Reading: Acts 2:42-47Series: Unrestricted Church: What does it mean to be church as we emerge from lockdown?Title: Why not just have online services?Main Point: Devote yourselves to God’s word, to fellowship with one another, breaking bread and prayer. Why not just have online services?COVID has changed physical meetings in the workplaceHas COVID changed physical meetings church services God’s message to us today?Devote yourselves to God’s word, fellowship with one another, and to the breaking of bread and prayer Context (Acts 2)Pentecost morning 120 disciples (Acts 1:15) and 12 apostlesSpirit’s empowerment at Pentecost3,000 new believers in response to Peter’s sermon (Acts 4:41)Our passage is a small window into the life of these first Christians 3 Marks of the Christian disciple/church (Acts 2:42-47)Devoted themselves to the apostles teaching = the wordDevoted themselves to fellowship with one anotherDevoted themselves to the breaking of bread and prayerImplications for Holy Communion…and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:47)So, my brothers and sisters, devote yourselves to God’s word, fellowship with one another, and to the breaking of bread and prayer

Service OrderWelcome Song: Cloaks and BranchesAll age slot Children and young people to JAM and Pathfinders Song: All Glory Laud and Honour Heroes of the Faith: introduced by Liz Crozier Prayers: Marc EvansReading: Hebrews 12:1-3 David Croziers Sermon: Paul Louie Song: Consider Christ Close  Sermon Notes: Hebrews 12:1-3 The destination of the runVerse 1a: Throw off what holds you backVerse 1b: Sin that so easily entanglesVerse 1b: Throw off everything that hindersVerse 1c:  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us The ultimate motivation to runVerse 2a:Verse 2bVerse 3:2 Timothy 4:7-8 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Service Order:WelcomeSong – God Speaks we listen All Age slot – animated video Children and Young People to JAM and Pathfinders One year on – lamentSong: Great is thy faithfulness Hero of the Faith: Cara Rodger speaking about Mary Newton Prayers: David Speed-Andrews Reading: Heb 11:32-40 Pam Speed-Andrews  Sermon Song: By faith we see the hand of God CloseSong: Amazing Grace Sermon NotesThe Faith Honours List: Hebrews 11:32-40Conquering through Faith v32-35Suffering through Faith v35-38We have a greater reason to take risks v39-40

Service Order:Welcome Mothering Sunday Song: Lost is found All Age SlotJAM and Pathfinders to Zoom groups Prayers: Brian and Joan Mayhew CreedBrian’s Hero of the faithReading: Joan Mayhew Sermon Song: We have this treasure from the Lord our God Closing PrayerSong: His Mercy is More Sermon Notes:The Faith Honours ListHebrews 11v23-31 Faith not Fear v23 Long Term Reward not Short Term Sin v24-27 Trust God’s Ultimate Deliverance v28-31

Service Order:Song: Light of the world Welcome BirthdaysSong: 1,2,3,4,5 Jesus Christ is now alive All age slot JAM out (Pathfinders stay in) Reading: Genesis 22:1-19 Teresa CooperKip’ Chelashaw’s Hero of the Faith Prayers – Phil and Teresa Cooper Reading: Hebrews 11:17-22 Sermon  Song: I have a home, eternal home (Abide with me) Closing PrayerSong: O praise the name of the Lord our God Sermon Notes:The Faith Honours ListHebrews 11v17-22We are going to focus on the verses about Abraham’s faith when he was tested (so it would be good to read Genesis 22:1-19 as well).Hebrews has already said that all Christians should expect to be tested (see Hebrews 4:15 – ‘tempted’ is the same word translated in Heb 11 as ‘tested’) so we need to learn from Abraham how to face tests with faith.We will ask 4 questions: Why does God test us? What makes a test? How do we pass the test? Which test will we never have to take?

Hebrews 11v13-16Where is your home? We have not yet received the things promised. v13Ourselves:The World: We are strangers in the world. V13-15Long for the heavenly country. v16

Hebrews 11v8-12Patriarch promised a place and a personPromise 1 (Hebrews 11v8-10)Abraham promised a place – CanaanHis immediate obedience – an outward sign of an inward faithHis struggles of faith – tent living and detour to EgyptAbraham looked forward to the ultimate promised place (New Jerusalem)Promise 2 (Hebrews 11v11-12)Abraham and Sarah promised a person (Isaac)Their ages meant a dependent faithTheir struggles with faith – laughter an outward sign of an inward doubtIsaac pointed forward to the ultimate promised person (Jesus)ApplicationsChristians are strangers on this earthSalvation is through faith not worksWe should not be surprised if we have anxious moments but instead be strengthened by God’s word. Romans 4v18-21.

Sermon Notes:The Faith Honours ListThe life of faith is a marathon not a sprint. Hebrews 11 is a much needed drink for our souls along the route.The writer gives his teaching points at the start (2 of them) and then gives examples (4 of them). Faith is about not yet and not seen v1Examples:Creation v3Noah v7Genesis 6 and following Faith is essential for acceptance by God v2Examples:AbelGenesis 4EnochGenesis 5:21-24