SMALL GROUP NOTES FROM SUNDAY 5 FEBRUARY
2017. THEME - BAPTISM. LIAM PARKER
YOUTH
UPDATE: Liam shared the encouraging news from our youth. Dan McNab (aged 18)
is fronting Friday nights LIFE, along with a large team aged as young as 12/13.
Last weeks 'After Life' (!) team meeting had 78 people young leaders gathering.
Some are approaching their head teachers for opportunities to lead school
assemblies and bring some gospel message.
Liam began
the 9.30 service by drawing attention to the fact that no-one was due to be
baptised.
QUESTION: Why do you
think this could be?
Liam
challenged us to believe for a new chapter. Acts 2 finishes with the words 'And
the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.' Is this
the new chapter we want?
In v 37 the people ask 'what shall we
do?' And the answer was 'repent and be baptised'. One question, one answer. No
what-ifs. We tend to talk too much and obey too little. Liam made a call for
people to decide right now to be baptised. He said it wasn't about making
anyone feel guilty, rather it was about being kind - as he was giving an
opportunity to get closer to Jesus.
Liam said this...Guilt locks you in,
conviction opens you up.
QUESTION: What do you think about
this statement?
We were challenged to celebrate
conviction. The world says don't celebrate someone telling you what to do. Yet
it is a great gift when God chooses to speak to me, and if I'm feeling convicted
about baptism now then I choose to celebrate it.
The
call to be baptised immediately was clarified by the need to answer yes to each
of these questions:
- I am a Christian
- I believe in the existence of God
- I admit my sin and repent
- I believe Jesus is the son of God
and died for me
- I am willing to choose to live for
God's glory
- I am over 18
- I haven't already been baptised by
full immersion in water
As
the call continued, Liam said to be aware of the enemy saying 'it doesn't mean
me'. Beware of corrupt voices getting in the way (v40). Baptism is an act of
obedience, and blessings will follow. Jesus began His ministry by
getting baptised.
QUESTION: Is there still a response that you need to make to this call?
Several
people stood in response and were baptised at the end of the service. Praise
God.
The message
continued with a new question. WHO IS BAPTISED BECAUSE OF ME? This question is
for those who have been baptised for a while. We need to shift our focus from
being too comfortable. We all have a responsibility for bringing people to the
baptismal pool. This doesn't need to be a radical new vision, but a call for
each of us to make a shift. Small shifts can make a big difference eg a bunch
of flowers to a marriage, a 'God bless you' comment, a kind word instead of
gossip.
To pray for
our enemies is not for their benefit, but for mine - to shift my
attitude.
Shift from
dreaming to doing something. We often don't shift because we like comfortable,
to look normal. But we're not meant to be normal in worldly terms. If we act
like our friends, they don't get saved. If we act differently, they ask
questions. Liam redefined normal as us living in obedience
to God, and being in intimate relationship with Him. If we want to be a tool
for God, we must be willing to be a fool.
The things
we can offer are what people ultimately want. Love, acceptance etc. So
it is good to be a fool if this is what it takes to reach people.
Take perhaps
5 minutes to think about this quietly as individuals. Then offer opportunity to
share your thoughts together.
PRAY: For one another to celebrate whatever we have
been convicted by.
For all those who were baptised on Sunday, or who have
yet to make that decision.
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