New Year - New Years Resolutions - New Life

Well 2007 went by like a flash in the pan - it seems like yesterday we were welcoming the new year in and here we are saying goodbye to it.

So what will happen in 2008? Will it be another year that flies by in your life?

Here at Christian Chat (www.christianchat.co.uk) we hope that this year does not just fly past with nothing major happening. We know many people stay up to watch the new year in, make new years resolutions and then break them. This year let's make a difference.. in 2008 we want to see New life - people turning to Christ...

Christian Chat had users from over 186 different countries during 2007 - in 2008 we want to reach out to people around the world. That is why we are launching "New Year - New Years Resolutions - New Life" a year of mission to reach people, of prayer and of studying God's word.... more info coming soon.

Moses and the Exodus - a video taster!

This week we are looking at the story of Moses and the Exodus.... here is a short clip from "The Prince of Egypt" to wet your appetite:

A crazy Week

This week has been crazy... I have been busy in London in work, plus a few personal things I needed to deal with - please pray for me!

This week Rainbow is unable to host her Bible Study - also please pray for her!

One good piece of news relating to http://www.christianchat.co.uk/ - we have now added a little feature so you can upload a picture to the chat room! Try it out today!

Christmas seems such a busy time, it is so easy to lose focus on spending time with God. Remember though just spending a few moments each day with the Word of God will make a real difference in your spiritual life.

This week we will be looking at Moses and the Exodus.... to prepare we will be looking ta Exodus 1-13.

BIBLE STUDY TIMES:

SUNDAY 8PM GMT - Hosted by Chris

TUESDAY 8pm CST- hosted by Awe

THURSDAY 1PM GMT - Hosted by Glizzie

THURSDAY 8PM GMT - hosted by Rainbow

TITLE: ABRAHAM, ISAAC AND JACOB

Who was at last weeks study?

Can you remember any of the key points from that study?

Have you been able to deal with any of the issues you mentioned last week that you struggled with?

Has anyone read the Christian Chat Bible studies online this week? www.christianchat.co.uk/bible/blog.html

INTRO:

Find out from each group member where they were born, and then talk about the different places they have lived over the years. Share the reasons why each move took place, and the significance for their lives of new homes, jobs, relatives children etc.

Go to this link in another browser window: http://www.biblemap.org/ and on the drop down list select Genesis 12. Then click on the link for Haran, Shechem,Bethel,...can anyone find Canaan? This shows some of the journey that Abraham travelled.

OVERVIEW OF THIS WEEKS STUDY:

Does anyone know anything about Abraham? His story starts in Genesis 12

Would someone like to find Genesis 12:1-3 and post it for us please? The link is http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2012&version=31

• God chose Abraham for a special relationship. Abraham showed great faith by obediently leaving his home at God's direction.

Could someone post the following :Genesis 17:15-9 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=1&chapter=17&version=31

• God promised that, despite Abrahama and Sarah's age, they would have children of their own - and hence made a conenant to make Abraham the father of a great nation would be fufilled.

Does anyone know that the word "covenant means"?

In Genesis 21, some time later we see the promise / covenant fulfilled and they have a son called Issac.

What does God ask Abraham to do with Issac? - Genesis 22 1-2 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=1&chapter=22&version=31

Imagine how he felt? But he obeyed God's voice

• Abraham immediatly obeyed God's command to go and sacrifice his son. At the most critical moment, and without realising it, he made one fo the most significant and profound statements of these early chapters..."God himself will provide the lamb" (Gen22:v8)

Why is this such an amazing statement?

Moving on years later we are quickly going to look at Issacs son, Jacob... does anyone know anything about Jacob?

• Jacob tricked Issac and received the blessing. he fled, travelling north on a 500 mile journey to Haran. After about 60 miles he had an encounter with God, resulting ina statement of commitement "The Lord will be my God"

GOING DEEPER

• Failure does not result in God abandoning us. Considoer they ways Abraham and Jacob failed. What caused the failures?
• What did God do in each circumstance?
• What can we learn from this which we can apply to our failures?
• Discerning God's direction is often very challenging for us. We want to know the full destails of the "journey" up front. how should we handle times of not knowing the exact details of what God wants?
• Lets all share ways God has revealed his plans to us.
• What Biblical ways can we find of hearing God speak to us today?
• Think through the implications of God's promise in Genesis 28:4 and Jacobs profession of faith in 28:20-22. Also look at Galations 3:14

PERSONAL CHALLENGE

From the issues discussed, what does God want to say to you?

What reassurances do you need that God still loves you despite failure, and that he has GREAT plans for your life?

If youa re sensing God moving you on into something new, allow the Holy Spirit to give you peace, even if you can;t see the whole journey.

Is there someone with whom you have had a fundamental breakdown of relationship (like Jacob and his brother)?

What is God calling you to do to see it restored?

Spend the closing time in prayer about these issues.

NEXT WEEK: Next week study please view the Christian Chat Bible Studies which will be posted daily to www.christianchat.co.uk/bible these will give you a daily series to help you prepare for next weeks study.

Christian Chat Carols and Communion will be on Friday 21st December 9pm GMT - would you like to be invovled? We need people to do readings, sing, etc etc... please email one of the monitors is you would like to step out!

Mind Games

PRAY You know how I'm feeling today, Lord I come to spend time with you. Please open my heart to the things you want me to know.

READ: Genesis 43-44

REFLECT: Joseph had resisted evil in his past (39:10) but this temptation was almost too much. After all his brothers had done it must have been difficult to restrain himself. "throw me in a pit! Sell me down the river! Wreck my life! OK, lets see how you like a taste of your own medicine?" Joseph had the upper hand the the power to crush his helpless siblings. But he didn't and it's worth asking why.

We don't usually think of anger as a temptation. Actually it's not anger itself that is bad. Getting angry is par of being human. Even Jesus got mad (John 2:12-17). But anger can tempt us to respond in the wrong way to those who offend us. "Yes, I'm angry... but he deserved it!" But two wrongs don't make a right. That's why the Bible says, "Be angry but do not sin" (Psalm 4:4 Ephesians 4:26).

Joseph buys some time by playing mind games with his brothers - not like in the Derren Brown clip! He asks about their father, plants a silver cup in their sacks and lines them up in birth order. Some may criticise him for not letting them off the hook right away. But real like isn't like that. Some hurts are so deep they take time and gradual pressure from God to get them out in the open. If you're feeling pressure or even anger about things in your past, maybe God is trying to tell you something. One of the best responses to past anger is to pray.

But the main reason Joseph didn't blow his brothers away is that he still loved them. Often we find that underneath our angriest feelings is a deep love. That's why lashing out is the worst thing you can do when you're angry. Joseph wisely finds a private place to weep (43:30). Honestly grieving about the hurts of the past is another essential step in the healing process. God uses it to soften our hardened hearts. Eventually, Joseph and his brothers would have to forgive and reconcile. But they weren't there yet... STAY TUNED!

APPLY Are there hurts from you past that are still unresolved? Do you need to find a private place to grieve and pray?

The Inside Story

PRAY Jesus, draw me closer to you as I read and reflect today

READ Genesis 42 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2042;&version=31;

REFLECT Have you ever heard the expression, "What goes around comes around?" In our reading today Joseph realises that it's payback time! His brothers were not thinking about the cruel things they had done to him in the desert years earlier - they were simply trying to find some food for the family. The question is, do you think Joseph took pleasure in accusing his brothers of being spies? (42: 7-17)

However as we dig deeper we realise that our story today is not simply a story of revenge there is something deeper going on. Take Joseph for example, on the surface he appeared to be extremely powerful and in control. Inside though was a different story - he was longing for the love and acceptance of his family (42:22-24; 43:30).

The brothers seemed like honest, responsible family men doing their duty in a time of crises. But inside they were racked with guilt (42:21) and afraid that at any moment God would "zap" them. And as for Jacob - he looked like the wise family patriarch. But inside he had become bitter and afraid.

Have you ever felt the tension of trying to look good while you feel miserable? We all experience this at some point and it is one of the worst dilemmas of life. But looking good alone will never solve our problems. In fact, looking good makes it more difficult to get help. "How can I admit the way I really feel when people think I am such a good parent/employee/pastor/christian? They'll never understand"

Therapy can identify our inner problems but only God through his Holy Spirit can truly resolve them. That's why the church is not a place for people who think they are perfect, rather its a place where people can be healed and set free.

APPLY What do people think about you? How are you feeling on the inside today? Are there issues you need to resolve? What steps could you take this week?

Not Fair!

PRAY Lord, you have been so good to me. Thank you for the many ways you have blessed me.

READ Genesis 39-41

REFLECT

When we first met Joseph he was a typical teenager who deliberately irritated his family! Even though he needed to be taught a lesson this is a pretty tough way to learn it: sold into slavery, falsely accused, thrown into prison. How could this be God's plan?

But something happened to Joseph along the way. Maybe trauma of being rejected by his brothers and trapped far from home caused some deep reflection. Or maybe he's simply realised that life was headed in the wrong direction. Whatever it was, Joseph has matured. In fact, he's become a model of moral strength (39:8-10) and sensitive to the opportunities for ministry around him (40:6-8).

How do you react when life is unfair? Do you lash out at the people around? Do you give up and give in to depression? DO you blame it on God? Joseph had every right to do all of that and a lot more. But he didn't, and there are at least 2 reasons why.

He put God at the centre. Potiphar's wife tries to tempt him. Joseph realises God is the one he's accountable to (39:9). And later on in prison he gives credit to God for the ability to interpret dreams (40:8b). Joseph put God at the centre of his life and it gave him a whole new perspective and power to deal with he problems he face.

He trusts God's plan on the surface, Joseph's life is a mess. But under the surface God is in control (39:2,21). Time of crises enable us to deepen our relationships with God. We shouldn't go looking for trouble, but touch times do offer us some of the best opportunities to grow our faith.

APPLY What tough times are you experiencing right now? Spend some time in 'listening prayer' asking God to show you what he wants to teach you and how you can grow closer to him.

TONIGHT - Join our online study at www.christianchat.co.uk 8pm CST hosted by AWE as we look at Abraham Isaac and Jacob - Get God's word for your life this Christmas!

Family Feud

This week we are going to be looking at the story of Joseph. You will notice this week that the Bible gives a lot of time to Joseph. Therefore it will make sense to ask WHY? What is so important about this one man that he should get 14 chapters in Genesis devoted to the ups and downs of his life?

PRAY Lord, I really enjoy having this opportunity to be close to you. Please help me to understand what I read and what you want me to do in response.

READ Genesis 37 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2037;&version=49

REFLECT It does not take a genius to work out why this family had so many problems! As with most sibling rivalry, it is rarely the fault of just one person. When things go wrong we tend to remember the big row, but it usually takes some time for tensions to get to boiling point. Let us take a look at what cause things to heat up in Joseph's family.

Favouritism Joseph probably was a gifted child. But that was not an excuse for his father to show favouritism and rub it in with a conspicuous gift (37:3). In so doing, Jacob opened the door to a lot of bitterness. One of the most destructive things in a family is when 'love' becomes a tool for manipulation or control.

Arrogance Surely Joseph knew that no one like a tell tale! - especially older brothers (37:2). But he did not seem to care. He even uses his spiritual experiences to tease his brothers (37:5-9). God has given each one of us spiritual gifts. But to be used effectively, they must be combined with humility.

Jealousy What bothered the brothers most is that they wanted what Joseph had 0 their father's blessing (37:11). Imagine how different things might have been in Jacob had called a family meeting to say: "I love each one of you." Are there people in your family who need to know you love them?

APPLY What causes tension and conflict in your family? How could you express genuine love to the ones who need it most?

PRAY Father, I am so thankful that you love me. Help me to truly love those people around me, especially my family.

First Sunday Bible study notes

BIBLE STUDY TIMES:

SUNDAY 8PM GMT - Hosted by Chris
TUESDAY 8pm CST- hosted by Awe
THURSDAY 1PM GMT - Hosted by Glizzie
THURSDAY 8PM GMT - hosted by Rainbow

The studies aim to :

1. deepen understanding of the Bible

2. Provide an interchange of views and insights

3. encourage continuation in the journey
   

WEEK 1:

IN THE BEGINNING

Encourage each person to say what element pf creation they appreciate most and why. Use this as a basis for worship and praise to God for the wonder of his creation.

OVERVIEW

Would somebody like to post the Bible readings for todays study - Genesis 1 you can find it here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%201&version=31

This is the initial story of creation, today we will be looking at the whole story of creation - so that covers Genesis 1 - 11 Does anyone want to give a QUICK overview of what that covers?

4. God was from the very beginning - He took the initiaitive to create people and gave them 2 distinctives: God's life and God's standards.

5. The first sin was not about sexual intimacy, but rather the questioning and challenging of God's will, followed by disobedience, resulting in a breakdown of relationship with God

6. God is not watching and waiting to catch people out, as if it gives him pleasure to punish. Rather sin causes God pain and grief

7. Noah's first response on leaving the ark was to worship God. god looks for people to seek him humbly and follow his ways

8. The sin surrounding the building of the tower of Babel was not the technological achievement it represented but the pride that went with it.

GOING DEEPER

PERSONAL CHALLENGE

Of the issues discussed, which do you struggle with the most?

Are you doing something you know is wrong?

Or can you identify an attitude which is not really what God would want?

Spend a few minutes in silence identifying your area of weakness, praying God will help you change where it matters. If appropriate allow time to pray for one another.

Remembering Noah's response of worship, spend a few minutes as a group thanking and worshippping God for the fact that he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

NEXT WEEK: Next week study is entitled: ABRAHAM, ISAAC, AND JACOB please take a few moments to read Genesis 12:33 or you could view the Christian Chat Bible Studies which will be posted daily to www.christianchat.co.uk/bible these will give you a daily series to help you prepare for next weeks study.

WHY ME?

This week we are looking at Abraham Isaac and Jacob.. again we are taking our notes from the Scripture Union course "Unlocking the Bible". For those that attended the Bible study last night, we sincerely hope you enjoyed it - if you have any comments please feel free to post them. Also if you missed Sunday remember the Bible study is repeated on a Tuesday and Thursday.

PRAY Heavenly Father, your Word is such an incredible gift! Speak to me in some specific ways through it today.

READ Genesis 12

REFLECT

Of all the people in the world, why did God single out Abram to receive such an incredible promise (12:2,3)? Our passage doesn't give us many clues. But it does remind us that God had a plan; he wanted to bless the whole world. Sin made it impossible for people to fix their broken relationships with God (3:23,24) and receive this blessing.

Because God took the initiative here in reaching out to Abram doesn't mean we have no responsibility for developing a relationship with God. During his 75 years Abram had apparently developed a habit of listening to God's voice. The question today is...... yes you guessed it - HAVE YOU? He was also willing to obey God's voice when he heard it... again ARE YOU?

The fact that Abram is one of the great examples of faith in the Bible (15:6; Romans 4:1-25) makes his reaction to the famine so curious (12:10). After all god had said and done wouldn't you think Abram could trust God for food? Instead he relocates to Egypt (note God did not tell him to go) and then comes up with the most rubbish story ever to protect himself and his wife. Even when we know what God wants us to do, we sometimes still mess it up. Thankfully, God stays with us even when we make poor choices. We may have to face the consequences but He never leaves us.

APPLY How did God find you? How have you responded to Him? What detours have you encountered in your journey through life? What did God teach you through these experiences?

PRAY Thank you Father, for making the first move to find me. I don't fully understand your love for me, but I am so grateful for it. Help me to follow you every step of the journey.

Eyes Wide Open

PRAY Lord I'm so grateful that you've given us the Bible and that I have the freedom to read it. Help me to understand what you have to say to me today.

READ Genesis 3

REFLECT

Popular culture sometimes portrays sex as the 'original sin'. But that's not what the Bible says. In fact, the joy of intimacy between a husband and wife is part of God's design for creation (2:23-25). Rather the original sin was to question (3:1) challenge (3:4) and then disobey (3:6)

APPLY

What makes you feel guilty? Have you done anything in the last week or so that you deeply regret? How could you make things right with others and with God?

PRAY

Lord, It's hard for me to admit it, but I have a problem with sin. Please forgive me and help me to live in a way that pleases you.