Richhill Presbyterian Church

We have moved

2008-05-09T15:35:00.005Z

Chect out our new location

Thank you all for being so faithful and I hope you are enjoying the services. This new site will allow you to listen to the same great services and you will also find a lot more information about RPC. Hope you enjoy the move.

Even though we have moved you can still get older services from this site and you can also subscribe through the e-mail or feedburned subscription.

All the best.

Shades Mountain are back on the 25th May

2008-05-05T12:25:00.002Z

Shades Mountain Baptist Church with Michael Adler will return with his choir, orchestra and youth band will return on the 25th May for "A great night of music and song". On their previous vist the church was full and extra seating had to be put in place. This is a night not to be missed.

Jars of Clay

2008-05-04T10:58:00.005Z

Alastair speaks from Isaiah 41

Christians are seen by the world as 'potty'! In one sense they are right! We are 'Jars of Clay', but with an immense treasure within us.

Isaiah 41 helps us understand what this means.

Visit Jars of Clay web sit and hear more of their music.

Live as children of light!

2008-05-04T10:53:00.006Z

Alastair speaks from Ephesians 5 v 8

Last week the emphasis was love. Today the call is to live as children of the light!
Jesus is the light of the world and we are to be 'light in the Lord'
Alastair speaks from Ephesians 5v8

Logos Ministries

2008-04-30T20:56:00.001Z

Logos Ministries specializes in motivating for mission. Our goal is to help people respond to God’s call to mission and to encourage Christians to realise their full potential as Christ’s witnesses, first in their own locality, and then on a world-wide scale.

Tonight we hear from Pastor Stephen Devakumar India

Eagles or Turkeys?

2008-04-27T17:39:00.006Z

Alastair speaks on Isaiah 40 v 31

How can we have victory in our Christian Walk. Often we begin well, but then get weary and tired. We need the empowering of God by his Spirit so that we can soar like Eagles.
Alastair speaks from Isaiah 40

Walking in REAL Love

2008-04-27T11:15:00.005Z

Walkimg in REAL Love

Every child loves to mimic his/hers parents. As children of God, we're to mimic HIM! Paul tells us in Ephesians 5 1-7 and warns of Satan's counterfeit!

Isaiah 40

2008-04-20T17:51:00.004Z

Here Is Your God!

In Isaiah 40 1-11, we heard some mighty promises made by God.
But how can we be sure that he can keep those promises?

V12-26 gives us a big view of our big God!

How God grows his chuch - Part 4

2008-04-20T09:57:00.008Z

Living to please him

Series - How does God grow His Child.

Today - We look at living to please him.

We examine 5 nitty gritty areas of life:

truth,
anger,
honesty,
wholesome talk, and,
kindness.

How God grows his church - part 3

2008-04-13T09:07:00.005Z

David Richmond speaks on Ephesians

We continue with the third part of how God grows His Church. Today we learn how to guard against stunted growth.
1. “…no longer live as the Gentiles do!”
a. Not legalism
b. Be different
c. Avoid a hard heart
2. “Put on the New Self!”
a. We are to learn from Jesus
b. We are to respond to Jesus
c. We are to be like Jesus

God's Comforting Promise.

2008-04-06T09:23:00.004Z

Alastair speaks from Isaiah 40
Before Christmas we studied in the early chapters of Isaiah.

We return to this great book and pick up our passage of study in Chapter 40, where we see

God's Comforting Promise.

How God grows His Church - part 2

2008-04-06T09:20:00.005Z

Alastair speaks on Ephesians 4
We continue with the second part of how God grows His Church. When the teaching leaders teach the word of God, and when the body of believers serve in ministry, amazing things happen!!!
See what these amazing things are!

What are we living for? Big Question 10

2008-03-30T09:39:00.005Z

Ashley speaks from Philippians 1 19-26

What are we living for? Philippians 1:19-26

“For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (v.21)

Christ – Sufficient supply (vv. 18B- 19)

Joy filled confidence2)
Power of prayer

Christ – Magnified (v.20)

Tunnel vision – Paul’s certain hope
Mission – to magnify Christ

Christ – in life and death (vv.21-26)

to live is Christ”
“to die is gain”
Paul’s indecision
Paul’s selflessness

How God grows His Church- Part 1

2008-03-30T09:37:00.003Z

Alastair speaks on Ephesians 4

We begin a short series looking at some practical teaching for the Christian and the Church.
Today's study seeks to ask answer a simple question - how does God grow His Church?

Big Question 9: the resurrection of Jesus

2008-03-23T10:27:00.005Z

Our 'Big Question' tonight is on a subject of the Resurrection of Jesus. Why do we believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus and what does it mean?

Big Questions - The Resurrection of Jesus

The Risen Jesus meets two disciples!

2008-03-23T10:15:00.005Z

On Easter we celebrate the Risen Christ. He shows Himself to individuals, groups and great crowds. Today we look at his meeting with two sad and discouraged disciples.
Lucas speaks on Easter Sunday

Celebrate the hope of Easter

2008-03-21T11:28:00.004Z

Alastair speaks on Good Friday

Sticking plasters and antiseptic are great for cuts and grazes, but when life leaves you feeling battered and bruised inside you can't exactly bandage yourself up. can you?

So you put a brave face on it. You hold your head up high and battle on, even though you're hurting. And if you're honest, you probable add to your injuries by beating yourself up about them, too.

But there's help at hand.

Jesus Christ is the best rescue remedy for out concerns and spiritual ills - and all that life throws at us. He knows about the worries that wear us down, the things we've done to hurt others as well as ourselves. He wants to clean us up and set us back on out feet again.

This Easter gives you the opportunity to find out why Jesus really is the best medicine for heavy hearts.

Come and join us at church and discover how he can help you.

Should Christians Drink? - What the Bible says on alcohol

2008-03-16T18:24:00.012Z

Lucas continues our 'Big Questions' series looking at the controversial subject of Christians consuming alcohol

Lucas speaks on what the Bible says about alcohol - Galatians 5

Should Christians Drink?
What does the Bible say about alcohol?

There are differences of opinion in regard to Christians and the use of alcohol, but all Bible believing
Christians believe the bible teaches addiction to alcohol is sinful. (1 Cor. 6:12, 2 Peter 2:19)
The Bible is also very clear that being drunk is a sin:

Biblical prohibitions against drunkenness

Drunkenness is a sin - Deut 21:20; Eccl 10:17; Luke 12:45; 21:34; Rom 13:13; I Cor 5:11; Eph 5:18; I Peter 4:3
No priest was to drink alcohol while performing his duties (Lev 10:9; Ezek 44:21), though he could consume while not working– Num 18:12, 27, 30
No king was to drink while judging the law– Prov 31:4-5
An elder or minister cannot be a drunkard– I Tim 3:3; Titus 1:7
No Drunkard will inherit the kingdom of God - I Cor 6:10; Gal 5:21

Biblical problems caused by drunkenness

Incest - Gen 19:32-35
Violence - Prov 4:17
Adultery - Rev 17:2
Mocking & brawling - Prov 20:1
Poverty - Prov 21:17
Late night & early morning drinking - Isa 5:11-12
Hallucinations - Isa 28:7
Injustice - Isa 5:22
Murder - 2 Sam 11:13-15
Gluttony & Poverty - Prov 23:20-21
Vomiting - Jer 25:27; 48:26; Isa 19:14
Staggering - Jer 25:27; Psalm 107:27; Job 12:25
Madness - Jer 51:7
Prolonged sleep - Jer 51:39
Nakedness - Hab 2:15; Lam 4:21
Laziness - Joel 1:5
Escapism - Hos 4:11
Depression -Luke 21:34
Staying up to party all night - I thess 5:7
Debauchery - Eph 5:18

Three Positions on Alcohol:
Prohibitionist: Wrongly teach that all drinking of alcohol is a sin and alcohol is itself evil. Some falsely argue that the wine spoken of positively in the Bible is non– alcoholic grape juice.
Text to consider: Ps 104:14-15; John 2:10; Num 6:1-4; Deut 14:22-26

Abstentionist: Wrongly teach that drinking is not sinful, but all Christians should avoid drinking out of love for others and a desire not to cause anyone to stumble.
Text to consider: Hosea 2:8; Matt 11:19; 1 Tim 4:1-5; 1 Cor 10:31

Moderationists: Rightly teach that drinking is not sinful, And that each person must let his conscience, which the Holy Spirit works through, to guide them without judging others.
Text to consider: 1 Sam 1:14,24; 25:18, 37; Ps 104:14-15; Eccl 9:7; 10:19; Joel 2:24; 3:18; Isa 25:6; 27:2-6;
Jer 31:12; Hosea 2:9; 2:22; Amos 9:13-14; Jer 48:33; Lam 2:12; Joel 1:10; Hag 2:16; Gen 27:28; Deut 7:13;
Isa 55:1; Zech 9:17

Biblical Occasions to Drink Alcohol in Moderation

Celebration - Gen 14:17-20 Thanksgiving to God - Prov 3:9-10
The Lord’s Supper - Matt 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18 Rejoicing – Deut 14:26
Medicinal purposes - Prov 31:6; 1 Tim 5:23

Four Questions to ask:

What does the Bible say? Universal sin - All people, all times.
What does my Conscience say? Particular sin– Some people, some times.
What does my Weakness require? My struggles, temptations etc…
What does my Friend require? Freedom not first priority.

Text to consider: Gal 5; 1 Cor 8; Rom 14

In the Essentials: Unity
In the Non– Essentials: Liberty
In All Things: Charity

Jesus and a big crowd

2008-03-16T10:55:00.004Z

We continue our mini series as we walk with Jesus on the Road to the cross. We have already met a poor blind man and a rich corrupt man. Now we meet a huge crowd as Jesus enters Jerusalem for the first time.
Alaistair speaks on Jesus speaking to a large crowd - Luke 19 v28-44

The Church where the Spirit reigned.

2008-03-09T19:03:00.002Z

Alastair speaks from Acts 2 v42

Once a year we stop and look again at our purpose for existing. We ask the essential question "What is a Church like when the Holy Spirit Reigns?"

Cake sale and car wash - Saturday 15th March

2008-03-09T16:23:00.003Z

On Saurday there is a coffee morning and cake sale with the funds raised going to SMILES foundation (Romania) & Marie Curie Nursing (cancer care)

This event takes place in the church from 10.00am - 12.30pm on Saturday 15th March.

Celebration Of Hope

2008-03-09T16:08:00.002Z

Celebration Of Hope services, 4th- 6th April
Odyssey Arena Beffast.

A group of local clergy..........
A prayer meeting........
A God given vision.....

That is how it started... and this is where it is now!

During the 3 days of the Celebration Services, there shall be a range of Christian artists from across the world appearing on stage at the Odyssey. At each of the 3 services, we will hear the message of The Gospel from Franklin Graham, who we look forward to welcoming to Belfast.

“Celebration of Hope” a once in a life time festival that is coming to Belfast!

Jesus and the wee man

2008-03-09T12:17:00.002Z

Alastair speaks on Luke 19 verse 10

We continue our mini sermon on people Jesus. Today we see Jesus as he meets Zacchaeus. This is an important encounter because verse 10 is a summary statement of his whole ministry while on earth.

Rock Cafe - 2008 (Sunday Night)

2008-03-02T21:50:00.000Z

Richard asks the question "Where are you"

Jesus and a blind man

2008-03-02T12:13:00.004Z

A short series up to Easter about people who met Jesus before and after the cross.

Alaistair speaks from Luke 18 35-43

Rock Cafe - 2008 (Saturday Night)

2008-03-01T22:30:00.002Z

Main Speaker is Richard Pidgley the minister of

Mount of Olives Church

Mount of Olives

Richard Talks about being Seriously Rich

Buy Richards book

Rock Cafe - 2008 (Friday Night)

2008-02-29T21:50:00.002Z

Drama by "Big Blue Sky"

The Builder

Main Speaker - Richard Pidgley

Richard speaks at Rock Cafe

Rock Cafe - 2008 (Friday Night)

2008-02-29T21:49:00.000Z

Stuart Dix

Stuart is a singer/songwriter who has been playing guitar and writing songs for about 5 year now. He is passionate about music and the inspirational God toward whom music/worship was created to be directed.

Click on the widget to hear the Music

Rock Cafe - 2008

2008-02-28T15:40:00.006Z

Starts on 29th February 2008 @ 8.00pm for 3 nights.

Open to all pupils at Secondary and for the first time all Primary 7 children. The guest speaker this year is Richard Pidgley

with the music by Stuart Dix.

The 3 nights are packed with activities, live music, games, food and the opportunity to win a Nintendo Wii, ipod's and HMV gift cards.

Doors open at 7.45pm for a 8.00pm start.

Main Speaker

Richard Pidgley

Book Description
‘Seriously Rich is the gripping account of a wrecked, "burnt out" teenager who had no hope and wanted to die. The true story of a young man whose ruined life was powerfully and radically transformed by God’s amazing grace. It may make you laugh or it may make you cry but you won’t be able to deny, Richard is seriously rich!’

Steve Chalke, Director, Oasis Trust

God’s grace is personal, lavished upon the world yet equally applied to individual lives. The story of Richard Pidgley demonstrates the power of God’s grace that can reach the individual. What the grace of God has done in Richard’s life demonstrates to us all that no need is too great, no place too far, no pit too deep and no moment too late for the grace of God.

‘Seriously Rich is an excellent contribution for those whose background has left them feeling marginalised and with no significant future. Richard tells his own story of God’s grace and provision in a style that is easy to read and understand. This book will give hope to those who feel that they have had a bad start in life.’ Paul Weaver, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God

‘Richard Pidgley’s story, as told in this excellent book, proves beyond doubt that God is able to change broken lives and turn difficult situations totally around. I thoroughly recommend this story to you and I know all who read it will be strengthened and helped. John Partington, Senior Minister, Riverside Christian Centre, Exeter

Synopsis
Features an autobiography of a convicted criminal, whose life is turned around by an encounter with God.

Big Question 7: Excuses, Excuses! And how to deal with them

2008-02-24T18:48:00.003Z

Alastair speaks on 1 Peter 3 v15

We are to give a reason for the hope we have in Christ, and often people use excuses to delay coming to faith in Christ.

We give answers to these excuses.

Death and Life

2008-02-24T12:27:00.005Z

Alastair speaks from Romans 5: Death and Life

2 men (Adam and Jesus) +

2 trees (Tree in the Garden of Eden + the cross of Calvary)

The Big Question 6: What about Hell?

2008-02-17T10:24:00.009Z

Alastair speaks on Matthew 13

This is one or the most common questions and most difficult to deal with. John Lennon tells us to imagine there is NO Heaven and No Hell.

Jesus tell us something different.

1. Is it a real place?

* John Lennon : "Imagine...no Hell below us"
* Jesus talked more about Hell than He did about Love!
* Jesus talked more about judgment and Hell than all the other Biblical preachers combined!

2. What is it like?

A) Final Separation!

* Absolute Separation - Matt 13:49

* Permanent Separation - Matt 13:48

B) Terrible Fate!

* Suffering - Matt 13:50
* Memories of wasted opportunities - Luke 16:25
* Guilt - Luke 16:27-28

3. Can a good God send anyone there?

* In one sense we send ourselves there!
* It is dangerous folly to expect to ignore the Lord Jesus Christ and not have a penalty to face!
* Break laws and there are always consequences.

4. How can I ensure I escape such a place?

How Much More? - Assurance

2008-02-17T10:21:00.006Z

Alastair speaks from Romans 5

God want us to be sure of our salvation especially as we move to the LAST DAY.

1 . We shall be saved through Christ v 9+10
Salvation has future tense as well as a past and present tense.

A) Negatively - we shall be saved from God's wrath through Christ v9
B) Positively - We shall be saved through His Life v10

2. We can also rejoice in God v11
We rejoice not just in the hope of the future v2, nor in our trouble, BUT in God Himself! v11

Christianity Explored - Interview with Pauline McNeely

2008-02-12T19:26:00.002Z

Interview about Christianity Explored

Dates for the diary

Introduction Night

Thursday - February 28th 7 to 8pm

Sessions 1 - 3

Thursdays - March 6th, 13th &20th @ 7pm

Sessions 4 - 6

Thursdays - April 3rd, 10th & 17th @ 7pm

"We all have questions about faith, join us as we explore these questions together"

Any questions please phone

02838871605
or
02838861600

You don't need to know anything about the Bible.
You won't be asked to read aloud, pray or sing.
You can ask any question you want.

Christianity Explored

Find out more about Chrstianity Explored

The Big Question 5: The Sufficiency of Scripture - Is the Bible enough.

2008-02-10T19:50:00.000Z

Is the Bible enough.

Peter Gamble The Mall Presbyterian church

2008-02-10T10:53:00.000Z

Peter Gamble speaks on Genesis 32 verses21-32

Funeral service of Adison Hope Parks (21 weeks)

2008-02-08T21:52:00.000Z

Alastair speaks at the Funeral service of Adison Hope Parks

The mother reads the poem

Great is Thy Faithfulness

It is Well with my Soul

Before the Throne

Prayer

Various Readings

Amazing Grace

Blessed be Your Name

My Hope is in You

Sail Northern Ireland

2008-02-04T20:37:00.000Z

Big Question 5: The sufficiency of scripture: Is the Bible big enough.

2008-02-03T18:52:00.000Z

Alastair speaks on the sufficiency of scripture

Today people recon culture and experience can determine what we believe. However Christians believe that scripture is enough for belief & behavior.

Love for Losers! Romans

2008-02-03T10:32:00.000Z

Alastair speaks on Romans 5 v 6-8

"I can no more do justice to this awesome and wonder filled topic than a child can grasp a STAR. Still, by reaching towards the star, the child may call attention to it, and even indicate the direction one must look to see it. And also, I stretch my heart towards the high, shining Love of God so that we may be encourage to look up and have hope." A.W. Tozer

Christianity Explored:Introduction Night : Thursday February 28th 7 - 8pm

2008-01-28T19:58:00.000Z

'We all have questions about faith, join us as we explore these questions together.'

You don't need to know anything about the Bible.
You won't be asked to read aloud, pray or sing.
You can ask any questions you want.

Come along and find out what it's all about.

Any Questions please telephone:
028 38871605 or 028 38871600

Mike Haight of Twenty-Four Seven

2008-01-28T19:47:00.001Z

Mike Haight of Twenty-Four Seven

Come and join us on this evening.

Results of the Questionnaire.

2008-01-27T10:33:00.000Z

The question below was asked and the results are as follows.

What type of hymn do you prefer singing during the service?

58% said they liked a mixture of both old and new songs,

32% said they like the new songs only, and,

10% said they like only the old type of songs.

The Big Question 4: Why are there so many hypocrites in the Church?

2008-01-25T18:19:00.000Z

Alastair speaks from 1st John 1 v8+9

As we continue is in our series of Big Questions that the world asks us - we turn to the subject of Hypocrisy. Why are there so many hypocrites in the Church? To understand the answer we must understand the mixed idea of the Church and what a real Christian is.

1. What are the SIGNS of Hypocrisy? Matthew 23:1-26.

Double standards – v 3-4.
Seek glory – v 5-12.
Block way to heaven – v 13-15.
False promises – v 16-22.
Obsessed with trivial – v 23-24.
Externalized religion – v 25-26.

2. Why can Genuine Christians show signs of hypocrisy?
Essential we understand what a real Christian is.

Real Christians are forgiven sinners.

Christians are not perfect – but are forgiven sinners who struggle in a fallen world + need ongoing repentance + cleansing. 1 Tim 1 v15 – ‘…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.’

Real Christians are not what they used to be.

We have a long way to go! BUT we have also come a long way!!!

Real Christians are becoming what they will be.

‘that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus’ Phil 1 v6.

3. How can we recover from this disease?

Ensure you are SAVED!
No double standards – focus on Him!
NO seeking glory – exalt Him!
No blocking to heaven – lead them to Him!
No false promises – keep your word!
No obsession of trivial – implement the important!
No externalized religion – have your heart transformed!

The top downloads

2008-01-24T20:53:00.000Z

Just thought I would share with all you listeners some of the most popular sermons, which have been downloaded or listened to over the last few weeks.

1 - Ashley Graham speaks from Matthew 14: 22-33
2 - Lucas speaks 1 John 4: 1-10 The Big Qusstion 2 - What about other Religions
3 - Alastair speaks from Luke 1: 26-38
4 - Alastair speaks on 2 Corinthians 4 The Big Question - Suffering
5 - Alastair speaks from 1 Thessalonians 4 v13- 5 v11. The Big Question - Will Jesus come again?

It is clear for the top downloads that the new series on The Big Questions are very popular. Please listen and spread the word.

The Big Questions 3 - Will Jesus come again?

2008-01-18T19:07:00.000Z

Alastair speaks from 1 Thessalonians 4 v13- 5 v11.

One of the biggest questions people ask is - will Jesus come back again. The Bible is very clear that He will and what is expected of us as we wait for this glorious return.

1. Then – what will happen!

Return – 4 v 16. Everyone will see and hear it – even the dead.
Resurrection – 4 v 16b. Nothing can separate Christ from His people – even death!
This will be the ultimate make over!
Rapture 4 v 17. Few details should satisfy us – so don’t waste time in speculation.
Reunion 4 v 17. This is the ultimate purpose – united with our Saviour.

2. Now – as we wait! Ch 5 1-11.

A) Wrong question 5 v 1-3
– about times and dates v 1-3.
- secret and unexpected v 2
- sudden and unavoidable v 3
- time of separation – Matthew 24 v 40

B) Right Status v 4-11.

- ‘Sons of the light and sons of the day’ v5 – live like it!!!
- ‘be alert’ v 6 – not casual or clueless.
- ‘self controlled’ v 6+7 – disciplined.
- ‘Guard your heart and head’ – v 8 – with faith, love and hope.
- be saved v 9+10.
- ‘encourage’ and build up – v11.

Don’t waste your sufferings

2008-01-18T18:51:00.000Z

Alastair speaks from Romans 5 v3-4

Somehow we have listened to the wrong people with the wrong doctrine who preach the wrong message that Christians are exempt from suffering. This is simply NOT the case. The Bible tells us to expect suffering and also to rejoice in it! We have much to learn about this subject.

What is clear is that Christians are expected to experience suffering:

Romans 5 v 3 : ‘…we also rejoice in our sufferings,…’

1 Peter 4 v 12 : ‘Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.’
James 1 v 2 : ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,…’
Jesus : ‘Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely sat all kinds of evil against you, because of me.’
NOT a ‘grin and bear it’ attitude!
NOT a ‘enjoy the pain’ approach!
NOT a ‘pretend it’s not there’ phoniness!

1. Perseverance! : ‘Steadiness’! – when attacked, under fire and in the storm.
2. Character! : In suffering the invincible become vulnerable, the independent become dependent, the arrogant exhibit humility, the tough are tenderized!
3. Hope! : Hope that in a suffering world we will respond to it like Jesus did and become more and more like Him.
4. Confidence! : KJV – better – ‘Hope does not make us ashamed’
Suffering Christians who seek to be like Jesus in their suffering – lose their fear of ridicule and confidently share the gospel.

Big Question 2: What about Other Religions?

2008-01-13T18:16:00.000Z

Lucas speaks 1 John 4: 1-10

Exclusivity: How can we say we have the one truth?

Two Strategies that won't work in dealing with the divisiveness of religion:

1. Hoping for and helping religion to weaken or disappear

2. Confine religion to the private realm.
Have everyone agree 2 things:
1. All religions are equally valid paths to God.
2. Religion is good for you, but never argue for values in society based on your religious faith.

A strategy that will work in dealing with the divisiveness of religion:

1. The Origin of Jesus' salvation.

2. The Purpose of Jesus' salvation.

3. The Method of Jesus' salvation.

If we take the Gospel of Jesus Christ into the centre of our lives we can be an agent of the Gospel in the world.

Concert images: Watch out for Rock Cafe 2008

2008-01-11T20:44:00.000Z

Benefits of Justification

2008-01-11T19:50:00.000Z

Alastair speaks on Romans 5 vs 1-11

In the book of Romans Paul has already shown us our NEED of justification - we are in a shocking spiritual and moral mess. He has also presented for us the glorious message of the WAY of justification and the amazing truth that Jesus died for us to buy our freedom from sin.
As we come to Romans 5 we now begin to see the great BENEFITS of justification.

1. Peace comes from God’s Salvation v1.

‘Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,…’V1
Bad news – without Jesus we are the objects of God’s wrath – Ephesians 2 v3.
Good news – with Jesus we have peace with God.

2. Acceptance comes from God’s grace v2a.

‘…through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand’. V2a
We don’t just get a rare audience with the King – we have the privilege of living in the palace!

3. Joy comes from God’s hope v2b.

‘And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God’ v2b.
We have hope in the day God will wind up this spiritually and morally bankrupt world.
This hope fills us with excitement, anticipation and joy NOW!

The Big Questions- Suffering

2008-01-06T19:03:00.000Z

Alastair speaks on 2 Corinthians 4

We begin a new series looking at the Big Questions of the faith. Our aim is to give Biblical answers to some of the issues that trouble people. The aim is to provide answers to those difficult questions raised in the canteen at coffee break.

1. The Source of Suffering.

2. The Benefits of Suffering.
• A) Hard Times can REACH us!
• B) Hard Times can TEACH us!
• C) Hard Times can STRETCH us!
• D) Hard Times can EQUIP us!

3. The End of Suffering.

Motivation for Ministry

2008-01-06T10:49:00.000Z

Alastair speaks on 2 Corinthians 5 v11-21

We launch our major outreach effort of 2008 - Christianity Explored. Our passage of study looks at Paul's motivation for ministry - 2 Corinthians 5 11-21.

Motivation for Mission

1. Fear of the Lord.
2. Love in Christ
3. Command of God

Walk by Faith

2007-12-30T11:02:00.000Z

Ashley Graham speaks from Matthew 14: 22-33

"Faith is both a decisive act and a sustained attitude"

1) In the will of God.

Disciples sent by Jesus v.22
Jesus dismissed the crowd v.22
Jesus prays v.23
Extreme conditions v.24

2) "Fourth watch fear"

Jesus walks on water v.25
Disciples blinded by fear v.26
"Take courage, it is I" v.27

3) Doubt sinks, faith walks.

Peter recognises Jesus v.28
Walking by faith v.29
Loss of focus v.30
Rescue and rebuke v.31

4) Jesus is Lord

Nature is subject of Him v.32
Disciples worship Him v.33

How will you respond?

Just a few photographs.

2007-12-26T21:36:00.001Z

The God who Gives

2007-12-23T12:17:00.000Z

Alastair speaks from Luke 1: 26-38

v31 - 'Jesus' : Bethlehem's baby only makes sense in the light of Calvary's crucified Saviour!
v32 - 'Great' : Jesus is superlatively greater than anything we think is great!
v32-35 - Son of the Mist High + Son of God" : El-Elyon - no one highter than He is! He is an unlimited Monarchy with an absolute reign!
v35 - 'Holy One' : Gree from all sin!

For nothing is impossible with God.

Light In The Darkness

2007-12-16T20:53:00.000Z

Alastair speaks on Isaiah 8 vs 9 - 9 vs 7

The Faith of Abraham

2007-12-16T20:36:00.000Z

Alastair speaks on Romans 4

The lies we tell ourselves.

2007-12-10T16:12:00.000Z

Lucas speaks from Romans 2

Faith - Old Testament Examples

2007-12-09T12:30:00.000Z

Alastair speaks on Romans 4 v 3

Ahaz- A divided Heart

2007-12-02T19:43:00.000Z

Alastair speaks on Isaiah 7 v1-17

How do we respond?

2007-12-02T12:24:00.000Z

Alastair speaks from Romans 3 v25

Missionary Service led by Heather Hanna

2007-11-25T21:00:00.000Z

Tonight’s service had the purpose of making people aware of the need for missionary work.
The following people were interviewed.

Ruth Allen – Development Manager with the Volunteer Development Bureau. http://www.volunteering-ni.org/jump.asp

Helen Bruce – PCI (Youth and Children section) wwww.pciyac.org, and,

Barbara Graham – leader in charge of the senior youth group (connect) held on Friday nights and a volunteer in Romania.

As a result of this there is no sermon to download.

If you need any other information about anything on this blog please use the contact details, leaving contact information and someone will get back to you.

Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything i have commanded you. And surely i am with you always, to the very end of the age". (Matthew 28 v.16-20)

When Jesus instructed His disciples to be His witnesses to the end of the earth he told them to begin in Jerusalem and to move out from there in ever increasing circles, to the ends of the earth (see Acts 6 v.6-8). "We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God" (John Stott), but we begin at the place where we meet together as the local church; Jesus sends us out into our own neighbourhoods.

God is attentive to our needs and so He sends. In the Old Testament He sent prophets to warn and leaders to deliver. In the New Testament He sent His Son to die for our sin and restore His creation.

Jesus told His followers, "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you". When we go to people and places in need, we are expressing our Creator's nature. We are representing Heaven and our King.

Going is not complicated. Jesus painted a simple picture of what it would look like; a sent one is light...

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and out it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5 v.14-16)

"A city on a hill cannot be hidden..", but what about our village on a hill? Is Richhill a place where God's Kingdom can be seen. How should we be light in Richhill?

Collectively, each one playing their part.
We may all shine differently, but we all must shine. Whether you're a warning beacon or a reassuring night-light, you have a part to play. Light shines when you get involved in your community, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms" (1 Peter 4 v.10)

But there are no lone rangers in the Kingdom of God. We are all part of the body of Christ. We gather to encourage each other and to be sent out again, but we need a friend with us when we go.

Creatively, doing simple things well.
To be light, we need to think creatively. The issues that we need to deal with donlt exist in heaven. Darkness (such as sickness, loneliness and addiction) is of this world.

But being light does not need to be a complicated thing. Ask yourself, "What is the need and how can the need be met simply?" Sharing a meal with someone can be a very powerful way to be light, a meal was often at the centre of Jesus activity as He transformed people from stranger to guest and guest to friend.

Compassionately, getting alongside the weak & vulnerable for the long haul.
Going means that we go somewhere new, where we might not feel comfortable or knowledgeable or welcome. Jesus never failed to show compassion to the weak and vulnerable, He said he had come to seek and to save those who were lost and then He went out and found them.

It is easy to think we have the answers and to rush to fix the problems of this world with programmes and strategies. We don't know the needs of everyone we meet. We don't live in their world so we need to learn to listen. Ask people what would be of greatest benefit to them, then serve their needs. That's when people will begin to trust us.

Confidently, remembering that Jesus is with us.
It is God's intention to use us as vessels for good. It is when we feel small and weak that Jesus us able to use us. The battle belongs to our King and Saviour, "God uses men and women who are weak and feeble enough to lean on Him" (Hudson Taylor).

Jesus does not promise to send us on an easy, safe or comfortable mission, but He loves us and promises to be with us, "even to the very end of the age".

Remember, sent ones are very ordinary people. We're not better, we're just there - showing up in the darkness, ready to illuminate God's Kingdom.

A group of young people who took part in an outreach programme (Xpression) in Portadown during August 2007 were also interviewed. The video shows some of the work they were involved in.