Church in the Peak

Andrew spoke about the fact that we are storytellers, telling God's story in our lives. He also outlined a number of 'head-problems' that the enemy uses to try to stop us from sharing our stories.

Does money make you happy? Google – 766m hits There are 2,350 verses about money in the bible – More than those on faith and prayer combined! Tithing is an OT principal Leviticus 27:30/32 In Malachi God has an argument with Israel because of their tithe and its quality! God declared that it is not right. Tithing in the OT was mandatory, part of the Jewish Law and culture, but they recognised that everything came from God, the provider of life and sustenance. In the NT Jesus brings a different perspective – Jesus affirms the practice of tithing (Matt 23:23) but he also urges us to think about justice, mercy and faith rather than just the law. Matthew 23:23 It is all about what is in your heart. It’s not about following the letter of the law, it's giving out of a heart in love with God. Luke 18:10-14 Jesus continually teaches us it's not your outward actions that count. We can't earn God’s favour by our works – it’s all by grace – We are justified by our faith in Jesus and recognising we are sinners that need to be saved by GRACE!! Mark 12:41-44 When we give, do we hold back? Do I give as an act of obligation or of worship? The Widow dared to love God, to have faith that he would provide, to give it all. Do we have that attitude? God owns everything anyway! J John – God owns all the doughnuts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I03Jlj4-ZQY The question for us – what are you going to do with yours? What if God said give your 9 away. That’s where faith comes into play – God will provide all my needs! Proverbs 3:5,9&10 God’s promise to us. Trusts God and rely on his promises! Three areas to be careful about in thinking about money 1. Your treasure Matthew 6:21 “that wherever our treasure is – that is where our heart will be” Conversely – where our heart is, that’s where our treasure will be. 2. Pride God owns everything, we are stewards of what he entrusts us with – Pride can enter our hearts and we believe that we OWN what we EARN – because we deserve it! Ezekiel 28:4-5 ITS MINE is the cry of our selfish heart - It can so easily become our possession, our right and precious! 3. The Enemy. He is a liar from the beginning and will lie to you about everything including your money, possessions and heart attitudes. A: He will say - It’s your money. You earned it. You spend it. You deserve it! Truth - All we have is God’s – we are stewards - he owns all the doughnuts! B: He will tell you that you won’t have enough for yourself if you give it away! Truth – Generosity of heart enables God to give us more Proverbs 11:25 C: He will tell you that God will not provide for you and that God is not interested in your financial situation! Truth – God cares for every part of your life Matthew 6:25 v33 Have faith v30. This is the key. Luke 6:38 God’s heart for us: He is not a God that gives us just enough, he is generous and extravagant in all he does for us -he wants us to have the same heart “Freely you have received – freely give” Matt 10:8 You cannot out give God. Pray about money and ask God how much to give – he will often give you a specific amount. This is how the church works: love each other through giving and sharing doughnuts! Questions 1. How do you feel about giving after this talk? 2. Has anything helped in understanding the biblical principals involved here? 3. How do you feel about praying and asking God if he wants to use any of your doughnuts this week? 4. What is your fear when it comes to money and finance?

Dave spoke about the power of the Gospel to lift burdens.

The Kingdom of God Obadiah talks about a coming kingdom. Obadiah‬ ‭1:15-21‬ Many of the minor prophet's foretell of Jesus coming. It was into the persecution of Israel by the Romans that Jesus is born. What's the kingdom Jesus ushered in like? Totally different. Countercultural Matthew 5-7, sermon on the mount. Turns everything on it's head How we deal with anger, lust, divorce, oaths, getting your own back, loving your enemies, looking after the poor, how we get into heaven. Jesus talks about a coming kingdom too He's coming back! What Jesus said wasn't a new thing. It was there in the scriptures already. ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭11:1‭-‬11 No weeping or pain. Wolf and the lamb together. Clearly not the kingdom that came with Christ. Now and not yet of the kog It says he will come a second time. Return of Christ Matt 24 Now and not yet Rebuild of a demolished temple in 3 days. This was imminent. The return was not straight away. Death and resurrection Ripping the curtain in 2 There will be wars, and famine and unrest like never before. Persecution of the church False prophets Jesus talks about what Daniel had written about the coming age. Be ready because of the signs you will see around you. The key. But no one except the father knows the exact day and time. So be ready. All of the world needs to hear first. Have they? Zechariah 14, difficult reading in light of what we see in Israel. Isa 10:20 a remnant of Israel will return to god Rom 11 all Israel will be saved, but only after all gentiles have heard Restoration of Israel needs to happen before the return of Christ. Can be translated the salvation of Israel. ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:18‬ He was seeing the signs he'd heard Jesus talk about, still only a generation after Christ. Here we are 2000 years on…. People said in 1st century all the prerequisites for Christ's return had been fulfilled. Then first and second world wars Re-creation of Israel after 2nd world war The Israel wars 1967 war, 1973 war. The antichrist had been named as emporers and roman leaders, Hitler, Saddam Hussein, even putin. USA. And europe I don't know. But I know I need to be alert ‭‭Luke‬ ‭17:20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We are changed when the Kingdom comes, as is society around us Love, Joy, Peace, The effects of the Holy Spirit working amongst us Some signs will be visible 2 men, 1 taken and 1 left. Rapture Millennium. No point building your theology around such things. It's a mystery ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:24‬ So in times of trouble and persecution…. The only 4 chapters of the bible where there is not sin in the world are genesis 1+2, and revelation 21+22. In the 1285 in-between God explains people's sin to them, and when they cannot find their way out He sends His son as a way out, a release, an escape. Garden to a city….. ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22:20‭-‬21‬ Jesus talked about the kingdom he was ushering in. We are saved for a different life now, but also saved for a life in heaven. What will heaven be like? No more crying. No more pain. City on a hill. New heaven and a new earth. Dare to be excited. Waiting rooms can be hard classrooms 3 responses to the return of Christ. It's not imminent. So live life. It's any day. So no need to buy insurance, but food, etc It's soon, so tell everyone, so all can be saved. Give all for Christ. This is how we should be living. Parable 10 virgins Matt 25, only half were ready. The others were not. Are you ready? Questions for groups What does it mean to be ready for the return of Christ? What do you make of current world events? Are you ready?

Phil looks at the difference living fully for God can make. He includes memories and videos from his recent trip to India. The service is available to watch via Church in the Peak's private* Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/visuals.citp/videos/172460012588227?idorvanity=2410174444 *not the main public one.

Dave continued our church values, looking at the difference having the Spirit poured out on us makes.

No well worn paths by Terry Virgo explains why we as a church believe in word and spirit. ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12:1‬ If your doctrine of the holy spirit does not include the idea of the holy spirit falling upon people it is seriously grievously defective. This it seems to be has been the trouble especially during the last century. The whole notion of the holy spirit falling upon people had been discountenanced and discouraged, surely one of the prime explanations of the present state of the Christian church. Dr MLJ https://www.premierchristianity.com/features/rt-kendall-when-word-and-spirit-come-together-revival-will-follow/3845.article Most of my own preaching over the years – I wish it were not true– has been almost entirely Word preaching with little power. When people listened to me they would say: “Thank you for your Word.” That is what they came for, that is what they got. They did not come to see anything; they came to hear. But the simultaneous combination of the Word and Spirit coalescing in great measure will result in spontaneous combustion We forget our history at our peril. We overlook what we have and we miss what God can do. ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22:29 https://thinktheology.co.uk/blog/article/guest_post_from_terry_virgo_you_foolish_galatians We are invited into “the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,” not nominal awareness of him. We cannot afford to underplay the role of the Holy Spirit in our personal lives or the life of the church. Galatians 3:1‭-‬5 Word and spirit played out together Acts of the Apostles 19:1‭-‬6 They had not had the word, and were missing out on the difference that the Holy Spirit brings to a gathering. When they were filled they were able to do what they were made to do. They were complete. We all have the Holy Spirit in us when we are saved. Eph 1. But the overflow and joy of the baptism of the Holy Spirit changes our very being. Ephesians 5:18‭-‬19 TV When we read the Bible, we cannot fail to see that the power of God was demonstrated, through the power of the Holy Spirit. It wasn't an add on. It was integral to the way the the church was expanding in the new testament. We won't see revival without churches grounded in the word, rooted in the Spirit. ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:19‭-‬22‬ Word, and Spirit. 100% word and 100% Spirit, not 50/50 Changes the worship, changes the relationships we have, changes our approach and changes what we see God doing amongst us Questions for groups Soak in the word and Spirit and date to see what God does.

This is an abreviated copy of Neal's notes. Please do see look at the full copy available in the links at the bottom. What Does our Church Believe? We are part of New Frontiers which was started by Terry Virgo and was part of the growing Charismatic Movement in the UK during the 1970’s and 1980’s. The emphasis was on the word and the spirit and the gifts of the Spirit being manifest in meetings and daily life – New frontiers grew and now has nearly 2000 churches globally. Interview with Terry Virgo giving the history of New Frontiers from the beginnings to the present day and is worth a listen for everyone! Link to the Evangelical Alliance’s Statement of Faith, which we agree with: What is our vision statement? We are a worshipping community who love Jesus and serve his mission. To build a church from which we will have multisite congregations. What is our purpose Statement? We exist to worship God and encounter his presence, committed to advancing his Kingdom through local Church communities, caught up in mission, here, and to the nations. So what do we Believe? We believe in The Bible as God’s authoritative word to everyone. We believe in the Trinity – Father son and Holy Spirit We believe in Salvation through Jesus alone We believe we are born to worship God We believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as distinct from salvation We believe in Baptism in Water on confession of your faith We believe in the gifts of the Spirit as vital in our Church life and recognise the five fold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers in the Church today. We believe in the Virgin birth We believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ We believe in the Priesthood of all believers We believe in The Church as a local body of God’s people to bring justice and mercy in the local area to help the poor and those in need. We believe in local and international mission. We believe that Jesus is coming again to create a new Heaven and New Earth. This list is not exhaustive by any means but gives a good idea of what we stand for! So just to expand some of these for you The Bible - is God’s word to us. We want to be transformed by God’s word not just informed- it is life to us The trinity – One true God who lives eternally in three persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The same in substance, equal in power and glory. God the Father – One true God -Sovereign – Creator, Sustainer of life, he rules, reigns redeems and will eventually judge the world. Multi- faceted God – Jehovah – I AM Jehovah Jireh – The Lord will provide Jehovah Rophe – The Lord is our healer Jehovah Nissi – The Lord is our banner Jehovah M’Kaddesh – The Lord who sanctifies Jehovah Shalom – The Lord is our peace Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord is our righteousness Jehovah Rohi – The Lord is our Shepherd ... -=-=-=-=-=-=- Interview with Terry Virgo: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-profile/id1188653078?i=1000621163085 Evangelical Alliance Statement of Faith: https://www.eauk.org/about-us/how-we-work/basis-of-faith Full copy of these notes: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L-37aVUcG5Fqp-2l_2lDNTfoTCU1qcl-/view?usp=drive_link Whiteboard MindMap: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15mdB1nUD58EKcyP

Jenny reminded us to keep on pursuing the dreams that God has given us.

Freedom Part 2 Intro Last time I spoke on Freedom and following some prophetic words felt there was more to say Jane shared about understanding that we have been made clean already through salvation and that we were to believe this truth and be living as those who are washed clean. That we are a place for God’s Glory to come Neal followed this by saying that we need to keep our lives free from the rubbish of sin that would hinder God's Glory in our individual and corporate life What is the Freedom won for us? ●When Jesus sets you free, He takes away your death sentence. The penalty you deserved has been removed and you now have eternal life. He literally shifted your eternal destination. Today you can rejoice because if you have Christ then you have eternal life. You no longer have to pay the penalty for your sin. For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 ESV https://bible.com/bible/59/gal.5.1.ESV Some believers, known as Judaizers, were insisting that Gentile converts must follow the Jewish law, particularly circumcision, in order to be saved. Paul's response is a passionate defense of the Gospel, emphasizing the sufficiency of faith in Christ for salvation and the freedom that comes through the grace of God. He wants the Galatians to understand the importance of living in the freedom that Christ has provided, rather than returning to the bondage of the law. As believers, we are urged to stand firm in our freedom and resist any attempt to be burdened by spiritual bondage. This may take the form of legalism, false teaching, or any other force that seeks to undermine our confidence in the grace of God. How are we living ? Peter was trying to be all things and fit in with the crowd, do we? ●We see this throughout Scripture, where God's chosen people live like they are not ●The Isrealites freed from slavery in Egypt yet lived like they weren't, 23K dying in the desert because of sexual immorality. Complainers. Worshipped Idols, committed theft, They had left Egypt and at times long to be back there and saying we would be better off back in Egypt. ●God did his part in freeing them from Egypt but in their heart they were still in Egypt. ●Are we living like those who are not of God? ●Are we different in or thoughts, Attitudes, Motives, and actions ●We have been chosen and called to be different. Application ●Are there areas of your life where you still feel burdened by a yoke of slavery? ●Ask the Lord's help in identifying and breaking free from any spiritual bondage that may be holding you back. ●Stand firm in your freedom by cultivating a deep and abiding relationship with Christ, grounded in the knowledge of His love and grace. ●Resist any temptation to return to the yoke of slavery, and be vigilant in guarding your spiritual freedom. ●Be a living example of the liberating power of the Gospel, and let your life testify to the transforming work of God's grace. "Life in the Spirit is not passive; nor is obedience automatic. We continue to live in the real world; we are, after all, both already and not yet. (an Eschatological People) "Therefore, the imperative for the already is walk in/by the Spirit. That assumes that we live in a world very much controlled by the flesh; but it also assumes that we now live in that world as different people, led by the Spirit and empowered by the Spirit to produce the fruit of righteousness, rather than to continue in the works of the flesh." Page 133 Paul the Spirit and the People of God - Gordon Fee

Steve encourages us to invite people to Alpha.

Dave encourages us to measure everything we see/hear/feel against the Bible, using the Bible as a spirit(ual) level. Living and building with a plumb line and being a song people want to hear. For the last couple of weeks, we have heard the importance of hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit and learning to do so and more importantly learning to be obedient. It is important to not only hear from the Holy Spirit but to be able to discern the voice of God from your own thoughts or the environment around you. The expression My Truth makes my flesh crawl as we must seek His truth and not our perception of what is right. How do we do this? We need a plumb line. Amos 7 v 7. Then he showed me another vision. I saw the Lord standing besides a wall that had been built using a plumb line. He was using a plumb line to see if it was still straight. Let’s see how we can tell what someone says is right or out of line. Thumbs up if you agree. Thumbs down if this is wrong. 1.The weak and sick shall perish and we shall help them to do so. Matthew 5 verse 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God. 2.Everyday look for a way to help your friends and harm your enemies. Matthew 5 v 44 Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you! 3.It is good to act in a humble way to everyone. Matthew 5 v 5 God blesses those who are humble for they will inherit the whole earth. 4.It is good to help people be friends when they are fighting. Matthew 5 v 9 God blesses those who work for peace for they will be called children of God. It is relatively easy to put a plumb line or spirit level up against these actions but when it is our feelings it is more difficult but more important to use our plumb line or spirit level. Our feelings or emotions are God given but when they are out of line, they cause us pain and we must try and realign them with our God given spirit level. Otherwise, we sound off key. 5.I’ve made a mess of my life I’ve got to get myself out of this then I’ll be right with Him. Daniel 9 v 9 The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him. 6.I’m afraid of dying. John 11 v 25 I am the resurrection and life. Anyone who comes to me live, even after dying. 7.No one loves me. I don’t even love myself. Isaiah 43 v 4 Since you are precious and honoured in My sight and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. •Go through the questions and see what scriptures you come up with. •What are the thoughts you regularly have? Discuss together the scripture that would help or have helped you in the past.

In a summer special, Peter led an interactive sessions about the different ways that we can listen to God speaking to us.

Mark 4:35-41 to Mark 5:1-8 Jesus Calms the storm Jesus has spent the whole of Ch 4 to this point explaining what the kingdom of God is like and speaking in parables to those listening and to the disciples - v9, v24 Then we come into the story of the boat on the Sea of Galilee – and Jesus discovers just how much or how little the disciples have listened and understood! Jesus decides where they are going. He wants to cross to the non-Jewish side, inhabited by gentiles and the region of the Gerasene’s. As they set out a fierce storm erupts from nowhere and the boat begins to take on water – Jesus remains asleep throughout the storm and they have to wake him as they fear for their lives – whatever they have or have not learnt through the teachings is forgotten and they panic and wake Jesus saying that “teacher don’t you care that we are going to drown”? Phil Moore says this Jesus knows that his life will end on the cross at Calvary and not at the bottom of Lake Galilee and yet his disciples do not share his confidence! They have heard and forgotten – Jesus brought them into the storm to give them an opportunity to see and remember- which they fail! The wind and the waves have caused them to forget his identity and his mission. – He challenges them – where is your faith? They need to learn to handle storms before they can start to play their own part in his story. Identify with this? How do we cope in the storms of life? Do we forget Jesus identity and mission – his promises and his faithfulness? Tom Wright “Go on – wake Jesus up, pray to him in your fear and anger – but don’t be surprised when he turns to you and asks “where is your faith?” Remember who he is: Psalms 89:8-9, v11 Jesus wakes and rebukes the wind and the waves, “Silence be still”. In the Greek he speaks two words which translated are “Shush. Be muzzled”. Is this storm is not just a normal storm but is in fact from the enemy? Jesus rebuking the wind and waves says the same words he uses when dealing with the enemy and his forces. Jesus does not need to rebuke his creation – it’s his – he can just say “be still” and it will be. The enemy knows where Jesus is going (Ch 5) and what’s going to happen when he gets there and will do anything to stop him. 4:41 – The disciples 5:5 – The demons The demons recognise Jesus who is revealed in all his power and authority in this story and they have to flee and the man is set free and in his right mind – it’s a great story! He is King of all the earth – they had to obey, they had no choice! He even has to give them permission to enter the swine – they cannot just go – He is in control! Ephesians 1:19-22 ALL things – creation, the wind and the waves, every scheme of the enemy, your life, your struggles, your work situation, your school situation, your finances, your job, your boss, your weaknesses, your sin and your health. Let’s see and remember who Jesus is and the authority he has – in ALL things! It’s all about FAITH. Faith in the storms, Jesus's first two miracles in Ch 6 are about FAITH. The woman with the issue of blood – Jesus says “Daughter your faith has made you well” Jairus’s daughter – She died because Jesus was delayed – Jesus says “Have faith – she is not dead but asleep. When the storms come Jesus wants us to have faith in him and trust him – he has got this! John Ortberg says this “Peace doesn’t come from finding a lake with no storms: it comes from having Jesus in the boat with you through those storms” Questions 1. Why do you think the disciples struggled to have faith whilst in the boat? 2. What are some of the reasons we struggle when the storms of life hit us? 3. If we don’t have faith - what’s the opposite? 4. Why does the story about the demonised man help

Richard spoke about keeping in step with the spirit. After the preach, Paul and others had some words that God has given him for church members.

Phil continued our Godly Living Unwrapped series, looking at our freedom in Christ.

Micah 6:1-8 – What does God want from us? Micah is like a courtroom with God showing the people of Israel and Judah how far they have fallen away from him. v6-7: The people respond with more and more outlandish ideas of how to please God. God does not want their sacrifices, he wants their hearts wholly for him. God wants his people to walk humbly in his presence. There is no point in sacrifice if it doesn’t change your heart or attitudes. Hosea 6:4-6 The Pharisees in the New Testament had the same attitude. Matthew 12:1-8 God doesn’t want a sacrifice, he wants us to know and love him – he wants our hearts. What Does God require of his people? Micah 6:8 Justice (Mishpat) and Kindness (Hesed) are the two most used words in the bible to show the character of God. We are made in his image so these should be part of our character too. JUSTICE – God is a just God and has to deal with the problem of sin in the world and in our lives. Jesus was the final sacrifice to reconcile us back to a right relationship with God. We are justified by Jesus. He turns away God’s wrath and turns it to favour through sacrifice, propitiation. 1 Corinthians 6:11 KINDNESS (Mercy) – God has a steadfast and unfailing love for his people – The whole of our redemption is based on his mercy towards us. His kindness endures throughout eternity and is available every day as – see Psalm 52:1. Ephesians 2:7 Titus 3:4-7 Luke 6:35-36 Let’s be merciful and show kindness as Christ has done the same for us. Deserved? No! But given anyway and immeasurable! WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD. Have the same attitude that Christ had. To walk humbly, we recognise that there is nothing that we can bring to God to gain our salvation and to make him love us any more than he already does Rock of Ages “Nothing in my hand I bring – simply to thy cross I cling Naked come to thee for dress – Helpless look to thee for grace Foul, I to the fountain fly, wash me saviour or I die” Total reliance on God for our salvation and for his mercy to get us home to be with Jesus. This attitude is personified in Jesus himself- Philippians 2:5-8 Pride is the opposite of humility. We have nothing to be proud about. We are all sinners, all have fallen short of God’s standard and can do nothing in our own strength to make the situation better – Ephesians tells us that we were DEAD in our sins and are only made alive because of Gods great love and mercy – by grace you have been saved. James 4:6 in Amplified Bible When we walk humbly with God we become so much like him in our actions and attitudes that justice and steadfast love flows out of us – These are God’s characteristics. We become more like him by the power of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22 God is interested in what is in our hearts – not what we do outwardly as sacrifice. The first commandment is to Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength Jesus is talking here about an attitude in a relationship not compliance to a law. This love encompasses our whole heart and is sacrificial in that we give him everything. This love will impact us in extraordinary ways, behaviour, speech and personalities. We cannot and must not reduce this love to mere duty or ritual. Our love for God should be like his love for us – consistent, permanent, passionate, sacrificial and should be the driving force that empowers our lives – We only love him because he first loved us (1 John 4:19) Matt Redman – When the music fades I’ll bring you more than a song, for a song in itself is not what you have required, You search much deeper within through the way things appear You’re looking into my heart.

It's such a long word — sanctification. And it has such a churchy ring to it. No one uses this language outside the church. Biblical word used that we read but not necessarily fully understand A human being is sanctified, therefore, when he or she lives according to God's design and purpose. The Greek word translated "sanctification" (hagiasmos [aJgiasmov"]) means "holiness." To sanctify, therefore, means "to make holy." In one sense only God is holy ( Isa 6:3 ). God is separate, distinct, other. Hebrews 13:20-21 ●progressively becoming like Jesus. ●Gradually becoming like Jesus, or becoming holy. Becoming conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. ●Little by little, over time, from conversion till Jesus comes back, or we die we are in the process of sanctification, becoming sanctified, becoming holy. 1.To be Sanctified starts with God Leviticus 20:7-8 ESV ●God is the one who sets us apart. ●Our choice is to….. ●A significant part of our identity in Christ is that we’re washed, renewed, and regenerated by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5) Titus 3:4-5 ●The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit involves placing us in a spiritual position of having been cleansed from sin. 1. Sanctification is a position, not just a process ●sanctification is, first, a position into which believers are placed at conversion. 1 Corinthians 1:2 ESV Acts 26 v 18 ●sanctification has already occurred by grace through faith in the past—that there is a once-for-all, set-apart nature to our sanctification! God has graciously granted us a position “as those sanctified in Christ Jesus” by faith in Jesus. 2.Sanctification is a work of the Spirit. ●The Spirit is the agent of sanctification in both positional and progressive sanctification. Regenerating us and indwelling us, he positions us and causes spiritual growth in us 3.Sanctification, like salvation, is by grace through faith. ●God's Gracious work in us by his Holy Spirit 4.Sanctification is grounded in the eternal holiness of God ●Holiness is first and foremost an attribute of God. God alone is truly holy; there is none like him. ●We are told be Holy as I am Holy ●The holiness of God is his very “name”! ●His holiness distinguishes him from all of creation. 5.Sanctification is daily. ●Sanctification is a daily cycle of confession, repentance from sin, receiving forgiveness, and walking with the Holy Spirit by faith. ●We are positionally fully sanctified in that we’re considered completely clean, yet we still need the ongoing cleansing of regular “foot washing.” That is, the feet that get dirty during the day will need to be cleansed daily. ●God is at work within us through his Spirit. All we need to do is remain connected; that is, abide in Jesus, knowing that apart from him we can do nothing. 6.Sanctification is not trying harder to be holy or do better ●God is at work within us through his Spirit. All we need to do is remain connected; that is, abide in Jesus, knowing that apart from him we can do nothing. ●We respond to the Spirit’s sanctifying initiative; he supplies the spiritual motivation and energy to lead a holy, God-glorifying life. 7.Sanctification is not optional. ●You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48 ●We all need to take seriously the call to holiness and spiritual growth in our lives. ●Holy living is not just for a select few special people. Holiness matters for every believer. 8.Sanctification will not be complete until we get to heaven. ●At the end when we arrive in Glory we will have achieved holiness, but until then it’s an ongoing process. ●It’s the goal but not a reality yet. Growth, yes; perfection, no. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Vicki continued our "Godly Living Unwrapped" series, looking at our security being in God, regardless of what is happening around and to us. Psalm 18 Verses 1-3, 16, 19, 28, 32, 34, 36 and 50, although you are encouraged to read through all of it at some point. Questions 1. In what ways have you experienced God as your place of safety (consider physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual and temporal safety) 2. In your experience, how do the principles of God’s kingdom (eg abundance)contrast with those of the world (eg zero-sum, might is right etc). How can you live as an ambassador for Gods kingdom according to his principles? 3. Has God challenged you at any point in the area of praying expectantly? What has happened as a result?

Romans 7 shows us that Grace is amazing and outrageous. Paul explains using the illustration of a marriage. Mr Law Fine and perfect man. • Always right • Austere with complete authority over his wife • Never lifts a finger to help but is always right • You can’t argue with him because you know he is right • Marks you out of 10, but never a 10 • Is in excellent health and will live for a long time Mrs Law • An ordinary woman • Married to Mr Law for years and wants to please him by her performance • Mrs Law works very hard Relationship • Mrs Law says she will be home at 11.00 but when she’s late, Mr Law stands at the door pointing to his watch and says “you’re 5 minutes late.” Mrs Law feels small and condemned. • Sometimes Mr Law goes to the wedding venue. When it gets busy Mrs Law asks him to help behind the bar. Mr Law says he is not insured to work there so won’t help. • Mr Law marks Mrs Law out of 10. Often it is only a 5, sometimes a 7 and on the odd occasion 0. Mrs Law feels small, guilty and condemned. • Mr Law calls her his little Sinner • Mrs Law begins to loath her husband because he is always right but never lifts a finger to help her Mrs Law meets Mr Grace Mr Grace • Is gentle and humble • Wants to share his life with Mrs Law • Is prepared to help her with her burdens • Wants her to have the best in life • Wants her to be fruitful in all she does • Shows his love for her in giving her gifts • Loves her because of who she is Relationship • She is now married to Mr Grace • When she is home at 11.05 not 11.00 he makes her a cup of tea and asks her how her day has been • When Mr Grace come to work with her, he sees her struggling, he gets involved and serves her and the guests • When she asks how she can improve her business he gives her ideas and constructive comments • Mr Grace calls her his beloved one even when she screws up • She loves Mr Grace. • She will do anything for him The theological Mr Law – see Romans 7:1-6 The new relationship • Our relationship to the Law: the law will not pass away so we must die to the Law. It is still perfect and right, but is the Old Covenant. • We are is released from the relationship with the law by dying to the law when we are baptized. We are now in the New Covenant. • Jesus the bridegroom left heaven to die for us so we can be saved from the marriage to the Law whether we are male or female. • Jesus shares his life with us. He showers us with spiritual and material blessings. • He listens to us and intercedes for us day and night • He works alongside us and has wonderful plans for us • He could not do this when we are married to the law. Mr Law can only say what is right or wrong • Mr Law was impotent. Christ is fruitful. When we live with an intimate relationship, we hear his voice when we read his word. 2 Corinthians 5 17 Romans 8 v 1 and 2 • You have a new husband/wife • You are no longer judged by your performance Questions 1. Why would you go back to trying to impress Mr Law? Are you free from him? 2. When we try to impress Jesus with our performance we are back with Mr Law. It’s like committing spiritual adultery! 3. If that is you, what is the way back to Mr Grace? 4. Does he call you Sinner now? No! Why should you label yourself that way? He calls you his beloved. He calls you by name. What name does He call you by? 5. You sin but your new husband is quick to forgive and keeps no record of your mistakes. Look at Romans 7 v 21-25 and discuss how you now relate to Mr Grace having left Mr Law. 6. Do we shout at those married to Mr Law and call them sinners? They are but be a friend to them and call them to meet a better husband called Mr Grace. Pray for someone and wisdom of how to app