KCF Notes 2025

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

16/3 Harry Sprange Lk3:21-22, 4:1-13   Jesus' Temptations

  The Church calendar can be useful in helping with discipline and balanced teaching. There were regular events on specific dates in the OT, not so much in NT. The season of Lent is probably too long to spend in self examination. Jesus spent 40 days in a time of temptation. Lk3,4. As followers of Jesus, what he went through, we will too. It gives us the assurance needed for enjoying the Christian life. Are we ready for the wilderness? Moses, Paul, John the Baptist, Jeremiah and others experienced this. The wilderness figures in preparation for living the Christian life. God initiated this. Jesus was shoved and driven into the desert. Jesus then went out and gathered His Kingdom. He mopped up the devil's kingdom. This experience was not repeated. Life is not a constant struggle, but attention to three areas will lead us to victory. We can conquer the body through watching, prayer and fasting.

1. Bodily needs. Jesus was hungry and weak. The devil is a dirty fighter and goes for your weaknesses, targeting greed for food or sleep or sex or money or possessions. Jim Graham considered that Jesus' wilderness victory was necessary for the victory on the cross. The devil will also incite jealousy, gossip, worldliness, 1 Jn 2:16. We are to live on the basis of what God says. What do I need? When we put our needs before God, it blinds us. We put earthly things to death, Col 3:5.
2. Use of power. This refers to political power to manipulate others. This destroys people. [Trump, Zalensky] Jesus could have called legions of angels: Jesus served, taught, washed, fed people. When we worship and enthrone Jesus, we destroy the devil. Beware of the thinking that more Christian MPs or leaders will solve everything. The answer is not in Christians controlling things. This is the 500 year anniversary of Baptist ministry. It began with the cry of Christians reading their Bibles that the church should not be run by state. Covenanters were not our great freedom fighters; they wanted Presbyterians in control of the people. The authority in church is given, not demanded. Phil 3:2,3 Jesus humbled himself and served.
3. Ambition. How did the devil fall? It was through pride and ambition. Genesis 11:1-9 gives the account of Babel and the striving for heaven. The devil grabs for the throne above God's stars, place of dead. The king of Tyre also assumes divinity (Ezek 28:2). He grabs for power to compete with God. Satan brings competition into the church. Jesus teaches (Mk 10:45) that we are to serve. The least is the greatest. The Temple is the highest point in Jerusalem. Phil 2:9-11, Jesus is the name above all names. Jesus started low and works up, even though He was far above all authority. Jesus never saw people as enemies. He ignored Pilot, Herod and the Priests. He hit out at the institutions. We seek to free the oppressed. Our desire should be to see others above our self. Faith is not status. Personal life, attitudes to other people, authority over others require restraint. James 5:16, confess your weaknesses to others. There are five words for sin in the Bible. The one used here means failure. Failures are shared to build one another up. Help each other to follow Jesus more closely.

9/3 Andrea Mill Mt 28:1-10,16-20   Discipleship

  Disciples, the followers of the way. Mt 28. How often do we think about this? How do we make disciples? May also be known as an adherent, supporter, follower. People with someone chosen as a master. They were learning to follow Jesus' way. Spending dedicated time with their teacher. Who is responsible for doing this? All of us. We are influenced by others. Social media does this. Three years the disciples were trained for this. Mt 4:18-20, Jesus calls them to fish for people. How did this happen? Jewish education taught the Torah by age 12, then apprenticeship in the family business started. Fishermen were not the cleverest and not suitable to follow a Rabbi. These men quickly grabbed this opportunity. 24/7 life with their teacher. To do, be and live like your teacher. A lifestyle of prayer and solitude. Jesus showed them his humanity and divinity. He trains and sends out 12, then 72. We value qualifications, they valued the lifestyle and the training. New expressions of Church may be led by lay people. No one is disqualified. We are chosen - to fulfil the plan He has for us. Ps 139:16, our days are written. We get to start over again when we are born again. God restores us to our potential. There is lots of teaching, but not so much discipleship. We need to be changed to be people who act out of love for God and others. There are generations who have no contact with church. There is a big job ahead. Aim for a deepening relationship with God. Set about breaking free from shackles that stop us being people motivated by love. Spend time in worship. Pray: talk to Him, listen to Him. Expose yourself to His beauty. Go on retreats like Jesus and the disciples did. Become like Jesus, spend time with Him. Learn His ways and attitudes. Work out what needs to stop, what needs to start. Some good things might need to stop. Be available. Allow God to lead. Heed the advice in Eph 4:30-32. Cultivate a heart posture towards others; not criticising or putting them down. Habits and relationships will change. The challenge is to allow God into the deeper parts of me. Rom 12:1-2, change mind attitudes. Negativity comes from the devil. Rebuke him. Forgive others. Be like Jesus. Words are a challenge, Jas 3:3-6, the tongue cannot be controlled. Do what Jesus did, live by his teaching. Jesus' standards are higher. Mission is partnership with God. Link with others having different talents. Be Intentional. Be a disciple and make disciples. Let Him use you, in whatever way. Abide in Jesus, Jn 15:5-7. He chose us to bear fruit. Spend quality time in His presence. The Fruit of the Spirit is the measure of growth as a disciple.

2/3 Nibin John Ps 120:5-7   Kedar

  These verses tell us what the Psalmist is experiencing. Who is Kedar? They are a group mentioned 12 times. Gen 25:13 lists Kedar as a son of Ishmael. 1 Chron 1:29, he is the grandson of Abraham. They were nomads living in tents. Jer 49:28,9 they were shepherds. Isa 60:17 also. Their tents were made of sheep and goat skins and hair, so they were very dark inside. They didn't like light coming into their tents. Song of Songs 1:5 references their darkness. Their lives are full of darkness. Our lives can be like this. Satan tries to attack us and brings us to a dark corner and surrounds us with darkness. Sometimes we run into the corner to avoid everything and everyone. Some things cause us to seek darkness, sorrow, depression. We are children of the Spirit. Kedar lived in the area of the grandsons of the promise, Gal 4:26-31. They lead the children of light into darkness. We are children of the promise, but darkness still comes to us. Know who you are. Don't be forced out of your inheritance. Dwell in the tents of meeting. Ex 33:7 Moses met God in the tent of meeting, the people worshipped from the doors of their tents. Stand and worship God at His tent. As a child of God live in the tent of meeting, not the tent of darkness. Go in and speak with God as Moses did. God answers from here, not the tent of Kedar. Don't be cut off from God. This is a place of peace, and where God's people meet. No trouble and freedom are found here. When things go wrong, go to this place. We are chosen by God, go to the place where He is and talk to him. Dan 6:10 open the window and call out to God. When he faced the lions he was delivered. Ex 33:11 God spoke face to face with Moses. Gen 32:30 Jacob spoke face to face and his life was spared. He ran from Laban and was afraid of Esau. Talk to God as Jacob did at Peniel, vv25-31. God blessed him and spoke to him. In our troubles don't be like Kedar, go to God. This is where we find hope, healing & peace. Ps 120 1-2. Mt 6:6 pray in secret as Jesus taught. Ps 55:16,17 call any time. Ps 34:15 God is watching and listening for our cries. He is close to the broken hearted. Ps 34:18. Do not be afraid. The light of the sun will come.

23/2 Jamie Mackintosh Gen 45:1-11,15   Patience, Trust & Forgiveness.

  These three qualities were esteemed by Joseph (Genesis), Paul (Corinthians) and Luke (Ch 6, sermon on plain), look out for each other. Gen 45:1-11,15. We see many dimensions to Joseph's story. A beacon of righteousness, despite all the trials, with no recorded sins attributed to him. Joseph's life is an allegory, a type of Christ. We also share in the immeasurable riches of God through Jesus. This is also reflected in all three narative's. His sacrifice justifies us. Lk 23:34 He forgave them. Pharaoh bestows lavish gifts on the brothers, Eph 2:4-8 God's love and rich mercy for us. Phil 4:19 God meets all our needs to the riches of His glory. 1 Peter 2:22 no deceit found in him. What trials have we gone through. Christ in us prevails. We are anchored in the endless love of God. Joseph is also a type for Israel and for all nations. He rises above all in stature. Israel is a metaphor for God's Kingdom. What we are meant to be. God offers a path back to Him through forgiveness. God's Kingdom is inclusive; for Jews and Gentiles. It is available to all nations, for who call all His Name in faith. Forgiveness is possible for leaders, nations, the entire world. Lk 6:27-38 love your enemies. Joseph was compassionate and forgiving towards his brothers. Follow this example even when it is very difficult. 1 Cor 15 is a promise for the future. Any present suffering doesn't compare to the future glory. Hold fast to this hope. Ps 37, David says trust God, do good to others. The fulfilment of God's promises in Paul's life should be encouragement for us to do likewise. Joseph's story is relevant for us today. Life today doesn't feel perfect, but we can aim for and hope for God's riches. Believe that God has a plan. The more of us who model this will steer the world. Are we embodying His promises and affecting our communities? Be inspired by the gospel, love each other.

16/2 Nibin John 1 Sam 7:12   The Lord Ebenezer

  The Lord has helped us; previously God was with them. 1 Sam ch 4 onwards is the story. The Israelites and Philistines were at war. They bring the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh to the battlefield to help them win, but it was captured. The priests, hearing the news, died. The people were turning away from God. It was a dark time for the Israelites. Due to the presence of the Ark, Dagon, the Philistine idol fell over, 1 Sam 5:3. Wherever the ark went, there was trouble (vv6,9). The Philistines decided to send the Ark back, 1 Sam 5:11-12. Ch 6 they tested to see if the ark was the cause of their tumours with the cows. It was indeed. Problems also continued for the Israelites. The ark stayed for 20 yrs in a back garden. Mizpah = watchtower. Samuel calls the people together. Mizpah also means 'place of agreement'. Moses and Laban met together at Mizpah. Samual calls them to return to God, "with all your hearts", 1 Sam 7:3. He instructs them to remove all the foreign gods and idols, to fast and confess their sin. The Philistine attacks continue. Samuel prays for protection v10 and God hears. God threw their enemies into panic and delivered His people. Ex 14:24 God threw the Egyptian army into confusion. God fights for us in times of troubles. He gives complete deliverance from Egypt and Philistia. God gives full closure. Josh 10:5-11 God's power saved them from five kings. Many died from the hail. God sends His enemies into panic and confusion. He also uses other weather phenomenon - thunder, cloud of fire, hail stones. Are you in trouble? God works in wonderful ways to overcome your enemies. In any struggle, come to Jesus for peace and victory. Two sharp rocks: Mizpah and Shen. In between the struggle is Ebenezer. Isa 54:17 no weapons will prosper. Rom 8:21 with God for us, who can be against us? 1 Cor 15:57 victory is through Jesus. Christ is our Ebenezer. Come back to the place the of agreement with God. Commit to follow Him.

19/1 Jamie Mackintosh Isa 62:1-5, Jn 2:1-11   Wine & Signs

  Isa 62:1-5, the vindication of Zion. Jn 2:1-11 the wedding at Cana. Consider the comparison of God wanting to 'marry' us. There is a controversy here with Promethean doctrine where the gods are vengeful. This thinking led Prometheus to steal fire from the Greek gods. The Greek ethic was to appease their gods by their works. This attitude is contrary to the gospel message. The Lord is compassionate, His love for us is astounding. God speaks to his people. The writings of Gregory of Nyssa (Nicea) show that in Christ, we become like God. Our God has our best interest at heart. Isa 62:4, the intensity of God's desire for mankind increases. God delights in His people. He announced his intentions to marry them. The prophet sets up the gospel story. In John's account, there is more than just a groom running out of wine. God longs to be with his people. Jesus is the groom. Wine symbolises the spiritual and brings joy. On closer inspection, the lack of wine indicates Israels lack of contact with God. God must have instructed Mary to prompt Jesus, and although apparently hesitant He carries out God's will. John 5:19, Jesus always follows God's will. Mary's words are few, but they honour Jesus and echo all the prophets. Mary is still obedient to God. Jesus power is the same divine power that runs throughout the whole Bible. We see the supernatural partnering with natural in this scenario. We all share in the joy of the miracle. Jesus respects the protocol of the event and the the position of the master. Spurgeon advocates that the power to perform one miracle proves the power to do all miracles. There is no limit to His power. This is good wine (infinitely superior to what we call wine), symbolic of the New Wine. God's provision is abundant. It is full strength, not a grape juice. The best is yet to come. The best comes at the end. We can believe this. The communion is a wedding feast. It all happens through Jesus. Jesus was invited to this feast and we are invited to His. It is a metaphor for our lives. Our life is under His care. We come alive in Him.

12/1 Harry Sprange Lk 21:28   Are You Ready?

  On 21 Jan 1535? the radical reformation by post-grads in Zurich started. Doctrine had been decided by the town council rather than church after breaking away from Roman Catholic church. There have been 500 yrs of Baptist and Independent churches. This is the beginning of new year. Is there a verse for the year? "Ready for all thy perfect will", Charles Wesley. "Are you ready ready ready?", Godfrey Birtrill. Are we looking for something new in our own life? Have we stopped expecting this? Do we have the mindset of "Blessed is he who expects nothing, he won't be disappointed"? Adapting to change gets harder as you get older. Keep asking, 'where is Jesus?'. To live as though everything is still the same, nothing changes is a dangerous mindset. God rested after the work of creation, but He isn't doing nothing, Jn 5:17. Seek after what God is doing. Isa 43:19 tells us it is a brand new thing. Rev 21:5, He is making all things new. God is creative, where is He at work? The challenge of Christmas story is what we don't read in scripture. What age were Zechariah and Elizabeth. Simeon and Anna were probably 'ancient'. Abram was 75 before leaving Hebron and 100 when Isaac was born. Moses was 80 at start of his time in ministry. He led the people for 40 years. Caleb and Joshua were equally advanced in years. Retirement is a time for serving God. Paul eventually reached a time in 2 Tim 4:6,7 when he was able to lay it all down. Until then, keep working. Are we ready for change in our church? Expect the unexpected! In Jan 75, all 5th year pupils from a school came through the church. In 1976 all boys in a 'remedial' class turned up at church. The style of worship was changed so they could engage with it. Their reading ages were between 6-9. The Church had to adapt to them. There is much change in the nation/world? Are we thinking Christians? How close are we to WW3? Rationing, shortages, rampant inflation and economic crash are real possibilities. Insurance companies are at risk. Banks may be at risk. During the Labour government prior to Thatcher, the UK were refused a loan by the IMF. There is instability in many European nations, Korea and Canada. When Jesus talks about 'providing', it is in context of building on the rock. Get your foundations in order now. (Phil 4:19 supply all needs.) Mt 6:20,33, make His Kingdom your primary concern. 2007 prophetic voices urged believers to get out of debt. In 2008 there was an economic crash. We're entering a time of chaos. Wars, famine, turmoil are prevelant. Jesus tells us look up Lk 21:28. Be ready, trust in the Lord. Are we ready to meet the Lord? We don't know when He will come. We believe He will come. We cannot guarantee we will be here in a year. Not just older ones passing on. Are we investing in the Kingdom Mt 28:19,20. Live lives pleasing to God.

5/1 Paul Younger Isa 43:18-19   New Thing

  Isa 43:18-19, God is doing a new thing. This is the beginning of a New Year: perhaps you are not convinced a year has passed! How well do we remember what happened? Looking back is OK, but Isaiah cautions us on dwelling in the past. One of Oasis' biggest hits, warns "Don't look back in anger". We need to be looking forward. God is doing something new. Be ready, be eager to see it. Be part of it. What is God going to do? There are clues in Isaiah. There will be streams in the desert; a way in the wilderness. It is not a detailed map with roads and landmarks. In back to the Future, Doc tells Marty "We don't need a road". Look to God, He is making the way. Do what He says. He will make streams in the wasteland to refresh us. He will provide for our needs on the way. Where will it take us? He knows. A Chinese proverb says, a 1000 mile journey starts with a single step. We may feel insecure and have lots of questions. Do we not trust God enough? We can get lost along the way. Sooner or later we realise, "I can get home from here". Our planning doesn't always go well. At New Year plan to avoid mistakes, let God guide you and follow Him. Then He will reveal the New Thing.

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