Forest Baptist Church

Have a laugh!

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:00:03 +0000

Sermon summary
To the complaints of chapter 1 we can imagine various replies and one would be that the speaker needs to relax and enjoy some pleasures, because they block out life’s irritations. Here, the speaker answers that idea by pointing out that pleasures too can become empty and frustrating! He knows this from experience. He talked to himself and decided to pursue laughter (v1-2). Joy is of God, who himself laughs at folly (Ps 2) and delights in what He does. Jesus was a sociable character, to the degree that his enemies used it to slander him (Mt 11v18-19). However, God’s joy flows from the loving eternal fellowship of the Trinity, into which He brings His people; laughter detached from that, becomes hollow. One such example is laughter is built upon alcohol (v3). Drink works powerfully upon us, relieving tensions and breaking down inhibitions. The Bible speaks of using wine in times of peace and joy. However, when drink is used to null life’s pain and escape problems, it leads to drunkenness, folly and danger, and hence empty laughter. But the speaker didn’t limit himself to drink, he also tried shopping therapy to bring pleasure into life. In Solomon’s time Israel was very wealthy and he himself had many building projects. The speaker echoes those days in his words (v3-8), describing how he tried to satisfy himself with possessions and money: denying himself nothing (v9-10). Elsewhere the Bible sees material goods positively, with laws protecting people’s property (eg Ex 20:15) and the creation viewed as a wonderful place given by God, for us to develop and enjoy (Gen 1). But God also warns against coveting (ex 20:17), turning money into a god (Lk 16:13) and chasing goods frantically (Mt 6:28-32). Possessions are temporary and eternal blessings must be our priority (Mt 6:33). The speaker, however, pushed his pursuit of pleasure even further, turning to music (v8). Solomon grew up surrounded by music, which was very much a feature of his father’s life. Music is used in the Bible for praising God, expressing joy, calming troubles; we are even told that God sings (Zephaniah 3). Yet music can be obsessive and performers are often raised up to high positions (only to see their lives destroyed by the relentless pursuit pleasure like Ecclesiastes 2). The speaker did not find final satisfaction in song. Nor did he find it in sex (v8). This fourth area of pleasure was Solomon’s great downfall (1 Ki 11) – he even wrote a love poem (Song of Songs) which speaks wonderfully about the beauty of sexual union, and yet also warns of its power (So 2:7) which has lead many into deeply damaging behaviour. And so, in the end, the speaker found pleasure empty (v11), which might lead us to say “so should we not enjoy life?” But the answer is not giving joys up, but rather learning from God how to use them rightly. When we act in faith, making God our priority, then we find real joy in pleasure and not the emptiness of pleasure for its own sake.

Suggestion for further thought
Next Saturday, as the week draws to an end and you look back on the days, ask yourself if have you used life’s pleasures with a concern for how God intended them to be used? How will you do better the week after?

The day’s service sheet for Sunday 5th February 2012 also includes details about this sermon. Click here to find it on the page for the morning service.

After life

admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:30:11 +0000

Sermon summary
The way we look outwardly can cover up what we are really like. But here Jesus teaches that death exposes the truth. Once more, his story challenges his hearers who boast of keeping God’s law but fail to see their sin: the Pharisees (v14). It opens with a very wealthy man who looks like he comes from a posh group whom the Pharisees disliked: the Sadducees. This man has a good life, but outside his gate a religiously unclean and hungry beggar (Lazarus) is licked by mangy dogs and ignored by the wealthy house-owner (v19-21). However, when the two men die, their lives are reversed: the poor one has comfort and the rich one, misery (v22-23). Now the Pharisees will have enjoyed this: the Sadducees denied any afterlife or punishment, so the rich man’s comeuppance will have pleased the Pharisees. But they will not have been so happy about Lazarus: why should he be welcomed as Abraham’s son when God had cursed him in this life, and given him a servant’s name (see Genesis 15)? And they’ll have realised Jesus was getting at them for despising his poor and troubled followers. Jesus’ story carries on, however, and turns the screw further. The rich man asks for relief but is told it’s not possible because he’s receiving what he’s due and, anyway, a chasm separates them (v24-27). So the man pleads for Lazarus to talk to his living brothers because they will not listen to God’s law alone. But Abraham says even that won’t work (v27-31 – just as some will later ignore the risen Jesus!). And by now the Pharisees will have been sure Jesus was speaking of them. He’s earlier applied God’s law to them and warned them God is not pleased. But they’ve ignored Jesus, behaving just like the rich man and his brothers. So, effectively, Jesus’ story says “you may boast of being Abraham’s son, due to inherit God’s blessings, but in fact you are in danger of losing everything, as is seen in your ungodly attitude to money, marriage and, especially, my needy followers!” Well, Jesus’ story is a powerful challenge about how we behave. However, although it uses Jewish ideas which are not taught elsewhere in the Bible (such as the role of Abraham and conversations between the dead), we must also take seriously its underlying principles about the afterlife. Defiance to God leads ultimately to misery and ruin. Death will expose our true selves, as outward things are removed and our hearts are seen for what they are (Heb 9:27). Then fair punishment will follow which is based upon how we’ve lived (Lk 6:38). The rich man wanted a selfish life, separated from Lazarus and not listening to God. At death he received the full outworking of that, and found it to be miserable. Yet the saddest part of the story is the man’s failure to change: even in torment he makes no apologies, having only self-pity: his choices have ruined his soul. What comes after this life flows from what we are now (Mt 16:26-27). Jesus’ words warn us to seek forgiveness and change from him, today.

Suggestions for further thought
(1) God has held off from us all that we deserve and given time for us to repent and find forgiveness. Give thanks and praise to Him for such generous, loving mercy.

(2) Read Revelation 21 & 22. Think carefully upon John’s vision which pictures what lies ahead when Jesus returns. If you’re a Christian, what most excites you about the future?

(3) Consider meeting with God when your life here is over. What sins have you hidden away and never dealt with, but which will appear then? Repent today, turning to God in prayer.

(4) Over time regular sins become hardened in our lives as they did for the rich man in Jesus’ story. Think of others of whom you know this true. Pray for their release from those sins which control them, finding freedom in Jesus Christ.

(5) Read Luke 14, seeing the humility and generosity of spirit which Jesus teaches. Who do you know in need? What could you give to others? Pray for help to live in kindness.

Loving, trusting fear

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:00:29 +0000

Sermon summary
When sins, such as lies, are committed, trust is lost. The loss leaves relationships damaged, harming individuals and society. The Bible condemns our trust-destroying behaviour and explains why we’re like this: pointing to our early, unjustified distrust of God (Gen 3). Our conduct then, sowed seeds which grew into our unfaithful habits. In a provocative way, Ecclesiastes forces us to re-examine our trust in God. Much of the book (1v12-12:7) records a speech by the “Teacher” about the nature of life. His comments play on our experience of life in a goading way (similar to how some modern stand-up comedians work), making us feel that something is missing. This effect is found in the introduction (v1-11) where his thoughts about the frustratingly unchanging patterns of life are summed up. When we’re told there is “nothing new” (v10) then our first reaction is to point out the new things which constantly appear: new babies, technology, knowledge, achievements, etc. Yet even as we disagree, so we also have the nagging feeling that he’s right: has life actually come up with anything “new” which means real progress has been made? Are we better at understanding life? Are we happier? Well, that provoking style then launches in earnest as the Teacher speaks. His self-description (v12) makes us think of Solomon (although it’s not clear he is Solomon) and all the more so as he considers wisdom (v13) – understanding how to act in life. The Bible praises wisdom and says that its starting point must be “fear of the Lord” (Prov 9:10): a humble recognition of who God is. However, the Teacher says that his wisdom found that a life ruled by heaven, under God’s control, is actually one with a heavy (or “evil”) burden: we fear God because He makes life hard! How? By frustrating us with those never-ending cycles described in v1-11, which leave us with the hopeless feeling that we’re just chasing the wind (v14). Life seems broken in a way which cannot be fixed: like a twisted bar you cannot straighten; or a collection which cannot be counted due to missing parts (v15). Jerusalem may have a long history of wise leaders (Gen 14) but the Teacher believes he has gone beyond them all and knows the truth about life (v16). Indeed, he’s even investigated wisdom’s opposite and tried living foolishly; but that offered no solution either (v17)! In the end, all the knowledge he gained simply intensified the grief of life (v18). Well, as believers we listen to the Teacher and agree that life is hard in many ways, often leaving us wondering what God is doing. But although He frightens us, our fear of God is loving and trusting, not angry and critical. God is our Father and He inflicts pain only for good reasons, as we see in Jesus on the cross. Further, we know that such pain is not the end but only a step towards a better life, as Jesus’ resurrection shows. And so, in this way, our reaction to Ecclesiastes’ strong words is a deeper trust in God.

Suggestions for further thought
(1) The Bible has many different types of books. Think about the various writings and the different ways they speak to us. Praise God for the rich variety of His word.

(2) Take a look at Proverbs, seeing how it defines wisdom and the practical advice it gives for daily life. Why not set yourself to read one, or more proverbs, regularly?

(3) Read Romans 12:9-15. Remember those fellow believers who are passing through painful times in life, and pray for them.

(4) Think about friends and others you know who do not know God and sometimes comment on the unfairness of life. What response could you give which would honour the Lord?

(5) Has your life this past week reflected a loving fear of the Lord? Looking back, what would you do differently? Review your week, apologising for sins and praying for grace.

Things can only get better?

admin — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:00:45 +0000

Sermon summary
Life in this world is often marked by frustration at a lack of change. The opening verses of Ecclesiastes meditate upon that idea, as they introduce the main part of the book – 1:12 to 12:7 – where “Qoholet” speaks (v1, a name which means “one who assembles”, translated in the NIV as “Teacher” & “Ecclesiastes” in Greek). This man is also identified as a son of David and the book has strong links to David’s famous son Solomon. However, it also goes beyond him, so it’s hard to be certain what v1 means in terms of: who wrote the prologue and epilogue; who wrote the main part; and what role Ecclesiastes played in Israel. In our verses, we’re introduced to the Teacher’s theme of the unchanging nature of life. We can feel like we’re struck in a traffic jam: wanting to make progress to a destination but for every step forward, taking another back. This is found in many parts of life and the sense we can have about it is summed up in v2 by the word “meaningless”, which in Hebrew meant something like “vapour” or “breath”, and so almost has the sense of a sigh, which is (of course) a key way we express frustration with life. But why do we feel this way? Our sin has caused it. Originally, God made the world to develop – to get better. However, man’s rebellion left the world needing to be cleansed and then locked down (limited) to prevent us ruining ourselves (Gen 6-9). As a result, the world is now as described in Romans 8:18-25. So, when frustrated by life we should not be surprised, but remember God has done this out of his mercy, in order to hold back sin. How does this work in our experience? It happens through the cycles of life, says Ecclesiastes. Our work takes place “under the sun” (v3) – a phrase which evokes the idea of a relentless, even dreary, cycle of sunrise/sunset controlling our working lives (hence our delight at weekends!) Such repeated cycles are found in many places: life upon the earth (v4); the wind’s movement (v6); the flowing of water (v7). Our eyes and ears are confronted with the same things, day after day and we find this tiresome (v8). Why? Because as God’s image-bearers we have a desire to complete our work and move on to a new stage (as God did on the 7th day of creation, Gen 2:2-3). What do we often do to handle this? We resort to drugs, technology, entertainment or thrills, in which we try to escape the treadmill of ordinary life. But we never do escape and whatever seems new, soon proves to be the same as what we’ve had before (v9-10). For all humanity’s developments, we are no happier or less restless than those of the past, whom we self-centredly forget just as we’ll be forgotten (v11). Thus the speaker introducing this book identifies what life is like. But how should a Christian react? By turning to faith in Christ. On their own, frustrations can lead simply to pessimism or despair. But we should live with hope, looking forward to a glorious and certain future, just as the creation does (Rom 8).

Suggestion for further thought
Look back at your week and think about all the frustrating elements within it. Thank God for bringing you through and pray for grace to trust and honour Him in the midst of life.

The day’s service sheet for Sunday 22nd January 2012 also includes details about this sermon. Click here to find it on the page for the morning service.

Really keeping the law

admin — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:30:47 +0000

Sermon summary
With the Bible’s laws we must ask not only what is said, but also what God’s concerns are which sit behind them. Already Jesus has shown that some around him fail in this by being good law-keepers and yet without understanding God’s heart (15:29-32). In chapter 16 he confronts this by exposing his critics’ inner sins. Using the 10 commandments, Jesus firstly opens up the idolatrous greed within his enemies (16:1-15). However, he knows that they will respond by saying that: they keep God’s law; his accusations are wrong; and if God’s kingdom has arrived then they deserve a place within it! So to deal with this, Jesus speaks of his arrival as being THE turning point of history: previously Israel centred on the preaching of Moses’ law, but now heaven’s kingdom is proclaimed, bringing God’s finest blessings. Now, his opponents are willing to accept this, so long as he recognises that they deserve to be in God’s kingdom because of their faithful law-keeping. However, he’s failed so far to say that, and this is why they are constantly fighting with him. But Jesus does not accept their claim, telling them that in fact they are just trying to force their way into God’s kingdom (v16), when they have no automatic rights to it! He agrees that holiness is important to God’s kingdom and that the law cannot be ignored (v17). However, the point his critics are missing is that God’s ideals for life are actually far higher than the law, and their being pleased with themselves is a serious mistake! To illustrate this, Jesus then quotes the 7th commandment – “do not commit adultery” (Ex 20:14) – and says that it cannot be overruled, not even by divorce (v18). This offends his hearers who are happy to use Moses’ divorce law (Dt 24:1-4). But they are ignoring God’s direct comments about his hatred of divorce (Mal 2:16) and failing to think about why the commandment was given, namely: to uphold God’s original design for marriage in which two become one (Gen 2:24). As sinners we want the freedom to pull marriages apart and find new partners, yet that wasn’t how God planned things to be. But if that’s true, why did God ever give a divorce law? Because in our sin we are capable of so ruining our marriages that sometimes it’s less harmful to separate than to stay together (as Jesus explains in Mark 10). So Jesus’ point is that although the Pharisees think their divorces are legal and good in God’s eyes, in fact they are just expressions of sin which needs forgiveness. These verses are a challenge to Christians. Firstly, we must take seriously God’s laws, but by looking to understand the ideals which lie behind them. Secondly, we must regret our sins and want God’s ways in our lives, knowing that forgiveness and grace is available through Christ. Thirdly, we must uphold God’s ideal in Christian marriage that two are made one, and work for this truly to happen in every way. This is hard (Mt 19:10) but with the help of the Spirit, it can be pursued.

Suggestions for further thought

(1) Give time to ponder the fact that God has spoken to us, in the Bible, about Himself, ourselves, what He’s done and how we should live. Praise and thank Him for doing this.

(2) Read on from Exodus 20 into the following chapters and think about some of the other laws which God gave to Israel. What lessons are in them for Christians today?

(3) Examine your life using God’s laws. What sins of yours have you been overlooking or ignoring? Confess your guilt to God and ask for his gracious mercy.

(4) Think about God’s original design for marriage, and about those you know who are married . Pray that God’s way would be lived out in their married lives. Then think of those you know who are single. How should you pray for them?

(5) We are told to pray for all who rule over us (1 Tim 2). So ask the Lord to guide those who govern our country, that they would be wise and produce good laws.

Wisdom isn’t enough

admin — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:00:25 +0000

Sermon summary
Solomon was an amazing man. Brilliant in many areas of life, he was admired at home and abroad for his God-given wisdom. During his reign, the Israelites experienced the most successful time in their history. Spiritually, Solomon came from a deeply pious father and had grown up in the midst of a wonderful time of worship in Jerusalem. Yet Solomon messed up his family, relationships and country. How did a wise man get it so wrong? Ecclesiastes is a book which reflects this puzzle which is seen in Solomon’s life. A book full of wisdom and sharp observation, it also fails to give satisfying answers and, at times, is like a riddle. It’s an unusual book, with difficult language and a not-clearly-identified author. From some verses it appears obvious that Solomon wrote the book; but then others point away from Solomon – the author is a riddle. But that just reflects the puzzling nature of the whole book which, in turn, reflects upon the puzzle of life itself. In doing so, it echoes our experience. Life often confuses, frustrates and lets us down. We want life to have a purpose, yet it often feels empty. Life puzzles us and Ecclesiastes is about that: for example, in chapter 2 the writer talks about the wealth and success which he pursued vigorously, and yet at the end he was left with a feeling that nothing solid had been gained. However, why should such a book be in the Bible, which surely teaches that there is a God-given purpose and plan to life? To answer that, it’s helpful to go back to Solomon and ask “what was missing from his life?” The answer is “a faith like his father’s.” David was a “man after God’s own heart”; Solomon never was. Ecclesiastes is like an expression of Solomon’s life, only more so. It leaves us asking “what’s missing here?” and as with Solomon, the answer is “faith in God.” Wisdom is great, but it isn’t enough for life: faith is needed. We like to imagine that the answers to life are “out there”. With enough study, understanding, scientific endeavour and financial resources, any problem can be solved – life can make sense and not let you down. Wrong! Real wisdom does exist and the Bible contains the finest examples to be found (including some from Solomon). But wisdom is not enough for life and a Christian must not build his or her hopes for life upon it, by itself. Wisdom must rest upon faith. In other words, our lives must have the foundation of trust in God. This was what Adam and Eve rejected when they reached out for greater knowledge to guide them, instead of God. We must not do the same; our hearts must trust God. When life is stupid, we press on trusting God. When we don’t know what to do, we live in God’s ways and trust him for the rest. When life is rubbish, we believe His promises. When sin seems too much, we look to Jesus and the cross. We must live in this world, keeping our hearts set upon God. THAT, is what the puzzling book of Ecclesiastes ultimately drives us to do.

Suggestion for further thought
Solomon was a wealthy and successful man, who knew God. Yet he failed the Lord in a terrible way. How does his life stand as a warning to Christians today?

The day’s service sheet for Sunday 15th January 2012 also includes details about this sermon. Click here to find it on the page for the morning service.

God and money

admin — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:30:35 +0000

Sermon summary
Jesus divides Israel (Lk 2:34) as he overturns social assumptions. Around him are some who carefully keep the Old Testament law – they are the “righteous”. Others are less careful; some are way outside – they are the “unrighteous”. The righteous assume that God favours them due to their work for Him. But Jesus has already exposed how, although loyal, they do not have hearts like God’s (15:25-32). The righteous need to confront their sin and in chapter 16 Jesus aims to make them do this. However, since they are blind to their sins, Jesus uses a clever story to break through their defences and expose wrong motives within. His target is covetousness: an attitude in which we compare our lifestyles to others and insist ours ought to match or be better. When that’s not true, it can lead to envy (Ex 20:17). However, beneath coveting lies something worse: a greedy heart, deeply attached to money and possessions.; an attachment which is idolatrous. This is what Jesus attacks, beginning with a tale of an incompetent worker who is given his notice (16:1-2). The man is fearful for his future and so reduces the debts of those who owe money to his boss, in order to build up a network of friendly contacts who will help him in the future (v3-7). This is a canny move, even impressing his boss (v8). Now, this tale of devious business dealings will have caused some round Jesus to smile in self-righteous condemnation of such unrighteous behaviour. And Jesus seems to support that view in his comments comparing worldly people with those who know God (v8). However, Jesus then says something shocking: he advises his followers to learn from the example of the worker, by using “worldly (or better: unrighteous) wealth” to serve others, especially believers who will respond with everlasting love (v9). In saying this, Jesus cuts away the ground from the Pharisees who regard their wealth as a sign of God’s blessing upon their righteousness. Jesus’ claim is that their money is actually no different to the money in the story: it’s all the same economic system of a fallen world; it’s not a sign of righteousness! Real righteousness is seen in generosity built upon the hope of eternal blessing – money is only a small matter from God’s point of view, useful simply as a test of our faith as seen in our giving (v10-11). Indeed Jesus’ says his hearers should recognise that the wealth they’re proud of, isn’t actually theirs at all – it’s God’s (v12)! Which brings Jesus to his blunt application: they’ve been treating money as God (v13) and it must stop! Well, the Pharisees attempt to laugh off Jesus’ words (v14), but he warns them that they are looking from a human point of view, rather than God’s (v15). Christians must not simply accept surrounding attitudes to money. We need a godly approach based on the simply principle of generosity. We must use our money either directly, or indirectly, to bring blessing to others, believing that our “wealth” lies elsewhere (Mt 6:19-21)

Suggestions for further thought

(1) God has been enormously generous to sinners. Remind yourself of this by reading the story at the end of Luke 15. Turn your thoughts into praise and thanksgiving to God.

(2) Read through the 10 commandments (Exodus 20), particularly thinking about the first one. What other things become our priority instead of God? How is this true of you?

(3) How attached are you to your money? In what ways does it replace God in your life? Apologise to the Lord, asking for His forgiveness and help to be different.

(4) Many in the world live in poverty. Many Christians struggle to live day by day. Pray for those in hard circumstances. What might you do to help them? (Galatians 6:10)

(5) Do you feel any sympathy for the Pharisees? Remember that although tough on their sins, Jesus was merciful when they repented. What converted Pharisees are found in the Bible? What should we learn from Jesus’ example in this?

Current Leaflet

admin — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 09:50:46 +0000

Our Contact leaflet for Christmas 2011 is now available and is entitled “The true story of an unlikely king” To view the leaflet please go to the Contact webpage by clicking here .

Christmas services

admin — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:00:53 +0000

We have a number of special Christmas services to which you are warmly invited:

Sunday 18th December : Christmas carol service at 11.00am

Sunday 18th December : Sunday evening service at 5.00pm

Wednesday 21st December : Lunchtime carol service from 1.15pm to 1.45pm

Sunday 25th December : Christmas day service at 10.30am

Sunday 25th December : Christmas evening service at 5.30pm, to be held at Hope Baptist Church in Forest Gate.

For further details about our Christmas theme of “The true story of an unlikely king”, please read our current Contact leaflet which is available here .

What lies ahead?

admin — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:54:49 +0000

Two sermons about the future.

Sunday 30th October: Where we are heading

Sunday 27th November: Where we can find hope

Both start at 5.00pm, last around an hour and are followed by refreshments.

Come along and find out more.