bringing faith to lifeWeek 4

Family

How was it ?

Psalm 68:1-6

May God arise, may his enemies be scattered;may his foes flee before him.May you blow them away like smoke –as wax melts before the fire, may the wicked perish before God.But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God;may they be happy and joyful.

Psalm 68:1-6

Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him – his name is the LORD.A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.God sets the lonely in families,

he leads out the prisoners with singing.

Psalm 68:1-6

Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him – his name is the LORD.A father to the fatherless, a champion for widows, is God in his holy dwelling.God sets the lonely in families,

he leads out the prisoners with singing.

bringing faith to lifeWeek 4

Family

What is this ?

body, family or building?

What can we learn from eachPicture of Jesus’ followers ?What does each emphasise ?

bible speaks

how well does your experience reflect these verses?

not at all not enough just right too much

the church is born

Those who accepted his message were baptised, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.Acts 2:41-47

the church is born

Those who accepted his message were baptised, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.Acts 2:41-47

different styles

Western writing

• likes linear progress• where A • leads to B• and on to C

and the conclusion and most important bit comes at the end

Hebrew writing

• starts to explain• adds more depth• reaches the point

• expands the depth• finishes the story

the church is born

Those who accepted his message were baptised, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people.

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

being church together

devoted to • learning how to know/do/be like Jesus• knowing, serving, loving & trusting each other• eating together (including Eucharist meal)• talking with God• expecting God to act• meeting each other’s needs• praising God• growing in number

being church together

devoted to • learning how to know/do/be like Jesus• knowing, serving, loving & trusting each other• eating together (including Eucharist meal)• talking with God• expecting God to act• meeting each other’s needs• praising God• growing in number

being church together

devoted to • learning how to know/do/be like Jesus• knowing, serving, loving & trusting each other• eating together (including Eucharist meal)• talking with God• expecting God to act• meeting each other’s needs• praising God• growing in number

Carolyn Taketa – 3 mins

what about us?

What would we do differently to train ourselves to want to be devoted to...

knowing, serving, loving & trusting each other

applying to our lives

“Are we a group of people who let God interrupt us, and let us live a life of love ?”

• how much do we want to love each other as family/same body?

• how much are we prepared to let each others’ needs disrupt our lives?

what are we for?

What does today’s body of Christ do?

applying to our lives

would you like to be part of a small group meeting weekly/fortnightly ?

what’s your position?• I am already in a small group• I would like to join a small group• I could share in hosting a group of 6-10 people

like the bricks of a building

Now you are coming to Jesus as to a living stone...

You yourselves are being built like living stones into a spiritual temple. You’re being made into a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it is written in scripture, Look! I am laying a cornerstone in Zion, chosen, valuable. Whoever believes in him will never be shamed.

1 Peter 2:4-6

closing prayer

Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name,your kingdom come,your will be done,on earth as in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptationbut deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,and the glory are yoursnow and for ever.Amen.