Episodes

  • Sunday Gathering – Life in the Spirit – Freedom

    Sunday Gathering – Life in the Spirit – Freedom
    Jun 22 2025
    Life in the Spirit: Born of the Spirit – A New Nature Good morning, everyone! It was wonderful to gather this morning, and a heartfelt thank you to Chris and the worship team for creating such a powerful atmosphere. In these uncertain times, with global anxieties often dominating headlines, it's vital to step back, worship God, and remember His unwavering control. We've heard incredible stories of the Christian church's growth even in challenging regions like Iran, witnessing a true movement of God's Spirit. Today, our focus was on the profound meaning of being "Born of the Spirit." Nick shared a moving reflection from a friend in Belfast, who, amidst personal struggles, consistently reminds his wife: "You are loved, you are safe, and we will tell you no lies." This powerful statement perfectly encapsulates God's truth for each of us. Regardless of external turmoil or internal anxieties, we are deeply loved, eternally safe, and God’s truth is absolute. This liberating message is one we are called to share with a world that often feels fractured and lost. This sermon launched our new series, "Life in the Spirit," guiding us through to Christmas. Our core passage was from John's Gospel, chapter 3, verses 1-8. Nick recounted the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, a highly respected Jewish religious leader. Nicodemus approached Jesus at night, acknowledging Jesus’ divine origin and power through His miraculous signs. "Rabbi," he declared, "we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you." (John 3:2). However, Jesus’ response went straight to the heart of the matter, transcending intellectual assent: "I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3). Nicodemus’s confusion about physical rebirth prompted Jesus’ clarification: "I assure you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don't be surprised when I say you must be born again. The wind blows wherever it wants, just as you can hear the wind but can't tell where it comes from or where it is going. So you can't explain how people are born of the Spirit." (John 3:5-8). The concept of being "born of the Spirit" is far more radical than mere religious affiliation or cultural identification as a Christian. Nick explained that Jesus speaks of a deep, transformative, and often rare experience. It isn't about our outward actions, opinions, church attendance, or the songs we sing. It's about a spiritual DNA – a fundamental, unchangeable identity imparted by God. Using the relatable analogy of his dog, Nick illustrated that just as an animal's inherent DNA dictates its nature, our human nature, tainted by sin, cannot simply be improved or altered through self-effort or intellectual understanding. The "born again" experience signifies a profound, spiritual rebirth – a radical shift in our very being initiated by Jesus. Nick shared his personal testimony of this rebirth: after a period of intellectual exploration, he realised understanding wasn't enough. He needed a direct, heart-level encounter with God, inviting Him to transform him fundamentally. This divine act, akin to John Wesley’s "heart strangely warmed," irrevocably changed his nature. This transformative power, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, enters our hearts, making us new creations. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 states: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." Nicodemus, despite his high standing, needed this foundational change. His deep-rootedness, described as "trees swaying in the wind but with roots set in concrete," prevented him from fully embracing the new life Jesus offered. Jesus addressed this core need for spiritual rebirth directly. For our church, growth isn't primarily about numbers or filling our building; it's about spiritual birth. We are called to be "midwives of a move of God," challenging ourselves: "Are we born of the Spirit?" Jesus challenged the tradition that physical lineage defined one's relationship with God. John 1:12 clearly states: "But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn, not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God." This rebirth is universally available, irrespective of background, upbringing, or nationality. It is the miraculous transformation Jesus offers, replacing a lifetime of striving with a new nature and the power to live a new life – the ultimate "deal" where we exchange our old life for everything He provides. This shift from a religious mindset to a Spirit-renewed mind enables us to live as God's children, no longer burdened by feelings of failure or inadequacy. We can acknowledge our weaknesses while confidently ...
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    24 mins
  • Sunday Gathering – MCF This Is Us – Chioma Anazor

    Sunday Gathering – MCF This Is Us – Chioma Anazor
    Jun 8 2025
    13 mins
  • Sunday Gathering – Finding Your Purpose: Embracing God’s Will for Your Life

    Sunday Gathering – Finding Your Purpose: Embracing God’s Will for Your Life
    Jun 1 2025
    Finding Your Purpose: Embracing God's Will for Your Life Today's message from Danny, "Finding Your Purpose: Embracing God's Will for Your Life," was a powerful and deeply personal exploration of discovering and living out God's divine plan, even in the most unexpected circumstances. Danny opened by inviting us into a moment of worship, acknowledging God as the sole recipient of glory and honor, whose voice endures beyond all others. He set the tone for a message centered not on human agenda, but on the expansion of God's Kingdom and the spiritual nourishment of His people. Danny then shared a poignant personal anecdote that served as the foundational revelation for his message. He recounted his time working as a cleaner in a church building, meticulously polishing floors in preparation for Sunday service. This seemingly mundane task was interrupted by a little boy, fresh from playing in the mud, who ran right across the freshly cleaned floor, leaving a trail of dirt and undoing Danny's hard work. In that moment of profound frustration and exhaustion, a divine revelation struck him. He described feeling a deep grief, mirroring God's own grief over humanity. It was in this ordinary, frustrating moment that God spoke to Danny from Matthew chapter 6 – though he later clarified the primary scripture for the sermon was from Matthew chapter 2. The Lord revealed that just as Danny felt pain watching the clean floor be messed up, so too does God feel when humanity, created in His own image, has their lives disrupted and destroyed by the enemy. This powerful analogy underscored God's heartbreak over humanity's fallen state and His desire to restore and cleanse. More profoundly, God revealed to Danny that his meticulous work of cleaning floors was a metaphor for a much greater calling: to "clean the hearts of men." This pivotal moment marked a turning point in Danny's understanding of his purpose, illustrating that God can use even the most humble tasks to reveal His grand design for our lives. Danny emphasized that this was a spontaneous message, birthed in prayer that very morning, demonstrating his reliance on the Holy Spirit's leading rather than a pre-written sermon. He then turned to the core biblical text, Matthew chapter 2, beginning from verse 1. He recounted the story of the Magi from the East who, having seen Jesus' star, came to Jerusalem seeking the "one who has been born king of the Jews." King Herod's disturbance and his subsequent inquiry of the chief priests and teachers of the law about the Messiah's birthplace led them to the prophecy in Micah 5:2, which states: "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judea, are by no means least among the rulers of Judea; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel." This scripture, Danny explained, was the very word God spoke to him during his cleaning revelation. He connected it directly to his own experience, and by extension, to everyone in the congregation. Just as Bethlehem, seemingly insignificant, was chosen to be the birthplace of a King who would shepherd God's people, so too are we, regardless of our perceived insignificance or past circumstances, chosen and ordained by God. He stressed that even before we were born, God knew us and had a purpose for us. Danny passionately declared that our societal roles, family backgrounds, or past struggles do not disqualify us from God's plan. We may not fit society's molds or expectations, but God has uniquely fashioned each of us "to be a voice for the nations." He affirmed that God has done everything necessary to equip us to fulfill His purpose. This divine design means that God sees every tear shed, every cry uttered, and every struggle endured. He then addressed those who might feel inadequate or lost, perhaps not knowing how to read scripture or pray. He reassured them that "before the foundations of the earth, he chose you, he separated you and set you apart." God has purposefully made everything available to us to live out His will. The core invitation of the sermon was a call to hear God's voice and say "yes" to His will. Danny underscored the profound truth that the greatest treasure one can possess in life is not wealth or worldly success, but the pursuit and embrace of God's will. He testified to the transformative power of saying "yes" to God's will in his own life, emphasizing that it brought a change far more significant than any material possession could. He prophesied that embracing God's will would similarly transform the lives of individuals, their families, and future generations. The will of God, he explained, provides purpose, guidance through pain, and direction when we feel lost. It is the most valuable treasure we can ever obtain. Drawing on Deuteronomy, Danny presented a clear choice: "I place before you life and death, blessings and curses; therefore choose life." To choose life, he equated, is to choose the will of God. He rejected the notion that anyone in the ...
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    22 mins
  • Sunday Gathering – The Fire of God: Beyond Projects and Programs – Nick Lugg

    Sunday Gathering – The Fire of God: Beyond Projects and Programs – Nick Lugg
    May 25 2025
    This week, Nick delivered a powerful and timely message, urging us to look beyond the exciting projects and outward appearances of our church to the core purpose of our faith: Jesus himself. With the constant theme of "pour out your presence, Lord, pour out your fire" resonating through worship, Nick laid out a vision for a church that is passionate about God's presence and not merely its own accomplishments. Nick started by reflecting on the palpable sense of God's presence and activity within the church, particularly at Hub Church. He spoke of new people coming to faith and others rediscovering their walk with God, a truly encouraging sign of God's significant work amongst us. However, he quickly issued a crucial warning: what we see and experience, what God uses us to do, is not the main thing. The challenge, he emphasized, is to keep the main thing the main thing. He referenced the letter to the church in Revelation, which speaks of a church that had much going on but had "forsaken its first love." This served as a stark reminder that even a vibrant, active church can miss the mark if its focus shifts from worshiping Jesus above all things. Nick shared a profound prophetic word given to a powerful church he knew, which, despite its impressive mission and worship, was warned that "the seeds of your downfall are already in your heart." This wasn't a condemnation, but a gracious challenge to remain undistracted and fully devoted to Jesus. Our calling, Nick stated, is not to be a "successful church with an impressive portfolio of buildings," but to use those things to become a community that worships only Jesus, knows His power, and trusts Him entirely. Drawing parallels to the biblical story of Nehemiah, Nick highlighted a man deeply passionate for God's ways and God's city. Living a comfortable and privileged life, Nehemiah was stirred when he heard that the walls of Jerusalem were in ruins. His heart was grieved, leading him to mourn, fast, and pray. This grief propelled him to action, seeking permission from King Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls. Nehemiah's story serves as an example of being awake to what is on God's heart and being prepared to step up and take responsibility, not for personal comfort, but for God's purposes in a society where "the walls are broken down." Nick vividly recalled how the sermons he first heard as a teenager about Nehemiah profoundly impacted his life, turning him from a path in the Royal Air Force to a calling for something more. He prayed that the young people present would experience a similar stirring, a yearning for "more than this" – a desire for the Holy Spirit to "breathe, blow, and burn" within them, preventing them from becoming merely "religious people going through the motions of church." Nehemiah's rebuilding of the walls, accomplished in an astonishing 52 days, was not the end goal, but rather a prelude to a national revival. The physical project provided the context for God to move in the hearts of the nation. Nick connected this to our own significant projects, like the refurbishment of the pub, 146. He stressed that our call is not simply to renovate a building, but for God to bring renewal, restoration, and revival on the back of such endeavors. The challenge remains: keep the main thing the main thing and don't get distracted. Nick shared about the recent "Big Bible Read," where over 30 people spent five hours reading the entire book of Genesis. This event, he explained, was a testament to a stirring and hunger for something beyond mere church organization or project management. It was a hunger for God's Word, and a powerful demonstration of a deeper yearning. He likened this to the people in Nehemiah's time who, after the walls were rebuilt, gathered with unified purpose as Ezra read the Law. As they listened, they wept, but Ezra and Nehemiah urged them to celebrate, for "the joy of the Lord is your strength." This celebration was unprecedented since the days of Joshua, highlighting a revival coming in the hearts of people who had only known ordinariness and struggle. Ultimately, Nick concluded, the project isn't what it's all about; Jesus is what it's all about. Even the powerful testimonies of lives being rebuilt and rescued from addiction are just a "prelude to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the discovery of what life is all about." He reminded us that God's plan A from the beginning was for us to know the fullness of His Holy Spirit. The cross, while central to our faith, is a "gateway to life," leading us to live "full of the Holy Spirit, in the fullness of the blessing of God, in the freedom of forgiveness." Our desire, Nick stated, is not for people to simply know "the Christian fellowship," but for Jesus to be a household name in this community. He shared a moving story of a man, deeply addicted, who, after hearing God speak to him in a mental health unit, found Jesus at the church and spent the rest of his ...
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    31 mins
  • Sunday Gathering – Genesis – The end of the beginning

    Sunday Gathering – Genesis – The end of the beginning
    May 18 2025
    The End of the Beginning (Genesis 50 Summary) Today, Ally brought our incredible journey through the book of Genesis to a close with a powerful sermon titled "The End of the Beginning." As we conclude this foundational book of the Bible, we see that even in endings, there are new beginnings and enduring truths that resonate with our lives today, even here on the estate. Ally began by expressing her privilege in studying and sharing God's Word, especially as we reached the final chapter of Genesis. Reflecting on the "beginning" that the book's name signifies, she highlighted three key beginnings we've encountered: The Beginning of Creation (Genesis 1:1): Ally reminded us of the profound truth that "in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational statement establishes God as the eternal Creator, a concept that can stretch our understanding. She shared a childhood wonder about who created God, acknowledging that some truths are simply beyond our full comprehension. God is, always has been, and always will be. This perfect creation was designed for humanity, made in God's image, to live in partnership with Him. The Beginning of Sin (Genesis 3:1): This perfect beginning was tragically marred by the introduction of sin. Ally recounted the familiar story of the serpent tempting Eve, but emphasized that the core issue wasn't just eating a forbidden fruit. It was an act of rebellion, of placing their own will above God's. Using the simple analogy of spelling "sin" with "I" in the middle, Ally explained that sin is fundamentally about putting ourselves in God's rightful place. The consequences of this act were devastating: a spoiled perfect world, the pain of hard work, banishment from the Garden, a shattered relationship with a holy God, and ultimately, death – a final separation from Him. Ally stressed the gravity of sin, explaining that it fundamentally breaks our relationship with God. The Beginning of the Covenant (Genesis 12): Despite the bleakness of sin's entry, Ally illuminated God's loving rescue plan, hinted at even in Genesis 3. This plan truly begins to unfold with God's covenant with Abraham. Defining a covenant as a formal, binding agreement, Ally read from Genesis 12:1-3, where God promises Abraham land, a great nation, and blessing, stating, "All peoples on earth will be blessed through you." She further referenced the symbolic covenant ceremony in Genesis 15 and the reiteration of these promises in Genesis 17:1-8, where God declares, "I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you, for the generations to come to be your God and the God of your descendants after you." This covenant with Abraham marks the beginning of God's plan to restore humanity and His creation. Following this reflection, Ally's son, Caleb, bravely read Genesis 50, our passage for today. This chapter details the end of Jacob's life and its aftermath, providing us with three significant "ends" to consider: The End of Jacob: Ally noted the extensive detail given to Jacob's death and burial (Genesis 50:1-14), far exceeding the accounts of other patriarchs like Abraham. Joseph's profound grief, the 40-day embalming process, and the 70 days of mourning by the Egyptians highlight the significance of Jacob's life. His burial in Canaan, fulfilling Joseph's oath, underscores his deep connection to the Promised Land and God's promises. Ally drew parallels to the New Testament description of Christians as "aliens" or "foreigners" in this world (1 Peter 2:11). Just as Jacob's true home was in the Promised Land, our ultimate citizenship is in God's kingdom (Philippians 3:20). She encouraged us to hold onto this identity, especially during the challenges of daily life, and emphasized the importance of gathering as a church to remind and encourage one another in this truth. Furthermore, Ally acknowledged Jacob's flaws, echoing Andy's previous sermon, yet highlighted that he "finished well" and was honored. This serves as an encouragement that God uses flawed individuals for His purposes, and He can restore us despite our shortcomings. Finally, Ally pointed out that Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, is arguably the true father of the nation of Israel, as his twelve sons became the twelve tribes. His death, holding onto God's promises, and the mourning by the Egyptians, a foreign people, speaks volumes. The End of Hostility: Shifting the focus to Genesis 50:15-21, Ally addressed the end of hostility between Joseph and his brothers. Following Jacob's death, the brothers, burdened by their past mistreatment of Joseph, feared his retribution. They fabricated a message from Jacob asking for forgiveness. While Ally expressed skepticism about the truthfulness of this message, she acknowledged their likely genuine remorse. Joseph's emotional response and subsequent reassurance revealed that he had already forgiven them. His powerful statement, "You ...
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    30 mins
  • Sunday Gathering – Genesis – Appropriate Blessings

    Sunday Gathering – Genesis – Appropriate Blessings
    May 11 2025
    Sermon Summary: Genesis 49 Andy's sermon focused on Genesis 49, the chapter where Jacob, nearing the end of his life at 147 years old, blesses his sons and prophesies about the future of their tribes. The sermon explored the themes of God's grace in using flawed individuals, the importance of looking to God for deliverance, and the significance of waiting patiently for God's timing. Andy began by reflecting on how words spoken to us, especially in our youth, can profoundly shape our lives. He connected this to the Genesis passage, where Jacob's words to his sons would define their destinies. He noted that while some blessings were influenced by past actions (Reuben, Simeon, and Levi), others, like Judah, contained prophetic statements about the coming Messiah. The sermon highlighted the contrast between the initial blessings, which were shaped by past negative actions, and the later ones, which contained prophetic hope. Andy pointed out the prophetic statement about Judah: "The scepter will not depart from Judah nor the ruler's staff from between his feet until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his." He explained that this refers to Jesus and the future day when all nations will bow down to Him. He also noted the extensive blessings heaped upon Joseph, pondering if this indicated continued favoritism or recognition of Joseph's role in saving God's people. A central theme of the sermon emerged from Genesis 49:18: "I look for your deliverance, O Lord." Andy described this as a pivotal moment in the chapter, a prayer for times of desperation. He likened it to the simple, heartfelt prayer, "Oh God, oh God, oh God, help," emphasizing that such prayers are valid and necessary, especially when facing challenges and uncertainties. He stressed that Jacob, even while giving these grand pronouncements, recognized the future challenges and weaknesses of his descendants, and the need for God's intervention. Andy then elaborated on four key aspects of this phrase: A Prayer for Times of Desperation: Andy emphasized that this prayer is relevant to our current times. He encouraged the congregation to cry out to God for help, whether for personal struggles, the future of the church, or the well-being of their children and grandchildren. He reiterated that Christians are not "goody-goodies" but flawed individuals whom God uses. He stressed that the good news of Jesus is that God loves to use people who are "messed up" and "screw up". He stated that God has come to us, taking the initiative through Jesus' death and resurrection, and that our response is to acknowledge and rely on Him.A Foundation: Andy described this phrase as a bedrock statement that should undergird everything we do. He drew a parallel to Jesus' parable of the wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24-27), emphasizing the importance of putting God's words into practice. He urged the congregation to make "I look for your deliverance, O Lord" a central part of their lives, a constant reminder of their dependence on God, regardless of whether things are going well or poorly. He asked the congregation to consider what their driving force in life is, and to place this phrase at the center of their lives.Looking and Waiting: Andy acknowledged the difficulty of waiting, contrasting it with the instant gratification promoted by modern society. He reminded the congregation that God's timing is different from ours, referencing the story of Abraham and the long wait for his descendants. He challenged them to consider investing in things they might not see come to fruition in their lifetime, echoing Jacob's prophetic words about the Messiah, which he would not witness. He quoted several Psalms and a passage from Romans about waiting patiently for the Lord: Psalm 37:7 ("Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him"), Psalm 40:1 ("I waited patiently for the Lord"), and Romans 8:25 ("But if we hope for what we don't have, we wait for it patiently."). He warned against the pitfalls of trying to force things to happen or becoming discouraged and abandoning faith. He used the analogy of police horse training, where the horse is trained to stay focused and not be distracted, to illustrate the importance of building practices into our lives that keep us focused on God. He referenced Hebrews 12:2 ("Fix your eyes on Jesus").All Points to Jesus: Andy concluded by emphasizing that Jesus is the ultimate source of deliverance and salvation. He reiterated that humanity is cut off from God due to sin, but Jesus came to pay the price and reconcile us to God. He stressed that Jesus delivers us not only from the consequences of our rebellion but also from the pain, hurt, trauma, and negative reactions that result from it. He called on those exploring Christianity to recognize Jesus' central role in salvation. In his closing prayer, Andy led the congregation in a time of reflection and confession. He invited them to consider areas in ...
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    34 mins
  • Sunday Gathering – Genesis – The ages of man

    Sunday Gathering – Genesis – The ages of man
    May 10 2025
    Welcome to this week's message from our church, right here in the heart of our community. Today, Cornelius shared a powerful reflection on legacy, blessing, and the unwavering power of belief, drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Jacob's final blessings to his grandsons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Cornelius began with a relatable anecdote, a momentary scare involving a 97-year-old aunt who mistakenly believed she was nearing the end of her life. This lighthearted opening served as a poignant parallel to the main narrative: Jacob, at the ripe age of 147, propped up in bed, ready to impart his final words to his son Joseph and his grandsons. What do you say at the end of a long life? What words of impact can you leave for the next generation? Cornelius pondered this question, highlighting the significance of Jacob's impending blessing upon Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. He poignantly recalled the recent passing of his own father, underscoring the weight and potential significance of such final pronouncements. While acknowledging the length of Genesis chapter 48, the passage detailing this scene, Cornelius focused on the serene and profound nature of the encounter. He referenced Rembrandt's 350-year-old painting depicting Jacob blessing the two grandsons, capturing the essence of this pivotal moment. What is the lasting inheritance, the ultimate blessing, one can bestow upon the generations to come? Cornelius then delved into key aspects of Jacob's final words. Firstly, Jacob reminisced about the loss of Rachel, his beloved wife, a deeply significant event in his life. Secondly, he recalled his transformative encounter with God at Bethel, a moment that irrevocably shaped his journey. Meeting God, Cornelius affirmed, changes everything. Thirdly, Jacob spoke of the "walk" of Abraham and Isaac, emphasizing the foundational faith of their lineage. Here, Cornelius drew a powerful connection to the defining characteristic of Abraham's life: his unwavering belief in God. "Abraham believed God," Cornelius declared, emphasizing the profound simplicity and power of this statement. He encouraged each listener to personalize it: "Cornelius believed God." This act of faith, he asserted, is what unlocks God's promises. He seamlessly transitioned to the teachings of Jesus, highlighting the central role of belief in the New Testament. He cited John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Amen. Cornelius illustrated this further with the stories of Jairus, whose daughter had died (Mark 5:21-43), and Martha, grieving the loss of her brother Lazarus (John 11:17-44). In both instances, Jesus's response centered on the imperative of belief: "Just believe," and "I am the resurrection and the life. Do you believe this?" This emphasis on belief extends to us today, Cornelius affirmed. God has a plan, purpose, promises, and blessings for each individual, especially new believers, and for the church as a whole, mentioning his personal connection to the promises for "MCF" (presumably the church's initials). He passionately prayed for the people of Jordan, Thorpe, and Batemore, urging the congregation to believe in God's power to save. Addressing potential doubts, Cornelius encouraged listeners to "leave your buts out," echoing Abraham's unwavering faith even when faced with seemingly impossible circumstances – receiving the promise of a son at the age of 100. Abraham believed, Cornelius reiterated. Moving on to the concept of blessing, Cornelius offered a practical definition: "empowered to prosper." God doesn't just hand out provisions; He equips us with the means, talents, and opportunities to thrive. He wants to bless us abundantly. Quoting Psalm 23:6: "Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life," Cornelius shared personal experiences from Mozambique and Sheffield, testifying to the continuous flow of God's blessings through all seasons of life. Cornelius outlined three pillars that define this blessing: God looks after us, He protects us, and He leads us. This comprehensive care brings peace into our lives, a vital message, particularly for new Christians. However, he acknowledged that this doesn't equate to an easy life. Drawing on his three decades of experience in Mozambique, he recounted tales of war, famine, and death, moments where coping felt impossible. Yet, in those very moments, God's promise held true. He then shared the powerful words of Isaiah 41:13: "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." This verse, Cornelius revealed, provided immense strength in navigating life's challenges, likening life's difficulties to a dense bush where the path forward is unclear. God's promise is to take us by the hand and guide us through. Contrasting God's life-giving nature with the destructive intentions of the enemy, Cornelius ...
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    19 mins
  • Sunday Gathering – Genesis – Life is a Pilgrimage

    Sunday Gathering – Genesis – Life is a Pilgrimage
    Apr 28 2025
    Sermon Summary: Temporary Residents, Eternal Home Chris's sermon this week delved into Genesis chapters 46 and 47, picking up the narrative of Jacob and his family's move to Egypt to escape the severe famine in Canaan. He structured his talk around six key "episodes" or scenes within these chapters, ultimately drawing out four significant takeaways for the congregation in Sheffield in 2025. Chris began by addressing the crucial question of relevance: how can a text written potentially 16-18 centuries before Jesus, set in a vastly different culture, speak to us today? His answer lies in the belief that the Bible is "God-breathed," inspired by God, who continues to speak through its pages to those who approach it with humility and an open heart. He emphasized the Bible's unique authority, stating that any teaching, including his own, should be disregarded if it contradicts scripture. Furthermore, Chris highlighted Romans 15:4, reminding listeners that the scriptures were written for our encouragement, hope, and perseverance in our Christian walk. Drawing a parallel to the London Marathon, he likened the Old Testament heroes of faith, including Jacob (mentioned in Hebrews 11), to a crowd of witnesses cheering us on in our own race of faith (Hebrews 12:1). Moving into the text, Chris outlined the six episodes: God appears to Jacob (Genesis 46): Despite being called to the Promised Land, God instructs Jacob to go to Egypt, a seemingly counterintuitive command.The journey to Egypt (Genesis 46): Jacob and his family undertake the journey.Reunion with Joseph (Genesis 46): Jacob is reunited with his son Joseph, whom he long believed to be dead.The brothers meet Pharaoh (Genesis 47:1-6): Joseph presents a delegation of his brothers to Pharaoh. They identify themselves as shepherds seeking temporary residence due to the famine. Chris noted their subservient tone ("We your servants") while also highlighting Joseph's prior coaching to secure their desired outcome. Pharaoh's response is directed to Joseph, granting them permission to settle in the land of Goshen and even offering positions managing his livestock if they possess special skills.Jacob meets Pharaoh (Genesis 47:7-10): Joseph then brings his father Jacob to meet Pharaoh. In contrast to his sons, Jacob seems to possess a greater sense of authority, even blessing Pharaoh twice. Pharaoh inquires about Jacob's age ("How many are the days of the years of your life?"), to which Jacob replies that he has lived 130 "hard years" and that the "days of the years of my temporary residence are few and hard." Chris emphasized Jacob's use of "temporary residence" (or "sojourner" in some translations), a significant theme throughout the chapter. Despite his hardships (fleeing his brother, losing his mother and wife, believing Joseph dead), Jacob's encounter with Pharaoh reveals a man carrying moral authority.Joseph's leadership during the famine (Genesis 47:11-26): This lengthy section details Joseph's strategic management of the famine. He provides the best land of Egypt, the region of Ramesses (another name for Goshen), for his family. As the famine intensifies, Joseph collects all the money in Egypt and Canaan in exchange for grain, eventually moving to exchange livestock and then land and the people themselves for food, making them Pharaoh's slaves. The priests are the only exception, receiving direct provisions from Pharaoh. Joseph then establishes a system where the people receive seed to plant and keep four-fifths of the harvest, with one-fifth going to Pharaoh. The people express immense gratitude for Joseph saving their lives. Chris acknowledged the potentially unsettling nature of this narrative, where Pharaoh's wealth increases significantly. However, he pointed out that the Egyptians willingly entered these arrangements and were grateful for survival. He also noted that their situation as "slaves" differed significantly from typical understandings of slavery, as they continued to live on their land and retain 80% of their produce, a potentially lower tax burden than experienced today in the UK. Chris cautioned against a literal "lift and drop" application of Old Testament narratives, using the example of the hand-under-thigh oath later in the chapter as a practice no longer relevant. He stressed the importance of respectfully engaging with the text while discerning its enduring message.Jacob prepares to die (Genesis 47:27-31): The Israelites settle in Goshen, acquire property, become fruitful, and their population grows rapidly, fulfilling God's promise in Genesis 46:3 that they would be prosperous in Egypt. Jacob lives for another 17 years, reaching the age of 147. As his death approaches, he calls Joseph and makes him swear an oath (placing his hand under Jacob's thigh) not to bury him in Egypt but to take him back to Canaan to be buried with his ancestors. Joseph agrees and takes the oath. Chris highlighted the significance of being buried with his ...
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    37 mins