Invercargill Central Baptist Church

Living As Free People - 'Mumble & Moan' - This week - morning

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:18:55 MST

‘Living As Free People' - Exodus 15:22-17:17 (8) ‘Mumble & Moan' Brian Kenning 16 November 2008 Psalm 37:25-26 "I was young and now I am old Yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken Or their children begging for bread They are always generous and lend freely Their children will be blessed" Questions raised by Exodus 15-17- Can God be trusted to provide for His people in tough times?- Is the God who frees also the God who provides?- If God does provide, then how are we to manage the resources at our disposal? 3 incidents- Bitter water- Lack of food- No water Reading: Exodus 16:1-3 (NIV)- the temptation to idealise the past- a yearning for ‘the good old days' All transition and change involves exchanging one set of challenges and opportunities for another set of challenges and opportunities So # Stop grumbling, complaining, idealising the past and hankering after what's been left behind. Stop focusing on what you don't have Reading: Exodus 16:4-12 (NIV) "You will eat meat, You will be filled with bread..." In order to know God's provision Israel needed to move from a grumbling-complaining mindset and begin to focus on the promises of God's provision. Its very easy for our beliefs and material possessions to be shaped by lies, mistruths and anxieties Powerful spiritual forces are at work here: Mammon (Matthew 6:24) Reading: Exodus 16:13-30 (NIV) # Stop grumbling, complaining and idealising the past # Stop focussing on what you don't have # Hold onto the promises of God's provision # Gather what you need, not what you greed and don't hoard! # Trust God for your daily bread # Rest - it's an act of trust in God Some specifics of money management and stewardship # don't go into debt to buy consumer goods (Proverbs 22:7 ‘the borrower is a servant (slave) to the lender") # only use a credit card if you can pay if off completely by the due date # do an inventory of the things you've been hoarding # be generous in giving to others # always have a buffer in your budget so you can respond to the needs of others # put aside for the Lord's work first (2 Corinthians 8:5) 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 set out New Testament principles of givinggive to the Lord first (8:5)give willingly not under compulsion (8:11, 9:7)give generously (9:2, Romans 12:8)give joyfully (9:7)give whatever your circumstances (8:2) Questions for personal and group discussionDiscuss the principles marked #. Which two of these do you most need to apply to your life?Discuss the specifics of money management listed above. Which two of these do you most need to address?Look at the principles of giving outlined in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9. What challenges you most about these principles?

'Living As Free People' - 'God to the Rescue' - Morning Messages

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:16:50 MST

‘Living As Free People' (7) ‘God to the Rescue' Exodus 12:31-15:21 Brian Kenning 9 November 2008 Before Israel finally left Egypt (slavery) there was one more challenge to face, one more test of • Moses leadership • The peoples faith • God's sovereignty and power Reading: Exodus 14:10-31 (NIV) As in all of life there's stuff going on in the spiritual world that is being worked out in everyday life God is fighting for Israel (14:14) and bringing His people from captivity to freedom, darkness to light, slavery to a promised land God is also endorsing Moses as leader of His people The power is God's alone - but it is exercised in partnership with His servant Moses The condition of the Israelites • confused v2 • hemmed in v2 • pursued and overtaken v9 • terrified v10 Their solution - ‘take us back to Egypt' They would rather have the familiarity of slavery than the challenge of freedom Freedom requires us to leave behind destructive behaviour and old ‘friends' like manipulation, dependency, self pity, life without boundaries Galatians 5:1 ‘For freedom Christ has set us free Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery' Ephesians 6:13-14 ‘Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring today...' Life in the war zone requires perseverance, fortitude, prayer, holy boldness It also requires times when God does what only God can do 1. God gives instructions to Moses 2. Moses acts on those instructions 3. God does the ‘Only God' stuff The outcome → ‘the people feared the LORD and put their trust in Him and in His servant Moses' 14:30-31 A test of Moses' leadership A test of the people's faith A test of God's sovereignty and power Questions for personal reflection and group discussion: (focus on Exodus chapters 4 & 15 1. Describe the feelings and actions of the Israelites on being pursued by the Egyptian army. What life circumstance may have caused you to feel this way? 2. Consider the Israelites response in verse 12. Why would they want to go back to Egypt? Back to slavery? What's God's word for times like this? (Galatians 5;1, Ephesians 6:13-14, Exodus 14:13) 3. What does ‘stand firm' mean for you? When should we ‘be still' (v14) and when should we ‘move on' (v15)? 4. Share times in your life which could be called ‘only God' moments. 5. What's the main lesson for you in the Exodus 14 story?

'The Home Straight' - 'Restless' - Night Messages

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:25:49 MST

Discuss : • What are the top 5 things you like about home ? • What are the top 5 things you hate about home ? • Do you remember when you first heard the story of the three little pigs ? • When (if ever) did you move out of home ? What was it like ? When was home life good ? When was it bad ? • What makes a house a home ? What does the New Testament say about Homes ? A place of spiritual encounter Where was Peter's mother healed ? (matt 8:14-17) Where was the daughter of little girl that Jesus raised from the dead ? (Mark 5:35-43) Where was Jesus when he was challenged by Pharisees, and talked about the counting the cost ? (Luke 14) Where was Joseph when he saw an angel ? (matt 2:1) Where did the woman pour perfume on jesus's feet ? (matt 26:6) Where was Martha busying doing chores,when Mary was hanging with Jesus ? (john 12:1-8) Where did the spirit fall in Pentecost (in a house,I assume it was a home). (Acts 2:1-4) And a place of community Where did Jesus eat and drink most of the time - in homes building relationships (Matt 8:15, Luke 10:38-42, John 12:2) Where was the Passover meal eaten ? (Luke 22:7-38) - in the guest room of someones home. Where did the early church meet most often in Acts, (in homes Acts 2:42-47) So much so that one person sees the early church as almost exclusively a network of house churches. (rom 16:3-6, Col 4:15, Philem 2) A place of ministry Where did Jesus eat and drink with tax collectors ? (Luke 5:30,15:1-2,19:5-7) Where did he welcome prostitutes ? (Mt 8:16-17,26:6-13,Mk 2:1) Where did he drawn his disciples aside to explain what was happening ? (Matt 13:36-52,17:25,18:35) Where did Nicodemus approach Jesus ? (John 3:1-21) When Persecution hit the churches in Acts, the church moved from "House to house". (Acts 5:42,20:20). A place of expectation • And the stories , • The house on the rock, or sand • The man who goes to his neighbour to ask for bread, The statement that everytime we invite someone in, we're welcoming Jesus,(matt 25:31-46), • The Banquet where the beggar are invited to a feast at the rich mans, What... Hotel ? No Home. Home life matters, What could home be ? A sacred place : The catholic church calls home "domestic Church". In what ways is your home a domestic church ? A place of deep relationships: at it's best Home life revolves around people who know you at a deeper than surface level. At it's most banal, it revolves around the T.V. screen. How is your home life doing ? A place of refuge ;Home is where we retreat, recharge, Home is where Jesus most often sends those who have been healed. A place of mission: Home is where we invite others. Hospitality is a spiritual gift. How are you doing at hospitality. A place of re-creation: We relax, have fun, grow things. Home is a recharging place. But there is more to being at home than being at home. Last discussionquestion: As a people we are often restless, busy and distracted. We can be at home, but have no place of rest. We can own a home, but still be homeless. Augustine wrote • "You made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." In this sense true home is found in Jesus ? How is your soul ? How restless are you ? What might you be able to add to your home life to help this ? What might it be wise to remove ?

'A Plague On You' - Morning Messages

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:25:25 MST

Exodus : The Plagues Small groups discussion notes ICBC 20081Ice BreakerAnyone in your group watched Top Gear ? What do you like/dislike about it ?In Top gear three blokes keep trying an entertaining one-upman-ship with cars. They could simply take three cars andrace them, but they will always make it harder than that ? Why ? What do you remember afterwards ? Do they makegood stories ?Why the Plagues ?For the KidsThen the LORD said to Moses, "Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that Imay perform these miraculous signs of mine among them that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am theLORD ."." (Exo 10:1-2)Yes it looks like this was designed as a Sunday school story ? What do we tell our kids about God ? What are the signsyou can testify to ?That ??? will know ?By then of the plagues story ? Who knows that The Lord is LORD ? Is it just the Israelites ? Read through them and seewho is mentioned ?The StaffThe staff turning into a snake was significant as the first one-up-man-ship competiton. The Egyptians had snake God's(in fact it is thought that they invented the game "Snakes and Ladders"). When Aarons staff swallowed up themagicians snakes - what would they have felt ?The Order of the plaguesThe plagues appear to come in sets. The first set (7:17): "By this you [Pharaoh] will know that I am the LORD"(repeated in 8:10 and in effect in 8:19), meaning Pharaoh would come to know just who Yahweh was and what thedynamic presence of his name signified;The second set (8:22): "That you will know that I, the LORD am in this land," meaning God's overseeingprovidence and guidance of the world;The third set (9:14): "So you may know that there is no one like me in all the earth," meaning the scope andforce of God's power (cf. 9:16, 29-30; 10:1) were beyond anything known to man in all the earthA hardened Heart ?One of the questions people ask when they read this passage is how unfair it is for God to harden Pharaoh's heart. OldTestament Scholar Walter Brueggemann notes that at the beginning it is Pharaoh who hardens his heart ? Have youever done this ? What kind of circumstances might make you "harden your heart "? (see table on next page)Exodus : The Plagues Small groups discussion notes ICBC 20082Plague Verses Who hardens Pharaoh's heart?Blood 7:14-25 PharaohFrogs 8:1-15 PharaohGnats 8:16-19 PharaohFlies 8:20-32 PharaohPestilence 9:1-7 PharaohBoils 9:8-12 YahwehHail 9:13-35 PharaohLocusts 10:1-20 YahwehDarkness 10:21-29 YahwehFirstborn 12:29-32Who are our Pharaohs ?Water Brueggemann say that Yahweh is "the God who intervenes powerfully on behalf of the poor and the marginalin the face of oppressive power." "Yahweh is a God who forcefully, decisively, and willingly enters into solidarity witha group of helpless people."The Jews have a history of re-telling this story into their current world. They say that there is always a Pharaohtrying Bully and enslave people, and always a journey to freedom.Some Pharaohs are obvious like addictions, others are less visible ? What are your Pharaohs ?The Importance of a longer storyWhile God could have set the Israelites free instantly, travelling through the 10 plagues allowed lots of people toencounter God, and drove the knowledge that this LORD was different to the many Egyptian Gods deep into theirhearts.How might God be doing this for you in your struggle with Pharaohs ?The unnoticed outsidersThe Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besideswomen and children. Many other people went up with them, as well as large droves of livestock, both flocks andherds.(Exo 12:37-38)Did you notice ?The escape from Egypt wasn't only for the Israelites, but for many outsiders and Egyptians as well ?Who are the outsider who are watching you in your slavery and might encounter God as they realize who really is Lord ?

'Living as Free People' - 'Thank You, But No Thank You' - Morning Messages

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:34:23 MST

‘Living as Free People' (Exodus) series (4) ‘Thank You, But No Thank You' Brian Kenning 19 October 2008 Thesis: for every person who has a problem with pride and self promotion there are probably 10 who have the opposite problem - low self esteem and a sense of inadequacy. Romans 12:3 "Do not think of yourself more highly then you ought but rather think of yourself with sober judgement in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you" ‘Have a sane opinion of yourself' A sane opinion enables me to work within my strengths while working on my weaknesses and at the same time, recognising my weaknesses need not limit me from being the person God wants me to be or doing the tasks God wants me to do Moses Call → Exodus 3:10 "I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people out of Egypt" Objection 1 Exodus 3:11 "I am a nobody" Just a ... Not so - in Christ we are sons and daughters of the King God's response: "I will be with you!" Exodus 3:12 Objection 2 Exodus 3:13 "Who is this God - what is his name?" "I don't' have all the answers" Moses didn't need all the answers but rather, to hold onto core truths about God He is! He loves you and has good purposes for your life Objection 3 Exodus 4:1 "What if they don't believe me" The fear of rejection, sense of inadequacy The issue of shame Reading: Exodus 4:2-9 The holy war is not Moses v Pharaoh It's Moses' God v Pharaoh's gods God promises miraculous signs • to demonstrate His authority • to provide assurance • to give warning • to encourage faith Objection 4 Exodus 4:10 "I am not eloquent I am slow of speech and tongue I don't know what to say" Moses may be impotent of speech but he serves an Omnipotent God Objection 5 Exodus 4:13 "Please Lord send someone else" "Not me Lord" There was no way Moses could resign - but God was willing to give him a helper, a co-worker to complement his strengths and compensate for his weaknesses. The Moses and Aaron team Chapter 5:1 "Let my people go" Pharaoh wouldn't listen but increased the hardship God's response was to restate His promises (Exodus 6:1-12) • I am Yahweh • I will bring you out • I will free you • I will redeem you • I will take you as my people • I will be your God • I will give you land as an inheritance • I am the LORD He is God and we are not Questions for personal reflection and group discussion: 1a. Having a ‘sane opinion of yourself' (Romans 12:3) what would you say are your character strengths and weaknesses, and the gifts and talents God has given you? 1b. How do you feel about naming such things? 2. Look at each of the 5 objections Moses put up to God 2a. With which of these do you most closely identify or struggle personally? 2b. What was God's antidote/response to each of the objections raised by Moses? 2c. What lesson do you take from this? 3. Is there a task or challenge you face right now that seems too big for you? What ‘message do you get from this study?

Just Politics, Just Politics - Night Messages

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:04:09 MST

Just Politics or Just Politics ? Politics seems a muddy messy game. Terry Waite said that "Politics comes from man, Mercy compassion and Justice come from God" Do you agree with him ? Why ? C.S. Lewis writing about evil spirits, said that Christians tend to err in two directions they either become obsessed by them, colouring all of life with them, or they ignore them completely in the belief they don't exist. How do Christians tend to react to Politics ? How do you react ? While politics isn't everything, just about everything is political. Church politics has been a dimension of church life since it's inception. Read the Acts 1 story of the disciples electing a 12th disciple to replace Judas. Do you find this inspiring ? Read Acts 5, where Peter is arrested by the political rulers (sometimes Politics ambushes us). Read Acts 10- on the issue of whether Gentiles could be Christians. This was a political decision that took the church a long time to sort out (with many meetings). Churches aren't politic's free zones. Shouldn't we all just agree ? Sometimes people talk of "Theocracy", literally the reign of God. But nowhere in our history (or Israel's history) do we see this being played out. There are always leaders, rulers, judges or Kings making political decisions, sometimes wisely, sometimes foolishly. The Idea of theocracy comes from a 1st century Jew Josephus and is probably more wishful thinking than biblical (except perhaps in the world to come that revelation writes of). When Paul writes of church he tends to highlight that we are different members of one body. Maybe we are supposed to see life differently. Why not go to http://buildingchurchleaders.com/assessments/individuals/churchandpoliticsquiz.html And see where you might fit on the Chart. It's a bit American, but allows us to see that we might not all be in the same place. With these differences come politics, and rather than rescue us out of this, I wonder if God wants to work through this. After all relationships are central to Christianity. 6 of the 10 commandments are about relationships with people. 30% of the new Testament letters are about relationships with people (as compared to 3% about the spirit). Why do you think this is so important ? Old Testament concepts that matter today 1. The Priests and Rulers were kept separate. A priest cannot be prophetic if in charge. 2. God seems less interested in the system we use (King, Democracy etc) than in Justice and care. 3. Even when a corrupt leader is in place, God still reigns 4. The idea of Covenant - Agreement between two people of groups is important. What implications can you see for todays political life ? Jesus came to earth at a time when there were four main Jewish political movements: • Zealots : Revolutionaries who wanted to overthrow the roman government and start again. Loved the idea of Jesus as King (and were keen to overthrow the present rulers) • Herodians The Establishment, believed that you just worked within the system and that change wasn't really possible. (Jesus was a threat : "Should you pay taxes to Caesar ?") • Essene's Withdrew from political (and social ) life completely (so much so we don't see them in the New Testament ). They tried to create mini temple communities (Would have loved Jesus talking about temples. We know about them because of the dead sea scrolls. • Pharisees Wanted to be pure (so disengaged from political processes). Were waiting for a Messiah to come and sort things out. Thought if they were pure enough, it would happen. "When Jesus came to join our earth, he voted with his life" Read Philippians 2: 6-7 Do you agree that this is Jesus voting with his life ? Scholars tell us that much of the language of the Kingdom of God was political. (for example) The same words are used to announce good news that were used to announce a new Emperor). jesus maintained that the kingdom of God was A ) A long way away B) an impossible dream C ) At hand, near.... What does this mean for you ? What might this mean this election year ? Read Matt 5:13-16 and Matt 13:33. The images of Light, Salt and yeast emphasize the importance of being spread out in the world. What might this mean in politics ? How do you feel about this ? The things, good Lord , that we pray for, give us the grace to labour for There's a old story of a little girl on farm who was troubled by the way her older brother trapped rabbits. One day her mother heard her praying "Dear God please stop tommy from trapping rabbits. Please don't let them be trapped. They can't. They Won't Amen". Her mother, troubled and perplexed asked "How can you be so sure that God won't let the rabbits be trapped? She replied "Because I jumped on the traps and sprung them". What is one trap that you could jump on, (as well as pray)? Last (and purely practical bit) Read and research the parties . Figure out where they are coming from. Talk about it with your friends. What is important to you - Personally, Locally, Nationally, Internationally. Don't just vote for what you get. Vote for what is most like the Kingdom of God.

Living as Free People - 'God the Deliverer' - Morning Messages

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:03:44 MST

‘Living As Free People' (3) ‘God the Deliverer' (Exodus chapter 3) Brian Kenning 12 October 2008 Prince of Egypt DVD Exodus 3 is about the call of Moses - but it's more about God, God's character and what God will do than it is about Moses, Moses character and what Moses will do Reading: Exodus 3:1-6 (NIV) God aroused Moses curiosity appealed to his inquisitiveness God called Moses by name God knows your name too! (Psalm 139:3) When God calls you, your best response is "Here I am" But don't wait for a burning bush to say "Here I am" Reading: Exodus 3:7-10 (NIV) Moses is the man for the mission but God is the deliverer and this is His rescue plan 1. "I have seen the misery of my people" 2. " I have heard them crying out" 3. "I am concerned about their suffering" 4. "I have remembered my covenant" - God never forgets His promises 5. "I have come down to rescue" And then God spoke again: "My people are slaves in the land of Egypt. I hear them crying, I see them suffering. They work long hours for nothing at all. I hear them crying, I see them suffering. Their masters whip them, and beat them, and bruise them. I hear them crying, I see them suffering. Their children are taken and murdered in front of them. I hear them crying, I see them suffering. I care for my people, I hurt when they do. I hear them crying, I see them suffering. And now I have come down to save them. For I hear them crying, I see them suffering. 6. "I am sending you" - When God has a task to be done He sends a man or woman to do that task 7. "I will be with you" Israel' story is our story We too need a deliverer God's rescue plan for Israel is the good news (Gospel) in both the Old and New Testament Who is this deliverer God? 1. He is Holy - like no other God 2. He is Yahweh YHWH Yahweh or LORD Meaning ‘I am' or ‘I am that I am' It's the name by which Jesus called Himself in John 8:58 When God speaks of Himself He says ‘I am' When we speak of Him we say ‘He is' 3. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob - faithful and trustworthy in all generations ---//--- Questions for personal reflection and group study: Exodus 3:1-6 1. In what ways has God aroused your interest or got your attention? 2. What do you think, what do you feel about the thought that God knows everything about you? Psalm 139:1-12 Exodus 3:7-10 3. Consider the 7 steps (promises) god makes to rescue Israel and remember Israel's story is our story. a) In what ways have you seen God ‘rescue' you? b) What rescuing/deliverance/freedom do you need right now? 4. In what way(s) might God be calling you to be the one sent to help (rescue) others (v10)? 5. What aspects of the character of God are highlighted in Exodus?

'Living as Free People' - 'Moses the Deliverer' - Morning Messages

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:45:39 MST

Living as Free People (Exodus series) (2) Moses the Deliverer Brian Kenning 5 October 2008 When God has a task to be done he choses a man or woman to be the one who will accomplish that task For the task of rescuing Israel, Moses was that man He had 40 years thinking he was somebody 40 years learning he was nobody 40 years discovering what God can do with a nobody 1. Birth Reading: Exodus 2:1-10 (NIV) ‘by faith Moses parents hid him for 3 months after he was born because they saw he was no ordinary child' Hebrews 11:25 ‘Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action' - Stephen, Acts 7:21-22 2. Murder Reading: Exodus 2:11-14 (NIV) Moses was being trained as rescuer and deliverer His indignation at oppression and injustice was valid But Moses was wrong on the timing and method for dealing with oppression This premature attempt at being deliverer may have marked Moses life deeply Maybe created a reluctance - "I'll never put myself in that position again" 3. Fugitive Reading: Exodus 2:15-22 (NIV) By rescuing Jethros daughter Moses again found himself in the role of deliverer of the oppressed, downtrodden and disadvantaged In the providence of God no life experience is unimportant 4. Summary Reading: Exodus 2:23-25 (NIV) An overview of what's going on in the big picture 5. Application - where might you be at in the preparation process - what attitude or character might God be shaping, breaking, changing? - has the time come for further preparation or maybe stepping out into new challenges or opportunities? - have you taken presumptuous actions that have caused hurt or embarrassment to yourself or others? - are you ‘hiding in the desert' rather than face up to such things? The Bible portrays Jesus as a ‘Second Moses' One sent from God on a rescue mission Communion celebrates deliverance and new life in Christ ---//--- Further question for personal reflection or group discussion: 1. In what ways do you see the hand of God at work in Moses life in Exodus chapter 2? 2. Consider the statements above relating to Exodus 2:11-14. Have there been times in your life that might be classed as right idea but wrong method, wrong timing? What did you learn from these experiences? 3. Discuss the issue of ‘preparation' by reflecting on the ‘Application' questions.

Exodus Series - 'Living As Free People' - Morning Messages

Sun, 5 Oct 2008 16:30:43 MST

Exodus Series ‘Living As Free People' Brian Kenning 28 September 2008 Israel's story is our story We too are a pilgrim people Three defining moments 1. The miraculous deliverance of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt A people who could not save themselves were saved by a miracle-working God 2. The gift of the Law and the establishment of covenant centred on the 10 commandments ‘Book of the Covenant' spells out how God's people are to live in relation to God and other people 3. The return of the Presence of God God's ‘presence', lost of Eden, now returns God reveals Himself as the great ‘I AM' Seen in the cloud, fire and glory in the Tabernacle People can endure almost anything if they know God is with them Exodus continues the Genesis story Reading: Exodus 1:1-22 (NIV) Genesis is family history - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and his sons Exodus is national history Over 350 years the descendants of Jacob become a significant cultural and ethnic minority But the trust relationship between Joseph and the Pharaoh is replaced by one of suspicion and fear The more they were oppressed the more the Israelites multiplied The hand of a sovereign God protects the newborn Egypt was not their true home yet to find their freedom the Israelites needed a Saviour, Redeemer and Deliverer So too do we ---//--- Questions for personal reflection and group discussion: 1. If Exodus chapter 1 sets the scene for the story of rescue and redemption, what for you, are some of the key verses or statements in this chapter? 2. ‘Israel's story is our story. We too are a pilgrim people' The God who brought His people out of slavery has brought us out of darkness into His marvellous light. In what ways have you experienced God's ‘rescue' in your life? In what ways have you been ‘set free'? What does it mean to be a free people? (See John 8:36) 3. Galatians is a letter written to Christians who were missing out on the fullness of their freedom in Christ and being burdened by living under rules and regulations. (See Galatians 4:7, 5:1) What are the things that rob you of your ‘freedom in Christ'? How can you help others on their journey to freedom? For next week - read Exodus chapter 2

LYF - The Wrap Up - Morning Messages

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 16:13:57 MST

Living Your Faith - ‘The Wrap Up' Brian Kenning 5 September 2008 6 streams essential for living the Christian faith * Behaviour - a life that reflects the character of God * Service - a life committed to justice, mercy, compassion, and doing the work of the Kingdom * Word - a life grounded in knowing and applying the Bible * Prayer - a life devoted to a deepening relationship with God * Spirit - a life filled, equipped and empowered by the Spirit of God * Incarnation - seeing God in all of life (DVD clip) - What have you done? - What have you learned? - What have you found helpful? Where to now A key verse for each ‘stream' • Behaviour 1 Timothy 4:7-8 "train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" • Service 1 John 3:18 "let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and truth" • Word Colossians 3:16 "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts" • Prayer Isaiah 55:6 "seek the LORD while He may be found. Call on Him while He is near" • Spirit Ephesians 5:18 "do not get drunk on wine instead be filled with the Spirit" Spiritual Growth Ministries retreat Saturday 13 September • Incarnation Romans 12:1 "so heres what I want you to do, God helping you: take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering"

LYF - 'An Ordinary Day with Jesus' - Morning Messages

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 15:39:56 MST

Living Your Faith Week 6: Incarnation ‘An Ordinary Day with Jesus' Brian Kenning 31 August 2008 A common misconception that ‘God'/the Spiritual life is a segment of life Life maybe labelled but it cannot be divided →all of life is Spiritual ‘Incarnation' means ‘God with us' (John 1:14) Reminds us - that God is always with us - that our bodies are a dwelling place for God - that there is a no separation of secular and sacred Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD and everything in it the world and all who live in it Celtic Churches (St Patrick) Lived with an exuberant sense of the Presence of God in everything and every situation in life Features of Celtic Christianity 1. the presence of God in everything 2. the goodness of life 3. the overarching sense of God's love 4. a church without walls 5. the centrality of the Risen Jesus living among us St Patrick's Breastplate Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger, Reading: Colossians 3:12-17 (CEV) An ordinary life lived extraordinarily well ‘in the name of Jesus' • with gratitude and thanksgiving 1. A life lived in Jesus name means - we live for Jesus honour - we live as we believe Jesus would live  answer the phone  relate to the guy/girl at the checkout  clean the toilet  watch TV  study  drive the car  cook a meal...... There is no aspect of life that cannot be lived in the name of Jesus 2. Giving thanks to God each step of the way Gratitude can change our whole outlook on life It frees me to receive everything as an undeserved gift A Celtic Prayer Christ in the seeing Christ in the hearing Christ in the speaking Christ in the touch Christ in the loving Christ in the caring Christ in the serving Christ in the heart Christ in the thinking Christ in the working Christ in the wondering Christ in the mind Christ in the hurting Christ in the anguish Christ in the weeping Christ in the pain Christ in the watching Christ in the waiting Christ in the silence Christ in the peace Christ in the praying Christ in the praising Christ in all living Now and forever Application 1. Carry a stone to your place of work/study 2. Place a pin on the map - blue for where you live - red for where you work/study

Living Your Faith - Spirit - Morning Messages

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:29:05 MST

Living Your Faith - Week 5: Spirit ‘Come, Holy Spirit' Brian Kenning 24 August 2008 Reading: John 3:1-8 (NIV) Our focus → the Spirit empowered life a life immersed, equipped and under the direction of the Holy Spirit Ephesians 5:18 ‘do not get drunk on wine.... instead be filled with the Spirit'- a continuous, ongoing experience We become Christians by the action of the Spirit who draws us to Jesus We grow and remain Christian by the activity of the Spirit living within We need the Holy Spirit ‘the charismatic movement' of the 1970's and 1980's brought a personal intimacy with God the Holy Spirit and a new awareness of the gifts of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 14:4, Romans 8:26-27 ‘charismatic' comes from the Greek word ‘charis' meaning ‘grace' There is no such thing as a ‘non-charismatic' Christian The images of the Holy Spirit show the Spirit cannot be boxed in or pinned down * wind John 3:8, Acts 2:2 * fire Acts 2:4 * water John 7:37-39 * oil James 5:14 * dove John 1:32-33 The Holy Spirit is a Person: God the Holy Spirit You can: - * quench the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) - by refusing to obey the nudges * grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:20) - by ungodly behaviour * blaspheme the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:29) - by attributing the Spirits work to Satan * fan the Spirits flame (Romans 12:11) * stir up the gifts of the Spirit (2 Timothy 2:6-7) * be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18/Luke 11:13) God calls us to be ‘People of Spirit, People of Influence' People of Influence refers to our lives as salt and light We cannot do this on our own strength People of Spirit and People of Influence go hand-in-hand Friday 29th - Alpha video on the Holy Spirit and opportunity for prayer Saturday 13 Sept - Spiritual Growth Ministries Retreat----//---- Other references to check out:The person of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-18, 25-27, 15:26-27, 16:5-16)Gifts of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:11-13), Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12, Exodus 31:1-5)Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)The gift of tongues and prophecy (1 Corinthians 14)

LYF - 'The Prayerful Life' - Morning Messages

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:17:40 MST

Living Your Faith Week 4: ‘The Prayerful Life' Brian Kenning 17 August 2008 Reading: Psalm 63:1-8 (NIV) The prayer-filled life The devotional pathway of contemplation, meditation, stillness This ‘stream' reminds us that we can have peace with God despite the brokenness of the world around us and despite our own brokenness Our outer world may collapse and yet there is a place at our core in which we can say "it is well with my soul" King David bathed in the stream of contemplative prayer Reading: Psalm 73:23-28 (NIV) Reading: Psalm 63:1-8 (NIV) The stream of prayer • fans the flame of love and devotion to God • forces us beyond a head knowledge of God • emphasises the solitariness of our life with God Reading: Psalm 62:1-2 (NIV) The ‘rules' for nourishing a relationship with God are the same rules for nourishing all friendship - openness, vulnerability, humility, honesty 2 challenges (weaknesses?) of contemplative prayer i) can be seen as solely a female/feminine thing ii) can lead to separation from ordinary life The best of the monastic, contemplative tradition sees solitude, silence and prayer as the place of replenishment in order that the Christian might be refuelled for a life of service and mission in the world God calls us to a place of inner peace - through prayer

LYF - Word 'The Word Becomes Flesh' - Morning Messages

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:59:48 MST

Living Your Faith Week 3: Word ‘The Word Becomes Flesh' Brian Kenning 10 August 2008 John 1:1-9 (NIV) The Word Became Flesh 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. 6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. John 1:14-18 (NIV) 14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' " 16From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. To live the Christian life is to live a life centred on and shaped by the Living Word The Bible grounds us, gives focus. It gives meaning to the world in which we live, the ability to see the big picture You cannot expect to read the Bible nor come under its teaching and remain unchanged The Bible is a difficult book # Here at ICBC we take the Bible seriously Our Mission/Vision Statement says: ‘We are a Bible-based church believing the Scriptures to be the Word of God and our final authority in belief and practice' ‘In preaching/teaching we seek to expound the eternal principles of the Bible in ways relevant to today and to call for response evidenced by changed lives' # The Bible informs all the other ‘streams' of the Christian faith # In Scripture we encounter God in Christ - the written word points to the Living Word Colossians 1:15-20 (CEV) 15Christ is exactly like God, who cannot be seen. He is the first-born Son, superior to all creation. 16Everything was created by him, everything in heaven and on earth, everything seen and unseen, including all forces and powers, and all rulers and authorities. All things were created by God's Son, and everything was made for him. 17God's Son was before all else, and by him everything is held together. 18He is the head of his body, which is the church. He is the very beginning, the first to be raised from death, so that he would be above all others. 19God himself was pleased to live fully in his Son. 20And God was pleased for him to make peace by sacrificing his blood on the cross, so that all beings in heaven and on earth would be brought back to God. The Spirit who inspired the writers breathes again on the written word bringing it alive to us and connecting us with the Living Word, Jesus # The Word shapes and changes us # The ancient stories are our stories Their power is not just that they happened but that they still happen Through the Word God still speaks # Two questions to ask of this Holy Book 1. What is it saying? 2. What is it saying to us? To answer we will consider • the context • who is being addressed • the cultural and historical setting • how did Jesus interpret this issue # Good News is for sharing 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (NIV) 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. # More things to try (see handout) • 15 minutes a day • Memorise (eg Psalm 103) • Instant drama • Read to children, grandchildren • Explore Clifden Caves and read Jonah!

LYF - Behaviour - 'A Beginners Guide to Being Holy' - Morning Messages

Sun, 3 Aug 2008 17:37:55 MST

Living Your Faith Week 1 - Behaviour ‘A Beginners Guide To Being Holy' 27 July 2008 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV) 7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. The Living Your Faith focus this week is: - behaviour - holiness - a disciplined lifestyle - a Christ-like life - a life that reflects the character of God - Boys Brigade goal: the advancement of Christ's kingdom among boys and the promotion of habits of obedience, reverence, discipline, self respect and all that leads to true Christian manliness. Writing to Timothy Paul describes the life of the Christian as being like a soldier, and an athlete • 1 Timothy 6: 11-12 • 2 Timothy 2:3-5 • 1 Timothy 4:7-8 Being a soldier or an athlete requires perseverance, endurance, dedication, focus, sacrifice The letters to the Romans and Ephesians give a clue to what the Christian lifestyle and Godly behaviour look like Romans 11/16 chapters about what God has done for us in Christ Then chapter 12:1 "therefore......" - leads to a whole chapter spelling out what Christian behaviour looks like It's living your faith Likewise Ephesians: 3/6 chapters on the blessings of being chosen and loved by God Then chapter 4:1 "Live a life worthy of the calling you have received...." Some Key Truths About Christian Behaviour * the goal is Christ-likeness - a life reflecting the character of God * holiness, godliness is not about withdrawing from life or from the world but about living life to the max * godliness is about what I am like on the inside and about being changed from the inside out Three Traps Associated With a Focus On Behaviour Legalism - turning godliness into a set of rules Perfectionism - beating up on yourself because of how far you know you've still got to go Pelagianism - the belief that I can change myself without God's help Seven ‘T's' to Try or Taste (see insert in newsletter) Tongue - tame it Temptation - confess it Technology - take a break Think - Philippians 4:8-9 Ten Commands - memorise Treasure - check what's important Time - take time out Application 1. What temptations have you faced recently? How did you respond? 2. What are you doing to help change your character to be more in line with God's character?

Living Your Faith - An Overview - Night Messages

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:52:56 MST

Living Your Faith Week 1: An Overview Brian Kenning 20 July 2008 The Christian faith is like a river containing many streams: • Behaviour - a lifestyle that reflects the character of God • Service - a life committed to compassion, justice and social action • Word - a life grounded in knowing and applying the Bible • Prayer - a life devoted to a deepening relationship with God • Spirit - a life empowered and led by the Spirit of God • Incarnation - seeing God in all of life All 6 streams are essential for living the Christian faith Growing in your faith involves nurturing and growing in all 6 aspects Living Your Faith is our spiritual growth emphasis with: • Sunday messages • midweek groups • personal and group activities 1. Behaviour - the holiness stream - the virtuous life - the life of discipline and godliness - the ‘solider' who fights the good fight of faith 1 Timothy 6:11-12, 2 Timothy 2:3-5 - the athlete who runs the race of faith with dedication 1 Timothy 4:7-8 2. Service - the activist stream - the compassionate life - the life committed to justice and compassion for all people James 2:17, 1 John 3:18, James 2:18 - this is where we co-operate with God in His big mission of bringing renewal, restoration, redemption and reconciliation to all peoples and all of creation 3. Word - the evangelical stream - the Bible-based life - the life grounded in the written and living Word - Shaped and guided by the truth that sets us free John 8:32 4. Prayer - the prayer-ful stream - the contemplative life - a life of loving devotion and attention to God "As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs after you" Psalm 42:1 "O God you are my God. Earnestly I seek you...." Psalm 63:1 The stream where we learn it is possible to be at peace with God, with others and with ourselves despite the brokenness in our own lives and the brokenness of the world around 5. Spirit - the charismatic stream - the Spirit led, Spirit empowered life - the life which recognises that without the Holy Spirit o behaviour is mere self improvement o service is mere social work o Bible is mere head knowledge o Prayer is mere self analysis 6. Incarnation - being Jesus in the world and to the world - being Jesus with flesh on - a recognition that all of life is spiritual and that the Kingdom of God is not a segment of life - it is Life! Time for a spiritual warrant of fitness How would you rate yourself in each of these streams of faith?

'How To Change The World' - Night Messages

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:03:42 MST

How to Change the world ? Do you ever feel overwhelmed or confused by how broken this world is ? Do you ever feel like you are powerless to affect change ? How do you react to that feeling ? Read 2 Kings 5:1-19. What did the slave girl do ? How did that work out ? Does this give you any sense of hope ? Read John 6:1-15: What would it have been like to be the boy with the bread and fish ?How would you have felt to be him ? Maybe the way to address change is to look at how God has brought change to the world 1 ) Creation 2 ) Crisis : Something goes desperately wrong . 3 ) Calling : God seeks to call a nation (to show the rest of the world is like (Read Gene 12:1-3) 4 ) Communication : through prophets God speaks to Israel and Judah.. (but life is not that great for them as they only ahve the promised land for a short period of time. ) 5) Christ : Jesus comes to earth, and dies on our behalf, but rises. (turn the page) 6 ) Church/community : we have the task of being Christ's body on earth 7 ) Consumation/Climax God finally sorts things out. Read Revelation 21:1-3 God comes to earth and sorts it out and re-creates it In the light of this, given that we are foundin stage 6, does this change how we seek to make a difference ? What differences are there between feeling that you have to change the world, and becoming aware that God will change it, and you can play a part ? Re-read the 2 Kings passage and the John passage, do they read differently ?

Mark's Gospel series - 'Life After Death' - Morning Messages

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:03:08 MST

Mark's Gospel series - Mark 12:18-27 ‘Life After Death' Brian Kenning 6 July 2008 Mark chapter 11-12 has 4 occasions when individuals or groups approach Jesus to catch Him out by asking trick or tricky questions Reading: Mark 12:18-27 (NIV) Deuteronomy 25 said that if a mans brother died without producing children that man had an obligation to marry his sister-in-law and produce offspring in the name of his brother. But whose wife will she be at the resurrection? (12:23) • What is life like after death? • Will I recognize my children, parents, wife? • Will my pets be there? Those believers who have died: - • are they in the grave awaiting resurrection? 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ‘sleep' as a metaphor Then ‘the dead in Christ' rise first 1 Thessalonians 4:16 • Have they gone to ‘be with the Lord'? Philippians 1:23 • Can they see us; do they know what we are doing? Hebrews 12:1 ‘great cloud of witnesses' ‘pioneers who have blazed the way' ‘veterans cheering us on' on the journey of faith, race of life Jesus ‘answers' the Sadducees using their ‘Bible' - the first 5 books of the Old Testament - He goes to the common ground 1. there is a future life - This life is not the end Justice demands it God will not waste every good thing He has made 2. we enter the future life by way of a resurrection o a bodily resurrection Check out 1 Corinthians 15 especially 20-21, 35-38, 42-44 Jesus resurrection is called the ‘first fruits' Meaning - there's more to come What God did once in Jerusalem He will do again on a grand scale 3. conditions in the resurrection life will be quite different to this present life o no marriage o no reproduction o no death o no tears o no evil of any kind Summed up in words like o redeemed o reconciled o renewed o restored Colossians 1:19-20, Matthew 19:28, Acts 3:21, Romans 8:22 Rather than a message of God taking us some place else the Bible ends - in Revelation 21 - with a story of God coming here among us and throwing a party for His restored, renewed, reconciled, redeemed people 1 Corinthians 2:9 Communion is a foretaste, appetiser of what's to come Questions for personal reflection and group study 1. What questions do you have about life after death? 2. What insights do the following passages give? 1 Corinthians 15:20-21, 35-38, 42-44, Philippians 1:23, Hebrews 12:1, Colossians 1:19-20, Matthew 19:28, Acts 3:21, Romans 8:22, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Revelation 21:1-4 3. Discuss the statement ‘Rather than a message of God taking us some place else the Bible ends - in Revelation 21 - with a story of God coming here among us and throwing a party for His restored, renewed, reconciled, redeemed people' What does this say about where we will spend eternity?

Youth Service - Night Messages

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:54:32 MST

No notes

Mark's Gospel series - 'When Mountains Won't Move' - Morning Messages

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:54:15 MST

Mark's Gospel series - ‘When Mountains Won't Move' Brian Kenning 15 June 2008 Reading: Mark 11:20-25 (NIV) Sometimes, despite our best efforts and most earnest prayers, mountains won't move! Matthew 21:21-22 If you have faith and do not doubt not only can you do what was done to the fig tree but also you can say to this mountain ‘Go throw yourself into the sea' and it will be done. If you believe you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 18:19 ‘Again I tell you that if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.' Luke 11:9 ‘Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened for you.' John 14:12 ‘He who believes in me will also do the works I do and greater works than these will he do. Whatever you ask in my name I will do it... If you ask anything in my name I will do it'. 1 John 5:14 This is the assurance we have in approaching God that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us. And if we know He hears us... we know that we have what we asked of Him. Jesus did not say all requests will be carefully considered. He said ‘whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours'. The problem is not so much unanswered prayer but the lavish promises we find that raise our hopes. For some unanswered prayer causes them to question the very nature of God and their relationship with Him. Alongside lavish promises the Bible also has its share of unanswered prayers * Moses * David * Moses, Elijah, Jonah * Paul - ‘thorn in the flesh' * Jesus - Gethsemane Why do prayers go unanswered and mountains refuse to move? • Perhaps promises like Mark 11:24 were just for the Apostles • Maybe the answer is in the fine print (‘my name', ‘remain in me') • We are up against some pretty big obstacles • We need to see a bigger picture (this world isn't heaven!) • Some prayers are o frivolous o foolish o contradictory • God will not abdicate His authority God desires that we partner with Him in His work in His world Prayer plays a huge role in this partnership Even when mountains won't move God urges us to pray Colossians 4:2 Philippians 4:6-7 What's required to get on the same page as God? 1. Faith - God exists - God is capable of hearing our prayers - God cares about our prayers and invites us to pray 2. Fortitude (Perseverance) - Luke 11:5-8 - Luke 18:1-8 We show our faith by our willingness to keep praying and our refusal to give up The correct response to the test of faith is persistent prayer 3. Forgiveness = to release the other person from your judgment While the Bible makes a serious link between prayer and faith it also makes a serious link between prayer and forgiveness FB Meyer: "the greatest tragedy is not unanswered prayer but unoffered prayer" Gordon Veale: "our task is to bring our prayers and requests to God. God's task is to work our the way in which He will answer" Questions for personal reflection and group discussion: 1. What is your first response to Jesus words in mark 11:22-25 - Encouraged? Confused? Enlightened?... 2. Consider also Matthew 18:19, Matthew 21:21-22, Luke 11:9, John 14:12, 1 John 5:14 Taken together what message is there in these verses? What challenge? 3. Why then, do you think some prayers are unanswered? What are we to learn from this? How should we respond? 4. What link does Jesus make between prayer and forgiveness? See also Matthew 6:9-15. How might unforgiveness block answers to prayer?

Colliding Worlds: 'Living the Life of Riley' - Night Messages

Sun, 8 Jun 2008 18:28:00 MST

No notes this week

Colliding Worlds: 'Fewer, Deeper, Different' - Morning Messages

Sun, 8 Jun 2008 18:27:41 MST

No notes this week

Colliding Worlds - 'Wind' - Night Messages

Sun, 25 May 2008 18:08:55 MST

No notes this week.

Colliding Worlds - 'Cross Purposes' - Morning Messages

Sun, 25 May 2008 18:08:32 MST

Colliding Worlds - ‘Cross Purposes' Brian Kenning 11 May 2008 Shaking brings us to our knees To the place where we say "you are God and we are not" • God wants us on our knees at the foot of the Cross • God calls us to put the death and resurrection of Jesus at the centre of our daily lives • To realise that the message of the Cross is the power of God for salvation to all who believe (Romans 1:16) • To realise the death and resurrection of Jesus is the hope of the world The significance of the Cross dawned slowly for the disciples but became the central theme of their preaching • Luke 22:14-23 Upper Room, Last Supper • Luke 24:13-35 Emmaus Road Read 13-21 • John 21:15-19 Peter's Restoration • Acts 2:22-24, 33-41 Pentecost Reading : Acts 2:22-24 (NIV) Reading: Acts 2:33-41 (NIV) The Cross has moved from something Jesus predicted - to an historical event - to the heart of the Christian message - Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (NIV) Reading:1 Corinthians 1:22-24 (NIV) At the Cross Jesus • defeated sin and death Colossians 2:15 • rescued us from the powers of darkness Colossians 1:13 • died in our place to take the penalty of sin Colossians 1:14, 2 Corinthians 5:21 • enabled us to become God's friends Colossians 1:21-22, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 So when our personal world and the world around us is shaken and shaky we go to the Cross Foolishness to the world But the power of God for salvation and the hope of the world Questions for personal reflection and group discussion: 1. In this study you would be best to go through the various scripture passages in the notes and build up a picture of how central the death and resurrection is to the Christian gospel then 2. What place does the Cross have in your own life and thinking? 3. How do you respond to the statement: "God wants us to live our lives on our knees at the foot of the Cross"? What might this look like for daily living?

'Colliding Worlds - Shift Happens' - Night Messages

Sun, 11 May 2008 17:39:43 MST

Discuss : Do you think we're living in a time of great change ? What colliding worlds look like to you ? Does the idea leave you excited or scared ? Read : Acts 10: 9-16 In acts 10 Peter had a dream that was profoundly disturbing to him. It asked him to do things that he thought God would never do. To eat food that Jews wouldn't touch. He gave what he thought was the right answer, but found that it was wrong. Read : Acts 10:17-23 Peter invited these strangers (One is roman soldier) into his house. Jewish custom forbade this. Peter is a part of one world that is clear about insiders and outsiders (Jewish world). He even has them stay the night. This must have felt wrong to Peter as it was radically different to the Jewish culture of the time. Discuss : What would Peter's mother have said ? What would Peter think about this ? Can you begin to see a colliding world here ? Read : Acts 10:23- 48. Peter finally gets to Cornelius' house, acknowledges that he shouldn't really be there and in the middle of talking, the Holy spirit falls on the outsiders. For Peter two worlds have just collided. Until this point if you wanted to be a Christian you had to convert to Judaism. The Western church would not exist if these two worlds hadn't collided. Discuss : Who was the agent of change in this ? How do you think Peter would have felt throughout this process ? How do you feel about change today ? Read : Jesus told a story of Wineskins. He told them this parable: "No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined.No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, 'The old is better.' " Luke 5:36-39 Discuss : What do you think Jesus is saying ? What kind of wine do you like ? Do you think that we can be made new ? How do we respect difference with each other ? What is your initial attitude to change ? If you were present at the service, you might want to discuss the two movies, and what you liked/didn't like. Some thoughts about living at times of colliding worlds. • Some Change is brought by God. • It helps if you can Bend with the wind (the Holy Spirit) • Flexible houses survive earthquakes • People are different • Church people are not uniform • Listen • It takes time to sort out change • Ask yourself how could God use this ?

'Colliding Worlds' - Morning Messages

Sun, 11 May 2008 17:37:10 MST

Introduction to May Mission Month During May Mission Month we invite you to: • Think - about our rapidly changing world • Be Informed - about the people we support • Give - a special offering to fulfil our mission's commitment • Take an Information Pack (Weather map) Colliding Worlds Brian Kenning 4 May 2008 • values • theologies • politics • personalities • ideologies • kingdoms.... Three arenas of collision • Globalisation • Wealth/Poverty • Cultures and Religions Colliding Worlds aren't new Collisions may be • sudden and dramatic events • slow erosion of values • invasion of ‘our turf' from outside Collisions are the raw material for God to be at work God uses unstable environments, changing worlds to usher in His Kingdom 1. Globalisation • rising commodity prices (eg dairy, petrol) • world food markets impacting rich and poor (Haiti Rice prices) • world labour markets (eg Fisher and Paykel) • globalisation has upside, downside (dearer food, cheaper luxuries) 2. Wealth and Poverty • what is our responsibility for others and for moderating our own lifestyle? 3. Other Faiths and Cultures • Leicester (UK) now 50% Muslim • Over 50% of the Christians in London are black Other ‘collisions' that impact our world are personal eg where dreams collide with reality leaving us dazed, confused, disappointed, discouraged When the world around us and the world within are shaken and shaky, what truths can we hold on to? i) God uses collisions and times of chaos as raw material to work out His purposes - to draw us to Himself ii) God is also the One who orchestrates ‘shaking' Read Haggai 2:6-7 iii) In the midst of the shaking 3 unshakeables remain o The Kingdom (Hebrews 12:28-29) o The Saviour (Hebrews 13:8) o The Cross (Acts 2:36) Questions for personal reflection and group discussion: 1. In addition to the 3 areas (globalisation, wealth/poverty and culture and religion) what other ‘collisions'/'colliding worlds' can you identify? How do you feel about these? 2. Some people find chaos thrilling. They love living at the edge, others prefer a safe, middle-of-the-road kind of lifestyle. What kind of person are you? Why? 3. In what ways and places have you seen God ‘shaking' your personal world? How has this disturbed and upset you? How has this brought positive change and growth to your life? 4. Is God in the collision or does He just pick up the pieces? 5. The Chinese character for crisis is danger plus opportunity. In what ways do ‘crises' create opportunity for the gospel? Optional application questions: 1. What should we think and how should we respond to job losses in New Zealand that mean work for people in places like Thailand or Mexico? 2. How do you feel about cultural diversity and the rapidly changing ethnic face of New Zealand? 3. How have you responded to rising food and fuel prices? How have these impacted your lifestyle?

Soap Box - Soapbox

Wed, 7 May 2008 18:22:45 MST

Hi, On this page our senior Pastor Brian Kenning will from time to time write his thoughts on different subjects. You are welcome to return to us you comments on these subjects in the form provided below Respond Now

Take Two Tablets - 'Passion' - Night Messages

Sun, 4 May 2008 17:48:11 MST

‘Take Two Tablets' - ‘Passion' Brian Kenning 27 April 2008 4 Commandments about respecting, honouring God 6 Commandments about respecting, honouring people Summed up by Jesus: Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, strength Love others as you love yourself Commandment 6 You shall not murder Commandment 7 You shall not commit adultery On God's top 10 because murder and adultery are the result of relationships gone wrong Commandment 6 You shall not murder "You may not hate other people Don't ever think of hurting someone else in any way" Why bother with this command? Because Jesus did Read: Matthew 5:21-22 Behind every murder there is an anger problem Relationships are also killed by hate, violence, abuse, neglect, uncontrolled anger Anger is a neutral emotion It's good, healthy when we use it to protect ourselves or when it stirs us to address issues that need addressing Jesus was angry at injustice, disease Hurts, tears, powerlessness and frustration lead to destructive anger 4 types of anger - radical anger (road rage) - repressed anger (goes inward, comes out as sickness or depression) - resentful anger (personalised towards others) - revengeful anger Unresolved anger will go inward as depression or outwards as an explosion "Don't let the sun go down on your anger" (Ephesians 4:26) ie address the issue - but realise we don't always get what we want Commandment 7 You shall not commit adultery "Keep your thoughts and actions pure Sex is a gift from God to married couples" Adultery is where a guy has sex with someone else's wife or a woman has sex with someone else's husband But just as passionate emotional issues lead to murder so too complex emotional issues lead to adultery Read: Matthew 5:27-28 Sex is a gift for intimacy for companionship for unity So why do we struggle so much with sexual brokenness - loneliness - support that goes wrong - desire for adventure - lust Behind every act of adultery, indulgence in pornography, sexual relationships outside of marriage are issues of the heart Henri Nowen Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart For they shall see God" Despite struggles and failures the thing that matters most is nourishing our relationship with God Wrap Up 10 Commandments are not an entry/test to heaven They point is the right direction, help make sense of life Obedience to them pleases God, pleases us But we need grace mercy, forgiveness to nourish our relationship with God And a gift of faith and a commitment to Jesus to become a Christian and find a place in God's family, God's heaven Questions for personal reflection and group discussion: 1. Talk about anger a) When have you experienced and used anger constructively? b) Have you ever struggled with any of the 4 types of anger spoken of? c) What ‘anger management' tools are you aware of? 2. Read Matthew 5:21-22 - What's the main point here? 3. Talk about lust, sex a) Why do we struggle so much with sexual brokenness? b) What resources are you aware of to ‘keep passion pure'? 4. Read Matthew 5:27-28 - What's the main point here? 5. Talk about the 10 Commandments - Which one/s present you with the greatest challenge? Spend time praying for each other.

'He Went That Way' - Morning Messages

Sun, 4 May 2008 17:41:48 MST

No notes this week.

'For Crying Out Loud' - Morning Messages

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:23:58 MST

no notes for this message

Take Two Tablets 'Stuff' - Night Messages

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:43:24 MST

ICBC Notes : Take Two Tablet's Stuff [Type text] Page 1 Ice Breaker :What's the stupidest purchase you have ever made ? Why ? Discuss : Most of us know the feeling of wanting something (new Ipod, clothes, stuff). It's not just about the purchase, but there's something else going on. Why do we hunger for new stuff ? How long does it keep us happy ? Have you ever longed to make a purchase, only to find you move on to the next one just a short time after you've bought it ? Why do we do this ? Read: Exodus 20:15-17 "You shall not steal. ... "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." When the Bible talks about possessions (Stuff) it sents out multiple messages. For example Read Leviticus 19 :9-11 " 'When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10 Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God. " 'Do not steal. Notice that the commandment not to steal is right next to a commandment asking the rich to make allowances for the poor. So what we have here is a suggestion that the "Haves" use what they have in such a way that they look after the "Have nots" and a suggestion that the "Have nots" shouldn't steal. What does that imply to you ? Read : Prov 6:30-31 "People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his hunger when he is starving. Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house. (prov 6:30-31) Is there sympathy for the plight of the poor ? Is ti a get out of jail free card ? However what I find most disturbing is another place where the ten commandments gets repeated. Read : Deut 5:21 "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor's house or land, his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." When we stare through the plate glass windows of a shop, or leaf through the pages of our junk mail, we are being invited to "set our desire" on stuff. This is how our culture works. Discuss : Do you read Junk mail ? Why ? What do you like ? How much is advertising built around this ? How many advertisements do you think you see each day1 (hint include the logo's on your clothes). Does this affect us ? Does what we buy satisfy us ? For how long ?Do you remember the things you desperately wanted when you were younger ? What are they like now ? Read: Isaiah 55:1-2 & Psalm 115:4-8. Discuss: What are our idols today ? What is the scary prediction in Psalm 115 verse 8 ? can you see any examples of this ? 1 Researchers come up with figures like 2000 ! ICBC Notes : Take Two Tablet's Stuff [Type text] Page 2 We showed a video clip of the girl on the left being made into this image (Essentially being made into an idol). What does a diet of this kind of advertising do to us ? To our daughters and sons ? How can we resist this ? How can we seek the contentment that Paul talks of when he writes of having learned to be content in all circumstances ( he wrote it from jail) ? Read : 1 Timothy 6:6-10 "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." Some practical suggestions (Please discuss and add your own).  Cancel your junk mail- put a sign on your letterbox  Video tape your tv programs and fast forward through the ads.  Seek simplicity. Find time to pray alone. Try gardening (to see things grow slowly).  Community... Our culture is going to push us into bigger better faster and more expensive, How can we support each other into something different ?      To close read this together Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Phil4:4-9 <<< P.S. I am wanting to find out if anyone actually uses these notes. Please ring me, or send me an email if you or your group read this and use it. If it's used for a group discussion, please let me know)>>> ICBC Notes : Take Two Tablet's Stuff [Type text] Page 3

'The Upside Down Kingdom' - Morning Messages

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 17:06:20 MST

Mark's Gospel series - ‘The Upside Down Kingdom' Brian Kenning 13 April 2008 Three times in Mark 8-10 Jesus talks about his death 1. Jesus speaks plainly about His death 2. The disciples misunderstand 3. Jesus addresses their misunderstanding and gives clear teaching on the way of discipleship Reading: Mark 10:32-45 (NIV) Peter misunderstands Jesus teaches about denying oneself, taking up ones cross, following Disciples misunderstand Jesus teaches about welcoming children, Challenges in matters of marriage and money James and John misunderstand Looked for coronation not crucifixion, Crown not cross Jesus turns to all the disciples Code for all followers for all time Read: Mark 10:42-45 Jesus contrasts two vastly different kingdoms • the world of the gentiles, secular rulers o ‘lord it over' o IT SHALL NOT BE AMONG YOU! • the world of God's Kingdom • whoever wants to be great must be your servant • whoever wants to be first must be your slave Power in the Kingdom of God is so unselfish that it will serve others even to the point of dying for them Mark 9:35 Matthew 23:12 Not just a theme in Jesus teaching but something He modelled - washing His disciples feet (John 13) - giving His life as a ransom (Mark 10:45) Servant hood is not natural - it is supernatural In the Upside Down Kingdom: - 1. People in highest authority have the greatest obligation to serve 1 Peter 5:2 2. Leadership is rooted in relationship not coercion 3. People seek to support not control 4. Leadership shines the spotlight of recognition on those with whom they share leadership 5. Leaders are embarrassed by titles and the trappings of office 6. Authority is recognised on the basis of character not position or office held Message version of Philippians 2:1-11 Questions for personal reflection and group discussion: 1. Complete the sentence. If I could hire my own personal servant....... 2a. If you were to write a book based on Mark 10:32-45, what title would you give it? 2b. Write down 3 or 4 statements that might appear on the book cover to summarise the content of your book. 3. James and John wanted a place of honour in Jesus Kingdom. a. What ‘powers' do you see at work in your self or in the church that seek such honour? b. What ‘antidote' does Jesus offer? 4. Read verses 42-44. What's your gut response to these words? 5. Complete the sentence. I believe I could be more of a servant if..... 6. Read The Message version of Philippians 2:1-11

Take Two Tablets - 'Respect' - Night Messages

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 17:05:22 MST

(Sorry I'm experimenting with the notes, so the format is a bit different to previously) Would Jesus take a day off ? Would God take a holiday ? By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. - genesis 2:2 One of the Tablet commands 8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Rest and Refresh In Exodus 20:11 God rested "(Wayyanah) on the 7th day In Exodus 31:17 A different Hebrew word used " It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he abstained from work and rested. Hebrew word is "wayyinapas" - refreshed. What is Work ? Carrying Burning Extinguishing Finishing Writing Erasing Cooking Washing Sewing Tearing Knotting Untying Shaping Plowing Planting Reaping Harvesting Threshing Winnowing Selecting Sifting Grinding Kneading Combing Spinning Dyeing Chain-stitching Warping Weaving Unraveling Building Demolishing Trapping Shearing Slaughtering Skinning Tanning Smoothing Marking What did Jesus said about Sabbath ? Mar 2:27 Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Mar 2:28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." What did Paul say about Sabbath Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:4-8 Even the Land gets to rest But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a sabbath to the LORD. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. 5 Do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the grapes of your untended vines. The land is to have a year of rest. - Leviticus 25:4-5 What does Rest and Refresh mean ? Living as free people. Practising not being defined by what we do. A day (or time) to do what you want to do, not what you "should" do. Baking, gardening, mountain biking. A time to feed the Rat ! "Get off on what you are into." It's part of respecting yourself as a human. How do you do this ? When was the last time you took a Sabbath ? What was it like ? Commandment 2 12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. In the new testament that gets morphed into : Ephesians 6 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother"-which is the first commandment with a promise- 3 "so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. 5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, Paul advocates a system of mutual respect and honour. It's easy to show respect to good parents, but what do you if you had bad parents (i.e. if your parents beat you) ? Perhaps our biggest difficulty here is that our parents inevitably become a large part of us. We need to find ways to honour, if only because we have to recognise the influence they have on us.

'Take Two Tablets' - 'Talk' - Night Messages

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:49:18 MST

‘Take Two Tablets' - (2) ‘Talk' Brian Kenning 6 April 2008 Introduction 2 of the 10 commandments have to do with the way we use our tongues Commandment 3: the way we talk about God "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD. You may not swear. Use God's holy name only in a loving way, never to express your anger or frustration" Commandment 9: the way we talk about other people "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour" You may not tell lies especially when that lie will hurt someone else" Message You shall note misuse the name of the LORD In Bible times names were closely linked to character or to events; "Samuel" = heart of God (1 Samuel 1:20) "Maher - Shalal - Hash - Baz" = Quick to plunder, swift to spoil (Isaiah 8:2) Character is in a name So too is identity • You shall not take the name of the LORD in vain • You shall not misuse the name of the LORD • You may not swear using God's name • Use God's holy name only in a loving way, never to express anger or frustration People misuse God's name because they are • uninformed • uncontrolled • unsaved • unscrupulous We dishonour the name of the LORD whenever our speech, our action, our lives are out of character with the character of God It's not just God's name at issue The Bible addresses other aspects of speech • lies • gossip • careless words • obscenities • foolish talk • coarse jokes but God has a particular hatred of lying Acts 5:1-11 Reading: Proverbs 6:17-19 (NIV) 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. We lie when • we distort the truth • we exaggerate • we omit information "The LORD hates lying but delights in people who are faithful" Proverbs 12:22 We honour God by open, honest truth telling and by words and deeds that reflect the character of God Questions for personal reflection and group discussion: 1. What's your usual response reaction to hearing God's name used as a swear word? Doesn't bother, cringe, rebuke the person, don't really notice... 2. Is swearing a part of your own vocabulary? Give reasons why it is or is not. 3. Discuss the statement "we dishonour the name of the LORD whenever our speech, our action, our lives are out of character with the character of God. 4. Take time to look at the following verses about talk, speech, words: Matthew 12:34-37 Ephesians 5:3-4 James 3:1-12 1 Timothy 6:20 2 Timothy 2:16 Proverbs 10:19, 15:28. 12:22 What is the main lesson you have learnt from these verses?

'Money, Money, Money' - Morning Messages

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:47:13 MST

Mark 10:17-30 (Today's New International Version) The Rich and the Kingdom of God 17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good-except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: 'You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.' [a]" 20 "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is [b] to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom of God." 26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?" 27 Jesus looked at them and said, "With human beings this is impossible, but not with God;all things are possible with God." 28 Then Peter spoke up, "We have left everything to follow you!" 29 "Truly I tell you," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields-along with persecutions-and in the age to come eternal life. Poverty isn't just about money. It's about lack of choice. Ask yourself "Have I ever had the opportunity to choose ..." • where I will live. • How I will earn my living • Where my children will go to school • What will I wear today • Whether I will eat today • Where I will eat today • Where I will sleep tonight • Whether I will have a heat pump or a log burner • Whether I will buy medicines prescribed for me or my family • Whether I will make use of mental health or psychological care • Whether I will save money and how much I will save • Whether I will have a telephone • Whether I will have a television or Sky service • Where I will go on holiday • How I will make my home or office more beautiful or comfortable • Whether I will repair what is broken in my home or surroundings • Whether I will own a car • What to do with my inheritance If so, these are marks of riches. Try dividing your small group into 2 (the Rich Millionaires and the street sleeper Poor). Ask them to try to hear the passage from that point of view) Read the passage Mark 10:17- aloud, Then ask people to comment on what they notice leaps out of the passage. Where are we on the scale ? What do you think Jesus is saying about the camel ? Why did he pick such a hard analogy ? How easy do you find it to live generously ? How could we build generosity into our lives ?

'Take Two Tablets' - (1) 'God' - Night Messages

Sun, 6 Apr 2008 17:26:28 MST

‘Take Two Tablets' - (1) ‘God' Brian Kenning 30 March 2008 Introduction 10 Commandments Not 10 opinions, suggestions or good ideas Laws for the heart that have shaped nations Reading: Exodus 20:1-17 (NIV) The first 4 are about honouring and respecting God The next 6 are about honouring and respecting others Summarised by Jesus Love the LORD God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength Love others as you love yourself (pictures of ‘egyptian gods' - Ra, Bastet, Isis, Horus)) The people who received the 10 Commandments lived in a world with many gods Not a question of choosing the LORD God or no god The choice - then and now - is between the one true God and all other ‘gods' that can capture the loyalty of the human heart "You shall have no other gods before me" (Choose the Living God) "You shall not make yourself and idol..." (Don't settle for shadows) Four reasons for choosing the Living God 1. There IS only one true God YHWH ‘Yahweh' ‘the LORD' The concept of ‘one true God' is a concept found in most cultures - Karen (Burma) Y'wa - Maori (Aotearoa) Io - Mizo (SE Asia) Pa-thian Holy Father - Chinese Shang Ti Lord of Heaven - Ethiopian Mangano Omnipotent Creator 2. Only the one true God is worthy of worship and honour, loyalty and devotion Because i) He is Creator ii) He is Saviour Out of gratitude a freed people follow and serve 3. Second best will never satisfy "bowing down before any other god but the true and living God is like hugging a mannequin" • There is a strong pull to make gods we can see, feel, touch, hold onto (eg Golden Calf) • Also a temptation to pin god down, and limit God to a certain place or time • We break the second command whenever we limit God or overvalue things or people 4. God will not be limited or pinned down to a place, time, image or representation no matter how beautiful or meaningful it may be Questions for personal reflection or group discussion: Overview/Introduction questions (Exodus 20:1-17) 1. The (10) Commandment that means the most to me is? 2. The Commandment that I struggle with, the one which gives me the greatest challenge is? 3. Put Exodus 18:3-6 in your own words in a way which captures the essence of the first two Commandments. 4. One summary of these verses is "don't settle for shadows" a) In what ways are you tempted to "settle for shadows" or serve other gods? b) What do you do to ensure you obey the first two Commands (and Jesus words in Matthew 22:37-39)?

'A Family Affair' - 30 March 2008 - Morning Messages

Sun, 6 Apr 2008 17:26:11 MST

Note for a reasoned and reasonable exploration of what the bible says about divorce, read Kevin Ward's paper on it. If you email Colin at Colin@icbc.org.nz he'll send you a copy. Divorce can be devastating. When people are in the throes of separation, it may not be a good time to do anything other than support them. 1 Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them. 2 Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" Questions : Who was questioning Jesus ? What was their motivation ? Have you ever found yourself being tested, being invited to make a statement in a politically charged minefield ? What did you do ? 3 "What did Moses command you?" he replied. 4 They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away." Divorce was both politically and religiously sensitive. Herod and Herodias divorced their spouses to remarry. John the Baptist's comments on this were part of his eventual death. The Jews were also divided about this. Deuteronomy 24 does clearly allow divorce, thought the rabbis were divided over what constituted "something indecent about her". There is a gender inequality here as well. 5 "It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied. 6 "But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' [a] 7 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, [b] 8 and the two will become one flesh.' [c] So they are no longer two, but one. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." Jesus refers to the big Picture. What was God's intention with marriage ? What can Jesus be passionately for ? (Instead of against). What big pictures can we refer to in times of testing ? 10 When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. 11 He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery." Jesus does make a strong statement about divorce here. He is speaking to the future leaders of the church, and is not saying "anything goes". We probably need to balance this with his response to the Samaritan woman in John 4 (who had 5 husbands). Did Jesus judge her ? What do you think of this statement "In todays world everything is permitted, but there is no forgiveness"? How does that differ to God's kingdom ? Can you think of a practical example or story that shows this ? 13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. What is a child's response to divorce ? How do we stop from becoming hard hearted ? What helps you in this ? What stops you from feeling (and living your life) ? Can you give it to Jesus ? Final Summary : Jesus takes refuge in the Big Picture. The Jews didn't have it all right about divorce. Divorce is not God's ideal. When pressed Jesus didn't say "Yeah anything goes". Don't use the Pharisees as a role model. Use the kids.

Church - Your Extended Family - Night Messages

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:47:01 MST

Living a Spirited Life - (7) Church: Your Extended Family Brian Kenning 16 March 2008 The spirited life is not meant to be lived alone We are called to journey through life together ‘Church' is much bigger than • you • me • ICBC • All the Christians alive today Its fun and enriching to learn new songs, experience different ways of praying and encounter God outside the familiar Despite all its faults church is where we go to meet with God and learn from fellow travellers on the spiritual journey How can church help us follow Jesus better? Look Back You and I belong to a big family tree of compassionate and courageous people who have gone to the wall to live as followers of Jesus Francis of Assisi - 1182-1226 St Patrick, Missionary to Ireland - 5th century William Carey - 1761-1834, ‘the father of modern mission' Kate Sheppard - 1847-1934 They're in the grandstands of heaven cheering us on (Hebrews 12:1) Look Around God has allowed a diversity and richness of church life We are enriched by people who are different to us and whose traditions differ from ours Look Inward "One" "Another" - serve one another - encourage one another - forgive one another - accept one another - speak the truth to one another - stir up one another to love and do good works - honour one another - teach and admonish one another - be devoted to one another The Christian lifestyle is the ‘one another' lifestyle A pilgrimage in partnership Look Forward Heaven is a multigenerational, multicultural festival of praise Reading: Revelation 7:9-12 (NIV) Questions for personal reflection and group study: 1. What was your background, upbringing, early experiences of church? 2. Think of and share experiences of church life that you have had that have been different or outside your norm or comfort zone. What did you learn from such times? How have you been enriched from ‘traditions' other than your own? 3. Name some heroes of the faith who have inspired you or influenced your Christian journey. 4. The Bible encourages Christians to live a ‘one another' lifestyle of ‘interdependence' with one another. Look up the following verses to build up a picture of the ‘one another' lifestyle: Romans 12:10, 12:16, 15:7, Galatians 5:13, Ephesians 4:2, 4:32, 5:19, Colossians 3:13, 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:13, 10:24, 10:25, 1 Peter 1:22, 3:8, 1 John 3:11, 4:7, 4:11 5. What then does your dream for ‘church; look like? How can you turn your dream into reality?

Mark's Gospel series - 16 March 208 - Morning Messages

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:46:43 MST

Icebreaker : What are people's experiences of cricket ? Did you play as a kid ? or an adult ? Ever been to see a test match ? What do you love/hate about the game ? Mark 9: 30-32 They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered over to human hands. He will be killed, and after three days he will rise." 32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. What coach would predict that their team would lose ? What would you think ? Test cricket is about winning. But Backyard Cricket is about playing (and it's O.K. to lose). Sometimes you may even win by losing, or by someone on your team losing. Failure is an option but is not final. How competitive are you ? Why does it matter that success is not our God ? 33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all." 36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." In Test Cricket only the best play; in backyard Cricket everyone gets a go. People adjust their playing to match who is playing. What do you think this means for us in church ? At home ? In business ? Backyard Cricket is not a game of status. 38 John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn't in our group." 39 "Don't stop him!" Jesus said. "No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. 40 Anyone who is not against us is for us. 41 If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded. It's really easy to define yourself against another group. The Pharisees seem to constantly do this and in this case the disciples (who earlier failed to cast out a demon) try to shut down an outsider. Jesus' response is to ask about the actions of the man. What implications do you think this has to us ? How tolerant should we be ? If another religious group does good things, what should our response be ? Can you think of an example ? 42 "If anyone causes one of these little ones-those who believe in me-to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. 43-44 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. 45-46 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where " 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.' [a] 49 Everyone will be salted with fire. 50 "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other." Jesus uses three shocking images. Bodily dismemberment, the Concrete shoes the mafia use (the millstone) and the third image Hell (Gehenna) is more likely the local city dump. Jesus wants to shock us with things that are better than tripping up a weaker/smaller less powerful one ? Why is it so important that we look after the little ones ? How do we do this at church ? at Home ? At work ? What do you think of these tentative rules ? Rules of the Backyard Cricket Kingdom of God 1 ) You don't have to win. Sometimes you have to lose in order to win (and sometimes you win when someone else does). 2 ) Everyone gets to play - regardless of ability. It's more important the young ones enjoy and get a go, than the experienced players. Look after the young ones and beginners ! 3 ) Rules aren't the most important thing here. It's about what you do and what you do for others. 4 ) Forget rule 2 and you get sent off. You might have to change some habits. 5 ) Forget rule 2 and you have to take a run to the city dump (and stay there) 6 ) Play as yourself, and be at peace.