Today’s speaker is Charles de Lacy and the subject today is “Do we realise just how holy God is?” The bible reading is 2 Samuel 6 1-23. The service leader is Richard Little.
Please join us for tea and coffee in the back hall before the service. Simon and Judy are responsible for tea and coffee today.
After the service there will be a fellowship lunch and therefore coffee will be served before the service. If you are able, please could you help to set up and clear away after lunch. Now the weather has turned colder some hot food would also be appreciated.
The “How to understand the Bible Course” is at Simon and Judy’s home this evening.
The Revival prayer meeting is at Andy’s and Rachel’s this evening at 6.00.
The Christmas Big Sing Sunday 16th December at the Plume Community Academy at 7.00pm. Tickets are £8/£6 and are available on billetto.co.uk.
The theme is “rediscovery” in our walk with the Lord. Maybe over the years as a church we have lost, or never had, certain attitudes and responses to the Lord. The messages to the 7 churches in the Roman province of Asia in Revelation will be the basis of each day.
Monday – Rediscovery of our first love for the Lord – Rev 2 v’s 1-7. 10.00 am and 7.45pm leader Paul.
Tuesday – Rediscovery of our courage for the Lord – Rev 2 v’s 8-11. 7.45 pm – leader Ralph.
Wednesday – Rediscovery of our passion for the Lord’s Word – Rev 2 v’s 12-17. 7.45 pm- leader Ross.
Thursday – Rediscovery of our accountability to the Lord – Rev 2 v 18-28. 7.45 pm – leader Matt.
Friday – Rediscovery of the Lord’s holiness – Rev 3 v 1- 6, 10.00 am and 7.45 pm leader Andy.
Saturday – Rediscovery of our evangelistic passion – Rev 3 v’s 7 – 13. 9.30 am – leader Richard Reynolds
Sunday – Rediscovery of the Lord’s presence – Rev 3 v’s 14-22 – 9.30 am. leader Simon.
Home Groups
Judith and Roger’s group will meet at Shirley’s.
The Wednesday group will meet at Ross and Bertie’s.
For the other groups please contact your house group leaders.
Home Group questions
2 Samuel 6
Please choose from the following:
1. In 2 Samuel 6.1-8 we see David had failed to follow the divine commands on how the Ark was to be transported. See Numbers 4.4-7,15; 7.1-9. David as King had a special duty to ensure God’s Word was upheld. See Deuteronomy 17.18-20. 1 Samuel 12.12-15.
a. What is the connection between the study of God’s Word and being a holy people?
b. What special responsibilities lie with leaders in guarding the flock through the application of God’s word? See James 3.1-3 Acts 20.25-31.
c. What degree of knowledge of God’s word should we expect leaders to have if they are to serve effectively?
d. What on-going training do we need in God’s Word if we are to be holy?
2. Why do you think God acted with such severity towards Uzzah? See Lev. 16.1-5 ; Lev 10.1-4 For other examples of divine severity see also Acts 5.1-10; 1 Cor.5.1-5; 1 Cor.11.27-32.
3. What is David’s response to the divine judgment and what should we make of that response? 2 Samuel 6.8,9 Do you ever have similar feelings to David with respect to God’s discipline?
4. How did God’s severe discipline of David work holiness and change in David’s approach to bringing the Ark into Jerusalem? 2 Samuel 6.12-15 & 1 Chronicles 15.1-4. See also Heb.12.7-11 Is it even possible to be holy without divine discipline?
a. What do we learn about the connection between holiness and a worship that is acceptable to God?
b. What do we learn about the fundamental place of the divine sacrifice in drawing near to a holy God? 2 Samuel 6.13,14 See Hebrews 9.11-14 1 Peter 1.14-21.
c. How does the divine holiness help us to make sense of Christ’s crucifixion? Mark 14.33-36.
5. If the first part of the chapter shows us the judgment of Uzzah then the second part of the chapter shows us the judgment of Michal and the house of Saul. See 2 Samuel 6.16,20-23. Saul’s house will have no part in the lineage of the Messiah. Put simply what was of chief importance to David and what was of chief importance to Michal? How did God judge between them? See also the warning in 1 John 2.15-17
6. David acknowledges by his action of bringing the Ark into Jerusalem that the Lord God is the true King of Israel. His action turns Jerusalem into the city of the great King Matt.5.34. Jerusalem becomes the place of divine judgment 2 Kings 24.1-4 and the place the saints turn for mercy and restoration Daniel 6.10 Dan.9.1-3. Holiness is about holding together divine discipline and divine mercy- how can we do that and what happens when we don’t?
7. Through Jesus Christ his Son God has established the heavenly Jerusalem as our true spiritual home. See Hebrews 12.22-24 Gal 5.26,27 Phil. 3.20,21 Rev.21.1-4. How does this great blessing and hope encourage us to be holy personally and together as God’s people?
Food Bank During November we will be collecting Christmas items for the food bank such as small Christmas cakes, puddings, custard, chocolate items for children and adults as well as the normal staple items.
We are taking short carol services at the following care homes that we have links with. Willing musicians and singers are very welcome to join us. Please let Andy are Rachel know if you are able to come along.
Embassy Court, 5 December at 7.30pm
Longfield, 11th December at 2.30pm
Brewster House, 20th December at 10.30am
New Year’s Day Walk and refreshments at the Barge tearooms. Further information will be available nearer to the date.
Sunday morning children’s activities – On the first Sunday of the month there is a families time together service at 9.30am. On the remaining Sundays the children join the first part of the service, then go to separate parts of the building for their activities.
Mustard: an Early Years group, meet downstairs in the back hall.
Pepper and Mustard+: Infant and Junior groups, for up to secondary school age, meet upstairs.
