Church in the Peak

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17138348-11-05-25-ruth-part-2-dave-watmore.mp3Everything happens for a reason?·   There is NO accident with God.·   If chance exists, then God doesn't.·   Chance would mean there is something out of His control.·   God ordained it. God either orders it or gives permission.·   We miss miracles sometimes because we label it chance.·   God has left nothing to chance luck or coincidence. ·   God's day to day interactions with you is called providence.·   It goes unseen but He is always working.Ruth 1 v 19 – 22, 2 v 1-3.Recap·   Ruth was married to Naomi and Elimelek's (God is King) son Mahlon (weakness). Boaz means Strength.·   Barley harvest occurs during Passover when the barley is harvested for the poor.·   Naomi has lost her husband and her two sons and decided to return to Israel and Bethlehem where her husband's family came from.·   The whole of scripture points to the work of the Almighty to bring about His plan of redemption.·   God wanted to use Ruth (a gentile) in His redemption plan. Naomi and Elimelek had to go to Moab for Mahlon to meet and marry Ruth, his father, his and Mahlon himself had to die to drive Naomi and Ruth back to Judah/Bethlehem. But there is often bitterness in our daily walk in life.·   Although Naomi had returned with the Ruth showing her love and loyalty and the people of Bethlehem were delighted to see he, she blamed God for the calamity and her bitterness. It's amazing that even though she was railing against the unfairness of God, he does not strike her down and she has the confidence in knowing the kindness and character of God to be able to express that openly without the appearance of fear.·   However, Ruth has a prompt to action and break out of the poverty mentality of her mother – in- law. Cake illustration.·   Toss of a coin at birth – Not by chance. “I don't see that you're working. “My Mum might have prayed for a child after 2 miscarriages.·   Twisted chain of a door. “I don't feel that you're working.” Lesley prayed a prayer for a man she could trust. We both had broken, long term relationships.·   Asking for a family to buy the house. “You never stop working.” Keeping his promises to us and to CitP.Is Jesus showing you what he wants you to do?·   Is that why you had the miracle?·   It's why the miracle happens.The earth is the Lords and everything in it.·   God loves details. ·   Trusting in Gods providence means believing a string of seemingly unrelated events to accomplish a bigger purpose. We don't always understand what He is doing but we don't have to.Isaiah 45:2. It reads, "I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron."““As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”Isaiah 55:9 NIVRomans 8 v 28“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”Romans 8:28 NIV

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17095396-04-05-25-introducing-ruth-neal-garratt.mp3Neal introduced our new series, looking at the book of Ruth.To read Neal's notes - in PDF format - click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fC-qnsHLvgkLFjDm-5PciEdl1O4YjsE3/view?usp=drive_link

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17050797-27-04-25-word-about-generosity-and-the-tower-of-babel-paul-basson-and-richard-thomas.mp3Paul gave a word about generosity and Richard spoke about the Tower of Babel.

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17095302-20-04-25-easter-sunday-phil-hardy.mp3On Easter Sunday, Phil spoke about how God love us all so much that he sent his only son, Jesus, to die for us. 

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16991634-13-04-25-the-week-before-easter-dave-watmore.mp3The week before Easter.Matthew 26What we see is that Jesus was very clear time and again that he was going to be put to death and even CRUSIFIED.Jesus also made a claim that he was the “Son of Man” a reference we see from Daniel 7 v 13. We see this reference repeated at the end of the chapter.Mary is not named here in Matthew but we know from John that it is Mary the sister of Lazarus and sister Martha.Mary knew the forgiveness of her sins, she also knew that there was a resurrection because her brother Lazarus had died and Jesus had raised him from the dead. We don't know what Lazarus said about the experience but he would have had an amazing story to tell and the sight of him coming out of the grave at the command of Jesus.Mary had sat and listened to Jesus teach and it seems, by her actions, she understood that Jesus was who he said he was THE CHRIST.She came in with an alabaster jar full of an expensive perfume used for preparing dead bodies for burial.Christ and Messiah both mean anointed one.Mary was prophetically enacting this.The other amazing this is was that this jar of perfume was worth a years wages.The jar was also worth a great deal but she broke it deliberately in order to pour out all the contents and leave nothing behind.This act of worship was to say, “I give you my all and there is no returning to my old ways.” Mary would have to now rely on Jesus to supply her every need.It would be like me giving away my whole pension. GULP!The other disciples were indignant! “What a waste” was their reaction.Jesus stands up for Mary again.Mary understood that Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ, the one the Jews were waiting for and the ones the Jews are still waiting for and the one the whole of mankind is searching for. She gave Him everything because she knew he was the one who knew everything about her, good and bad, He forgave her everything she had done wrong small and large. She was following and listening to Jesus for her own salvation.Judas and Peter and the others were following Jesus to see a political and military victory over the Romans. Peter also had acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ, the anointed one but this had not worked its way into the heart of these men. Judas was so indignant that he chose to betray Jesus, perhaps out of disappointment that the very expensive perfume was “wasted”.Mary made a personal sacrifice that led to her worship of Jesus.Judas and Peter and the others were indignant because they wanted someone else's sacrifice to be reflected on them.They wanted to be the ones who could say “we gave to the poor”.Jesus did not say “don't give to the poor” but what he was saying was give out of your worship of Me not out of duty or self-righteousness. When Judas goes to the religious leaders, they give Judas the same amount as you would pay for a slave.I didn't know this until I studied this. It recalled the passage in Romans that Jesus became the slave to sin for us so that we can be the slaves of righteousness. Explain!!Verse 30 they sang a hymn. Probably a traditional Psalm sung during Passover when the Jews remembered their delivery from the slavery and pain they endured in Egypt.His love endures forever.

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16926147-06-04-25-intimacy-with-god-through-the-bible-part-3-neal-garrattNeal continued his preaching series on increasing our intimacy with God through the Bible.For Neal's full notes and the passage from "The Book Of Mysteries", click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qwxzf5E3y34uq2XucOP64xknxCqDLedv/view?usp=drive_link

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16883327-30-03-25-listening-to-god-the-parable-of-the-sower-hannah-garratt.mp3?download=trueHannah spoke from the Parable of the Sower.To read Hannah's notes, in PDF format: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wxdSypFe9eLcg5BbrcIxZQSyTlC3AnBU/view?usp=drive_linkSoil types/Heart Conditions: 1. A Hard Heart2. A Rocky Heart3. A Thorny Heart4. A Fertile Heart

Phil continued looking at the life of the early church, as described in Acts 2, and how they dedicated themselves to prayer. 

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16801279-16-03-25-citizens-of-heaven-dave-watmoreCitizenship of heavenPhilippians 3 v 20 + Philippians 4 v 4-9Look at the first page of your passport.Why am I telling you this story? It is not about the power of my prayers but you can think that. No it is about the peace that comes from being a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven.Philippians 3 v 20.It made me think.I'm a UK citizen but now I'm born again, I'm now a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus is the King and the Lord of heaven.So let's look at that;I was listening to an interview with Rishi Sunak and Nick Robinson and Sunak tells of his meetings with the king and how he found them helpful. I'm sure he did. It is always good to have a friendly conversation with someone you know is helpful towards you.I don't remember the king or queen calling me up when I was made redundant or comforting me when my children were so upset and ringing me a 3 o'clock in the morning. I'll be honest. I didn't expect them to. They don't know me. They have no relationship with me. They are just humans, weak and sinful like me.I do remember Jesus giving me a dream to prepare me before I was made redundant and a promise that he would always provide for me.I do remember Jesus comforting and giving me words to help my son and comfort me at a very dark time.I love being a citizen of the UK. I cheer when England play sport, I love our countryside and our culture and language but I am also a citizen of Heaven.When I lost my passport, I lost my way back to my home and my family. Part of me lost my peace but I also knew that the King of kings and Lord of lords was with me. He would run towards me to help me in my distress.Isaiah 26 v 3I have a new allegiance and much more powerful King who happens to have created the heavens and the Earth and all that is in it.When I have that in my heart I have to change too.Philippian 4 v 4-9.V 8. Fix your thoughts on what is good.We live in a Kingdom where Jesus is King and Lord. He does not want you to fill your mind or body with things that are bad for you.When we read or watch or think on the wrong things, it is like putting petrol in a diesel engine. We might do it by accident but it still needs to be cleared out, otherwise we don't fire correctly or we create a lot of black smoke of anger, unforgiveness, etc..You have been bought with a high price because He loves you. There is no other explanation for why you are saved or why you are here today. He wants a relationship with you. Not like the one you have with king Charles or Keir Starmer or your boss at work, He was and can give you an intimate relationship. Sometimes when we feel far away from Him, anxious, frightened and lost He will say “look at my word, you are now a citizen of Heaven not of the UK”Questions;Your Bible has far more promises about your identify, your destination and your well being than your UK passport. Tell each other scriptures that have helped you in the past. Encourage those who don't have that experience, the scripture that can help them.How do you remember to magnify who Jesus is when you are feeling small and alone?If appropriate, tell each other or a on a one to one basis, the struggles you might have with things you know are wrong to watch or read etc..Encourage repentance but exercise forgiveness especially

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16767052-09-03-25-intimacy-with-god-through-the-word-part-2-neal-garrattNeal continued his preach on the intimacy that we can have with God through reading the Word.Neal's notes and slides: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FBoIAax3WdyizsPZCkZvhDCM2tiG5Nlz/view?usp=drive_link

Nev spoke about unlocking your God given potential

Please note that the first section of Peter's preach didn't record correctly. For a full copy of Peter's notes and slides (in PDF format), click here.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kFUdWyOU4H59URANpEmoanjrBr3YqrC_/view?usp=drive_linkActs 2:41-47 ESV[41] So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.  [42] And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. [43] And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [44] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. [45] And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. [46] And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, [47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.2:43 is the response to 2:42, and 2:44 is the response to 2:43 and 2:47 is the response to 2:44.Who wants all these things? Well it starts with being together, praying, worshipping, studying the word, with the holy spirit amongst us, transforming our minds and our behaviour.Romans 12:2 ESV[2] Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. The following verses talk about unity, and different gifts, and that together as a body we are transformed and transformational to the society around us.And this is one of the purposes of church.Not a holy club we all attend.It's a community of believers that makes a difference. Both to each other and the world around us as we go on mission.Catalyst apostolic foundation - see notesPrayerIn Acts 2:42, "the prayers" likely refers to the set prayers that took place at the temple. The verse describes the early disciples' devotion to prayer and praise, which was a central part of their lives. They trusted in God's deliverance and regularly included praise in their prayers, drawing from the Psalms for phrases and songs. Here are some prayers based on Acts 2:42:Devoted to the Word and Prayer"May we be devoted to prayer, and may prayer not be supplemental in our lives and your church. May be fundamental in everything we do". Prayer for Acts 2:42"Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful example of the early Church who continually devoted themselves to earnest prayer". The prayers. Some 'earnest prayer'Before church prayer meeting CommunionActs 20:7 ESVOn the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. They didn't gather to worship. They didn't gather to hear Paul teach.They gathered to break bread.2 times in the short passage from acts 2. It wasn't an add on. It's an integral part of what we do when we gather. Not as much in big gatherings, but when we meet in houses. Encourage you to do over dinner. It's not magical, but it is mystical. Challenge to do and see what happens. Because it changes our outlook. Share in 1 body, and 1 blood.There is power in this.

There's power in the name of Jesus.Jesus Storybook Bible: We have given out 197 Jesus storybook bibles at 4 schools, preaching the gospel. The gospel is presented as 'Jesus wants to be your friend'We have done 9 assembly's and schools now regularly come to the food bank! So we do jigsaw assembly's and the kids come to learn about the food bank and raise money. Ruth and the team gained trust and created healthy relationships with all the schools in our local area! That gave us this foundation to build on.We are going to all saints infant and junior school in matlock next month to give out 359 bibles. The school said “it would be really good for the children to meet Christian's and tell them what is a bible and why it is important to them”March 24th - me and Steve.ContextPeter and John have prayed for the 40 year old man who has been crippled from birth and the Jewish officials hate it and put them in prison.Remember they had been with Jesus, dejected when he was crucified, utterly changed when he is resurrected and filled with boldness when filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.Acts 4 v 1-31v18This is our evangelism strategy, it's 2000 years oldThe more I study Acts, the more I see the resurrection is what they preach. It's the life changer. Teach each other. Tell each other of the stories of what Jesus is doing now.We had a time at New Year to tell of the stories from the last year.It was moving, encouraging and powerful.After Pentecost, as Jews, they stayed with their culture. They went to the temple, did Jewish traditions but they saw Jesus as the fulfillment of the scriptures – the Messiah, the Holy Spirit the fulfillment of the Prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Joel.They had to know their bible. But the authorities demanded that they stop teaching and speaking about Jesus.I only ever heard “stop speaking.” Now I see it was even more like these days.Teach each other about Jesus. We don't want stunted Christians, we want you all to be changed and to know the life changing power of the resurrection. Sow seed.It doesn't matter if the soil is hard or soft. Sow the seed. Jesus does not tell us to sow in fertile ground. He says sow the seed. Be generous even if it falls on the path or in the weeds.I have a prophetic sense that where we have sown but seen not fruit, the day is coming to see a fruitfulness where we have sown before.Let us keep sowing in the community we live in. Jigsaw, schools work, our personal evangelism with friends and neighbours and work colleagues.If you want more opportunities and stories to tell, join Tony and Karen, join Jonny and Becca when they start Who Let the Dads Out again and a new venture called Creative Space.Pick up your bibles. Learn about Jesus and his resurrection power. Not just the mechanism of salvation.Acts 4 is of men who were seen as unschooled in the bible but they had been with Jesus who had taught them using scripture. Then they quote scripture; Joel at Pentecost, Genesis in Acts 3 and when they pray they use Psalm 2. The crucifixion Psalm.The audience might change but the message does not change. We have the same job. Sow the seed.The message of the crucified Jesus and the risen LordThere is only seed.Don't break up the soil. Sow the seed.I don't know what I'd do without Jesus.Tell new storiesQuestionsAsk each other for a recent story of what Jesus has done for you.For a bible study, look at the use of Psalm 2. Why did Peter use this?Please pray for the Children's Bible initiative that Sarah and Steve are runningPut yourselves in the place of the apostles in Acts 3 and 4 and see how being a friend of Jesus in person helped them declare the truth of His resurrection.Pray for boldness and pray for opportunities to see the power of the name of Jes

Tony spoke about Healing on the Streets. Please note that the first couple of minutes didn't record.To see Tony's notes and questions (in PDF format), click here.QuestionsBefore this morning's talk on a scale of 1 to 10 how was your faith level for asking a stranger if you could pray for them to be healed?Was there anything in this morning's talk that has increased your faith level?Do you have any stories of healing either when you have prayed or been prayed for, either physical or otherwise that you could share with the group to encourage others?Do you struggle with the idea that not everyone we pray for will be healed? If you believe that not everyone will be healed,  how would you answer anyone who struggles with that fact?

Dave spoke from Acts 2 about how the early church 'did' church - meeting together, discussing teaching and praying - and how this is a model for our revamping of Community Groups. To see Dave's full notes, slides, questions, and the Groups Handout (in PDF format), click here.

To view Neal's full notes (in PDF format), click here.We tend to think of increased intimacy with God through Worship, through prayer and contemplation and those are all good avenues for God to speak to us and reveal his nature to us but also God wants to use the Bible – GOD'S WORD – (Just think about that for a moment) to increase our intimacy with him. So I want to look at 3 different ways that God speaks to us through the bible.1. THE LIVING WORD OF GOD BRINGS TRUTH2. HE TRANSFORMS OUR THINKING3. HE DIRECTS OUR WAY THROUGH THE WORDLes Isaac was asked to speak at a Parliamentary Breakfast Meeting in July 2022 and God gave him a sermon to preach…. This is his testimony! Wonderful!https://www.instagram.com/reel/DExZZ5moq1w/?igsh=azU4MXV3eWlraDBzQuestions1.  Why do we so often struggle to read the Bible?2.  How can I increase the quality of my bible reading not necessarily the quantity?3.  How about meditating on Lamentations 3 vs 21-24 as a start and see what God speaks you about?4.  Watch the video again and talk about what impacts you the most?

Rosie, from Christ Church Manchester, spoke from Matthew 12 where Jesus heals the man with the shriveled hand and the lessons that we can learn from it. 

Sandra gave an update from her recent trip to Uganda. This time, she also went with Peter & Pamela and SueW. 

Andrew spoke from 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, explaining why God chose Joseph to be Jesus's earthly father. 

For a full copy of Neal's notes, in PDF format, click here.Clip from The Chosen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjQftj3ggms-=-=-=-=-=-Prayer of SalvationLord Jesus,I am sorry for the things that I have done wrong in my life, please forgive me. I now turn from everything that I know is wrong. Thank you that you died on the cross for me and were raised from the dead so I can be forgiven and set free. Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Spirit. I now receive that gift. I declare that you are the Lord of my life. Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me forever.Thank you Lord JesusAmen.

Dave spoke about the Ascension and Pentecost. To view Dave's notes - in PDF format - click here. Questions·         What is your image of God?·         Are you afraid he will speak back to you things you don't want to hear?·         Why does God want you to be filled with his Spirit?·         Pray for a fresh revelation of who he is and how he loves.·         Pray too for a fresh revelation of how much he loves your family, colleagues, and neighbours.·         How do you explain the gospel?·         Will you change your style in light of the weirdness of the gospel? 

Neal spoke from Matthew 16 about how there are no coincidences with God, and that we need God to intervene.Please note that there were problems with the audio recording this morning, so there are some quality issues with this recording. To view Neal's full notes from his preach (in PDF format), click here.This is the clip from The Chosen that Neal tried to show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjQftj3ggmsQuestions this week.1.What do you think of the quote from Spurgeon?Spurgeon says this“If you know no more of Jesus then flesh and blood has revealed to you, it has brought you no more blessing than the conjectures of their age brought to the Pharisees and Sadducees, who remained an adulterous and unbelieving generation”2.God's ways are not our ways – he is in control and yet so often we doubt this – how can we change our mindset?3.What we call coincidences are often God-incidences in our lives – what can we do to make sure we are aligned with God's plans and purposes?

Helen spoke about standing our ground and not giving the devil a foothold.

Phil updates on his recent preaching trip to India.

To read Dave's full notes (in PDF format), click here. Questions ·         I would start by discussing whether the group has ever reflected on the horror of the cross and the control it exerted over people. ·         We are in a season when many of our people are facing the harsh reality of death so wisdom should be applied in dealing with the subject BUT we have a great hope because of Jesus resurrection. ·         Make sure people are in total assurance of their destiny and their future resurrection body and what that means for living a life of freedom. Romans 8 v 1-3. ·         Look at the sequence of the Easter story and see that being filled with the Holy Spirit is the promise of God for us all. ·         Look at the challenge the disciples had to believe in the resurrection until it becomes personal. 

Jenny spoke about how God is with us in the cave, at the table and on the road.

How would you feel if Jesus came to dinner?To read Neal's notes (in PDF format), including the quote from G Campbell Morgan, click here.

Lesley spoke from Mark 4 and 5 about Jesus calming the storm and delivering the man from Legion.

Richard spoke about the Great Commission in Matthew 28.

Phil spoke about how God's way of measuring success is different from ours.

Vicki spoke about square watermelons at our baptism service this morning. 

For Dave's notes (in PDF format), click here.

School reports - Has PotentialMoses - Has PotentialExodus 3+4 - The beginning of the story of Moses3:1-15, 19-22, 4:1-17What I love about this story is that God sees potential in Moses – even though Moses doesn't see it in himself at this point!FIVE times he argues with God about being sent3:11 – Who am I to do this?3:13 – What do I say when they ask who sent you?4:1 – What if they don't believe me/listen to me?4:10 – I am not good with words – I get tongue tied and my words get tangled4:13 – Lord please send someone else!Finally is v14 The Lord gets angry with Moses – You know if this was me I would have got angry earlier and I would be like – Don't worry I'll do it myself – If you want something done properly do it yourself – You obviously don't want to do this so I will find someone who can! Gods patience is so wonderful here towards Moses and he can work with people who are not full of themselves and need help – who are unsure of their own abilities and calling – that's us by the way! God does not give up on Moses but declares he will be with him and give him the words to say. God says the same to us!Often the Lord has more faith in us that we have in ourselves! We are quick to write ourselves off but God sees potential in us for him to work with.Are we not exactly the same as Moses when God asks us to step out for him, at group, at work, in the street and at Church?What is our first response so often?Please use someone else!Who am I to do this?What do I say – Help!What if they don't listen?I am no good with words!These so often are the cries of our heart which stop us from stepping out with God and yet he wants to work with us in partnership to bring his truth and glory to the Church.We must also remember that the enemy knows our concerns and will try to stop us stepping out with God – he will say all of these things and more to keep you quiet!Examples in my own lifeSinging – Starling and NightingalesCatalyst – InterpretationQuiet times – I can't say that – who am I to say that? What if its wrong? What if I look stupid?I am sure you can all think of examples in your own lives – I had a prophetic word/scripture/ tongue or interpretation at group or on Sunday but I didn't bring it.God could have defeated the Egyptians by himself without any bother – and yet he chooses to work in partnership with us to do his work on earth – what an amazing truth this is – just think about this for a moment! You are invited into partnership with God to see his purposes fulfilled in the Church, in the community and in the earth – Just as he partnered with Moses to set his people free in Egypt. This is not just for elders – it's for the whole church, the spirit gives gifts not us! 1 Corinthains 12:111 Corinthians 1:7-92 Corinthians 5:18Ambassadors – Explain – Embassy – Same as homeland – The rights of the sending country stay the same at the Embassy in a different country.Italians – Guns, Cigarettes and mobile in meetings! How? Because they are ambassadors in a foreign country. This is our calling – we are Christ's ambassadors in this foreign county with all the rights of the sending country at our fingertips – and where is the sending country – Heaven – Phillippians 3:20To FinishMatthew 10:19-20Don't let your spiritual report say “Has potential” let it say “Have fulfilled their potential”Questions for groups:1.Can you relate to Moses and the excuses that he gives to God – aren't we just the same sometimes?2.What stops us from stepping out – It may be different for each person?3.Have you ever thought of yourself as an ambassador for Christ? Does the understanding of an ambassadors role help in realizing our potential in Christ?4.Fear verses faith – this affects our live so much – what can we do to increase our faith and decrease our f

Ray spoke from God's letter to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2 about recovering your first love.

Mike used the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to remind us that God Is Able.

The Ten BridesmaidsMatthew 25:1-13 NLT[1] “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. [3] The five who were foolish didn't take enough olive oil for their lamps, [4] but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. [5] When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. [6] “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!' [7] “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. [8] Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.' [9] “But the others replied, ‘We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.' [10] “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. [11] Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!' [12] “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don't know you!' [13] “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.Don't Live on Borrowed Oil verse 7-9We have to find God for ourselvesWhen I was 14 - had to find God for myself, let the church my parents were in to find God and not be influenced by them. They had may stories of being filled and experiencing God's presence powerfully. I could not live of their infilling or experience. I needed that for myself.We only get fresh oil from spending time with GodWe cannot get it by consumer churchWe have to go to him and after him for it we cannot get it from our parents, friends, our leaders we have to go to God ourselves and get oil from him. Others help direct us lead us show us the way,Jesus gave the invitation to go to him - if anyone is thirsty come to me.John 7:37-39 NLT[37] On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! [38] Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'” [39] (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) We might try and fill ourselves with counterfeit oil.Just as synthetic oils are counterfeit of the real crude Oil we need the crude oil of the Spirit. The genuine oilThere's nowhere else we can get this oil only from himIn the presence of God we find everything we need and so much moreThere's no lack in God he is all sufficient for all the oil you needQuestions●Are you trying to fill your life with counterfeit oil? Or trying to life of someone else's oil?●Has your oil become dirty and in need of replacing?●Have you run out of oil ?●If you feel you are already full, God wants to give you more. Ask and you will receive pressed down and running over.

Neal spoke on giving.To view Neal's full notes, click here.Matthew 6 vs 21 vs 24-33Two key verses hereVs 21 “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be”We will come back to this verse a little laterVs 30 “ Why do you have so little faith?”I want to look at four areas that we need to be aware of when we are talking about giving:1.Faith vs Fear.2.Your treasure – where is it?3.Pride4.The Enemy.Thoughts to close:Be motivated by faith not fear and see what God can do!You cannot out give God. He owns all the doughnuts!!Questions and discussion points1.How do you feel about giving after this talk?2.Has anything helped in understanding the biblical principals involved here?3.How do you feel about praying and asking God if he wants to use any of your money this week?4.What is your fear when it comes to money and finance and why do we struggle to have faith in this particular area of our lives? 

Tim spoke from 1 Kings 17 about the power of our Living God. 

Dave spoke about Saul and Ananias's different views of God and how those views affected their actions.

Steve spoke after our baptism service.

Sarah spoke from Matthew 3 about John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus.

Paul spoke about the new season that God has in store for us, both as individuals and as a church.

Acts 10 Household of CorneliusTo view a full copy of Dave's notes in PDF format, click here.Prophetic stuff.Remnant of cloth. Good, clear design but the colours are clear but a little dark.Then I see a new batch of cloth that is being unwound and revealing the much more vibrant colours. The blues and greens are vibrant, the reds glow, the whites radiate light. You see the beautiful Indian silk fabrics; it is like that.My interpretation: we are the remnant. We have a clear pattern, attractive and beautiful but there is a new work of the Spirit that will make the church even more attractive in the years to come with a new vibrancy and life we have known is possible and have prayed for but not yet seen.Application; Be holy not out of striving or self-righteousness but out of the grace that the Holy Spirit brings to us as we are saved and worship Him.IntroductionWe are setting out our foundations of who we as a church and what we believe because we feel there is a great new work of the Spirit going on and we want to be part of this and follow his promptings to follow him.Election – not the political one but the spiritual one is what I'm going to try and explain this morning. But first let us read the story of the Roman centurion Cornelius and how his household came to be saved.Acts 10 Household of CorneliusTo view a full copy of Dave's notes in PDF format, click here.Questions.1.      Are you someone who looks at yourself and you continually call yourself, guilty, bad, inadequate or unclean? God says to Peter “call nothing I have called clean, unclean.” You need to stop, repent because God has called you clean and Jesus has made the ultimate sacrifice to pay for you and proved it by his resurrection.2.     Consider this; you would never want God unless he was calling you. It is totally by grace. Remember Sarah's story? He's called you even when you were disgustingly covered in your sin.3.     If you believe in all that I've said this morning but you've not been baptized, it is time to be baptized as an act of obedience.If you want more of the Holy Spirit or to be filled with the Holy Spirit for the first time, my challenge is, have you believed the gospel? If you want more meditate on what Jesus has done for you by setting you free from judgement and given you eternal life.

Graham, from Jubilee Church Derby, preached from the parable of the sower.

Slides (PDF)Postcard (JPEG)‭Phil. Ps 51. Clean heart.We need to allow God to give us a new heart, and change us.An encounter with Jesus is the only thing that will change things.He used Phil 1:6 But how does that work?What steps are needed to help that to happen?What is our part in that as fellow Christians?Discipling of one another.Early part of the letters, the introductions, helps us understand why it's written, the context, as well as often having some of the key nuggets of the letter.Phillipians starts in Acts 16:11-40A long weekend in PhillippiThen the introduction to the book Phil 1:1-14 makes sense. Roman guards, at a Roman outpost.‭Philippians 1:9-11Paul wants them to understand, so he then goes on to teach them about the things that are issues, that he has spotted or heard about.V3 they pray for them every time they think of themV7-8 they are tender hearted, passionate, for their fellow believer.V9-11, this is what they pray. It is a purposeful prayer. Not a ‘god bless them' prayer. Not that that's wrong. But a very specific prayer that they would change, grow, mature, and become more like Jesus.[9] I pray that your love will overflow more and more, What does it mean to overflow in love.‭Romans 5:51 Thes 3:12-13One anothering‭Mark 10:45‬and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. Ps 119. Longest chapter. What is it all about? Getting into the word. Soak in itWisdom literature, always reflects back to getting in the word.Soak in it, let God speak to you through it.Jesus was the living word, the living embodiment, and through him all things were made that have been made - Jn 1‭Galatians 5:7 What is hindering your growth?Knowledge and truth[10] For I want you to understand what really matters, 1Cor 3:1-3Meat not milk. Getting deep into the things of God.so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return.‭This is what Phil has preached about over 3 weeks. Ps 51. Gal 5Galatians 5:16 We are pure and blameless in Christ, and we need to remember that when the enemy taunts us. But we are being made holy as we live for God, sanctified as we walk by the Spirit.‭1 Thessalonians 5:23 Return of Christ - He's coming back! [11] May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5Gabi. What in your past sows seeds of doubt?Remember his victorythe righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—‭John 15:2 Sometimes being fruitful can be painful. When we are pruned, it might feel like your right arm is cut off!for this will bring much glory and praise to God. When we shine for Jesus, because we are more like him, that brings glory to God.When we overflow with the SpiritDoxology from Rom 11This stuff does not happen in a vacuum.We can't pray without action. That would just be being super-spiritual. We should be working to see this happen. So how do we help one another achieve this. We are church family and it is YOUR job. It's not just to be left for someone else.Not Elders.Paul did not go back and help them do this in Phillipi.We are in church community for a reason.Action Col 3:16.We are called to disciple one another.So what do we do?Find a friendDiscuss what would help your growthWrite it on the cardPray for one anotherTake away the card so that you remember to keep praying for themCheck in with them about their p

The Clean Heart - Walking by the SpiritIntroMini series on the Clean Heart looking at David's response when he was found outPsalm 51:10-12Sometimes we only acknowledge our sin and failure when we have been found out Was David only sorry and repentant because of this or was it genuine repentance?When we do confess and are genuine asking for forgiveness and turning away from Sin God is faithful and Just and forgives and forgets.Story - Women who God said I don't rememberBecause he doesn't remember he doesn't hold it against us ever!Galatians 5 v16The flesh wants what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit wants that which is contrary to the FleshThe Holy Spirit Leads us to Holiness"The Spirit is the Holy Spirit. Therefore, he blows in the direction of the holy. and blows against the direction of the unholy.Is your life like walking with into a head wind or walking with a tail windMaybe some of your struggle is you are going in the opposite direction to the direction of the Holy Spirit. When he is blowing on our back it's much easier than when in our face.God is greatly desirous for us to have more of His presence.Freedom in the Holy SpiritGalatians 5:1Galatians 5:16-21 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Now the works of the flesh are evident:Let's look at this list that Paul mentions1.sexual immorality,2.impurity, - "a struggle to rid the soul of sin and impurity”3.Sensuality, - physically pleasing4.idolatry, -the worship of someone or something other than God as thoughit were God.5.sorcery, or Witchcraft, anything to do with Occult practice.6.enmity, - Hostility7.strife, - angry or bitter disagreement, conflict.8.Jealousy, - of others, what they have, their success,9.fits of anger,10.rivalries, - Competing against another for the same thing11.dissensions, disagreement that leads to disunity, Falling out12.divisions, - Disunity13.envy, - sin of jealousy over the blessings and achievements of others14.drunkenness15.orgies,Not an exhaustive list as Paul goes on and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.○ The Devil - kill, steal and destroy ■ Who has Control?■ Who has the Authority?● The Basics of the Christian Faith, Saved by GraceEphesians 2:8 Walking in the The SpiritJohn 2:23-25 1 John 1:7Only by Grace and the power of the Holy Spirit is this possibleBut its our Choice1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 Practical ways of working this out -●Look to the coming of the Lord. Fix your eyes on him.●Be at peace; live in peace as far as it depends on you.●Never bear malice; don‘t hold any grudge against anybody.●Learn how to Forgive everybody. It does not matter whether they forgive you or not, you must forgive them.●live in repentance; ● live wholeheartedly.Holiness is the habitation of GodPhilippians 2:13-15 Conclusion1 Corinthians 15:56-57What part of your life is against the direction of the Spirit? Today, turn it around and start walking with the wind in your back

Neal spoke from Acts 7 vs 54-60, Acts 8 vs 1-3, Acts 9 vs 1-22 about Saul's conversion.1. God's call is always personal2.  One touch from Jesus changes everything3.  Never underestimate God's saving powerFor a PDF version of Neal's full notes, click here.To view the video of Vani Marshall's testimony, click here.Questions for Groups:1.    Do we underestimate God's saving power – If we do what can we do to change that perspective?2.    What about your prayer list – who is on and who is off? Do we let our own thoughts influence who we pray for? Luke 6 vs 28?3.    Does the story of Saul/Paul give you hope for others? What particularly spoke to you about this story?4.     How about Ananias? Does his reaction mirror our own reactions so often? How can we change that?

Gabi preached from Psalm 46 about how we can be still in God's strength.Click here to read Gabi's notes in PDF format.

Hannah spoke from Matthew 4 about Jesus being tempted in the wilderness.To read Hannah's notes, in PDF format, click here.

Phil continued his preaching on Grace, looking again at Psalm 51.

Dave explained grace using fruit.