Unless the Lord builds the house we labour in vain
Our Lord is the restorer of fortunes. He rebuilds Zion and the church. Unless the Lord builds the house, we are all vain labourers.
Psalms 126: Restore Our Fortunes, O LORD A Song of Ascents.
1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalms 127: Unless the LORD Builds the House A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.
1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Psalms 128: Blessed Is Everyone Who Fears the LORD A Song of Ascents.
1 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!
2 You shall eat the fruit of the labour of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.
5 The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!
6 May you see your children's children! Peace be upon Israel!
Things to think about…
1. Imagine when the Jews were allowed to return to their land in 1948 what joy they would have experienced. Imagine how they would have read Psalm 126. You know true fortunes are only possible through the King of the Jews, the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for the Jewish people that they receive a true knowledge of the Saviour. Without Him they are like any other lost people group in the world – without hope. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
2. Our church meetings are nothing without the Spirit of Christ. Our worship is vain unless the Lord is there. Just as the Psalmist says in Ps 127 – we labour in vain unless He builds the house. Christ says He is building His church and where two or three are gathered there He is. Please pray within your devotions and cell group meetings as well as the times we do so at church. The blessings we are receiving at the church are due to these prayer meetings. Praise God for faithful prayer partners.
3. Praise God for our children. They are all arrows for the Lord as we commit them to Christ Ps 127:4,5.
4. I can tell you that Psalm 128 has proven true in our family. Our boys are a wonderful blessing and my dear wife has been a fruitful vine! But it goes further, the promise is that we will see our children’s children. Seeing our children have children is surely one of life’s great mysteries and blessings. Praise the Lord when the faith of our Lord is being taught to the next generation.
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
