1. A LOOK BACK At a question of authenticity. 2. A LOOK UP To God’s supremacy: A God who reigns A God who rules A God who is glorious A God who is everlasting A God who can be known. 3. A LOOK FORWARD To growth in spiritual maturity.
1. TWO MEN a) THE PHARISEE Spiritual Elite, RESPECTED b) THE TAX COLLECTOR Lowest of the low, DESPISED 2. TWO PRAYERS a) SELF-CENTERED PHARISEE Asked for Nothing from God. Trusted in himself, ‘I’ b) GOD-CENTERED TAX COLLECTOR Asked for Mercy from God. “Be Merciful to me THE Sinner” Trusted…
1) LORD DELIVER US! (1 Pet 5:8-9, Mark 7:20-23) From the evil one From our evil hearts 2) LORD DEFEND US! (Psalm 25:1, 16-18; Psalm 27:1,5) From our enemies 3) LORD DISPLAY US! (Eph 3:10, Col 1:21, Jude 25) Before the angels
1) A BANQUET! (v16-17) A great provision A great invitation 2) A BOYCOTT! (v18-21 & 24) Excuses made, Privilege denied 3) A BLESSING! (v21-23) Go out, Bring in, Fill up
1) ITS REALITY! Everyone is tempted (1 Cor 10-13) Jesus was tempted (Matt 4:1-2) Christians are tempted (1 Pet 5:8-9) 2) ITS ROOT! “Satan” the tempter (Matt 4:3) 3) ITS RESISTANCE! a) Pray (Matt 6:13) b) Believe (1 Cor 10:13) c) Dress (Eph 6:13-18) d) Run (2 Tim…
1) A PRECEPT! (v15) You shall not covet Take care and guard against all covetousness 2) A PICTURE! (v16-20) a) Of a man who was rich but very poor b) He remembers himself but not God c) He remembers his assets not his neighbours d) He remembers time…
1) ITS PRIORITY! Jesus taught it, prayed it & lived it 2) ITS PROCESS! a) Decisional not emotional b) Spiritual not natural c) Essential not optional d) Gradual not instantaneous e) Judicial not sentimental 3) ITS POWER Forgiving others: a) Moves you b) Beautifies you c) Empowers your…
1) A TRAP! (v25-29) An expert in the Law tries to trap Jesus Jesus answers a question with a question 2) A TRAUMA! (v30-35) a) Of brutality b) Of helplessness c) Of religion d) Of fear 3) A TRUTH! (v36-37) The Law says, “Do” (v25, 28, 37) The…
1. THE PROBLEM – ‘DEBTS’ It’s all of our biggest problem 2. THE OWNERSHIP – ‘US OUR’ a) It reminds us there is none that is righteous b) It reminds us that our sin has consequences (remember Achan) 3. THE PLEA – ‘FORGIVE’ a) Why ask for…
1) MORAL! These many years I served you, I never disobeyed your command. 2) MEAN! He was angry, bitter and resentful. Your son not my brother. 3) MISERABLE! He refused to go in. 4) MISTAKEN! Son, you are always with me; all that is mine is yours.
Dear friends,
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support doing these uncertain times.
Please do continue to pray for wisdom and guidance as we seek to do what is best to care for those who are most vulnerable among us.
As per the latest government guidelines and on the basis of an expert medical opinion from within our congregation, from the NHS and from Public Health England, we want to offer this additional information:
We advise anyone with a weakened immune system or any underlying health condition to stay away from public gatherings indoors.
If anyone experiences even a minor new and continuous cough, fever or other cold-like symptoms, please stay at home for at least 7 days.
These steps will help to protect those most vulnerable to the virus.
Please do pray for those who are vulnerable and may feel frightened and isolated. We are working on a strategy to help in this area.
Please pray for those who are on the front line of dealing with those affected, nurses, doctors and other health and social care workers.
We will be doing our best to keep you informed as regularly and as promptly as we can and as seems wise.
-Thursday Club will be suspended until further notice.
-CAMEO the monthly ladies group will also be suspended until further notice.
-The youth and children's work will take place as normal for now. Any changes for next week will be communicated as soon as they are known.
At this time, there is no guidance to cancel services or events. We are constantly checking as this and will respond accordingly.
We are planning to meet together this Sunday, 15th, as usual until the NHS and Public Health England change their advice. We are currently thinking through different strategies should this change.
We will be doing all we can over the coming weeks to help minimise the risk, encouraging each other to minimise contact. We have asked the welcome team asked not to shake hands when you come through the door.
We are also looking to livestream the services and recording them to be available on the website afterwards. Depending on the rapidly changing situation and guidance, we may be altering our services to best respond and also to protect the vulnerable.
We are thinking through several scenarios and will keep updating you as things progress.
If you are aware of someone in need or at risk of increased isolation, please call this number for help: 0151 280 9716
Please see the NHS website at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Public health England at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england
This is a time for us as a congregation to trust God, act wisely and love one another!
With love
Ian
On behalf of the elders