Notes on Message preached 13 December 2009 at PCF: “A Promise Fulfilled”

Our next message in the book of Luke looks at the birth of John the Baptist. Luke 1 57-80

We will consider the passage under six headings:

• 1. Enjoying the Faithfulness of God (v57-58)

The passage opens with Zechariah and Elizabeth rejoicing in the goodness of God to them. At last God has provided them   with a much-wanted and long awaited child, in fulfilment of his promise to them. We all live in the benefit of God’s goodness everyday. Do we remember to thank God for all his benefits? “Praise the Lord O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103)

• 2. Aligned to God’s Purposes (v 59-60)

It is one thing to be blessed by God –it is quite another to use that blessing to serve God. Elizabeth and Zechariah showed that they did not only intend to live with the blessing of God – they also intended to use that blessing to serve him When they maintained that the child was to be named “John” they were going against accepted custom and tradition, and were aligning themselves with the purposes of God. Do we make use of the blessings of God to serve him?

• 3. Emerging from a Trial (v.64)

Zechariah had had a very difficult few months. When he went into the temple to serve God nine months previously he could not have imagined the chain of events that was about to be set into motion. Here Zechariah emerges from his nine months of being unable to speak (and possibly also unable to hear) and utters the most wonderful prophecy. What can we learn from this?

God does not write off those who mess up. Zechariah had failed spectacularly to believe God when the angel spoke to him – now he was given a second chance. He came through with flying colours when he wrote: “His name is John” Secondly God used a time of great difficulty to prepare Zechariah to be ready to utter one of the most beautifully prophecies ever given. Are you going through a difficult period? God could be using it to prepare you for a great work.

• 4. Effecting a Whole Region (v. 65-66)

Here we read that the power of God had an impact across the whole region. Isn’t that what we long for? – for the power of God to work in our midst and cause people across the area to hear about what God is doing. That’s what happens when the Holy Spirit moves in power!

• 5. Seeing the Divine Purpose (v.68-79)

The Holy Spirit comes on Zechariah in power and he prophesies. How we need the Holy Spirit to come upon us and for us to be filled with Holy Spirit. In his prophecy Zechariah receives God’s perspective on the events that he is witnessing.

• Fulfilment of God’s Promise (v 68-70)

What the witnesses are seeing is not simply the fulfilment of a promise by God to a couple. This constitutes God’s fulfilling his promise to the nation and to the world.

• Rescue of God’s People (v71-75)

What the witnessing were observing was physical evidence that God would rescue his people, not just from the Roman occupiers, but also form the enemy who had enslaved the human race since the fall

• Provision of God’s Person (v76)

What the witnesses were observing was not just the birth of new baby boy – but also the emergence of a major ministry gift from God who would point the way to the Messiah.

• Glories of God’s Salvation (v 77-79)

Zechariah finishes his prophecy by revelling in the salvation of God.

• 6. Preparing for Ministry (v.80)

Before Luke changes the narrative to bring us to the birth of Jesus, he gives us a brief insight into the life of this baby as he grew up. John the Baptist is going to be a major public figure whose light will shine for a while – but that time is yet to come. There is a period of preparation in which the baby from the hill country of Judea, grows, matures and is prepared. It is interesting to note that much of that preparation was in the desert. God often prepares his people for a work of service in hard circumstances. But the day came when God’s preparation was done, the veil was torn away, and John the Baptist was revealed to the world.  We too have to be patient for God’s timing, and submit to his work of preparation in our lives.

Luke now moves the narrative on. Having dealt with the birth of the prophet of the Messiah, the story now turns to the remarkable story of the couple from Nazareth, who , under God’s provision, were about to embark on a journey to  a place many miles away from home called Bethlehem

But that’s another story.

Suggested Questions for Discussion:

1. What can we learn from the thankfulness that Zechariah, Elizabeth and their friends expresses at the birth of John the Baptist

2. What does Zechariah and Elizabeth’s insistence that their child was to be called “John” tell us?

3. What difference do we see in the Zechariah in this passage, compared to the Zechariah who had seen the vision in the temple nine months earlier? What lessons can we learn from the way God had dealt with him?

4. What does Zechariah’s prophetic utterance show us about the place of   the prophetic amongst God’s people?

Listen to this sermon (or download – right click here and ‘Save as’):

Notes on Message preached 15 November 2009 at PCF: “God’s plan unfolds”

We come in our considerations of Luke’s gospel to the famous passage which describes the visit of the Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth. The passage is Luke’s gospel chapter 1 verses 39-56

We will consider the passage under five headings:

1. The Loneliness of the Call

We pick up the story when Mary has just received the astonishing visit from an angel – and the even more astonishing news to go with it. What must have been going through her mind we can only guess. She is in the place where there is not another soul that she can talk to, not another person that could understand. She has only the word of God to go on – nothing else.

Have you ever been in the place where you are sustained only by naked faith in the word of God? This is a distressing and lonely place to be. All those who commit themselves to serving God have been there or will be there. These are times when everything around us points one way – and the word of God points another. These are hard times – but potentially huge times for our development in the Lord. The way we respond to such challenges is crucial. In Mary’s case there is no doubt that she responded correctly. As Elizabeth says: ⁴⁵Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”

Some of the key moments in life occur when we are on our own with God.

2. The Encouragement of fellowship

Although there can be loneliness in the call of God – there is also fellowship. There is only one person in the world who can have any chance of understanding where Mary is, and that is her cousin Elizabeth.  So she leaves (maybe immediately and without telling anyone what has happened) to visit her cousin many miles away.

On the surface of things this would seem a reasonable thing to happen. For a young girl to go to visit an older relative expecting her first baby, to be with her in the months leading up to the birth would have seemed a right and proper thing to do. The visit could even have been previously planned. However, God has something else in mind: support, fellowship and encouragement for Mary. We will look at Elizabeth’s encouragement to Mary later, but let us never forget that God has put us with one another because we need each other.

The picture of these two very different women encouraging each other is a human and a touching one. Neither Mary nor Elizabeth could have done without each other – as they rejoiced together, shared their fears and anxieties together and as they encouraged each other in their faith. Sounds like the first housegroup to me!

3. The  Joy of Confirmation

We know that Mary believed the angel – but with no one else to tell at home or on the long journey to Judea it would have been a faith that struggled. God knows the extent of our faith and when it needs bolstering and confirming. When Mary arrived in Judea she didn’t have to wait long for a confirmation of God’s word of the most dramatic kind:

⁴¹When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ⁴²In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! ⁴³But why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. ⁴⁵Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”

The Holy Spirit revealed to Elizabeth what no one but God and Mary knew – the Messiah was coming to earth and would be born through this young girl from Nazareth. This was all the confirmation that Mary needed, and she started off on her famous song of celebration. It is a joyous and special moment when God confirms to us his word in a way that leaves no room for doubt.

4. The Power of the Prophetic

The Holy Spirit now comes upon Mary and she prophetically brings this great hymn of praise to God:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
⁴⁷and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
⁴⁸for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
⁴⁹for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
⁵⁰His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
⁵¹He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
⁵²He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
⁵³He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
⁵⁴He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
⁵⁵to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers.”

This is a hymn of praise that surpasses almost any every written:

1. Praise to the Saviour: Mary’s heart and soul rejoice in who God is. Note that Mary, as an ordinary sinful human, was also in need of a saviour!
2. Praise for what God had done for her: Mary thanks God for his amazingly gracious dealing with her in choosing her out of all people to be a part of His plan.
3. Praise for His dealing with people. Mary saw that God’s dealing with her was a model of the way in which God deals with people, casting off the arrogant and proud, and blessing those who humbly seek him.
4. Praise for his unfolding plan of salvation. Mary saw – to her great joy – that she had a part in God’s plan for the salvation of the world.

Each of these four points for praise can be echoed by us. Although Mary’s situation is unique, we too can rejoice in God our Saviour; we, too can thank God for what he has done in our lives; we too can thank God for the way in which he allows the humble to come to him, and we do have our part to play in the plan of God to save the nations.

What a great God!

5. The Return to Reality

⁵⁶Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

What a wonderful three months Mary had in Judea! She had God’s word to her confirmed and (I believe) she witnessed the birth of the one who would be the herald for her own son. She and Elizabeth had rejoiced together, shared their fears and anxieties together. God had cared for Mary, encouraged her and blessed – but now it was time to return home.

When she arrived home she would have to face Joseph, her family and the entire community with the shocking reality of being a pregnant unmarried woman. Who knew how it would end? Mary could not have foreseen either the battles that lay ahead, or the way in which God would care for her – but she entrusted herself into the hands of her faithful God – the Father of the child growing within her.

In the same way God often gives us great blessings: but they are often blessings for the battles that lie ahead, to strengthen and equip us for the day to day realities of life. Mary returns to Galilee to face what is to come, and the narrative turns toward the next great event – the birth of John the Baptist.

But that’s another story.

Questions for discussion:

1. What do you think was Mary’s reason for visiting Elizabeth?

2. How could Mary and Elizabeth have been a support to one another?

3. What does Mary’s song teach us about the way in which we should praise God?

4. What would Mary face when she returned home – and how did God help her to get through it?

5. Are there any challenges you are facing right now? What does this account say to encourage you and help you?

Notes from sermon preached 1 November 2009: “The Girl who said “yes” “ (Luke 1 v 26-28)

We continue with our series in Luke’s gospel, today looking at one of the most famous stories ever told – the visit of the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary in Nazareth to tell her of the birth of God’s Son.

A Divine Errand (v.26)

First we read of the angelic mission. God sent Gabriel to visit Mary. Angels are God’s messengers and operate unseen around us constantly. (Billy Graham describes angels as “God’s secret agents”) This was a special mission, entrusted to one of the most senior of God’s ambassadors. Are we available to be used by God for whatever purpose he has for us? In delivering the gospel of salvation to the world, God has chosen to use people, not angels. Are we available?

An Ordinary Girl (v.27)

The most remarkable thing about Mary is her ordinariness. Just as God chose an ordinary couple in Zechariah and Elizabeth, so he chooses an ordinary girl in Mary. This is great news for us all. God’s purposes are not limited to those that the world considers to be “the movers and the shakers” and the “great and the good”. Almost certainly she was a teenager at the time of God’s visitation, and a girl without rank, distinction or note. She was an ordinary girl living in enemy occupied Northern Israel, engaged to the local carpenter. God chooses the nobodies of this world.

An Extra-ordinary Encounter (v.28-29)

As we saw with Zechariah, God doesn’t always show up at the big event, the religious ceremony. We don’t know what Mary was doing when she had this apparition, but the Lord often comes at a time and a place when we don’t expect Him. His greeting is highly significant. He says that Mary is “highly favoured” and that God is with her. Although this has a special meaning for Mary, let us be aware that this applies to every person who comes under the sound of the word of God. We are “highly favoured”. We live in a day of grace when God has suspended his judgement and reaches out to us in love. Just as the Lord was with Mary, so the Lord is with us. Do we respond accordingly?

An Awesome Promise (v 30-33)

The conversation moves up a gear as the Gabriel proceeds to unravel some of the most awesome words ever spoken about a new child. Every new child is special – but this one… We may assume that Mary, having grown up in a Jewish setting was familiar with the promises of the Messiah. Her head must have spun as she realised that the very promises which were the hope of her entire nation were being projected onto her unborn child.

The promises made to Mary were unique – but we must not forget that God’s purposes for each of us and for us as a church are far bigger than any of us could dare hope. Are we awake to the possibilities of God’s dealing with us?

A Request for Information (v.34)

But wait…there’s a problem!

Gabriel has been talking about the birth of the Messiah. In a mind-blowing prophecy he has promised that the child would be Mary’s. Now, that is hard enough to cope with.  But now the angel seems to be suggesting that this is an imminent event. Surely the angel is talking about when she and Joseph were happily married and settled – some time hence? Or is he? So Mary asks for clarification. This is not unbelief (unlike the equivalent response of Zechariah). In fact it shows more than ever Mary’s commitment as she says, in effect: “I have kept God’s requirement to keep myself pure, and have every intention of continuing to do so”

An Earth-Shattering Clarification (v.35-37)

And now Gabriel gives the response that must have torn Mary’s world apart. Gabriel announces the miracle of the ages. God would become man. A child would be born without human intervention or a man’s seed. A virgin would give birth to the son of God. As if to back up his words, Gabriel pointed to the reality of Elizabeth – barren, but now six months pregnant. God can do anything!

God can do anything – but the implications for Mary were unthinkable. More on this below, but let’s think for a minute about the miraculous nature of what Gabriel promised. For a woman, sinful like any other, to conceive and carry the Son of God is unique. But it is equalled in its miraculous nature by the mystery and the miracle of the Son of God, by his Spirit, coming to take up residence in each of God’s children. The virgin birth is re-enacted in every believer. As the old hymn writer says:

“How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven”

And

“O Holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray.

Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today”

A Huge Decision

God generally does not impose imposes his will on anyone in this life. We choose to embrace or reject the will of God. Mary has a choice here. Questions like” What will Joseph say” “How will I cope” What will this mean for me” must have run through her head. There is always a decision to be taken to embrace the will of God. Are we prepared to take it? Heaven waits whilst Mary decides how to respond to this heavenly visitation. The destiny of the human race hangs in the balance whilst she pauses to respond. Again, whilst Mary’s situation is unique we know little of what is at stake whilst we choose how we respond to the will of God.

An Amazing Response (v.38)

And then, finally the response comes “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said”. In other swords – whatever the cost, wherever it takes me, whatever it means I joyfully embrace the will of God. Is that your response to God?

A Heavenly “Amen”

The narrative tells us that the angel then left. Mary had said “yes” – the die was cast. But it was not only Mary that had to say “yes”. The Holy Spirit had to be willing to come and take up residence in a sinful human being. The Father had to be prepared to be parted from His beloved Son. And the Son of God had to be willing to leave the glories of heaven and suffer the pain of death on a cross for god’s will to be done. Whatever cost there is in us following God, he has paid a higher one still.

A Plan in Motion

And with this the wheels are in motion. God’s plan is truly underway. In a few short months planet earth would be visited by its Creator, in human form

But that’s another story.

Questions for discussion

1. What was there about Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that would most have troubled her?
2. What are the characteristics that Mary shows here that we should most admire?
3. On the surface of it, Mary’s initial response to Gabriel in verse 34 appears similar to that of Zechariah in verse 18. Yet Gabriel’s reaction is very different? Why is this?
4. Mary said “yes” to God. What are the consequences for us as we say “yes” to God? And what are the consequences if we say “no”?
5. Is there any way in which you need to be saying “yes” to God at the moment?

Notes on Message preached 20 September 2009 at PCF:  ”We want to see Jesus”

Today we start a new series looking at the gospel of Luke. By way of introduction we are considering the first four verses:

Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. (Luke 1 v 1-4)

During the first few years of the life of the church it was not hard to find someone who had known Jesus personally. As time went on, and the gospel spread quickly across the world those who had known Jesus became fewer and fewer. As stories about Jesus spread it became necessary to compile accurate records of what Jesus had said and done. Luke’s gospel is an inspired, accurate and authoritative record of the events surrounding the life, death and resurrection of the Saviour of the world.

We will look at these opening verses under three headings:

A Special Writer

The man entrusted with this task was not an eyewitness of Jesus. As an educated man, a doctor, he meticulously researched the material available, and, led by the Holy Spirit, produced this inspired record of the life of Jesus. As a Gentile, Luke was uncluttered by Jewish tradition and prejudices and readily presents Jesus as the Saviour of all who will trust him , men and women, young and old, Jew and Gentile.

A Special Reader

Luke introduces his reader to us. Theophilus (also mentioned in Acts 1) was almost certainly an educated Roman Gentile who had shown an interest in the new Christianity. Luke wrote to him, as one Gentile to another. But in fact Theophilus is more than one man. Theophilus represents us: an earnest seeker who has heard of the Christ and wants to know more. Luke is “the seeker’s gospel”

A Special Reason

Luke had a special reason for writing this book. He wanted Theophilus, (and he wants us) to “know the certainly of the things you have been taught”. Luke wanted to show that this Christianity was not based on fables, myths and experiences. The Christian faith is based on un-assailable historic facts, that will stand up to the most rigorous research and investigation. Luke writes as a man who had “carefully investigated everything from the beginning”.

So – what are the main “things you have been taught” that this record from Luke gives us certainly into:

1. God entered the world in human form – more than any other gospel writer, Luke takes great pains to point out the miraculous circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus.

2. Jesus took our sins upon himself – Luke, like the other gospel writers, devotes chapters of his work to establishing the reality of the death of the Messiah, as an offering for the sins of the world.

3. Jesus rose from the dead – Luke describes in detail the resurrection from the dead of Jesus, proving beyond doubt that our sin had been dealt with

4. Salvation is available to everyone – the conclusion in inescapable – salvation is available to anyone, in any generation and in any circumstances who will accept Jesus as the saviour of the world.

As we tale this journey through the gospel of Luke together, lets tell God that we want to see Jesus, we want to be informed more about the Son of God from Nazareth who became the Saviour of the World

Questions for Discussion:

1. What is the relevance of the fact that Luke was a Gentile, a Doctor and a scholar?
2. How is it possible to be certain about our faith? How can we deal with doubt?
3. What are the fundamentals of the Christian message that we need to be absolutely sure about?
4. As we look at Luke’s gospel we want our Sunday mornings to become more evangelistic, and “seeker friendly”. What implications will this have for the way we conduct ourselves as individuals and as a church?

The Church – A Community of Praise – notes on sermon preached 6 September 2009

We are concluding our series on the church – finishing today with the church as a community of praise.

1. The Priority of Praise

Isaiah 43 – v 18-21. Here we see that God promises to pour out His Spirit on His People, in order that they proclaim his praise. He promises that as this happens, the wild animals (i.e. those who do not know the Lord) will honour him.

I Peter 2 v 9 – here God describes us as a holy nation a people belonging to God, with a purpose, which is that we declare His praises.

It’s all very clear – we are to be a people of praise – praise is what we do!

2. The Person to Praise

There is only one object of our praise – the triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. So in Revelation when the scene cuts to heaven we have the hosts of heaven worshipping day and night:

“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever” (Revelation 5 v 13)

3. The Pattern of Praise

The New Testament in filled with examples of individuals and groups praising God. Here are a few:

• Mary – Luke 1 v 46 onwards
• Zechariah – Luke 1 v 67 onwards
• Angels – Luke 2 v 13
• Jesus – Luke 10 v 21
• …and the crowd – Luke 19 v 37-40
• …and his disciples – Mark 14 v 26
• Paul and Silas – Acts 16 v 25
• The Epistles
  • Romans 11 v 33 onwards
  • Ephesians 1 v 3 onwards
  • 1 Peter 1 v 3 onwards
• In Heaven: Revelation 4 v8-11; 5 v 9-14 etc

4. The Practice of Praise

NB – some pitfalls!

1. Worshipping Worship – when we love doing something, it is easy to worship the practice rather than the object of the practice. Worship is focused on God – not on the practice of worshipping him.

2. Self Indulgence – on the same theme, it is perfectly possible simply to be gratifying our own need for a “spiritual buzz” in worship.

On the other side of the fence – a more sophisticated form of self-indulgence: is not our reluctance to lose our inhibitions in worship sometimes an indication that we can be more concerned with our dignity than with praising God?

3. Criticism – how easy it is to criticise those who are either less or more free in praise than we are! If praise is an area in which you find yourself easily moving, remember that you can only do it because of the grace of God in your life. Those who you criticise may in fact be way more advanced than you in other area of the Christian life!

As for criticising those who express themselves with freedom – there is a severe warning from the life of David’s wife Michal. We read that when she saw him dancing with abandon before the Lord she despised him in her heart… The Lord dealt with her most severely – the rest of her life was filled with sadness. Read her story in 2 Samuel 6 v 16.

The Practice of Praise:

We praise God INDIVIDUALLY. Do we have an individually time of praise ourselves each day? Try praying through one of the praise Psalms every day and making it into your own time of praise.

We praise God CORPORATELY. It is one of the great joys of our corporate church life together to spend time together in praising God.

We should not get into the habit of organising praise by numbers. However..there is plenty in the Psalms that is directional about how we should offer our praise to the Lord when we are together as God’s people. Please note that the list below describes aspects that should characterise our praise. It is not possible for each of them to be in evidence all the time

Our praise should therefore be characterised by the following:

1. 1. Celebratory

Ps33 v1 “Sing joyfully to the Lord, you upright”

Ps 47 v5 “God has ascended amid shouts of joy”

Ps 66v1 “Shout with joy to the Lord all the earth”

Ps 67 v4 “ May the nations be glad and sing for joy”

Ps 68 v “May the righteous be glad, and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful”

Ps 81 v1 “Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob”

Ps 95 v1 “Come let us sing for joy to the Lord. Let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation”

Ps 98 v4 ”Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth”

Ps 100 v 1-2 “Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs”

Ps 108  v1“My heart is steadfast O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul.”

Ps 145 v7 “They will celebrate your abundant goodness, and joyfully sing of your righteousness”

Ps 149 v 2-3 “ Let Israel rejoice in their maker, let the people of Zion be glad in the King. Let them praise his name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp”

Ps 150 3-6: “Praise Him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals”

1. 2. Reverential

Ps 5 v7 “In reverence will  I bow down towards your holy temple”

Hebrews 12 v28 “..let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably, with reverence and awe”

Ps 29 v2 “Worship the Lord in the splendour of His Holiness”

Ps 99 v5 “Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool – he is holy”

Ps 46 v10 “ Be still and know that I am God”

Ps. 95 v6 “Come, let us  bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our maker

1. 3. With Music and Singing

Ps 32 v11 “Sing all you who are upright in heart”

Ps33 v1-2 “Sing joyfully to the Lord, you upright. Praise the Lord with the harp, make music to him on the ten stringed lyre”

Ps. 43 v4 “ I will praise you with the harp”

Ps 47 v6 “Sing praises to God, sing praises, sing praise to our King , sing praises”

Ps 57 v7 “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music”

Ps 98 v4 “Burst into jubilant song with music”

Ps 71 v2 “I will praise you with the harp… I will sing praise to you with the lyre”

Ps 81 v2 “Begin the music, strike the tambourine, play the melodious harp and lyre”

Ps 92 v3 “…to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp”

Ps 95 v1 “Come let us sing for joy to the Lord. Let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation”

Ps 100 v 1-2 “Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs”

Ps 108  v1“My heart is steadfast O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul.”

Ps 147v7 “Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving…make music to him on the harp”

Ps 149 v 2-3 “ Let Israel rejoice in their maker, let the people of Zion be glad in the King. Let them praise his name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp”

Ps 150 3-6: “Praise Him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals”

1. 4. Expressive

- with dancing

Ps 30 v11 “you turned my wailing into dancing”

Ps 149 v 2-3 “ Let Israel rejoice in their maker, let the people of Zion be glad in the King. Let them praise his name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp”

Ps 150 3-6: “Praise Him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals”

- with hands raised

Ps 63 v4 “I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands”

Ps 134 v2 “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord”

- with shouting

Ps. 29 v9 “In his temple all cry “Glory”!”

Ps 33 v3 “Play skillfully and shout for joy”

Ps 47 v1 “Shout to God with shouts of joy”

Ps 66v1 “Shout with joy to the Lord all the earth”

Ps  71 v22 “My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you”

Ps 81 v1 “Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob”

Ps 95 v1 “Come let us sing for joy to the Lord. Let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation”

Ps 98 v1 ”Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth”

Ps 118 v5 “Shouts of joy and victory  resound in the tents of the righteous”

- with kneeling and bowing down

Psalm 95:6:Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;

Psalm 5:7:But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.
Psalm 37:14: The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.
Psalm 66:4
All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name.”

1. 5. A Choice of our Will

Hab 3 v17 “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are not grapes on the vine……yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour

Ps. 42 v5 “Why are  you so downcast…..put your hope in God for I will yet praise him”

Ps 57 v7 “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music”

Ps 16 v6 “ I will praise the Lord”

Ps 108  v1“My heart is steadfast O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul.”

The fact is, praise is what we do. We are a people of praise. Let’s ask God together to make us everything that he wants us to be.

Let me finish with a quote from one of favourite books on the subject of prayer. It is called “Destined for the Throne” by Paul E. Billheimer. In it he argues for a program of massive praise to be   at the heart of every church’s program. He writes:

“It is generally recognised that one of the fastest growing segments of the Christian communion is that group of churches which are of the Pentecostal persuasion…whatever one’s position may be, it can not be denied that the Pentecostal groups have re-discovered, for this day and age, the importance and power of praise. To the order of public worship, including periods of congregational singing, public prayer and a gospel message they have added another co-equal with these: a period of united worship and vocal praise. Almost universally at some point in the service time is given specifically for the purpose of praising and  worshipping the Lord. This is not a subjective thing, an attempt to work up an ecstatic emotionalism for the sake of the thrill. But the objective thrust of the united praise and worship of him alone who is worthy often results in an inundation of the Holy Spirit’s presence – which is nothing short of heavenly, for it echoes the praise of the celestial throng around the throne. It is the writer’s considered judgement that it is  this thoroughly scriptural program of massive praise which is responsible for the burgeoning growth of this movement. Whatever one’s position on tongues and other charismatic gifts there is nothing to hinder any groups from adopting the scriptural program of massive praise. The church at large should sincerely repent of its failure to comprehend the overwhelming content of the word on praise, and render due thanks to God for those instrumental in its rediscovery.”

Points for discussion:

1. Why is praise important?
2. What is the difference (if any)  between praise and worship?
3. How can we develop praise in our personal lives?
4. What place should our own personal preferences play in the way we praise God?
5. Can you identify with any of the pitfalls described   at the start of section 4?

1. Recalling the past
2. Facing the present
3. Hope for the future

Due to a technical hitch in the recording, this podcast starts a few minutes into Nick’s talk, while he is covering his first point, “Recalling the past”.

Listen to this sermon (or download – right click here and ‘Save as’):

Reference: Psalm 44, Romans 8 v 35-39

Notes from Sermon preached 9 August 2009 – “A Disciple-making Community”

Today we are considering church as a community of people who obey the command of Jesus to make disciples. Our text is Matthew 28 v 16-20.

1. A Great Conference

Jesus calls a conference at some point  between the resurrection and the ascension. Not a major conference with  audio visual gadgetry, but a simple conference on a  lonely mountain top with Jesus and his 11 remaining disciples. What characterised this conference?

The venue: Galilee: this is highly significant because the command to go to the nations was given not at Jerusalem, but in Galilee of the Gentiles.

Obeying Jesus:  the disciples went to the place where Jesus had told them to go. If we want to know what Jesus wants us to do, it will be as we do what he has already asked us to do.

Seeing Jesus: the disciples saw Jesus – isn’t that the desire of our hearts – to see Him more and more and for Him to have the first place in our lives?

Worshipping Jesus: here, for the first time in the new testament, Jesus is offered by his disciples ( and accepts from them) the worship that belongs to God alone. The Book of Revelation which gives us a glimpse into heaven is filled with worship of the Lamb. What place does worship have in our lives and in our church?

Doubting Jesus: it seems a strange thing to say, but we are told that “Some doubted”. And today we have to admit that our faith is not perfect. Like any failing, doubt can be overcome by the word (Romans 10 v 17) and by obedience (John 7 v 17)

2. A Great Commission

The Commission is given to go to all nations and to:

Evangelise – every man woman and child needs to hear the message of salvation  so that they can turn to God and be saved. So are the bringers of that message. God has no plan B.

Establish – the command is not simply to bring them to Jesus  – we are then commanded to baptise them and to teach them to obey all that Jesus has commended us.

Equip – the world needs men and woman who are God’s disciple – makers, men and woman who know how to obey the great commission. As our friend Paul Dando puts it: the task is to turn heathens into missionaries!

3. A Great Challenge

This passage comes at a crucial point in the ministry of  Jesus. He has spent three years training the twelve to be his disciple-makers. At this point the baton is passed to them. The eternal destiny of the world is in their hands.

Down the generations it also comes to us… have we heard and responded to the call to be involved in the great task of the ages?

So: where will you go to fulfil the command of Jesus to make disciples?

4. A Great Commitment

The commission is so great and so far-reaching that  no one would seriously contemplate taking it on unless Jesus was with us. And yet this is the commitment that he has given to us: “Surely I am with you”. The one who said “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” also said “ I am with you always”. What more could we ask for?

As Brother Andrew said:

“ Not one word has been withdrawn by the One who gave us the great commission. It is still the supreme task of the church. God’s blessing is and will be with anyone who makes this his main task for the rest of his life”

Reference: Jeremiah 1 v 1-10

Notes on sermon preached 26 July 2009: “The Church – a Community of Disciples”

We are continuing to look at various aspects of the church. Today we consider the church as a community of disciples. The Greek word translated “disciple” literally means “one who learns”. We are therefore defined as a community as a people who are learners from Jesus, our great teacher. That means that he sets the rules – not us! The text we will consider is Luke 14 verses 15-24. We will look at the passage under three headings:

1. Three Encouragements

(1)    There is an invitation.(v. 15-23) We are amongst those who Jesus has invited to a great feast – the wedding feast of the Lamb. All are invited – including those for whom the world has no time. Have you heard and responded to the invitation of Jesus to come and follow him? If you have you are assured of a place at the great feast at the end of history.

(2)    There is security. (Romans 8 v 28-30). For those who are truly born again into God’s kingdom  there is eternal security. They have come into a plan which can not be changed and which God has promised to bring to a conclusion. If you are God’s child you are safe in His hands!

(3)    There are rewards. (1 Corinthians 3 v.10-15;1 Corinthians  9 v.24-27) Given that we are totally secure in him,  there are opportunities for reward!  The fact is that all believers will take part in a judgement at the end of time not to determine their entrance into heaven (which is already decided) but their reward based on the quality or their service for him in this life. Our response to Jesus’ call to discipleship today , then, has eternal implications.

2. Three Challenges

(1)   The Challenge to put Jesus first.(v 26) To be a disciple of Jesus, everything that is held dear to us, family, friends, even our own lives, comes behind Jesus in order of our priority and commitment.

(2)   The Challenge to Carry Our Cross. (v .27) The people of Jesus knew exactly what it meant when someone was carrying their cross. They were the walking dead. To be a disciple of Jesus means that we constantly die to our own wishes, desires and ambitions, Are we prepared for that?

(3)   The Challenge to give up everything (v 33) When we become Christians everything we have belongs to Jesus. We therefore have no possessions and no rights. Have we given everything to Jesus?

3. Three Pictures

(1)   The Man building the Tower. (v 28-30) How foolish to start a project and then not to finish it because we hadn’t planned properly. We need to regularly count the cost of being a disciple to make sure that we are willing and able to pay it.

(2)   The King Going to War (v 31-32) Similarly a king who goes to war needs to do his “homework” first to see if he is able to win. Have you considered the likely cost of following Jesus, and are you prepared to pay it?

(3)   The Salt with No Flavour.(v.33) Jesus concludes this passage with a parable of salt that has lost the very properties that make it of use. It is utterly useless – it is cast out. The comparison is with the believer who will not pay the price required to be a disciples. He looks and sounds like a Christian – but ultimately he is of no value in God’s kingdom.

What  challenge it is to be a disciple of Jesus! We finish with a major encouragement later in Luke 18 v 28-30:

Peter said to him, We have left all we had to follow you!  I tell you the truth, Jesus said to them, no-one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God  will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.

The great paradox of being a disciple of Jesus is that it costs everything – yet it costs nothing! We give up what we have that means nothing and gain what we do not have which means everything.

Sounds like a good deal to me!

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear”

Questions for Discussion:

1. What kind of judgement will a believer be subject to?
2. Is there anything that you find hard to put in its correct place behind Jesus?
3. What does it means to carry your cross and follow Jesus?
4. Consider the picture of the salt that has lost its saltiness. How could it apply to us as believers?