FIVE Community News – 1st June 2016

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A Better Kingdom – 2 Samuel

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Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!” 17 And Jesus responded, “Simon son of Jonah,  you are blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father in heaven.  18 And I also say to you that you are Peter,  and on this rock  I will build My church,  and the forces  of Hades will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven,  and whatever you bind on earth is already bound  in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed  in heaven.” (Matthew 16:16-19 HCSB)

Peter identified Jesus as the Christ – God’s Anointed King. Such an understanding only comes through God the Father’s revelation of Jesus. Consequently, it is only upon the foundation of such a confession that God’s church will be built. Peter was given the “keys to the kingdom” – the authority as a steward to bring people in God’s kingdom.

How will God’s Kingdom be established? Initially, one of the disciples thought it might be through fighting…

Then they came up, took hold of Jesus, and arrested Him. 51 At that moment one of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword. He struck the high priest’s slave and cut off his ear. (Matthew 26:50b-51 HCSB)

How will God’s Kingdom be established? In this instance, it would not be through military force. Jesus quickly restores the slave’s ear. Rather, the Christ must suffer before entering into his glory.

Likewise, David’s kingdom would not be established through a political solution, treaties, or war. How, then, will David’s kingdom be established? Please read 2 Samuel 2:12-5:5 in preparation for this Sunday.

Christianity Explored

Christianity-explored-sliderIf you have friends, family or acquaintances who are interested in knowing what Christianity is actually about, then please invite them to our Christianity Explored courses. A course is starting this week, however it wouldn’t be too late to join next week. Please call Mark ASAP if you want more information.

KidsQuest 2016

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If you have children (or grandchildren) who will get on your nerves during the July school holidays, why not dump them at KidsQuest? Well, that is my suggestion to the parents that Rochelle and I meet in the school playground. Parents are always looking for a way to entertain the children during the holidays, and we have a solution that involves telling them about Jesus!

Over the next few weeks you’ll see sign-up sheets at the back of the church hall. We are looking for people who have the time and opportunity to serve in numerous ways throughout the week. So please consider how you might be able to help at KidsQuest this year.

Dates for your Diary

June 2016

  • Saturday 18th – Men’s Breakfast
  • Saturday 25th – Missionary Prayer Breakfast

July 2016

  • Tuesday 12th – Friday 15th – KidsQuest
  • Sunday 17th – New Series: Mark’s Gospel
  • Sunday 24th – Gospel Team Leaders Training (Mark Overview by Lionel Windsor)

August 2016

  • Saturday 6th – NCEA Prayer Breakfast
  • Saturday 20th – FIVE Dinners
  • Saturday 27th – RIDE for Refugees

FIVE Prayer Points

  1. Praise God for the proclamation of the news about his Son during our Open Week.
  2. Pray for those who are attending the Christianity Explored courses that they may repent and believe that Jesus is their Lord and Saviour.
  3. Pray for those who are ill, mourning, or continue to struggle with ongoing sickness or life struggles. Rochelle and I would particularly welcome prayer for finding a new home to rent as we need to vacate our current house by the end of the month.
  4. Pray for our Gospel Team leaders that they may pastor and teach everyone with all wisdom.
  5. Praise God for the many new grandchildren born recently to members of FIVE (Wilemans, Skeltons, and Carpenters)