From the series 'Cruciformed - Discipleship shaped by the Cross' - The Choice (Mark 8:27-9:1)
Following Peter’s confession of who Jesus was, Jesus then predicts his own death which challenges the view of what the Messiah would do. He then challenges those that follow Him must deny themselves and pick up their cross (Mk.8:34). Sacrificing SELF is at the heart of discipleship so what does it mean for us to ‘deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him’?
Erica Richmond (19.03.22)
From the series 'Cruciformed - Discipleship shaped by the Cross' - The Crowd (Mark 3:1-19)
In this passage, Jesus’ focus was on the 12 rather than the crowd. How is this counter to our society/church cultures? Looking at our being refined as Jesus matures us as his disciples as we follow Jesus' example found in John 4:19, "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does."
Paul Rogers (12.03.22)
From the series 'Cruciformed - Discipleship shaped by the Cross' - Cruciformed (Mark 2:14-20)
What does it mean to follow Jesus? As disciples who follow Jesus Christ, we are called to surrender every aspect of our lives completely to him. What does the cost, and privilege, of being called to follow mean for us today?
Paul Rogers (05.03.22)
From the series 'Prayer Fuelled Mission' - When God Has Faith In Us (Matthew 6:13)
We often encounter the temptation to sin in this fallen, broken world. But whenever we’re enticed by the idea of doing something we know is wrong, we can always rely on help from God to overcome temptation. God leads us but doesn’t tempt us. Jesus encountered temptation during his earthly life. Satan tempted Jesus in the desert wilderness three times, in ways that represented common types of human temptations. Each time, Jesus proved that good triumphs over evil. When we encounter temptation ourselves, we can count on God to help us whenever we reach out to him. The bible is clear that we’re in a spiritual battle. How do we overcome? How can we pray God’s kingdom will come in the midst of a spiritual battle?
Paul Rogers 19.02.23
From the series 'Prayer Fuelled Mission' - Freedom from Debt (Matt 6:9-15)
We should ask God for forgiveness and can ask for forgiveness. The problem comes with the words in this prayer, ‘as we.’ Christians understand that God wants to forgive them of their sins; He showed that by sending His Son to die for them. They can accept the idea that they are supposed to forgive others, as hard as that may be. Things get serious when they put in the words ‘as we.’ This is an invitation to examine ourselves. Why is this important? What do we need to lay down before Him and let go of?
Erica Richmond 12.02.23
We are designed to walk and talk with God. We are to pray for daily needs, be dependant on Him & trust in Him. How do we still ourselves and listen to what God is saying? Do we look for our daily bread?
Matthew 6:9-13 & Deuteronomy 8
Paul Rogers 05.02.23
From the series 'Prayer Fuelled Mission - Your Kingdom Come.' Luke 11:1-4
No King is a King without a kingdom to rule. Jesus is telling all those listening to align themselves with God’s will. How do we pray for others within this? Why is it important to pray on behalf of others? What does it look like to intercede for others within God’s will? How did Jesus do it?
Phil Gregg 29.01.23
From the series 'Prayer Fuelled Mission - Coming to the Father.' Luke 11:1-4
When we pray we recognise that God is God and we are not but also invited into a relationship and call him Father. Much as King David lifted his eyes to the Lord in prayer (Psalms 123:1), a lifting of eyes, thoughts, soul, and all our heart toward God should be our position as we come before God. Need to remember who we are talking to! This is also a call to praise and worship. It is good to take time to honour the Lord and consider His greatness. Time to remember His faithfulness and be encouraged by His promises.
Paul Rogers 22.01.23
From the series 'Prayer Fuelled Mission - Dependency.' Luke 11:1-4
The prayers of Jesus encourage us in our own prayer lives as it did when the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. He was intentional in seeking out solitary or quiet places to pray. He made it a priority. How do we follow Jesus' model for a prayer fuelled mission?
Chris Burgess 15.01.23