, and this message will help you think about how you can be faithful in each area.
When Jesus went around doing good, He walked with power and purpose. We look together at how Jesus enables us to walk His way; with Holy Spirit power and God-given purpose today.
In this message Ovi shares all about Thomas – a character in the story of Jesus that we may be familiar with. He is often referred to as ‘Doubting Thomas’ and he can represent someone who is debating whether something is true or not. After seeing Jesus on the cross, Thomas withdrew from his fellow disciples and became isolated. Isolation is the perfect environment for pessimism, doubt and scepticism to grow! But Thomas was reset by Jesus when he said “My Lord and my God”. Hear more about this story in today’s message.
