Sermons | Meadowhead Christian Fellowship Meadowhead Christian Fellowship

Summary of Karen's Sermon: Making Mistakes

Introduction

Karen starts the sermon by acknowledging the audience and explaining her method for preparing the sermon. She then introduces the passage she will be focusing on: Genesis 16, which tells the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar.

Bible References: Genesis 15:6, Genesis 16

The Story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar

Karen outlines the story in Genesis 16:

Abraham is promised by God that he will have descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:6).

Ten years later, Sarah has not conceived a child.

Sarah proposes that Abraham have a child with Hagar, her maidservant.

Hagar becomes pregnant with Abraham's child, Ishmael.

There is conflict between Sarah and Hagar.

Hagar flees into the desert.

An angel of the Lord finds Hagar and tells her to return to Sarah.

The angel promises Hagar that Ishmael will have many descendants.

Hagar acknowledges God as "the God who sees me."

Key Points

Karen highlights that women are not portrayed positively throughout Genesis, but her perspective on this passage has changed.

Everyone makes mistakes, and the characters in this story are all facing difficult situations.

Even though Abraham and Sarah made mistakes, God did not abandon them.

God sees us in our circumstances and offers us grace.

Challenges and Choices

Karen talks about a personal situation where she feels stuck and is praying for guidance.

She emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will when faced with challenging circumstances.

We should pray about what our role is in difficult situations – is it to pray, or is it to take action?

Conclusion

Karen encourages listeners to reflect on the passage and ask God what He wants them to learn from it.

She reminds everyone that God sees us and will help us through our struggles.

Additional Notes

Karen mentions struggling with the concept of rescuing others and emphasizes that God is the rescuer.

She acknowledges that waiting for God's timing can be difficult.

Transcription

Um, we're going to have a little bit of audience participation as well.

High, lovely people.

Is that okay?

You're not allowed to say no, by the way.

I don't know.

Um, and a rider is, you are not the people that you will be in today's story.

Is that okay?

So I went to see Graham, and I went morning Graham, and he went,

it's going to be trouble, isn't it?

And all I wanted was some verses up there, that's all.

So, um, we're doing Genesis 16 today.

If you like Genesis 15, 16 and 17 are all part of the same soap opera,

because it all goes together.

But before we start on it, I'm going to give you a little bit of my background

because it is relevant.

So, as Nick said, I've been married to Johnson for nearly 40 years,

as I've known him for 43 years.

Um, we started going out on February the 1st, 1981.

And we met at Bible College.

Or, as was commonly known at the time, London Bridal College.

Plus, there were lots of women there, and not that many men.

Um, and Jonathan was doing a diploma in theology, and I was doing a degree in theology.

And because I was doing a degree, that then meant that I could do a pastoral diploma

alongside my degree.

Which meant that you did extra lectures, but you also had to do various other things.

I had to do two summer schools.

I did one with Bob Gordon and Colin Erkart many years ago.

Um, and it also meant that you had to do so many preachers at churches over the two years.

Okay?

So, you'd get a list, and you'd phone that church up,

and you'd say, hi, I'm your, hi, I'm your preacher for such and such a date.

And I would do this, and on a regular basis,

as soon as whoever picked the phone were up, and they heard a woman's voice,

they would say, no, you're not.

Okay? I'm talking 40 years ago.

The method is actually, we're very good. They always let me go.

Um, and that sort of embedded in me something that started when I was about 12.

So, I rememb

Summary

Introduction

Erica starts with an illustration about her son singing a children's worship song and how it made her think about brokenness and God's mercy.

Recap of Last Week's Sermon

Erica summarizes the previous sermon where they spoke about the importance of trusting God even in difficult situations.

Abraham's Story - Genesis 15

Erica focuses on Genesis 15 where Abraham has just rescued Lot and other people from a battle.

Abraham decided to return all the captured plunder to the king of Sodom, even though he had won the battle and could have kept it.

This act of giving everything back to the king impressed God because Abraham gave God all the glory for his success.

The Importance of Giving God the Glory

The message is that we should give God the glory for everything good in our lives, not take credit for ourselves.

Often we focus on the temporary pleasures of the world instead of the permanent reward of knowing God.

Erica emphasizes that trusting in God will never leave us feeling like we missed out.

Abraham Questions God's Promise

Abraham reminds God of his promise of a son, as it had been 10-15 years since the initial promise in Genesis 12.

This act of reminding God is seen as acceptable because it shows dependence on God's faithfulness.

God Reaffirms His Promises to Abraham

God reassures Abraham of the promise of a son, using the countless stars in the sky as a metaphor for the multitude of descendants Abraham will have.

God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising him land for his descendants.

The Ritual of the Cut Pieces

God instructs Abraham to perform a ritual with sacrificed animals, cut in half and laid on the ground.

Vultures came to eat the sacrifice, but Abraham drove them away.

This is seen as a representation of doubt and negativity that can try to steal our joy and faith.

God Shows Abraham the Future

Abraham falls into a deep sleep, and God reveals the future struggles and hardships Abraham's descendants will face.

Difficulties do not negate God's promises; they are part of the journey.

Finding Freedom Through Worship

Erica uses Philippians 2:13 to remind listeners that God works in them to desire and do what pleases Him.

This means God gets the glory, not us.

She emphasizes that God doesn't forget or abandon us, even during moments of doubt about faith or salvation.

God's Unwavering Promises

Referencing the stars again, Erica highlights God's faithfulness to His promises, even when we doubt.

She assures listeners that God remains a covenant-keeping God, even when we are faithless.

Quotes Hebrews 13:5 ("I will never leave you nor forsake you") to emphasize God's constant presence.

Worship as an Expression of Gratitude

The sermon shifts to the purpose of worship.

Worship is not about manipulating God to obtain things; His promises are already established.

We sing and worship because our hearts overflow with gratitude for God's free gifts and the freedom He offers.

Conclusion

Erica emphasizes the privilege of being a worshiper and the freedom that comes with focusing on God's faithfulness.

The sermon ends with a powerful declaration of "amen."

Key Points

Give God the glory for everything good in your life.

Trusting in God is more valuable than temporary worldly pleasures.

Don't be afraid to remind God of His promises.

Doubt and negativity can try to steal your faith, but you can overcome them.

Struggles and hardships are part of life, but God's promises are still true.

God works in us to accomplish His will.

God's promises are unwavering, even when we doubt.

Worship is an expression of gratitude for God's faithfulness and the freedom He provides.

Transcript

speak through eric is now in jesus nine

uh...

one

it's dark green

now it's dark green

jensen i wonder if you could put up that song

once again i look upon the cross where you died

that first

jesus christ i think u

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