Podcast appearances and mentions of phil hardy

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

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

Phil continued the theme of his preach from last week, reminding us that God wants our hearts. The Clean Heart When David turned to God in repentance he was certain of the outcome that he would be clean and be whiter than snow  [7] Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.51.7.NLT Our practice speak louder than our words and our practice reflects your heartEven though David sinned he still had a Heart after God so for him to turn to God was not difficult.  Are there any practices you may need to change to reflect your heart towards God? Living a life of integrity, looks like this - you are honest and firm in your moral principles. What Integrity do you have ?What would others say about your Integrity ? Romans 8:32 NLT[32] Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't he also give us everything else?https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.8.32.NLT Victory over our struggle with sin and self  is one of the “all things” that God has promised to give to you.  God's plan is for us to live in the good of the everything else he has planned and promised to us 1 Peter 1:13-23 NLT Peter tells us of the cost of our salvation encouraging us to live Holy lives  John Piper“Purity of heart is to will one thing, namely, God's truth and God's value in everything we do. The aim of the pure heart is to align itself with the truth of God and magnify the worth of God. If you want to be pure in heart, pursue God with utter single-mindedness. Purity of heart is to Will that one thing”.

Phil outlines where God is leading us next.Clean Heart Stained Carpet - Our efforts not good enough the remove the stains Psalm 51 David's prayer of repentance There is a Back story to this Psalm - 2 Samuel 11What's your Backstory ? Psalm 32 - Another about David's response to his sin Verse 1 -5 QuestionsWhere do you see yourself in this story , does it apply to your life ?How do the 2 Psalms instruct and help us ? David's sin occurred because he lost Integrity and failed to Guard his heartWhat can we do to Guard our Hearts and maintain our integrity ? We can understand and learn from David's Mistake 

Phil continued our series on the values of the church, looking at the importance of prayer.

Phil looks at the difference living fully for God can make. He includes memories and videos from his recent trip to India. The service is available to watch via Church in the Peak's private* Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/visuals.citp/videos/172460012588227?idorvanity=2410174444*not the main public one.

Freedom Part 2IntroLast time I spoke on Freedom and following some prophetic words felt there was more to sayJane shared about understanding that we have been made clean already through salvation and that we were to believe this truth and be living as those who are washed clean. That we are a place for God's Glory to comeNeal followed this by saying that we need to keep our lives free from the rubbish of sin that would hinder God's Glory in our individual and corporate lifeWhat is the Freedom won for us?●When Jesus sets you free, He takes away your death sentence. The penalty you deserved has been removed and you now have eternal life. He literally shifted your eternal destination. Today you can rejoice because if you have Christ then you have eternal life. You no longer have to pay the penalty for your sin.For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 ESVhttps://bible.com/bible/59/gal.5.1.ESVSome believers, known as Judaizers, were insisting that Gentile converts must follow the Jewish law, particularly circumcision, in order to be saved. Paul's response is a passionate defense of the Gospel, emphasizing the sufficiency of faith in Christ for salvation and the freedom that comes through the grace of God.He wants the Galatians to understand the importance of living in the freedom that Christ has provided, rather than returning to the bondage of the law.As believers, we are urged to stand firm in our freedom and resist any attempt to be burdened by spiritual bondage. This may take the form of legalism, false teaching, or any other force that seeks to undermine our confidence in the grace of God.How are we living ?Peter was trying to be all things and fit in with the crowd, do we?●We see this throughout Scripture, where God's chosen people live like they are not●The Isrealites freed from slavery in Egypt yet lived like they weren't, 23K dying in the desert because of sexual immorality. Complainers. Worshipped Idols, committed theft, They had left Egypt and at times long to be back there and saying we would be better off back in Egypt.●God did his part in freeing them from Egypt but in their heart they were still in Egypt.●Are we living like those who are not of God?●Are we different in or thoughts, Attitudes, Motives, and actions ●We have been chosen and called to be different.Application●Are there areas of your life where you still feel burdened by a yoke of slavery?●Ask the Lord's help in identifying and breaking free from any spiritual bondage that may be holding you back.●Stand firm in your freedom by cultivating a deep and abiding relationship with Christ, grounded in the knowledge of His love and grace.●Resist any temptation to return to the yoke of slavery, and be vigilant in guarding your spiritual freedom.●Be a living example of the liberating power of the Gospel, and let your life testify to the transforming work of God's grace."Life in the Spirit is not passive; nor is obedience automatic. We continue to live in the real world; we are, after all, both already and not yet. (an Eschatological People) "Therefore, the imperative for the already is walk in/by the Spirit. That assumes that we live in a world very much controlled by the flesh; but it also assumes that we now live in that world as different people, led by the Spirit and empowered by the Spirit to produce the fruit of righteousness, rather than to continue in the works of the flesh."Page 133 Paul the Spirit and the People of God - Gordon Fee

Phil continued our Godly Living Unwrapped series, looking at our freedom in Christ.

It's such a long word — sanctification. And it has such a churchy ring to it. No one uses this language outside the church.Biblical word used that we read but not necessarily fully understandA human being is sanctified, therefore, when he or she lives according to God's design and purpose. The Greek word translated "sanctification" (hagiasmos [aJgiasmov"]) means "holiness." To sanctify, therefore, means "to make holy." In one sense only God is holy ( Isa 6:3 ). God is separate, distinct, other.Hebrews 13:20-21●progressively becoming like Jesus.●Gradually becoming like Jesus, or becoming holy. Becoming conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.●Little by little, over time, from conversion till Jesus comes back, or we die we are in the process of sanctification, becoming sanctified, becoming holy.1.To be Sanctified starts with GodLeviticus 20:7-8 ESV ●God is the one who sets us apart. ●Our choice is to…..●A significant part of our identity in Christ is that we're washed, renewed, and regenerated by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5)Titus 3:4-5 ●The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit involves placing us in a spiritual position of having been cleansed from sin.1. Sanctification is a position, not just a process●sanctification is, first, a position into which believers are placed at conversion.1 Corinthians 1:2 ESVActs 26 v 18●sanctification has already occurred by grace through faith in the past—that there is a once-for-all, set-apart nature to our sanctification! God has graciously granted us a position “as those sanctified in Christ Jesus” by faith in Jesus.2.Sanctification is a work of the Spirit.●The Spirit is the agent of sanctification in both positional and progressive sanctification. Regenerating us and indwelling us, he positions us and causes spiritual growth in us3.Sanctification, like salvation, is by grace through faith.●God's Gracious work in us by his Holy Spirit4.Sanctification is grounded in the eternal holiness of God●Holiness is first and foremost an attribute of God. God alone is truly holy; there is none like him.●We are told be Holy as I am Holy●The holiness of God is his very “name”!●His holiness distinguishes him from all of creation.5.Sanctification is daily.●Sanctification is a daily cycle of confession, repentance from sin, receiving forgiveness, and walking with the Holy Spirit by faith.●We are positionally fully sanctified in that we're considered completely clean, yet we still need the ongoing cleansing of regular “foot washing.” That is, the feet that get dirty during the day will need to be cleansed daily.●God is at work within us through his Spirit. All we need to do is remain connected; that is, abide in Jesus, knowing that apart from him we can do nothing.6.Sanctification is not trying harder to be holy or do better●God is at work within us through his Spirit. All we need to do is remain connected; that is, abide in Jesus, knowing that apart from him we can do nothing.●We respond to the Spirit's sanctifying initiative; he supplies the spiritual motivation and energy to lead a holy, God-glorifying life.7.Sanctification is not optional.●You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.Matthew 5:48 ●We all need to take seriously the call to holiness and spiritual growth in our lives.●Holy living is not just for a select few special people. Holiness matters for every believer.8.Sanctification will not be complete until we get to heaven.●At the end when we arrive in Glory we will have achieved holiness, but until then it's an ongoing process.●It's the goal but not a reality yet. Growth, yes; perfection, no.1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

On Father's Day, Phil encouraged us to grow our confidence in God, our perfect heavenly Father. [Apologies for the background noise. Due to technical issues this morning, this recording was done in a different way to normal. ]

Godly Living unwrapped - The Clean Heart Intro Hebrews 13 : 21-24 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. What does the Bible say about the Human Heart? The Good, The Bad and The Ugly ● The Hardened Heart ● The Deceitful Heart ● The Divided Heart ● The Broken Heart ● The Rebellious Heart ● The Fearful Heart ● The Proud Heart ● The Uncircumcised Heart ● The Wicked Heart Jesus said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” Mark 7:20-23“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8● Jesus is concerned with our heart. ● It is not enough to clean up our act on the outside. The heart is what you are,- in the secrecy of your thought and feeling, when nobody knows but God. And what you are at the invisible root matters as much to God as what you are in the visible. “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). From the heart are all the issues of life. The heart is utterly crucial to Jesus. ● What we are in the deep, private recesses of our lives is what he cares about most. ● Jesus did not come into the world simply because we have some bad habits that need to be broken. He came into the world because we have such dirty hearts that need to be purified.- John Piper Jeremiah 17:9Proverbs 21:2 Matthew 6:21Matthew 15:18Everything we say and do reveals the heart within us. The Good Heart Ezekiel 36:26Psalm 51 - David's Prayer Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.' Acts 13:22But God, But God, But God - who is rich in mercy he creates the new heart you are not the creator of your own new heart God is! 4 chambers of the Newly Created heart that God promises to give to all his people. ● A humble heart. “ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” … Psalm 51 ● A believing heart. ● A loving heart. ● An obedient heart. Conclusion You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. John 15:16 ESV You have been called to bear much fruit, that is the full fruit of righteousness. Refiner's Fire – Purify my heart, Can you ask/pray that? Purify my heart Let me be as gold And precious silver Purify my heart Let me be as gold Pure gold Refiner's fire My heart's one desire Is to be holy Set apart for you Lord I choose to be holy Set apart for you my master Ready to do your will

Phil reminded us that God's desire is for us to endure with him despite the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual stumbling blocks that are put in our way. [Apologies for the background noise. Due to technical issues this morning, this recording was done in a different way to normal. ]A "POWERFUL" PRAYER FOR BLESSING - Hebrews 13 v 20-21Intro•Meditating on these 2 verses for some time •The writer of Hebrews final words / prayer of blessing for the readerNow may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.Hebrews 13:20-21 ESVhttps://bible.com/bible/59/heb.13.20-21.ESVTopics in these 2 verses 1.The God of Peace2.Jesus is…a.Our Good Shepherdb.Our Chief Shepherdc.Our Great Shepherd1.The Blood Covenant Endures Forever!2.Salvation based on the covenant3.“Make you fully complete,” or “fully fitted”4.The Goodness of God to works in us 5.Real Holiness6.The Glory of the Son The area that God has been speaking to me about from these 2 verses is about being equipped or Fully Fitted or CompleteCommentators put it this way “Equipped by God for a Superior Life In Christ”God works in us, so we can work it outfor it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.Philippians 2:13For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.Romans 11:36There are many areas of equipping we could look at•Ministry Gifting•Spiritual Gifts•Fruits of the Spirit•Resources - Money, time, opportunityPhoto: Equipped for a day at Beach !!! - •Speaks of Pleasure, Fun, Although you can look at this picture in another way •Carrying so much stuff of our own for our own comfort or pleasure, if God was to try and give us something we could not possibly be able to pick it up. Spurgeon - “We ought to request earnestly that we may be qualified, adapted, and suited to be used of God for the performance of His will.” one area God spoke to me about and Probably not what you thought we needed to be equipped with and I certainly didn't1.Endurance - (Side 2)Lamentations 3 is entitled - The Faithfulness of God When you start reading you don't immediately get thatIt starts with a lot of negative complaining, grumbling, self pity, so I say, “My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord.”Lamentations 3:18Jeremiah knew what is was to lose hope and the feeling he could not carry on, A great prophet appoint to speak to the nations yet was found in this place of despair and defeatFor you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.Hebrews 10:36being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;Colossians 1:11and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,Romans 5:4

God is on the moveThere are many Prophecies around in the UK all saying the same thing - there is a Spiritual change beginning.Ephesians 6:10-12 NLTWe are in a battle – Whether you feel you are or not we have an enemy.Our enemy is unseen. How do you stand firm against an unseen enemy.David was going to fight Goliath and Saul gave him his armour but David could not move in it. Physical armourThe spiritual armour we have been given fits perfectly on each one and on the church collectively. To fight an unseen enemy1 Samuel 17:46-47 ESV3 Enemies○ The world - seen○ The flesh - seen○ The Devil - don't see, only the effects● Paul here is talking about our battle with the devil and his schemes● His tactics are to kill, steal and destroy.How?Division and isolation.God has divine connections lined up for your life.There is power in connection. Connections lead to life. The devil fears connection. His ultimate aim is to cut you off from God. He tries to split marriages, to split friendships, to divide churches, to divide denominations and to isolate people. Although our culture is more connected than ever, people are more isolated than ever.Ephesians 4:1-10 ESVA stronghold - A fortified place where someone or something has rule and Authority. (satan)It can be● Cultural (Society)● In a community● In a Particular people group● In the church● In individualThe church out of Egypt / Egypt out of the church - embraced the culture of our nation.Knowing your battle –our battle is not with flesh and blood but principalities and powers● What are our Cultural Strongholds?● Its time for Church to wake up● Given opportunity to the enemy to take ground● Where in your / our life have you /we given opportunity for the enemy● Are there any areas where you are allowing him to build a stronghold in your life or the life of the church ?● A pattern of behaviour, an attitude, a deliberate acting opposite to what God would want.2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLTWhat are weapons?Knowing who we are, we have been given authority to stand against, resist and demolish.When we came to Jesus accepted him as Lord and saviour we were given a new identity that gives us authority over every work of the Devil.Our authority comes from our identity in Christ JesusHere's some things the bibles says;● I am eternally loved by God – Jer 31, Eph 1:5● I am personally chosen by God – Eph 1:4, John 15:16● I am saved by Gods Amazing Grace – Eph 2:8-9● I am adopted into Gods Family – Rom 8:15-17, Eph 1:5● I am completely Forgiven – Col 1:13-14, Eph 1:5● I am the Righteousness of God Rom 5:17, 2 Cor 5:21● I am a new Creation – 2 Cor 5:17● I am Gods Masterpiece Eph 2:10● I am being sanctified – Rom 6:1-4● I belong to God – Rom 14:7-8, 1 Pe 2:9● I am the dwelling place of God – 1Cor 3:16, Gal 2:10● I am Gods heir and co heir with Christ Rom 8:16-17● I am deeply and Unconditionally loved by God Rom 8:38-39, Eph 3:18-19The Whole Gospel - Salvation, baptism in water, baptism in the Holy Spirit.Worship –in the mist of difficulty sing, when everything is good sing, Praise a Worship of Jesus brings us close to God and the enemy hates it.Prayer – Pray in the spirit at all times, When we pray to the right person (Jesus ) our focus becomes him not our enemy our problem, situation and he does answer prayer!ConclusionMatthew 11:11-12 NLTAre we the ones who will partner with God to advance his kingdom in the face of every opposition using the weapons he has supplied?Questions1) What Battles are you facing? And what's your view if them?2) How are you standing in the battle3) In what ways are you able to fight knowing that Jesus has already won the Victory?4) How do you see yourself before God? And

Phil shares from the heart.There are no notes/questions for this week.

Phil outlines the Elders vision for the coming, exciting period of church life. To view Phil's slides, in PDF format, click here. ·         How big is your vision? Do you have one ?·         Do your dreams go beyond your own Church/your needs?·         If you have dreams what are you doing to turn those dreams into a reality

Kevin Miller speaks with David Ripley, Jim Burn, and Phil Hardy.

God - An Intentional Father All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.Ephesians 1:3-6 NLT ·         An intentional Father ·         Some men plan to have Children·         Some have them by accident·         Some have them and then decide they don't want to be fathers after all·         Some have them but don't know how to be fathers  7 Truths from these 3 verses  1.   Even as in His love 2.   He chose us, actually picked us out for Himself as His own 3.   in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy consecrated and set apart for Him and blameless in His sight, 4.   even above reproach, before Him in love. 5.   For He foreordained us, destined us, planned in love for us to be adopted as His own children through Jesus Christ, 6.   in accordance with the purpose of His will because it pleased Him 7.   and was His kind intent Ephesians 1:4-5 AMPChttps://bible.com/bible/8/eph.1.4-5.AMPC   Questions ·         what's your relationship like with the Father? ·         do you know the love of the father and his acceptance like Jesus did? ·         What truth from the list is easy to believe and hard to believe?·         How do they affect your relationship with the Father?

Introduction● Our Confidence can but undermined● Our Confidence can be stolen or lost● Or we can give it awayThe feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something.Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.“For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay.And my righteous ones will live by faith.”But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.Hebrews 10:32-39https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.10.32-39.NLT3 Areas to hold on with confident trust1. In The finished work of the Cross - Confident trust in our salvationAnd so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guiltyconsciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies havebeen washed with pure water.Hebrews 10:19-22https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.10.19-22.NLTFor God's will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once forall time.Hebrews 10:10https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.10.10.NLT2. Confident trust in God and in his promisesLet us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep hispromise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.Hebrews 10:23-25https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.10.23-25.NLTAnd I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.Philippians 1:6https://bible.com/bible/116/php.1.6.NLT3. Confidence trust in God and not in our feeling, circumstances or own sufficiencyBut we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.Hebrews 10:39https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.10.39.NLTQuestions● How can we keep the wonder of our salvation, and our confidence in the Gospel?● Confidence is “The feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something.” how do you apply this to our christain life each day especially when everything in our lives says the opposite to what God has said?● What areas of your life are you lacking confidence? How do you restore your confidence?

Rejection seems to be a part of the life the enemy wants to reinforce. It comes in an endless variety:•not getting the job•a parent whose approval is out of reach•a parent who decided not to be your parent•a spouse who says they no longer love you or they love someone else•a friend that suddenly betrays you•a child who turns their back on your love.•Gender, Sexuality•EthnicityWas Jesus Rejected?Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus is not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknessDoes this say anything about the pain of rejection? Sympathizing is one thing, but does Jesus know this kind of hurt? Yes. Jesus experienced it.Being fully God, he chose to become human to experience human suffering. Every part of Jesus' life on earth was touched by rejection.Rejection by family members•John 7:5 “even his brothers did not believe in him”•Jesus' family rejected him as the Messiah•He had human relationships that hurt him, when love wasn't returned, wanted, or acceptedRejection from his community•Matthew 13:57 Neighbours and family friends “took offense at him”•He was “without honour” in his hometown•Jesus “did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (v. 58)•He knows what it's like to lose the love and support of a community, to feel unwelcome in a place that was once homeRejection from people who once claimed to love him•Jesus, in his God-ness, predicted both Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial•He saw it coming. But his humanness still experienced the hurt•John 13:21 Jesus was “troubled in his spirit” as he foretold of Judas•He had just washed the disciples feet, symbolizing the laying down of his life for them•Peter, who professed his love and commitment to Jesus more fervently than any other disciple, would deny and reject any association with him in hours•Sudden, total, heartbreaking rejectionRejection from his Father•Matthew 26:38 Jesus was “very sorrowful, even to death”•Luke 22:44 He sweated blood•This was more than thoughts of the approaching physical pain. It was the knowledge that he would soon be separated from and abandoned by his Father•Matthew 27:46 Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He didn't ask, “Why I am I in such pain?” or “Why do I have to endure this?”Redeemed from Rejection •Rejection is a significant source of pain for many of us•Jesus understands our pain in the most real way, and he shares the burden•He experienced everything that we now experience in order to redeem it all and cover it in grace•The gospel stands as the unfaltering, unchangeable answer to rejection•Rejection created the need for the gospel in the first place•Sin entered the world because two people rejected God and his command. For this, they faced God's eternal rejection. We too were placed under a curse of separation from his favour and bound to his wrath•Jesus redeemed us from that curse by taking it upon himself•To redeem is to buy back, to accept, to choose•Redemption is the opposite of rejection. By the power of the gospel, we have received the “Spirit of adoption” Romans 8:15•That's permanent, binding acceptance•We know that, now, nothing can separate us from the Father's love Romans 8:38-39•Man's rejection is made small in light of the truth that, through the gospel, we have God's eternal love and acceptance, unconditionally•What can man's rejection do to us if Almighty God is for us?Questions 1. If Jesus identifies with our weakness and experienced what we did, are you able to identify with Jesus and the rejection he received?2. What type of Rejection have you suffered in your life?3. How should we handle rejection?4. What steps do you need to take to be healed of the Hurt and Pain of rejection?

The Garden of AgonyMatthew 26:36-46Luke 22:39-46Mark 14:32-42Each writer has a slight differences and additions in their recording of that night  •The real difference is that Jesus knew and understood the time  •The disciples were unconcerned and went to sleep, not able to keep their eyes open although 3 did as they recorded that evening for us.   What do you think the Disciples perspective was on the situation?  Were they aware of what was about to happen?   Do you think they could have understood the enormity of what Jesus was about to do?  Jesus had tried to prepare them for this moment, telling them many times what was going to take place, what must happen to the Son of Man, and Peter being rebuked for saying that would never happen.  Jesus warned his disciples not to tell anyone who he was. “The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.” Luke 9:21-22 Isaiah Prophesies this in Isaiah 50:4-9. Jesus had always known this was his Destiney he was the only one who could carry the sin of the whole world upon and pay the price for it once and for all your sin and my sin  There's one constant in the recordings – Jesus "I want your will to be done not mine"  It was the most awful situation you could imagine, but Jesus saw a bigger picture he knew what the consequences of his death and resurrection would be, He had heavens perspective even though it meant suffering and a cruel death.   Heavens perspective Jesus would be the perfect sacrifice, giving up his life to death that we might have life, freedom from sin, shame, guilt and fear.   How different would we approach things in our lives if we had heavens perspective on the events that took place in our own lives.   It did not men Jesus didn't have to suffer, but as it says for the Joy set before him   What about your life? Your circumstances  Your present and future What about your past, where was God in that that has already taken place and led you to this point?  We can so easily look through our worldly tainted eyes and not see clearly   God's perspective is always different from ours:Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God's throne.Hebrews 12:1-2  There was a prophetic word at our last Catalyst leaders gathering: The church has been sleep walking into a battleQuestions1) What's your perspective on the events leading upto Jesus death?2) What do these accounts tell us about the disciples?3) What do they tell us about God?4) What can we learn from these events? If you feel like you're in a garden of agony then may I encourage you to look to God who will strengthen you and share with another and ask for prayer.

Phil continued looking at Colossians 4.

Intro● Paul encouraging Archippus to fulfil or complete his ministry ● We are all to be minister of the Kingdom of God ● We know this because just as Jesus sent his Disciples in Matthew 28 and Mark 16 it also applies to us ● Mathews recording of the event is straight to the point So what does is look like for us What does it mean to make disciples? Jesus said, "Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you." Simply put, it means that you demonstrate discipleship for them by the way that you live. And of course, verbally communicating God's Word. ● There is an assumption here that you are already obeying the truth you have received ● Does your life reflect the new creation, the person you have been saved to be? ● I was reminded again this week, it's about our Character, our Character matters ● you can be the most gifted, anointed person on the planet but without the godly character its nothing. While I was being prayed with, Colossians 3 was read out to me, God reminding me that my character matters to him. ● We have to model this in the way we live our lives in the good the bad and the ugly of life – When I first Joined this Church I felt God simply say to me I was to stand with the Leader and that's what I did for nearly 30 years and yes sometimes it was good sometimes bad and sometimes it got ugly, but I simply did what God asked of me. ● The challenge for us today is to become a disciple of Jesus Christ - not just a fair-weather follower or simply a churchgoing person. you may have made a decision to follow Jesus but haven't started or maybe you never have! ● Would you be His disciple? If so, your life will never be the same. ● Whatever our ministry, gifting, calling – whatever you want to call it, it was always meant to be worked out in the context of the community of believers, not independently no super heroes, No special ones but everyone being dependant on one another working it out together. ● The great commission is Gods mission we get to partner with him and one another I could have used several passages from scripture concerning Gifts but will just look at what Paul says to the Romans in Chapter 12 v 4-6● Dependant on one another ● Not in competition with one another ● For a body to function we need each other and to work together. Romans 12:4-6Romans 12:6-8God has not set the bar so high we cannot attain the standard it's that we are to do what we do well! Not because we have to, or ought to, it's not that that's the rules And finally Romans 12:9-10Conclusion When Jesus chose his first disciples they were not ready for what was about to happen If he can train teach and equip them and much of it was on the job training he can use anyone of us. It doesn't depend on our upbringing, training, level of education position in society. Jesus has a whole mix from the illiterate to the Doctor He can use anyone who truly believes and is willing to lay down their life for the sake of the Gospel.Available – Elevation Worship Questions 1. In what ways can our life reflect the new creation, the person we have been saved to be? 2. How can we demonstrate what discipleship is and looks like that makes it easy for others to believe 3. If we are to work out our service to God in the community of believer a. How do you think this best works? b. What are the benefits of doing it together? Are there any negatives? 4. When Paul tells us to really love and not fake it, what are the challenges to this, how do we overcome them?

Phil continued our series on Colossians looking at Colossians 4:17'And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfil the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”'Colossians 4:17 ESV ·         This is not just for an individual while Paul directs this to Archippus ·         We each have a responsibility to fulfil our part ·         There's corporate ministry and Individual ministry ·         God's intent for us that we each get to be involved, that's why he gave us the Holy Spirit to empower us to be his witnesses and through us demonstrate the Kingdom The Great Commission Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20 NLT  ·         Mandate to make disciples ·         Baptising them  ·         Teaching them  Mark goes a bit further  And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptised will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” Mark 16:15-18 NLT  Gordon Fee in his book - Paul the Spirit and the People of God  "Our task is not to share or "good view" about God, but to offer his great and glorious "good news" which includes his presence as a reality in people's lives and the church". At the last Holy Spirit night the other week I was talking about how we needed the Gift of Faith to see and experience particularly Miracles, Healings,  Questions for Group1.     How are you able to fulfill the great commission in your everyday life?2.     Are you experiencing the Holy Spirit speaking to you and leading you through your day?3.     How can we be sure that what we are sharing with people is not just a Good View of God but the Good news? 4.     Are there any blockages you need to deal with that stops you being a Disciple or from giving away what God has given you? 

Devoted to prayerPreach on a subject I have preached many timesPrayer is an immense privilege for us, whether we are praying from within or we verballyNo one can stop us talking with our heavenly father except ourselvesWhat's your prayer life like?How many prayer meetings do you have? Do you know how many church prayer meetings we have?How much time do you spend praying when you pray?What do you pray for?Paul's instruction on Colossians is clear and direct.Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.Colossians 4:2-4We find on Acts 2 the early church prayed. They knew how to devote themselves to prayer and they also knew the results of devoted prayer.Acts of the Apostles 2:42-43Devoted- Give all or most of ones time or resources to (a person or activity) “I wanted to devote more time to my family"When I was younger I heard the phrase a lotPrayer changes thingsI have to say I don't fully agree as it depends on who you pray toI heard a story recently from a lady who days she prays to her dead mother. Don't think she's going to answerThe God we pray to changes things and more so when we pray from a place of faith.Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.James 5:16Interesting here that James mentionsConfessionAccountability HealingEarnest or devoted prayer and how it affects the results of prayer.Personally I think our prayer meetings are the best meetings of the week.Paul is writing to the Colossian church and the Church in Laodicea from Prison, prison in those days maybe a hole in the ground not pleasant place to be but he is not concerned with his own condition and circumstance. He does not ask from a selfish placePaul's concern is the proclamation of the Gospel, the very reason he's in prison. It's not wrong to ask for personal prayer, for healing for help in time of need. But in this passage Paul's focus is the advance of Gods Kingdom through proclamation of the Gospel. He's not asking for an individual (S) to be saved. He knows that once the gospel is proclaimed people will hear and believe. But they can't if they have never heard the Gospel. Its good to pray that for ourselves individually and as a church which we do at the prayer meetings each weekApplicationJust in these few verses there are lots of challenge for usHow can you apply this to your life? What are the hindrances to prayer - Time, being able to focus, more important things?Do you have a concern for friends and family, colleagues, neighbours who don't know Jesus and have never heard the Gospel? How often do you pray for them?Do you confess your sin to another?Do you pray for one another that you might be healed? Are you aware of how powerful your prayers are when they come from the right heart motive?ConclusionThe church in the west has become more about consumerism rather than participation.We as elders cannot do this for youWe can model, it but there is personal responsibility on each of usOur prayer life is ours to develop and nurture.God loves it when we come to him he gave us prayer as a way to communicate with him and when we do anything is possibleWhat have you prayed for recently (doesn't matter how big or small a thing) and seen God Answer? Give thanks for that and be motivated to pray more.

Phil started the New Year looking at how God restores our hope.

● Restored back to our rightful place with God in Christ Jesus● We have thrown off our Old Garments (Filthy Rags)● Clothed in Righteousness: it's not one single garment but in his letters Paul refers to a number of Garments that make up the wholeColossians 3:12-14You must clothe yourself in:Tenderhearted Mercy - Non Judgemental, not quick to dismiss or reject the ones who are not like you or maybe exasperate you, wind you up/grates on youKindness - what is our auto response to everyone, easy to be Kind to those we like, love, admire, would like to be like, what about the rest, are we kind in our response our language, our treatment of othersHumility - That's a hard one to swallow, the moment we declare ourselves humble we rob ourselves, Our own pride is a stumbling block to use it seems it always catches us out. You've met those people who only talk about themselves only want to share their life not interested in yours, if you do get to say anything they always have a better story to tell. Have a sober assessment of yourself, get over yourself, You may need to get out of your own way to become humble.Gentleness - Jesus known for being Gentle, meek and Mild? Actually he showed great strength, wisdom and understanding When he was there at the attempted stoning of a prostitute, or the woman who grabbed his tunic, or the rich young ruler. Jesus has the right words said with gentleness but full of truth and powerPatience - How Patient are you?Bear with one another,● frustrated● Annoyed● Impatient● It's got to be done now● A toe tapper - Stood there tapping your foot in a queue because you're impatient.Forgiveness - This is such an important issue. The quote they use in the Freedom in Christ course is “Unforgiveness is like Taking Poison and hoping the other person dies.” Unforgiveness damages you. The Vow ‘I will never forgive that person' is the start of a slow death inside. It will eat you up, it will become a root of bitterness and can lead to Physical, Emotional, Spiritual and mental health problems.That's why Paul is urging the church in Colossae to make allowances for each others faults and failures, that does not mean we affirm that behavior but we do not take offenceMatthew 18:21-22Forgive 490 times!We are never let of the hook. Jesus said that if we have something against our brother or Sister we should go and put it right before offering our sacrifice as the altarMatthew 5:23-24Similarly if we also know someone has something against us we should go to them and seek to put it right as far as it depends on us.Matthew 18:15-16Love - Above All else - over every other garment love must cover it all. "A new commandment I give you - Love one another just as I have Loved you"Love GodLove One AnotherLove All PeopleLove for Jesus and Love for one another will hold us together through all trials to the fulfilment of God's calling, plan and mission.Paul said “Without love we will be like clanging symbols, what an awful noise we would make!”We have been called to a life of Lovehttps://youtu.be/zRL7ufdVzn4Could I be wearing any more clothes - Not until you are fully Clothed with all that God has intended for us to wear. Are there any clothes you are missing? Is there any outstanding, unresolved issues between you & God, You and another person that needs to be addressed?Questions1. Which of the clothing Paul talks about do you feel you lack in?2. What can you do to grow in that area?3. Is there anyone that has offended you? How have you resolved it? Can you share from your experience to help others?4. When it comes to loving others, how well are we doing? a. Personally b. As a Church5. In what ways can we

Covetousness, Greed & IdolatryIntroduction●Paul is calling the Colossians to get rid of the things in life that hinder us from following Jesus.●Things that stop from being true Disciples●These things are hard hitting ●God's heart is for us to desire him●Paul's desire is that the people of God be fully satisfied with God himself seeking his face not his hand.  So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.Colossians 3:5To Covet●Paul says, “Covetousness, which is idolatry.”●So what does idolatry look like today? The activity of the human heart.●This is not a deed of the body. That follows — a fruit on a branch. It starts in the heart: craving, wanting, enjoying, being satisfied by anything that you treasure more than God. That is an idol. Paul calls this covetousness — a disordered love or desire, loving more than God what ought to be loved less than God and only for the sake of God. But covetousness is the condition that this disordered heart is in, an act of loving too much what ought to be loved less. And that is why the wrath of God is coming. That is what idolatry looks like today. And it is everywhere in our culture.John Piper - Desiring God What is an idol? Well, it is the thing. Ed Stetzer, in an article called Idolatry Is Alive Today, gives this idolatry definition: “Is it that a 12-inch tall piece of wood or bronze can do something bad to us? Or is it that we do something awful to ourselves when we place adoration and attention that should go to God in other things? When it comes to idolatry, the danger is not in an item… it is in us.”Tim Keller, in his book Counterfeit Gods answers what is an idol this way, “An idol is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, and anything that you seek to give you what only God can give.It is the thing loved or the person loved more than God, wanted more than God, desired more than God, treasured more than God, enjoyed more than God. It's not the external but the internal, it starts with our heart, Is there anything you desire more than God himself?God's LawExodus 20:2‭-‬5Exodus 20:17Even the things of God can become Idols if in our hearts we desire them more than God himself Romans 1:22–23What are the Idols of today?1. Our Identity2. Money/Consumerism3. Entertainment4. Sex5. Comfort6. Our PhonesIt could be a Partner It could be Achievement, good grades, Degree It could be the approval of other people.It could be success in business. Or your career.It could be sexual stimulation. It could be a hobby or a musical group that you are following or a sport Having a perfect Home and/or GardenOr your own looks could be an idol. It could be anything.So Paul puts it like this:This is how we used to live - Romans 1:25 And why is that? - 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10This is how we are called to live - Hebrews 4:12‭-‬13So when we turn to Jesus Christ from idols, we escape the wrath of God because he is for us. God is for us in Christ on the cross - Matthew 22:37‭-‬40Conclusion Being fully satisfied with who God is for us in Christ Jesus. Psalms 96:1‭-‬6Group Questions Is there anything you are placing higher than God in your heart? Some Questions to ask ourselves that will help us to recognise if we are:-Where Do I Spend My Time?Where Do I Spend My Money? Where Do I Get My Joy? What's Always On My Mind? What do you need to do? 

More Than You Can Ask, Think Or ImagineIntroduction.Something I have lived with for a few months.Our world has changed this last 20 Months.Somethings will not return to what they were before .God wants to bring change that will lastGod can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes! Ephesians 3:20-21 MSGNow all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever!Amen.Ephesians 3:20-21 NLTGod is AbleFirst do we believe God is able ? we may think we do, we perhaps think we ought to,Just consider that for a moment That is:-having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something, considerable skill, proficiency, or intelligence.God has all those attributes and More Even if we do believe he is able, it may raise the Question Will He?He can,  he is able, but is he willing and is he willing to do that for me,It maybe we think he will only do it for some well known christian, a great preacher or leader.ChangePaul prayed this prayer because he has known this is true for himThe power of God working in us is for Change .How is God going to change us?.How is God going to change the Church?.How is God going to Change the world?If not by his power at work in usWe need a Paradigm shift in our minds and hearts to fully grasp this whole concept of the Nature of God and the change he can bring.a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptionsThe world was turned upside down by 11 Disciples who were changed by the power of God working in them, not just the one off event at pentecost but the ongoing work within them. They saw God do far more than they ever imagined possibleGod has not Changed - his very nature and Character is constant and consistentHe is the same yesterday, today and tomorrowThe same God who does the more thanSo if God's the same, who needs to change?When I met Sally and we got married things had to change. When that new person comes into your life, there are a number of things that changed, some immediately, others over time, like the choice in the clothes I wore, the way I drove.Things had to change to accommodate this new person in my life.God's plan and purpose is not just about our personal salvation, God's plan is to change the world through his people, by his power at work within us do far more than we ever imagined.If God's power at work in Paul could change him from a persecutor of the church to being a man willing to lay down his own life for the sake of gospel and to live with such faith and Love for the church - what are the possibilities in us and through us?ConclusionChange has come and while many are striving to get back to the normality they new before Covid there are some things that will have changed and will not go back to the way they were beforeQuestionsGod is able to do in you and through you far more than you can ask, think or imagine by his power at work in youHow are you experiencing his power at work?Are you willing to allow God to change you? That means you won't and can't go back to the way you were beforeAre you willing for that paradigm shift in your heart and mind?  What will that mean for you? What will you need to let go of in allowing God to change you?

Please note that the audio on the live-stream failed at the end of Phil's preach, so the last part is missing.Do you believe God is good and intends good for your life?You may say you do, but is that something you're sure of in the core of your being?Psalms 84:11No good thing does He withhold. No. Good. Thing. That's who God isGod is love, and His true nature is good.Psalm 33:5The world may be full of bad, but the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. We can choose to either focus on what is good or on the bad stuff that happensIt's good for the health of our souls to focus on his goodness.1. The Goodness of God explains everythingWhen we face difficulties, we want answers, not fully understanding how God uses that  in our lives.Remember Joseph and what happened to him. When he revealed himself to his brothers after their betrayal, he said to them, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good."God's goodness  brought explanation to Joseph's very bad experience and circumstance.What the enemy sends to defeat us, God turns around and uses it to complete us.2. The Goodness of God surrounds everythingPsalm 23:6His goodness goes before us and is behind us. On our right and on our left.We are surrounded by the goodness of God! Psalm 5:12 tells us that His favour (unmerited goodness) surrounds us like a shield!Everywhere we go.3. The Goodness of God frees us from everythingPsalm 27:13despair - a combination of emotions such as sadness, discouragement, feelings of depression, and the feeling of wanting to quitHis goodness frees us from all of those things because we believe we are going to see His goodness in the land of the living.4. The Goodness of God satisfies everythingPsalm 145:16God leads us with an open hand.He is always opening His hand to give, to bless, to heal, to encourage, to strengthen, and to die for us!5. The Goodness of God changes everythingRomans 2:4It's not how sorry we are that leads us to repentance. It's how GOOD He is.When we see His goodness, it changes how we look at Him.6. The Goodness of God shapes everythingRomans 8:28Covid 19 has meant many trying to figure everything out, trying to get their life back to some sort of normality.God is trying to move our lives to something so much better.We can embrace the reality that some really bad things have happened in our world. We can embrace that reality because, through the finished work of the cross, He causes these things to result in something good.He's not just the author of our faith. He is the finisher too. So, trust Him to finish what He started in you!Philippians 1:6Hebrews 12:27. The Goodness of God uses everythingGod can use a good day and a bad one.8. The Goodness of God restores everythingGod will right every wrong. Life will wrong you. People will wrong you.BUT GOD! He will be the one who turns it for GoodJoel 2:259. The Goodness of God outlasts everythingJeremiah 32:40When will His goodness stop? Never.His goodness will outlast everything.v41 Not only will God's goodness outlast every bad thing in your life, but HE DELIGHTS IN DOING GOOD THINGS FOR YOU!Get ready! Be expectant! You will see His glorious goodness all the days of your life!10. The Goodness of God provides everythingRomans 2:4The goodness of God is the generosity of God.He gives all things.Questions● Do you believe His personal goodness, even when things around you seem to say otherwise?● What has been your experience in Knowing the Goodness of God? Even if that meant something didn't work out how you would have hoped● He's the Author and finisher of our Faith. What does that mean for us?● How can we encourage o

Phil returned to our series on Colossians.

True faith will ask, seek, and knock “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:7-11)We are invited by God to Ask, seek, and Knock and he promises not to withhold any good thing for us. If we are to experience more of God his presence and power we are going to have to do all three things.Questions I shared about my dad's empty chair and that it can seem theres an empty chair in our own lives when we have not spent time with Jesus. How can we recognise this? what's the best remedy?What would you be asking for at this time?We are encouraged to seek first the Kingdom of God, what does that mean and how can we practically do that?How do we knock on heavens door?Pray for one another and using the above as direction for your praying

Fully Satisfied with all God is For us In Christ JesusEvery person in the world wants to know what will make him or her happy. We're all desperately seeking for the person, place, or thing that will meet our expectations, needs, and wants. We were designed for so much more than the trivial pursuit of pleasureSo maybe here in Colossians we find the answer to all thisFor in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.Colossians 2:9 - 10 Col 1:27Eph - You In Christ - Loved, Chosen, Adopted, Kindness, forgiveness, Wisdom, Understanding, John 1:1-4 Colossians 1:19 John 1:16 How do you see God? Some higher power?Some spiritual force?A God who is cruel, mean, Authoritarian, unloving? Do you see God as 3 persons in one? Teacher at my Junior school could not sing from the hymn Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty : “God in three persons,  blessed trinity” as he could not believe that truthIf you do, how do you rank them?  in an order of importance or position?1. God the Father - Most Important2. God the Son - Second3. God the Holy spirit - Least ImportantOr are they just one third of God?Each Person is Fully God!The Doctrine of the Trinity - Bit of homework for you!https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-is-the-doctrine-of-the-trinityPromises of SatisfactionThe Bible is full of glorious promises of satisfaction for the discontent: John 6:35Psalm 107:9Psalm 22:26Psalm 16:11Our Good and His Glory Seeking satisfaction in Christ alone serves two purposes: It is for our good and for the glory of God. “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” John PiperThere are benefits we reap as we know, love, and delight ourselves in Jesus. 1. The Father gives us peace that surpasses human understanding2. He provides for all our needs according to his riches in Glory3. No good thing is withheld from us4. He makes ALL things work together for our good. Living in light of these truths proclaims to a discontent world that Jesus is better than anything the world has to offer. As we look to Jesus to make us truly happy, we also proclaim to a world in need that only Christ can truly satisfy. When we are most satisfied in him, he loves that, “We glorify God when our satisfaction is Jesus alone”. This can be hard for us to grasp. Why?• Because to us, we have to read our Bible to glorify God • Or we have to pray to make him happy.• Or be telling others about him all the time. • Or Trying really hard to not sin.  No. When we are fully satisfied in him, all those things will happen as a consequence and he is happy with us. “He is most glorified when we are happy with him and in Him. That's crazy and difficult for us to comprehend, but does not change the fact it's true.  Conclusion Jirah - The Lord Provides He provides for all your needs Because he is enough Is he enough for you - Father, Son and Holy Spirit?Questions• How do you understand the Fullness of God living in Jesus human form? • What does that teach us about our own christian life? • How should that affect our understanding of God who fills the whole universe and more? • Have you ever considered what it means for us to have been created in the Image of God? What are the possibilities for us? Is there anything you have not seen or understood about this truth before? https://blog.youversion.com/2

Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin is expected to make an announcement tomorrow. Many people expect it to be an announcement to run for governor. Phil Hardy joins Nate as a political correspondent in the matter. One of the grocery stores in the area is going to become self check out only. What are your thoughts? It's official, the pentagon has said that there is something out there, and the department of defense will give all the information they have on UFO to the US Senate next month. (5/18/21)

Phil continued our series looking at Colossians.Introduction What are we building our life on?What is the source of your life?What is feeding you? While this past year may have been tough, we have had time to do things we didn't have beforeWhat have we used that time for ?Have we used it to build our relationship, drawing  nearer and going deeper?We have said this before is our life built on church attendance or on a relationshipLet's see what Paul says here to the Colossian church“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2:6-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬Let's just look a this verse 3 things to emphasize here, and Pauls tone is strong 1 You must continue to follow himSo many  start well but fall away when trouble comes or perhaps they have not fully understood what it is to follow Jesus. Jesus told them. Parable of the sower - Matthew 13:3‭-‬9 NLTIn this passage there are 4 types of ground a. Hard footpathb. shallow soil with underlying Rockc. thorny ground d. fertile soilIt seems the odds are 1 in 4 for the seed to grow and become strong and last 2. Let your roots go down into himPaul prays his readers will be secure in their reliance on love. The imagery is that of a tree held strongly by deep roots (Matthew 13:6, 21; 15:13; Mark 4:17). Love, especially shown between fellow Christians, is meant to be the hallmark of our faith (John 13:34–35). Love is likewise meant to keep the Christian grounded, staying in place with Christ and growing us to maturity. Colossians 2:7 speaks similarly of being "rooted and built up in him and established in the faith."Matthew 13:21But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.Psalm 92:12But the godly will flourish like palm treesand grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.The Cedar Trees of Lebanon Today, the Bulk of the Cedar trees are located on the Arz Mountains in Lebanon. The site is well protected and cherished as UNESCO named the forest one of the World Heritage sites.Solomon used this cedar wood in Building the temple.Jeremiah 17:7‭-‬8 NLTPsalms 1:1‭-‬3 NLT3. Let your lives be built on himPaul famously speaks eloquently of faith, hope, and love at the conclusion of 1 Corinthians 13. Here, he mentions two of these attributes. First, his desire in this passage is for growth in faith, rather than knowledge, though both are important. Ephesians 2:22 also used the idea of a "dwelling place for God by the Spirit." Paul similarly taught the Colossians, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Colossians 3:16).Parable of 2 men building a house - Matthew 7:24‭-‬27 NLTConclusion The fruit of being rooted Overflowing with Thankfulness As a nation we have a culture of complaining, blame & claimTo walk in the opposite spirit is to be thankful and in every circumstance be content. Paul knew this but did it come from within himself, his own choice or decision or from him being rooted in Christ?When we are rooted into him the fruit will be evident. Questions In what ways do you need to grow up in Christ?How are you putting your roots down into him? Are there any hindrances to this? What do we need to do to build our lives on him?What evidence should we be expecting when we do these 3 things Paul encourages us to do?  

What a privilege to Celebrate the Resurrection of our Saviour King Jesus. It’s the greatest day in History - The day the power of ALL sin for ALL time was dealt with. The very foundation of our Faith. There is no one else who can forgive sin and free us from the power of sin only Jesus. Jesus Died carrying the weight of our sin upon himself conquering it forever. His blood shed for us that washes us spotless and Blameless, made righteous by putting our faith in him and asking him into our lives. He was raised to life - Philippians 2:6-11Romans 8:32-39It was because of love that he went to the cross for us and Paul confirms that nothing can separate us from that love.Q Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?Q Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own?A No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself.Q Who then will condemn us?A No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honour at God’s right hand, pleading for us.Q Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?A (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.This week an old song has been on my mind and in it there's an invitation to look at Jesus.Turn your eyes upon JesusLook full, in his wonderful faceAnd the things of earth will grow strangely dimIn the light of his glory and graceRomans 8 tells us of what has been accomplished for us by Jesus Death and Resurrection. Because he loved you and me whether you already know God or Not. Jesus chose to do this, no one took his life from him he gave it up freely that you might have life like this.The invitation is simple: Turn your eyes upon Jesus . Look Full into his wonderful face - We can do this without any shame, guilt or fear He will not Judge usHe will not Accuse us He will not Condemn usHe will not turn his face away from usHe will receive usHe will forgive usHe will cleanse us from our sinHe will lavish us with love & graceHe will Affirm us as Children of God. He will hide us in the Shadow of his wing.and so much more  Have you been distracted from looking upon the face of Jesus by other things?What’s stopping you today from looking at Jesus? When John encountered Jesus in Revelation, here’s how he described him - Revelation 1:9, 12-16 Conclusion Andrew Wilson - Incomparable - P196 Jesus Shines.I Can Only Imagine - MercyMeI can only imagineWhat it will be likeWhen I walk by your sideI can only imagineWhat my eyes would seeWhen your face is before meI can only imagineI can only imagine, yeahI can only imagineWhen that day comesAnd I find myselfStanding in the sunI can only imagineWhen all I will doIs forever, forever worship youI can only imagineQuestions• How do we see Jesus?• What is our response to Jesus today?• Are the things of earth clouding your view and understanding of Jesus?• Are you experiencing his Glory

Phil Hardy filled in for Nate today. He talked to Melissa Davin from Idaho Public Television about vaccines in Idaho. Yesterday Trump made a comment about whether or not he would run in the future. Rick Wiley joined Phil to discuss the future of the Republican Party. The US House passed the "For The People Act" that includes measures that would take away States abilities to purge voter rolls. Ada County Clerk Phil McGrane was on to discuss that. Congressman Russ Fulcher also joined the show to discuss immigration and spending. (3/17/21)

For Phil's full notes (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vFoecw0OTsEXrZFvTCZv_CKLUMhsCVDy/view?usp=sharingIntroduction • Today's Talk is an Important /serious Talk• There seems to be another teaching around about God's Punishment that does not line up with New Testament teaching• We all can have moments of doubt • we can all get tempted to look to something else• Some may say its not working for me anymore• Even when everything in our lives seems contrary to the truth and it's shouting louder than the truth Paul's encouragement / instruction is to stand Firm.Colossians 1:23Definition: to refuse to change a decision, position or our mind.Isaiah 7:9Ephesians 6:10‭-‬12Galatians 1:6‭-‬101 Corinthians 16:13‭-‬14God Is Wrathful (And That’s A Good Thing)God Is Full Of Grace3 Ways we can Stand Firm • WE HAVE TO KNOW ON WHAT (OR WHOM) WE ARE STANDING.John 14:6, John 17:17, Psalm 40:1-2• RESIST THE DEVIL AND HIS LIESWhen we are struggling with our faith, Satan will whisper words contrary to God’s Word. We have to choose to reject those thoughts and take them captive and make them subject to the truth • DON’T WAVER BETWEEN FAITH, DOUT and FALSE TEACHINGWe have to know what we believe and why we believe, so that when the challenges come, we are firm in our faith. 1 Kings 18:21Are you sometimes still wavering between wanting to follow God and wanting to follow the world. If that is the case, we will definitely struggle with our faith. The Lord is asking you today, “How long will you waver between two opinions?”If you know that God is God and God is good, there’s no question. Don’t let the devil make you think Satan has something better to offer you in the world. That's the lie he wants you to believe.Only God is God and He alone knows what is best for us. He alone is the path to life, love, and victory.Abraham and his faith. He was a man, a real person, just like you and me. God gave him a great promise with little evidence that he could actually see.Romans 4:20Abraham made mistakes.• He wasn't perfect. But he was “fully persuaded.” • Are you fully persuaded that God is able to do what He has promised?Conclusion Are you still struggling to believe God because of trials, tribulations, or temptations that you are going through right now?Be encouraged that the Lord of all can set you free.He can lead you out of the place of doubt and confusion and give you a firm place to stand.Open your arms wide to the love of Jesus and let Him lift you up. Trust that He is good and He loves you perfectly. He will make a way for you and keep you in His love and in His truth.He has promised to keep us until the day of Jesus Christ. Questions For Groups - (Suggest only pick 3 or 4 Questions) • Have you ever thought of yourself as deserving God’s wrath? Why or why not?• Is there one thing you learned about God’s wrath leaves you more in awe of Him?• Can you remember a time when you asked Jesus to absorb God’s wrath on your behalf and be your saviour? Take a few minutes right now to thank Jesus for saving you.• Where in your life do you struggle to receive grace? • Do you find it hard to give others grace?• Do you feel truly adopted, redeemed, and forgiven?What things will help you continue in unwavering faith in the hope of the gospel (v.23)?

Lifestyle of PrayerV 3 - We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Col 4:2 Paul gives some clear instructions about Prayer : ‘Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving’ (ESV). Firstly, we are to continue in prayer. • We are instructed to cultivate prayers in our lives; that is, an ongoing habit of prayer. A lifestyle of prayer. Secondly, we’re called to be steadfast in prayer. • We’re to be immovable and unwavering in our prayers until we get an answer. • Keeping going in prayer when we ‘don’t feel like it’ or when ‘life is busy’ even when we are on Holiday it is the key to developing a lifestyle of Prayer. • Mark Driscoll say this a"God has 3 answers to our prayers, Yes, No, Later" Thirdly, Paul says to us to be watchful. • This has the sense of being awake and alert to what the Holy Spirit is saying or warning us about (Mark 14:37–38) or to the return of Christ (Luke 21:34–36). • There’s something we can do about spiritual dozing, apathy and passivity; we can keep ourselves alert in prayer! • On a very practical note, seek to develop habits of prayer that keep you awake (like speaking aloud and walking around) and don’t entice you to sleep (such as sitting in a cosy armchair early in the morning with your eyes closed). Get yourself a prayer Dog. Fourthly we’re called to thankfulness (see 3:15–17). • It’s incredibly refreshing and encouraging to regularly list up, in prayer, the blessings we’ve received. Don’t neglect it! So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honour and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.Colossians 1:9-14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/col.1.9-14.NLT Questions 1. Where do you need to grow in your prayer life? How can you do that? 2. What are the things you really desire and long for at this time? What has been you focus in your prayers? 3. Do you pray for the church? and what kind of things do you pray?

Lifestyle of PrayerIntroductionPaul who once persecuted the Church, had Christians thrown in Prison even killed now prays for the church with such love and affection Paul loves the Church, because Jesus Loves the Church. He died for the church, It is the Bride of Christ. Paul's Love for the church is expressed in the way he Gives thanks, highlighting the Good news that is being worked in and through them. Paul's PrayerWe always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.Colossians 1:3-5 NLT Paul was full of Joy for the Church as he sees their love for people and their Confident hope. Questions Do you love the church? What is it you love about the church ?Why do you think Paul loves the Church?Have you lost Your Joy in your salvation? How do we get back our Joy of Salvation?What is hope is your confidence in?

Phil gave an introduction to our new series looking at Colossians, which starts next week. Disciples who make Disciples Introduction Adventures with God Have you Got a taste for Adventure - (beer mat from a couple of years ago) Some have left is to go on their Adventure with God, some have joined us on our AdventureI believe we are entering a new phase of Adventure The Adventure so Far A building Social Action increase Influenced increased through use of the Building by various groups The Gospel being preached 3 Alphas Courses last year Multi site meetings I’ve been living with a challenge for what it means to be a true disciple that’s why last year we took time to look at the life of Peter. We feel God wants to take us deeper into him and for us to be true disciples who go and make disciples. Bible References Matthew 28:18 - 20 Mark 15:15-18 The new order of the Kingdom not the specialist - This is my ministry this was always intended to be the ministry of all believers. A Disciple What is a Disciple One who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: You have to know what is it is you believe and then comes the sharing with others 1. Follow First they Followed Jesus Captivated by him Learnt from Him Learnt to obey him Imitated him Trained by him Transformed by him All Character - Gods more interested in your Character than your Gift. Equipped by him Commissioned by him 2. Go They went because they were sent, not going with their own ambitions but because He sent them Just as he now sends us. Went With him - they were not alone - Presence of the Holy Spirit worked with him - Power of the Holy Spirit Carried his Authority - Equipped by the Holy Spirit Led by him - Directed by the Holy Spirit Continued to Obey him, calling others to the Obedience that comes from Faith. There are some who have said the Holy Spirit and the Gifts of the Spirit are not for today I would Argue we need him and all that he is and brings to us more then ever before. Conclusion Discipleship starts with Jesus and we first need to look at Jesus so we are going to start the year focusing on him We are going to look through the Book of Colossians Key Verses - For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. Colossians 2:9-10It starts with chapter 1 & 2 Jesus Christ is our Lord • Chapter 1 - Lord of Creation, Lord of the Church, Lord of Ministry • Chapter 2 - Lord of our Walk, Lord of our Salvation, Lord of our growth It goes on to focus on us • Chapter 3 - Our Life, Mind, Body, Attitude, Actions • Chapter 4 - Our Love, Love for the Lost, Love for one another Not a time to be complacent not a time for apathy or passivity Questions • How do you know if you are a true Disciple of Jesus?• What are the characteristics of a True Disciple?• Are you and how are you intentionally seeking to be like Jesus? • What is it about Jesus that motivates you to follow him?

Phil spoke at our Christmas Celebration service.

Phil spoke about Peter and how Jesus redeemed him from his failures. Jesus redeems us from our failures. In any sporting event like Olympic Games every four years, probably 90 percent of the best athletes in the world do not win a medal. They try but they fail. Likewise, the Bible records many people who failed. Often times we fail at the point of our greatest strength. All failure can be redeemed in Jesus Peter’s boasted that even if all the other disciples forsook Jesus; he would not. This is the same Peter who had courage to get out of the boat and also the same man who pulled out a sword to defend Jesus in the Garden. Now that Jesus had been arrested, Peter denied Jesus three times just as Jesus said he would. John 18:15-17; John 18:25-27It appeared that Peter was a failure but thankfully failure was not final in Peter’s life. Peter realized that he was not as strong as he first thought. Peter discovered that God’s love and forgiveness was not dependent on success. God measure success and failure different to us. Peter discovered that Jesus still loved him in spite of his failure. So did Peter quit? Give up as a failure, never to serve again? No. John 21:15‐19 records the wonderful restoration Jesus brings to Peter. Peter learned from his failures. Peter went out and wept bitterly. He had great remorse. Peter’s remorse was different from Judas’ remorse. (Failure)Unlike Judas, Peter’s remorse led him to make some changes in his life. Just as Peter denied Jesus three times by the fire, in John 21 Jesus asked Peter “Do you love Me?” three times by the fire. (Success) Jesus expressed love and grace to Peter there was no condemnation The success in this story is not Peters Failure but Gods Grace to redeem that failure and restore Peter not to position of ministry but to relationship with Jesus Romans 8 V 1 & 2 says there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus - Fully redeemed To Be Redeemed is 1. compensate for the faults or bad aspects of.2. gain or regain possession of (something) in exchange for payment. Jesus has accomplished both for us There’s no record of Jesus reminding Peter saying I told you so, Love keeps no record of wrongs or failure. Peter proved by his actions that he was serious in his love for Jesus. In Acts 4, Peter stood in the same courtyard in which he denied Jesus and boldly proclaimed Jesus before the same crowd in which he had denied Jesus. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the same man who had cursed and denied Jesus earlier was now standing unafraid before the same crowd that called for the crucifixion of Jesus. This crowd realized that there was something different about Peter. They knew Peter was uneducated and unschooled, yet they were amazed and recognized that they (Peter and John) had been with Jesus. Verse 3 in the song So Will I by HillsongsSpending time with Jesus made all the difference in Peter’s life. Jesus wants to make that same difference in our lives. Do others see through your life that you have “been with Jesus”? The same Jesus that impacted and changed Peter’s life waits to impact and change our lives as well. Questions for Groups - Living it out1. Following the Lord at a distance can leave room for failure. How close is your walk? Is it safe or amazing?2. Would you be willing to pray for more boldness?3. Is there anyone in Scripture was redeemed from failure that you identify with?4. Peter needed to say, “I love you” to Jesus. Do you need to do this?

Phil preached from 1 Peter 2 & 4Second Part of TalkIntroductionLooked at Peter and how the change from a working class fisherman to being a man full of the holy sprirt and FireNeal spoke last week on another man called Gideon who said of himself as the leats of the least from the least of all the tribesHow do you see yourself ?Peter wrote this about every Christian: 1 Peter 2:9https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.2.9.NLTThe moment you were Born again you were born into the the Kingdom of heaven you became a Royal born into the family of the King of KingsIf you were born into the Royal Family from birth to death your a royal, no matter where you are, what you do, what yo say, where you go, your a royalThe doctrine of the priesthood of all believers means that all believers in Christ share in his priestly status; therefore, there is no special class of people who mediate the knowledge, presence, and forgiveness of Christ to the rest of believers, and all believers have the right and authority to read, interpret, and apply the teachings of Scripture.You might not feel royal, you might not act royal, and not look royal our position in Christ is not based onn those things Its based on what God has done through Jesus Christ You are not only Royal but also a Priest, not as we see earthly priests today, Your priesthood is that of Jesus, Your Priesthood means that you can get to do the things Jesus did and more. Whether you are a new christian or have been for years it makes no difference if you as a new christian have the same rights and privilages as any Christian.The privileges areYou can worship and pray to God through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit anywhere and at anytime.God in Jesus Christ is the only forgiver of sin. Priests can’t forgive you of sin, nor prescribe some process by which your sins are forgiven. There is no penance to be paid; there is no need to offer a Hail Mary prayer. The Psalmist declares “as far as the east is from the west, so far does he [God alone] remove our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12 ESV) Jesus alone is our mediator for sin. Jesus alone is our great High priest.You can read and understand God’s Word anywhere and at anytime for yourself though Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. All Christians have that privilege.You can serve God anywhere and at anytime through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.Bakewell site - Why - gather as many people as we could Purpose - To be community togther, create a palce to minister to one another future - To have local gatherings around the peaks that we can grow and see the vision and Gods promise's to us fulfilled So the application of being a Royal PriestGod has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.1 Peter 4:10, 11 NLThttps://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.4.11.NLTAs part of the being a royal priesthood God has given each of you a gift you may know, may not know what that is, but from his great variety Peter says We can very often be very narrow and limited in our thinking but God is not Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy God suppliesQuestions I started the talk with a question 1) How do you see yourself?2) How do you understand the statement "You are a Royal Priesthood"?3) What needs to change for you to be able to live out this truth?4) After the Talk and discussuing this passage, how do you see yourself now?

Vision Talk Sept 20 - The Hope for our Nation Is The Gospel !Introduction What kind of vision talk do you bring at a time like this?It's not like we can have plans for new initiatives in a time of such uncertaintyCalling to equip each believer to fulfil their own kingdom calling evidenced by the gift of Grace on their lives Over the summer I have been considering the live of the Apostle PeterA working class Jew that Jesus saw potential in and called it outPeter had Roller coaster experience with Jesus first meeting Jesus recognizes he is a sinner unworthy- Luke 5 1-11Moments of revelation when he says you are the Christ the son of God - “Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.””Matthew 16:16 ESVMovements of failure when he rebukes Jesus concerning his death -“And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.””Matthew 16:22 ESVMakes a promise that he cannot keep at that time to follow Jesus wherever he goes even to death - “Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.””Matthew 26:33 NLTFails again when he denies Jesus 3 times an each time with more veracity - “But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.”Matthew 26:70 NLT“Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said.”Matthew 26:72 NLT“Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed.”Matthew 26:74 NLTGet has great promise spoken over his life when Jesus says on this rock meaning Peter I will build my church. - “Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.””Matthew 16:17-19 NLTThen we see him in acts preaching the Gospel and healing the sick with great boldness and courageSo what made the difference?What brought the change? I think it's The anointing of the Holy SpiritI was thinking about another man a bit closer to us in history and location, Smith Wigglesworth plumber from Bradford who carried an anointing that gave him boldness and courageNew the fire of GodSaw people saved and healedSpoke propheticallySo what's all that got to do with vision?God wants to anoint you with Holy Spirit fire, anointing its dependent on how educated you are how gifted you are whether you’re an introvert or extrovert its dependent on God and our obedient response that comes from our faith in him.The prophetic word we had last year of being a fire church isn't about the building its about each one of us ablaze with the anointing that comes from God by the Holy SpiritWe have started a second site where we want to gather locally to set fires going across the peaks. We want to see more sites that gather people to encounter the fire of GodThis line from a old song has been running around my head for a while nowYour gospel o Lord is the hope for our nation - don't know about you but I don't think there's another answerJesus says this“For the Good News must first be preached to all nations.”Mark 13:10 NLT

Phil contined looking at look at God's lavish grace and how Peter's first experience of Jesus was full of grace.Over the last few weeks we have considered Gods grace in saving us being sufficient for all our lives and how we live in the light of Gods GraceToday I am looking at grace multiplied2 Peter 1:2Peter suggests here that grace and peace are multiplied as we grow in our knowledge of JesusIt says in John 1:14 he, Jesus came full of grace and truth, and again in John 1:17The underserved favour of God has been given us and demonstrated to us by Jesus.We could not earn and we certainly don't deserve it, a free gift just because he loves us.Back to PeterIf we can have grace multiplied what does that look like?To find our let's take a look at Peter,Peter was a Jewish fisherman, was not educated we would say a working class family man as we know he was married as Jesus healed his mothering law. He would have heard the teaching of Moses and about the messiah to come. But I want to look at Peters first encounter with Jesus. Luke 5:1-11 Peter was a proficient fisherman, it was the family business, he knew how to fish.Caught nothing that night and as they were cleaning their nets after catching no fish Jesus showing.Jesus has a habit of showing up when things aren't going so well (that's grace)Jesus gets in peters boat and having taught the people and knowing Peter hasn't had any success fishing that night, he gives the instruction to go a bit deeper and cast the next again. Peter could have thought I'm the fisherman Who does he think he is? Don't need him telling me how to do my job!But he agrees and the result is more fish than his boat can carry and another boat too. Gods grace multiplied, more than you can managePeters knowledge of grace want textbook knowledge, it wasn't from bible study or theology.Peters first encounter with gods lavish grace always experiential.Grace is to be experienced, as someone once said to me “better felt than tellet”!In other words Gods intention is that we have head knowledge or good theological understanding it’s that in everyday life we experience God’s grace in every moment and grace more sufficient than we need.Peter’s first encounter with this grace started him on a path that changed his life forever and as you look more at his life you see he needed more grace. Peter knew experientially what it was to live with grace and peace multiplied to him and wants us to experience the sameWe are going to look at this story, this is taken from the Chosen, a series availed on Youtube about the life of Jesus and we would highly recommend it to youFishing sene from The ChosenAt the end of that screen When Peter recognizes who Jesus is and what measure of grace he has been given he claims I'll do anything and Jesus invites him to follow him.That invitation is for you today it's for everyone one Christian and none Christian he's calling us to follow him.I felt there were people who compartmentalized their lives and in some areas they are following Jesus but in others they aren't. Peter response to the invitation to follow Jesus was in everything, he left everything and in leaving everything he experienced graced multiplied to him.The invitation is to follow Jesus completely. Questions1. In the story of Peter encountering Jesus how did Peter experience Gods grace?2. How have you experienced Gods grace?3. How can we experience Gods multiplied grace,what would that mean for you?

Phil spoke from 2 Peter 1:3 about how God's grace is everything that we need.Is life a struggle?Sometimes is temptation too much?Dave encouraged us last week to receive the fathers love againThis week I want to encourage us to receive fresh graceHis divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,2 Peter 1:3 ESVhttps://bible.com/bible/59/2pe.1.3.ESV2 Peter 1:3 NLThttps://bible.com/bible/116/2pe.1.3.NLT2 Peter 1:3 AMPhttps://bible.com/bible/1588/2pe.1.3.AMP1. It all starts with God himself a. It’s by Gods power that we have all we need for life God been the divine one all-powerful magnificent loving heavenly father. b. We in ourselves are not sufficient to live the life God intended for usOnce you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.Ephesians 2:1-3 NLThttps://bible.com/bible/116/eph.2.1-3.NLT2. It’s all about grace a. You have been saved by grace But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.Ephesians 2:4-8 NLThttps://bible.com/bible/116/eph.2.4-8.NLTWe can’t work up or develop an immunity to sinWe can’t of ourselves stand against the our enemies of the world the flesh or the devilBut God is sufficient for us,Grace is sufficient for usThe power of the cross is sufficient for us The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is sufficient for usSo how do we get this Grace sufficient?3. How? By the knowledge of God How do you see God?Distant?Uncaring?Uninterested in you and your life?Unloving?Our responsibility is to know God, to discover who he is, how great he is, how loving and kind he is, how gracious and compassionate he is, the list goes on Spend time with him, learn about from the bible,Discover his tenderness and nearness in worshipping himLearn to hear and know his voice in prayer with him. 4. Why?a. You have been called and chosen to know Godb. If you have already received Jesus as Lord a saviour all of this is already yoursc. If you don't know Jesus yet, he is waiting for you to respond to him and receive his divine power to live life who God intended life to be.d. Or if you have lost your way and have turned you back on God, he's here with arms wide open waiting for you to return. ConclusionYou can’t try and you don't have to do life by yourself and your own efforts God has already supplied all you need for life and Godliness you just have to choose to accept it, receive it and live in the good of it. QuestionsWhat do think of when you read this statement 'His divine power'? How do we experience this at work in our lives? How are you getting to know him? How have experienced his glory and goodness?

Phil spoke from Acts 3 and 4 about Peter and John healing a lame beggar in Jesus's name.Gospel with powerIntroduction• Religion - mans pursuit of God ?• Most would say Religion seems to be about rules and regulations to somehow make us acceptable to God• Jesus came and took upon himself all that was needed to make us acceptable to God Jesus came to give us life and freedom not burden us with rules and regulations. Look at a story from the New Testament Acts 3 - Story do the lame man begging at the temple gate called beautiful. Acts of the Apostles 3:4-8https://www.bible.com/116/act.3.4-8.nltPeter saw the opportunity and shared the good news of the kingdomIn chapter 4 we find that the religious leaders confronted Peter and JohnAnd arrested them because what they did and preached did not line up with their religious practice which had no life in it only rules and regulations.They could not deny the healing of the lame man it was obvious as he had been lame from birth and they would have seen him at the gate begging daily. Paul write to the Corinthians“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”1 Corinthians 4:20 NIVhttps://www.bible.com/111/1co.4.20.nivThere is power in the name of Jesus,To forgive sinTo bring freedom from guilt and shameTo heal sickness of the mind, body and soulTo release those who are oppressed and captive to bad habitsTo those who don't know Jesus It's not about choosing to follow a religion its about choosing to have a relationship with Jesus who can do all those things and give you lifeYou can find out more by joining the Alpha courseBefore the religious council Peter again took the opportunity to speak of Jesus “There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.””Acts of the Apostles 4:12 NLThttps://www.bible.com/116/act.4.12.nltTo ChristiansPeter saw the opportunity1. To bring healing and demonstrate Gods goodness in healing (Jesus himself possibly passed by this same man) 2. To share the good news of Jesus and in “But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.”Acts 4:4 NIVhttps://www.bible.com/111/act.4.4.nivConclusionAfter Peter and John had been released they returned to the believers and told them all that had happenedThey then pray together and I think God loves this kind of prayer Acts of the Apostles 4:29-31https://www.bible.com/116/act.4.29-31.nltThe result of this prayer was they were filled with the Holy Spirit and preached the word of God with Boldness. Maybe this is the greatest opportunity we have had in our lifetime so far, so may we too be bold enough 1. to pray this way 2. Like Peter see the opportunity for the Good news of the kingdom, whether in action or word. After all he is still the same Jesus, the way the truth and the life to all who chose to believe. QuestionsWhat are your expectations in sharing the gospel What opportunities have you had for the gospel over the last 3 months? Is lack of boldness and courage a hindrance to sharing the gospel? How and why? What needs to change and how can it?

Phil read from 1 Peter 1 and Matthew 7, reminding us about the need for our foundations to be in God.

Phil preached on Jesus's True Love for us on our Easter Sunday online service.

As we move to hosting our services online, Phil spoke from Acts 2:42 showing how the disciples started doing church and devoting themselves.

Phil looked at Jesus's promise of real and eternal life in John 10:6-10.

Phil completed our series on Joshua looking at the end of Joshua's life and his final instructions for the Israelites.

Building on a prophecy that was brought a couple of weeks ago, saynig that we are a "Fire Church", Phil looked at 1 Corinthians 13 and how the church needed to demonstrate each of these qualities to each other and to the outside world. Introduction• Word from Tim Banfield, Sunday visitor from Wales. • We are a fire church• Go and light some firesDon't know if you have considered what a fire church looks like?What does that mean?I have been thinking and praying about it since we had this word. As you we listened to the recording we can get excited about that but what's the reality look likeSo what does a fire church look like?A place where we experience the presence of God?A place where Gods kingdom breaks into people's lives?A place where we can expect healing and deliverance to take place?A place where people are saved?A church through which God demonstrates his Kingdom rule and reign into every place he has given us influenceAs I prayed God led me this one main thing a place where his love in experienced and lived outJesus said this to his disciples, that means us.“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.””‭‭John‬ ‭13:34-35‬ ‭NLT‬‬How are you expressing his love to One another?In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul is writing about spiritual gifts, leadership, and the importance of embracing your gifting. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul continues this line of reasoning as he talks about leaders sounding a clear call.But right in the middle is 1 Corinthians 13, commonly known as “the love chapter.” If you have ever attended a Christian wedding ceremony, you have most likely heard a verse or two quoted. 1 Corinthians 13 is a chapter on how to love one another in the church, not how to be a great husband or wife.We cannot be effective as a people if we do not know how to love one another.What If we applied 1 Corinthians 13 to every area of church life, what difference would that make?The whole point of Jesus coming was that the world would know the love of the Father.The whole point of the church is that through the church the world would get to se and experience this love.Who's this letter to ?“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:”‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:2‬ ‭ESV‬‬Consider what love is:• Love is patient.Am I giving others the same room to make mistakes as I want them to give me?Do we get exasperated with one another when they don't do what we want them to?• Love is kind.Do the people actually like being around you? If you want to know the answer to this question, just ask yourself how much they ask to hang out with you outside of a church meeting.• Love is not Jealous or boastful or Proud or rudeAre you jealous of someone's gifting or anointing or maybe of who they are and what they have?Or do you boast or have pride in your heart?Or are you rude to people, ignoring them even when spoken to? Or brushing them of as though they are nothing?Do we do want we do out of selfish ambition?What if you were asked to give up what you do? How would you handle it? Could you do it?• Love does not demand its own wayWill we only give of ourselves on our terms?If it's done my way that's ok but if it's not I'm out.• Love always protects.Do we have one another's back?Do we speak well of on

Phil Hardy fills in for Nate Shelman on 670 KBOI! (12/21/18)

Phil is live with Melissa Davlin from IPTV, Idaho Rep. Mat Erpelding, Jeff Clayton of the American Bail Coalition, Christine Stoll from IDeal, and Congressman-elect Russ Fulcher (12/20/18)

We’re back with our second Beyond Naschy mini-episode in which we talk about…well… a lot of things actually, but we try to stay on topic. The IMDb lists THE STRANGE LOVES OF THE VAMPIRE as a 1977 release but it turns out that Phil Hardy’s guide to horror films claims it as a 1975 film so your guess is as good as ours. I think it is likely that the film debuted in the US in 1977 and Europe two years earlier making both dates accurate depending on your location. Further complicating things is that in the US the film was given the misleading title of NIGHT OF THE WALKING DEAD! I suspect that drive-in patrons in ’77 expecting a zombie movie, maybe even a sequel to NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, had to feel disappointment but I can’t imagine the sight of the frequently nude Emma Cohen made the men in the audience unhappy. Wowsa!Only available as a bootleg sourced from a Dutch VHS tape (I mistakenly say Turkish in the show!) with subtitles hardcoded onto the screen this turns out to still be a film well worth hunting down. Although we complain a lot about the crappy print quality the film’s strengths win us over and it joins my long list of movies that need a good DVD release. Settle in and listen as we try not to spoil the movie while praising its finer points, and we don’t mean just the several sets of impressive nipples on display. Write us at naschycast@gmail.com and let us know what you think of our efforts. 

Stuck On Stuff Podcast - Episode 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vUDLFSSkGc&feature=youtu.be In episode 2 of the Stuck On Stuff podcast, Stiz & Snuk speak with cannabis entrepreneur Phil Hardy! Phil is founder of The Hardy Consultants, on the board of directors at MassCann, music director for the Boston Freedom Rally, and activist for the marijuana industry! And he came bearing gifts!! TheHardyConsultants.com @TheHardyConsultants StuckOnStuffPodcast@gmail.com Twitter - @StuckOnStuff IG - @StuckOnStuffPodcast soundcloud.com/StuckOnStuffPodcast StizGrimey.com SuerSTahSnuk.com @StizGrimey @SuperSTahSnuk

Bill speaks with Exhumed Films co-founder and Diabolik DVD co-owner Joseph A. Gervasi about how the DIY ethos of hardcore punk informed his endeavors in film culture. They discuss the origins of his various projects, from early ventures like The Cabbage Collective and Bizarre Videos to later efforts like The Valerie Project and the ongoing Loud! Fast! Philly! series. Other topics addressed include Phil Hardy’s Overlook Film Encyclopedia, entitled genre film collectors, CAFÉ FLESH, the subtle homage to Joseph’s father on the Criterion Collection edition of VALERIE AND HER WEEK OF WONDERS, and how declining nude modeling opportunities can negatively impact the distribution of one's fanzine. Visit the official site for Exhumed Films: http://www.exhumedfilms.com/ Visit the official site for Diabolik DVD: http://www.diabolikdvd.com/ Visit the official site for Loud! Fast! Philly! http://loudfastphilly.com/ Read Joseph’s 2012 interview with recent Supporting Characters guest Kier-La Janisse: http://cinedelphia.com/sinedelphia-2012-joseph-a-gervasi-interviews-kier-la-janisse/ See a documentary on Exhumed Films: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zss-LNOqKdU See a trailer for the LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Cinedelphia Film Festival event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7IgadhwD0w See/hear the music of The Valerie Project featured on television’s ‘So You Think You Can Dance’:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poY1yvVf5xY

The Young Jurks, Saturdays, 6pm ET live on WEMF Radio, speak to Mass State Rep Candidate Josh Sanderski on the phone and are joined later in the show with the guys from the Social High app, Scott Bettano and Phil Hardy. Discussing a week full of full on reefer madness in Massachusetts and announcing that Senator Pat Jehlen will be live with The Young Jurks, next Saturday 5/28/2016. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theyoungjurks/support

The Point of Personal Privilege Podcast sits down with Phil Hardy of Strategies 360 to discuss Congressman Labrador's role in the House Freedom Caucus. Plus, 80s music, upcoming legislative meetings, and throwing unsuspecting mammals out of airplanes.