READ: JOHN 20:19-31

19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."

20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." 26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."

27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." 28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

DISCUSS

1. How has your week been?

2. How have you seen God at work in your life this week?

3. Read the passage again.

4. What does this passage tell us about Jesus?

5. What does this passage tell us about the disciples?

6. What does it tell us about our relationship with Him?

7. What is challenging in this passage?

8. Is there anything else the passage is saying to me?

9. What am I going to do about it?

10. Who am I going to share it with?

11. Be prepared to share back next week.

PRAY

Let us pray

We gather here as a fellowship of people who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. One of the major marks of this fellowship is the sense of joy we experience as we gather to worship God, to give thanks for Jesus Christ and to witness to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Yet, we admit that there are times when we feel afraid, abandoned, and lonely; when faith leads to doubt and questions rather than a sense of joy or peace of mind. Lord Jesus Christ, unlike those first disciples, we cannot touch you or see you, and so it is all too easy to become downcast and given to despair.

Forgive us when, like the disciples, we find the truth of Easter hard to believe.

Come to us, risen Christ, come through the closed doors of our hearts and minds and take away our fears and doubts; Come to us, risen Christ, breathe on us and fill us with the joy and peace of your presence.

Bless us all as people who have not seen you, but who believe that you are truly the risen Christ, Son of God. Amen

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The washing of the disciples' feet as recorded in John’s gospel is a well-known and key reading to help us understand Jesus’ approach to leadership and discipleship

READ: John 15:1-17

Chapter 15

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

DISCUSS

- How has your week been?

- How have you seen God at work in your life this week?

- Read the passage again.

- What does this passage tell us about Jesus?

- What does this passage tell us about the Father?

- What does it tell us about our relationship with Him?

- How am I fruitful?

- What is challenging in this passage?

- Is there anything else the passage is saying to me?

- What am I going to do about it?

- Who am I going to share it with?

- Be prepared to share back next week.

PRAY

Let us pray.

Lord of the one true Vine.

In you we live and move and have our being

We are your branches, spindly and slight and fragile.

Please ask your Father to prune us (though gently).

We want to bear more of your fruit.

Amen.

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The washing of the disciples feet as recorded in John’s gospel is a well-known and key reading to help us understand Jesus’ approach to leadership and discipleship

READ John 13:1-17

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

DISCUSS

- How has your week been?

- How have you seen God at work in your life this week?

- Read the passage again.

- What does this passage tell us about Jesus?

- What does it tell us about our relationship with Him?

- What does it tell us about Christian leadership?

- How does this passage challenge me in my relationship with God?

- Is there anything else the passage is saying to me?

- What am I going to do about it.

- Who am I going to share it with

- Be prepared to share back next week.

PRAY

Let us pray

Leadership is less about the love of power and more about the power of love.

Lord, as we continue to undertake the role of leader

let us be affirmed by the servant leadership we witness in your son Jesus.

Let us walk in the path He has set and let those who will, follow.

Let our greatest passion be…compassion.

Our greatest strength…love.

Our greatest victory…the reward of peace.

In leading, let us never fail to follow.

In loving, let us never fail.

Amen.

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Psalm 139 is one of my favourite Psalms that speaks of God’s character in a way that is both cosmic and intimate. A psalm that speaks of God knowing, surrounding and forming us.

READ

Psalm 139

The Inescapable God

To the leader. Of David. A Psalm.

O Lord, you have searched me and known me.

You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.

You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.

Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely.

You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.

Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.

If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,

even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,”

even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day,

for darkness is as light to you. For it was you who formed my inward parts;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. My frame was not hidden from you,

when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written

all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed.

How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

I try to count them—they are more than the sand; I come to the end—I am still with you.

O that you would kill the wicked, O God, and that the bloodthirsty would depart from me—

those who speak of you maliciously, and lift themselves up against you for evil!

Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?

I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.

See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

DISCUSS

1. How has your week been?

2. How have you seen God at work in your life this week?

3. Read the passage again.

4. How do you feel about God knowing everything about you?

5. Is this comforting or confronting

6. What does this passage tell us about God?

7. What does it tell us about our relationship with Him?

8. How does this passage challenge me in my relationship with God?

9. Is there anything else the passage is saying to me?

10. What am I going to do about it.

11. Who am I going to share it with

12. Be prepared to share back next week.

PRAY

Let us pray

Prayer

All-knowing God,

We gather together with praise and thanksgiving

for who You are,

and for all that You have done for us.

You know us better than we know ourselves—

all our thoughts and actions—

and yet You love us.

No matter where we go or what we do,

Your love encircles us—ahead and behind—

gently leading and guiding and blessing.

We praise You for Your love

and Your faithful presence in our lives.

May Your Spirit move in our hearts and minds as we worship together:

examine our attitudes and actions,

lay bare the things we need to confess,

challenge us with Your Word,

and guide us on to paths that lead to life.

For we are Your people, called by Your name.

Amen.

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Read Luke 15:11-32

DISCUSS

- Who has done the most travelling in your family/group? How has travelled changed you/them?

- What is the one thing you would love to inherit from your parents?

- How do you try to make celebrations special now?

- What stages did the younger son go through on his pilgrimage?

- From your understanding of the father what do you think he was doing while his son was away? Why do you think that?

- What was Jesus's point in this parable? What does this story teach us about sin, repentance and God's love?

- With whom do you most identify with in this story and why?

- What is Jesus telling you in this story and what are you going to do about that?

PRAY

Let us pray

Loving God we are so blessed to be a part of your kingdom. We are ever aware of our need for your constant love and care. As we journey through this week Lord hep us to be aware of the challenges before us and the spiritual battles that we engage in. Do not let us be overwhelmed but rather as we see and respond in faith to hear the support of that great cloud of witnesses that sit in our corner cheering on our behalf. Give us the strength and perseverance for our daily battles and help us to support others in similar need. In Jesus name we pray

AMEN.

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Psalm 51 is one of the Psalms that deals with our need for penitence and forgiveness. The introduction links the Psalm to David’s sin with Bathsheba and what ensues, and as such grounds it in a real life situation. It reminds us that sin runs deep, it is more than a list of things that we do but rather runs deep within our spirit. Damaging our very being and our various relationships, with God, with others and with the creation. The Psalm reminds us that it is against God that we sin and that we cannot remedy the situation upon our own. It is only when we rely upon God and trust in him that salvation can come.

READ

Psalm 51

A Psalm of David, when the prophet Nathan came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;

according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.

Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight,

so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment.

Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me.

You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice.

Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.

Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, O God of my salvation,

and my tongue will sing aloud of your deliverance.

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

For you have no delight in sacrifice; if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased.

The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart,

O God, you will not despise.

Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem,

then you will delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;

then bulls will be offered on your altar.

DISCUSS

1. How has your week been? How have you seen God at work in your life?

2. Read the passages again.

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. What does it tell us about our relationship with Him?

4. How does this passage challenge me in my relationship with God?

5. Is there anything else the passage is saying to me?

6. What am I going to do about it.

7. who am I going to share it with

8. Be prepared to share back next week.

PRAY

Let us pray

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;

according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.

Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight,

so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment.

Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me.

You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice.

Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.

Psalm 51: 1-12

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We have come a long way since last week where we shared the story of Paul’s dramatic conversion. Paul stayed in Damascus for 3 years, and then went to Jerusalem to become acquainted with the leading apostles there. After this meeting he began his famous missions to the west, preaching first in his native Syria and Cilicia (Galatians 1:17–24). During the next 20 years or so (c. mid-30s to mid-50s), he established several churches in Asia Minor and at least three in Europe, including the church at Corinth. During the course of his missions, Paul realized that his preaching to Gentiles was creating difficulties for the Christians in Jerusalem, who thought that Gentiles must become Jewish in order to join the Christian movement. He returned to Jerusalem to settle the issue, and it was agreed that Peter would be the principal apostle to Jews and Paul the principal apostle to Gentiles. In the late 50s Paul returned to Jerusalem with the money he had raised and a few of his Gentile converts. There he was arrested for taking a Gentile too far into the Temple precincts, and, after a series of trials, he was sent to Rome. We pick up the story as he is returning to Rome.

READ

Acts 27 :21-26, 39-44

Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul then stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and thereby avoided this damage and loss. I urge you now to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For last night there stood by me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before the emperor; and indeed, God has granted safety to all those who are sailing with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we will have to run aground on some island.”

In the morning they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned to run the ship ashore, if they could. So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea. At the same time they loosened the ropes that tied the steering-oars; then hoisting the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach. But striking a reef, they ran the ship aground; the bow stuck and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the force of the waves. The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, so that none might swim away and escape; but the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest to follow, some on planks and others on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.

DISCUSS

1. How has your week been? How have you seen God at work in your life?

2. Read the passages again.

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. Paul is confident that God keeps his promises. Have you such experiences in your own life?

4. How does this passage challenge me in my relationship with God?

5. Is there anything else the passage is saying to me?

6. What am I going to do about it.

7. who am I going to share it with

8. Be prepared to share back next week.

PRAY

Let us pray

Lord Jesus we thank you for the life of Paul, and his commitment to you and to share the gospel. Thank you for his witness that we have in the words of Scripture. Help us to be like Paul trusting your wisdom and protection. May we confident as we go into this week that we do not go alone but that you go before us and beside us protecting us from all sides and guiding us in the way ahead. Amen

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Today we celebrate kickstart and reflect upon new beginnings.

READ

Acts 9:1-20 2 Cor 5:17

The Conversion of Saul

Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”

2 Cor 5:17

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!

DISCUSS

1. How has your week been? How have you seen God at work in your life?

2. Read the passages again.

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. Is your faith journey more like Paul or Ananias?

4. How does this passage challenge me in my relationship with God?

5. Is there anything or anyone I am being called to share with this week? Share that with your group and pray for that situation.

6. Is there anything else the passage is saying to me?

7. What am I going to do about it.

8. be prepared to share back next week.

PRAY

Let us pray

Loving God thank you that you have called us into a loving relationship with you. We thank you for our brothers and sisters who have similarly come to faith and we give thanks for the various ways that people have come to know you. Give me the courage to respond and step out when you call. Lord thank you that I am part of a church that wants to encourage people to step out and share their faith with others. Whether we are like Paul or Ananias may we be re-assured that our journey and relationship with you is the key and help us to deepen our faith and continue to grow in that relationship. In Jesus name I pray

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READ: 2 Samuel 5:17-25

Here’s what happens…

David is the new king, and his enemies are angry. Many years prior, David killed a giant named Goliath…and now people from Goliath’s country want to kill David. David asks God very specific questions about how to battle these enemies, and God gives him guidance by telling him what to do.

Memory Verse

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10).

DISCUSS

1. What stands out for you in this bible passage?

2. Can you remember a time when God has gone out before you?

3. What does this say about God?

4. What does this say about us?

5. What is God saying to you?

PRAY

Dear God, Thank you. Thank you for the good times, thank you for the challenging times and thank you for our struggles. Thank you that in all these moments there are lessons for us to learn and that we may share them with you and you are there for us. Help us this week to walk with more grace and love as we see all the things around us that you have made and that we are grateful for. Help us not just to do this for a season but to allow it to become part of our identity. Thank you that we can do all things with you strengthening us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

READ: Judges 6-7

Here’s what happens…

Gideon is hiding from his enemies when an angel appears, calls Gideon a mighty hero, and instructs him to go into battle. Although Gideon is weak in his own strength, he takes a large army into battle. But God whittles the army down to a very small one to show it’s God’s power that wins the battle.

Memory Verse

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10).

DISCUSS

- What stands out for you in this bible passage?

- When was a time that you were afraid but you were able to accomplish the task with God’s help?

- When was the last time you sat in silence with God?

- Has there been a time in your life where you have witnessed God giving someone the strength they need in a certain circumstance?

- What’s something you’ve done that took all your strength? Maybe taking a super long hike, lifting something heavy, or doing something nobody thought you could do. Tell your partner about it.

- What would you be willing to do if you knew it would make you stronger?

- What do you think God is saying to you? What can you do about it?

PRAY

Dear God, Thank you. Thank you that we can learn about you, share what we learn freely with others and ask questions openly about you without real fear of persecution. We thank you for the world that you have created for us and that we can see Joy in tough times, love in the smile of a stranger and Hope in the dawning of a new day. God, thank you for making us strong! When we feel weak or afraid, help us remember that we are strong with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

READ

Genesis 2:4-7, 18-23; Psalm 8

Here’s what happens.

God creates human beings in his image. He takes dust and breathes his very breath into humankind. Making him as the crown of his creation, and then created Eve to share with Adam. Man is given stewardship of the earth and for that we should be thankful

Memory Verse

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10).

DISCUSS

1. Share how you responded to God’s plan for your life over the past week.

2. How do you understand creation is it literal, or a fairy-tale or somewhere in between? Explain

3. What parts of creation do you find the most beautiful?

4. What does it mean to say that human beings are the crown of creation?

5. Humankind are called to be stewards of the earth. What does that mean?

6. How do you demonstrate your stewardship

a) over creation

b) your possessions.

c) your talents and gifts

7. What is there that you can do this week to demonstrate being a good steward of what God has given you. Share this and be prepared to share next week how it went.

PRAY

Creator God, you formed us from the dust of the earth, and reveal your fingerprints in all flesh. Teach us your deep wisdom in the order and beauty of all that you have made. When our care for your creation is found wanting, reprove and reform us, so that our footprints may be more gentle on the earth, tending and keeping it as your own handiwork, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

READ

Esther 4:5-17, 9:18-22

Here’s what happens.

Esther, a Jewish woman, is chosen to become queen, but King Xerxes doesn’t know she’s Jewish. Meanwhile, King Xerxes’ right-hand man, Haman, is trying to kill all the Jews! Esther’s cousin Mordecai tells Esther that she has a purpose: to save the Jews. Esther uses her position as queen to denounce Haman and thwart a plot and so saves her people. As a result the Jews institute the feast of Purim to remember how God used Esther to save his people.

DISCUSS

1. Share what you did last week to respond to recognising Jesus as both fully human and fully divine.

2.Have you ever felt like Esther having little control over events that happen in your life?

3. Do you believe that God has placed you where you are now for a purpose? Think in terms of work, family and church.

4. Why do you think God has placed you where you are now, and what are you going to do about it?

5. Esther is called to take a risk to fulfil God’s plan? Are you being asked to take any risks and what are they?

6. Esther relied upon advice from Hegai, the king’s eunuch and Mordecai. Who are your trusted advisors? Who do you look to for advice

7. Though it’s not mentioned, the story of Esther is a part of God’s plan for the world. How are you and your life a part of that plan?

8. What is there that you can do this week to respond to God’s plan or your part in God’s plan? Share this and be prepared to share next week how it went.

PRAY

The following prayer are the words of Esther as recorded in the Apocrapha that adds several chapters to the book of Esther. I include this prayer in its entirety acknowledging these are Esther’s words but they have relevance for you and I today. May Esther’s prayer be our prayer.

Let us pray

“My Lord, you alone are our king. Help me! I have no one to help me but you, 15 and I am in great danger now. 16 From my birth, Lord, I have heard how you chose Israel from among the rest of the nations, and our fathers from their ancestors, to be an everlasting inheritance. I have heard how you did for them all that you had promised. 17 But now we have sinned before you, and you have delivered us into the power of our enemies 18 because we worshipped their gods. You are just, Lord. 19 Yet the enemies weren’t satisfied with our bitter slavery, so they shook hands with their idols in partnership. 20 They plan to set aside the promises you made, to rob you of your inheritance, to silence those who praise you, and to stamp out the honour of your temple and your altar. 21 They want to open the mouths of the nations to praise the wonderful deeds of useless idols[d] so that a human king might be honored forever.

22 “Don’t surrender your sceptre, Lord, to things that don’t exist. Don’t let them mock our downfall. Instead, turn their scheme against them and make an example of the one who started this against us. 23 Remember us, Lord, and reveal yourself in the time of our distress. Give me courage, king of the gods and ruler of every authority. 24 When I speak, let my words be persuasive before the lion, and turn the king’s heart to hatred toward the one who is fighting against us, to bring his life to an end along with those who agree with him. 25 Deliver us by your actions, and help me, I who am alone and have no one except you, Lord.

“You know all things. 26 You know that I hate the honour of those who don’t follow your Law. I detest sharing the bed of this uncircumcised king or indeed of any foreigner. 27 You know my trouble: I hate the crown[e] that is on my head when I appear in public. I despise it as I would a menstrual rag, and I don’t wear it when I am in private. 28 I, your servant, didn’t dine at Haman’s table. Nor did I honour the king’s banquet or drink wine that had been offered to the gods. 29 From the day of my crowning until now, your servant hasn’t had any joy except in you, Lord, God of Abraham. 30 All-powerful God, listen to the voice of those who despair, and deliver us from the hands of those who do wrong, and deliver me from my fear!”

Forming Foundations of Faith - God is Forever

READ

John 1:1-6

Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

Here’s what happens.

John’s gospel speaks of the eternal word of God who becomes a human being and walked on earth. In Revelation, that same human being, Jesus is acknowledged as the Alpha and the Omega, of the Lord of all time.

Memory Verse ““God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him” (1 John 4:9).

DISCUSS 

1. Share what you did last week to respond to Jesus’ call.

2. Do you think of Jesus more as a human being or as God.

3. What does it mean for you that Jesus is fully divine?

4. What does it mean for you that Jesus is fully human?

5. The book of Revelation is very much about imagery. What do you think the following images mean?

a. Alpha and Omega

b. Spirit and bride

c. water of life

d. wash their robes

e. bright morning star

6. Re-read both passages slowly twice. Reflecting on what stands out to you as the key words.

7. What do these passages mean to you?

8. What are you going to do about it?

7. Be prepared to share some of these questions next week about what God has done.

PRAY 

Let us pray

Lord Jesus, we long for when you will come again, to restore the world to the way you made it to be. As the Spirit and bride say ‘Come’ Lord help us to respond, to crave the living water that brings life and hope and eternal life. Come Lord Jesus, come into our hearts and into our lives,. And may the grace of the Lord Jesus be with us all.

Forming Foundations of Faith - God is Forgiving

READ

Luke 22:54 – 62

John 21:15-19 

Here’s what happens… 

Following Jesus arrest he is taken to the high priest’s house. The disciples flee except for Peter who follows and waits in the courtyard. Three times a servant girl aske Peter if he is one of Jesus followers. Three times Peter says no, and finally says I don’t even know him. Weeks later, following his resurrection Peter and others are out fishing catching nothing and Jesus tells them to cast the net on the other side of the boat, and behold another miraculous catch. They come to the beach and Jesus questions Peter three times asking ‘Do you love me?’ Mirroring Peter’s 3 denials and challenges him each time to feed his sheep or lambs. Restoring Peter to his place as a disciple and follower of Jesus. He finishes by saying follow me.

Memory Verse ““God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him” (1 John 4:9).

DISCUSS 

1. Share something of who you prayed for or spoke to last week about Jesus.

2. Can you name an opportunity where you feel you have let Jesus down. Pray for each other that you can experience God’s forgiveness.

3. Can you think of people or places where you are afraid to speak about Jesus. What would help in those situations.

4. Like Peter Jesus knows there are times you have let him down and he forgives you and says come and follow me. Are you committed to respond.

5. What will you do this week to intentionally respond to Jesus call?

6. Who would you most like to see come to know Jesus? Share and pray for them now.

7. Be prepared to share some of these questions next week about what God has done.

PRAY 

Let us pray

Merciful God, Like Peter I am aware of the times that I have failed you and even denied you. I am truly sorry. I repent for ever having offended You, I acknowledge my many failures and give thanks that I can claim your forgiveness and blessing. I re-commit myself to following you. Help us to believe and trust in You even more, for Your grace and power is greater than our comprehension! In Jesus' name,

Amen.

Forming Foundations of Faith - God is all Knowing

READ

Jonah 1:1-2 and 3:1-10

Here’s what happens. The story of Jonah

The story of Jonah is a story that speaks of the character of God, the grace of God and that God’s mission is for the whole world. God speaks to Jonah, a prophet that he is to go and preach to the people of Ninevah of God’s impending destruction of the city. Jonah doesn’t want to do it so he runs the other way, and ends up spending 3 days in a whale’s belly before he agrees to go to Ninevah. He goes into the city and preaches and the people repent. God relents and accepts Ninevah’s repentance. Jonah is angry at God because God will not punish Ninevah and runs away to die. God provides a tree o shade Jonah, and then kills it to challenge Jonah about forgiveness and grace.

Memory Verse “No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).

DISCUSS 

1 Share something of who you prayed for and/or supported last week.

2. Has God ever asked you to do something you really didn’t want to do? Share this and what happened.

3.How do you deal with things you don’t want to do?

3. The Ninevites did bad things but they repented and God forgave them. What is there that you need to repent and be forgiven for.

4. Jonah was asked to go and speak to people who did not know God. Is there someone this week that you can share God with. Share that within the group and pray for it.

5. What do you need prayer and support for in the coming week?

6. Who do you need to pray and support this week?

7. Be prepared to share some of these questions next week about what God has done.

PRAY 

Let us pray

Let us pray: Holy and all merciful triune God, help us to grow more loving, more forgiving, more faithful and more transparent, day by day. Continue to work with us and in us to further your work of salvation, so that we may become more single-minded in our commitment to you, and our lives may become a living sign of your kingdom. Amen.

READ

Psalm 25

Romans 8:31-39

Here’s what happens…  David writes a song praising God and seeking God’s intervention and blessing.. In it, he talks about characteristics of God that sound a lot like a friend! God is trustworthy, gives good advice, loves you, forgives you, helps you make right choices, and helps when you’re in trouble. What an amazing friend!

Memory Verse “No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).

DISCUSS 

1 Reflecting back from last week how have you seen God at work in your life this week.

2. What are the thing that David asks God for.?

3n David speaks of both an external threat and internal threat. What do you see as the current threats or challenges facing you.?

3. How do you confront or deal with those threats or challenges.

4. If discipleship is moving from unbelief to belief in every area of our lives then where are the battles or areas at the moment.

5. What do you need prayer and support for in the coming week?

6. Who do you need to pray and support this week?

7. be prepared to share some of these questions next week about what God has done.

PRAY 

Let us pray

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust;

do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.

Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;

let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation;

for you I wait all day long. AMEN.

Psalm 25:1-5 NRSV

Forming Foundations of Faith - God is always with us.

READ

2 Kings 6:8-23 Elisha and the Arameans

Hebrews 12:1-3

Here’s what happens.....

The national scene in Israel has drastically changed since last week, the stormy days of Elijah’s confrontation with King Ahab and Queen Jezebel and the prophets of Baal. Elisha is now respected by King Jehoram and the Israelites are back following God. They are now defending themselves against the neighbouring tribes, in this case the Arameans. God gives Elisha the battle plans for Israel’s enemies, the Arameans. Finally, the king of Aram is fed up with losing and sends an army to surround Elisha and his servant. But Elisha sees a more powerful army of God’s angels, not visible to most. God opens Elisha’s servant’s eyes to see the angel army.

Memory Verse “No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).

DISCUSS

1. Is Jehoram a good king?

2. What do you know about Elisha?

3. Who are your cloud of witnesses? Those who support and encourage you and help you reach your best. Thank God for them and pray for them.

4. What were your battles this week?

5. What do you need prayer and support for in the coming week?

6. Who do you need to pray and support this week?

7. be prepared to share some of these questions next week about what God has done.

PRAY

Let us pray

Loving God we are so blessed to be a part of your kingdom. We are ever aware of our need for your constant love and care. As we journey through this week Lord hep us to be aware of the challenges before us and the spiritual battles that we engage in. Do not let us be overwhelmed but rather as we see and respond in faith to hear the support of that great cloud of witnesses that sit in our corner cheering on our behalf. Give us the strength and perseverance for our daily battles and help us to support others in similar need. In Jesus name we pray

AMEN.

Forming Foundations of Faith - God is our Provider

READ

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal - 1 Kings 18:20-39

Here’s what happens.

Ahab is one of the bad kings of Israel. He marries Jezebel and they worship Baal, a false god and proceed to kill all the good prophets. Elijah stands up to them and challenges the prophets of the idol Baal to a duel. Each will build an altar and ask their god to light the sacrifice on fire. The prophets of Baal dance and cry out, but their idol doesn’t respond. Elijah douses his altar with water and still God shows his mighty power by licking up the water with flames.

Memory Verse “No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).

DISCUSS

1. Describe what you remember about the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal.

2. Why do you think Elijah made such a spectacle of this event?

3. What was he trying to prove?

4. Who was Elijah’s audience?

5. What are the powers or false idols that are common in our society today?

6. What are the powers or false idols that you struggle with?

7. What do you do, or what can you do this week to focus more on God’s love and less on those challenges.

PRAY

Let us pray

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” [1 John 5:21](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20John%205.21)https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20John%205.21

Father, You are so glorious and merciful. You created every good thing, and still You would choose to redeem me and make me Your treasure. There’s nothing I could do to deserve this mercy in Christ, yet You lavish it upon me in ways too great to fully comprehend.

And yet my sinful heart draws me away from You to other things—sometimes subtly, and sometimes deliberately. This idolatrous world, my weak flesh, and our cunning enemy entice my heart to set my affections on aspects of Your creation instead of loving and honouring You as Creator. Why would I turn to an object of wood or stone or flesh or plastic or metal that cannot speak or heal or feel or understand or save? Because my sin blinds me to spiritual reality and makes me a fool.

Lord, rip off the blinders! Untangle the webs of sin that have encapsulated my heart and drawn me from You! Forgive me for my gross spiritual adultery and have mercy on me, a sinner!

Loving and sovereign Lord, don’t leave me in this wretched place, but give me a pure and undivided heart that comes before You in awe at Your power, majesty, glory, and mercy. Keep me from trying to quench my thirst with filthy water from broken cisterns, rather continually draw my heart to Christ, the all-satisfying wellspring of Living Water. Make serving idols so despicable and so unsatisfying to my soul that I would quickly confess the smallest step toward sin and run with all my might to the cross in worshipful repentance.

Keep me from worshipping the many good gifts You have given me instead of thanking and worshiping You for them. Keep me from the smallest hint of idolatry and remind me during temptation that to choose an idol is to reject grace and grieve Your Spirit. Remind me that the wicked worship of money, sex, power, family, [possessions](https://www.kevinhalloran.net/jesus-is-better-than-materialism/), or [work](https://www.kevinhalloran.net/five-lies-i-believed-about-faith-and-work/) is both worthless and tragically foolish, like trying to quench my thirst with a gallon of saltwater. Discipline me in your grace when I stray, and convict me by Your Spirit.

Lord, You know that even on my best days I sin against You. From my disappointment, fix the eyes of my heart continually on the grace You poured out on the cross. May that cross take away all shame and free me to worship You by drawing near in joyful repentance and fully hoping in the beautiful restoration You bring in Christ. More than anything, bind my wandering heart to You in joyful worship, knowing that for this reason I was created.

We pray all of these things in the mighty name of Jesus,

AMEN.

Forming Foundations of Faith - God is our Provider

READ

John 6:1-13

Here’s what happens… John tell us the well-known story of Jesus feeding the 5000. A large crowd of 5,000 men, plus women and children, follows Jesus. But when dinnertime comes around, the disciples suggest Jesus send the crowd away since they can’t possibly feed that many people. Or can they? Jesus turns five loaves of bread and two fish into a meal for everyone—with leftovers.

DISCUSS

1. Last week you were asked to focus on one part of your life to allow God to transform. Please share how that went.

2. Why was the crowd of people following Jesus and what were they expecting?

3. Have you ever been hungry and not had enough to eat, or have you tried fasting. Share what it felt like.

4. Who do you relate to more the crowd or the disciples.

5. What is the key take away for you from this story? What will you not forget?

6. When has God stretched your limited resources (physically or emotionally) far beyond what you could have imagined? .

PRAY

Let us pray God of our hopes and dreams, we are empty, and long to be filled; we are hungry, and long to be fed; we are lost, and long to be found. Gather us into your love, and pick up the pieces of our lives, just as Jesus gathered up the fragments of the five loaves and two fish that remained after feeding the five thousand. Call us anew to eat our fill and to find our true nourishment in Jesus, the bread of heaven. Amen.

Forming Foundations of Faith - God is Kind

READ

Genesis 21:1-7 : God provides for Hagar and Ishmael

Titus 3:4-8 : God provides for the whole of humankind

Here’s what happens… 

Hagar and Ishmael, having been banished by Abraham and are. near death when God meets them and cares for them. Titus speaks of God’s kindness and goodness to us through the sacrifice of Jesus.

DISCUSS

1. Last week you were asked to commit to one action that would bless someone. Share how it went.

2. If you can make a timeline of Abraham’s life, the events that have happened and how old Abraham and Sarah were at the time. What do you notice.

3. Hagar seems to have a tough life and yet God came through for her and Ishmael. Would you describe your life as hard or easy.

4. Share any examples of how you have experienced God’s kindness in your own life.

5. Titus shows a contrast between our old self and our new self. What parts of yourself have been transformed and what parts are still a work in progress. Please be specific if you can.

6. Is there one part of your life you want to particularly focus on this week to allow God to transform? Commit this to prayer

PRAY

A prayer based on Titus 3

Let us pray

Heavenly Father, I pray that I will be respect our leaders, rulers and authorities, being obedient and ready to do whatis good. Challenge us so that we do not slander or speak evil of anyone. May we be peaceable and considerate, and willing to show true humility and courtesy to all people. Free us from foolishness, disobedience, and from being deceived and enslaved by dark passions and pleasures. May we have victory over all malice, envy, and hate. I pray that we will have a humble gratitude to you for causing your kindness and love to appear in Christ, for saving us because of your mercy, and for generously and richly pouring out on us the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ our Saviour. May we always be grateful that you have saved us through the washing of rebirth, regeneration and renewal by the Spirit. I claim for us your promise that having been justified by your grace we are now heirs of the hope of eternal life. Help us to devote ourselves to doing what is good, so that may we may live fruitful lives and be able to help others with urgent needs. May your grace be with us all. This I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Forming Foundations of Faith - God is Faithful

READ

Genesis 12:1-4 : God’s call and promise to Abram

Genesis 15:1-7 : God re-affirms this call

Genesis 21:1-7 : God gives Abraham and Sarah a son Isaac

Here’s what happens…

God calls Abram to leave his people, his country and his father’s house and go where God leads him. God promises to give Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. Years go by, and Abraham and his wife, Sarah, are very old, but finally God keeps his promise. Sarah gives birth to a baby, and Abraham names him Isaac.

DISCUSS

1. Review any commitments from last week.

2. How much have you moved around in the course of your life or have you stayed mostly in the one place or area?

3. How do you think God has blessed you? (possessions, skills, talents). Pray and give thanks for these.

4. How do you try and bless others with what God has given you?

5. Can you commit to one action this week that you will do to bless others.

6. How has God blessed your time at Emmanuel? What are you going to do about that.

PRAY

Let us pray

Father I know that I am a special person made in God’s image and re-created in Jesus Christ. Give me the courage and strength to do great things that you have prepared for me. I pray that as I continue my walk with you, I will also be a blessing to those I meet today. Let the light and love of Jesus shine so bright within me and through me that others will see you in me. Lord thank you for all the blessings I have received, and may I use these to bless others. IN Jesus name I pray.

Forming Foundations of Faith - God is Holy

READ

Exodus 40:34-38: God entering the tabernacle

Hebrews 9:24-26, 10:19-25 Christ entering the heavenly temple

Here’s what happens… 

God gives very specific instructions for the Tabernacle, a transportable temple where his holy presence can live among his people. When the Tabernacle is built to specification, God comes and fills the building, hovering over it with a cloud by day and a cloud that glows with fire inside it at night. 

Christ enters the heavenly temple and through him we can have confidence to enter the heavenly sanctuary and enter into the presence of God

DISCUSS 

- What does it mean to say God is holy?

- Why does sin create a barrier between God and humankind?

- What is God’s ‘rescue plan’?

- Is there a tension between God is holy and God is loving/ Discuss.

- How does all this affect you and how you live your life?

- How do you ‘provoke others to good deeds (Hebrews 10:24)

PRAY 

Let us pray

Awesome and great God, whose holiness is beyond our capacity even to imagine - we worship you. God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we glorify you as our God also. Your care for your people of old is evident through the stories of your involvement and constant covenant with them. Your care for us is evident through your grace and mercy which we experience in Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. From the very beginning you desired to be with us and journey with us. Father help us to have confidence in your grace and mercy, to be provoked, and to provoke others to good deeds. We offer our praise and adoration and this time of worship as our response to your extravagant initiative of entering our lives in the person of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.!

16th August 2020 - Forming Foundations of Faith - God is Creator

Please be advised: the sermon recording will be available on YouTube with the whole service on Monday

READ

God Responds to Job – Job 38

Here’s what happens…

After enduring loss upon loss, Job’s cries of anguish are finally answered by God who, in answering, reminds Job that God is the creator of the universe.

DISCUSS

- What aspect of creation in Job 38 stood out to you?

- When have you been amazed by the achievements of another person?

- When being reminded of God’s creative nature do you respond with a sense of responsibility, a sense of resonance, or a sense of appreciation?

- What do you believe God is trying to teach you in this passage?

- What would you like to dig deeper into or learn more about?

- What are you going to do to respond to what God is teaching you in this passage?

PRAY

Let us pray

God in heaven, in the beginning you created all. You, the uncreated God, the one who set creation into motion, the one who guides and shapes the universe. We are amazed when we think of the works of your hands, the attention to detail, the vastness of your design. Our prayer is that you would guide us to follow your leading in your creation. To create, to appreciate, and to share. Father in heaven, let your will be done on earth, and may our lives be a reflection of your will as we continue to live not only as created beings, but also as creative beings.

In Christ’s name we pray. Amen!

9 August 2020 - Forming Foundations of Faith - God is Real

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Moses and the Burning Bush - Exodus 3:1–15

Here’s what happens…

Moses is tending his sheep when he sees a strange sight: a bush that’s on fire but not burning up. When he goes to investigate, he hears God speak to him and sees God give clear signs of who he is. Moses’ encounter makes it clear that God is real. God calls Moses to be the person who goes and sets the Israelites free from Egyptian oppression. If you have time read the full story Exodus 3:1 to 4:17. Read how God calls Moses. The excuses and reasons that Moses gives as to why he can’t do it and how God calls him anyway and gives him the ability and the support to fulfil his calling

DISCUSS

1. What did Moses see?

2. How did he know it was really God?

3. How did he respond and what did God do?

4. How do you know God is real?

5. What would help you to know that God is more real?

6. How does God speak to people today?

7. What is or might God be saying to you at the moment?

8. What are you going to do about it?

PRAY

Let us pray

Awesome and great God, whose holiness is beyond our capacity even to imagine - we worship you. God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we glorify you as our God also. Your care for your people of old is evident through the stories of your involvement and constant covenant with them. Your care for us is evident through your grace and mercy which we experience in Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit. You love us so lavishly, and empower us so mightily, that we come to see the world as a place charged with blessing - your blessing. We realise that we stand on holy ground whenever we are in your presence Oh God, which is always and forever when we praise you as we ought. We offer our praise and adoration and this time of worship as our response to your extravagant initiative of entering our lives in the person of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.!