Talk – How Can I be Sure? (1 Cor 15:1-19 and John 20:24-31)

LMAP - Easter2019 - CoverPhoto

Foundational to belief of Christianity, is the historical reality of the person of Jesus and with that comes his well-documented life, teaching, death and resurrection.

Whilst it is true that belief in the existence of Jesus may be a no brainer and acknowledging his death traditional – to allow his teachings to shape the way we live, or to hold to the idea of a resurrection – for some is a step too far.

There are a chorus of Atheist voices who have spoken loudly against religion. That is not new, every age in history since and including the time of Jesus has seen opposition to organized religion – and at times, sadly, the opposition has been well placed.

In a series of short talks, we look at what the ‘new atheists’ say about the resurrection, before examine the resurrection for ourselves. The hope that we might be able the weigh up what is said and reordered in scripture and history and make our own decisions about faith.

Read the Bible Text – 1 Cor 15:1-19; John 20:24-31

Talk Outline – How can I be Sure?

– Ken Noakes

 

Generous in Giving (Part 1 of 4)

Inspired by Acts 4:32-5:11

On the surface it looked so good – it was what was lying below the surface that really made us think!

We were all together, sharing and giving as we were able. There was something amazing about being one in mind and heart and not being territorial with the possessions we each had. And the joy in sharing with anyone and everyone ensuring that no one among us was in need – surreal really. So foreign to what we experienced in the world around.

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Sermon – Why, What, When of Forgiveness (John 18 – 20)

LMAP - Easter2019 - CoverPhoto

Easter is a special time for many around the world – a time to reflect, to be thankful, to lift our minds and hearts above the day to day and to appreciate the world we live in.

Arguably, more than any other event in history, Easter has shaped our world. The coming of the man Jesus and then his arrest, trial, crucifixion and then resurrection stunned the world. What Jesus taught about life, love, good works, sin, justice, forgiveness, hope has shaped cultures, governments, legislation, education, tradition and so much more. Yet his death and resurrection transformed people’s lives and gave a personal hope beyond the grave. Love him or loath him, he has left his mark for the benefit of generations across history.

In this trilogy of Easter talks, we walk with Jesus through the pages of John’s Gospel from his arrest to his resurrection.

– David Shead

Read the Bible Text – John 18:1-27

– David Shead

Read the Bible Text – John 18:28-19:42

– David Shead

Read the Bible Text – John 20:1-31

Sermon – Who says I will be judged?

LMAP - Easter2019 - CoverPhoto

We all like and want justice – yet justice is not possible unless there is judgement (vindicating the good and condemning the bad). In Jesus you have a judge – who is just, right and good. Can we say the same about our own judgements?

Read the Bible Text – John 5:16-30; John 12:44-50

Talk Outline – Who says I will be judged

– Ken Noakes

– David Shead

Sermon – God Behind it All (2 Sam 24)

2 Samuel Artwork

The closing scenes of David’s reign show the now familiar realism of saint and sinner.  He moves from despotic self-interest to a shepherd ready lay down his life for the sheep and the temple is foreseen in David’s altar.  God is revealed as unchanging in his justice and his mercy.

Read the Bible Text – 2 Samuel 24:1-25

– David Shead

Draw Near to God and to Others (Part 4 of 5)

Draw Near to God and to Others

Hebrews is helpful for anyone wanting to think about the importance of Church.

In Chapter 10 the author writes to Christians who were losing confidence – some were persecuted, some were leaving the faith to avoid suffering, and others were abandoning Christ because they wanted to fit in with the world around them. His advice? – draw near to God and draw near to others!

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Sermon – The Rock and Fortress of David (2 Sam 22-23)

2 Samuel Artwork

David’s songs are a commentary on his experience of the God who reigns and saves and to which David owes everything.  They are words that are sung by all who depend on God for their salvation in a fallen world.

Read the Bible Text – 2 Samuel 22-23

Talk Outline – 2 Samuel 22-23

– Ken Noakes