Episodes
Sunday Feb 09, 2020
Sunday Feb 09, 2020
9th Feb 2020 - "Prayer for Glory" - John 17:1-5
Sunday Feb 09, 2020
Sunday Feb 09, 2020
John 17:1-5 - New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Prays to Be Glorified
17 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
Sunday Feb 09, 2020
5th Feb 2020 - "Prayer" - Big Night In #4
Sunday Feb 09, 2020
Sunday Feb 09, 2020
We are very sorry, but due to a technical difficulty, we are unable to publish a Podcast for Big Night In #3.
We do hope that you will be uplifted by studying this podcast for Big Night In #4. If you are able to join us for Big Night In #5, which will be on Wednesday evening 12th Feb 2020, you will be very welcome.
Big Night In #4
Training for Godliness: Prayer (Part 2)
A. Definitions of prayer
“The chief exercise of faith” – John Calvin
“Calling on God to come through on his promise” – Gary Millar
- The first prayers in the Bible: “people began to call upon the name of the Lord” - Genesis 4:26
- The last prayer in the Bible (Revelation 22:20-21):
“20 He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” - Calling on God’s promise changes me before it changes my circumstances
Psalm 13
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me for ever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
4 and my enemy will say, ‘I have overcome him,’
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me.
B. The Model Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
“9 ‘This, then, is how you should pray:
‘“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”
Notice:
Jesus is more concerned with what to ask for than how to ask.
Priority is the PRESENCE of God (9-10) before seeking the PROVISION of God (11-13)
This prayer is a SHARED discipline:
“OUR Father…”
Verses 9-10 UNITE Christians in what they seek above all
Verses 11-13 makes us mindful of the needs of others
C. In your groups
- Was there anything in tonight’s talk you found surprising/helpful/challenging?
- Spend some time together in prayer.
Have the text of the Lord’s prayer open (Matthew 6:9-13
a. Bearing in mind what we’ve already thought about pray in your group through verses 9-10 – use this as a model of prayer, and feel free to use your own words. Remember, simple and to the point is something God loves to hear from his children
1. Worship God!
2. Pray for God’s kingdom to advance
3. Pray for God’s will to be done, in your life; in the life of BCFC
b. Take some time to share needs that you would like prayer for, or for someone you know.
c. Now use vv11-13 and the points from (b) as a basis for prayer for each other – don’t be afraid to pray by name.
Monday Feb 03, 2020
2nd Feb 2020 - Psalm 119:17-48
Monday Feb 03, 2020
Monday Feb 03, 2020
Psalm 119:17-48
New International Version (NIV)
ג Gimel
17 Be good to your servant while I live,
that I may obey your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
19 I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide your commands from me.
20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your laws at all times.
21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed,
those who stray from your commands.
22 Remove from me their scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.
23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counsellors.
ד Daleth
25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me and teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;
do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding.
ה He
33 Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
that I may follow it to the end.[a]
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.[b]
38 Fulfil your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!
In your righteousness preserve my life.
ו Waw
41 May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
your salvation, according to your promise;
42 then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
43 Never take your word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.
44 I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.
45 I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.
46 I will speak of your statutes before kings
and will not be put to shame,
47 for I delight in your commands
because I love them.
48 I reach out for your commands, which I love,
that I may meditate on your decrees.
Footnotes:
- Psalm 119:33 Or follow it for its reward
- Psalm 119:37 Two manuscripts of the Masoretic Text and Dead Sea Scrolls; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text life in your way
Monday Feb 03, 2020
2nd Feb 2020 - "Waiting for Jesus to Come" - 1 Timothy 6:11-21
Monday Feb 03, 2020
Monday Feb 03, 2020
1 Timothy 6:11-21
New International Version (NIV)
Final Charge to Timothy
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honour and might forever. Amen.
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.
Grace be with you all.
Sunday Jan 26, 2020
26th Jan 2020 - "Unity in the Body of Christ" - Ephesians
Sunday Jan 26, 2020
Sunday Jan 26, 2020
Ephesians 4:1-6
New International Version (NIV)
Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ
4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Sunday Jan 26, 2020
26th Jan 2020 - "Content with God" - 1 Timothy 6:3-10
Sunday Jan 26, 2020
Sunday Jan 26, 2020
1 Timothy 6:3-10
New International Version (NIV)
3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Thursday Jan 23, 2020
22nd Jan 2020 - "Reading the Bible - Part 2" - Big Night In: night 02
Thursday Jan 23, 2020
Thursday Jan 23, 2020
This podcast covers both of the sessions that Duncan delivered on the night of Wednesday 22 Jan 2020.
We have removed the gap after about 29 minutes when Duncan allowed time for group discussions. There is only a 12 second period of silence before Duncan starts his second session.
Here is a copy of Duncan's handout:
Training for Godliness:
2. Reading the Bible (Part 2)
Jan-Feb 2020
A. Written to them, for us
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 ESV
We need to take the original route, not the direct one:
• What questions was the author trying to answer?
(These are more important than the questions I want answered!)
• Find out what it meant to them back then, before applying it to us now.
B. Context is King
ALL Scripture is God-breathed, not just the warm and cosy verses.
Beware the ‘Instagram Bible’ – “It comforts but rarely convicts. It emotes but rarely exhorts. It warms but rarely warns. It promises but rarely prompts. It moves but does not mortify. It builds self-assurance but balks at self-examination.” (Jen Wilkin, The Gospel Coalition).
e.g. 1 Corinthians 2:9 – Can we comprehend our salvation?
C. Genre
(Genre: “a style or category of art, music or literature”)
We instinctively learn to read different types of literature in different ways:
• Limerick v’s news report
• Comic v’s textbook
• Novel v’s autobiography
The Bible’s 66 books contain different genres of literature:
• Historical narrative
• Poetry
• Prophecy
• Law
• Wisdom literature
• Apocalyptic writings
• Gospels
• Epistles (Letters)
Commit to reading LITERARILY (according to literary style) before reading literally.
D. Literary Context
• Why is this here?
• What comes immediately before and after this?
• How does this fit into the whole?
o Look for author’s purpose statements (e.g. Luke 1:1-4; 1 John 5:13)
o How does this passage contribute to the bigger aim of the book?
[Also, historical context; redemptive context]
E. In your group:
Example 1
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13 ESV
How have you heard this verse taught/applied? What sort of ‘things’ have we heard this verse be used to refer to?
Take time to consider the immediate context (i.e. what comes before and after) by reading Philippians 4:10-20. Why does Paul write this section? What is Paul’s situation (cp. 1:12-14). How does Paul want to reassure his readers?
In light of this, what does Paul mean by v13?
ii. Example 2
Read John 2:1-11. Where have you heard this passage preached? Taken on its own, what might the author’s purpose be for recording this?
Now read John 20:30-31. Why did John write his Gospel? How does John 2:1-11 contribute to that overall purpose? In light of this, what is John 2:1-11 about?
F. Reading the Bible – what to do
a. Bible in a Year
b. Reading a Part of the Bible
c. Meditating on the Scriptures (Psalm 1:2)
d. Reading with others
e. Apply!
You may as well quit reading and hearing the Word of God, and give it to the devil, if you do not desire to live according to it. Martin Luther
Homework.
Read the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17).
Think about the sort of lessons you have heard taught from this – especially the application (therefore you should…)
Now read 1 Samuel 17:46-47
• What is the purpose behind this story?
• Read through the whole chapter and note the ways that the author accomplishes his purpose in how he unfolds the story. What are we supposed to take from it?
Thursday Jan 23, 2020
19th Jan 2020 - "The Blessed Life" - Psalm 119:1-16
Thursday Jan 23, 2020
Thursday Jan 23, 2020
Psalm 119[a]
New International Version (NIV)
א Aleph
1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord.
2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart—
3 they do no wrong
but follow his ways.
4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!
6 Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.
8 I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.
ב Beth
9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, Lord;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
Footnotes:
- Psalm 119:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, the stanzas of which begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet; moreover, the verses of each stanza begin with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
Sunday Jan 19, 2020
Sunday Jan 19, 2020
1 Timothy 5:17-6:2
New International Version (NIV)
17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”[a] and “The worker deserves his wages.”[b]19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favouritism.
22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
6 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare[c] of their slaves. These are the things you are to teach and insist on.
Footnotes:
- 1 Timothy 5:18 Deut. 25:4
- 1 Timothy 5:18 Luke 10:7
- 1 Timothy 6:2 Or and benefit from the service