West View Baptist Church, Hartlepool

A family friendly church in the town of Hartlepool

Conferences, workshops and courses

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Veggie Tales and Tumblin’ Walls: Humbly serving God

Ian led our Father’s day worship today assisted by Amanda and Tim brought us the word.

Tim continued with his excursion through the Old Testament highlights He shared that is not actually something you get to preach on very often. Tim was very enthusiastic about the way that Veggie Tales tell todays reading very well. Those involved in children’s work knew what he was on about but there were puzzled looks from some in the congregation. I’ve included a link at the end so you can experience the Veggie Tales story.

Tim read from Joshua Chapter 5:13 onwards about the fall of Jericho. He shared his own feelings on this and similar passages from the Old Testamement. He asked us if we saw the difficulty and the problems. If it was easy as the children’s tales make out. He sort of regrets doing this highlights tour. Killing everyone is a subject that causes real problems. Richard Dawkins uses this story as evidence God doesn’t exist.
Tim stressed the importance of being careful what we read into this and how we deal with this. He had read some commentaries on this. Need to recognise this comes from an ancient world where war and destruction was an everyday occurrence.

God’s people are different and are separated. This is part of a much longer story of God providing a promised land. Jericho was a fortress standing in the way of that Promised Land and that needed to be dealt with.

Deuteronomy Chapter 20 v16 to 18 sets out the fact that things need to be destroyed. A necessary step in building purity. Tim says it is not necessarily how it happened, and if you read further on not everyone was destroyed. God’s bigger plan is to establish His people . Despite uncomfortable things in the passage there are things that will help us. Recommitting themselves to God was a start. But this was going to be hard work and Joshua needs to look to the heaven. First thing we notice is the appearance of a helper. God asserts that the battle is his and the commander of the Lord’s army appears. It’s like forming a football team and you’re struggling for players and Renaldo or whoever you like turns up. Ultimate the responsibility does not lie with Joshua. The God of the bible has a knack of tailoring his appearance to suit the needs of his people . No more evident than with Jesus.

As Joshua begins to realise who the commander is, Joshua understands God isn’t on anyone’s side. Sometimes it is more important to know who God is rather than what his plans are. Into desperate, hopeless, circumstances comes the appearance of help. God shows up on a way we often don’t expect.

The methods of God’s battle plan are a little strange, armed men , the sevens, the horns, the Ark! The Ark of the Covenant is referenced ten times and holds centre stage, it is the Ark that shows God’s presence with his people, this is what will make the difference!

You can imagine doing all the things asked, looking very silly, imagine the tensions waiting for the signal to break the silence. The emphasis here is on just how passive God’s people are and how important God’s presence is here. Leaves no doubt, God wins this battle not Joshua. God’’s tactics win out. God invites us to be involved in building God’s Kingdom. We do have a tendency to obscure his glory. Paul writes that the overwhelming power comes from God not us. Think about what we’ve seen in the Trump meeting with North Korea this week . It is incredible. Some of these things he does are ridiculous but what if they are foolish things acting in God’s power ? Will this lead to world peace?

Last thing is the demands placed on God’s people in verses 10 and 16. The writer shared some instructions first with the people. The writer emphasised the importance of the rules that need to, and must be followed. Obedience to God’s word is more important than the victory. It’s not what you do that matters, it’s how you do it! The temptation here was to grab loot, but God says no.

No doubt modern film makers would focus on the battle. But that’s not the focus here, In half a verse (20) the writes sums up what happens. Our response needs to be that of humble obedient servants through whom God can work, 1 Peter chapter 1 v16 “Be holy because I am holy”. Our battles shouldn’t be about winning minor victories but about winning for God.

There’s a story of salvation here for Rahab. She was not just someone saving spies. He is God in heaven above recognising she was a women of faith who believed in God. Rahab is found in Christ’s line according to Matthew 1:5. God chose a pagan prostitute to save. Let us have the simple faith that Rahab found and may our pursuit of God’s goals be as humble. Come have your way amongst us today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDpM_j1MZG8

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The adventures of Little Ted, being true to Scripture and a church of cracked pots

I feel like I’ve not been away from the church this weekend but that’s not a bad thing. On Saturday I helped Lynn with the IT for the Level 3 Safeguarding course she ran for leaders from across the Northern Baptist region. Even though I’ve spent a large part of my career in safeguarding I still learnt a lot, with a different focus on churches rather than schools. One memory aid that can stand us in good stead whenever we’re trying to find out what is troubling someone is Little Ted. Lynn used a Little Ted to remind us all of the best type of questions to ask that don’t assume or lead people.

Tell me about….

Explain what you mean….

Describe what happened when…

All of the course participants were given a lot to think about and now have the tools to make their churches safe environments for children and vulnerable adults.

 

 

On Sunday Jonny (aka Jacob!) led our worship and Amanda supported him with singing.

Jonny used the image of a Prayer tree to encourage people to think about issues to pray for.

Matty shared his thoughts on the importance of reading the bible from 2 Timothy 3:16 word for today. He drew on Paul’s teaching and cautioned us against the temptation to change scripture to fit today’s society. His conclusion was straightforward and direct. “Preach as it is written.”

Yvette brought the Word today, drawing from 2 Corinthians 4:13 to 5:1.

We know that if this earthly temple is destroyed we have an eternal house in heaven, one not built by human hands.

1 Corinthians dealt specifically with gifts . Paul wrote this letter to combat false prophets. Corinth was a busy port worshipping Greek and Roman gods. Anyone threatening these religions threatens the economic stability. Paul was threatening that stability.

We do need God we can’t do things on our own. Paul in his teaching was threatening the people making money. Just like in today’s society we should be an example of difference. We  don’t get even we forgive, love your neighbor live according to His Word glorify His Word.

We have a society of young people with health problems and image disorders . True beauty’s letting Jesus shine out. We simply need to realise that Jesus thought that we’re worth dying for.

The world says don’t rock the boat. Jesus says don’t conform to society . The Corinthians were struggling so Paul writes to support them. Bizarrely though Paul boasts about his weaknesses and faults .

He refers to clay jars, to poor pots, the sort that your average Corinthian householder would use to hides jewels. Paul is calling us cracked pots filled with the treasure of Jesus.

Darkness flees from us simply because we didn’t arrive on our own. We bring the light of Jesus . Darkness has no choice but to flee. Jesus is the light at the end of the tunnel. We need to keep going and persevere.

If we’re honest about ourselves, about our cracks and chips, that’s where people see light of Jesus shining through those cracks. That’s when it’s clear to people what we believe in.

Yvette  shared that the more she learnt about how much God loves us the less she worries about what other people think. Put our trust in God. We need true belief so it shows in our face, in how we talk to other people.

Yvette also shared how she keeps track of scriptures that speak to her and mean something. She writes the Scriptures on cards and keeps them in a tin. We need to be aware of signs and wonders. Holy Spirit moved when Paul preached. Faith without doubting only comes when you believe it.

God can use you to speak to someone, if you’re nervous or unsure say it in prayer, or ask leader or a friend in church.

Some have the gift of praying in tongues. Yvette encouraged us to ask for it , it’s your private prayer language.

Pray the bible, speak the words in prayer. Jesus didn’t go in for dramatic actions all the time. He often simply spoke and people were healed, demons were cast out.

Yvette said that as usual her message would include mention of her mum. She recall a time when some atheists asked Yvette’s mum to pray for them . They could see she was God’s friend . She believed and that belief shone throughand touched them.

Paul in chapter 11 23 lists his momentary troubles. Let’s be honest to us this doesn’t sound momentary yet despite all of that Paul continued to travel and to preach. He believed in God;s promises, he kept going, kept preaching, kept trusting. God never intended church to be stationary, he wants us all outside,  so walk along your street, pray over your street, take a photo we’ll put it up pray about it, use it as a backdrop to sing praise over.

When we get to meet him we will all want to get told well done good and faithful servant.

Yvette also shared what she thought her aunt Alithea and her mum would be doing in heaven, singing and dancing. She also thought her mum would have a Zoo rather than a mansion! Glory waits for us in heaven and will be worth all the struggles and pain. God sees us as we can be. We cannot disillusion god. Who we are belongs to God. One day these cracked pots will be stunning vases. Join with us in making earth a little more like heaven.

Ian concluded our service by leading us all in communion.

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A table feast, a dozen songs and a Sheraton crowd

It’s been a busy bank holiday weekend for the folks from West View. Our Filling Station on Friday was well attended with some of our regulars although we did have to break out the towels for some of our guests courtesy of a rather heavy and unexpected rain shower.

We had a lovely compliment paid to the team. One of our Filling Station friends described the conversation he has with members of our team as been uplifting and helping him with his confidence and finding ways to sort out his problems. He described talking to the people from our church team as “speaking to the ears of God”.  What a fantastic way to describe our simple offer of a community meal and friendship.

Our Sunday service was a little different this week. We had a café style to the service, with a break for coffee and cakes in the middle rather than at the end. Ian and Amanda led with the music for us and Esther led on the scriptures and activities for our children centred service. Our  focus today was on the table of hospitality and the invitation to share the feast that is what God invites us to share. Esther took us through Romans 12 v 1 – 2  and v 9- 21.

 

 

 

We also looked at Psalm 23. V 5 -6 and Isaiah 25 v 6-8. We encouraged all to do something different by inviting them to draw 0n their tablecloths and share their ideas on what they would like to see as part of a feast. Esther shared a number of photos showing family and church family celebrations and the street party held for the recent royal wedding. She also shared her own recent experience of finding herself almost looking for excuses when she was asked to provide hospitality and accommodation for a visitor. This is a danger we all face either in responding to an invite or indeed in offering an invitation or hospitality ourselves.

We also played the parable of the Great Banquet to help our young and young at heart to think about the message here. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BZwdwpE7_9c

We also had a short service at Sheraton Court on the afternoon. As our pastor was away on holiday we used a collection of videos on a laptop in order to lead the service. We continued the theme from the morning. We had so many residents and family members we ran out of chairs and song sheets. I’m always amazing at the lengths that the staff in Sheraton Court go to in order to provide stimulation and memory prompts. Their mining area gives an example of the thought they put into things for the residents.

 

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3 blogs in one: 1 prayer walk and two services.

It’s been a hectic weekend. Despite not having a Town Pastor’s shift I seemed to have packed an awful lot into a short space of time. On Saturday Amanda and a few friends went to Westoe Baptist Church for the Great Baptist Bakeoff. I’m glad I didn’t have to judge that one as every single church I know seems to have multiple cooks and bakers who create the most delicious flans, biscuits, flans; cakes, scones and flans.

Whilst they were doing that I joined a small team of mainly Anglican brothers and sisters in Christ for a prayer walk around the town. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I’d decided to make every effort to join them. I’d already got some ideas for focussing prayer and praise at a local level from the recent NBA Spring Assembly so I was up for seeing what I

Some of the prayer team

could learn. We walked from the War Memorial, along past the People’s Centre, the football ground, the supermarkets, museums, the FE college, Middleton Grange shopping centre, One Life centre, York Road and up  through the Burn Valley. I learnt that there were many different facets and factors that might need praying for, such as chaplaincy in the FE colleges, small suppliers trying to earn a living supplying ever bigger supermarket chains, NHS workers, volunteer food programmes, outreach services such as Mind and Hospital of God dementia care and a multitude of businesses along the way. I made some new friends and learnt of and shared my own experiences of Hartlepool. For me it was telling that as soon as we started praying in the square we were approached by a homeless person needing some food. One of our vicar friends arranged to meet at a local fast food establishment a little later in the walk and was able to help. Pray for all those who do not have what they need to make ends meet. We all seem as churches across Hartlepool  to be committed to rising to this challenge. This prayer walk reinforced a message from the Assembly. Mark Greene had pointed out that we probably all use some form of projected words for our worship, often with a beautiful but unknown nature scene as a background. Imagine he said how much

more powerful it is to sing praise and pray over a familiar scene from your own town or neighbourhood.

On Sunday we had a morning service at West View led by Ian and supported by Jonny and Amanda. Tim brought today’s word.

We were a little thin on the ground today due to illness. Tim brought the next highlight in his series from the Bible. It was a real headliner,  Exodus 20… the Ten Commandments. Not one you can leave out. Still something that most people in society know and recognise.

Tim said we could spend a lot of time going through these, but he reckoned it would be like a domino effect as we nodded off one by one. Charles Spurgeon, John Stott and Karl Barth have all variously been credited with saying something along the lines that a good preacher needs a bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other. That is still true today. Tim decided to focus on just the one commandment,  “You shall not murder”. This Tim suggests is one most of us might think we can tick this one off, but you have to think about what Jesus said in the sermon on the mount. Go beyond the goodness of the scribes and the Pharisees. “Keep the law” Jesus said to the young man who questions. He did not throw over the laws. The scribes over elaborated the laws and exerted immense social pressure. Matthew chapter 5 reinforces this message.

Tim asked “Should the Ten Commandments be engraved on the walls of courtrooms?” It seems like a good idea but if they stay on a wall that is just like the mistake of the scribes and Pharisees. Jeremiah 31 talks of the law being written on our hearts. Jesus asks is to consider what the transformation of the heart looks like. The people he describes on the mount are people at different stages in life. Anger and contempt, the elimination of these is the first stage that Jesus is talking about. Anyone who is angry or says you fool, earns the same label as the murderer. Anger is a vital emotion it compels us to act, to do something . Remember when Jesus got angry in the Temple. Martin Luther King , William Wilberforce, they changed things when they got angry at injustice. Somebody else’s anger can stop us in our tracks. Alone anger is useful and in itself is not sin. But it is dangerous that we can choose to be angry, and replicates itself in many ways . Verbal abuse, road rage . Most people do not know how to deal with anger. It doesn’t work out well if we respond in anger. Look at the world to see where this ends up. Collosians 3 says lay aside anger. Contempt is the bigger brother of anger, never justifiable or good. Do this to your brother and it’s equivalent to murder…raca is the Hebrew word for fool, for even humorous phrases used in contempt. Sticks and stones .., is not a true statement. Contempt combines so much of what is evil about anger. Tim shared how his grandmother used to tell people off if she caught them calling someone a fool. She saw this as a rule from the Bible not to be broken.

Simply sticking to the rules is not enough. Jesus is looking for the transformation of hearts. He even sends the Holy Spirit to help. Paul says in Romans 13 he that loves has fulfilled the law.

We must learn to live the life Jesus teaches. Verse 23 in that says if you’ve fallen out with someone this must be dealt with first. Imagine walking out of your own wedding or baptism in order to reconcile with someone.

Second illustration is from the legal system. Imagine you have an adversary , try and resolve it before you get to court says Jesus. Our society today is obsessed with our rights. The Jesus way is that we need to think of our obligations. Jesus invites us to learn to love. In Ephesians 4 don’t let the sun go down whilst you are still angry.

Peace patience self control. Be reminded as you wash up after dinner today. Jesus doesn’t just want you to wash the outside of cup he wants the inside clean as well.

Service number 2 on Sunday was “The Gathering” of all  the Baptist Churches at Oxford Road for an evening service. Ian led this service supported by Amanda and Tim with  Maurice from  Owton Manor bringing the word.

Maurice’s theme was unity. He started by offering the scene of the 3 mighty warriors or generals from 2 Samuel 23:16 who went through the enemy lines at great risk to themselves and got water. They presented it to David couldn’t drink it as they’d risked their lives. David poured it out as a love offering.

Move on 500 years to the greater Son of David. Jesus in John 17:20 is praying for unity. He wanted the people of God unified with God. Adam and Eve’s act of rebellion created huge disunity. Death, disaster, restricted growth were all consequences.

So what is the hallmark or standard that our unity needs to reach. Colossians 1:20 wants peace and reconciliation. Ephesians 1;8 also unpacks this ideal. This was not a casual thing, it was the will of God. Wanting a time of fulfilment under God’s Authority.,

Unity in the church, in marriage, in work. As believers we need to hear the heart and desire of Jesus. A superficial likeness is not what is needed here. 1 Corinth 12 talks about the various and necessary parts of the body.

When you are joined together you need to work together. Functioning together in a caring spirit.

Unity means agreement in strategy, lightening burdens , tackling projects in numbers.

Good things are happening amongst us as Hartlepool baptists as churches together. Maurice highlighted the example of Steve and Roger Sutton, seeking out churches that are working together . The Gather organisation is now nationwide. God is doing this work across the nation, through conferences and stories to tell.

Unity is a basic desire to restore all things. It is a priority for the Lord and so it should be for us.

Unity is vital for us all as individuals, partners, families and churches. Needs to be born in the heart. Only possible through obedience to the Holy Spirit. David’s generals fulfilled David’s thirst through love and loyalty.

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Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tyre?

It’s a great question posed in West View Baptist Church today. We were led by the Guinea BMS Action Team supported musically by Jonny. (PS He passed his driving test this week so the title of this blog is apt!).

Our theme today was around prayer, From my own experience prayer is a powerful tool, but we don’t always get an immediate answer or the answer we want. When challenged about unanswered prayer on the street I often say that we need to know that with God there are at least three possible answers, yes, no and hold on…I’ve got a better  idea.

The team shared with us that we need to commit to praying every day and God will answer. Prayers were answered both at home and in Guinea for  the team and those around them. Safety was a known issue when they went to Guinea . The team never prayed themselves for safety. They subsequently realised that all of the folks at home were praying for their safety. They never felt threatened or at risk. Prayer works. God fully covered them at all times. The continuous prayers make a difference . Pray and pray again was their message.

The team got the children in church to move from one end of the church to the other standing on a sheet of paper each to keep them safe from lava. After we lost a few to the lava flow, they got the idea that they all needed to stand on a sheet of paper and pass another sheet or prayer provided by the action team down the line. By working together they all got safely out of the lava flow. This exercise with the sheets demonstrates us praying together as a team. Sharing problems is like asking for prayers for each other and for others. God answered all those prayers prayed together. The extra prayer in the exercise enabled the team to move forward. The prayer from home enables BMS people to move forward.

Eleanor then read from the NLT James 5:7-19

James outlines the importance of patience in prayer. Eleanor learnt patience the hard way in Guinea, thrust into a classroom with no common language with 80 2 year olds, trying to sort them out three days a week. She admitted to clock watching initially , but learnt patience, and began to work well with the kids. The real test was to be patient for God, 3 weeks of strikes meant the school had to close. The team would walk 4 km to school each day praying and get there to only have to turn back. Frustrating, and a hot tired dusty journey. In those 3 weeks of alll the missionaries in Guinea, all the staff in Didcot were praying , all their supporters were praying. And their prayers paid off as the strikes came to an end.

Prayer is more than struggling. James covers 3 points
He shows that it is not just powerful prayer is but also how to pray. Praying regularly and repeatedly. The team’s first answered prayer was that the strikes were suspended. But then the strikes seemed to start up  again and the team might not have got to say goodbye and finish the English course they were holding.

Sing praises

Anoint one another during sickness . If we are powerfully praying then we should be praying for the return of Jesus we should be anointing each other

Elianne was the french teacher for the girls, she was very busy. She taught children in the morning, then taught the girls , then went home to cook food for the family then run discipleship courses. Despite her busyness she would say Jesus is coming. Just as the girls were expecting an end to the strikes , she is expecting Jesus to return. She models the prayer of a righteous person being powerful and effective. Some examples of answered prayer for the team in Guinea, water tank overflowed after prayer, a new night guard brought water from his well. Even travelling to the airport the tyres of the vehicle were on wheels that could not have been removed if got puncture. No punctures happened either way.

Eleanor urged us all to form prayer groups to pray together. She shared the  example of someone from another church . The brother in law of Chris , Jim hada  bleed on brain. Jim was rushed for surgery whilst people were prating for him and is now fully recovered and back home . Do we need to pray more? Do we need to pray together. Eleanor asked us how many go to west view weekly prayer group? Do we pray before Filling Station? We should if we can.

This certainly hit a chord for me. As a Town Pastor I’ve been having an ongoing conversation with a regular in the night economy for over two years now. I’ve prayed that he finds the answers and that he comes to realise that, far from being the atheist he professes to be, he is questioning and seeking answers. I didn’t seem to be making any progress yet my last contact with him two weeks ago apparently gave him sleepless nights. I had left him with the thought that if I was wrong about God, then I’ve simply spent my life doing nice things with a group of friends and having something to do on a Sunday. However, I said if you’re wrong…. and then just left it there.

Apparently this gave him sleepless nights and a need to know more, He’s jealous of people with faith, terrified of the certainty that I shared with him as did the others on the team.  Bizarrely as a self confessed atheist he wears a set of rosary or prayer beads and indeed when pressed cannot remember a time when he did not wear a cross of some description. I left him with a simple message, pray about it and then decide. Put down the cross as something he does not believe in or alternatively embrace the cross and everything the cross stands for. No prizes for guessing which outcome I’m praying for. Join me and pray that the way is made clear for this troubled young man.