Paul Benger’s thorough message on ‘church’ in church last night...
Ephesians 1:22-23 – (22) And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. (23) And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with his presence.
The Message – (22) He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the centre of all this, Christ rules the church. (23) The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.
We’re part of a Body...not disconnected. We are where we belong, where we find our purpose. Where we find fulfilment.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 – (12) The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ. (13) Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptised into Christ's body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit.
Jesus is in charge. He is the head of the body. He gives leadership to the church but He is still the head.
The HEAD has the ideas, the revelation is given...but to get the ideas actioned it needs a BODY! We are that BODY...God uses the church, His Body, to get things done. Things won’t just happen on their own.
We grow when we remain within the body, not when we are disconnected.
Our gifts/abilities contribute to the body...help it to grow.
You cannot just attend church...you are an integral part of it.
You are not a misfit...you fit in Christ’s Body somewhere.
Acts 2:42-44 – (42) They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord's Supper and in prayer. (43) A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. (44) And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had.
We have a part to play in...worship; lifestyle (Christ’s followers); giving; fellowship; prayer; learning; using our gifts/talents.
The New Testament was written to the Church not individual believers.
A healthy church is the foundation of life = fruitfulness.
Together we continue Christ’s ministry on earth...we are becoming the Church God wants.
4 characteristics of the people connected to Christ’s Body...
- We are united by our loyalty to the person of Jesus Christ
- We are supernaturally joined to other believers by the Holy Spirit
- We get empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach the good news
- We are organised by Jesus into a powerful army
Your place is in Christ’s Body.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Thursday, January 26, 2006
War on Science?
More than half the British population does not accept the theory of evolution, according to a survey.
Furthermore, more than 40% of those questioned believe that creationism or intelligent design should be taught in school science lessons.
The survey was conducted by Ipsos MORI for the BBC's Horizon series.
Its latest programme (showing tonight), A War on Science, looks into the attempt to introduce intelligent design into science classes in the US.
Over 2000 participants took part in the survey, and were asked what best described their view of the origin and development of life:
Furthermore, more than 40% of those questioned believe that creationism or intelligent design should be taught in school science lessons.
The survey was conducted by Ipsos MORI for the BBC's Horizon series.
Its latest programme (showing tonight), A War on Science, looks into the attempt to introduce intelligent design into science classes in the US.
Over 2000 participants took part in the survey, and were asked what best described their view of the origin and development of life:
- 22% chose creationism
- 17% opted for intelligent design
- 48% selected evolution theory
- and the rest did not know
Monday, January 23, 2006
Change Your Life
Simon Wood spoke a ‘life-changing’ message in church last night.
Move on from the old way of doing things. God wants to take us to the next level. Jesus said, ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’.
You can change your future. Be passionate about what you believe in. The greatest thing we can give to God is our love. Be passionate for God; be passionate for His house.
Finding real fulfilment is not about changing your job, you partner, your house, your hobbies - it’s all about...
Deuteronomy 6:5-9 - (5) Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (6) These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. (7) Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (8) Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. (9) Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Everywhere you go put God first. Involve Him in every part of your life. The tragedy is when we see a God that gives WHOLEHEARTEDLY and we give HALFHEARTEDLY
When it comes to what we take in – eat healthily. Take in a balanced diet. We are what we eat! God’s WORD should be in our hearts. Feast on it...let it shape our soul. Don’t let negative/bad news effect our lives to the extent that they control our daily living.
See things God’s way and not the world’s way.
Proverbs 4:20-23 – (20) My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. (21) Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; (22) for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. (23) Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Don’t lose your first love...let it be restored!
Get rid of the things in our lives that need to shed. We can start again. God is our Redeemer. He forgives us and helps us start anew. He restores our joy!
Move on from the old way of doing things. God wants to take us to the next level. Jesus said, ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’.
You can change your future. Be passionate about what you believe in. The greatest thing we can give to God is our love. Be passionate for God; be passionate for His house.
Finding real fulfilment is not about changing your job, you partner, your house, your hobbies - it’s all about...
Deuteronomy 6:5-9 - (5) Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (6) These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. (7) Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (8) Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. (9) Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Everywhere you go put God first. Involve Him in every part of your life. The tragedy is when we see a God that gives WHOLEHEARTEDLY and we give HALFHEARTEDLY
When it comes to what we take in – eat healthily. Take in a balanced diet. We are what we eat! God’s WORD should be in our hearts. Feast on it...let it shape our soul. Don’t let negative/bad news effect our lives to the extent that they control our daily living.
See things God’s way and not the world’s way.
Proverbs 4:20-23 – (20) My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. (21) Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; (22) for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. (23) Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Don’t lose your first love...let it be restored!
Get rid of the things in our lives that need to shed. We can start again. God is our Redeemer. He forgives us and helps us start anew. He restores our joy!
I'll Never Forget...
I remembered the other day a great parody done by comedian, Tony Capstick a number of years ago. He did it in my very own Yorkshire dialect with Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9 From the New World playing in the background (you know…the old Hovis advert)
I'll never forget that first day at t'pit.
Me an' mi father worked a 72 hour shift, then wi walked home 43 mile through t'snow in us bare feet, huddled inside us clothes med out o' old sacks.
Eventually we trudged over t'hill until wi could see t'street light twinklin' in our village.
Mi father smiled down at mi through t'icicles hangin' off his nose. "Nearly home now lad", he said.
We stumbled into t'house and stood there freezin' cold and tired out, shiverin' and miserable, in front o' t' meagre fire.
Any road, mi mam says "Cheer up, lads. I've got you some nice brown bread and butter for yer tea."
Ee, mi father went crackers. He reached out and gently pulled mi mam towards 'im by t'throat. "You big fat, idle ugly wart", he said. "You gret useless spawny-eyed parrot-faced wazzock." ('E had a way wi words, mi father. He'd bin to college, y'know). "You've been out playin' bingo all afternoon instead o' gettin' some proper snap ready for me an' this lad", he explained to mi poor, little, purple-faced mam.
Then turnin' to me he said "Arthur", (He could never remember mi name), "here's half a crown. Nip down to t'chip 'oyl an' get us a nice piece o' 'addock for us tea. Man cannot live by bread alone."
He were a reyt tater, mi father.
He said as 'ow workin' folk should have some dignity an' pride an' self respect, an' as 'ow they should come home to summat warm an' cheerful.
An' then he threw mi mam on t'fire.
We didn't 'ave no tellies or shoes or bedclothes.
We med us own fun in them days.
Do you know, when I were a lad you could get a tram down into t'town, buy three new suits an' an ovvercoat, four pair o' good boots, go an' see George Formby at t'Palace Theatre, get blind drunk, 'ave some steak an' chips, bunch o' bananas an' three stone o' monkey nuts an' still 'ave change out of a farthing.
We'd lots o' things in them days they 'aven't got today - rickets, diptheria, Hitler and my, we did look well goin' to school wi' no backside in us trousers an' all us little 'eads painted purple because we 'ad ringworm.
They don't know they're born today!
I'll never forget that first day at t'pit.
Me an' mi father worked a 72 hour shift, then wi walked home 43 mile through t'snow in us bare feet, huddled inside us clothes med out o' old sacks.
Eventually we trudged over t'hill until wi could see t'street light twinklin' in our village.
Mi father smiled down at mi through t'icicles hangin' off his nose. "Nearly home now lad", he said.
We stumbled into t'house and stood there freezin' cold and tired out, shiverin' and miserable, in front o' t' meagre fire.
Any road, mi mam says "Cheer up, lads. I've got you some nice brown bread and butter for yer tea."
Ee, mi father went crackers. He reached out and gently pulled mi mam towards 'im by t'throat. "You big fat, idle ugly wart", he said. "You gret useless spawny-eyed parrot-faced wazzock." ('E had a way wi words, mi father. He'd bin to college, y'know). "You've been out playin' bingo all afternoon instead o' gettin' some proper snap ready for me an' this lad", he explained to mi poor, little, purple-faced mam.
Then turnin' to me he said "Arthur", (He could never remember mi name), "here's half a crown. Nip down to t'chip 'oyl an' get us a nice piece o' 'addock for us tea. Man cannot live by bread alone."
He were a reyt tater, mi father.
He said as 'ow workin' folk should have some dignity an' pride an' self respect, an' as 'ow they should come home to summat warm an' cheerful.
An' then he threw mi mam on t'fire.
We didn't 'ave no tellies or shoes or bedclothes.
We med us own fun in them days.
Do you know, when I were a lad you could get a tram down into t'town, buy three new suits an' an ovvercoat, four pair o' good boots, go an' see George Formby at t'Palace Theatre, get blind drunk, 'ave some steak an' chips, bunch o' bananas an' three stone o' monkey nuts an' still 'ave change out of a farthing.
We'd lots o' things in them days they 'aven't got today - rickets, diptheria, Hitler and my, we did look well goin' to school wi' no backside in us trousers an' all us little 'eads painted purple because we 'ad ringworm.
They don't know they're born today!
Friday, January 13, 2006
The Eagles are Coming!
Notes for this Sunday’s message on STRENGTH…
Isaiah 40:27-31 – (27) O Israel, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? (28) Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. (29) He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. (30) Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. (31) But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Where do we get our strength? (What is the source?)
Finding and knowing God’s STRENGTH…
Waiting
Lean heavily on the Lord for strength. To wait on God means…to have a sincere and steady dependence on Him with an obedient trust.
Dwelling
Psalm 84:4,6,7 – (4) Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. (5) Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. (7) They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
Need to know…
1. GOD IS AWARE (He knows)
(27) O Israel, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case?
God is aware! He is aware of what’s happening to us from day to day.
2. GOD IS ABLE
(28) Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding
Not only does He not lack strength...He supplies it. (29) He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. (30) Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up.
3. GOD IS AVAILABLE
He is available, to renew the strength of "those who wait" on Him.
(31) But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:27-31 – (27) O Israel, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? (28) Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. (29) He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. (30) Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. (31) But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Where do we get our strength? (What is the source?)
Finding and knowing God’s STRENGTH…
Waiting
Lean heavily on the Lord for strength. To wait on God means…to have a sincere and steady dependence on Him with an obedient trust.
Dwelling
Psalm 84:4,6,7 – (4) Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. (5) Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. (7) They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
Need to know…
1. GOD IS AWARE (He knows)
(27) O Israel, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case?
God is aware! He is aware of what’s happening to us from day to day.
2. GOD IS ABLE
(28) Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding
Not only does He not lack strength...He supplies it. (29) He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. (30) Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up.
3. GOD IS AVAILABLE
He is available, to renew the strength of "those who wait" on Him.
(31) But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Godly Confidence
Paul Benger kicked off the New Year with a great message in church last night. He spoke on developing and maintaining a Godly confidence.
Hebrews 10:32-39
How often do we give up to early or too easily? How many times do we lose our confidence? Our confidence is so important and the enemy wants to strip us of our confidence.
Don’t throw away your confidence. Have confidence in God; in who He is and in what He’s done...it’s a lifesaver! It will take us through 2006. Resolutions are broken because confidence is lost.
Isaiah 40:31 - But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
God wants us to maintain our confidence. Have a confident spirit. Don’t listen to the voices of discouragement...they’re not from God.
A Godly confidence is not arrogant. It’s because of Christ. Philippians 4:14 - I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Four things that help us develop our Godly confidence...
Remember whose image you are
We are created in God’s image. Because of Him we are strong. We can find His strength in every situation. The situation may not have changed but our perception can, it’s the power of perception. Consider Gideon (I am weak) - the revelation that came from God – ‘Go in MY strength’, ‘I am with you!’
Consider also David. His confidence was diminished, who battled with his confidence. The revelation that came to him...Psalm 139:14 - I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well
Commit to decisions of growth
A people who know God will stand firm and take action. Peter initiated the walking on water! Commit to growth.
Know there will be challenges to your confidence
The bigger the dream the greater the cost. The greatest challenge to us as a church is the spirit and attitude in our hearts and minds. Psalm 37:24 - though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
God lifts to a higher level those that fall.
Maintain a God conditioned heart
It can be easy to get frustrated to begin to question why things are not happening. But keep our hearts trusting in God.
Proverbs 4:20-23 – (20) My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. (21) Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; (22) for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. (23) Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life
Hebrews 10:32-39
How often do we give up to early or too easily? How many times do we lose our confidence? Our confidence is so important and the enemy wants to strip us of our confidence.
Don’t throw away your confidence. Have confidence in God; in who He is and in what He’s done...it’s a lifesaver! It will take us through 2006. Resolutions are broken because confidence is lost.
Isaiah 40:31 - But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
God wants us to maintain our confidence. Have a confident spirit. Don’t listen to the voices of discouragement...they’re not from God.
A Godly confidence is not arrogant. It’s because of Christ. Philippians 4:14 - I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Four things that help us develop our Godly confidence...
Remember whose image you are
We are created in God’s image. Because of Him we are strong. We can find His strength in every situation. The situation may not have changed but our perception can, it’s the power of perception. Consider Gideon (I am weak) - the revelation that came from God – ‘Go in MY strength’, ‘I am with you!’
Consider also David. His confidence was diminished, who battled with his confidence. The revelation that came to him...Psalm 139:14 - I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well
Commit to decisions of growth
A people who know God will stand firm and take action. Peter initiated the walking on water! Commit to growth.
Know there will be challenges to your confidence
The bigger the dream the greater the cost. The greatest challenge to us as a church is the spirit and attitude in our hearts and minds. Psalm 37:24 - though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
God lifts to a higher level those that fall.
Maintain a God conditioned heart
It can be easy to get frustrated to begin to question why things are not happening. But keep our hearts trusting in God.
Proverbs 4:20-23 – (20) My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. (21) Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; (22) for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. (23) Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life
Friday, January 06, 2006
New Guitar
I've been able to fulfill a dream today of being able to buy a second guitar. I once owned a Takamine and always fancied having another one (like the one below) and now I have. It sounds great and goes well with my Ovation. Thanks to those who enabled me to live this dream!
Takamine EG560C-BS
Takamine EG560C-BS
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