Untitled Sermon

WELCOME SCREEN

CALL TO WORSHIP

Heavenly Father, your will reigns in our lives. May we be glorified in Jesus’ name. Let your kingdom come and your presence be in our lives. As we gather, together today, visit us with your presence and help us to increase our knowledge of you. May we always grow in maturity and strength and as we do so. Bless us beyond measure and fill us with your peace.

HYMN

(372) COME DOWN O LOVE DEVINE.

PRAYERS

Your forgiveness is total, no notebook, tape recorder or post-it note.

to remind you of that moment when we failed to do the right thing putting our own desires above yours.

You take our confession, offered with hands outstretched and gently,

like the loving heavenly Father that you are, put it to one side to be forgotten.

No grudges, no itching for judgement.

No resentment or ill-will.

Not like us, who find it easy to say sorry, but so hard to forgive, absolutely.

Forgive us, Father, that we are often more willing to accept forgiveness, than to forgive.

More willing to accept your love, than to share it with those who have hurt us.

Teach us to forgive, as you forgive.

Amen

HYMN

(508) PURIFY MY HEART

READING

JOHN 6: 1-21

HYMN

(503) LOVE DEVINE, ALL LOVE EXCELLING.

SERMON

May my word and the thoughts of our hearts be acceptable in your eyes our Lord.

Some small thing can happen that can change your life, Karon my wife was working with a lady called Sue who attended Fir Lane Church, we had both been Church members in the past, but things happen, and we just ended up not going anywhere to worship.

But in talking with Sue, she invited her to a service at Fir Lane so one Sunday we went along, the Church at the time was being renovated, and they were meeting in the back room sat in a small circle. Not very inspiring I guess, but it felt right, and we began to attend every week and eventually became members of the Methodist Church.

Our reading this morning I am sure you have heard many times in the past, this miracle that is only one of two that appears in all four Gospels, the other being the resurrection of Christ.

As we begin the reading Jesus is trying to get away from the crowds by sailing to the far shore, his intention is to spend some time teaching his disciples, but the crowds see the boat and follow him.

We are told they are following him “because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick”

So, what was the driving force for these people? Is it to become followers or is it to see what they can get?

Jesus sees the need of the people, Jesus knows what people need, he knew then, and he knows now what is needed.

He then turns to Philip and asks, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” Jesus knew what he was going to do but speaks to Philip.

Notice the word we, he can do this on his own all things were created by him. But he wants Philip and us today to be part of the plan.

And Philp a little like us looks at this vast crowd and basically is overwhelmed, Jesus is as it says is testing Philp and us to know we can rely on him to provide.

Then Andrew turns up with five barley loaves and two fish, but he says, “what are they for so many?”

Andrew does not appear that often but when he does, he does something the has a huge impact, it is he who introduces Peter to Jesus and again here he provides part of the solution.

Then we see the miracle as the food is given to all the people, we are told in some Gospels a number of 5,000 men so who knows how many women and children were there.

Then the disciples are called to collect all the leftovers and filled 12 baskets maybe one for each disciple?

We should take note of that making sure nothing is wasted in the UK in 2018 9.52 million tonnes were wasted, how many mouths could have been fed?

God tells us he provides all our needs, and we should not waste what he gives us.

The last verses of this morning’s reading are that we see the disciples are off in a boat.

John says they are in a boat, and it grows dark.

That is one thing about John’s writing he uses the idea of light and darkness if you have never noticed this just read the gospel through and you will see his use of this visual dimension.

The disciples are in the boat and a gale comes up and they are frightened, then they see Jesus’ walking on the water, and they become more afraid until he reassures them. In verse 21 it says, “Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.”

Jesus was not with them, but he had his eye on them, he knew where they were.

And as soon as he was onboard with them, they immediately arrived. They were safe.

Is this a little like our Churches today we a small group of followers here inside our Churches whilst the rest of the people roar around us?

Do we feel alone, without support?

Have we lost sight of our goal?

If we only look out and ask Jesus to climb into our boat, then we will find the comfort and peace that only God can give.

Jesus used this miracle to provide for the people, but also to teach his disciples, this miracle was performed for the masses to provide for their immediate needs, but the lesson is for the follower of Christ.

And as followers of Jesus, we should listen to the three lessons in the story.

1. Never judge your problems in the light of you own resources.

a. Are you worried or concerned in your life, about issues beyond your control?

b. Do you feel you have nothing to give? Or it is so little it is worthless?

2. Put yourself in a position for God to do something big.

a. God can only use you if you put yourself in a position to be used.

3. Accept God’s invitation to participate.

a. God want us to participate he doesn’t need you he can do anything but he wants you.

HYMN

(51) GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS, O GOD MY FATHER

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION

Lord, we come to you the creator of all,

Here the prayers we bring before you now, join us together that the world may come to believe.

Grant each one of us here today that we may humbly serve you: that the love of Christ will be seen within us.

We ask that you will, strengthen all who share God’s word and those who minister Christ’s word for your people. Give your people the courage to proclaim your Gospel.

We pray for those who hold authority in the nations of the world, that they will make decisions that will be of benefit to all people. Guide them in the way of justice and peace.

We pray that you make us alive in our community, that we can share our faith with those around us. Help us to share each other’s joys and burdens.

Lord look with kindness on our homes and families, bless us and keep us under your wing secure in the knowledge that you love us. Grant that your love will grow in our hearts.

Help us to show compassion for those who suffer from sickness, grief or trouble. And in a moment of silence, we bring them to you now……………………………………………….

We also remember those who are no longer with us and bring them to you in our hearts…………………….

Heavenly Father,

You have promised to hear what we ask in the name of your Son,

We pray you accept and answer our prayers,

Not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness,

But as you know and love us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven

Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come,

Thy will be done on earth,

As it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive them that trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom,

The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen

HYMN

(238) LEAD US, HEAVENLY FATHER LEAD US.

BLESSING

The Lord bless us and keep us,

the Lord make his face shine on us,

and be gracious to us,

the Lord turn his face towards us and give us peace,

and the blessing of God almighty,

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among us and remain with us always. Amen.