KCF Notes 2010

Please note, these are my jottings during the sermons/messages given by the preachers, teachers and speakers.
They contain actual phrases spoken, summarised comments and other relevant thoughts that came to me at the time.

19/12 Donna Walker Isa 9:1-7
A time of spiritual darkness, God's face was hidden from people. Yet, why did the faithful suffer with the rebellious? We are all in this together. We have it on good authority, that there is hope. This is not 'as good as it gets'. People in Auschwitz had hope. We can choose to follow the truth. We must give something up for the sake of God. God is always compassionate towards us. He always has a 'never-the-less'. The captives got the news first. This news was for the gentiles, for everyone. Death is only a shadow because of Christ. We are forever connected to the Father, through Jesus. Joy is more than happiness. No amount of money or health can bring fulfilment. Deep joy & peace come through contentment in Christ. Beware of being caught up in the traditions. What part of it all upsets us? v6 is the reason the prophet can declare vv1-5. The Messaiah is fully human. This word for government ⇒ prince, executive ( exclusively for Jesus). God is doing all this, people are not really involved. The old covenants were bi-lateral. The new covenant is uni-lateral. What have I given birth to this year? Custom of Israel's neighbours was to give names or attributes to Kings. The king's names in this passage are indicative of Jesus rule. The ultimate in each of these realms. God sets the boundaries for time & space. He is wise, strong, eternal. Very few kings were expected to be fatherly. Peace is... No more war?, a full, filled life? Gen 15:15, 29:6 Ex 4:18, Num 6:26. Shalom = whole & complete. Go to Jesus, the mighty counsellor. Nothing impossible with God. His goodness doesn't depend on our goodness or achievement. Which title touches you in this season?

12/12/10 Jan Petrie Lk 2:1-20
What is Christmas about? Can we explain it; can we justify our way of celebrating it. Could we tell it to a hermit, making sure we got the real facts and not the froth. Consider the components of the nativity. Shepherds were normally out in the fields from March to September. Catholic Church started Christ-mass, Communion day on Dec 25th. The donkey is not mentioned. The Inn keeper is not mentioned. The Inn is a guest-chamber or upper room. Joseph probably stayed with ancestral relatives. Older relatives would get priority for the upper flat guest room. Stalls, a feeding area for animals. Magi were a powerful tribe, they had the power to appoint kings, they practiced their arts (magicians). Daniel was put in charge of Magi. Magi came from Iran which is 600 miles from Bethlehem. They most likely came on horses, not camels. We should get to know the real truth in God's word. We should be grounded in scriptural truth. We are not asked to celebrate Jesus birth. We are commanded to remember the sacrements. It's not about ritual or religiosity.

5/12/10 Harry Sprange Lk 1:5-66
Advent - coming of Jesus. Communion reminds us that He will come again. He was from the beginning, Rev 13:8 the Lamb slain from creation of world. God's plan takes time. Gen 3:15 gives a hint of the long battle to come. Isaiah in approx. 750 BC gives prophecy of Jesus coming to earth. We need to be ready for God coming in power. God's preparation:- John Baptist Lk 1:5-66 There was regular, faithful worship going on despite God being 'silent' for 300 yrs. There were upright people honouring God in their daily lives. Compare Abraham & Sarah with Elizabeth and Zechariah, a child in late years. Gen 18 God was angry that Sarah, & also Zechariah doubted. Zechariah 10 mth punishment; how do we react to God's word; punishment? The name John means 'God has been gracious'. When Zechariah's mouth was open he praised God. Speak over children, it can be a great blessing. Waiting & preparation requires courage. Moses, David, Samuel, all went through preparation. God can/will build on our life experiences, particularly the hard times. 2 Cor 1:3 clear sense of endurance for a purpose. We should give all we are to God, the good, the bad and the ugly bits. 2 Cor 4:17 shows trouble bringing eternal glory. Rom 8:28 is really, 'God is in everything and works with us to achieve His purpose'. Gen 45 Joseph's brother's are told God worked it all out for everyone's good. In Philipians, when Paul is in prison, even out of envy, Christ is preached. John the Baptist completed his work. Jn 3. Paul tells Tim, he did a good job. Col 1:28 we talk about Christ to everyone, everywhere. Advent, be prepared!

21/11/10 Richard Hobson Ps 131.
Psalms are all about God, not the psalmist. God comes through every time. This is a Holy Spirit collection of all hopes, despair, highs & lows. See how God fits in to every situation. Did David write this while Saul was trying to kill him? He was accused of trying to snatching the throne. Abraham & Sarah also lived knowing the promise, but not seeing it fulfilled. We should respond to God. Ground our actions & life in God. v1 is a desciption of an arrogant attitude. Heart is symbollic of whole person. Instead, lift up God. Don't forget God. Choose to be a servant. Biblical pride is serious, it turns God's face away from us Pr 6:6. He dwells with the humble Is 57:17. Recognise God is high & holy, we are not. Humility invites His presence. Do not diminish God. Believe the gospel, it's a pride killer, breeds humility. More important than food. God reveals what we need to know. Deut 29:29. We can receive what God reveals. Root your life in scriptures & what is revealed. Keep your eyes on His Word. Be content. Live in what He has said. Take control of your soul v2. Don't lose your calm. Be mature & content with the giver instead of the food/gifts. Feed on the solids. v3 Hope in God. He is everything, we are nothing. Humility is godliness. Heavenly hope knows it will happen. There is no other reality or firm foundation. Don't copy David, look at God and respond to Him.

14/11/10 Jim Neilson Mk 8:31-9:1
Jesus has been traveling & ministering up till now. Jesus now lays out His plan [after Peter's confession]. Daniel refers to 'Son of Man'. Persecution is coming. Zech - Messaiah will be pierced. How is God going to move in our community? He is moving! He is sovereign. We must trust Him. Opposition comes immediately - from within. Beware of exalting your success. God is gracious. We will never fully understand His ways. Any idea that is not from God, bin it. It's His Kingdom. Beware of acting like Satan. Wait & weigh things up. Make sure you know what God is saying. Move with God. Deny yourself & follow. Die to old way of life. The cross is an instrument of death, take it up. An accolite is a follower. We follow the master, listen to the teacher. Jesus doesn't ask for volunteers, He calls us. The Word of God comes to us. His purpose for us is not negotiable. Jesus directs us to the future Kingdom, not to a tradition. His Kingdom is coming in power. He wants us to enter in, to do mighty deeds.

7/11/10 Donna Walker Eph 2:1-10.
Made Alive in Christ. As for you, "George"... Am I alive in Christ, moving forward? Taking steps for good, not towards the influence of evil. The ruler of the air. We consciously need to avoid the lusts & sinfulness of this world. We have natural desires, willpower is required. Our wellbeing affects our responses. Soul, behave or read Leviticus. Seek God's help by playing your part. Receive His grace. Reflect on what it cost Jesus, too see how bad you were. v8 grace through faith. Not tithing or works. Faith = knowledge - hear it first, believe - in your head, trust - commit to God. Simplicity - from knowing God, being united to Him, compulsion to be in His purpose, peace & joy. We are His [ongoing] workmanship.

31/10 Alan Seel.
Be encouraged. What is prophecy? We can all prophesy 2 Pet 1:21 God speaking through men by unction of HS. Anointed, loving words building up, comforting. Humble hearts and God's will. Be continually hearing what God is saying. 1 cor 14:1. v3 strength, courage & comfort. Vital for well being of Church. 2 Cor 1:7 God of all comfort. Father of compassion. Job had his family & friends. Ps119 v6 unfailing. Isa 61:1-2, beauty for ashes etc. Also v10. We can comfort & be comforted. Lk4 Emmaus road. Hearts burning, spirits lifted. 1 Thes 4:18 look fwd. Heb 3:13 daily. Acts 15:31-32. Approval, support, motivate to action. Stir up faith. Serve God, take the opportunities. Listen to what's happening. Be a blessing. Move from fear to action. Be willing to give & receive. Increase strength, fortify. Deut 3:28 build up your successors. Eph 3:16 in inner being. God gives all we need. Acts 9:1 this man, v31 built up the Church. We need daily spiritual food; words from God & one another. Personal words should be confirmation of what God is already doing. Prophetic words should come come from a person of integrity. Weigh & consider all words. Use the gifts well. Keep going forward, keep listening, stay in His presence.

24/10 Heb 12 Harry Sprange.
Let us strip off all that hinders, keep looking to Jesus. What are the distractions? - ourselves & situations. We need to trust in God to look after us & stop worrying. When asking for your own needs, ask once only [or it's not faith]. Mat 14:22 Jesus told Peter to come, in the storm. Miracles happen when we are looking at Jesus, panic sets in when we look at circumstances. God disciplines. 1 Pet 3:12 - don't be surprised, Mat 5:11 this is blessing. Keep your joy. Mt 16:24, take up the cross. Heb 12 look to Jesus. Joy came through the cross. Rom 8:37, all "these things" are tough. Jesus is a way through suffering & trial. We suffer the same things as non-believers, yet God is with us & can use it all for good. Our attitude 2 Cor 5:7. Are we trusting Jesus? He is the start and end of our faith. Heb 7:25 complete (in time or totally). The end of the world is positive. Knowing we are forgiven, breaks the power of sin.

17/10 Allan Weir.
Receive in His presence. Moses wouldn't go anywhere without God's presence. 1 Pet 2:10 now have received mercy. He is God of mercy towards offenders. Ex 34:5-7 abounding in compassion & grace. Jn 3:16 not judging. Look at Jesus to understand God. Heb 2:14-18 faithful & merciful. Jn 14:9. Hosea 6:6 learn compassion. Lk 13:34 for the whole city. James 2:13 mercy triumphs over judgement. Num 7:89 - God speaks to us from mercy, not law. His mercy is great. Titus 3:5. Eph 2:3-4. 1Pet 2:24. There is abundant mercy for every part of us. Great is thy faithfulness.

10/10 William Butchart. Mk 4:35
Where is God when the storm hits? Does it feel like He abandoned us. Jesus calms the storm Mk 4:35. Jesus is tired from teaching. Gallilee was where Jesus did most of His teaching, the disciples fished it & knew it all. Jesus said 3 words. Ps89:9 - only God has this power. Jesus uses God's power. The disciples were being slow. Lots of storms happened on Gallilee. In every storm Jesus is there. He chose to rescue us, even through the cross. Where is God in great suffering? Even Auschwitz. No storm can defeat Him or remove us from Him. Sometimes we seem to want Him to be asleep in the back. Yet, we should call on Him & His power. Why suffer when He is there to help? Find out where God is & how He wants to act. Storms don't scare God. God's response may not be what we expect. Instead of fighting the consequences, He addresses the source. He sees the end from the beginning. He knows the best way to help us. When we lift it up to Him, His will will be done. He is faithful, keeps promises. Jesus challenges the disciples: don't you get it yet. Do we trust His faithfulness and power? He is God, and is with us always. Do we keep hold of Him?

3/10 Paul Younger - I believe
I believe in the forgiveness of sins Ps 130:1-8. Remarkable brevity for a core doctrine of Christianity. Meaning of words is important. Forgive = to pardon for. Sin = transgression against will, offence against standard. More examples in scripture. Gal. 5:19-21, a few examples of generally offensive behaviour. Specifically it is an offence against God, disobedience of His law. Most frequrently NT uses 'missing the mark' - a trapeze artist falling short. Consequences of sin is death. God doesn't 'grade on a curve'. Everyone needs forgiveness. Our prayer should be that of the tax collector, not the Pharisee Lk 18:11-13. Our offence is against God, so only He can forgive us. He does Ps 130:4. God forgives us through Jesus atoning sacrifice 1 John 2:1-2; pierced for our transgressions Isa. 53:5. Complete forgiveness Ps 130 2,10. Totally forgotten Jer 31:34. We can receive forgiveness by asking 1 Jn 1:9.

19/9 Hugh Henderson.
St Peter's [fishing4god.com] God's Word is powerful & the most important thing we can do is share it. Mt 7:1 - fulfilment - the whole counsel of God. Plain, direct talking. Not a nice, fluffy Jesus, an 18 month ram with 7 horns, Rev 5. Any criticism from Jesus is valid, we should be slow to judge. Be prepared to receive, even if you have to wait. Consider being the recipient of an action, before taking the action. God has shown us the gate. Share the good news, there is a choice. We must deliver fruit at all times. Rev 22:2, fruit every month. His will is what counts. Hear it & do it. Build on the rock.

12/9 Paul Younger - I believe
I believe in the communion of saints 1 Cor 12:12-31. We are the body. This is not the sacrament. This is a fellowship, that we share 2 Cor 13:14. It is all incusive, a partnership. Saints are us. All believers. This body is made up of many different parts - together! Paul uses humour and crazy pictures to hit home his point. All parts must work for the body to function. We all need to use our gifts, natural & spiritual. We have roles to play, act out. Is there discontentment? God made things the way they. Be concerned about the gifts He has given us. There is ONE body. See the bigger picture. We deceive ourselves when we think we are independent. Be aware of one another. Our actions affect the whole body. A body working well will respond to situations. Work at harmony, ensure the head is in control. Jesus Christ is our head. We exist to serve Him, we are Him on earth. Nobody can do everything. Fulfil your own role.

5/9 Jim Neilson. Mk 8:22 - 30
Asking the right question. Who is Jesus? - the right question. Heb 1:1-3. Jesus is the revelation. Mk 8:22 - 30 the Centre of the gospel. Opening of eyes - both taken away outside, not seeing clearly. Perception of normality; the subject of religion won't just go away. There will always be opportunities to share our faith. We are too pc. Not everyone can be right. How are we introducing people to Jesus? Get your own eyes on Jesus. Revelation - only Jesus can open eyes & hearts. Jesus takes us out of our comfort zones. Ceasarea Phillipi had shrines to every god & was a centre of pagan worship - and the gates of hell. Once we are shaken up we are open to Jesus. Do not take advantage, but use the opportunity. He has the answers, not us. There is seeing, & there is understanding. Jesus can touch our lives, but He can also take the veil away. Allow Jesus to reveal Himself. Consequences - the Pharisees comfort was under threat. (Their system protected their preferences). Jesus was the mighty deliverer & also the suffering servant. Jesus is counter culture, radical... Love your enemies, forgive people, take up your cross, deny yourself. The gospel is dangerous. The Kingdom is eternal. Peter is blessed for declaring Jesus, the Messaiah. What God is doing is what is important.

29/8 Alan Seel.
Where am I on the journey? Eph 2:1-10, we have a great opportunity. Meeting Jesus changes your live. Life in God is good. Phil 1:6 From the day I said yes to Jesus, He has been at work in me since. We may have turned away from Him at some points. Coming back to God is also special. Our commitment to Him may vary, but His work in us continues. He wants the best for us. Learn from Church experiences. Church and other leaders have influenced along the way. They help to shape us. Different situations help to develop us. Our gifts are trained. We also influence others. We can always go to God for assistance. After considering what we have done, review where you are now. Explore the possibilities for the Kingdom. Prayer, prophecy, proclamation. Is God challenging me, where should I be cooperating with Him? Are our hearts towards God. Be open, be flexible. Extended prayer times can be useful. Be assured that He has begun a good work. Work out your plan and purpose. Put your trust in Him. We are His ambassadors. Live a life of love, light, wisdom.

22/8 Donna Walker
Job 3. Suffering servants. We have all experienced some of what Job is going through. We all ask where God is in suffering. [Rev 6:9-10 vindication] We are not alone. All people endure hardships. God's promise - He will never leave us. His grace is sufficient. He might even prepare you for what's ahead. God's not finished with us - even when He moves us on. Jesus endured the worst suffering. Keep this word with you, you will need it. There is a life to live. We can influence this sin-sick world. Jesus tells us there will be trouble: which Jesus has overcome. It is only for this world. Rev 21:1-8. As Christians we get extra trouble, but Jesus overcame all this as well. We can trust Him that suffering will not last forever.

15/8 Harry Sprange
Jn 5:1-9 Most miracles in NT were asked for. Jesus goes to one man, rather than people coming to Him. Those at the pool may have given up hope. A picture of the Church in Scotland, sitting around, knowing something is wrong, but not expecting anything to happen today - or through me. What is God calling us to? He wants to transform us now. We are comfortable with the past & the future, but struggle with the present. Most of life in poor countries [and Scotland 200 yrs ago] is boring, mundane. The ritual for healed lepers in Leviticus was for when Jesus came. He brings an edge - fear, excitement, challenge. How are we living? Are we expectant? Mt 24, 2 Peter 3:3. We are not pre-Christian Jews! Death is an enemy to be defeated. He took inevitability out of history. Nothing can be the same! Jesus overcomes every barrier. He makes all things new. Is Church a memorial service or a celebration?

8/8 David Seel
2 Tim 2 :1-13 A life built to last. It may be hard, but keep going. Keep asking for direction. Let Him reveal His vision. Review where you have come from. Ask yourself, what am I building? Will it last? Find strength - in Jesus. Be empowered, let yourself be strengthened, by Jesus grace. Most of the time, our strength is insufficient. Isa 40:28-31. Do we wait until the wheels fall off before seeking God. Eph be strong in God. Phil 4:13 let God help you through the tough stuff (not the wrong stuff). v2 teach others. Don't hog all the action. Pass on the ministry. Raise up the next generation. Multiply your influence. Learn from the best, teach well. v3-7 endure hardship. [these are all commands!] Pay the price, endure, get the victory. Be like [the best bits of] a soldier, athlete. Be disciplined, focussed. Get yourself ready. Farmers work long and hard. Do what it takes. There are no shortcuts. v8-10 Remember, think about Jesus, keep Him central. v11-13 Trustworthy sayings, slogans, possibly songs in early Church. Never give up. Read Bible before you get to burning it. Risk failure to get success. Alfred Noble's obituary, instead of his brother. What would be written about me? Wedding vows - to the exclusion of all others.

1/8 Allan Weir
How often do we meditate? Do we change pace. Do we get still, with quiet mind. Josh 1:8 - it's a command, Ps 77 - it's a choice, Mat 6 lilies - it's a challenge, Ps 1 it's a blessing. Ps 23 The Lord is my shepherd. Jer 23, God is near; He knows what we need. We are the sheep.

20/6 Richard Hobson
Don't let your vision die. Jesus is our vision, this should increase, not die. Voltaire believed that he could undo what the disciples wrote. 1 Pet 1:21 How we receive the word makes the difference. The Word of God will 1 Thes 1:1-5. Rom 10:14. The words are necessary, they have meaning, they are important. As well as living the Gospel, we must proclaim it. When we put the Words into practice they become powerful. Communicating the Gospel is not just the words. Apart from God we are rebels. We can understand the Word of God on our own, but we Can only receive it by Holy Spirit. 1 Cor 2:1-5. The Gospel is a personal message. Any power that doesn't acknowledge Christ is not from God. When we preach the Gospel, we trust that God's power will move on people. 2 Cor 4:2, let His word bring the power. Response to the Gospel is acceptance or rejection. Be faithful - a sign of God's power at work in us. Christianity is not a lifestyle option, it is relationship and experience of grace, joy, victory. Jesus joy is rooted in the reality of God & the one we know. 1Thes 2:5 this Word is Holy. We accept it as God's Word. Speaking the Word has no power, we need to trust in its power. We engage and interact with God's Word. We bring it into all that we do. How can we give ourselves to this Word? These words are alive, full of Holy Spirit, God speaking directly to us. Only this book is inspired. Use other things only if they lead us to Christ. These words are a way for us to enter into God's ways. Encourage each other to read it receive it and live it. We struggle with our devotional life. Don't make rules, but get into the Word daily. Quality over quantity.

13/6 Donna Walker
Jonah 1:17-3:4 What kind of fish? A unique, God created, purpose designed fish. God doesn't need a precedent. God deals with each one of us individual, we don't need to worry about how He leads others. God wasn't punishing Jonah; Heb 12 God disciplines those He loves, in proportion to the lessons we need to learn. What are we not surrendering? What choices are we making? This was an earnest prayer. Our tears can move the heart of God. Isa 38. Prayer will always reach God. Affliction can come from God to lead us on. Satan will oppress us. Will we serve God, whether He rescues us or not? Do we act on what is right, or obligation or pressure? How willing are we to surrender? Jonah admitted his actions caused the affliction, but faced it head on. He really wanted God to respond to his prayer. Are we willing to move on, out of our comfort zone? Don't forfeit God's grace. Only God can save, He can restore. Flirting with disobedience is not worth it. Jonah had a very short succinct message. What are the real life issues?

6/6 Donna Walker
Jonah 1 son of Amitie (truth) was called by God. Nineveh was in Iraq, powerful & prosperous. Ruthless people had taken over. God's plan & purpose - permissive will. Jonah on the run - trying to avoid a tough task (a long journey), [when God wants us to fly, He gives wings]; afraid of the heathens; as a biggot. We are no better than the Ninevites. We are in no place to judge anyone. Ps 139, we run from God but cannot hide. When we decline God, we are the losers. There are always consequences; a price to pay. Bless God there is a way back - conviction is to prompt repentance. In desperation, do we call on God first? v5 Do we get complacement in our rebellion? Wake up! Have we watered down the gospel? The sailors noticed when Jonah identified who he was. God is not fuzzy feel-good. There is no excuse for disobedience. God may bring good out of our rebellion. We plan, but our lives are not our own. Our wills can drag us under. Return to God asap.

30/5 Alan Milnes
I Sam 1. Situation in a Missionary Hospital in Africa: prem baby, winter, poor health, hot water bottle perished; they prayed at lunch time. Then, a parcel arrived with new hot water bottle & doll. How would we react to knowing the future? God is Beyond time. Elkanah was wealthy, yet his barren wife was in pain. Judges 21:25, no king, lawlessness. Eli's sons were also lawless & rotten. It's a dark time, the Ark is captured. God too had pain in His heart. v10 a deep emotional prayer. Prayer changes things. It has to be something real in our relationship with God. Jas 5:16 earnest prayer has great results. Elkanah followed God. Pray using ACTS [adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication], don't treat God as a vending machine. Eli makes a wrong assumption, but then agrees with her prayer. The 'God' words they use shows how close they each are to God. Hannah, believes right away that God will come good. Provision - God gives her a son. Numbers 30:6 vows, pledges, v10. Elkanah could have released Hannah, but honours her & God. Get into the deep things of God. Believe God can provide; that He does amazing things. How do we know what to pray? Mk 6: How did Jesus know what to do or say? How do we enable the Kingdom? Be close to God. Receive His gifts, return them to His service. Train pray-ers.

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