Even as we climb to heaven, there are pain points along the way. These seasons allow for God’s grace to be applied in our lives, strengthening our walls of faith.
Psalms 129: They Have Afflicted Me from My Youth A Song of Ascents.
1 "Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth"--- let Israel now say---
2 "Greatly have they afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me.
3 The ploughers ploughed upon my back; they made long their furrows."
4 The LORD is righteous; he has cut the cords of the wicked.
5 May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward!
6 Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up,
7 with which the reaper does not fill his hand nor the binder of sheaves his arms,
8 nor do those who pass by say, "The blessing of the LORD be upon you! We bless you in the name of the LORD!"
Psalms 130: My Soul Waits for the Lord A Song of Ascents.
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD!
2 O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
3 If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.
8 And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Psalms 131: I Have Calmed and Quieted My Soul A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1 O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvellous for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.
Things to think about…
1. Do you remember any times growing up when you were bullied or picked upon? I certainly do. Very painful times. I think of young people that suffer through the same in our day. Praise God we are more aware of it today and address it more appropriately – although online bullying is a new evil not easily seen or addressed. The psalmist says he was afflicted by his oppressors from his youth. I wonder if this is what Christ experienced growing up? Being perfect must have had some unpleasant consequences for Jesus growing up that others who were sinful would not have appreciated. Christ also offered his back to these people, Ps 129:3 even before he was lifted onto the cross. Who are our modern day spiritual bullies? The Psalm says the Lord will put them to shame vss 4-8.
2. We often hear the helicopters and fighter planes of our defence force go over Ipswich. They sound impressive, even terrifying. They are our modern day watchmen, Ps 130:6 looking after our city. Yet we are called to watch and wait for the Lord more than they watch out for the city. Our hope is in Him and not in any earthly strength. Pray about what it means to watch for Him that He may redeem those in our city (and Israel) from all iniquities?
3. We can be puffed up with earthly knowledge can’t we. Some of this knowledge is amazing, consider some of the scientific discoveries that have been uncovered or the advances that have been made in medical science. We could be overwhelmed to look into every last bit of knowledge that is available to us. But what is the most important thing? Our hope and trust in the Lord must be above any earthly hope or desire, Ps 131:3. The children in our congregation at the moment that have the simple trust the psalmist is talking about in Ps 131:2. Let’s be like them with our trust in the Lord.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Sunday’s message – “True love – from the Apostle of love – 1John 4:7-21
a. What do you remember about the description of Agape love that John uses in this passage? What are its characteristics?
b. Propitiation is a big word that John uses here. Do you remember what it means? This has significant character implications. Are you a person who like Jesus takes away the heat?
c. We are to live a life of sacrifice? This is how Christ lived for us as a Servant Leader. Father Damien whom ministered to the Hawaiian leper colony lived liked this among the lepers. You were a spiritual leper. Christ saved you. How should we live and act among those who are outcasts to God and maybe others.
d. Pray for others, pray for character change and what ministry you are taking on this year.
Prayer Points
1. That our Kids@Church and Chuwar Youth group grow beyond anyone’s expectations.
2. Pray for Chuwar Youth and Jarrod for Friday night.
3. New ministry leaders and coordinators.
4. How you can serve in ministry this year.
5. Pray for other building projects – café turf to be redone, roof, the repair of the house roof.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Wonderful start to Sunday Kids Church and Chuwar Youth intros by Rosie and Jarrod. Thankyou guys!!
2. Leaders meeting was encouraging in many ways. Goals set within the ministries are encouraging. Please support our leaders.
3. More new folk on Sunday – Pray they stay. Get involved and make it happen.
4. New folk becoming members of CBC
5. Those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
6. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Chuwar Youth starting on Friday – 6:30-8:30pm, 3rd Feb. Grades 7 to 12. Chat to the Youth Pastor Jarrod for more details 0478 845 123.
2. Quarterly Members meeting 26th Feb after the service.
3. Working Bee - be prepared, will happen soon. Please get involved. Prob early March
4. Sign up for a cell group or welcoming team.
5. Remember to check your duty rosters.
6. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
7. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for February...
Q. 5. Why ought you to glorify God? A. Because he made me and takes care of me.
Bible References – Rom.11:36; Rev.4:11; Dan.5:23.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
