Hertford Baptist Church
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Sermon Notes March 2010
Sunday 7 March
am Identity and Purpose Matthew 16:12-
Half way through Matthew’s gospel the crowds love Jesus, the religious authorities hate him and the million dollar question is asked, ‘Who is He?’ Jesus confirmed he is the Christ (v 20) and out of his strong sense of identity sprang a strong sense of purpose: “He must go to Jerusalem” knowing what awaited him there (v 21). Jesus showed relentless determination in the face of relentless opposition to fulfil God’s call on his life. Our sense of purpose springs from our identity in Christ and it takes relentless determination not to be diverted (v 23ff).
Sunday 14 March
am Greatness, Accountability, Sin and Forgiveness Matthew 18: 1-
Steve Fenton
pm The Armour of God Ephesians 6:10-
Ed Daniels
The letter to the Ephesian church draws to a close with a dramatic metaphor, describing the Christian as needing to be dressed in the armour and equipment of a contemporary Roman legionary. However, the Christian’s is spiritual armour, for a spiritual battle, against a cunning and wicked spiritual enemy. We are all engaged in this struggle, so this armour is crucial for our preservation. As we shall see, it is given to us by God, in and through Jesus Christ, but we must put it on and learn to use it!
Sunday 21 March
am Imitating Christ’s Humility Philippians 2:1-16
Steve Fenton
In our reflections on Christian identity, commitment and responsibility within the covenant community of believers it is essential to demonstrate the same attitude and humility that Jesus demonstrated - that we might safeguard our unity in Christ; cherish the unity of the Spirit (v.1); love and value one another (v.3), and ensure that we look not just to our own interests but each of us to the interests of others (v.4). ‘In your relationships with one another’ says Paul, ‘have the same attitude of mind as Christ Jesus’.
pm Giving your life away 1 Thessalonians 2:8
Michael Hunter
Tonight’s service is being led by Young Life staff and leaders. Come and hear about the ministry and what it means to give your life away to kids.
Sunday 28 March
am Ride on, Ride on Triumphantly Matthew 21:1-11
David Lockwood
As we approach Holy Week we see God's steadfast and enduring love in the person and work of Jesus Christ reach its pinnacle. The entry into Jerusalem is not so glorious in light of the journey that must be finished; marathon runners often say the last part of the race is the hardest. Jesus’ last days enter the final stretch; the crowds cheer him on, but not for long.
pm Darkest Before the Dawn Matthew 26:57-75
Steve Fenton
Peter had left all to follow Jesus (Matthew 19:27) but it had all gone horribly wrong. Skulking in the shadows Peter finds himself denying that he even knew the man he had once pledged his life to (Matthew 26:35). As Peter reflects on the highs and lows of his journey with Christ there is much for us to identify with, and much that will help us prepare for the challenges of Good Friday and the wonderful hope of Resurrection Sunday.
am Imitating Christ’s Humility Philippians 2:1-
In our reflections on Christian identity, commitment and responsibility within the covenant community of believers it is essential to demonstrate the same attitude and humility that Jesus demonstrated -
pm Giving your life away 1 Thessalonians 2:8
Michael Hunter
Tonight’s service is being led by Young Life staff and leaders. Come and hear about the ministry and what it means to give your life away to kids.
Sunday 28 March
am Ride on, Ride on Triumphantly Matthew 21:1-
As we approach Holy Week we see God's steadfast and enduring love in the person and work of Jesus Christ reach its pinnacle. The entry into Jerusalem is not so glorious in light of the journey that must be finished; marathon runners often say the last part of the race is the hardest. Jesus’ last days enter the final stretch; the crowds cheer him on, but not for long.
pm Darkest Before the Dawn Matthew 26:57-
Peter had left all to follow Jesus (Matthew 19:27) but it had all gone horribly wrong. Skulking in the shadows Peter finds himself denying that he even knew the man he had once pledged his life to (Matthew 26:35). As Peter reflects on the highs and lows of his journey with Christ there is much for us to identify with, and much that will help us prepare for the challenges of Good Friday and the wonderful hope of Resurrection Sunday.