CELL NOTES 2/11/09

ICE BREAKER

What was the most significant thing for you over the last weekend?

THEME

The secret of happiness

Reading ; Rom 8 : 26 – 39

SERMON OUTLINE

1) John Lennon - “Here I am, rich and famous as I always wanted to be, but nothing is happening.”

2) What would make you happy? A 1^st class degree, winning the lottery, finding Mr or Miss Right, etc etc?

3) None hit the mark. Real secret is to know in your heart the very presence and love of God. (v32)

4) St Augustine on the gift of Jesus by the Father – “More than that he could not give. Less than that He would not give.”

5) Story of preaching in an Irish pub. A few said they would risk own lives for others in the face of a terrorist attack, none said they would risk their son’s life. God did.

6) Nobody is happy all the time. Christ was a “Man of sorrows.” But He can reside in our hearts whatever the outward circumstances.

9) Do you want to feel the presence of God? Risk your life and live on the edge for Him – and you will.

10) He invites us to come as we are – but fully. “Most troubles of the Christian life come because people half live it.”

11) Story of French bishop imprisoned in French revolution – and the carving he made on his cell wall.

12) Don’t look for happiness. Look to stay near Christ.

13) Take heed of v 28. Repent of everything you know is wrong. Trust Him and serve Him.

14) Can you rejoice that your name is written in heaven?

15) Story of art collector’s auction and painting of only son.

QUESTIONS OF APPLICATION

1) How happy are you?  (Scale of 1 – 10) When are you most happy? What is likely to make you unhappy?

2) How fully are you living the Christian life? In what ways are living on the edge, or taking risks?

3) When have you seen God bringing good out of a bad situation?

4) How do respond to points 3 & 14 in the outline?

5) Read v32, and allow silence. What does the Lord say to you through this verse?