Sermons | Meadowhead Christian Fellowship Meadowhead Christian Fellowship

Summary

This sermon explores the story of Abraham rescuing his nephew Lot from captivity in Genesis 14. Aiden uses this story to provide guidance on how to deal with difficult situations in our own lives, emphasizing the importance of faith, community, and the potential impact of our actions.

Key Points:

The Battle of Nine Kings: Aiden summarizes the story of Abraham leading a rescue mission to save his nephew Lot, who was captured during a battle between five kings and four eastern kings.

A Lot at Stake: The title of the sermon refers to the high stakes involved in Abraham's situation. This is used as a springboard to discuss the challenges we face in our own lives.

Reacting to Challenges:

Keep Calm: Aiden emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of calm in difficult situations. This calmness is not simply a feeling, but a deep-rooted trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.

Assemble Your Team: We are not meant to face challenges alone. Building a strong community of support is crucial.

Consider the Ripple Effect: Our actions and decisions can have a significant impact on others, both positively and negatively.

Illustrations:

Modern Airplane Stories: Aiden shares personal stories of missed flights to highlight how the stakes can change our perspective on a situation.

Cuban Missile Crisis: The story of Vasily Arkhipov, a Soviet Navy officer who potentially prevented nuclear war, is used as an example of staying calm under pressure.

World Trade Center Rescue: The teamwork displayed in the aftermath of 9/11 is used to illustrate the importance of a strong support system.

Grandmother's Ministry: The story of Aiden's grandmother who started a children's ministry that continues to impact many lives demonstrates the far-reaching effects of our actions.

Call to Action:

The sermon concludes by encouraging listeners to reflect on how they can apply these principles from Abraham's story to their own lives in dealing with challenges and making a positive impact on others.

Bible References:

Genesis 14 (primary passage)

Acts 7 (story of Stephen)



Transcript

Thank you Rowland. All that's loud. I'm sure he won't mind me saying this, but a couple

of weeks ago I was in awe of Darren. A full 10 days before he was due to preach, he'd

sent round his PowerPoint, he'd primed the team who were leading the service and he had

everything ready. So I resolved that I would learn from his example and I would do the

same. Long story short, I sent my PowerPoint to Pete yesterday. So thank you Pete. Appreciate

that. There's not here is he? This morning we're looking at the Battle of the Nine Kings

in Genesis 14. It's got a couple of other titles as well. If I could have my first slide

please James. Other titles include The Battle of the Veil of Sidim or The Slaughter of That

Place. We have a catchier title to follow, so don't feel like you need to write any of

those down. And I'm going to be breaking the mold a little bit because I'm not going

to read the passage in its entirety on the proviso that you go home and read it this

afternoon because it's such a short passage but there's so much to unpack in it. And the

reason I'm doing that is twofold. The first is there's lots of difficult words to pronounce

and the second more serious one is that sometimes, I might just be speaking for myself, when

you read the Bible word for word, I sometimes lose track of the fact that this is a real

event happening to real people many years ago and sometimes I can fall into the trap

of treating it a bit like a fairy story or a bit like a novel that isn't this interesting

but actually this is a real thing that happened to Abraham and the people at that time. And

just to kind of help us with that, I've transposed what happened or tried to transpose what happened

onto a modern day map so we can kind of understand where this is happening, where this is taking

place. And what happens is we have five kings

Nick's sermon based on Genesis 13, titled "Facing Up to Reality" or "When Your Blessing Becomes Your Burden".

Key Points:

We often associate blessings from God with material possessions, health, and success.

The Bible story of Abraham and Lot shows us that blessings can also become burdens and lead to conflict.

Abraham and Lot became very wealthy with flocks and herds, but their abundance caused arguments between their herdsmen.

Abraham valued his relationship with Lot more than his possessions and offered him the choice of the best land.

This act of generosity was rewarded by God who gave Abraham even more land.

The true goal in life is not to acquire blessings but to have a relationship with God.

We should not let our blessings (or lack thereof) become the reason we don't seek God.

MCF church has grown recently, but they must be careful not to let their success become a burden.

True success comes from focusing on what God values and not on outward appearances.

We should hold our blessings lightly and value our relationship with God above all else.

Bible References:

Genesis 13

Ephesians

Illustrations:

1. Social Media and #blessed:

Nick uses the current trend of social media posts showcasing a perfect life with the hashtag #blessed as an example. People often associate blessings from God with material possessions, good health, and success. These posts create a perception that these things are a sign of being blessed, and the lack of them suggests God's absence.

2. Ice Cream Wars:

This term refers to territorial disputes between ice cream vendors. Here, Nick uses it as an analogy for how abundance can lead to conflict. Even seemingly trivial things like selling space can become a battleground when there's a lot to be gained. This highlights the point that blessings, if not managed wisely, can become burdens that cause arguments and divisions.

3. Story of a Church Split due to Arguments over Property:

Nick uses this real-life example to illustrate how even churches, which are meant to be places of unity and love, can fall prey to the allure of material possessions. The Church of Pentecost in Ghana, once it acquired land and wealth, experienced similar conflicts to Abraham and Lot. This story emphasizes the importance of prioritizing relationships and spiritual values over material gain.

4. Story of a Young Man in Zambia who Faithfully Tithed:

This story serves as a counterpoint to the focus on material wealth. The young man, Kelvin, faithfully tithed his meager earnings despite his financial limitations. This act demonstrates that true blessings come from obedience and faith, not from the amount of money one has. He valued his relationship with God more than his possessions, and his act of giving reflected that.

Call to Action:

Don't let your blessings become your burden.

Focus on what is truly valuable: your relationship with God.













Transcript

Great morning. Yes, I do apologise for my slightly tawdry appearance.

A lot, lot better than it was yesterday. I don't know what it is,

but swollen eyes. It was all closed up yesterday like I'd been doing 10 rounds with Mike Tyson.

When I, my first day at secondary school, somebody looked at me and said,

why do you look like Sylvester Stallone? And I thought, well, that's good. That means I've got

rugged, film-style good looks. Then I saw a picture of Sylvester Stallone, I thought it's not

actually the compliment that I thought it was. But this sort of enhances my naturally droopy

eyes gifted to me by the Lord. So there we are. But yeah, thanks for your prayers. It is good

to be here. It's always good to speak the word of God. And we're in Genesis chapter 13 this morning.

We're racing through at a rate of knots. Not Martin Lloyd Jones pace. This is MCF pace.

Genesis chapter 13. And my handsome assistant is going to come and read it for us.

It doesn't, looks more like David Hasselhoff than Sylvester Stallone.

Join us as we celebrate Easter.

Summary

This Easter sermon by Jonathan focuses on the message of hope and new beginnings found in the story of Jesus' resurrection.

Key Points:

Peter's Denial and Despair: Jonathan uses the story of Peter denying Jesus three times to illustrate how we can all fail and feel like failures. (John 18:25-27)

The Power of Resurrection: The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' resurrection offers forgiveness and a chance to start anew, regardless of past mistakes. (John 20:1-18)

The Call to Follow Jesus: Following Jesus is a call to a new life, leaving behind the baggage of the past. (John 21:1-17)

Finding Peace and Overcoming Doubt: The sermon highlights that Jesus offers peace in times of fear and doubt. (John 20:19-23)

Baptism as a Symbol of New Life: Baptism is presented as a public declaration of following Jesus and leaving behind the old way of life. (Romans 6:4)

Jonathan's Easter sermon uses the story of Peter's denial and Jesus' resurrection to deliver a powerful message of hope and new beginnings. Here's a closer look at the key points:

From Denial to Despair: We start with Peter, a close follower of Jesus, who denies him three times on the night of his arrest. This relatable story shows that even the most devoted can make mistakes. Pastor Jonathan acknowledges that we all experience moments of failure, leading to feelings of despair and questioning our worth.

Resurrection: A Beacon of Hope: The sermon doesn't dwell on Peter's despair. It shifts to the transformative power of Easter. Jesus' resurrection isn't just a historical event; it's a symbol of God's victory over death and sin. This offers immense hope - no matter how badly we've messed up, forgiveness and a fresh start are possible through Jesus. (John 20:1-18)

A Call to a New Life: Following Jesus isn't about maintaining the status quo. Pastor Jonathan highlights Jesus' encounter with Peter by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-17). Peter, burdened by his past actions, returns to fishing, his old life. Jesus, however, calls him again, and the miraculous catch of fish reminds Peter of his calling. This act signifies that our past failures don't define us. When we follow Jesus, we embrace a new purpose and direction.

Facing Fear and Doubt: The sermon acknowledges that following a new path can be daunting. Fear and doubt are natural responses. Jonathan reminds us that Jesus' appearances to his disciples after the resurrection brought them peace (John 20:19-23). Jesus can calm our anxieties and guide us through uncertainty.

Baptism: A Public Declaration: Jonathan concludes by drawing a connection between the message of Easter and baptism. Choosing baptism is a public declaration of our decision to follow Jesus and leave behind our old life. It signifies a new beginning, washed clean by God's grace. (Romans 6:4)

Overall, Jonathan's sermon uses the Easter story to deliver a message of hope and encouragement. It reminds us that regardless of our past mistakes, through Jesus, we can find forgiveness, purpose, and a new way of living.

Bible References:

John 18:25-27 - Peter Denying Jesus

John 20:1-18 - The Empty Tomb and Jesus' Appearances

John 21:1-17 - Jesus Reinstates Peter

John 20:19-23 - Jesus Appears to the Disciples

Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ in Baptism

Transcript

Easter is an exciting time for us as Christians. We're the other side of

the story. We even know the truth that Jesus didn't just die on a cross and that was the

end, but he rose again to life. And we've seen the power of that and the life of that

in this place. Matt, look around you. If you've never been to the church before, this is alive.

And it's alive with faith. It's alive with an experience that people have met Jesus.

And he makes the difference in everyone's life. Amen. But for Peter, all those years

back, Easter was really the low point of his life. Things could not have gone any worse

for him. It all started on the last me

Summary

Here's a summary of the sermon, including details about Abraham's journey and the challenges he faced:

The Call and the Leap of Faith:

The talk focuses on Abraham, a pivotal figure in many religions, and his unwavering faith in God.

God instructs Abraham to leave his comfortable life in Ur, a prosperous city in Mesopotamia, and embark on a journey to an unknown land.

This is a significant demand, requiring Abraham to abandon his familiar surroundings, family, and established way of life.

The destination remains a mystery, highlighting the immense trust Abraham places in God's guidance.

Challenges Along the Way:

The transcript acknowledges the inherent difficulty in following a path dictated by faith.

Abraham's journey is not without hardships. The text mentions a famine that forces him to seek refuge in Egypt.

This unexpected obstacle demonstrates that even those who devote themselves to God's will can face trials.

Faith Tested, But Not Broken:

Despite the challenges, the message emphasizes that God remains present during these difficulties.

Abraham's unwavering faith allows him to persevere through the famine, demonstrating the power of trusting in a higher purpose.

The story serves as a reminder that God's promises hold true, even when the path seems unclear.

Key Takeaways and Applying the Message:

The core message revolves around cultivating a strong foundation of faith in God.

The transcript emphasizes three key points:

Absolute trust in God's plans, even when faced with uncertainties.

Obedience to God's instructions, regardless of their perceived logic.

The importance of applying common sense alongside faith for wise decision-making.

Open-Ended Questions for Reflection:

The sermon concludes by prompting listeners to reflect on their own faith journeys:

How can individuals strengthen their trust in God?

What are practical ways to incorporate faith into daily life?

By posing these questions, the message encourages deeper personal reflection and a commitment to growing one's faith.

Transcript

So I've known Jensen and his family for a good few years now and Jensen

actually faithfully serves some weeks at the back doing the role that Graham's

doing at the moment which is brilliant and we were chatting a few weeks ago and

I was just asking him do you have a fancy having a go at doing the talk on a

Sunday morning and he said yes so the way we're going to do it this morning

we're doing chapter 12 as you heard and Jensen's going to start do the first

part and I'm going to do the second part of what we've agreed but I have said you

know it can be quite daunting standing here looking at a sea of faces but I

have told them that you're all very nice and that you're all and that you're all

rooting for him all right so let's go

Good morning.

Especially I appreciate that reception you have to give the same for Andy when he

comes up all I do is not fair all right that's the deal that's the deal with me

I'll just give a quick quick sort of introduction to myself to people who

don't know me so as I said I'm Jensen I've been coming here for some years nine

years I think it is so since I was nine I hope that doesn't make any of you feel

too old and yeah I'll put the help with the the projector at the back and yeah so

I think we had this chat a couple of weeks ago like you were saying we won't talk

about that specifically just sort of co-oping conversation and sort of let on

from there and but yeah this morning I'll be doing the first nine verses of

Genesis chapter 12 and then Andy's gonna hopefully pick up if everyone's still

awake and carry on and just all this but I was poorly introduced this is about

Abram and Darren did brilliantly last week and just and it was mentioned but

it wasn't really gone into that much so if it's all right and grim can we get

the perfect clockwork isn't it so I'll read you'd have to stand up or read it out

you can j

Daren continues our series on Genesis. This week he is speaking on Genesis 11. His topic is "God of Abram"

Transcript

Oh, yeah, don't say, well, we really participated

in the fact you've both, haven't we?

Well, thinking of saints, it turned out

that, as you know, we're speaking on Genesis

for the moment, that there is and was a saint

from Saint Genesius.

And it's not very much like Genesis.

Now, yeah, look at that.

I don't think that was a celery, though.

Now, do you have a look at that picture there?

It was a patron saint of something.

What do you think he was looking through?

Saint Paul, as for his greatest actors, actors.

Now, on that note, I've got very deep

theological questions, you guys, to think about.

Are you ready?

It's with the same thing.

Oppenheimer or Barbie?

What did you know?

What did you know?

It was great, then.

It turned out a good book, and I'm Oppenheimer fans.

You know, I'm a chair, I've got a kid.

What, Barbie?

Oh, oh, good day to see you, baby.

I've got a little bit more of it.

Well, the reason I say that is,

I think you will wear it down and go with it,

so don't worry if it will open together.

Well, lastly, of course, was the Oscars.

And there was a lot of talk in the answers

about women or movies.

In fact, at the birthdays, a week before,

he wrote a poem he said, when he was giving

his presentation, he probably said,

he brought great, one of the people who loved us

and then he would have read.

Anyway, he was at the birthdays, and he said,

Oompa, Oompa, Oompa, Oompa, Oompa, Oompa, Oompa, Oompa.

Oompa, Oompa, Oompa, Oompa, Oompa, Oompa.

Oompa, Oompa, Oompa, Oompa, Oompa.

Oompa, Oompa, Oompa, Oompa, Oompa.

Most of these films were frankly too long.

LAUGHTER

And you can watch the Oppenheimer these three hours.

It's three hours.

Barbie's nearly two hours.

And if you watch that, it's a flowers of the kind of

the news in his course,

and you go, that's three and a half hours.

They're talking about bringing back

into missions in the syllabus.

Remember those?

I don't know.

I think they're on this stage now.

You know, I can really think of these missions.

But if you remember, you'd expect to come out

and go there with your screens.

OK.

But do you know what?

Since COVID and lockdowns, viewing habits

have changed, doesn't it?

And to be honest, do you think you've washed up?

Yeah.

Do you think you're going there?

Absolutely correct.

We tend to binge watch things, don't be one.

Lots of screen sets.

And the reason I'm saying that is because

I'm going to content to you that Genesis,

chapter one to 11, are like series one of a box set.

And chapter 11, which we're looking at today very shortly,

is the final episode with a clear item.

And most of the erosions and stories

will tell you that is actually the structure of Genesis.

But first, 11 chapters are of a certain series

if you like.

Everything changes next week.

Next week is the first episode of series.

How many series in Genesis?

I don't know.

Maybe two or three.

But today we've got the final episode of series one,

really, that shouldn't be clear at the end.

But think about that.

Some of it I read recently, but apparently,

to read the entire book of Genesis

in one day would take three and a half hours.

So maybe, if you're thinking about each week

we've been looking at one chapter at a time,

maybe what you want to go to today,

you might want to binge and read Genesis.

It might be about three and a half hours.

Well, before we go any further,

I'd like my good friends Chris,

who's going to read Genesis 11 for us.

And this is Genesis 11,

and it's from 1 to 32.

The first bit's going to be easy.

He's talking about the Tarah of Babel.

Now, the Tarah of Babel.

Now, the whole world had one language

and a common speech.

As men moved eastwards,

they found a plane in Sheena and set them there.

They said to each other,

come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly.

Th

Jonny continues our series on Genesis. This week he is speaking on Genesis 10. His topic is "United Nations"