Sunday messageswww.taupobaptist.org.nzSunday messages from Taupo Baptist Church, located in the north island of New Zealand. www.taupobaptist.org.nzhttps://admin.ezystream.com/static/images/podcast/large/LLNiFMoG63KRvx1kGZLY9VcU2BxVhyL6LnWAqoOb8jXI15VgWMcWrE4dBhHJ.jpgTaupo Baptist ChurchTaupo Baptist Churchreception@taupobaptist.org.nzen-usTaupo Baptist Church, 2018noThomas Hendricks, our Community Worker Intern, explores "Complaining for Jesus" - what's really behind our complaints, and what do we do with them? Led by the Apostles' example in Acts 6:1-7, we explore the role of complaints in church life and how "Complaining for Jesus" can help the community, if we're active about it.Sat, 23 Jun 2018 12:00:00 +0000Thomas HendricksThomas Hendricks22:005b553b3e4b7f4noPsalms 23Sat, 09 Jun 2018 12:00:00 +000024:005b553bb5d5df1noGod loves and chooses and call each of us. Ephesians 1 Sat, 14 Apr 2018 12:00:00 +000021:005b553c5d723e3noGod is looking for men and women who will stand for right even in heaven totters and the earth reels.Sat, 05 May 2018 12:00:00 +000020:005b553c7e72b87noHoly Spirit is like our Mothers on the job 24/7, unconditional love and wants to give everything.Sat, 12 May 2018 12:00:00 +000037:005b553c840e3ednoHow was Saul changed by his encounter with Jesus? Who do you know who has been changed by Jesus.Sat, 19 May 2018 12:00:00 +000026:005b553c892a46anoWe're all aware of the familiar sayings such as 'be careful because you will reap what you sow' 'What goes around comes around' - Treat others, as you'd like to be treated.Sat, 26 May 2018 12:00:00 +000028:005b553c9271375nojesus calls everyone to come to Him, no matter who they are or what they have done.Mon, 21 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000Bryce MillarBryce Millar00:002ee32b1c-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noIn life there is diversity of ethnicity and religion. This message encourages people to be willing to give up some of their rights and privileges in order to communicate the gospel with others.Mon, 03 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000Wendy EmsleyWendy Emsley00:002ee33084-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noMelva Salter remembers the beginnings of TBC. The story of God's provision in providing for His people.Fri, 30 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000Keith HarringtonKeith Harrington00:002ee33269-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noWe must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.Mon, 11 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong36:002ee36a7f-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noOur world is desperate for a message of truth, but it will only accept it when it sees love in our lives, our eyes and our hearts. If we live the message - then we can speak the truth.Mon, 18 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong33:002ee36acb-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noCan you recall how you felt on the day you were baptisted? What was the main motivating factor behind you baptism?Mon, 25 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong15:002ee36b98-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noJerusalem Mon, 02 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000Warwick LashWarwick Lash26:002ee36bdf-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noIs anyone among you suffering?Wed, 25 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000Ian GarrattIan Garratt31:002ee36c2c-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noWe can hear it Make an appointment to hear GodMon, 30 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0000Ian GarrattIan Garratt39:002ee36c67-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noWhat are some of your earliest good memories of your Father?Tue, 05 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong26:002ee389df-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noWhat are the Christian aspects in the story of Parihaka?Sat, 04 Nov 2017 11:00:00 +0000Wendy Emsley and Gail PierceWendy Emsley and Gail Pierce26:002ee42048-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noThere are so many details, that tell us that the Bible is accurate and authentic. Daniel chapter 9. The story of 70 years of exile and 70 years of sabbatical, and the relevance for today is extraordinary and prophetic.Sat, 11 Nov 2017 11:00:00 +0000Jeff TallonJeff Tallon42:002ee425ad-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noJeremiah 9:23-24 Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 Matthew 5:45 James 4:14 Sun, 19 Nov 2017 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong16:002ee58d09-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noGod used the phrase "A Man after God's Own Heart" to describe King David. What qualities of David made Him a Man after God's own heart?Sat, 25 Nov 2017 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong26:002ee59294-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noGod often prepares us in the hidden places of life, before placing us in a public arenaSat, 02 Dec 2017 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong24:002ee5a271-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noConfrontation The Gift Nobody Wants(2 Samuel 11,12)Sat, 09 Dec 2017 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong29:002ee639f1-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noLuke 7Sat, 16 Dec 2017 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong10:002ee6b5c5-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noJohn 16:33 The peace of GodMon, 25 Dec 2017 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong5:002ee6bc65-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noThe Star is a sign from God. Spotting our starMon, 25 Dec 2017 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong18:002ee6bcb5-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noIf you could achieve all that your heart desired for God. What would that be?Sat, 06 Jan 2018 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong27:002ee6c231-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noWe all have the potential to be greatly used by God.Sat, 13 Jan 2018 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong26:002ee6c651-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noGenesis 4 "staff or rod of God"Sat, 20 Jan 2018 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong24:002ee6dafc-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noIsaiah 6Sun, 28 Jan 2018 11:00:00 +0000Bryce MillarBryce Millar20:002ee6e4d3-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noExodus 12, 1 Cor 1:24-33 Matt 14:12-Sat, 03 Feb 2018 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong22:002ee6ebc2-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392no“Baptists” feel that Baptism is an area of doctrine they have got right. Yet they do not always follow the pattern of scripture as they often make people wait until they have proved they are genuine. 1 Cor 10:1-3, Exodus 14, Romans 6:1-7Sat, 10 Feb 2018 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong24:002ee6f46d-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392no After the Israelites left the land of Egypt the people grumbled & complained. They complained because of the journey, the food, their leaders, the dryness of the desert. Many of them wanted to return to Egypt. You may be thinking , 'I'd rather be back where I used to be!' Can you accept that God has put you where you are for a reason? What is that reason? Exodus 18:14-16 Numbers 11:14-15 Psalm 106:23 Sat, 17 Feb 2018 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong29:002ee6fcb9-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noAn ongoing "life question" that confronts each of us is, "where do we go from here". Many people & churches have reached their Kadesh Numbers 13&14, Joshua 2:8-11 Hebrews 3&4 Sat, 24 Feb 2018 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong29:002ee706d4-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noProverbs 29:18 tells us that "Where there is no vision, the people perish". Spiritual vision, goes beyond our physical capacity to see. Life can either be a random journey without direction, or a purposeful adventure, toward a goal. John 4:34Mon, 05 Mar 2018 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong28:002ee79838-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noCrossing the Jordan River (Judges 3) symbolises the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. After this the Israelites were able to fight their battles using the power and resources of God. God will make the Promised Land available to us if we are prepared to go out and possess it and reclaim it from the evil one.Sat, 10 Mar 2018 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong28:002ee79c08-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noIn biblical times an infectious disease could wipe out a whole community. Strict measures were required to protect the people. The sick and diseased were rejected and became outcasts of society. Leviticus 13:17. Luke 4:18-19.Mark 1:40-42. Luke 14:16-18. Mark 4:19. John 15:18-19Sat, 17 Mar 2018 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong27:002ee7e563-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noHave you ever visited a "holy place" that wasn't Christian? When Where? What did it feel like?Sat, 24 Mar 2018 11:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong29:002ee7f12a-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noHave you ever considered that Judas genuinely thought that he was doing the right thing when he betrayed Christ? Where did he go wrong?Sat, 07 Apr 2018 12:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong33:002ee80631-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noCan you recall how you felt on the day you were baptised?Sat, 21 Apr 2018 12:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong20:002ee83c46-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noSkeptics of Christianity say that many claim their prayers are answered, but little empirical evidence to validate that. Share an example of a prayer that you know was miraculously answered.Sat, 28 Apr 2018 12:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong26:002ee8494f-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noIan Garratt teaches on the four prime components that distinguish the Nation of Israel and the modern Church, and the responsibilities & duties that follow.Sat, 16 Jun 2018 12:00:00 +0000Ian GarrattIan Garratt33:002ee89dba-9510-11e8-896d-0a4bd5571392noThe Apostle Paul is in prison, chained to a guard, shut off from friends and loved ones, yet these irritating circumstances, help produce a wonderful let-ter. Many of the most precious things in life come through times of extreme difficulty.Sun, 03 Jun 2018 12:00:00 +000032:005b67bf2338cf8noPs. Martin continues a series looking at the lessons of Ephesians 1, focusing this week on Wisdom and Understanding - a fullness of knowledge that makes a difference. Sat, 07 Jul 2018 12:00:00 +000028:005b67bf3163c0cnoPs. Martin Armstrong discusses Eph. 2:1-10 looking at Paul's writings around the nature and purpose of our salvation, our status as "God's masterpiece" and our overall relationship with Jesus Christ. Sat, 14 Jul 2018 12:00:00 +000028:005b67bf4020a33noPs. Martin Armstrong discusses the aspect of being on the "outside" vs. being a part of the "in-crowd", and how, Jew or Gentile, through the love of God in the sacrifice of Jesus, we are all loved and accepted.Sat, 21 Jul 2018 12:00:00 +000023:005b67bf5f0624dnoWhat might obedience, and hearing from God, look like in our individual life? Be it spending time in prison or going house to house sharing the Gospel, we must be able to see our place as a servant in the narrative of God's Word going forward, expanding the Kingdom of God.Sat, 28 Jul 2018 12:00:00 +000032:005b67bf6e85c13noPaul lists out several specific prayers for the Ephesians, in effect, for all of us - and we truly need to spend time reflecting on these specific items in our personal prayer lives. The result is an incredibly deep and powerful relationship with Jesus - what any believer should ultimately aim for, as well as a healthier life in various aspects of our personal lives.Sat, 04 Aug 2018 12:00:00 +000023:005b67bf78bc2a1noPs. Martin discusses Paul's message of humility, patience, and other encouragements towards the Body of Christ becoming unified - in this way, the Church will realize the full power of Christ Sat, 11 Aug 2018 12:00:00 +000027:005b70f42d8e4f5noEvery Christian is required to live a new life that's different from the old.The change from the old life to the new would have been particularly evident in those who had come out of their pagan practices in Paul's time. Ps. Martin looks at several key aspects of this change-process, including indicators of the new conduct and character.Sun, 19 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0000Ps. Martin ArmstrongPs. Martin Armstrong28:0056c41bd4-b679-433d-ac0a-a8454b9d15c1noKevin Short takes a look at the lessons we can get from a tube of toothpaste: being squeezed, and pouring out only what's already inside of us - and once its out there, you can't easily take it back. Sun, 26 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0000Kevin ShortKevin Short22:006ecf565f-72c3-4243-b9a7-dc534ee301f1noPs. Martin takes a look at lessons on the Father's love, with reflections on Jack Frost's book Experiencing Father's Embrace. A Father we can share our deepest hurts and struggles with, who has an everlasting love for us His creation, and who sets a tender-hearted example (Eph. 4:32) for us. Sun, 02 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000Ps. Martin ArmstrongPs. Martin Armstrong27:002b10cb37-73a6-4079-9978-96ce921570ffnoChristian life as a walk: staying out of the darkness and in the Light. Sun, 16 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000Ps. Martin ArmstrongPs. Martin Armstrong23:00c71f4ead-2bc5-41f1-8837-5e0578473920noThe filling of the Holy Spirit is not a once-and-for-all experience but one that needs to be renewed over & over again. Ps. Martin goes through points highlighting the importance that Jesus and Paul throughout the Bible place on the Holy Spirit in our daily walk. Sun, 30 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000Ps. Martin ArmstrongPs. Martin Armstrong27:00f586a5bc-aabf-47ef-9566-0c27b0fcb974noThis message dives into the message of relationships in general, not just marriages. How does this section of scripture convey the message of servant-leadership, healthy 'yielding of right of way', and Biblical headship? Listen for these and other insights!Sun, 07 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000Ps. Martin ArmstrongPs. Martin Armstrong30:00922e460c-c59b-417e-b3d3-d698a135fbe4noEvery follower of Jesus is involved in a Spiritual battle. We may think that an occasional glance at our bibles, a hurried prayer or a few worship songs is all that we need to fend off the enemy…Sun, 14 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000Ps. Martin ArmstrongPs. Martin Armstrong30:00da0504cd-a12e-4436-a570-ac56e8c1e1e1noAlthough much is expected of the Christian, sufficient resources are provided in Jesus Christ to enable us to meet all the demands placed upon us. In this discussion, we look further at the shield of faith, the helmet of Salvation, sword of the Spirit. Sun, 21 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000Ps. Martin ArmstrongPs. Martin Armstrong29:008c52aa41-442b-4509-8939-d04d2b289703no"Our relationship with God, our spiritual walk, our Christian experience, will never rise higher than our prayer life. Prayer is of the utmost urgency for every believer". Sun, 28 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong28:00119ccb25-6f8b-489e-8d5a-71a15f3d37f8noWe think of Paul as being super spiritual, mature and in a close relationship with God. Yet he still needed the support, prayers and encouragement of his Christian friends.Sun, 04 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong33:005e2b7ed7-b7ef-4fd1-9753-de4f3a449c6cnoWendy Emsley touches on a different perspective, based on the story of blind Bartimaeus. Who is truly the blind one, in our reflection on this passage from Mark 10? Sun, 11 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000Wendy EmsleyWendy Emsley17:002ebef3d5-46e3-4229-8a10-bb35a2807a9bnoPastor Martin looks at the temptations of Jesus Christ in the wilderness from the devil, and how our study of the Spiritual Armour of God can help prepare us for these battles ourselves. Sun, 18 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong29:0030a7f4c1-dbc0-4af8-98b0-a6ac66ab4e61noRead the story of Legion the demon possessed man from Mark 5:5-29.1.    Do you believe that there are people with similar problems in our day and age?2.     This man was cutting himself with stones: he was self-harming. How do people self harm today? How and why do people self harm?Sun, 16 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong27:00fdc8f034-99c6-4c7c-b1de-f672a4b2c93fnoChristmas has come to symbolize this hectic season of consumerism. Sun, 23 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong21:007e1eb66d-3449-480e-9adc-813c78859d51noListen to where God wants us to go next.Sun, 06 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong26:006db12e65-84de-425c-919c-3bf43499943fnoAre we getting to comfortable in this life. What are you prepared to do to follow our Lord? Sun, 13 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong27:00d6e92673-5b39-420b-9104-6d49135d85b1noThe life of Joseph, the Pride TestSun, 27 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong21:00a869b9db-fa5d-49bf-8624-05497135a24fnoTim discusses the need for us to have an appreciation for the Psalms, all of them, in their proper context and helps us explore the background to some of the challenging portions.Sun, 20 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000Tim CoulterTim Coulter27:00b29db319-26a6-401b-8963-72315e911af5noWhat is the biblical meaning of the words “prosper” and “prosperity”?There is a 'hyper prosperity teaching' around today that is deceptive because it focuses on selfish ambition, rather than on glorifying God and helping others. Have you encountered this?Sun, 10 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong27:0058c124b5-f215-48cf-87c5-878d362f8963noPsalm 23# 1 Solitude & Silence#2 Sabbath#3 SufferingSun, 24 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mike BlooreMike Bloore40:00c6e33ca2-8e19-4a5f-85a7-68c8d19f47efnoTo be a transforming community committed to Jesus Christ.Sun, 03 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000Thomas HendricksThomas Hendricks24:0064248660-64a2-4606-bc44-b110097a8a5fnoGenesis 39:7–12Impurity begins in the eyes. Lust is empowered by looking - it’s an appetite of the fleshly nature. Discuss this in terms of, easy access to pornography today. (Matthew 5:28, Psalm 101:3 and Matthew 6:22–23).Sun, 10 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong33:00d7f898b3-f33b-488c-84a0-c7005e459127noJoseph had lies told about him, was falsely accused and thrown into prison! Obedience to God is no guarantee that bad things will not happen to us.Sun, 17 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong25:007b5bb07c-e152-4ac3-9a92-55dcf9eb1e9bnoThe Prophetic Test – Dream to Destiny (Robert Morris)1. The prophetic test is described in Psalm 105:17-19 But he sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who had been sold as a slave. His feet were kept in chains, and an iron collar was around his neck, until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him’. The NLT puts it like this: 'Until the time came to fulfil his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character'. Do you know people who have failed in ministry, because their character has let them down?Sun, 24 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong31:001ff0ada1-709f-47d2-b3f2-12c6375bea0bnoWe’re all created in the image of an all-powerful God, so a desire for power and authority can be a good thing... God looks for humble servants through whom He can channel his mighty power. We’re blessed so that we can be a blessing to othersSun, 31 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong30:0066b49344-2ca3-4e9e-a08b-b893d226cef3noJesus Christ is perfect theology.Sun, 07 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mike BlooreMike Bloore16:002cc8b007-b620-4bc8-abef-57add94d209cnoOn Palm Sunday we celebrate the ‘triumph’ of Jesus entrance into Jerusalem (Mark ch 11). On Easter Sunday, a week later we celebrate of the Resurrection of Jesus (Mk ch 16). Ask the members of your group to list some of the suffering, persecution, misunderstandings, and dark moments, Jesus experienced in between these times.Sun, 14 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong27:00302d1182-6d1c-48da-90db-6d7d7ba1eadenoJesus is the only founder of a major religion, who claimed to be God. Many other religious leaders such as Buddha, claimed to know a lot about God and to point the way to God.Sun, 21 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong30:001e939f64-6386-465d-b701-80231455109enoTestimonies from the youth who attended Easter Camp 2019.Sun, 28 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mike BlooreMike Bloore43:0044c5c754-33bb-4993-958e-e2b6d50c5198noIntroduce the theme of Self Denial “Where God Leads.” Mana E arahi. Introduce this year’s receptacle. Sun, 05 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000Stephanie ChristensenStephanie Christensen35:0097b5f11f-fa30-4624-842e-f0dea10abacdnoGod is call us all to be missionaries, wherever you are. You don't need to go overseasSun, 19 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000Rob & Gillian FloresRob & Gillian Flores43:0007f31956-8fe4-43b5-9bf9-23987e901b4dnoHave you ever been on a mission trip or visited an overseas mission compound? Sun, 12 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong27:00bdfffe4e-73ee-4bd3-b384-726285bb51bfnoWhen we will not forgive, “we will live to prove something rather than to please someone.” Describe a time (in general) when you have observed someone change the course of their life by refusing to release another person. How did this statement prove to be true? Sun, 02 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong30:00a23b9f9a-c8b7-4be7-9d8d-debcc08a6b0dnoDescribe a situation that you once completely misread or misinterpreted.After Joseph and his wider family of 75 moved to Egypt, little more is said about the them. During 400 years of slavery the family grew to over 2 million, until it was time for Moses to help set them free. Why do you think they didn't move back to Canaan after the 7 years of famine?Sun, 09 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong25:00ab550971-6c57-4fb9-82a1-204652574c1enoWhat might it look like for our church to be a family?Sun, 16 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mike BlooreMike Bloore28:00844d01af-6ef2-455b-a590-bd2a00035e05noChuck Swindoll says, "Words can never adequately convey the incredible impact of our attitude toward life. The longer I live the more convinced I become that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond to it."Do you agree?Sun, 23 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong29:0008bdfe15-0933-42e2-8970-71c2c9e5eb09noThere are no easy formulas for worship: we cannot put God in a box– the Spirit blows where He wills. We must be careful not to become so set in our ways that we organise the Holy Spirit out of the service. Discuss how this can happen.Sun, 30 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong24:00882267fd-0f3e-4b27-9aa0-477c8a56f45enoSome consider the 'beatitudes' to be the most profound words every stated by anyone at any time. Do you agree? What are some other Scripture passages that could lay claim to this title?Sun, 07 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong21:00ea0fe6a0-0c97-43c7-81a3-b642a009d513noMatthew 5:3 Blessed (happy) are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. How would you define the word happy? What makes you happy?When people are poor in spirit, they are ready to listen to God. They are willing to give up on “their own will” and trust God’s will for their lives. Would you define yourself as being happy in this sense?Sun, 14 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong24:0057975e40-6e1e-4602-ba65-78463894a404no"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted”There is a progression in these beatitudes. The first step of a blessed life is the recognition that we are poor in spirit...that we have a deep need for God's help in our lives. The second step, is to the place where we can find comfort in our time of need.Sun, 21 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong19:00f2585100-5964-4454-9a6d-2a1b22266652noChurch is to be like a family (sharing, praying, living in the way of Jesus together)Sun, 28 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mike BlooreMike Bloore33:2709fc6949-d966-4673-81de-1f562de4dabenoThere's a progression within the beatitudes. The first three are to do with our inner thoughts emotions and character. Would you say that you are humble, compassionate and meek (yielded fully to God?) Which of these character traits do you struggle with the most?Sun, 11 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong26:0460ccd110-73df-436d-8e51-c062cf816781no"God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied."Matthew 5:6Sun, 18 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong35:208cef7738-db59-4c2e-817b-d614ae29ad67noMissional Community.Church as a MovementOUT..'sent' people (not of the world)IN.. 'local' people (in the world)Sun, 25 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mike BlooreMike Bloore27:14dd280486-7f5e-4000-9390-c7a2ecfe0127noBlessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.” The word merciful means to show compassion, pity; forgiveness; kindnessMercy is active - it's not just feeling compassionate, it's doing something compassionate.Sun, 01 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong24:40c8332b36-7c8e-4f99-b366-7f6ed645a9b9noMatthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” The word pure is used to describe metals that have been refined by fire until they are free from impurities. It also means to be single minded in our devotion to God. How do you measure up on each of these purity scales?Sun, 08 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong25:1936d56972-a89e-4458-96dd-ce84c6d28a4dnoThere are three main types of people- Peace-breakers, Peace-fakers and Peace-makers.Sun, 15 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong25:45d4d03d9e-736d-4703-993c-fd61768471e4noToday... it is difficult not just to think about God or to pray, but simply to have any interior depth whatsoever...Sun, 22 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mike BlooreMike Bloore29:02549706d7-c3ea-46e1-9c80-0d1f30a6eca9noMatt 13:58 tells us that Jesus didn’t do many mighty works in Nazareth His home town because of the unbelief. Why would people in his home town be sceptical of his ministry?Sun, 29 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong29:573980595a-2c31-4110-8000-4d8e9e8b9cf4noBlessed are the Persecuted: Matthew 5:11-12Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.' Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.Jesus makes it clear that if we live according to the beatitudes, persecution is to be expected. Suffering is inevitable. Jesus is not saying: 'Don’t be surprised if suffering comes'. He's saying 'be surprised if it doesn’t'.  Sun, 06 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong23:3943fa8dc0-b3df-4b43-b7ac-8a2741baa08cnoIn John 7:38,39 We read: Whoever believes in me the Scripture has said, ‘rivers of living water will flow from within him’ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Have you experienced these rivers of living water? What change has it made in tour life?Sun, 13 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong26:30e040063c-e4d2-428f-add9-21b6febfc50enoLuke 10:38-42 New International Version (NIV)At the Home of Martha and Mary38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”Sun, 20 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mike BlooreMike Bloore27:260b782998-c95c-41de-845f-912526467679no Jesus said to the woman whose bleeding had stopped “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering”. (Mark 5:34). Can you think of any instances where you have strongly believed for healing and yet it has not happened?  Why do you think this was the case?Sun, 03 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong38:24cbdb9c8a-725e-450c-96ca-2f588f00b4e5noSun, 27 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong30:072e06a6b2-8be4-491c-a2e0-3e7194a3c1afnoIn scripture, different images and metaphors are used to describe the Holy Spirit and His role in our lives i.e. wind, fire, guide, helper, comforter etc. What image do you most connect with in this season of life, when you think about Holy Spirit, and why?Sun, 10 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mike BlooreMike Bloore08:319b52ca01-93d5-47c4-913b-600d19012113noThe wealth and false sense of self-sufficiency in this church had resulted in them being apathetic – lacking in passion and enthusiasm. Why is it that when our lives are going well, when our kids are healthy, our bills are paid, our marriage is strong, our church is at peace... that we tend to pray less, and worship becomes more superficial? Sun, 17 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong29:16ac8b2434-b5cb-43fb-ae1d-d01cd4b094e2no"Revival" means reviving dead areas in our lives. Bringing to the light, areas in our lives where sin is lying low or unobserved and bringing it to the cleansing blood of Jesus. Is this a major need of the church today?Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong29:41be23df6e-2105-4a56-b948-9493e19defbanoBaptists” feel that Baptism is an area of doctrine they have got right. Yet they do not follow the pattern of scripture where people got baptised the day that they became a Christian. We often make people wait until they have proved they are genuine. (See Paul – Acts 9, Philippian jailer Acts 16, Ethiopian Acts 8). Why is this?Sun, 08 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong18:047679aa11-b99e-4ef2-bcc7-5634eec5a3fcnoJOY = FEELING A deep contentedness and delight that is not derived from earthly circumstances but from the reality of a living relationship with the person of Jesus.Sun, 15 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000Mike BlooreMike Bloore25:28d43efed7-bf75-4535-a881-c30722ca09d1noThis Christmas season the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ has become so commercial. Sun, 22 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong16:3333c67954-4902-4d32-af2a-c3d2f80b9d47noGod totally loves each one of you, and even now He's inviting each one of you to come home.Wed, 25 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong11:2523b49565-8cfa-4d0e-8c71-b718bee0130bnoHope in Jesus Christ.Sun, 05 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong30:01a76b5aba-ffe1-4fdc-a0f7-858d7fa7186dnoIn the parable, a man planned a large banquet and sent out invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to contact each of the invited guests, telling them that all was ready and the meal was about to startSun, 12 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong25:24bba4d08b-efd0-4aee-9c8d-0a0450673bb0noWho am I to .....?"Yahweh, Yahweh, the compassionate and gracious God ..."Sun, 19 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000Mike BlooreMike Bloore34:38a0cef343-6516-4f15-9de6-d073b6290efanoThe Lordship test:Is Jesus Lord of your life? Do you want to love serve and obey Him?The fellowship test:Do you love your christian brothers and sisters and enjoy being with them and want to help them?The relationship test:Are you in a relationship with Christ where you speak to Him and He speaks to you? Where He leads you and guides you and you feel safe and secure?Sun, 26 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong27:27b3de5b6d-a774-4272-83c9-f55add8b82f2noGod's word is truth, His word is powerfulSun, 02 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong24:0662de17b0-728a-4d65-87db-53d08a08ec14noLuke 12:35-48Sun, 09 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000Ian GarrattIan Garratt39:11fec76a64-3c70-4af5-85cb-257acc8c25b4noSpiritual transformation is the process by which Christ is formed in us, for the glory of God, for the abundance of our own lives and for the sake of others; it results in an increasing capacity to discern and do the will of God.Sun, 16 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000Mike BlooreMike Bloore26:55c6cabb5a-767b-48ac-9a09-c89236c5ce22noJohn 10:10 makes it clear that there are forces of both good and evil in this world. Why are some cultural groups and nationalities more aware of the realities of these things than others?Sun, 23 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong34:090d64875f-dbe7-4b5e-b415-739eaa6976b5noCommunity and MissionSun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000Mike BlooreMike Bloore13:5119640e02-c644-49c8-b344-ca7bb6d35a7dnoIsn’t it ironic that the higher the standard of living in a society, the higher the incidence of worry, anxiety, and neurosis. Eccl. 5:12. Why is this?Sun, 08 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong27:43427ea772-c4bd-4903-b597-353886441f7bnoIsaiah 43:16 -21This is what the Lord says— He who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again,  extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.”Sun, 15 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000Mike BlooreMike Bloore16:49b33a9aec-87fb-47d0-927d-c29e5b571a75noLuke 9:23-26 (ESV)Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.Sun, 22 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000Martin ArmstrongMartin Armstrong24:1692b3331b-c2c9-468a-886f-bbf916341435noSun, 22 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000