Carols around the tree

Today we had carols around the tree in Mulberry Place Foyer. Thank you to all who took part.

The Branch From Jesse

The Promises of God (as fulfilled in Christ)

2 Corinthians 1:20
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

Promise

Fulfilment in Christ

Isaiah 11:1-5 New International Version (NIV) The Branch From Jesse 11 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;     from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—     the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,     the Spirit of counsel and of might,     the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord— 3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,     or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy,     with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;     with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt     and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

John 5:18-20 New International Version (NIV) 18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. 19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. Revelation 1:9-19 New International Version (NIV) John’s Vision of Christ 9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” 12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands,13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man,[a] dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid.I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Good News to the Poor

The Promises of God (as fulfilled in Christ)

2 Corinthians 1:20
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

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Promise

Fulfilment in Christ

Isaiah 61:1-3 New International Version (NIV) The Year of the Lord’s Favor 61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,     because the Lord has anointed me     to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted,     to proclaim freedom for the captives     and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a] 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor     and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3     and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty     instead of ashes, the oil of joy     instead of mourning, and a garment of praise     instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness,     a planting of the Lord     for the display of his splendor.

Luke 4:14-20 New International Version (NIV) 14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.15 He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. 16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,     because he has anointed me     to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners     and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19     to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”[f] 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Acts 2

New International Version (NIV)

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. ² Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. ⁴ All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues^[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

⁵ Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. ⁶ When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. ⁷ Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? ⁸ Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? ⁹ Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,^[b] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome ¹¹ (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”¹² Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Mighty God

The Promises of God (as fulfilled in Christ)

2 Corinthians 1:20
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

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Promise

Fulfilment in Christ

Mighty God Isaiah 9:6 New International Version (NIV) 6 For to us a child is born,     to us a son is given,     and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called     Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 1 New International Version (NIV) The Word Became Flesh 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life,and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it. Colossians 2:9-10 New International Version (NIV) 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 1:15-17 New International Version (NIV) 15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Philippians 2:5-11 New International Version (NIV) 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,     did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing     by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,     being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man,     he humbled himself     by becoming obedient to death—         even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place     and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,     in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,     to the glory of God the Father.

Prince of Peace

The Promises of God (as fulfilled in Christ)

2 Corinthians 1:20
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

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Promise

Fulfilment in Christ

Prince of Peace   Isaiah 9:6 New International Version (NIV) 6 For to us a child is born,     to us a son is given,     and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called     Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Ephesians 2:13-16 New International Version (NIV) 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

The Promises of God (as fulfilled in Christ)

2 Corinthians 1:20
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

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Promise

Fulfilment in Christ

Promise to Abraham Genesis 22:18 English Standard Version (ESV) 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”

Galatians 3 1-14 New International Version (NIV) 3 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?[a] 4 Have you experienced[b] so much in vain—if it really was in vain? 5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? 6 So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[c] 7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. 8 Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”[d] 9 So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. 10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”[e] 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”[f] 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”[g] 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”[h] 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Parable of the Talents

Topic:  Parable of the Talents

Text:  Luke 19:11-27

Question 1:
What is the meaning of a talent?
Literally (talent, Minas, Pound) = A weight
A Weight = A quantity of heaviness; a mental and moral burden.
In context = something you have that can be traded for something.
Question 2:
What was the Master expecting to receive in return for the Minas?  Profit.
Question 3:
What does “occupy” mean in Verse 13?
In context = to busy oneself with or trade with.
Literally = to take possession and control of a place as by military invasion.
·         God has given us as much talent as non-Christians in this Council.  They are the weight on us.
·         God expects us to engage them and take possession of the Council for Him.
Question 4:  How?
1.       Pray:                  
      Pray for labourers in this vineyard.
       Pray that the remnant be awaken – 2nd Kings 19:4, 30
      Pray continuously for the souls of staff.
2.       Let us demonstrate our faith with works.  James 2:18.  Jesus demonstrated His by works.  Acts 10:38
3.       Never miss an opportunity to manifest the works of Christ. Mark 16:17-18.  Cast out devils, lay hands on the sick.
4.       Let the love of God find expression.  Romans 13:8
5.       2nd Corinthians 13:11 – be united.

The Parables of Jesus The Parable of the Unworthy Servant

The Parable of the Unworthy Servant

Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, "Come along now and sit down to eat?" Would he not rather say, "Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink?" Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, "We are unworthy servants; we have done only our duty." -- Luke 17:7-10

We need to have a correct view of God's claims upon us, as well as the spirit in which we should meet these claims. Through an overabundance of pride, we can err in our duty, either out of ignorance or due to our manner in which we performed it. God doesn't require meritorious service from us in order for us to be accepted by him, but he does require the obedient homage of all who are accepted of him. The sacrifice of Christ alone is the basis for our acceptance, the evidence of it, and the fruits of practical godliness.

The nature of the service that God requires of us

• Doing the master's work
• God requires that we do his bidding
• As revealed in his word
• According to our abilities
• Obedience of love
• Love, not fear
• Affection, not servile
• Spiritual
• Whole
• Respect for all his commandments
• Obeying all of his will
• Consistent
• Habitual
• Perseverance
• Unto death

The support expected of God

• God gives us the ability to perform the service he requires of us
• God provides daily food for the souls of those in his service
• Bread of life
• Waters of salvation
• Service to God brings satisfaction and peace
• Joy arising from the hope of reward
• Future and eternal glory

God grants us independence in our service to him

• No man can go beyond God's claims to his obedience
• Body
• Soul
• Spirit
• God rewards may extend beyond that earned
• Forever in debt to God
• God is never in debt to man
• God expects us to serve him
• No special thanks are appropriate

Application of the parable

• Humility is required of everyone
• Whatever we do, do for the glory of God

It is good to wait on the Lord

Lamentations 3:22-26




22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”
25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
    to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
    for the salvation of the Lord


Your Father loves you. He created you to have fellowship with Him. And, even though we had turned our back on Him he chose and redeemed you through Jesus for you to have fellowship with Him.


Many a time we will come to God with our requests (and rightly so) but sometimes it is good to just "wait on the Lord". To have fellowship with Him and for Him to speak to you.

A right view of the Cross

On Thursday, just before Easter break, at group we went through Isiah 53. This is a prophecy about the suffering servant foretelling Jesus' death. It is a very deep passage with lots of content. We ended the study with the reading of the song Thank you for the Cross.

Even when we turned our backs on You  
In wickedness and lies suppressed Your truth
Even then You showed Your love for us
Giving up Your life upon the Cross

Jesus thank You for the Cross
For the blood that sets us free
The crimson stain of all our sin
Washed away in Your mercy

Enemies of God with no excuse
Knowing what was right we turned from You
Given up to sin condemned to die
Even then You chose to give us life

Everyone of us deserves to die
But You save all who hope
In Your great love.

Brenton Brown Mercy publishing ccli 3447356

Life can be so busy that unintentionally we can get a little complacent about the cross and what it truly mean for Christians.

It was the cross that showed how much God loved us.

I really recommend we have another look at Isaiah 53. As you read, allow the Holy Spirit to talk to you.

When we have we have a correct view of the Cross we no longer fear God has stopped loving us.