17th September 2017 - Simon Benham - Acts 8.26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

Baptism Sunday Notes: 17^th September 2017

Preacher: Simon Benham

Scripture: Acts 8.26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

 

Introduction:

• Baptism Sunday – sometimes it can be quite a shock the first time we see baptism. When Simon first saw a baptism (as a non-Christian teenager) it raised many questions for him.
• Full immersion baptism – represents the work Jesus has done in our lives. He has washed us clean and has raised us to a new life with him. 

 

Characters in the story:

1. Philip
   1. Not one of the 12 disciples. However, he was someone to whom the disciples had delegated the job of waiter to.
   2. Widows and the vulnerable were a priority for the early church. They received food and care and Philip was one of the people who waited on their tables.
   3. SIDE NOTE: If you are in leadership and are feeling worn out and tired by your work, it might be a sign that you need to delegate responsibilities.
2. Ethiopian Eunuch
   1. He had gone to Jerusalem to find out about Judaism and is returning home reading Isaiah 53.
   2. He is thought to be the first person to bring Christianity to Africa. 
   3. Philip explains the good news of Jesus to him

 

Asking Questions – be an inquisitive person. Doubt is welcome in this community and it is a safe place to ask questions.

 

The smartest people have the best questions; not the best answers.

• “The little girl who asks why the sky is blue becomes the woman who changes the world” (Leader in Facebook)
• “Raise your hand and ask a question” (Michelle Obama, a letter to her younger self).

 

The Eunuch asks three important questions:

1. How can I understand unless someone explains it to me?
   1. The bible tells us ‘consider the ant’
   2. If we can learn from an ant we can learn from anyone. Have the humility to learn from those who are different from you.
2. Who is the prophet talking about?
   1. This leads to the most important question you could ask… Who is Jesus? The answer to that question is the root to the biggest life change you could ever receive.
   2. Why is the world in such a mess? Broken world – from the broken relationships caused by our sin and rebellion. Jesus came into the world to restore our broken relationship with God. (Isaiah 53.1-12 “Pierced for our transgressions… by his wounds we are healed.”)
   3. Because of Jesus, everyone has access to the same power of the cross. This means our sin is taken away and our wounds healed!
       
3. What is standing in the way of me being baptised?
   1. We might ask the same question. Take it as a challenge to be obedient and get baptised.
   2. Goodness is not a qualification for baptism, neither is the length of time you have known Jesus.

 

Questions for us to consider:

1. Have we been obedient to the call of baptism?
   1. Why not sign up to be baptised at the next baptism Sunday! What is holding you back?
2. Are you an inquisitive person? How could you foster an inquisitive nature this week?
3. What questions do you have?
   1. Think about joining a growth track course (Alpha starts 27^th September, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality is also on this term).
4. Philip was obedient to the voice of God in this passage of Scripture, and it led him to an amazing conversation. Where is God calling you to be in this season? Who are the people around us that we can ask questions to and explain the good news of Jesus to in this season?

10th Sept 2017 - This Term's Vision - Simon Benham

By and large, Simon’s walk with God hasn’t been one of dreams and visions – its more been a case of ‘doing the obvious thing’ – taking on jobs and responsibilities as they came up.  But there has been a notable exception – a prophetic word at Stoneleigh, God saying “You will lead churches of thousands”.

That Word is not fulfilled yet.  Generally, prophetic words don’t come true just like that, you have to do stuff to make it happen – and so we’re shaping the Kerith vision for this term to bring the fulfilment of this particular word closer to reality. 

‘Churches of thousands’.  The current fashion seems to be to prefer small churches, rather than large ones.  But the first church (in Acts 2) was a church of three thousand from day one … perhaps God’s heart for little churches is to see them become big churches!

Here’s what the full passage says:

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common.  They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. [Acts 2:42-47]

Verse 47 speak of ‘adding to the number daily’.  If there were one thing from this passage Simon would wish to claim for Kerith, it would be this.  Scaling the numbers from Acts to Kerith, it equates to a desire for about 100 people to be added to our church every year.  That’s why we have a target of 100 baptisms this year (we’re counting baptisms because that’s a more solid response than praying a prayer).  So far this year, we’ve baptised 84, and there are still four months to go – but in all honesty, a lot of these are people we should have baptised long ago, so to keep going with ‘fresh’ baptisms at this rate we need to up our game!  (Looking back to the first church in Jerusalem, its growth didn’t stop at three thousand; by Acts 4:4 it had reached a size of 5000 men, and Acts 6 says it continued to increase.)

For the record, here’s the status report on the progress of our vision:

·         Bracknell.  We’ve paid off the mortgage on K2, bought a strip of land by the side from the cricket club, and have drawn up plans for new K2 building, which the elders are currently renewing.

·         Sandhurst.  We’re developing a partnership with an un-named party that would give us a Sunday + a mid-week venue.

·         Windsor – We’re renting a great hub with the Gospel Hall in Dedworth, where we’re now going to be meeting on the second Sunday every month at 4pm

The full outworking of all this will take time and cost millions, but don’t be phased!  Rather, ask what does God want us to do personally to make this a reality?  There are three things to take on board:

1.       Be devoted, be sold-out for Jesus – accepting Him not just as our Saviour, but as the Lord of our life. Lord of Finances, of Time, of Jobs, of relationships.  Jesus doesn’t claim Lordship of this things all at once – we’d be overwhelmed! But he does want to be Lord of all.

2.       Embrace community

a.       First, there’s ‘Big community’ – meeting on Sundays.

                                                               i.      Get here as often as you can – not just once a month (that’s the current US definition of ‘attending regularly’). We can always find excuses, but church should take priority

                                                             ii.      Get here on time (!)

                                                           iii.      Come with a heart that says not ‘what am I going to receive?’, but ‘what can I give?’.  A service should not be judged not by how much we enjoyed it, but by how much God enjoyed it.

b.       The, there’s 'small group community' – for deep relationship, encouragement, and for mutual support.

3.       Don’t neglect evangelism.  That doesn’t have to mean standing on a soapbox to the Lexicon, though it can.  The New Testament also models inviting people into a community (like small groups) and over time, those who Belong, begin to Believe and Behave.  The worst thing you can do is to ‘hide your light under a bushel’ – our love for God and for other people should be evident to all who meet us.

3rd Sep 2017 - Letter to Laodicea (Heather Pocock)

Revelation 3 v 14-22

Jesus is the ‘big deal’

Laodicea was a commercial, wealthy city, with two amphitheatres.  It had a medical school for eye care, and produced fine black wool.  There was a huge earthquake is AD 61, but the people were so wealthy and self-sufficient they did not need Roman finance to rebuild.

Jesus describes himself in the letter as ‘the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation’ v14.  He is reminding the Laodiceans that He is the ‘big deal’.

Lukewarm Laodiceans

Laodicea received water via an aqueduct from Hierapolis which had boiling hot 95 degree springs (which you can still visit today) and from Colossae which had ice cold mountain water.  By the time the water arrived at Laodicea it had become neither invigoratingly hot nor refreshingly cold, but unpalatably lukewarm.

Jesus rebukes the church because it is neither hot nor cold, and as a result He about to spit them out of His mouth v16.

The Laodiceans did not realise they were lukewarm but thought they had everything they needed, but Jesus says they were wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked v17.  We need God’s opinion of how hot we are, not our own.

Lukewarm Christians

Spurgeon said that lukewarm church looks like:

• Not opposing, but neither defending the gospel.
• Not working mischief, but neither doing great good.
• Not irreligious and overtly sinful, but neither enthusiastic nor passionate in pursing holiness.
• Being moderate, respectable, and opposed to excitement.
• Having a prayer meeting, but very few attending, preferring quiet evenings at home.
• Having no notion of doing things with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.

Are we in danger of becoming a lukewarm church?  We have a reputation of being a passionate church, but it is possible for us to fall into a condition that is contrary to our reputation.

A lukewarm church comes from lukewarm individuals.  We become lukewarm if, for example, we:

• Leave all the social justice to the social justice staff.
• Leave sharing the gospel to those on the platform.
• Leave giving and generously to others.

The question is what are we as individuals doing that is hot right now?

Our emotions follow our actions

Jesus says ‘Be earnest’(v19).  This can be translated as ‘Be zealous, red hot and passionate’.  This is a command, and so it is a decision not an emotion. 

For a marriage to be red hot and passionate we have to put in hard work and invest in gifts, activities, communication and time together.  This is because our emotions tend to follow our actions.  If we wait for emotions before investing in the relationship, it is likely to fail.

It is the same with our relationship with Jesus. If we want a red-hot relationship with Jesus then we have to work at prayer, worship, bible reading, and community with other Christians.  When we see a significant answer to prayer, a verse that speaks directly to our situation, or an act of faith by a Christian friend, it brings passion and fire to our emotions.  Feelings follow actions.

Be thermostats that raise the temperature

We must set the temperature, not match the temperature.  We must be thermostats that change the temperature not thermometers that just match the temperature.  We must create culture not just accept it.

If we are not careful we can simply fall to the same spiritual temperature of those around us.  We can become hot on a Christian camp, but quickly cool off when we return to our everyday life.

Repent and fellowship with Jesus

Where we are lukewarm, Jesus calls us to repent (v19).  Taking a break from doing things that build our faith is not going to work.  We must repent of the other things we have turned to, and go back to the good things we have stopped doing.

Jesus wants a passionate relationship with every single one of us.  He wants to ‘come in and eat with us’ (v20) which signifies fellowship and relationship.  Our job is to ‘open the door’ by doing the things above.  Jesus then promises to share his victory with us.

Questions

Icebreaker: What is your favourite hot or cold drink?

1.  When were you hottest for Jesus?

2.  Who inspires you to be hotter for God and why?

3.  What do you need to do to gain passion and zeal for Jesus?  

[Remember Heather explained how emotions following actions, and hard work is needed in a relationship (see above).  She also said that taking a break from things that build faith is not going to heat us up].

4.  Where can you be a thermostat and raise the spiritual temperature?

27th August 2017 - Revelation to the church in Philadelphia Rev 3 v 7-13 (Sola Osinoiki)

Philadelphia was a city in modern-day Turkey, which was rebuilt in AD 17 and was on the route of a major highway to other places.  The church was the youngest of those written to, and is labelled “the faithful church”.

John’s letter to the church is really a letter about Jesus.  Let’s see what it reveals about Him.

Jesus is The Holy One

“These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David” v7.

“I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.  I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead” (Is 43 v 4).

Jesus is our saviour, who has redeemed us, he is alive now and is the Holy One.  Out of revelation of His holiness we also are called to be holy (1 Pet 1 v 16). 

Jesus is The True One

“We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life” 1 Jn 5 v 20.  We shall know the truth and the truth will set us free (Jn 8 v 32).

When we know and believe the truth about salvation we have salvation, when we know and believe the truth about healing we have healing.  When we know and believe the truth in any area we are freed in that area, but actually it is not just knowing God’s word that does this, it is knowing Jesus, who is God’s word and who is the truth.

Jesus holds the Key of David

Jesus “holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open” (v7).

“I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open” Is 22 v 22.

Jesus has the key, the authority, to open things for us, and to shut things.  We often live our lives as if this is not true, we need to believe God can open things for us, and shut things for us.

Jesus lays before us an open door

“See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.  I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” v8.

If we follow Jesus in the best way we can, with the strength we have, He will assist us and help us, and lay before us a wide-open door.  It may be a door of healing, of miracles, or of wisdom.

Jesus works when we do not deny Him

God’s power is made perfect in our weakness, for when we are weak then in Christ we are strong (2 Cor 12 : 9-10).

We must keep His word, walk with Him in difficulty, and not deny his name.  We must not deny the truth of his word, i.e. not deny Jesus the opportunity to work.  For example, when we see a sick person it is an opportunity for Jesus to heal them through us.

Jesus reveals himself to others through us

“I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you” v9.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” Ps 23 v 5.

People will see Jesus in us, and acknowledge this, recognising that we are loved and blessed by God.  Jesus loves us, we can run to Him.  There is no need to hang back and keep Him at a distance.

Jesus protects us

“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth” v10.

This is a promise from Jesus to keep us from the hour of trial, no matter whether that trial is tomorrow morning or at the end of the age.  Our confidence is in Jesus, no matter what our circumstances are.

Jesus has a victor’s crown for us

“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown” v11.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” Jam 1 v 12.

Don’t let anybody rob you of your crown.  Don’t let anyone talk you out of believing the truth you know, or out of believing that God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Eph 3 v 20).

Jesus marks us with His name

“I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name” v12.

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron and his sons, “This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: ‘“‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.’”  ‘So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.’” (Num 6 v 22).

Jesus loves us and puts His name on us and blesses us.

Jesus calls us closer

“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” v13.

The job of the Holy Spirit is to reveal Jesus.  The Holy Spirit is calling each of us to listen to Him, to draw nearer to Jesus so that we have fresh revelation of Him.

Questions

1. Jesus is the One who is holy and true (v7) and knowing the truth sets us free.  What truths have brought you new faith and freedom in recent months?

2. Jesus says “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown” (v11).  Is there an area where you feel something is trying to rob you of your crown (victory)?

3. Jesus says “I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (v8).   Where do you feel you have little strength, but need to act in faith and so not deny Jesus the opportunity to work?

4. Jesus opens things no one can shut, and shuts things no one can open (v7).  What do you need Jesus to open or shut for you?  [Spend some time praying for each other].

13 August 2017 - Letter to the church in Thyatira - Leon Johnson

13 VIII 2017 [Preacher: Leon Johnson]

Leon sets the scene and talks about bringing up his children. As a Dad, he finds himself asking: “Am I going to let them [my children] get away with that [bad behaviour]?” He doesn't want to be a strict or intolerant father.

> How would you feel if someone called you intolerant? 
> What do you understand by the word?

(In)tolerance is a big issue in today's society - its definition has been ‘changed’: it seems as though if you don't accept everyone's beliefs and support them, you can be accused of being bigoted or similar. There is a pressure to accept, without challenge, every view, lifestyle and so on that is dissimilar to your own. Today's tolerant society is very intolerant of having a (strong) view or conviction.

The letter to the church in Thyatira [Revelation 2:18-29] shows the church’s struggle with this issue. [*see bottom of page for extended notes*]. The church was being compromised from external pressure (society/trade guilds) and internal pressure (Jezebel). Leon makes reference to an OT story about another ‘Jezebel’: Jezebel persuaded her husband (Ahab) to build an altar to Baal, and then a further altar to another god. Jezebel raised up hundreds of false prophets. Her message was one of compromise - living for God and living for Baal. She knew the message she was spreading wasn't true [1 Kings 18:21].

Jezebel in this (Revelation) passage was doing something similar. Jesus says the tolerance of this false teaching is unfaithful to him. He offers her time to repent, but on her refusal He strongly condemns her [v.21 & 23]. In the gospel the church is warned to ‘watch out for false prophets’ [Mt 7:13-15].

> Do you see this happening in your life?
> Where/How have you compromised your relationship with God?
> What part of it is suffering as a result?
> What steps could you take to stand your ground for Christ?

Jesus calls us to become holy, sanctified. He calls us to be set apart. Jesus calls us to love. He was so intolerant of our failings (sinfulness) that he left heaven, became a man, took on sin. He came to show us another way to live. Jesus operates on a level higher than intolerance - one of love. He doesn't call us to be intolerant of beliefs, but he does ask us to stand up and propose our beliefs to the world.

> How do we love people we disagree with?

Jesus was/is an instrument of hope to the world. We’re not called to mimic the world, but to be loyal to Jesus in whatever place or circumstances we find ourselves. It starts with us. Hold on, hold fast to what you have until He comes again. Don't compromise [v.24-25]. When the ‘morning star’ [v.28] (Jesus) appears he brings the kingdom of God in behind him - fix your eyes upon Him.

> How can you seek out God in all of life's circumstances? 
> What practical helps can you share with the group that help you to 'hold on' in the midst of life's struggles? 

Leon’s references:

Revelation 2:18-29
Hebrews 4:13
1 Kings 18:21
Matthew 7:13-15
1 Peter 4:17


*EXTENDED NOTES*

Read the passage and/or listen to Leon’s full message here: http://kerith.church/media/sermons.php)...but first, note:

> Jesus identifies himself as the Son of God - emphasising His divinity. He is all seeing, all knowing and the judge.
> Jesus’ eyes that are ‘blazing fire’ [v.18] see everything. He sees the good and the bad in our lives. ‘Nothing in creation is hidden from God’s sight’ [Hebrews 4:13]

The church in Thyatira are comprising themselves by tolerating Jezebel. They’re not just tolerating it/her, but rather they are living happily, absorbing it. The idolatry, the sexual immorality [v.20]. They were doing some good things too [v.19] - and growing in their faith - but they were conforming to live a certain way. As Christians, they were trying to swim against the tide but they were struggling against the pressure of the ‘real world’.

By following Jesus they were going against the grain as they lived in the city of Apollos (the god of sunlight). Christians were ‘forced’ to get involved in the culture of the city: It was a prosperous city, but it was difficult to get a job if you weren't a skilled person - you had to be a member of the trade guild. The guild heavily influenced the lives of people in the city. Idolatry was part of it as were sacrifices to false gods.

6th August 2017 - Letter to the Church in Pergamum - Simon Benham

Kerith Sermon: 6^th August 2017

Sermon Title: Letter to the Church in Pergamum

Preacher: Simon Benham

Bible Verse: Revelation 2: 12-17

The letters that we have been looking at over the previous weeks follow a similar pattern. They each i) reveal Jesus, ii) praise the church iii) warn the church and finally detail the promise if the church endures.

Revealing Jesus: In this scripture it talks about the sharp double edged sword: The word of God that is alive and active, that is so sharp that it can split souls and spirits. The word of God is powerful and has the power to change us all, if we let it. However, this requires us to get to know it by regularly reading the Bible. It does you good. However, when you read His word, you need to listen and be taught.

We need to remember that all scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, correcting etc. This is true not only of Jesus’s word (in red font) but of all of the Bible. God inspired all of it.

Praising the Church: In this letter the Church was praised for  remaining true and not renouncing His name and for enduring through persecution.

The scripture talks about Antipas who was martyred in boiling oil, and how the in the face of this adversity they  endured. We need to praise God during adversity and struggles.

The Warning: We all need to remember that there is an enemy against us. We need to recognise his existence but not by having an unhealthy interest in the devil. However, we should also not deny his presence. The devil is here to steal, kill and destroy you in any way he can. We need to be aware of this, as attacks do come. But we need to understand there is an enemy who is against you but that God is greater.

Pray protection over the areas of attack in your life, particularly when you step out in His name. Remember Satan is defeated and will be destroyed. Know we are going to win the war, and that there are only a few battles left. He is defeated and Jesus has overcome when he died on the cross and rose again. Remember the devil is limited in what he can do (Luke). God has greater purposes.

Simon discussed that there are three ways that the devil attacks:

1. Persecution: which leads to discouragement and dismay. Don’t become timid but step out during these times. Continue and overcome. Don’t let fear over take always press through and preserve.  Kerith has recently gone through a season where three pillars of our community have gone to heaven. We could become discouraged and lost in grief. However we should step out of this and step forward. Be thankful that we knew the individuals, and have had the blessing that we had them to in our lives. Let’s step forward and let their legacy speak through us. They will be cheering for us from heaven. Let’s step forward.
2. Compromise: The scripture warns about the teaching of Balaam. (Numbers 25). This was about compromising Gods word and works and settling for less.  The devil tempts us to compromise in the world i.e. materialism, sexual morality. Let’s set the bar high in terms of personal morality. Keep true to His word.
3. Holding to the teaching of Nicolaitans :the corrupted version of the word of God. Don’t doubt the word of God. In Genesis Eve said …’did God really say we shouldn’t eat’. Don’t doubt Gods word !   Know God’s word.

All of these attacks are at work in the church today. We must resist with all we have, personally and corporately. Do not be discouraged or fearful but stand firm on His word.

The Promise: The scripture discusses hidden manna and a white stone.

White stones: Pergamum’s buildings were made of black stone and the white stones would be used to inscribe messages on the buildings as it stands out against the dark background.  White stones were also used as party invites. Today - you are also invited to a party … the white stone invites you, and gives you permission to enter His Kingdom, and Heaven.

The hidden manna: Manna was the food provided by God when the Israelite’s were wandering in the wilderness. In John 4 Jesus talked to the disciple’s about ‘food’ people know nothing about. The food He was referring to was the will of God and his work. God has sent us to do work on this Earth. In the face of opposition and attacks, you are encouraged to just keep doing the work of God: 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.  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ This is Gods work.

Let’s be thinking about this in the context of Alpha. It is your responsibility is to invite people. It is their responsibility to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. This is the work of God.

Conclusion: We stand here as victors in His freedom. Remember the victory that you live in.

Questions/Practical’s for Small Groups:

1. Know the word: - Each find a verse in the bible that means something to you – each read out the verses and explain how this has impacted your life
2. Are you compromising your faith in anyway ? – share with the group areas in your life you feel like you ae compromising.
3. Are you facing something really difficult – share the situation with the group and then the group can Pray protection over the areas of attack in your life. He is defeated and Jesus has overcome when he died on the cross and rose again. Remember the devil is limited in what he can do (Luke). God has greater purposes.

23rd July 2017 – Servant leadership – Liam Parker

23^rd July 2017 – Servant leadership – Liam Parker

John 13 vs 1 – 17

Liam first publicly honoured Dan McNabb for his leadership of LIFE. After reading John 13 1-17 Liam shared a personal story about his Drama teacher, Mr Snip good guy. Liam loved acting and was often in  school play as the main character. Liam asked Mr Snip if he could also be the assistant director for the play Grease. He was made assistant director but one day couldn’t make a rehearsal as was doing a driving lesson. He didn’t tell Mr Snip who replied that this wasn’t good enough for an assistant director. Liam went to speak with Mr Snip and went in to his office. Liam sat on the table next to his desk “Hey Mr Snip, you were talking about me?”  He said “get off my table, Liam look, just because you are wearing jeans and the Assistant Director you are here to help young people get the most out of the school play”. Liam’s attitude started to change to become more like Mr Snip who has read the script more times – who knows all the solos –and who notices when someone is not in place.

By being the director he was serving the people around him..

In John 13 1-13 JC is about to be separated from his father in heaven for the first time in eternity – he’s going to experience separation, Everyone is going to abandon him except John. Life is going to get messy for Jesus – even though these people going to leave him – he makes a decision to get down from position of authority and goes to the place of lowly servant and washes the disciples feet  

He does something very simple but very dramatic – Jesus is probably thinking “I’m going to give them a symbol” Through Jesus teaching this form of leadership he is saying this servant leadership is the only form leadership

The bible talks very clearly about people standing in leadership but don’t have the character to handle it.  Jesus knew that being a servant kills selfish ambition and vain conceit.

We all need to get to a place where we are all servant leaders.  When we come to church we come to serve  Through serving you can influence people – because you have served them before

Simons job as Senior Pastor is to create a space for us to be servant leaders – serve the servers. As it says in the bible it is more blessed to give rather than receive. The challenge is when not giving out of cheerful heart.

If you truly become a servant leader – you will experience hardship…Servant leadership takes a lot of effort, to be more patient, give more time to people – keep humbling – let people make mistakes – keep washing people’s feet until the job is done

Serve the coffee because someone might find salvation – keep car parking as someone might find healing

Questions for Small Groups:

How do I get there to get to a place of servant leadership|?

Are you trying to find a love from the people – trying to please them?

Can I endure it – keep serving – what areas of Church can you serve in?

Do you know you are loved?? Does anyone in your group feel unloved by God? Pray for each other to experience more love and speak biblical truths over each other