PILGRIM'S PROGRESS BY JOHN BUNYAN

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS

I have been greatly enjoying listening to a series by Derek Thomas on Pilgrim's Progress. I have read this book more times than any other apart from the Bible. Every time I have learned more and never failed to enjoy this compelling allegory (a story that is a picture) of the Christian life. 

You can hear the series on the following link:

http://renewingyourmind.org/broadcasts/2016/06/13/the-pilgrims-progress

Or go to the Ligonier Ministries web site, Renewing your Mind, and go to Ministries, then to Renewing Your Mind Broadcast, begin at 13th June 2016.

Or down load the app to your phone and access the talks that way. 

They are offering the talks for purchase and there is an on line courses you can buy, but you can listen to the talks free of charge. 

I suggest that you down load them to 'itunes', or what ever you use, as soon as possible, then you will have the talks if they remove them. 

REJOICE THIS CHRISTMAS (AND EVERMORE!)

Many of you will be familiar with the writing and preaching of John Piper. Through the Desiring God Web site he has generously made freely available some of his books as pdf files. I am intending to read one this Christmas and invite you to do the same. The book is 'THE DAWNING OF INDESTRUCTIBLE JOY' Daily Readings for Advent.

It can be found here: http://www.desiringgod.org/books/the-dawning-of-indestructible-joy

May you know what it is to rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory this Christmas.

HOME GROUPS NOVEMBER 2015 'FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD' CHAPTER 11 & APPENDICES A & B

1. In what ways can we promote reading the Bible among Christians in Philip Street?

2. How can we encourage unbelievers to read the Bible?

3. Discuss his comments on studying 'foundational books' on page 178.

4. What are the differences in the approaches of John Murray and John Newton on the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

5. Say one good thing you have learned, or been reminded of, by our study of this book?

QUESTIONS FOR HOME GROUPS OCTOBER 2016 'FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD' CHAPTER TEN

1. What does he mean by 'affections' and 'dispositions' on page 163 line 11? 

2. How can you tell when your heart is not being receptive to God's word? What can you do about this?

3. How should we react when someone tells us that they have become a Christian?

4. What means does God give us to engage in spiritual weed killing?

5. Why does it take so long for a Christian to reach spiritual maturity? Is there anything we can do to speed this up?

 

 

HOME GROUPS - SEPTEMBER 2015

HOME GROUPS - SEPTEMBER 2015

FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD - CHAPTER 9 WHAT'S THE USE?

1. Martin Luther wrote the hymn: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. One translation says:

God’s word and plan, which they pretend
is subject to their pleasure,
will bind their wills to serve God’s end,
which we, who love him, treasure.
Then let them take our lives,
goods, children, husbands, wives,
and carry all away;
theirs is a short-lived day.
Ours is the lasting kingdom.

Is the word of God treasured by you more than those things Luther lists? If so, why? If not, why not? How important is the Bible?

2. If all this chapter says is true why don't we read the Bible more: often, carefully, thoughtfully, closely, enthusiastically, fully (every page), prayerfully, obediently......?

3. Why is it important to believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it is, 'the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth'?

4. In the light of what he says at the bottom of page 157 about standing firm do you think it becomes easier or harder to stand firm as you get older?

5. Jesus was the most 'normal' man who has ever lived - see page 161. Why are so few Christians today very 'normal'? What can we do to make ourselves 'more normal'?

FINISHING LINE

At Keswick this year we heard John Wyatt speak about Assisted Suicide. He was very clear, compassionate, informed, biblical and extremely helpful. Some heard him speak in 2012 on the subject of dying. 

A series of five short talks have been recorded and an accompanying booklet prepared. Although this would be something of a departure from our usual mid-week practice this may be of help to us all as we grapple with this very important and topical subject. What do you think? 

You can see further details by following this link:

http://www.thinkivp.com/9780905195209

NEXT HOME GROUP BOOK - 'INTENDED FOR GOOD'

The next book for our Home Groups will be 'Intended For Good' by Melvin Tinker. It deals with the subject of 'The Providence Of God'. You can read about it by following this link:

http://www.thinkivp.com/9781844745708

Do not be deterred by Don Carson's preface as this is the hardest part of the book! 

If we order 20 copies or more the price is currently £5.39 each. Please sign up on the sheet in the foyer if you would like a copy - even if you are not able to attend the Home Groups.