The notes are taken from the weekly Newssheet
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Sunday 1 November
am Good Cop, Bad Cop. Zechariah 11
A tale of two leadership styles is pictured in another Zechariah sign-act that reveals a different themed message from hope and restoration. The Judgment call is sounded out as both the people and their leaders fail to recognise God’s chosen person in charge. Chapter 11 parallel’s significantly with Christ’s ministry, but also serves as a reminder of our own responsibility as leaders and followers in today’s world.
pm Five Ways to Know God’s Will Acts 16 : 1-15
1. Guidance through wise elders (4,5)
2. Guidance through circumstances (6,7)
3. Guidance through dreams and visions (9,10)
4. Guidance through prayer (13a)
5. Guidance through opportunity (10-15)
Plus: Bible Study, Church, Using your mind.
Sunday 8 November
am God’s Decisive Intervention Zechariah 12 & 13
At the outset of this oracle we are reminded that, “This is the word of the Lord concerning Israel”, and in the following verses discover how God will be at work against the nations, amongst His people, and how God’s intervention will be costly: “Strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered” (13:7). It is a reminder that no matter how powerful the enemies ranged against God’s people, God is Sovereign and will bring about their redemption.
pm The Call of Philip & Nathaniel John 1:43-51
Jesus, introduced as one who comes on the scene, moving silently past, and then shown as one who has extraordinary knowledge and authority.
Looking at this passage from a different perspective, this event will be retold from the viewpoint of Philip.
Sunday 15 November
am Trust and the things to come Zechariah 14 (page 923)
David Lockwood
As we come to the last chapter in Zechariah a final pull back of the curtain reveals more of God’s plan for the future, both to come soon and later. God longs for his community to be pure and holy in their walk with him, and here we are given a glimpse of what that moment will be like in its complete form. Seeing the vision and journeying towards that goal requires trust, especially in Zechariah’s time when things around them aren’t exactly full of inspirational moments.
pm Followers or Admirers? Mark 10 : 17-31 (page 60)
Steve Fenton
In this familiar passage a wealthy young man questioned Jesus about eternal life but did not get the answer he was hoping for. In essence Jesus told him we come to God on God’s terms, never our own. It is a reminder that Jesus is looking for followers, not admirers. Anyone can follow Jesus from a distance, as the crowds did, but true followers are willing to have their lives turned upside down – something the young man was not prepared for.
Sunday 22 November
am “Good News to the Poor” CAP Sunday Luke 4:14-21
Steve Fenton
Throughout Scripture God’s compassion for the poor is obvious (Leviticus 19:9, Psalm 140:12, Isaiah 58:6-7). Jesus Himself said He had come to bring good news to the poor, Luke 4:18, the implication being that God’s people should show the same compassion and concern. But just who are “the poor”, what can be done to help them, and what is it we need if the church is going to be good news to the poor?
pm “The Parable of the Tenants” Matthew 21:33-46
David Lockwood
After the entry into Jerusalem Jesus is questioned by the leading people. As part of his response He tells the story of the tenants, which contains the clear message to the leaders of the importance for bearing fruit. For us today the parable invites the same question, what does it mean to produce fruit?
Sunday 29 November
am Commitment Mark 10:35-45
Steve Fenton
As we approach the Church Anniversary, as well as looking back at God’s goodness, it provides an opportunity for us to re-evaluate our commitment to Him. To help us we shall look at the way Jesus followed, served and gave.
pm Ten Leapers Healed Luke 17:11-17
David Lockwood
“We must be careful not to trivialize the story by reducing it to an instance when only one out of ten was polite enough to come back and say ‘Thank you’. More is at stake than commending the attitude of polite gratitude for blessings and mercies received.” – K F Nickle.
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