The Songs of Ascent teach us about importance of where our eyes and heart are focused.
Psalms 123: Our Eyes Look to the LORD Our God A Song of Ascents.
1 To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us.
3 Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt.
4 Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud.
Psalms 124: Our Help Is in the Name of the LORD A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side--- let Israel now say---
2 if it had not been the LORD who was on our side when people rose up against us,
3 then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us;
4 then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us;
5 then over us would have gone the raging waters.
6 Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth!
7 We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped!
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Psalms 125: The LORD Surrounds His People A Song of Ascents.
1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.
3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous stretch out their hands to do wrong.
4 Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts!
5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways the LORD will lead away with evildoers! Peace be upon Israel!
Things to think about…
1. The ancient pilgrims who travelled up to Jerusalem had to look up as they walked, so too the Psalmist says ‘to You I lift my eyes’, 123:1. So often troubles start when our eyes are focused on something/someone else, generally as we look down and back. We look at our past, the failures, hurts and the trails, knowing there is still a way to climb in this life. The Psalmist says this life from various sources provides enough contempt, vss 3, 4, let’s not look for any more.
2. Look at Ps 124. It’s amazing Israel and Jerusalem have survived at all considering the wars and number of times the land and the city have been captured and occupied. I think Jerusalem has been attacked displaced by one group or another at least 40 times in its history. Isn’t this true of Christianity as well. Nietzsche said that God is dead. Of course Christianity and the worship of God continues despite being under constant attack.
3. Christ and His church continue to be built and as Ps 125 says of Mt Zion that it ‘cannot be moved’. This is the case with our assurance of salvation in Christ. If God is for us who can be against us, Rom 8:31. Trust Him today with all the issues of life, Rom 8:28. Praise God.
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 next 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 January...
Q. 4. How can you glorify God? A. By loving Him and doing what He commands.
