KCF Notes 2024

Please note:
These are mainly my notes & thoughts from the messages spoken to KCF.

28/4 Andrea Mill Ex 20:1-11   God's Name

  The worship songs were pertinent to this message. The Name of God. The 1st commandment, Ex 20:3, there is to be no other God. His Name is very important. It tells us who he is and what He is like. It's a personality trait, like when we say somthing like, "Those Carratt's are all like that". Ex 20:7 commands us not to misuse His name. It is not a swear word. Ex 20:1-11 are God's instructions to Moses. The first four are about our relationship with Him. The Hebrew word nasa, translated misuse really means lifting or carrying. We are required not to misrepresent God by the way we live. Ex 19 3-6, when they had just come out of Egypt, thet were reminded to live as free people. We have already been saved. Live as a kingdom of priests. We are His, we carry His name. God has many names related to his character. The name He gives is I AM. He reveals His name. YHWH. Deut 12, His name is to be on the places of worship, the high places. Jesus is the name above all names. Ex 28:36-38 the plate for the priest's turban was engraved marking them as belonging to the Lord. Aaron represented the people before God. Each tribe had their name on a stone on the Breastplate. Aaron bore, nasa, their names. Ex 20:7, don't carry his name in vain. Priests and nuns have clothing that lets us know what type of behaviour to expect from them. Jesus is our high priest to show us how to live 'Holy to the Lord '. Hallowed be your name, the declaration at the start of Lords prayer. Our lives are to honour God. 2 Cor 5:16-21. We represent Christ and his Kingdom. We are his ambassadors. What do people see when they look at us? The media picks up on the shortcomings. The world will know that we belong to God by the love we show for one another. Jn 13:35. We must give a true representation of living for Jesus. What does it mean for me? Do I have that sign over me. Am I misrepresenting God? How do I respond to challenges from people and attacks from Satan. Are we on the right journey? Is God's love overflowing from us. Remember who we are.

21/4 Hugh Henderson Ps 118:1-9   God is Good

  Mission International have added S Sudan and Zambia to their operations. Malwawi and Mozambique are connected to Zambia. They received a request for Bibles and a few days later a donor came forward. Ugandan trip is scheduled for July at Kampala. Malawi was destroyed by cyclone last year and was lacking in clean water, however a donor is now funding wells and food supplies. At a Myanmar youth conference last week, seven new believers were baptised. Children are still hiding in the forest for school for fear of the military. Water pipes have been installed at the house of two ladies. Teachers are not paid much and only teach half of the lessons. Children must pay and go to teachers house after school for second half of lessons. Pastor training is happening in many locations in people's homes due to local laws. Bangladesh military are continuing to cause havoc for non muslims. Pastors go to remote places to preach and teach to avoid arrest or violence. Hope Centre in Burundi has flooded and the children decanted. Roddy taking over from Hugh later this year. Pray for the transfer of knowledge and experience.
Ps 118:1-9 is a remarkable psalm. Note, you must position yourself correctly to receive God's Word. We sit under the Word. Don't stand over it and judge it. Humble yourself under it. The Psalms are songs and prayers written to Christ. Jesus is in the line of David, they are written for Him. We benefit if we are in Christ. Jesus prays using the Psalms. Part 1, God is good. He doesn't growl over the earth or condemn it. The accusation that He is not good fails. Jonah was called to preach in the most evil place on earth. He runs, complains, but eventually preaches. He complained that God is good and seemed to know God would forgive their wickedness. We are created in his image, He looks on us with love. Ceasars image on both sides of coin. We are stamped with God's image. The sacrifice of lambs is throughout the OT. God has provided our salvation. Jesus' sacrifice of blood takes away our sin. Rev 5:3 the book that couldn't be opened, except by the lamb. A way has been made for us. God is good. The steadfast love is solid and immovable. It lasts forever. v2 we should declare God's goodness. The Church must tell of his love and testify to his goodness. If we don't give thanks, we are worse than infidels. v3 Aaron's house are priests and Church leaders, they must be an example in declaring this. v4 anyone who truly fears God must do it. We have gained salvation and eternity. In 35 years since MI started teher wer no missed pay cheques. We are all obliged to tell of His goodness. Everyone must say He is good. This is more than thankfulness. God is love. It is his very being. He blesses His people. v5 in trouble? Cry to Him. God the Father will answer and set you free. Ps 103:3-5, He overcomes every trouble and affliction, all our iniquities. He crowns us with goodness. v6 He is on our side. Fear of man is great in us. Polycarp was roasted to death for preaching. v7 Are we accurate enough in our preaching to be persecuted. God helps us. v8,9 take refuge in God, not men or kings. There are 584 chapters of the Bible before and after Ps 118. This is the very centre of Scriptures. We need refuge because we are under attack.

14/4 Iain Sutherland Genesis - Revelation   Soaking

  The Iranian church is growing. They are worshipping Isa (Jesus). In spite of chaotic world events, we focus on the Sovereignty of God. Parts of the Church have rediscovered soaking. It involves create a posture to receive the love of the Father and resting in His love. It is the ultimate surrender to His sovereignty. God heals hearts and wounds when we are in receive mode. When we receive it, we are called to carry God's presence. It's about His presence. Gen 3:8,9 Adam and Eve had enjoyed God's presence, but now they hid from God. Prior to this they walked and talked with Him. Everything in Scripture from this point is about trying to get back into His presence. Gen 28:16,17 after his dream, Jacob realised he was in was in God's presence, in His house. Ex 33:7-11 Moses sets up the tent of meeting outside the camp. God spoke face to face with him. When he left Joshua remained soaking and abiding in His presence. Moses refused to leave a place if God wasn't going with them, v15. Don't move away from His presence. David in Ps 23, expected to always be in His presence v6. He is always with us. Ps 16:11 tells of fulness of joy and pleasure in His presence. Pursue it. This is encouraged all through the OT. In NT the disciples remain with Jesus in His earthly presence. Acts 4:13 Peter and John were accused of being with Jesus. Lk 23:40-43 the thief will be in Jesus presence. Lk 24:13-29, the road to Emmaus. They begged Him to stay v28,29. Acts 2:1-4 Holy Spirit is poured out to fill us. Rev 2:20 invites us to fellowship with Jesus: to the promise of the wedding feast of the Lamb Rev 19:7-9. Soaking is asking God to speak. Fix the eyes of your heart on Him. Fix your ears on what He may say. Feel Him with your heart. Open your heart to receive him. Mt 6:6 (MSG) “Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace." Find your prayer 'closet'. There are waves of blessing flowing over us.

7/4 Richard Hobson Ps 37:1-40   The Wicked and The Righteous

  The Lamb is on the throne, yet this is a broken world. Ps 37. The wicked and the righteous. God makes a distinction between them. 'Wicked' and 'righteous' are not words in common use today. David sees the difference. In wider, current culture, everyone seen as is equal. The Psalmist's viewpoint is not what we hear from our politicians. In communist countries or dictatorships you can be imprisoned for using certain words or even meeting western Christians. What are the wicked like? v12 their thinking is to do away with the righteous. v14 their actions are to do away with them, v32 they are hostile. Their future is to fade and wither v2, to be cut off, broken and destroyed v9,10,15,17,38, they perish v20. We are too comfortable and don't appreciate this is good news. v13 God laughs at them, their end is coming. There will be an end to evil, wickedness and wrongdoings. God is merciful: He wants the wicked to be saved. Saul was wicked and attacked the church and believers. God saved him. God has a perfect plan, He knows the best time. The righteous, by contrast, inherit the land v22,24,29,34, enjoy peace and prosperity v11, receive God's blessing v22. They live in God's promises,. He will uphold His promises to us. v17 He upholds us. He helps us remain strong in our faith. v23 He orders and guides our steps. v25,28 God never forsakes us, even though we fall short. v28 we are preserved forever. v31 His law is in our hearts. v37 we have a good future, not the dreadful one of the wicked. All of these are the result of God's work in our lives. His pure grace. God is very good to His people. What should we do? Don't fret. v3 trust, v4 delight, v7 wait, v8, v16 be content, v27 be good. In the face of wickedness, the temptation is strong and your trust can waiver. v7 be still, not agitated or impatient. We can easily get angry. v27 do good, don't punch the evil person. Stuff happens between now and then. Use these essential tactics. v39,40 salvation is from God. He helps us. This is the best place, in Jesus. Be thankful, delight in Jesus.

31/3 Nibin John Mk 16:4-5   Witnesses

  Mk 16:4-5. The Easter story is in all four gospels. Mark tells here of the women with spices at tomb. What had happened was alarming. Matthew 28:2 mentions the angel that rolled away the stone. Jesus had risen and left the tomb, Lk 24:3. The guards were afraid (v4) and also testify to this alarming event. Two things are needed to witness the resurrection. Jesus didn't need the stone moved to leave: He entered the house when the doors were locked John 20:26. The stone was moved for us to see. The guards and the Pharisees can also see this. They were encouraged to spread lies. If the stone remained, the world would think He was still there. It was moved so we will believe. When miracles happen in our life, many will still doubt. There are many Thomases. In John 11 it was people who moved the stone to let Lazarus out. He was a man, but Jesus was God. Jesus left behind what he did not need. Mt 28:6,7. He gave back the tomb he didn't need. When we take on His life, we leave behind our old lives. These things are not needed. Jonah was three days in the fish, to prepare us for what Jesus would go through. Jonah's heart was changed but he was still man and human traits remained. Jesus was purer & greater. Earthly men and women can be changed, but we can regress. When we sin we must ask forgiveness. God spoke to 3 people at Easter - Peter, Thomas & Mary Magdalene. Peter returned to fishing, Jn 21:3. Jesus stood on the shore, v4. v11 states they caught 153 fish. Jesus showed Peter you can't run from God, He will come after you. Peter had rejected Jesus 3 times. He also wants us to be the shepherd and to be the fisher of men. May Easter bring us closer to God. Luke 24:13, the disciples were returning home to Emmaus, but Jesus came to them. He corrected their misunderstanding. v30,31. At Easter open your eyes to who Jesus really is. Isa 53:5 declares by his wounds we are healed. Thomas was not believing Jn 20:24. v26-27, this Easter become a true believer and grow in faith like Thomas. Mary Magdalene was the first to see risen Jesus. She had 7 demons cast out, yet people were still judging her past. Mk 16:9 Jesus wanted to use her testimony and exalt her. Let Easter help us overcome and bring good news to others. Easter is the story of the full life of Jesus. Take the opportunity to deal with sin and be forgiven. Put sin to death. Be born again. Renew your life with the risen Christ today. Refresh and renew yourself. Go and make disciples. Mt 28:19.

24/3 Jamie Mackintosh Mk 11:1-11   King of the Jews

  Palm Sunday. Mk 11:1-11 one third of this gospel covers the last 7 days of Jesus life. The final days are the important ones. Half of John's gospel covers the last 40 days. This Sunday marks the literal coming of the king. It is the fulfilment of prophecy. The journey is from the House of unripened fruit also known as the House of sorrows. Our unyielded lives are unfruitful. Ezek 10:18-19. The east gate. The shekinah glory leaves through this gate. In Ezek 43 the glory of God comes back to the temple. The temple is rebuilt. Jesus is the glory of God. Jesus is the new tabernacle. He is reconnecting Heaven and earth. Jews know these Scriptures. They had witnessed Jesus's miracles. They now see Him approaching from the East. Zech 9:9 forsees the king riding on the colt. This is the people's expectation. The king had the right to take a beast. Gen 49:11 the king will tether his donkey colt to the vine. Jesus's procession is resonant of David's entry in 2 Sam, but not on a war horse. The disciples and the people welcome him. Jehu was anointed as king. The people welcome Jesus and the glory of God back to their city. The Jews should have known better. Unlike David there was no physical battle. Pilate was the first evangelist by declaring, "Jesus, King of the Jews". God made man, we are a work in progress. We are now brought together with God through Jesus. No excuses, we should know better. Jesus life and death means something to us. How can we help others this week by sharing this message? God is the masterplan. Isa 52:8 shout for Joy. Mal 1:14b, God is the great king, Ps 47 God's kingdom endures.

17/3 Other Notes Jn 13:1-17   Jesus Knew

  Recommended reading - the whole Easter story. Jn 13:1-17. Jesus' act of washing the feet is unheard-of for a person in his position or in the middle of the meal. The modern equivalent may be, "Do you want the bathroom?". Lessons for us: Jesus knew. He carefully planned his journey to Jerusalem. This is soon after Jesus had his feet washed, a complete reversal. He was confident in who he was. This enabled him to serve. The Jews had this custom since it was necessary for health. King James IV demanded all the guests bathe before attending his wedding. Public baths were available. Jews followed Mosaic tradition by hand washing. Manual workers shower after a shift. Israel had dusty roads with animals. People had open sandals. Feet would be dirty. The disciples have had a bath, symbolising the Washing of regeneration. We are cleaned when we are saved. The world is dirty from sin and it all affects everyone. We pick it up on our journey. We require seasons of refreshing. It is our ministry to each other. At start of renewal movement in 70's, in less formal meetings, some did foot washing, but it soon stopped. Scripture is inspired and deserves respect, but somethings are culturally appropriate. Should women wear hats? The proper translation is a veil/headscarf, the sign of being married. It was a public declaration. Foot washing is essentially a command to refresh one another. Culturally equivalent to 'a nice cup of tea' or fellowship. 1 Cor 16:17,18 good news refreshed Paul's spirit; 2 Cor 7,13 Titus' spirit was refreshed. 4 more references. We must build one another up. The world is evil, 1 Cor 5:1 immorality prevails. We reach out to those in the world or affected by sin. A Christian worker is a bit like a sewer, deal with sin in others, without getting clogged up. Jas 1:27 don't get contaminated. We are aliens, spies, ambassadors, exiles, strangers, a pilgrim people. 1 Jn 2:15 don't love the world. It will stain or defile us. We all get jaded. We all need refreshed. Prayers, promises lift us up into presence of God. Get a strategy for when you are alone. A good book or music to think good things. Find ways to encourage and bless one another.

10/3 Nibin John Jn 12:35,36,   The Light

  Jesus is speaking to His disciples about his death. He is the light and He will depart soon. In today's world we hear about wars, famine, plague: His coming is near. There is little light left. Current events forecast the second coming. God is speaking about light. Walk in it. Walk in Jesus. Jn 8:12, Jesus is the light of life. Walk in Him. There is no fear in the light. We feel relief when light chases away the darkness. We prepare when we know darkness is coming. Sometimes we are not prepared. We are afraid of the dark. There is darkness in the world. Jesus' path is light. We can be fearless in the light; in faith in Jesus. We can trust Him. Micah 7:8b God is light in the darkness. Ps 27:1 God is my light and my salvation. Follow the light, follow the Lord. Light and salvation and no fear are all found in God. 1 Jn 1:2 God is light. We fellowship and walk with Him. Follow Jesus, walk in the light. 1 Pet 2:9 we are chosen and called onto His light. Fellowship with God daily. There is only one light that gives hope and salvation, since all things of this world grow old and decay. Declare His praise. God looked for us. The light has many qualities, it shines, it shines into the darkness. Isa 9:2 the light has dawned. We also arise and shine like Jesus. Radiate His glory. Many are still in darkness. We are like a city on a mountain, a light on a stand. Mt 5:15 shine. Don't hide your faith. Ps 18:28 God lights up our darkness. Keep my lamp burning. Bring glory to God. Light heals. Sin affects us. God's light heals us. Ps 107:20 God healed them. Ps 119:105 He is a light and a lamp. The word brought to us by the many Bible authors all speak about the light. Light therapy brings healing. Pains in your heart can be healed by God's light. The light rules: Gen 1:16 there are two lights that rule, the sun and the moon. We have authority to rule over sin. Look to God for healing. The power in God’s words will heal and rule over sickness. Job would not curse God even though they all encouraged him to do this. Jn 9:5 Jesus is the light that rules in the world, we have victory in Him over sin and death and illness. Eph 6:12 our struggle is against the powers of darkness. Satan is the Prince of darkness. Eph 5:12 It is shameful to mention what the disobedient do in darkness. Jn 1:5 the darkness has not overcome the light. Have faith in God. Eph 5:8 we are no longer in darkness. Find out what pleases God. Goodness, righteousness and truth. Light produces life. Plants turn light into food and oxygen. Creation is planned perfectly to support human life. Jn 1:4 life is in Jesus, the light of men. Walk in the light now to be with him for ever. Seek forgiveness from Jesus. Mt 25:1 a parable of ten virgins. Five ran out of oil. Five went in with Jesus. Make sure we have enough oil. The oil comes from the Bible. We should cast out all the darkness. Rom 13:12 the night is almost over, the light is our armour.

3/3 Paul Younger 1 Cor 1:18-31   Witless, Weak or Wise

  The English language is rich and full and this is sometimes best seen in insults. Shakespeare used "less brain than earwax" as an alternative to 'stupid'. Ann Robinson inquired, "who's elevator doesn't reach the top floor"? The apostle Paul writes to the witless, weak and a few wise men. Six times he refers to the foolish or foolishness. His target is learned people. Those the world thinks wise, who are in fact foolish. Paul would raise some hackles. Paul's education and intellect were notable. Smart people tend to dismiss faith as too simple. Those who don't believe in God don't believe in nothing, they believe in anything. They even believe things that didn't actually happen - the Mandela effect. The message of the cross - to reconcile man to God - appears foolish. Paul makes it clear: real foolishness is to dismiss salvation. It will cost you your life. At least look into the claims of Christianity. Don't be witless. v26 Paul was the exception among believers. Most were not educated or wealthy. It was seen as the religion of the poor and the weak. Weakness of the early converts was real. The wealthy were too comfortable in their riches. God chooses the weak to shame the strong. We go through a phase in our young lives where we are arrogant and self-assured. God can put us in our place and build us up again. Paul acknowledges the source of true wisdom. It is only found in God. The phrase, found in Prov 9:10 and in other places, "fear of Lord is beginning of wisdom". Solomon may have been the wisest man; he asked for wisdom and knowledge to lead the people. Samson's strength came from God. Without these, they were nothing. What will they say at my funeral? We can choose not to stay weak and witless. "No more the fool", Elkie Brooks.

25/2 Heather Sutherland 1 Cor 13:1-13   In Tune

  This part of Paul's letter was not originally written for weddings. Chapter 12 talks about the gifts, so does chapter 14. In the middle is this passage on love. How is your love life? Are we growing in "Emotionally Healthy Discipleship" (a resource by Pete Scazzero). Relationships and lifestyle affect our ministry. The path to maturity is to love well. How do we love God and others well? This comes from Jesus. Pharisees ask Jesus what the greatest commandment is. Jesus told them to love God and love other people (Mt 22:36-40). To be joined to God is becoming one with him. It's like a marriage. It is close and intimate. There are secrets no one else knows. Remember what it was like at the beginning. Relationships are a key part of Christian living. Rom 8:29.30 we are called by God and glorified to be like Him. We grow into thinking the same way; doing the same things. We become in-tune with God. Spending time with Him. Jesus acted in love. When He met the woman at the well (Jn 4). He interacted with her. Start from a place of love. Don't be a noisy biblical cymbal (v1). Set your primary focus on love. 1 Jn 4:7,8. Be aware of what people need: it may be a severe warning or a gentle hand massage. Do we want others to know the love of the Father? Love God and love people. How do we speak with people? Gal 5:25 teaches us to live by the Spirit and work out every detail. Do you want to look good or help others? What areas of my life need to be worked on?

18/2 David Bebbington Job 28   Mining

  The quest for treasure, the search for life and the answers to life's questions: Job 28 has the theme of 'search' based on mining. There were no mines in Israel. The gems are found where it's isolated, dangerous and risky. There is no bird's-eye view or access for the beasts. It's a demanding task and an apt picture of the human quest to find things. Human search is good and commended by God both for jewels (for commerce and livelihood) and for life. To aquire the precious requires perseverence. We must search till we find it. Where is wisdom? (v12) It is much greater than precious stones or metal. The Methodists in Durham mined by day and sought wisdom by night. They studied and listened to instruction from a teacher. Wisdom can also be insight given by Holy Spirit; sudden discoveries. Wisdom is prudence, it is sensible, it is pragmatic. Wisdom, or anything of value, is not just found vv13-19 and it is not for sale. In the board game 'Careers' you can buy fame or hapiness, but not wisdom! Wisdom cannot be bought. Wisdom, v17-19, is more valuable than gold or jewels. Do we seek wealth or wisdom first? A career is not the most important thing in life. Wisdom is worth more than riches. Where does it come from? v20 (and previously v12). The search is on. Many people are searching for life's great answers in 'Mind, Body & Spirit' sections of bookshops. The favourites are eastern methods to enlightenment. Wisdom isn't visible on satnav. It is not acquired naturally or automatically from experience. 1 Cor 1:20,21 the wisdom of the world is no comparison to God's wisdom. Many courses promise wisdom, but few deliver it. It is not obvious. The best advice is to turn to God (vv23-27), He knows the way to Wisdom. He created it and approved it. When we keep problems to ourself, we leave out God. We think practical problems are not spiritual issues. Not so; seek God for wisdom. God's solution is to fear Him and shun evil. Respect and trust Him. Jesus is the wisdom of God, 1 Cor 1:24, 23. Repent. Have faith. Wisdom grows over time. Seek (mine, excavate) and you will find (Mt 7:7,8). Reach it and encourage others to seek it. Search and search.

4/2 Nibin John Mt 27:57-61   Two Stones

  Th first stone - Jesus burial. Joseph followed the traditional custom. He rolled the big stone. Many things block our path in life. Stones of illness, sin, lack of finances. The stone was placed in the tomb to block the way. It blocks Jesus way out. v64-66 the church leaders made sure it was sealed. Pilate gives the order. The Devil puts stones in our lives to stop us growing. Whatever plan the Devil had, it didn't stop Jesus. When we are growing, the Devil uses ways to block our success. Jesus came out of the tomb: we will succeed. The Devil questions what God has done. Return to the Word of God. Prov 15:29,31 God hears us, we should listen to God. The second stone - Daniel in the den. Ch 6:1-3 Daniel was over the kingdom. They couldn't fault him. v4. They had to use God's law against him. Daniel continued to pray vv7-10; so should we. When a 30 day challenge comes he persevered. vv16,17 a big stone was placed to stop his situation from changing. The King's and the Noble's signature rings were used to enforce the seal. The Devil will do anything to stop us growing. He uses people around us against us. There may be many seals to stop us. God and angels will come to help us. Joshua, when he approached Jericho, angel of the Lord came to fight for them. God's army is for us and ahead of us. Darius was used by God to reverse Daniel's situation. The King couldn't sleep. God stopped the King's sleep. Ps 6:9 God hears our cry and prayers. Our enemies will be shamed. Our lives are in the hands of a faithful God. He works miracles. v21 God sent the angel to shut the lion's mouth. The angel can go ahead of us. Even when we feel stones blocking our way, God will use them. With the faith of a mustard seed, we can speak to the stones. Trust in Jesus. People that we least expect can help us. God will send them at the right time. Mk 16:3, who will roll the stone? Their situation looked impossible and very large. When they looked v4 it was already moved. What is my question for God? How is he going ahead of me? Mt 28:2 When Mary went to look for Jesus, there was an earthquake, the stone was moved backwards. The Angel sat on it to stop it returning. We can move forward and have success. God doesn't want it to block us again. Heb 4:16 draw near to the throne of grace. Jas 1:12-14. We have many trials, but they are not from God. He can remove every blockage and give us the crown of life.

28/1 Iain Sutherland Ps 139:1-14, Luke 15:11-32   Precious

  Ps 139:17,18 and an image of sand and the scene from Local Hero. The man who owns the beach refuses to sell to the corporate giant who want to dig up the neighbourhood. One handful of sand is about 10,000 grains. God thinks about us a lot. There are around 75 with 17 zeroes grains of sand on the beaches of the world. Identity, place, home. God's thoughts are invaluable. We are precious in His sight. David declares this and it is also true for us. Luke 15, the lost sheep is important, so when it is found the man rejoices with neighbours. The found coin was the reason for the woman to celebrate. How does the father think about a son? Luke 15 from v11 are the thoughts of a heavenly Father longing for his son. The 'prodigal' part is the squandering and the generosity. This father is also gracious with the older son. His father loves to the point of indignity and runs to meet the returning son. He runs a gauntlet on the son's behalf (a village would often beat those who were disrespectful). The son doesn't get through his pre-rehearsed script. He gets covered in jewellery. We are sons of the King. The father has been longing for the celebration, and the joy of his son coming back. The father gently reminds the older one of the relationship they have. Jesus has to be thinking about us so He can pray for us. Jer 29:11. KJV thoughts of you. NKJV thoughts of plans. We have a loving heavenly Father. King George IV once spoke to a man to tell him to get out the road, the man went boasting that the King spoke to him. Spurgeon knew God thinks highly of us. "You faintly hope that God will love you, but you have no idea how much nor what great things his love will do for you. The half has never been told you by the most faithful witness for God. Those who have experienced most of the divine love have never been able to communicate to you any idea of what that love is. God’s thoughts are above your thoughts as much as the heavens are above the earth. Come, then, to him. Infinite grace awaits you, a tender reception, a perfect cleansing, a divine adorning, eternal security, endless bliss shall all be yours! ". He knows what we need.

21/1 Jill Walker Luke 1:26-37,46-55   Dwelling

  1 Cor 3:16, 6:19 We are God's temple. Holy Spirit dwells in us. We need to dwell in Him. Genesis 1 tells of Holy Spirit hovering over creation. Like a bird hovering and brooding over a nest with a sense of anticipation and expectation. Holy Spirit is in Samson's strength, Bezalel's skill in making the tabernacle and the wisdom and understanding in Isaiah's prophecy for Jesus (Isa 11). Holy Spirit brings expectation through all the prophets. Luke 1:26-37. God visits Mary. All the fulfilment of Scripture is coming through her. The angelic intervention was unexpected. Mary receives the message and welcomes Holy Spirit. He brings a lot of responsibility and a lot of possibility. Dwelling in possibility is a positive place to be. Embrace the things God will bring. Set your mind on things above. Welcome new ways of doing things. Look for supernatural solutions. When we are open to Holy Spirit, He will comfort us and reveal His ways to us. Mary's encounter was one of these moments. She moves into the unknown. Luke reflects the work of Holy Spirit in creation within his narrative. Are we expecting more encounters? How will God meet with us? Will He give us prayers to change our 'world' or even the the world? Could we be filled with more love? Holy Spirit hovers over us still. Mary sings her song, v46-55. She is dwelling in place of worship. She is a person, not just the mother of Jesus. She worships with all she has. She expresses her worship. She knows her place in history. She is part of His story. We all have a special place in God's salvation story. She stays in the place of humility, letting God deal with the proud. What takes the place of God in our lives? She acknowledges His might and power. To speak of what He has done is to speak of what He will do. She recognised holiness. His Name is so we can communicate Him and all He is to those we meet. God is strong and consistent. He lifts the humble and honours his promises. Ps 27:4. This is a good practice and a helpful routine to have. John 4:23,24. Stay in that place, worshipping God in Spirit and truth. What does it mean to be a worshipper? What drags us away? What keeps us there? What makes us available to Him? How can we affect the atmosphere around us?

14/1 Jamie Mackintosh Phil 1:1-30 NLT   Gospel Joy

  Believers receive grace, undeserved blessings, peace, joy love, compassion. We live in a difficult world, where do we find peace? - in God's grace. Phil 1:1-30. NLT. How do christians live in a hostile world? Society is content with diluting moral responsibility and just keeping to themselves to themselves. Being humble has become 'doing nothing'. Paul Simon, "People talking without speaking, People hearing without listening, People writing songs that voices never share, No one dared disturb the sound of silence". We keep too quiet. Is what we see around harmless, are we really displaying tolerance? Eventually, without restraint, society descends into anarchy. This is Satan's work. His aim is to divide us. Liberal, money driven societies descend to chaos: Egypt, Greece, British Empire. Paul reminds us the hope of Jesus is still there. We can still have joy and peace. There is joy in adversity. Paul was in prison and still had joy. How? He is spreading the gospel and is in tune with Holy Spirirt. His steps are directed by God, Prov 20:24. Philippi is a small province named after Alexander the Great's son, Philip. Paul's second visit established the church that he began there. They are dear to him. Now he is in prison in Rome. It is another opportunity to share the gospel - two new guards every 6 hours. The whole province was hearing the good news. Paul sends the letter back in response to the gifts from the church. Joy is mentioned 16 times. This is not just happiness; not an ambient feeling. It is a deep sense of calm and delight from knowing what he is doing is right. Timothy, may have been the scribe since Pual's hands were tied. Saints are all those who believe and follow Jesus. Be encouraged to see the world like this today (as an opportunity). Grace, v2 undeserved blessedness. Gal 5:22, Rom 5:12. The Philippians partner with each other. The church is not in competition with itself. Everyone has a place to share the good news. Knowledge of God is growing. Paul is the catalyst who encourages them to share the good news. Whatever way it is shared is good. We can rejoice with Paul. Focus on God's Word in difficult times, the fruit of Holy Spirit will be evident in us. Pain, illness, circumstances may hamper us. We need to live and act in the present; we're not just in a 'waiting' room prior to going to heaven. Job in all his afflictions blessed God. Be part of spreading the Word. The Philippians were good at this. Paul is commending them. When it's tough, turn to The Book. Let Jesus shine through in the darkness. Disturb the silence, let the truth out. Help them find peace.

7/1 Richard Hobson Acts 8,9   Grace

  God's Grace. Amazing grace as described in the old hymn. Amazing means staggering, incomprehensible; not the almost meaningless way it is used today. Paul's story begins before his conversion in Acts 8. His missionary journeys were immense and established the church in the Gentile world, but in verse 1, Saul executed Stephen. Saul wanted to destroy the church. Why was Saul so angry with Stephen's sermon? The land, the law and the temple were fundamental to Jews. God dwelt in the temple. Stephen's sermon was radical - God works outside the temple. These ideas opposed the views that Saul held. Great persecution arose. Saul ravaged the church. Ch 9 v1 he had letters to arrest the Christians. Saul had a mission to quash the gospel. He was an OT man. Num 25:1-5 Moses slayed the immoral Israelites, so did Phineas the priest at Moab. Paul also believed he was doing a godly service and rooting out sin and heresy. He was a man of strong conviction. How do we know when we are acting correctly? Paul approached Damascus v3. How did Saul understand or make sense of what was happening now? God formally addressed Him. He would be very confused about how to honour God and possibly wondering, "Who is God?". He experienced extreme cognitive dissonance. Stephen's vision of Jesus (Acts7:55-57) caused a riot. Saul also saw a vision of Jesus. In v 6 God instructed Paul to go, those around saw nothing. The reason God closed his mouth was to give him time to work it out. Verse 10 is another vision of Jesus: Annanias was expecting to meet with God. When we know Him we will know His voice. Verse 11 God instructs Annanias to go. Saul was praying - who wouldn't in that situation. Annanias was troubled, despite the assurances. In those times prison was as close to death as you could get. Once again, v15, the instruction is to go. Give the message! How does a Jesus hater become a leader? Immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogue, v20. He confounded the Jews in Damascus in 3 days. All Paul's letters start with 'grace to you'. Grace is undeserved favour. Paul received grace. Did Paul need more grace than us? The measure of sin (and the amount of grace required) is not the act, but who is wronged. All sin is of infinite weight against an infinite God. What must I do to get eternal life? Lk 18. None of us have achieved this. Many people think they achieve it by not killing anyone. Do not kill is one of the commandments, but it is not the greatest commandment. To break the greatest commandment is loving God less than who He is. Other things reduce our love for God. How do we receive grace? Jesus blood and death. His forgiveness wiped the slate clean. Holy Spirit is cleaning us to love Him more. In heaven, every day is to love him more. There is no more 'normal'. This is grace. Sometimes we accept a gift if we feel we deserve it. Grace is never deserved, but God still gives it. We have a different story from Paul, but we get the same grace. We cannot work out or realise how much grace we have received. The same Jesus that called Saul, calls us.

kcfnotes24.html