Unfortunately, due to copyright issues I had to remove any copy of the Study from this Blog. Sorry.
My reccomendation is to get the book that it comes from "Gods Lavish Grace" by Terry Virgo or "What's so amazing about grace?"by Phillip YanceySteve
Friday, August 29, 2008
Enjoying God's Grace Blogs
My reccomendation is to get the book that it comes from "Gods Lavish Grace" by Terry Virgo or "What's so amazing about grace?"by Phillip Yancey
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Report of meeting 1 August 2008
The meeting started with Sarah opening prayer.
Steve welcomed those that came and told of a brief history of how the group started and how it developed.
Jessica, the founder of the group, told of her original vision for the prayer meeting; it being a place for us to pray for each other and to pray for Tower hamlets council leaders and the borough of Tower hamlets.
Steve also expressed that his vision is for us to pray for each other and to encourage each other and also to spread the gospel to those we work with.
Steve asked how the group should continue. We concluded that will we would to invite guest speakers from time to time.
Gameli suggested that we should have a common room to enable us to pray together with the prayer group in Anchorage house. We all agreed it wasn't really practical and not to change for the time being.To have a Bible study every other week,
Sarah suggested a team of people who would be willing to support people in prayer as partners for those who need it.
To have more social activities to get to know each other better and build up friendship.
Steve spoke of the Easter outreach and how successful it was and thanked everyone for the part everyone played. He said he wanted us to build on that by doing the Alpha in Work Place course. He had attended a conference of how to implement it; and would like to see it start in January 2009 for 10 weeks at the lunch time. We will offer our guests sandwich's and rolls and also tell them about Jesus. Jessica suggested that we could apply for a grant from the council. Steve and Gloria will go on Alpha training in the autumn. All this will need prayer and finances and Steve asked if we could really get behind this and be willing to take part on a regular basis.
Cynthia closed in prayer
Steve welcomed those that came and told of a brief history of how the group started and how it developed.
Jessica, the founder of the group, told of her original vision for the prayer meeting; it being a place for us to pray for each other and to pray for Tower hamlets council leaders and the borough of Tower hamlets.
Steve also expressed that his vision is for us to pray for each other and to encourage each other and also to spread the gospel to those we work with.
Steve asked how the group should continue. We concluded that will we would to invite guest speakers from time to time.
Gameli suggested that we should have a common room to enable us to pray together with the prayer group in Anchorage house. We all agreed it wasn't really practical and not to change for the time being.To have a Bible study every other week,
Sarah suggested a team of people who would be willing to support people in prayer as partners for those who need it.
To have more social activities to get to know each other better and build up friendship.
Steve spoke of the Easter outreach and how successful it was and thanked everyone for the part everyone played. He said he wanted us to build on that by doing the Alpha in Work Place course. He had attended a conference of how to implement it; and would like to see it start in January 2009 for 10 weeks at the lunch time. We will offer our guests sandwich's and rolls and also tell them about Jesus. Jessica suggested that we could apply for a grant from the council. Steve and Gloria will go on Alpha training in the autumn. All this will need prayer and finances and Steve asked if we could really get behind this and be willing to take part on a regular basis.
Cynthia closed in prayer
Monday, May 19, 2008
Dave Nunn Talk - Work "As to the Lord"Ephesians 6:5-9
Dave Nunn Talk
Work "As to the Lord"
Ephesians 6:5-9
Introduction
Eph 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
At the moment work seems unrelated to church. The next few years will see the church invade the workplace.
1) Work: God's plan for humanity
Work is part of God's plan for us prior to the fall.Gen 1:27-28So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."Gen 2:15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
2) Work is not easy
a) Our rebellion has created a harder world. God’s Curse Gen 3:17 To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.Although this is given in the context of agriculture, it applies to all work. Life here is not as god desires.
b) A world without suffering and pain is yet to come, that is part of our hope for the future.
3) Work is about attitude
Colossians 3:22-25 22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favouritism.
a) Obey, you are at work
i) If it does not contradict your faith
b) Honesty and integrity, not just when the boss’s eye is on you.
c) In reverence for God, who are you working for?
d) V23 whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.
e) Vs 22,23,24 You are working for God not
f) Vs24 you will receive an inheritance from The Lord.
g) V26 Manangers watch for you have a master in heaven.
4) What is the purpose of work?
a) To provide for your needs. Titus 3:14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
b) To provide for your family. 1 Tim 5:8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
c) To have something to share. Ephesians 4:28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
d) Provide treasure in heaven Luke 3 32-34 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
e) There is no point in moaning. Ecclesiastes 3:22 So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him? Ecclesiastes 2:21-24 For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless. A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,
Work "As to the Lord"
Ephesians 6:5-9
Introduction
Eph 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
At the moment work seems unrelated to church. The next few years will see the church invade the workplace.
1) Work: God's plan for humanity
Work is part of God's plan for us prior to the fall.Gen 1:27-28So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."Gen 2:15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
2) Work is not easy
a) Our rebellion has created a harder world. God’s Curse Gen 3:17 To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.Although this is given in the context of agriculture, it applies to all work. Life here is not as god desires.
b) A world without suffering and pain is yet to come, that is part of our hope for the future.
3) Work is about attitude
Colossians 3:22-25 22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favouritism.
a) Obey, you are at work
i) If it does not contradict your faith
b) Honesty and integrity, not just when the boss’s eye is on you.
c) In reverence for God, who are you working for?
d) V23 whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.
e) Vs 22,23,24 You are working for God not
f) Vs24 you will receive an inheritance from The Lord.
g) V26 Manangers watch for you have a master in heaven.
4) What is the purpose of work?
a) To provide for your needs. Titus 3:14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
b) To provide for your family. 1 Tim 5:8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
c) To have something to share. Ephesians 4:28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
d) Provide treasure in heaven Luke 3 32-34 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
e) There is no point in moaning. Ecclesiastes 3:22 So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him? Ecclesiastes 2:21-24 For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless. A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Easter Outreach
During the month of March the Christian fellowship had an outreach program. I was desperate to do something to lift the Name of Jesus up within my work place. I suggested it to the other two leaders. Straight away they was enthused about it. One of them, Gloria, made a suggestion about its theme. She wasn't even serious about the suggestion either. "Who are you?" she suggested. Immediately I felt God speak to me that this was right. I'm one of those people that if I see an idea I want to run with it. This suggestion really captured my imagination.
So often, people at work tend to just have their head down and do their work drudgingly. We who are followers of Jesus, know of another dimension to life and how it need not be a drudge.
It was suggested we have a literature table in the foyer during the two weeks either side of the Easter break. I emailed everyone in the group for volunteers. Gloria also emailed them for finances. The response was phenomenal! People handed her lots of money; I felt they gave quite sacrificially. In the end we raised over £300! We even got donations from those who don't normally come to any of the meetings. People were also enthusiastic about being at the table to greet people as they either came to work, or were going home.
My wife Andrea is a bit of a photographer and I was keen to use a couple of her photos for the posters which I wanted to put up in the foyer of the Town Hall.
Only about two weeks before we went out to visit Green Park, in London, near Buckingham Palace, to enjoy the sunshine. The weather was warm and the Daffodils were out in force; they looked quite lovely. Andrea used her, recently bought, new camera and got snapping away. I used one of these to for the posters. The other photo was of a butterfly that Andrea had taken during our holiday in France.
The price of such posters are quite expensive and, although people were generous I felt I did not want to waste their money. I was, however, able to find a very reasonably priced place on the Internet. It was in Germany and you had to send it via the Internet. I was concerned the posters would not get back to us in time but they worked very hard and the posters looked stunning! It was so thrilling when I put the posters on the table in the foyer.
We had a prayer meeting prior to the outreach weeks and one of the members suggested a prayer point list. This, I have to say, was very useful and insightful about what we should concentrate on.
I did all I could to get enough literature and tracts to make the table look nice and full. Others too scoured their own churches for literature. We were not prepared for the success we were to experience on that first day. By the end of the day the table looked quite empty with very few leaflets left. Some people stepped into the breach and one person went on his motorbike during his lunch break to get some more from a local Christian book shop. He insisted on paying for them himself. Others also gave bags of new testaments Bibles and expensive books for people to take. They too insisting not to be reimbursed. Each day was similar with us having the problem of keeping the table stocked up.
On the table we had little mini eggs in a basket (People were very willing to take them); and Hot-Cross Buns. We wanted to show people the Grace of God and definitely not worry if they all went. We did our best to keep the basket stocked up. Again, many of the group bought some themselves, they even bought quite expensive, luxury eggs and chocolates.
A Bible was opened and each day a Bible passage was chosen for people to read. A prayer request book was also available for people to write in for us to pray for what was asked.
By the end of the two weeks we had given away lots of booklets and eggs. We had lots of people asking us questions and we had many prayer requests. It has been a very successful time!
Afterwards we had a thanksgiving meeting where all we did was praise God for what He had done.
Steve
So often, people at work tend to just have their head down and do their work drudgingly. We who are followers of Jesus, know of another dimension to life and how it need not be a drudge.
It was suggested we have a literature table in the foyer during the two weeks either side of the Easter break. I emailed everyone in the group for volunteers. Gloria also emailed them for finances. The response was phenomenal! People handed her lots of money; I felt they gave quite sacrificially. In the end we raised over £300! We even got donations from those who don't normally come to any of the meetings. People were also enthusiastic about being at the table to greet people as they either came to work, or were going home.
My wife Andrea is a bit of a photographer and I was keen to use a couple of her photos for the posters which I wanted to put up in the foyer of the Town Hall.
Only about two weeks before we went out to visit Green Park, in London, near Buckingham Palace, to enjoy the sunshine. The weather was warm and the Daffodils were out in force; they looked quite lovely. Andrea used her, recently bought, new camera and got snapping away. I used one of these to for the posters. The other photo was of a butterfly that Andrea had taken during our holiday in France.
The price of such posters are quite expensive and, although people were generous I felt I did not want to waste their money. I was, however, able to find a very reasonably priced place on the Internet. It was in Germany and you had to send it via the Internet. I was concerned the posters would not get back to us in time but they worked very hard and the posters looked stunning! It was so thrilling when I put the posters on the table in the foyer.
We had a prayer meeting prior to the outreach weeks and one of the members suggested a prayer point list. This, I have to say, was very useful and insightful about what we should concentrate on.
I did all I could to get enough literature and tracts to make the table look nice and full. Others too scoured their own churches for literature. We were not prepared for the success we were to experience on that first day. By the end of the day the table looked quite empty with very few leaflets left. Some people stepped into the breach and one person went on his motorbike during his lunch break to get some more from a local Christian book shop. He insisted on paying for them himself. Others also gave bags of new testaments Bibles and expensive books for people to take. They too insisting not to be reimbursed. Each day was similar with us having the problem of keeping the table stocked up.
On the table we had little mini eggs in a basket (People were very willing to take them); and Hot-Cross Buns. We wanted to show people the Grace of God and definitely not worry if they all went. We did our best to keep the basket stocked up. Again, many of the group bought some themselves, they even bought quite expensive, luxury eggs and chocolates.
A Bible was opened and each day a Bible passage was chosen for people to read. A prayer request book was also available for people to write in for us to pray for what was asked.
By the end of the two weeks we had given away lots of booklets and eggs. We had lots of people asking us questions and we had many prayer requests. It has been a very successful time!
Afterwards we had a thanksgiving meeting where all we did was praise God for what He had done.
Steve
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Steve's Testemony
Many people have asked about my story. Over the years God has shown his faithfulness to me. Enjoy.
I was born at a very early age, in 1956, North London. My mother left my father when I was 3 years old, taking me with her to Scotland. After a while she moved to Kent, though I don't remember much about that time.
We then moved to Norfolk in 1962. During that time I was starting to feel lonely and left out. It felt like my mother did not really love me and was more interested in her career as a midwife. I did not have any friends to speak of or can remember.
In 1965 we moved to Brighton when I was about nine. My mother had moved in with another woman who had children of her own: a girl and a boy. Even though I was older than the boy, the boy bullied me and I felt they got more love than I. The other woman also made it quite plain she did not like me one bit.
From Brighton we moved to Chelmsford in Essex. This was around my eleventh birthday. With all this moving I was getting quite unsettled; which came out in my behaviour.
My mother was obviously fed up with me and, after only a year at an ordinary senior school, she sent me to a boarding school; miles away in Dorchester. I could not return home at weekends because of the distance. After a year she moved me to another boarding school in Colchester. However, even though this was closer, my mother still did not want me to come home at weekends. She even complained at end of term times. I felt very lonely and rejected.
During my time at Colchester, God had started to speak to me. This took me on a journey looking for something. I did not know what this something was; but knew I wanted it. It wasn't a blinding flash just a quiet voice.
At this Boarding School it was compulsory to go to church on Sundays. I chose to go to a local Church of England. God spoke to me again. I had got into the habit of going to church but I did not have a relationship with God. I thought He was like other people I knew: uncaring and distant.
I left school after disappointing exam results. My mother and her friend were just as cold and uncaring as ever, saying things that hurt and wounded me. Eventually she kicked me out of the house shortly after my sixteenth birthday. I was working in a chicken factory at the time and a work colleague said I could stay with him for a while. Little did I know that he was a drunkard and played his music loudly at night and at weekends. I even fell into the trap and got drunk a few times myself. I just wanted this loneliness to end.
Unknown to me, my parents had got divorced when I was 14 and the Divorce Court had placed me on a supervision order. Only when I was 16 did I find out and the care officer got me a place to live with two Christians: one eccentric old woman, and one eccentric young man by the name of Eddie. During this time God was still talking to me and his voice seemed to be getting louder. Eddie invited me to his church. It was an ordinary church but God spoke to me again. During the coming weeks I went again and again, each time God spoke to me more and more.
I began to be aware I was unclean, feeling that even though people had done me wrong, I had done wrong to God. So I asked Eddie what I should do about giving my life to Jesus. He told me to think of all my sins and list them. He told me to turn away from them and say sorry to God, asking Him to forgive me. Things were different after that, but I knew there was a long journey ahead.
Later, the care officer found accommodation with house parents so I moved. There I was shown Christian love. I saw God change me and I began to grow as a Christian. God delivered me from smoking and I started going to a church where I would eventually meet my wife.
Having not known what it was to have a father, I asked God if He could show me what it meant for Him to be my Father. Nothing happened straight away so I forgot it.
When I was 17 I decided I would like to find out what had happened to my dad and asked the care officer to help me find him. She did and I was able to meet up with him. He too after a while, because of painful memories, decided not to have anything to do with me and we lost contact.
In 1974 God met me in a very special way.
I had been visiting my then landlady's son just down the road. It was getting late so I left the house and made my way in the direction of home.
Almost immediately I heard an audible voice saying "turn around".
I chatted back my agreement. "Right oh LORD", I said. "It would be nice to take the long way round on to country roads"
So off I headed for a nice pleasant walk on a lovely crisp clear night on to country roads.
Leaving the town and entering the countryside I rounded a bend. Suddenly I felt something amazing. I felt a love from God I'd never felt before. The full moon seemed to be on fire. In response I cried out. "I love you Lord!"
I didn't know what to do. I started to laugh. I wanted to cry. My legs started to buckle from under me so I fell in a ditch. I got out still laughing and crying. I fell on my knees. I was so grateful.
And so it went on. I had lost all track of time, but I think it lasted about an hour. I was dishevelled but full of joy. God had changed me; I had gained a new love for Jesus and wanted to have Him number one in my life.
Call of God
While I was in church one Sunday, a visiting speaker from the London City Mission came to speak. He spoke of all the work they did among the homeless and poor in London. Suddenly I knew God wanted me to live in London and do His work there. I did not know how I should do this and left it for a while. Later, I heard of a scheme called Voluntary Evangelism (VE) that the London City Mission ran in Bermondsey that I joined in 1977, for 7 months. Once I got to Bermondsey I knew London was where I would stay.
Meanwhile, having met my future wife, Andrea, in church and being away from her, in Bermondsey, I really missed her. So much so I went off my food! Hard to believe, I know, but there you are.
While I was a VE, people kept asking me how I became a Christian and what God had done in my life. So I told them this same story. The more I told people, the more God spoke to me saying how much of a Father He had been to me, looking after me all these years. For the first time in my life I started calling God "Father"!
By 1979 it was time for Andrea and I to get married. I had been looking for a place where we could both live. Could I find anywhere? No I could not! I knew God wanted us to live in Bermondsey, but where would we live? Many a time I felt like just giving in, but God picked me up and told me to keep looking. Eventually God showed Himself faithful, like he always does, and a week before our wedding date we found a place in Peckham. It had two rooms with a shared bathroom, toilet and Kitchen.
We were there for a little while when Andrea became pregnant. We knew the rules of the house said no children and we began wondering what would happen. Our pastor at the time (Mr Chris Brown), came to us and told us he had been approached by a local doctor who asked him if he knew of anyone who could be a live in caretaker at the surgery rent-free.
Chris thought of us and we jumped at the chance. It was lovely our own kitchen, toilet and bathroom! It even had a garden, which my wife was thrilled with. Later we were to find out that God is faithful in all our housing needs - but that's another story!
Now after many years of belonging to Jesus, I know how God is faithful. The Bible says, "Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me." Psalm 27:10
I have three grown up children whom all believe in Jesus, as I do, and I know God has got more blessings for me in the future.
I was born at a very early age, in 1956, North London. My mother left my father when I was 3 years old, taking me with her to Scotland. After a while she moved to Kent, though I don't remember much about that time.
We then moved to Norfolk in 1962. During that time I was starting to feel lonely and left out. It felt like my mother did not really love me and was more interested in her career as a midwife. I did not have any friends to speak of or can remember.
In 1965 we moved to Brighton when I was about nine. My mother had moved in with another woman who had children of her own: a girl and a boy. Even though I was older than the boy, the boy bullied me and I felt they got more love than I. The other woman also made it quite plain she did not like me one bit.
From Brighton we moved to Chelmsford in Essex. This was around my eleventh birthday. With all this moving I was getting quite unsettled; which came out in my behaviour.
My mother was obviously fed up with me and, after only a year at an ordinary senior school, she sent me to a boarding school; miles away in Dorchester. I could not return home at weekends because of the distance. After a year she moved me to another boarding school in Colchester. However, even though this was closer, my mother still did not want me to come home at weekends. She even complained at end of term times. I felt very lonely and rejected.
During my time at Colchester, God had started to speak to me. This took me on a journey looking for something. I did not know what this something was; but knew I wanted it. It wasn't a blinding flash just a quiet voice.
At this Boarding School it was compulsory to go to church on Sundays. I chose to go to a local Church of England. God spoke to me again. I had got into the habit of going to church but I did not have a relationship with God. I thought He was like other people I knew: uncaring and distant.
I left school after disappointing exam results. My mother and her friend were just as cold and uncaring as ever, saying things that hurt and wounded me. Eventually she kicked me out of the house shortly after my sixteenth birthday. I was working in a chicken factory at the time and a work colleague said I could stay with him for a while. Little did I know that he was a drunkard and played his music loudly at night and at weekends. I even fell into the trap and got drunk a few times myself. I just wanted this loneliness to end.
Unknown to me, my parents had got divorced when I was 14 and the Divorce Court had placed me on a supervision order. Only when I was 16 did I find out and the care officer got me a place to live with two Christians: one eccentric old woman, and one eccentric young man by the name of Eddie. During this time God was still talking to me and his voice seemed to be getting louder. Eddie invited me to his church. It was an ordinary church but God spoke to me again. During the coming weeks I went again and again, each time God spoke to me more and more.
I began to be aware I was unclean, feeling that even though people had done me wrong, I had done wrong to God. So I asked Eddie what I should do about giving my life to Jesus. He told me to think of all my sins and list them. He told me to turn away from them and say sorry to God, asking Him to forgive me. Things were different after that, but I knew there was a long journey ahead.
Later, the care officer found accommodation with house parents so I moved. There I was shown Christian love. I saw God change me and I began to grow as a Christian. God delivered me from smoking and I started going to a church where I would eventually meet my wife.
Having not known what it was to have a father, I asked God if He could show me what it meant for Him to be my Father. Nothing happened straight away so I forgot it.
When I was 17 I decided I would like to find out what had happened to my dad and asked the care officer to help me find him. She did and I was able to meet up with him. He too after a while, because of painful memories, decided not to have anything to do with me and we lost contact.
In 1974 God met me in a very special way.
I had been visiting my then landlady's son just down the road. It was getting late so I left the house and made my way in the direction of home.
Almost immediately I heard an audible voice saying "turn around".
I chatted back my agreement. "Right oh LORD", I said. "It would be nice to take the long way round on to country roads"
So off I headed for a nice pleasant walk on a lovely crisp clear night on to country roads.
Leaving the town and entering the countryside I rounded a bend. Suddenly I felt something amazing. I felt a love from God I'd never felt before. The full moon seemed to be on fire. In response I cried out. "I love you Lord!"
I didn't know what to do. I started to laugh. I wanted to cry. My legs started to buckle from under me so I fell in a ditch. I got out still laughing and crying. I fell on my knees. I was so grateful.
And so it went on. I had lost all track of time, but I think it lasted about an hour. I was dishevelled but full of joy. God had changed me; I had gained a new love for Jesus and wanted to have Him number one in my life.
Call of God
While I was in church one Sunday, a visiting speaker from the London City Mission came to speak. He spoke of all the work they did among the homeless and poor in London. Suddenly I knew God wanted me to live in London and do His work there. I did not know how I should do this and left it for a while. Later, I heard of a scheme called Voluntary Evangelism (VE) that the London City Mission ran in Bermondsey that I joined in 1977, for 7 months. Once I got to Bermondsey I knew London was where I would stay.
Meanwhile, having met my future wife, Andrea, in church and being away from her, in Bermondsey, I really missed her. So much so I went off my food! Hard to believe, I know, but there you are.While I was a VE, people kept asking me how I became a Christian and what God had done in my life. So I told them this same story. The more I told people, the more God spoke to me saying how much of a Father He had been to me, looking after me all these years. For the first time in my life I started calling God "Father"!
By 1979 it was time for Andrea and I to get married. I had been looking for a place where we could both live. Could I find anywhere? No I could not! I knew God wanted us to live in Bermondsey, but where would we live? Many a time I felt like just giving in, but God picked me up and told me to keep looking. Eventually God showed Himself faithful, like he always does, and a week before our wedding date we found a place in Peckham. It had two rooms with a shared bathroom, toilet and Kitchen.
We were there for a little while when Andrea became pregnant. We knew the rules of the house said no children and we began wondering what would happen. Our pastor at the time (Mr Chris Brown), came to us and told us he had been approached by a local doctor who asked him if he knew of anyone who could be a live in caretaker at the surgery rent-free.
Chris thought of us and we jumped at the chance. It was lovely our own kitchen, toilet and bathroom! It even had a garden, which my wife was thrilled with. Later we were to find out that God is faithful in all our housing needs - but that's another story!
Now after many years of belonging to Jesus, I know how God is faithful. The Bible says, "Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me." Psalm 27:10
I have three grown up children whom all believe in Jesus, as I do, and I know God has got more blessings for me in the future.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Prayer Points for the outreach 17th - 28th March
- Let’s all thank God for his goodness, mercies, love, etc. Let us thank Him for giving us this fellowship and the opportunity to worship and serve him. Thank him for ourselves, wider family, the group, the church and the workplace. Psalm 104 V 1
- Let us pray for the forgiveness of our sins as a person, as a corporate group and as a fellowship 2 Chro7V14, 1John1V9. Pray that the Lord will give us the grace to say no to sin. 2Cor12V9, Titus 2 vs 11 &12
- The fellowship group will be united in one accord and love for the mission ahead. Psalm133V1, Ephe4V3
- That we as the people of God would walk in the light. 1John1V7
- That we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in all that we do as Evangelist on each day. Jer1Vs4 -10
- That the anointing will flow amongst us in that we will minister effectively to God's Children and the world.
- That the area will shall use will be purged of all evil spirits allowing the spirit of Salvation to flow.
- That people's heart will be open and receptive to our ministering.
- That the literature will be taken and read and not thrown away in Jesus name.
- That the word of God will be sowed and planted in order to germinate in due season.
- That we as labourers in the vineyard will not allow any discouraging spirits or the darts of the enemy to enter in as we unite together in spreading the 'Good News'.
- That our countenance will glow and that we will be approachable.
- That many souls will be saved by our ministering or by the tracts that are given.
- That we bring hope to those in need in Jesus name.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Kingdom of God - Talk by Dave Sawyer
Download the talk here http://churchforthecity.typepad.com/home/files/2008-02-03_Dave_Sawyer-KoG.mp3
KING WITH A KINGDOM
“The kingdom of God is present, and influences all of society”
INTRO – JESUS IS THE KING Kingdom of God (koG) a key topic for Jesus Jesus is the king of the kingdom (Php 2:9-11)
CHRIST’S RULE IS NOW/THE KINGDOM IS PRESENT
“Already not yet” Old Testament koG a Jewish term that their God would become king on earth koG was prophesied in old testament Dan 2:44 (also see Isa 2:2-5, 24:23, 40:3-5, 52:6-7, Dan 7:13-14) New Testament John Baptist led way (Mat 3:2) followed by Jesus (Mar 1:15) Jesus confirms koG is present (Lk 17:20-21, Mar 9:1 & Acts Ch2) (also see Mat 12:25-29, Mat 6:31-33, Mat 3:11) Second coming Kingdom promises not fully consummated (1 Pet 2:24) Currently a battle with the Kingdom of the world/Satan (1Jn 5:19, Gal 1:3-4)
THE KINGDOM INFLUENCES ALL OF SOCIETY
Leaven bread example (Luk 13:20-21) – koG in contact with society, changes society & has no barriers We are light to the world (Mat 5:14-16) & key parts of the influence
HOW THE KINGDOM INFLUENCES ALL OF SOCIETY
Word view = nice morals Bible view = power of God (1 Co 4:18-20, Rom 15:18-19) Influence is driven by love (I Co 13:1-2)
(a) Power over Satan/demons (Mar 1:21-27, 6:13, Mat 10.1)
(b) Power over worldliness (Gal 5:16-21)
(c) Power over sickness (Luk 10:8-9)
KING WITH A KINGDOM
“The kingdom of God is present, and influences all of society”
INTRO – JESUS IS THE KING Kingdom of God (koG) a key topic for Jesus Jesus is the king of the kingdom (Php 2:9-11)
CHRIST’S RULE IS NOW/THE KINGDOM IS PRESENT
“Already not yet” Old Testament koG a Jewish term that their God would become king on earth koG was prophesied in old testament Dan 2:44 (also see Isa 2:2-5, 24:23, 40:3-5, 52:6-7, Dan 7:13-14) New Testament John Baptist led way (Mat 3:2) followed by Jesus (Mar 1:15) Jesus confirms koG is present (Lk 17:20-21, Mar 9:1 & Acts Ch2) (also see Mat 12:25-29, Mat 6:31-33, Mat 3:11) Second coming Kingdom promises not fully consummated (1 Pet 2:24) Currently a battle with the Kingdom of the world/Satan (1Jn 5:19, Gal 1:3-4)
THE KINGDOM INFLUENCES ALL OF SOCIETY
Leaven bread example (Luk 13:20-21) – koG in contact with society, changes society & has no barriers We are light to the world (Mat 5:14-16) & key parts of the influence
HOW THE KINGDOM INFLUENCES ALL OF SOCIETY
Word view = nice morals Bible view = power of God (1 Co 4:18-20, Rom 15:18-19) Influence is driven by love (I Co 13:1-2)
(a) Power over Satan/demons (Mar 1:21-27, 6:13, Mat 10.1)
(b) Power over worldliness (Gal 5:16-21)
(c) Power over sickness (Luk 10:8-9)
CONCLUSION
- We are priests in the kingdom (Rev 1:6)
- Lives are not futile
- “To him be the glory and dominion forever and ever – Amen”
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Refined like Silver - A contribution from Ray Thorne
I also received a wonderful message from my wife this morning. It is about how God put us through the fire like a Silversmith with silver and how He watches us until He can see His image then He know that we have been refined. I do not think that we will ever be fully refined as the Lord said in 2 Cor 4.17-18 that our afflictions are light, temporary and they are there to take us from glory to glory so amidst the trials and tribulations know that God is in the eye of the storm and that He does not give us more than we can bear and also make a way of escape for us, 1 Cor. 10:13.
Now stop complaining and thank God for His loving preparation. Remember nothing good comes easy. And the secret to success is the constant refining of what we have already done
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered tha t yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"
He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it." If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. Pass this on right now. This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end. "Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once."
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalms 37:4)
From Ray .
We can do all things through Christ who Strengthens Us.
Now stop complaining and thank God for His loving preparation. Remember nothing good comes easy. And the secret to success is the constant refining of what we have already done
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered tha t yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"
He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it." If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. Pass this on right now. This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end. "Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once."
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalms 37:4)
From Ray .
We can do all things through Christ who Strengthens Us.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Volunteers needed
We need volunteers to man a literature table in Mulberry Place foyer for two weeks either side of Easter.
The dates are 17th – 20th March and 25th – 28th March.
They will be half hour slots first thing in the morning 8-10am, lunchtime12 – 2pm, and evening 4-6pm.
If you could be available to talk to people, share your faith if necessary, and pray for people if they ask. Each slot will have a team of 2 people.
This will be part of a Christian awareness campaign for the borough. From the 1st of March there will be a poster campaign on notice boards which will eventually highlight our presence in the foyer.
If you would like to help please see the table below for the time slots and email me your choices.
You could also get together with a friend and be an instant team!
Mornings
8:00 - 8:30
8:30 – 9:00
9:00 – 9:30
9:30 – 10:00
Lunchtime
12:00 -12:30
12:30 – 1pm
1pm – 1:30
1:30 – 2pm
Evening
4pm – 4:30
4:30 – 5pm
5pm – 5:30
5:30 – 6pm
I will produce a rota so you can see where there are gaps.
Thanks very much.
Steve
Monday 17th – Thursday 20th March
Tuesday 25th – Friday 28th March
The dates are 17th – 20th March and 25th – 28th March.
They will be half hour slots first thing in the morning 8-10am, lunchtime12 – 2pm, and evening 4-6pm.
If you could be available to talk to people, share your faith if necessary, and pray for people if they ask. Each slot will have a team of 2 people.
This will be part of a Christian awareness campaign for the borough. From the 1st of March there will be a poster campaign on notice boards which will eventually highlight our presence in the foyer.
If you would like to help please see the table below for the time slots and email me your choices.
You could also get together with a friend and be an instant team!
Mornings
8:00 - 8:30
8:30 – 9:00
9:00 – 9:30
9:30 – 10:00
Lunchtime
12:00 -12:30
12:30 – 1pm
1pm – 1:30
1:30 – 2pm
Evening
4pm – 4:30
4:30 – 5pm
5pm – 5:30
5:30 – 6pm
I will produce a rota so you can see where there are gaps.
Thanks very much.
Steve
Monday 17th – Thursday 20th March
Tuesday 25th – Friday 28th March
Friday, February 1, 2008
Bible Library
Thank you to Ola for donating quite a few brand new Bibles. We will bring them to each group for people to use whilst we are doing a study.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Mark Waterfield talk -- It's all about the people!
Lk 12v16-21 - Parable of the Rich fool
When he died- How much did he leave? He left it all!!
What do we build our life on? What do we invest our time in?
Jesus says: 'Love God & love one another'
Jesus was all about the people!!
Jesus had compassion on crowds, healed sick, set people free, spent time with friends...
Jesus died on the cross for People
Jesus minisrty was all about PEOPLE
So many things in life are Temporary- house, car, phone, money, etc..
Investing in People has Eternal significance!!
We need to prioritise in our lives and put- God & people first!Everything else fits around them
Good news of Jesus is for everyone in office, neighbourhood, friends, etc... All people
We can make a difference:
Our actions, words, acts of kindness, generosity, love, etc....
Can make a huge difference in a persons life
Story of Johnny bag handler & Art teacher
Paul says in 1 Thes 2v19-20 - People are my glory/joy/crown
What is your life all about? Possesions or People?
Follow the example of Jesus and live a life all about people!!
When he died- How much did he leave? He left it all!!
What do we build our life on? What do we invest our time in?
Jesus says: 'Love God & love one another'
Jesus was all about the people!!
Jesus had compassion on crowds, healed sick, set people free, spent time with friends...
Jesus died on the cross for People
Jesus minisrty was all about PEOPLE
So many things in life are Temporary- house, car, phone, money, etc..
Investing in People has Eternal significance!!
We need to prioritise in our lives and put- God & people first!Everything else fits around them
Good news of Jesus is for everyone in office, neighbourhood, friends, etc... All people
We can make a difference:
Our actions, words, acts of kindness, generosity, love, etc....
Can make a huge difference in a persons life
Story of Johnny bag handler & Art teacher
Paul says in 1 Thes 2v19-20 - People are my glory/joy/crown
What is your life all about? Possesions or People?
Follow the example of Jesus and live a life all about people!!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Saying Good Bye to a Godly Man
On 24th January we said good-bye to Ola Taiwo. He had been a very much valuable member of the group and part of the leadership team.
We had a Bring and Share lunch which many people contributed to.
There was a strong sense of the presence of God.
Steve presented a Bible to him. It was the same one we had given Simon when he had left. We had noticed then that Ola had liked the look of it. He was very surprised and very grateful.
Ola felt he should read from Exodus 11 and pray what he felt from God for us as a group.
That we would be effective and would see God increase our influence stepping out for Him and seeing things happen. Ola told us how blessed we were as there were not many work places that has such a strong group such as ours around. That was a real encouragement.
Ola told us he had gained a new job with Bedfordshire county council.
After he spoke we prayed for him for God's blessing. Many spoke out prayers of effectiveness and increase for him. A few felt from God about how he was to rely on the strength of God and not dismiss himself because he felt weak or ineffectual.
We suggested that if there was not a Christian group at his new place of work, he should start one.
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