Author Archives: Pete Harrigan

A Breaking Through

Recording problems meant we were unable to bring you the audio from this week’s sermon, but take a minute to read John’s powerful message, ‘A breaking Through’ – the follow up, and answer to, Waiting on The Lord.

Last week, John preached about David’s change of heart as he learned to wait on the Lord: “Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails.” – (Psalm 143:7). But then: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” –  (Psalm 40:1-2).

In 2 Samuel chapter 5 (v.17-25) we read about David’s dilemma as the attacking Philistine army closed in on him. David drew, not on his own understanding, but instead he “Inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”, (v.19) and the Lord answered ‘Yes’, as David went to Baal Perazim and defeated them.

Once more, the Philistines spread out, but even after successfully defeating them last time, David did not lean on his own strength to fight them again. Instead he “Inquired of the Lord”, (v.23). This time the Lord answered:

 “Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. 24 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” (2 Sam 5:23-24).

Again the Lord delivered David’s enemies into his hands and he “struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeonto Gezer.”

David waited on the Lord; he inquired of the Lord, and he received his breaking through. Amen!

The importance of this passage doesn’t end here, however. We can learn even more about the character of God through his responses to David. The Lord gave him specific instructions:

  1. “Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them”
  2. “Attack them in front of the poplar trees”
  3. “As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly”

You see, these instructions were unique to David and his situation that day. They would not have been effective for anyone else, nor might they have even worked for David again, had the Philistines returned a third time. Jesus only spat on the ground and made mud to heal a blind man’s eyes once, (John 9:6). In the same way, the Lord wrote to each individual church in Revelation. God has plans and purposes concerning each and every single one of us, and your breakthrough will be right for you and specific to you when you inquire of, and wait upon, the Lord.

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength” – Isaiah 40:31

By John Addison

Alpha course starts this Wednesday at Bethany!

‘Is this it?‘, ‘What’s the point?’, ‘Where am I going?’ Great questions! …and if you’ve ever pondered the answers to them, you’re invited to join us for an Alpha course here at Bethany to find out if there’s more to life than this.

Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that freely explore the basics of the Christian faith. No pressure. No follow up. No charge. It has around ten sessions and includes food, a short talk and a discussion at the end where you can share your thoughts.

Alpha really is for anyone who’s curious. The talks are designed to encourage debate and explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly, honest and informal environment.

Sessions will run at Bethany Church every Wednesday evening at 7:30, starting 30th October 2013. For more information contact us or join us on Sunday morning!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Alpha currently runs in 169 countries and in 112 languages. Find out more about Alpha here.