Church in the Peak

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17353090-15-06-25-ruth-part-5-contract-or-covenant-neal-garratt.mp3 Neal continued our series looking at the book of Ruth. To view Neal's notes in PDF format: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hPuxClMEIN_ZgKU1SdnDd1H4mjexkDsn/view?usp=drive_link Questions for this week. 1. Today we highlighted the different motivations by the nearest Kinsman redeemer and Boaz – does this help in our understanding? 2. Do we understand the difference now between a contract and a covenant? 3. How should this affect our relationship with God? 4. How has God shown his motivation towards us in our lives?

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17306392-08-06-25-ruth-part-4-peter-williams.mp3 Peter continued our series on Ruth. Peter's notes (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R-wxKjMGqopjfPNI6QgX7nXtVKQzzlM8/view?usp=drive_link Peter's slides (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nue4Oad9rgWyJGy4qzCCzWUZ1URcxG8p/view?usp=drive_link 3 questions for you Is Jesus asking for you to come to Him for redemption? Come and lie at His feet. You don't do anything to be redeemed, the price is paid for you. You just need to ask….. Is Jesus threshing you? Had Jesus got you on the threshing floor. Breaking off the unnecessary bits, that impede the best flavour for your life? Do you feel like you are tossed in the wind? Jesus is getting you to be pure, like He wants you to be. Transformation can be hard and sore. Do you need to trust in His provision for you? You might feel lost, with nothing left. If so, are you now listening to Him? Will you now trust Him to rescue you, and provide for you? Let Him be your full kinsman redeemer

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17260779-01-06-25-what-does-serving-look-like-for-you-steve-bagnall.mp3 Steve looked at serving and how it can be different for all of us.

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17231599-25-05-25-the-excitement-of-being-a-christian-today-ian-hardy.mp3 Ian spoke about the excitement of being a Christian today.

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17182752-18-05-25-the-book-of-ruth-part-3-neal-garratt.mp3 Neal continued our series looking at the book of Ruth. For Neal's notes and questions (in PDF format): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1piWyYRVS93dr9UAOl2mdAcsYgtC7SM1m/view?usp=drive_link.

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17138348-11-05-25-ruth-part-2-dave-watmore.mp3 Everything happens for a reason? · There is NO accident with God. · If chance exists, then God doesn’t. · Chance would mean there is something out of His control. · God ordained it. God either orders it or gives permission. · We miss miracles sometimes because we label it chance. · God has left nothing to chance luck or coincidence. · God’s day to day interactions with you is called providence. · It goes unseen but He is always working. Ruth 1 v 19 – 22, 2 v 1-3. Recap · Ruth was married to Naomi and Elimelek’s (God is King) son Mahlon (weakness). Boaz means Strength. · Barley harvest occurs during Passover when the barley is harvested for the poor. · Naomi has lost her husband and her two sons and decided to return to Israel and Bethlehem where her husband’s family came from. · The whole of scripture points to the work of the Almighty to bring about His plan of redemption. · God wanted to use Ruth (a gentile) in His redemption plan. Naomi and Elimelek had to go to Moab for Mahlon to meet and marry Ruth, his father, his and Mahlon himself had to die to drive Naomi and Ruth back to Judah/Bethlehem. But there is often bitterness in our daily walk in life. · Although Naomi had returned with the Ruth showing her love and loyalty and the people of Bethlehem were delighted to see he, she blamed God for the calamity and her bitterness. It’s amazing that even though she was railing against the unfairness of God, he does not strike her down and she has the confidence in knowing the kindness and character of God to be able to express that openly without the appearance of fear. · However, Ruth has a prompt to action and break out of the poverty mentality of her mother – in- law. Cake illustration. · Toss of a coin at birth – Not by chance. “I don’t see that you’re working. “My Mum might have prayed for a child after 2 miscarriages. · Twisted chain of a door. “I don’t feel that you’re working.” Lesley prayed a prayer for a man she could trust. We both had broken, long term relationships. · Asking for a family to buy the house. “You never stop working.” Keeping his promises to us and to CitP. Is Jesus showing you what he wants you to do? · Is that why you had the miracle? · It’s why the miracle happens. The earth is the Lords and everything in it. · God loves details. · Trusting in Gods providence means believing a string of seemingly unrelated events to accomplish a bigger purpose. We don’t always understand what He is doing but we don’t have to. Isaiah 45:2. It reads, "I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron." ““As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9 NIV Romans 8 v 28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17095396-04-05-25-introducing-ruth-neal-garratt.mp3 Neal introduced our new series, looking at the book of Ruth.

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17050797-27-04-25-word-about-generosity-and-the-tower-of-babel-paul-basson-and-richard-thomas.mp3 Paul gave a word about generosity and Richard spoke about the Tower of Babel.

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/17095302-20-04-25-easter-sunday-phil-hardy.mp3 On Easter Sunday, Phil spoke about how God love us all so much that he sent his only son, Jesus, to die for us.

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16991634-13-04-25-the-week-before-easter-dave-watmore.mp3 The week before Easter. Matthew 26 What we see is that Jesus was very clear time and again that he was going to be put to death and even CRUSIFIED. Jesus also made a claim that he was the “Son of Man” a reference we see from Daniel 7 v 13. We see this reference repeated at the end of the chapter. Mary is not named here in Matthew but we know from John that it is Mary the sister of Lazarus and sister Martha. Mary knew the forgiveness of her sins, she also knew that there was a resurrection because her brother Lazarus had died and Jesus had raised him from the dead. We don’t know what Lazarus said about the experience but he would have had an amazing story to tell and the sight of him coming out of the grave at the command of Jesus. Mary had sat and listened to Jesus teach and it seems, by her actions, she understood that Jesus was who he said he was THE CHRIST. She came in with an alabaster jar full of an expensive perfume used for preparing dead bodies for burial. Christ and Messiah both mean anointed one. Mary was prophetically enacting this. The other amazing this is was that this jar of perfume was worth a years wages. The jar was also worth a great deal but she broke it deliberately in order to pour out all the contents and leave nothing behind. This act of worship was to say, “I give you my all and there is no returning to my old ways.” Mary would have to now rely on Jesus to supply her every need. It would be like me giving away my whole pension. GULP! The other disciples were indignant! “What a waste” was their reaction. Jesus stands up for Mary again. Mary understood that Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ, the one the Jews were waiting for and the ones the Jews are still waiting for and the one the whole of mankind is searching for. She gave Him everything because she knew he was the one who knew everything about her, good and bad, He forgave her everything she had done wrong small and large. She was following and listening to Jesus for her own salvation. Judas and Peter and the others were following Jesus to see a political and military victory over the Romans. Peter also had acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ, the anointed one but this had not worked its way into the heart of these men. Judas was so indignant that he chose to betray Jesus, perhaps out of disappointment that the very expensive perfume was “wasted”. Mary made a personal sacrifice that led to her worship of Jesus. Judas and Peter and the others were indignant because they wanted someone else’s sacrifice to be reflected on them. They wanted to be the ones who could say “we gave to the poor”. Jesus did not say “don’t give to the poor” but what he was saying was give out of your worship of Me not out of duty or self-righteousness. When Judas goes to the religious leaders, they give Judas the same amount as you would pay for a slave. I didn’t know this until I studied this. It recalled the passage in Romans that Jesus became the slave to sin for us so that we can be the slaves of righteousness. Explain!! Verse 30 they sang a hymn. Probably a traditional Psalm sung during Passover when the Jews remembered their delivery from the slavery and pain they endured in Egypt. His love endures forever.

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16926147-06-04-25-intimacy-with-god-through-the-bible-part-3-neal-garratt Neal continued his preaching series on increasing our intimacy with God through the Bible. For Neal's full notes and the passage from "The Book Of Mysteries", click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qwxzf5E3y34uq2XucOP64xknxCqDLedv/view?usp=drive_link

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16883327-30-03-25-listening-to-god-the-parable-of-the-sower-hannah-garratt.mp3?download=true Hannah spoke from the Parable of the Sower.

Phil continued looking at the life of the early church, as described in Acts 2, and how they dedicated themselves to prayer.

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16801279-16-03-25-citizens-of-heaven-dave-watmore Dave spoke about our heavenly citizenship and how God has the power to help us when things are difficult.

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16767052-09-03-25-intimacy-with-god-through-the-word-part-2-neal-garratt Neal continued his preach on the intimacy that we can have with God through reading the Word. Neal's notes and slides: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FBoIAax3WdyizsPZCkZvhDCM2tiG5Nlz/view?usp=drive_link

Nev spoke about unlocking your God given potential

Please note that the first section of Peter's preach didn't record correctly. For a full copy of Peter's notes and slides (in PDF format), click here. Acts 2:41-47 ESV [41] So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. [42] And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. [43] And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [44] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. [45] And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. [46] And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, [47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. 2:43 is the response to 2:42, and 2:44 is the response to 2:43 and 2:47 is the response to 2:44. Who wants all these things? Well it starts with being together, praying, worshipping, studying the word, with the holy spirit amongst us, transforming our minds and our behaviour. Romans 12:2 ESV [2] Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. The following verses talk about unity, and different gifts, and that together as a body we are transformed and transformational to the society around us. And this is one of the purposes of church. Not a holy club we all attend. It's a community of believers that makes a difference. Both to each other and the world around us as we go on mission. Catalyst apostolic foundation - see notes Prayer In Acts 2:42, "the prayers" likely refers to the set prayers that took place at the temple. The verse describes the early disciples' devotion to prayer and praise, which was a central part of their lives. They trusted in God's deliverance and regularly included praise in their prayers, drawing from the Psalms for phrases and songs. Here are some prayers based on Acts 2:42: Devoted to the Word and Prayer "May we be devoted to prayer, and may prayer not be supplemental in our lives and your church. May be fundamental in everything we do". Prayer for Acts 2:42 "Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful example of the early Church who continually devoted themselves to earnest prayer". The prayers. Some 'earnest prayer' Before church prayer meeting Communion Acts 20:7 ESV On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. They didn't gather to worship. They didn't gather to hear Paul teach. They gathered to break bread. 2 times in the short passage from acts 2. It wasn't an add on. It's an integral part of what we do when we gather. Not as much in big gatherings, but when we meet in houses. Encourage you to do over dinner. It's not magical, but it is mystical. Challenge to do and see what happens. Because it changes our outlook. Share in 1 body, and 1 blood. There is power in this.

There’s power in the name of Jesus. Jesus Storybook Bible: We have given out 197 Jesus storybook bibles at 4 schools, preaching the gospel. The gospel is presented as 'Jesus wants to be your friend' We have done 9 assembly’s and schools now regularly come to the food bank! So we do jigsaw assembly’s and the kids come to learn about the food bank and raise money. Ruth and the team gained trust and created healthy relationships with all the schools in our local area! That gave us this foundation to build on. We are going to all saints infant and junior school in matlock next month to give out 359 bibles. The school said “it would be really good for the children to meet Christian’s and tell them what is a bible and why it is important to them” March 24th - me and Steve. Context Peter and John have prayed for the 40 year old man who has been crippled from birth and the Jewish officials hate it and put them in prison. Remember they had been with Jesus, dejected when he was crucified, utterly changed when he is resurrected and filled with boldness when filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Acts 4 v 1-31 v18 This is our evangelism strategy, it's 2000 years old The more I study Acts, the more I see the resurrection is what they preach. It's the life changer. Teach each other. Tell each other of the stories of what Jesus is doing now. We had a time at New Year to tell of the stories from the last year. It was moving, encouraging and powerful. After Pentecost, as Jews, they stayed with their culture. They went to the temple, did Jewish traditions but they saw Jesus as the fulfillment of the scriptures – the Messiah, the Holy Spirit the fulfillment of the Prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Joel. They had to know their bible. But the authorities demanded that they stop teaching and speaking about Jesus. I only ever heard “stop speaking.” Now I see it was even more like these days. Teach each other about Jesus. We don’t want stunted Christians, we want you all to be changed and to know the life changing power of the resurrection. Sow seed. It doesn’t matter if the soil is hard or soft. Sow the seed. Jesus does not tell us to sow in fertile ground. He says sow the seed. Be generous even if it falls on the path or in the weeds. I have a prophetic sense that where we have sown but seen not fruit, the day is coming to see a fruitfulness where we have sown before. Let us keep sowing in the community we live in. Jigsaw, schools work, our personal evangelism with friends and neighbours and work colleagues. If you want more opportunities and stories to tell, join Tony and Karen, join Jonny and Becca when they start Who Let the Dads Out again and a new venture called Creative Space. Pick up your bibles. Learn about Jesus and his resurrection power. Not just the mechanism of salvation. Acts 4 is of men who were seen as unschooled in the bible but they had been with Jesus who had taught them using scripture. Then they quote scripture; Joel at Pentecost, Genesis in Acts 3 and when they pray they use Psalm 2. The crucifixion Psalm. The audience might change but the message does not change. We have the same job. Sow the seed. The message of the crucified Jesus and the risen Lord There is only seed. Don’t break up the soil. Sow the seed. I don’t know what I’d do without Jesus. Tell new stories Questions Ask each other for a recent story of what Jesus has done for you. For a bible study, look at the use of Psalm 2. Why did Peter use this? Please pray for the Children’s Bible initiative that Sarah and Steve are running Put yourselves in the place of the apostles in Acts 3 and 4 and see how being a friend of Jesus in person helped them declare the truth of His resurrection. Pray for boldness and pray for opportunities to see the power of the name of Jes

Tony spoke about Healing on the Streets. Please note that the first couple of minutes didn't record.

Dave spoke from Acts 2 about how the early church 'did' church - meeting together, discussing teaching and praying - and how this is a model for our revamping of Community Groups.