As I mentioned in my last post there have been a lack of posts due to expecting a baby (its over due!) and we (Gateway Vineyard) moved venue.
I cant promise things will get any better over the next few weeks but you never know. I have a 2 week break from speaking but keep an eye on this blog for detials of our Christmas events!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
James
On Sunday we wrapped up the book of James. I'm sorry I wasn't able to post weekly over the last few weeks but what with expecting a baby and building move I've been really busy.
However this is an overview of the book.
This isn’t the apostle James but
• James the brother of Jesus
• He was the head of the church in Jerusalem
• Church historians tell us his title was “James the Just”
• Nick named “camel knees” due to the time he spent in on his knees in prayer.
• He was marted in 62AD by being thrown off the pinnacle of the temple which was about 100 ft tall but survived that. At the bottom he knelt to pray for his murders who approached him and killed him by stoning.
Its thought to be one of the earliest NT books to be written around 40AD. It’s not a letter to a church but a general letter to a group following Jesus. It’s a book that looks at the practice and application of our faith. I believe James lived life to the full as a true disciple and his passion for others to do the same comes out in this book.
Thats why I think he can come across as a little blunt and direct, he doesn’t water words down because he loves people and wants them to have everything in Jesus they are entitled to as sons and daughters of God
I’ve listed 9 things which I want to run through this book.
1. Trails and Temptations
We are faced with trails and temptations and James says we are to consider them pure joy – why? James 1:2-4
2. Get off you backside and do something. James 1:22-25
3. We are one in Jesus. James 2:4-5
4. Faith and deeds go together James 2:14-17
5. A restless evil full of deadly poison. James 3
The main point here isn’t that we should watch what we say, we should but the point here was our heart.
What comes out of our mouths is an indicator of the state of our hearts. What are we storing in our hearts because out of our hearts our mouth speaks and as proverbs says our mouth and speak life or it can speak death (Prov 18)
6. Learn how to navigate life = WISDOM
You can’t navigate life without it
It’s as simple as that.
Learn from others
Ask God for it
Learn from mistakes
What wisdom does is it realises the consequents to our choices.
7. Humble yourself
Humbling means to submit James 4:7 says submit yourselves, then, to God
That is to place yourself under God.
It's saying I can’t do this alone, I need you God
8. Don’t worry about tomorrow
James isn’t saying don’t plan, planning and investing for the future is very good, however.....
What are you planning for and what are you investing in?
More importantly, what is it that you spend your time worrying about?
It’s a sad fact that many people are consumed right now by worrying about an event that may never take place. That’s why looking at this in the context of the whole book is important. You need wisdom when thinking about the future.
Is what you are worried about, planning for, investing in part of Gods plan? Really?
People lives are being impacted by stuff that will never take place, as a result those people and other people around them may be missing out on all that God has for them.
9. We live in conflict
There is a reality behind the reality, its 2 kingdoms at war and Gods Kingdom wins in the end but the end isn’t here yet.
We should be on guard
Not get caught up in our old way of thinking
We need to live in light of Jesus returning.
During this time realise that it’s going to be hard, that life won’t be plain sailing, that it is unfair at times but we are to be patient, pray and praise. That’s a basic summery of Ch 5
For me the whole point of this book is that we:
1. Reach our indented end, that place of maturity. Maturity in Greek is Teleos and means to reach the intended end and our intended end is Jesus, to be more like him, to live like him and to walk in a way that is worthy.
2. Live with an eternal perspective, in light of Jesus coming and we let that effect our whole life
3. People matter – it’s not about us
4. We are to do this thing together, we don’t have some personal thing that’s just ours
However this is an overview of the book.
This isn’t the apostle James but
• James the brother of Jesus
• He was the head of the church in Jerusalem
• Church historians tell us his title was “James the Just”
• Nick named “camel knees” due to the time he spent in on his knees in prayer.
• He was marted in 62AD by being thrown off the pinnacle of the temple which was about 100 ft tall but survived that. At the bottom he knelt to pray for his murders who approached him and killed him by stoning.
Its thought to be one of the earliest NT books to be written around 40AD. It’s not a letter to a church but a general letter to a group following Jesus. It’s a book that looks at the practice and application of our faith. I believe James lived life to the full as a true disciple and his passion for others to do the same comes out in this book.
Thats why I think he can come across as a little blunt and direct, he doesn’t water words down because he loves people and wants them to have everything in Jesus they are entitled to as sons and daughters of God
I’ve listed 9 things which I want to run through this book.
1. Trails and Temptations
We are faced with trails and temptations and James says we are to consider them pure joy – why? James 1:2-4
2. Get off you backside and do something. James 1:22-25
3. We are one in Jesus. James 2:4-5
4. Faith and deeds go together James 2:14-17
5. A restless evil full of deadly poison. James 3
The main point here isn’t that we should watch what we say, we should but the point here was our heart.
What comes out of our mouths is an indicator of the state of our hearts. What are we storing in our hearts because out of our hearts our mouth speaks and as proverbs says our mouth and speak life or it can speak death (Prov 18)
6. Learn how to navigate life = WISDOM
You can’t navigate life without it
It’s as simple as that.
Learn from others
Ask God for it
Learn from mistakes
What wisdom does is it realises the consequents to our choices.
7. Humble yourself
Humbling means to submit James 4:7 says submit yourselves, then, to God
That is to place yourself under God.
It's saying I can’t do this alone, I need you God
8. Don’t worry about tomorrow
James isn’t saying don’t plan, planning and investing for the future is very good, however.....
What are you planning for and what are you investing in?
More importantly, what is it that you spend your time worrying about?
It’s a sad fact that many people are consumed right now by worrying about an event that may never take place. That’s why looking at this in the context of the whole book is important. You need wisdom when thinking about the future.
Is what you are worried about, planning for, investing in part of Gods plan? Really?
People lives are being impacted by stuff that will never take place, as a result those people and other people around them may be missing out on all that God has for them.
9. We live in conflict
There is a reality behind the reality, its 2 kingdoms at war and Gods Kingdom wins in the end but the end isn’t here yet.
We should be on guard
Not get caught up in our old way of thinking
We need to live in light of Jesus returning.
During this time realise that it’s going to be hard, that life won’t be plain sailing, that it is unfair at times but we are to be patient, pray and praise. That’s a basic summery of Ch 5
For me the whole point of this book is that we:
1. Reach our indented end, that place of maturity. Maturity in Greek is Teleos and means to reach the intended end and our intended end is Jesus, to be more like him, to live like him and to walk in a way that is worthy.
2. Live with an eternal perspective, in light of Jesus coming and we let that effect our whole life
3. People matter – it’s not about us
4. We are to do this thing together, we don’t have some personal thing that’s just ours
Friday, October 30, 2009
Lack of posts and out of date website
I'm really sorry that we have missed a few weeks and that also our website is out of date, we are working on this and hope to have it back soon
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Our new home
Tomorrow is our 1st Sunday in our new venue, we'll be talking about building a new home together. We'd love to see you there. The new address is City Christian Center, Nelson Street NR2 4DR. 10am for breakfast and the service starts at 10.30am
Friday, October 02, 2009
Celebration
This Sunday we are taking a break in James and will celebrate our 4th birthday. Yes it was 4 years ago that 9 people sat in our front room and Gateway Vineyard was born. In those 4 years a lot as happened, we've grown to around 60 adults and 20 children.
Over the past 4 years activities have included Alpha courses (we are about to start another one if you are interested, just contact us and let us know), small groups, community projects, live music events, praying for healing on the streets, parties and Sunday Services to name a few.
It’s also going to be our last Sunday service at Fishergate as we have out grown this venue so we're on the move.
As from next week (October 11th) we will be meeting at City Christian Centre, Nelson Street, NR2 4DR which is just past the Fat Cat pub.
We are very excited about this opportunity!
Please join us this Sunday at Fishergate for cake and Cava and a chance to hear a bit of our story and to celebrate all that God has done then next please feel free to join us at our new home.
Over the past 4 years activities have included Alpha courses (we are about to start another one if you are interested, just contact us and let us know), small groups, community projects, live music events, praying for healing on the streets, parties and Sunday Services to name a few.
It’s also going to be our last Sunday service at Fishergate as we have out grown this venue so we're on the move.
As from next week (October 11th) we will be meeting at City Christian Centre, Nelson Street, NR2 4DR which is just past the Fat Cat pub.
We are very excited about this opportunity!
Please join us this Sunday at Fishergate for cake and Cava and a chance to hear a bit of our story and to celebrate all that God has done then next please feel free to join us at our new home.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Faith and Deeds
This Sunday we are looking at James Ch2:14-26 which is all about having faith and deeds. The 2 should go together.
Jesus said in Matthew you are the light of the world and this light should be seen by all people. If you have faith there has to be some actions that work together with that faith otherwise James says your faith is useless.
The 2 have to go hand in hand, having a real faith leads to real change in your life and leads to real works in the community you live in, the one you work in, or maybe the one which God sends you to i.e. the world mission field.
Once we have a real faith our life should reflect Jesus and others should be able to see that in our choices, they way we act, the way we handle our money and our relationships and the way we relate to others.
Why did Jesus show and teach people how to pray for the sick, take care of the poor, how to live a life that is different to the one the rest or the world was living and why did Jesus finish his works by saying now you go and do the same.
Everything I’ve just shown you, everything I’ve taught you – go do it – you are now the light of the world – now shine
If your faith is real there will be an action
Jesus said in Matthew you are the light of the world and this light should be seen by all people. If you have faith there has to be some actions that work together with that faith otherwise James says your faith is useless.
The 2 have to go hand in hand, having a real faith leads to real change in your life and leads to real works in the community you live in, the one you work in, or maybe the one which God sends you to i.e. the world mission field.
Once we have a real faith our life should reflect Jesus and others should be able to see that in our choices, they way we act, the way we handle our money and our relationships and the way we relate to others.
Why did Jesus show and teach people how to pray for the sick, take care of the poor, how to live a life that is different to the one the rest or the world was living and why did Jesus finish his works by saying now you go and do the same.
Everything I’ve just shown you, everything I’ve taught you – go do it – you are now the light of the world – now shine
If your faith is real there will be an action
Late Post
Sorry I missed last weeks post – its been a very busy time. We basicly picked up where we left off in James and this week we looked at how favourtism has no place in the church. Why? Well its a form of judging people and the trouble is we are not qualified to judge – only God is. The reason for this is very simple, we tend to judge based on what we see on the outside and God is only interested in the heart.
We look at people and think they have it all together and we’re sure they have their place in heaven and we look at another person their lifestyle is messy and we pray for them hoping one day they’ll scrape into heaven but all the time Jesus is looking inside.
The gospel turns things unside down, thats why in James it says “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith”
Matthew 21:28-32 tells a story which goes like this
What is the point here?
It’s the langue being used – Jesus says it’s the tax collectors and prostitutes who are getting into heaven ahead of the mighty theologians – why – Jesus sees their hearts.
If we were the judge what would we see?
We look at people and think they have it all together and we’re sure they have their place in heaven and we look at another person their lifestyle is messy and we pray for them hoping one day they’ll scrape into heaven but all the time Jesus is looking inside.
The gospel turns things unside down, thats why in James it says “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith”
Matthew 21:28-32 tells a story which goes like this
What is the point here?
It’s the langue being used – Jesus says it’s the tax collectors and prostitutes who are getting into heaven ahead of the mighty theologians – why – Jesus sees their hearts.
If we were the judge what would we see?
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Listening and Doing
This Sunday we are continuing looking at the book of James. Listening is a skill, and it’s getting harder to do, partly because our lives are busy and so full of stuff, we talk on the phone while texting or looking at Facebook. If you try and find somewhere where you can be silent it’s very hard not to be distracted by cars, planes, people etc.
Burnie Krause records nature sounds, he said in 1968 in order to get one hour of natural sound, no planes, no cars etc it would take him 15 hrs of recording time. Today to get that same hour it takes 2000 hrs of recording time.
As people we all need someone to listen to us, everyone needs someone to listen to them and God wants us to listen to him but not just listen, respond to what you heard.
Now if listening is hard doing is even harder.
But James says if you don’t become a doer you are deceiving yourself. You aren’t growing as a disciple at all. All you are doing is filling your head with information, want Jesus wants from us is application to what we hear.
That’s why I think that James ends with 3 things which makes a real disciple, and they are all doing things:
Watch your tongue
Look after the poor
Don’t get caught up in a life that doesn't reflect Jesus
Gods heart for us is to grow and become more like Jesus, information alone won’t do that. It’s our actions that cause us to grow.
Burnie Krause records nature sounds, he said in 1968 in order to get one hour of natural sound, no planes, no cars etc it would take him 15 hrs of recording time. Today to get that same hour it takes 2000 hrs of recording time.
As people we all need someone to listen to us, everyone needs someone to listen to them and God wants us to listen to him but not just listen, respond to what you heard.
Now if listening is hard doing is even harder.
But James says if you don’t become a doer you are deceiving yourself. You aren’t growing as a disciple at all. All you are doing is filling your head with information, want Jesus wants from us is application to what we hear.
That’s why I think that James ends with 3 things which makes a real disciple, and they are all doing things:
Watch your tongue
Look after the poor
Don’t get caught up in a life that doesn't reflect Jesus
Gods heart for us is to grow and become more like Jesus, information alone won’t do that. It’s our actions that cause us to grow.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Trials and Temptations
This Sunday we are starting a new series going through James. James was an amazing character. He found himself with the title "James the Just" and had a nick name of "Camel Knees" because he spent so much time on his knees in prayer it formed calsis on them.
Even on the event of his death he prayed from those who killed him. He was thrown the pinnacle of the temple which was about 100 ft tall but survived. At the bottom he knelt to pray for his murders who approached him and killed him by stoning.
He writes consider it pure joy when going through trials and temptations - why? Well its trials and temptations that strengthen us and help us to reach maturity. Maturity in Greek is Teleos and means to reach the intended end and our intended end is Jesus, to be more like him, to live like him and to walk in a way that is worthy.
I think James had this down, he totally understood this, that’s why he realised that trials and temptations are good, they strengthen us, they shape us, they should cause us to push more into God therefore making us more like his son Jesus.
Even on the event of his death he prayed from those who killed him. He was thrown the pinnacle of the temple which was about 100 ft tall but survived. At the bottom he knelt to pray for his murders who approached him and killed him by stoning.
He writes consider it pure joy when going through trials and temptations - why? Well its trials and temptations that strengthen us and help us to reach maturity. Maturity in Greek is Teleos and means to reach the intended end and our intended end is Jesus, to be more like him, to live like him and to walk in a way that is worthy.
I think James had this down, he totally understood this, that’s why he realised that trials and temptations are good, they strengthen us, they shape us, they should cause us to push more into God therefore making us more like his son Jesus.
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