Welcome To St Andrew's Church, Newlands, Cape Town

Over the next few weeks we have the opportunity to have 2 different sermons as we look at the Christian view of the world in the evenings and 1 Peter in the morning. Mike started us off with a wide-ranging introduction about what we mean by a Christian mind.  I was struck by the line: the value of anything is in how much glory it brings to God. This week I will try to take that into a discussion on the Christian response to poverty.

1 Peter 2:19-25

1. We like sheep have gone astray – how do we know when we have gone astray – which is the right path?
2. Why do we need a shepherd – why can’t I do this on my own?
3. Do I need a guardian – where is the threat to my soul?
4. By His wounds we have been healed – what in my life needs healing?
5. What does it mean to live for righteousness ?

1. How do you understand the risen body of Jesus – He comes through locked doors and yet is physical enough for Thomas to touch.
2. As the Father sent me…do you see yourself as sent by God?
3. Receive the Holy Spirit – have you received the Spirit; what does this mean; how can we be sure?  (read Isaiah 30:20-21 – Jesus calls the Spirit the Teacher)
4. Do you have any doubts?  Is this a bad thing?
5. Believe and have life – what does this mean to you?

Matthew 21:12-17/ 27:11-54

There are 2 readings for today as we look at Jesus’ final week.  The celebration of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the chaos and agony of Jesus’ trial and death.

1. Do you think Jesus was as excited as the crowd as He entered Jerusalem?
2. Consider the fickle nature of many sports fans – how easy is it to understand the crowd’s changing cries?
3. If the people had actually listened to Jesus’ teaching – would they have cheered as loudly and demanded what they did?
4. Jesus says very little during His arrest and trial – what could He have said to save Himself?
5. As you move through the familiar passages over the next weeks – consider where you may have been had you been there.

Looking back

I find myself challenged more and more each week as I look over what we have learned in the sermons.  Bishop Geoff reminded us that in order to see what is pleasing to God we need to be deep in our relationship with God.  We are encouraged to throw ourselves utterly on God – to offer up our emptiness.  But I find that my life is too often filled with me and all the “me-stuff” that I don’t want to let go of.

Looking forward

John 11 – the raising of Lazarus.  Read the whole chapter if you can.

1. See if you can find other stories about Mary, Martha and Lazarus.  Their home appears to have become Jesus’ special place of rest and peace.  Is your home a place like that?
2. Jesus knows that Lazarus’ illness will lead to glory – how does this make you feel at times of difficulty?
3. Thomas (vs 16) shows courage in the face of danger – how courageous are we when we don’t know what is coming – do we follow even though we are afraid?
4. Jesus wept – our God is a God who is involved in His creation – is it sometimes difficult to believe that God cares?
5. I am the resurrection and the life – are there areas in your life that need to be revived – that need new life?